The Tech Talk 3.26.15

To PIMP A

Page 6

BUTTERFLY

Check out the

Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Elizabeth Whiteford takes crown at 54th annual Miss Tech competition

Read our review of Kendrick lamar’s long awaited followup to Good kid m.a.a.d city.

Fun Run Page 2

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

MARCH 26, 2015

WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG

Campus continues to be a cultural melting pot As Nepal Night enters its ninth year, students reflect on the ethnic culture it brings to campus MICHAEL HOGE Staff Reporter The Namaste Nepal Association held its ninth Nepal Night to showcase Nepal’s many different cultural elements.

The presenters demonstrated many traditional dances and songs from Nepal.

“All our American friends, they ask us about Nepal and how the food and people are over there, so we thought of having a big event where we can invite all our American friends, our faculty, and people from the Ruston community to see what Nepal is all about,” said Rohan Chalise, president of the association.

Rohil Maleku, a Nepalese senior from the University of North Texas, attended because his Louisiana Tech graduate friend invited him.

He said Nepal Night was er than the United fun and he appreciated the “We are alStates, Nepal has subtitles for the songs being ways looking hundreds of cultures used, since it helped nonand it was reflected in to celebrate all Nepalese take part. the variety of the per“After all, we would want the hard work formances. more American people to Chalise said the know more about us and our we put into the association helps culture, because we are here entire year...”

Nepalese students in numbers,” said Sanskar with anything from Dhungana, a biomedical enfinding apartments to SANSKAR gineering major. helping with classes.

DHUNGANA He said there have been biomedical engineering “Aside from that, many Nepalese students at major we promote our culTech and many of them have ture, our tradition, a deep attachment for the and our food, and university. we try to mix up with “We are always looking to celebrate American people and all international all the hard work we put into our entire students to provide this program,” he year and that’s why it’s in spring so we said. can enjoy what we did the whole year,” Dhungana said.

Email comments to He said for a nation much small- mph027@latech.edu.

rock out.

g

g

dine in.

VOLUME 89 • ISSUE 15 Dancers perform a Kollywood dance. Kollywood is the term for the Tamil-language film industry.

Photos by Brian Blakely

Musicans perform Aru kalo rel ko dhuwa le (Nepalese folk rock).

659 N. Service Rd. E. Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm Fri & Sat 10am-1am visit canesrocks.com

NEWS

2 • The Tech Talk • March 26, 2015

www.thetechtalk.org

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE Colored lights created the “glow” effect Susan G. Komen Northeast La. was aiming for in their “GLO edition” 5k.

Photos by Colin Fontenot

Participants went through different tents that contained fun glow-in-the-dark effects at the Susan G. Komen Color me for a Cure 5k fun run.

COLOR cure me for a

the “GLO” edition

T

he daylight fun run and 5k run/walk at dark, sponsored by Susan G. Komen Northeast La., was held at 7 p.m.March 21 at the Ruston Country Club gymnasium. Tent spaces were available for those wishing to donate to a certain team.

Various luminaries were available for purchase and customization, as well as some glow items. Food and beverages were shared between participants at the after party.

This particular event raised $2,525.

Shamrock 5k

KELSY KERSHAW Feature Editor

R

ain or shine, more than 100 participants went out to support children’s health and safety. Louisiana Tech Kappa Delta’s annual Shamrock 5k and 1-mile fun run were held at 8 a.m. March 21 at Lincoln Parish Park.

Proceeds from this event go to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home (LMCH) and Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). PCAA is dedicated to preventing the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children. LMCH is Ruston’s local organization that is devoted to PCAA’s mission.

Madison Vige, a junior English major, said the race had a great turnout this year.

“It’s such a great cause and it warms my heart to see the number of people each year who support not only Kappa Delta, but both of these organizations that our members hold dear to their hearts,” said Vige, Kappa Delta vice president of community service.

“Eighty percent of the money we raise with Shamrock is donated to the Methodist Children’s Home,” she said. “Nothing can replace the feeling of knowing you could be making a difference in a child’s life.”

Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

www.thetechtalk.org

NEWS

March 26, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 3

Percussion festival rocks Howard stage

T

he fourth North Louisiana Youth Percussion Ensemble Festival was held March 20-21 in the Howard Center for Performing Arts. This year’s festival included five participants from the Honors Youth Ensemble, Ouachita Junior High School, West Ouachita High School, Ruston High School and Neville High School.

Anders Åstrand was the guest artist. Åstrand is a mallet specialist who performs and gives clinics internationally and throughout the U.S. He conducted a clinic for the festival participants and performed on stage with some of them. The sponsors for the festival were Innovative Percussion, Yamaha, The Band House and Matt’s Music of Monroe.

Photo by Colin Fontenot

Students’ studying sidekicks CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter

Malia Munn sits alone at a table at Parish Press coffee house, bent over her textbook, with her earphones playing music softly.

“My perfect study environment would probably look like this,” she said. “Listening to music, things going on around me, but nothing affecting me.”

Munn is one of countless students who employ various study habits, from coffee to music, to help cope with heavy study demands.

“I come here every time I have a test, so, like, every week,” said Munn, the freshman family and child studies major.

Parish Press offers many amenities that make it a desirable location for students to study, including free Wi-Fi, freshly brewed coffee, hot beignet, and soft music.

“I never thought about why I listen to music while I study,” Munn said. “I guess I just do it to provide a background. It is never anything loud or crazy, always soft.”

Jacob Harvey, a freshman secondary education major, said he has a similar outlook on studying with music.

“If it’s more ambient music, without words, it can help— piano music or something,” Harvey said. “It helps break the ‘loud silence.’”

Harvey said he believes coffee is also helpful, but not for the usual reason.

“I think coffee is more of a habit, just part of the rou-

tine,” Harvey said. “The routine makes you comfortable, so that helps you study. It is not really the caffeine itself.”

For others, neither coffee nor music is a helpful study tool. One such student is Grant Loupe, a freshman kinesiology major.

“I personally do not need coffee,” Loupe said. “And as far as music, I cannot do it. If I try to study with music, I have to stop pretty soon. It has got to be quiet.”

Donna Thomas is the head of the department of psychology and behavioral sciences at Tech. She said caffeine use can be beneficial or harmful, depending on how one uses it.

“If you are using coffee to counteract the effects of a sleep deficit, it may not work as well as you are wanting,” Thomas said. “Your body is working against itself.”

She said there are ways to make the caffeine work for you, however.

“The best way to use it is in a consistent way, like a cup every morning. That will have better long-term effects than a one-time, three-cup morning,” Thomas said.

Thomas makes a similar comparison with music usage in studying.

“It depends on what you are doing with it; is it just background noise, or are you constantly messing with it?”

Thomas said. “If you do not leave your music alone, it will pull your attention away.”

Robert Hane has been a barista at Parish Press for seven months. A junior forestry major, Hane said he believes coffee habits have to be judged on a case-by-case basis.

Photo by Brian Blakely

Jacob Harvey, a freshman secondary education major, studied in Tolliver Hall.

“There are a lot of people the caffeine can help,” Hane said. “But there are also a lot of people who just drink it because everyone else does. It just depends on the person.”

Hane said he does not have much personal study experience from which to draw.

“How do I study?” he said. “Not enough.”

Email comments to csd020@latech.edu.

Women’s rugby returns to Tech RACHEL MAXWELL Staff Reporter

When a student thinks about on-campus clubs, they are probably not envisioning viciously tackling opponents to the ground, locking bodies to form a seven-person human battering ram or throwing members into the air to catch a highflying ball.

However, if a women’s rugby club is re-established at Louisiana Tech, that is exactly what a meeting will look like.

With help from the men’s rugby club, a group of women are working to gain enough interest and support to make that scenario a reality.

Kiersten Farke, a junior studio art major, said her interest in starting a women’s club was sparked by conversations she had with some of the male players about the sport.

“I watched some videos, did some research,” Farke said.

“My initial thought was, ‘Wow, this is intense,’ but it looked like such a rush, and I thought ‘this is my time.’”

Farke soon began recruiting other girls around campus,

like junior professional aviation major Andrea Ziervogel.

“I’m so excited to meet all the girls who are okay with getting a little rough on the pitch and to have a group of girls that love the sport like I do,” Ziervogel said.

Having grown up watching rugby with her family, Ziervogel was already familiar with the game, unlike most students.

“If you don’t know how to play, that’s fine, most of the girls don’t yet,” Farke told a group of girls at an interest meeting on March 19.

While the girls see lack of knowledge of the sport as an obstacle they can overcome, it did play a role in disbanding the original women’s rugby club at Tech.

A lesser-known sport in the South, rugby football was played by Tech women up until 2010, when the club’s coach left the university. Gaby Davis, a former member, said if more people knew about the sport, they may not have had to abandon the club.

“There was no one else on campus that understood the game as well as she had, she went to workshops and everything, so when she left to pursue a job in California, there was

no replacement,” Davis said.

Davis said one of the reasons she believes the club can be restarted now is the support the men’s rugby team is offering the women.

Isaiah Prater, a player on the men’s rugby team for the past three years, said they are excited about the women’s club because it means expansion of the sport.

“Other than the team, nobody really knows anything about rugby,” Prater, a senior aviation major, said. “With a women’s club, people with know it’s a co-ed sport, and realize that anybody and everybody can play if they put in the effort.”

Farke and the other girls have dreams of becoming a NCAA team eventually, but are currently focusing on more short-term goals.

“I want to find girls who really are excited to come and play,” Farke said. “It won’t be too time-consuming at first, but we need dedication. That way we could become an official club by fall quarter; that’s the goal.”

Email comments to ram049@latech.edu.

4 • The Tech Talk • March 26, 2015

www.thetechtalk.org

Insight The

TechTalk

FROM THE EDITOR

Rock and rap aren’t mortal enemies

MANAGEMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Sadler

MANAGING AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Cody Sexton

SPORTS EDITOR Jared King

FEATURE EDITOR

Kelsy Kershaw

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Wynnifred Sanders

NEWS EDITOR

Ellie Moslander

PHOTO EDITOR

Brian Blakely

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Colin Fontenot

ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Loftin

ADVISERS

Dr. Judith Roberts T. Scott Boatright

ADVERTISING ADVISER

Dr. Reginald Owens

PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc

DEPARTMENT HEAD

Dr. Reginald Owens

JOHN SADLER Editor-in-chief

L

et’s get this out of the way early.

I love Kanye West, probably too much. He’s a musical genius. Every album he has put out has brought something new to the table artistically. Don’t even get me started on how perfect “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is.

But I understand that he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s fine.

Expecting everyone to like everything I like is silly. Some other people, however, don’t understand this.

Recently, a petition was started to remove Kanye from the headlining spot of the English Glastonbury festival.

The petition, which now has over 120,000 signatures, begs the Glastonbury management to cancel Kanye’s set and get “a rock band.” It doesn’t matter what, just a rock band. Rap is icky and dumb,

we want rock.

The fact these signers think their opinions on music are more important than people who actually paid money for the festival (the original petitioner admits he has never gone) is elitist as all hell.

And the fact that all they want is a “rock band” shows the immediate dismissal of rap as a genre.

These are the people who think Migos (which, okay, I like Migos.

Leave me alone) is what rap is all about. It’s all about sex and drugs to them.

Because rockstars totally don’t sing about sex and drugs, right?

I’ve seen people argue that rappers don’t “play instruments.” I’d like to see these people sit down at a computer and make a passable beat. Or write lyrics that have the power to move as much as Kendrick Lamar or Common.

The petitioner writes that Kanye should not be allowed to play on the same stage The Roll-

ing Stones played on.

Regardless of what these people might think, he will be just as remembered and revered the Stones.

He redefined what rap is just as much as The Stones redefined what rock is. And that’s fine.

Claiming that you cannot enjoy both rock and rap is only robbing yourself of great music. Putting one above the other really means you don’t understand what you’re bashing.

At Bonnaroo last year, I watched Vampire Weekend, Kanye West and Mastodon, in that order.

It was a blast.

If you stop worrying about what is or isn’t music and just listen, you might be surprised what you like.

John Sadler is a junior journalism and English major from Extension who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip­ tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.

LET’S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT

Cruzin’ for a losin’

PUBLICATION

The Tech Talk (USPS 535­540) is published Thursdays of the regular school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Jour­ nalism Department of Louisiana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 139.

POSTAL

Second­class postage paid at Rus­ ton, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.

CONTACT US

NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 ADVERTISING 318.257.4949 EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT 318.257.4427

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. View­ points should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 139 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publication. 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 committed to the principle of providing 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-and-procedures/1445.shtml.

CODY SEXTON Managing Editor

W

here did Ted Cruz even come from?

Canada obviously, but I mean why is he suddenly everywhere? He is a first-term senator with a questionable citizenship, whose greatest accomplishment thus far is helping cause a government shutdown over a health insueance policy that he is now covered by. And despite having all the popularity of Iggy Azalea at the BET Awards, he has decided to run for president.

My initial thought, in mild curiosity, was can he do that? I mean it is one thing to let Arnold Schwarzenegger be governor of California, because when he campaigned a second time, we would get to hear him say, “I’ll be back.” But what comedic value is Cruz bringing to the table?

My second thought, which mingled with utter annoyance was, imagine all of the people who caused such an uproar over the status of President Obama’s citizenship supporting Cruz who was clearly born in Canada.

Where was Donald Trump offering to pay millions for proof that Cruz could legally run for president? And why is it not making headlines that no matter what he did later in life, Cruz’s father, Rafael, fought alongside Fidel Castro?

I was halfway through trying to put together how a man born in Canada to an Irish-American and a Cuban immigrant could be opposed to immigration reform before I realized I, and my fellow Louisianans, owe Cruz such a muffin basket of thanks.

It’s only a matter of time before Bobby Jindal announces his plans to run for president and when that happens it will shine an unwanted

light on the state of Louisiana.

Thankfully, people care about Cruz just slightly more than they do Jindal, so as long has Cruz continues to make public criticisms about single mothers, speaking like Ned Flanders and ignoring science, Louisiana should come out of 2016 essentially unscathed.

I’m not worried about Cruz.

Not near as much as he should be about Yoko Ono suing him because his speech at Liberty University sounded like it was grossly inspired by a beloved John Lennon song.

He will not follow in the footsteps of our founding fathers as president. Ted Cruz will be nothing more than 2016’s Sarah Palin.

Cody Sexton is a senior journalism major from Oak Harbor, Washington, who serves as managing editor and entertainment editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

BLONDIE KNOWS BEST

Generation swipe right KELSY KERSHAW Feature Editor

A

swipe to the right could change your life forever.

OK, well maybe not forever, but it could change it.

Tinder, a free cell phone application, is one of the easiest and fastest ways to discover new people who you may not have the opportunity to meet otherwise.

Swiping right, or left, is quickly becoming a huge social phenomenon among young adults across the country. As it gains popularity, it is also gaining acceptance.

When originally introduced to Louisiana Tech’s campus, Tinder was utilized in other ways.

It developed a reputation for being a medium where its users could meet up for other reasons, and although some still use it for that, its rapid growth is proving it is more than a hookup app.

In a blog titled “Keeping Tinder

Real,” the Tinder team wrote that their mission is to make matches count.

The way Tinder works is quite simple. Anyone who is a Facebook user can download the app on a smartphone then choose five pictures of his or herself from his or her profile, type a short bio and then set his or her discovery preferences. These include sexual orientation, age and distance preferences.

I personally have mine set to “only men” from ages 21-27 within a four-mile radius of my current location.

However, my discovery is turned off. This is another option users have if they do not want local Tinder users to see their profile.

Potential match candidates are based off the pages and groups you “Like” on your Facebook profile and the discovery settings you select.

Once users have their account, they can start swiping. Swipe right if you like and left if you don’t.

If the “swipe right” is mutual, it means you have a match. Matches are a real confidence booster.

When your matches send you personal messages, it boosts that confidence even more.

Tinder has more than 850 million swipes and 10 million matches every day, that is 10 million people you could potentially meet.

I’ve started describing Tinder as the free, young adult match. com.

If you’re looking for an ego boost or a date on Friday night or even just a new friend, Tinder’s got your back. Don’t be ashamed to get your swipe on!

Kelsy Kershaw is a senior journalism and fashion merchandising and retail studies major from Jennings. Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

The racism discussion should not be limited

R

acism has occurred in the United States for centuries, and many people have unfortunately been victimized by it.

Recently, too many instances of racism being brought to light by the media have caused some universities to try to bring more awareness to this issue.

Ryerson University in Toronto recently held an event for the Racialized Students Collective group on campus. Two white student journalists attempted to attend the event to report on it for the school newspaper.

When they arrived, the event’s organizers asked the student journalists if they had ever felt victimized by racism. The journalists replied no. The journalists then were asked to leave.

They were still allowed to conduct interviews outside of the event, however the request for them to leave caused a bit of a controversy. Many individuals were outraged that the reporters were asked to leave and felt that the RSC showed racism by doing so.

The RSC’s motto includes a desire to “create an anti-racist climate on campus that will foster a healthy and rich working learning environment.” By asking fellow students who had not experienced racism to leave, they opened themselves up for criticism and kept interested students who perhaps wanted to assist in stopping racism from attending.

It is understandable, however, that the organization wanted to create a comfortable, safe space for students to share their stories and emotions, but perhaps asking students who had not experienced racism to leave was not the answer. An open forum for all to address this sensitive issue may have been a better alternative.

We need opportunities to address this and learn from each other to gather ideas, share constructive opinions, and understand various perspectives. To allow one group access and restrict another group in a public setting only prevents the conversation.

The students who were asked to leave were journalists attending the event to cover it to share the information with their university community. We assume they had sincere reasons for attending; we hope they were intending to cover it sensitively, objectively and ethically.

Granted, we know unfortunately this is not always the case, but we believe this was the student journalists’ goal here.

To deny them access to share with others the positive outcomes of the event is to deny the public a chance to discuss this issue and gain a better understanding of our diverse society. We recognize racism is an issue that needs to be addressed – and it should be addressed by all. We recognize that race is an issue that society must face honestly and forthrightly. To deny student journalists full access to the discussion, we feel, was another missed opportunity to bring this needed conversation to the public.

www.thetechtalk.org

Arts Entertainment

March 26, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 5

‘Glee’ bows out with its final season CODY SEXTON Managing Editor To be honest, I had done what the cast of “Glee” begged viewers not to do in its very first episode: I had stopped believing.

Due to the laziness that often plagues the later seasons of Ryan Murphy’s shows, I had lost interest in “Glee” early on. The only reminder left was the lengthy list of covers the cast sang that for some reason I cannot bring myself to delete from my iTunes.

While the groundbreaking show paved the TELEVISION way for other shows like “Nashville” and films like “Pitch Perfect,” their success was met with “Glee’s” failures.

The show about the underdog, forever keeping its characters in the humbled bottom of the proverbial food chain, finally allowed their fans to believe “Dreams Come True” in the final episode of the two-part finale.

The first part of the finale took a look back on the New Directions’ original members’ lives before the glee club. Rachel (Lea Michele) was an obnoxious overachiever, Kurt (Chris Colfer) was bullied and closeted, Mercedes (Amber Riley) was a sassy, soul singer in her church choir and Artie (Kevin McHale) and Tina (Jenna Ushkawitz) were two friends on the verge of a short-lived romance. The episode mentioned the late Cory

Monteith’s character, Finn Hudson, who was seen in archived footage of the show’s iconic “Don’t Stop Belivin’” performance.

The choice to include the scene was somewhat of a welcomed shock. Though fans knew Monteith died in 2013, if they are able to overlook the grief, it is almost as if he was still alive.

The finale’s second half was in stark contrast in mood and time. Within the hour the writers assume the roles of fairy godmothers that bring every member of the New Directions dreams to life, no matter how far-fetched they seem when looked at objectively.

After winning the national show choir competition, Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) is promoted to principal of McKinley High, which is being converted to a performing arts school.

Rachel is a Tony-award-winning Broadway star living in New York along with Kurt and Blaine (Darren Criss) who are also famous on the Broadway scene. Artie and Tina are back together, addressing a relationship that has been forgotten since the show’s first season. Mercedes is a famous singer who has toured with Beyoncé No longer employed by the school, Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) is vice president of the United States and though her ending is the most ridiculous it is only fitting.

Sue was always one of the show’s more redeeming characters. The coach’s long-winded monologues, usually delivered in a dry voiceover, have been constant proof of the show’s brilliant dialogue. Her character was even used as a self-aware

devil’s advocate to voice the show’s many inconsistencies like the sudden disappearance and reappearance of characters.

While “Glee” managed to lose its way in the middle with consistency, it never lost what made it unique, like tackling social issues and being a voice for the disenfranchised.

The episode’s biggest surprise was not the return of every former New Directions member taking the stage for a final song, but that they did not close the show with “Don’t Stop Believing.” Instead, the show’s swan song performed on the newly-renamed Finn Hudson Auditorium was OneRepublic’s “I Lived.”

What was most commendable about “Glee” and rather out of character for Murphy’s style was the show knew when to end. The show will not be dragged out for multiple, unnecessary seasons for the sake of making money.

These days with television shows, they either go a hero or live long enough to see themselves become a villain. In this instance it is good to know Murphy and his team had enough respect for the show and its characters to not let it become the next “Degrassi.”

The show’s final scene closed with a shot of a plaque bearing the advice from Finn to bravely “see the world not as it is, but as it should be,” which is exactly what the show “Glee” did in every episode.

Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

Kendrick crafts another masterpiece JOHN SADLER Editor-in-Chief

album is like comparing a Sidney Bechet record to “Bitches’ Brew.”

They’re both sort of do the same thing, and do it well, but one is trying When Kendrick Lamar’s album to do much, much more.

“To Pimp a Butterfly” dropped (ac“To Pimp a Butterfly” is dripping cidently? No one really knows) on with self-deprecating hymns, politiiTunes a week early, the rap world cal statements and, fortunately, hapwas taken aback. piness.

Lamar’s last release, “good kid “u,” the antithesis to the lead M.A.A.D city,” a concept album that single “i,” is rapped by Kendrick as hid its myriad personChalice Recording Studios more of a sob than anything. al and political stateTo Pimp a Butterfly Drinking himself into a stupor in ments behind an acKendrick Lamar his hotel room, he yells at himself for tual plotline, was full HHHHH not being there for a friend who ultiof turn-up anthems mately died of a gunshot wound. that no one really The song begins with the chant heard for what they “loving you is complicated.” It’s suiwere: self-deprecating statements and warnings against the gang lifestyle La- cidal and poetic and incredibly moving. Migos this is not.

On “How Much a Dollar Cost” Kendrick debates on mar had seen rip through Compton.

Coming off of “GKMC,” Lamar’s new album is shock- whether or not to give a dollar to a beggar whom he asing. Channeling jazz, Gil-Scott Heron, Flying Lotus and sumes is a crack addict. The beggar turns out to be God. God confronts Kendrick, stating “I’ll tell you how old-school funk, the album has no true singles.

Sure, there was “i,” the funky self-love anthem that much a dollar cost, the price of having a spot in heaven, divided fans of “GKMC,” and “The Blacker the Berry,” embrace your loss, I am God.” On “The Blacker the Berry,” Kendrick takes on both a furious sermon that reminded all of the doubting fans why they loved K-Dot, but there is nothing on this album racism and gang culture. It is evident throughout the song that he is straining to get his message out, physithat will be blared in the club.

The last time Kendrick made huge headlines was for cally and mentally.

Kendrick wields his message like a weapon. This is his verse in Big Sean’s 2013 single “Control,” in which he protest music. This is unrestrained and uninhibited. This called out all of rap’s freshman class.

Proclaiming himself above rappers like Big Sean, Pu- is required listening, not only for rap fans, but for everysha T, A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator, he brought one. back old-school hip-hop chest-beating.

But comparing “To Pimp a Butterfly” to a Pusha T Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.

A&E

6 • The Tech Talk • March 26, 2015

ON OUR

RADAR

www.thetechtalk.org

Photo courtesy of Buku Fest

Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

INSURGENT

IN THEATERS NOW In the latest of Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” series, Beatrice Prior (Shailene Woodley) and her friends must continue to fight forces waging war against them to save her divided society. With little competition in theaters, “Insurgent” is the No. 1 film in America.

Courtesy of Disney Studios

CINDERELLA

IN THEATERS NOW The latest live-action retelling of a beloved Disney story, “Cinderella” provides a fresh take on the story that saved Walt Disney’s company. As Cinderella (Lily James) cares for her horrible stepfamily she proves that a pure heart and good taste in shoes can make all your dreams come true.

Courtesy of fanart.tv

FAILURE

ON ITUNES NOW After a four-year hiatus, Breaking Benjamin released “Failure” as the lead single from their pending album, “Dark Before Dawn.”

Though the band has been radio silent since 2009, their sound is so vibrant and unfazed by the past years they returned like the hiatus never happened.

Courtesy of complex.com

THE SUMMER LEAGUE ON SOUNDCLOUD

Wale’s new album, “The Album about Nothing,” is due out next week and though “The Summer League” will not be featured on it, the rapper’s collaboration with Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign is without a doubt worth a listen. Especially if you are a Yeezy fan who needs a quick fix.

Merci Buku, New Orleans BLAKE BRANCH Staff Reporter

Rouge rapper Lil’ Boosie was the musical namic similar to that of its host city.

“It’s very cultured,” She said. “It’s very highlight of her weekend.

“He came out in an all white outfit,” artistic and easy-going. There’s a New Take a stroll through the grounds of Orleans/Cajun background to the festival Payne said. “I had never seen him before the Buku Music and Art Project and one that’s unique to New Orleans itself.” so it was really cool for me to see how incan find lights flashing, bass blasting and Addie Stipp, a Tech senior majoring in teractive he was with the crowd. He was a chorus of nearly 20,000 eupsychology and who throwing money out to the phoric youth singing along with crowd and he did all his old went to Buku for the every word coming from every first time this year, songs which is what I wanted.” entertainer’s mouth or monitor. gave the festival a With Buku behind them, this With New Orleans being year’s festival-goers are left to rave review. less than five hours away from “I can honestly marvel at the photographs and Ruston, Louisiana Tech stuvideos taken over the weekend. say that it was the dents have started to take nobest experience of “I miss it so much,” Stipp tice of the noise being made at my entire life,” said said. “When I left, I wanted to the Buku Project. cry. I was front row for BassnecStipp. “Everywhere Morgan Tyson, a senior you look it’s thoutar and I keep re-watching all economics major, was part of of my videos so I can relive it. sands of crazilyBuku’s northwest Louisiana dressed people who I can’t wait to return next year.” street team this year, devoting are dancing and Payne summarized exactly ROCKY BOOSIE countless hours to promoting what it is she believes brings laughing. It’s imposLouisiana’s fastest growing festhe maniacal masses to Buku. sible not to have fun tival.

“It gives people a chance to because there’s so “They put teams together across the much energy and music everywhere.” be different,” Payne said. “I feel like somenation,” Tyson said. “They sent me postFestival performers included A$AP times in Ruston the things that some peoers and flyers, told me to post things on Rocky, Bassnectar, Empire of the Sun, ple like aren’t available to them. It’s more Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and Passion Pit, Lil’ Boosie and emerging than just going to New Orleans, it’s like told me to get the word out between all South African rap-ravers Die Antwoord. another world.” the different universities and the younger Adeline Payne, a senior kinesiology crowd.” major who was also a part of the north- Email comments to Tyson said the festival presents a dy- west Louisiana street team, said Baton mbb029@latech.edu.

Stone Theatre springs into preparation for the new quarter BLAKE BRANCH Staff Reporter Spring quarter is a hectic time for the students and professors in the Louisiana Tech School of Performing Arts.

There is a loaded schedule of events for students and arts enthusiasts alike to enjoy on Tech’s campus.

One of the main men pulling the strings for spring performances is director for the School of Performing Arts Mark D. Guinn.

“Spring quarter is traditionally a packed quarter of public performances for the Department of Theatre and Music,” Guinn said. “This quarter we’ll have the Department of Theatre’s main stage production, “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” which will be directed by Ken Robbins.”

Robbins will be retiring at the end of spring quarter after 17 years at Tech, and “Brighton Beach Memoirs” will serve as his swan song.

Howard Auditorium, which

Photo courtesy of Stone Theatre

Guinn said is “a grand old dame,” is the site of several other performances not to be missed.

On April 2-3, the 24th annual Stage Combat Workshop will be held at Tech in Howard Auditorium. The event is one of the oldest regional stage combat workshops in the U.S., with 23 master teachers from around the country slated to sling some steel and perform

advanced martial arts.

The Russian Ballet will grace Howard Auditorium with its presence on April 29 for a performance of “Swan Lake.”

“Brighton Beach Memoirs,” the main stage production of the Stone Theatre in the Spring quarter, will run April 22-25 and then again from April 30 to May 2.

Moving from theater into

music, the month of May carries plenty of tunes.

The Tech Honors Recital will be May 7, giving these students who have worked tirelessly at their craft a chance to display their ability.

The following night, the Tech jazz ensemble will bring the swing for what promises to be a high-energy event.

On May 11, the Tech Percussion ensemble will have the floor as they twist and turn through a mesmerizing night of music.

The spring choir concert will cap off spring events with a bang on May 12.

“If folks are looking to see live music, the School of Performing Arts is the place to see the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow,” Guinn said.

“These students are practicing six nights a week for 3-4 hours per night helping to raising the bar for theatre and music in this region.”

Email comments to mbb029@latech.edu.

www.thetechtalk.org

World W&NBRIEFS WORLDNEWS Nusra Front quietly rises in Syria while using ISIS tactics BEIRUT (AP) — The Nusra Front, Syria’s alQaida affiliate, is consolidating power in territory stretching from the Turkish border to central and southern Syria, crushing moderate opponents and forcibly converting minorities using tactics akin to its ultraconservative rival, the Islamic State group.

Japan orders halt to work related to US base relocation TOKYO (AP) — The governor of the southern Japanese island of Okinawa ordered a Defense Ministry branch to suspend all work in the area where a key U.S. military air base is to be relocated, in a growing confrontation between the island and the central government.

NYC courthouses inaccessible for disabled people NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s courthouses and holding pens are rife with problems — from a lack of elevators for people who use wheelchairs to poorly marked, separate entrances making them inaccessible or unduly difficult to navigate for people with physical disabilities, according to a new report.

Gunmen kills at least 13 in Afghan highway attack KABUL (AP) — Gunmen in eastern Afghanistan attacked passing vehicles on a darkened highway during a midnight assault Tuesday, killing at least 13 people, authorities said.

STATENEWS Darren Sharper admits to drugging, rape counts LOS ANGELES (AP) — Removing any doubt that he drugged and raped women, Former NFL New Orleans Saints star Darren Sharper has taken the first of several steps to own up to sexual assaults in four states that will send him to prison for about nine years.

No bond for Durst on New Orleans weapons charges NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Millionaire murder suspect Robert Durst, a danger to others, a judge decided Monday after considering weapons FBI agents found.

March 26, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 7

Nation

WHO denies politics swayed Ebola emergency declaration

Netanyahu apologizes to minority

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization denied Monday that politics swayed the decision to declare an international emergency over the spread of the Ebola virus last year, despite evidence senior staffers repeatedly discussed the diplomatic and economic fallout of such a move.

A year after WHO declared that Ebola had been found in Guinea, the agency is on the defensive over reports that it dragged its feet when raising the international alarm over the disease.

Internal communications published by The Associated Press last week documented senior agency staff discouraging the move about two months before the international alert was finally raised, citing diplomatic relations, mining interests and the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

WHO spokeswoman Dr. Margaret Harris said Monday that “political considerations did not play a role”

and notions to the contrary were due to a misinterpretation of the leaked documents.

Political worries appear to loom large in the communications obtained by AP, which include emails and memoranda. A June 10 memo sent to WHO DirectorGeneral Dr. Margaret Chan says declaring an emergency — or convening a committee to discuss the issue — could be seen as a “hostile act” by Ebola-affected countries.

When senior African staff floated the idea of declaring an emergency on June 4, WHO official Dr. Sylvie Briand wrote that she saw such a move as a “last resort.”

An international emergency was eventually declared on Aug. 8, by which point nearly 1,000 people had died.

Ebola was judged to become a health emergency with international implications nearly a month earlier by the U.S. Prevention for Disease Control.

Cruz becomes first candidate in 2016 ASSOCIATED PRESS

Elected for the first time just three years ago, WASHINGTON (AP) when he defeated an es— Texas Republican Sen. tablishment figure in Texas Ted Cruz has become politics with decades of the first major candidate experience in office, Cruz for president, kicking off has hinted openly for more what’s expected to be a than a year that he wants rush over the next few to move down Pennsylvaweeks of more than a doz- nia Avenue from the Senen White House hopefuls ate and into the White into the 2016 campaign.

House.

“I am running for presiIn an online video dent and I hope to earn promoted on his Twitter your support,” the tea par- account, Cruz offered a ty favorite said in a Twitter preview of his campaign’s message posted just after message. midnight on Monday.

“It’s a time for truth, a Cruz will formally time to rise to the challaunch his bid lenge, just as during a mornAmericans ing speech at Libhave always erty University in done. I beLynchburg, Virginlieve in Ameria, choosing to beica and her gin his campaign people, and at the Christian I believe we college founded can stand up by the Rev. Jerry and restore Falwell rather than our promise,” his home state of Cruz said as Texas or the early images of CRUZ voting states of Iowa farm fields, city and New Hampshire. It’s skylines and American a fitting setting for Cruz, landmarks and symbols a 44-year-old tea party played in the background. darling whose entry into While Cruz is the first the 2016 campaign drew Republican to declare his cheers Sunday among fel- candidacy, he is all but cerlow conservatives. tain to be followed by sevAmy Kremer, the for- eral big names in the GOP, mer head of the Tea Party including former Florida Express, said that the Re- Gov. Jeb Bush, Wisconpublican pool of candi- sin Gov. Scott Walker and dates “will take a quantum two Senate colleagues, leap forward” with Cruz’s Kentucky’s Rand Paul and announcement, adding Florida’s Marco Rubio. that it “will excite the base He won praise from tea in a way we haven’t seen in party activists in 2013 for years.” leading the GOP’s push.

AP Photo/Michael Duff

A man holds a poster showing symptoms of the Ebola virus in Kambia, Sierra Leone.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Israel’s Arab citizens on Monday for remarks he made during last week’s parliament election that offended members of the community.

The move appeared to be an attempt to heal rifts and mute criticism at home and in the United States.

Netanyahu drew accusations of racism in Israel, especially from its Arab minority, and a White House rebuke when, just a few hours before polling stations were to close across the country, he warned that Arab citizens were voting “in droves.”

Netanyahu, whose Likud Party won re-election in the vote, met with members of the Arab community at the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem on Monday and apologized.

He said he knows his “comments last week offended some Israeli citizens and members of the Israeli-Arab community.”

STEEPLE’S GLEN APARTMENTS

RUSTONAPARTMENTS.COM

The Place To LiVE @ tech Want the ability to take a step out of your apartment and directly onto the campus of Louisiana Tech University? Steeple’s Glen Apartments offers the ultimate in convenience and privacy for apartment living in Ruston.

APARTMENT AMENITIES 4 BED 4 BATH

WASHER DRYER

DISHWASHER

MICRO WAVE

CABLE T.V. READY

CENTRAL AIR & HEAT

OVEN

(SELF CLEANING)

FRIDGE

(W/ ICE MAKER)

FREE WIFI

CONTACT US

CAROLYNCCO@AOL.COM MAIN: 318.251.9106 FAX: 318.255.6742 611 S. VIENNA, RUSTON, LA 71270

8 • The Tech Talk • March 26, 2015

W&N

www.thetechtalk.org

Women in charge means bigger profits ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON (AP) — When Rohini Anand took over diversity programs at multinational catering company Sodexo in 2002, she had one goal: To prove that it pays for a company to have equal numbers of male and female managers.

Sodexo, which has 419,000 employees in 80 countries, says she’s done just that.

A company-wide study last year found that units with equal numbers of men and women in management roles delivered more profits more consistently than those dominated by men.

“It has become embedded now. It’s not just me talking about it anymore,” Anand says with “I told you so” satisfaction.

Evidence is growing that gender equity is not just politically correct window-dressing, but good business. Companies are trying to increase the number of women in executive positions, yet many are struggling to do so because of a failure to adapt workplace conditions in a way that ensures qualified women do not drop off the corporate ladder, surveys show.

The case for companies to act is compelling.

In a survey last year of 366 companies, consultancy McKinsey & Co. found that those whose leadership roles were most balanced between men and women were more likely to report financial returns above their national industry median.

Companies with more balanced leadership do a better job recruiting and retaining talented workers, reducing the costs associated with replacing top executives, McKinsey found. They also have stronger customer relations because management better reflects the diversity of society, and they tend to make better business decisions because a wider array of viewpoints is considered.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, who came out as gay last year, told PBS it was important to

hire people who “complement you, because you want to build a puzzle.”

“You don’t want to stack Chiclets up and have everyone be the same,” he said.

While most big companies now have programs to increase gender diversity, many executives express frustration these programs aren’t working. McKinsey found that 63 percent of the employers it surveyed had at least 20 initiatives to address gender equity, but women held less than a quarter of the top jobs in 92 percent of the companies.

Sandrine Devillard, who has been studying the issue for the consultancy for about 16 years, said companies were nonchalant about retaining top female talent when she started. Now they want to know what programs work. Fast.

That’s because a woman’s prospects for promotion fall off at every step of the career ladder, according to a separate survey of 130 large companies conducted by McKinsey in 2012. While women made up 37 percent of the total workforce, they comprised 22 percent of middle managers, 14 percent of senior managers and vice presidents, 9 percent of executive committee members and 2 percent of CEOs. In France, Norway, Spain and most recently Germany, governments have sought to mandate progress by imposing quotas for women on boards.

Norway had the highest percentage of women on boards — 35 percent — among 20 countries in Western Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region last year, according to data compiled by Catalyst, which researches gender equity. The U.S. and Australia were tied for 10th at 19 percent.

Board quotas alone won’t close the gender gap because they only address the final step in the career ladder, researchers say.

The real challenge for employers is to hire, train and promote talented women so they have a pipeline of qualified female candidates when they need to fill senior roles.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham

Aromatherapist Emma Arkell poses for a portrait with one of the natural remedies for skin.

“We’re on the cusp of a revolution,” says Cary Cooper, a professor at Lancaster University Management School in Britain. “If organizations don’t allow more flexibility, more autonomy, they’re just going to keep losing (women).”

The average workplace remains locked in a post-war factory mentality with structured hours and a requirement to be at the office — and the expectation to keep working from home even when not physically present, researchers say.

The use of the Internet has helped working remotely, but for top managerial jobs that might lead to the boardroom, physical presence in the office and attending workrelated social events remain crucial. Add in broader social factors, such as expectations that moms do domestic duty; it is too much.

CHEAPER BOOKS New Location 715 W California Across from Pearce Hall

Improve your score Rent the book

NEWS

www.thetechtalk.org

March 26, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 9

Veteran’s affairs liaison leaves lasting marks on students

Graphic Designer visits Tech RIGHT: Aaron Draplin begins his presentation in Wyly Tower.

CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter

BOTTOM LEFT: Draplin holds up one of the screen printed posters available at the event.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Draplin works one-on-one with an attendee of his workshop.

Photos by Devin Dronett

A

aron Draplin, owner of Draplin Design Co. North America, gave a talk and presented a workshop for aspiring designers at Louisiana Tech. The event, hosted by Tech’s American Institute of Graphic Arts student group, and the School of Design, was held in Wyly Tower Auditorium. It was the first time Draplin conducted a talk and workshop in Louisiana.

Physics professor presents science on the big screen BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter

cause it’s a nationwide event,” said Sawyer, director of chemistry, physics The next epidemic and nanosystems engimight be right around the neering and professor of corner. physics at Louisiana Tech.

However, the disease “Louisiana Tech is the spreading the nation this only Louisiana university time is not a new strain of that is on one of these influenza, or Ebola. It is a experiments at the Large newfound love and appre- Hadron Collider. I hope ciation for science in the this movie exposes our theater. Those research to the inflicted may public.” have caught Sawyer said “Particle Fever.”

Tech needs Lee Sawyer more exposure was in Shrevethrough films port to host a like “Particle screening of Fever.” He bethe film “Parlieves Tech ticle Fever” does more with on March 16. less than any The film docuother university ments the work he knows of in of scientists in the nation. But Geneva, Swit- HOCHSTELTER he thinks there zerland, who is a flip side as experiment with the Large well.

Hadron Collider which “I think Louisiana is the world’s largest and Tech’s involvement in this most powerful particle ac- experiment has raised our celerator. profile within the scientific Robinson Film Cen- community,” Sawyer said. ter in Shreveport, which “It’s an incredible scienshowed the movie, housed tific achievement, with a full audience of eager thousands of people from science junkies and curi- all around the world, and ous minds alike. Twenty- Louisiana Tech is a part three that evening, art of it.” houses like the Robinson Abdullah Nammari, an nationwide showed sci- electrical engineering and ence films as part of a nanosystems engineercoordinated effort called ing double major, said he “Science on the Screen” found out about the event night. on Facebook and invited a “Tonight is special be- friend to come along with

him.

“I had already seen ‘Particle Fever’ before and I always enjoy hearing Lee Sawyer talk, so I wanted to bring a friend and give her a chance to see it,” Nammari said.

“I’m curious and I like to solve problems, that’s what physics is to me. So whenever a movie about the biggest experiment ever built to solve a problem we’ve been asking for a long time, I think there’s enough motivation in itself to go and see it.”

Meghan Hochstetler talked about the nationwide kickoff for science movies being shown on big screens.

“Twenty-three theaters are participating in this event and are showing a movie on the exact same night at the exact same time,” she said. “The idea is to get people to use movies as a jumping off point to talk about science and to engage local scientists with a group of people who want to listen about what they want to say and the average moviegoers who can use this opportunity to learn something they never knew.”

Hochstetler, director of audience at Robinson Theater Center, said she believed “Particle Fever,” and movies like it, open science up to a whole

new group of people. She said people clearly want to hear about the Hadron Collider experiment in Geneva.

“Any time Dr. Sawyer has been a guest at Robinson, the theater sells out,” Hochstetler said. “People really want to hear from someone who has been there, who knows what is going on, like Sawyer and other scientists like him.”

Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.

One of the fondest memories in Sheila Sanchez’s career came in the form of a hug.

“There was this one student that I referred to the National Guard,” she said. “They were deployed, and when he came back, he came to my office, gave me a hug, and said he wanted to come back to school. That was very rewarding for me.”

As the veteran’s affairs liaison counselor at the registrar’s office of Louisiana Tech, Sanchez is responsible for overseeing veterans and veteran dependents who enroll at Tech and making sure they receive their Veteran’s Affairs benefits.

“She represents our university extremely well,” said Robert Vento, University Registrar.

Sanchez said she is passionate about her role in the lives of the veteran students.

“Once the veterans are discharged, there’s a lot of red tape and adjustments they have to make,” Sanchez said. “My biggest goal is that I want to make it as easy as possible for each one to receive his benefits.”

Sanchez said despite large amounts of red tape, the reactions from the students she assists make the work worth the effort.

“Many times students are frustrated because they don’t know what to do,” she said. “I can line everything out for them and tell them exactly where to go and who to see. And there’s this relief all over their face. That’s my favorite part of the job.”

Jerrod Snoddy, a junior forestry major, expressed his gratitude for Sanchez’s help.

“When I was considering Tech, I sat down with Mrs. Sheila, and we hit it off right away,” Snoddy said. “She is the most helpful person I have ever known. She helped me through every step and always made time for me.”

Snoddy said that Sanchez’s work was influential in his decision to finish school.

“I left college for two years, and this is my first quarter back,” Snoddy said. “She is the main reason I am back at Tech and the main reason I am finishing my degree at all. She has been a bigger help than anyone, and I am so thankful for her.”

Sanchez was quick to spread the credit around the office.

“One thing that makes my job easier is the family I work with in the Registrar’s office,” she said. “We care about one another, and I believe students can only benefit from that type of environment.”

Vento mentioned the far-reaching effects of Sanchez’s labor.

“When our students in the Guard or Reserve get deployed, we do work with them online to assist them in getting back into school,” Vento said. “Mrs. Sheila has done lots of work with soldiers literally while they’re still in the sand box.”

Vento said he had nothing but praise for his associate and the work she does to smooth out the veterans’ process of returning to school.

“She’s really good at it,” Vento said. “It’s almost like a sixth sense, she can look ahead and perceive future problems, and she just knows how to solve them. Lots of her work is behind the scenes, not part of her job description. It’s just her being Sheila.”

Email comments to csd020@latech.edu.

The Department of Clinical Rehabilitation and Counseling at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans prepares competent and professional clinical rehabilitation counselors who promote equal opportunity and access for people with physical, emotional, cognitive or developmental disabilities. We employ a holistic, collaborative approach to empower individuals to improve their employment success and quality of life by addressing the challenges that disabilities can present.

Program Highlights • Fully accredited program that qualifies graduates to obtain the CRC, LPC and LRC credentials • Nationally recognized faculty • Hands-on learning in small seminar classes • Interdisciplinary learning environment with advanced clinical and research opportunities

Now accepting applications for Fall 2015

For more information about the LSUHSC Clinical Rehabilitation and Counseling program, Please visit our website: http://Allied Health.lsuhsc.edu/RehabilitationCounseling

Application Deadline: April 15, 2015 Clinical Rehabilitation and Counseling Department 1900 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 Tel: 504.568.4318 • E-mail:Rcinfo@lsuhsc.edu

www.thetechtalk.org

10 • The Tech Talk • March 26, 2015

Distractions WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net

Aries March 21 – April 19 You’re apt to feel stronger within, helping you to connect the inner and outer sides of your personality, Aries. You may feel like you have all your troops united on a common front and are making tremendous progress toward reaching your goals. Don’t stop. Your momentum is strong. Things you set in motion now will have a tremendous effect that will continue to increase over time.

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 There’s an explosive quality about the day. You may walk along, minding your own business, when someone accidentally bumps into you. Your first reaction may be to push that person back. Carelessness on the part of others may cause you to get worked up into fits of rage. Do your best to keep these tendencies under control, especially when driving.

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 You have a tremendous amount of drive and enthusiasm to help you move forward in your projects, Gemini.

Be careful that you don’t act hastily or impulsively. Be careful of starting out on a new path without having a good idea about where it’s going. Rash decisions may lead to dangerous situations, so know what direction to go in before you start the car. Be safe.

Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 A relationship with a close partner may get a bit confused, Cancer. You could react quickly to a situation without really thinking before speaking. There may be some confusion in your mind about whether to stay silent or take a more aggressive route and blurt out everything you feel. It’s important that you find an equal balance of both.

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 You may run into a great deal of opposition from just about every quarter, Leo. The most frustrating part about this is that even the people you turn to for help will transform the situation into an even bigger mess. Instead of finding relief, you may find more complications and misunderstandings. Perhaps you need to take the situation into your own hands and deal with it yourself.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 You’re becoming much more perceptive, Virgo. At the same time, your psyche and unconscious knowing are also more acute. You may find that you know more about the way someone feels than that person does.

More than likely, this sort of perspective is causing you to want to take aggressive action in order to shake people up and help them open their own eyes to

the situation at hand.

Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 You’re likely to act with great immediacy, Libra.

You will instantly know what to do in a situation, especially a crisis. You’re likely to be thinking at top speed and moving with efficiency and courage. You should feel strong knowing that there’s a terrific support system surrounding you in case things go awry.

Go out on a limb and take a chance that you might not have considered before.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 If someone tries to criticize you, Scorpio, don’t be afraid to defend yourself. Other people aren’t going to be afraid to speak their minds, and you shouldn’t either. You may feel like someone is prodding you with a stick. They probably just want to get some sort of reaction out of you. Be honest about how you feel and explain your statements instead of just being curt.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Be a friend to someone new and lend a hand to a greater cause than just your own advancement, Sagittarius. Ally with people by offering your support instead of asking for it. Give more of yourself and you will find that in the long run you will receive a great deal more than you ever would have asked for. Be generous to the people around you and form collective goals that will benefit everyone.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 The gas is on, Capricorn. One spark can cause an explosive fireball. There’s a tremendous amount of potential energy to the day just waiting to be unleashed. Know what you’re getting into before you light that match. The effects of your actions will ripple for some time. That said, go ahead and set the situation on fire. Perhaps there’s an issue brewing that can no longer be ignored.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 This is truly a day of new beginnings, Aquarius. You can start a fresh cycle of emotions and understanding that can help you develop the quality and depth of your relationships. Note that all levels of your relationships will be affected in some way. Take time to consider the fact that you’re at the starting line. Focus and align yourself with your goals and the people who can help you meet them.

CROSSWORDPUZZLE Across 1. Shut with force 5. Island in the East China Sea 10. Overfill 14. Director Wertmuller 15. Crazy as ___ 16. Coil 17. Enormous 19. Archer of myth 20. Land in la mer 21. Adorable 22. Elaborately adorned 24. Lipton competitor 26. Denier’s words 27. Capital of Utah 33. Aired again 36. Takes on 37. Actress Ruby 38. Hebrew month 39. Give merit 40. Noteworthy achievement 41. ___-X 42. Hersey’s bell town 43. Garlic sauce 44. Underpants 47. Bad mood 48. Physician 52. Group of six 55. Whirl 57. Fury 58. Joint with a cap 59. Involving concepts and abstractions 62. Mozart’s “___ kleine Nachtmusik” 63. Summer babe 64. ___ cava 65. Dutch export 66. Keyboard key

www.bestcrosswords.com 67. Like Cheerios Down 1. Killed 2. Hosiery thread 3. Pays to play 4. Damage 5. Operated by hand 6. Immensely 7. Heavy book 8. ___-disant (self-styled) 9. Raw 10. Attractive route 11. Distinctive quality 12. Horse’s gait 13. Otherwise 18. Body of salt water 23. Numbered rds.

25. Boris Godunov, for one 26. Of little width 28. Frustrate 29. Climbing vine 30. Prefix with logical 31. Blue hue 32. Abominable Snowman 33. Prego competitor 34. Idyllic place 35. McNally’s partner 39. Preservative, coloring, or flavor, e.g.

40. Money-related: Abbr.

42. “Judith” composer 43. Rice-___ 45. Respect 46. Newspaper executive 49. Fungal infection 50. Praying figure 51. Cooperative race 52. ___-Ball 53. Oklahoma city

DAILY U

54. Role for Lucy Lawless 55. Spanish muralist 56. Leaf of a book 60. Cacophony 61. Lacto-___ vegetarian

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Stop dwelling on old projects and routines based on situations that have long since expired, Pisces. Note the changes that have occurred around you and adjust your plans. This is a good time to honestly examine your situation. Being aggressive in your approach toward improvement and change means letting go of what no longer serves you. Move forward with courage instead of hesitation.

WEEKLYWEATHER

www.accuweather.com

TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

HIGH 65 LOW 40

HIGH 65 LOW 40

HIGH 72 LOW 51

HIGH 80 LOW 58

HIGH 76 LOW 60

HIGH 74 LOW 62

HIGH 84 LOW 53

SUDOKUPUZZLE

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Difficulty EASY Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

Sudoku Puzzle - Easy

Sudoku Solution - Easy

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Band of Pride comes under fire for perceived insult RACHEL MAXWELL Staff Reporter Some are questioning whether the Louisiana Tech Band of Pride is a band of class after the band led a chant at a basketball game between Tech and the University of Alabama at Birmingham that mocked UAB administration’s recent decision to end its football program.

The band, which began to chant, “We have football,” during the game, was quickly joined by Tech’s student section.

Keiera Bell, a piccolo player who did not attend, said she resents being painted with the same brush as those who participated.

“It puts a bad look on the Tech band,” the sophomore journalism major said. “It looks like none ofus have class, when it was only a few that did it.”

However, Bell, along with many students, does not feel the chant was offensive.

“Then again, they only said factual things. I think the things they have said about us since the incident are worse than the original chant,” Bell said.

“Banter always happens at basketball games, it shouldn’t have been so surprising that something like this happened,” Alek Gonzalez, a music major, said.

Dakota Dupont, a Tech cheerleader, said she feels the band was justified in saying what they did.

“I feel like our band had every right to chant about us having football,” the sophomore business and marketing major said. “The UAB fans were very hostile toward us and the band. Since it was held there they had a lot of people there and they had horrible sports-

More Puzzles:

More Puzzles:

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

manship.”

Chris Schemas, a sophomore electrical engineering major, said he agreed that what they said was less malicious than other things said at the game.

“It may have been distasteful, but it was mild compared to other things we heard at this game and others,” said Schemas, a trumpeter.

Schemas said he found it very surprising that it was Tech’s chant that made headlines, when the home team’s fans were themselves attacking the man responsible for cutting the football program.

“UAB’s main chant throughout the game was ‘Fire Ray Watts’, their University president, They had signs made and everything,” Schemas said. “We didn’t attack anyone personally with what we said. They were chanting about their own president.”

One thing all members of the band agreed on was they were trying to do their job at the game.

“The band is supposed to interact and get everyone in the stadium pumped up,” Bell said. “We usually don’t say anything rude and just try to be funny.”

Schemas echoed Bell’s sentiment the band was misinterpreted when they were only trying to make the game more fun.

“UAB’s fans were really loud---there were around 5,000 of them,” Schemas said. “The band was trying to be creative and make some noise for Tech; we’re used to being the fun band. It just got taken the wrong way this time.”

Email comments to ram049@latech.edu.

www.thetechtalk.org

MORE TALK

March 26, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 11 Photos by Brennen Lege

RIGHT: Brennan Edwards showed off his vintage shirt at Rolling Hills.

BOTTOM: Brian Elsner tried on his new gently used Express shirt at Rolling Hills.

FAR BOTTOM: Spencer Morris found another hat to add to his collection from Rolling Hills.

It’s not just your

Granddad’s

clothes

n o i h s fa e h t s e fi s i t s a e s g g a in ll p a f p id. “I o o h s t ong sa re in s L n ,” t d f n i e fi can wa that w Thr d hat youe two bucks one knew I w n e e s a s for lik ut no e and d me her ere one time mpliments, b e o c e o t ever y n un co sh ms like lways f e shoe nty of

e “It’s a e awesom got me ple re, it se o t s m e y to o e h s t found ondition. Th bargain.” looking ack to es. b h c s e e T c a m n great m here for time he co t for new o faces from the got the g said ever y switched ou he sees new about d r ’s a n e Lon ho h visit, , a tow ore is ards, w om befith each new in 2012r coats. w r E iece f ” d G p E m o E e h n L it w tS three-p fu na . if n t a EN r r . id e is n o h r g a N e h d s a im B T c f N “ n g h e o s 9 E is H BR Reporte song ces s like lothin iend le to ase 9 esed the ce to purch ted hub for c’s wardrobe find bargainthose new fa ris, a good fr id he was ab a le es, esp at e Staff r im a r e la e t n s r o p f c e o o s a o s a f M m d a m r ig r e o n On mult ackle ence ext se e tha Edwa ney s ookin lling store from Spsecond visit, the spring. ard with mo ards said. “L ome back efore Mtore was mor instance, is a looking for n o R t a r h fo e dw oc his thrift s ing Hills, for nd shoppers ston orking In just olorful shirts ause it can b ringtime,” E totally like t ajor w north of Ru ears. m p c Roll workers a c s ld n e d u b io etro d educat located just e past five y who suit an really ideal lothes aroun re today, I wo back r costeer n e g r lu o in o r v m b ’s h , , , c he “It g pho ing Hills or t id Mor ris nors udget. erfect sfully I found r gettin ll is a so is’ life f wo a succes or find the p wever, the l il ially fof the clothes r more.” on a b ncer Mor ris Ruston. Ropart of Mor r h school,” s turdays for t w c pers shirt, e. Ho Spe ift Store in as been a hool in hig rs and Sa some oep hunting foarantee shopalph Lauren he thrift stor “what if ?” ng r, u r c h e o s h t , h r T f is t e le u R l Lo g o k t g Hills Far mervil r y day afte fter-schoo cash re tomer and here is no ay with a $3 e evening a stical feeling why kids like re. e h e d a t v r e g a is T tow ame here annin alk aw treasu ith cus teer h store. ll in on hich is the my “I c sed to volun is job at the im involves malso helps w . thing, wtheir party a e potential, possibility, w next hidden lo c u th a ed gh job rh the He or said he efore ear nin ical week fo m drop-of fs. r those in neperks of the tume fof the store isantee but it is , looking for p b o k f r e e y s c t a e it s it r yea r ris said a allur re is no gu coming ba favor f for m tore. ndling and ha aid and relie but one of histhrough the s can only find Mo The rds keep s e h t in clo u ut e k, wa r o o e g m o Y g “ m in o w t . c o r in e c t ll o id n s a d Ed ke fi e enjoys th l items tha Mor ris sa agine has li , e ic s to serv r ris said h on specia hats,” you can im g mment.e d o ir in c e ll l s i o du. w a ib R Mo d g ors of al engi- Emsl008@latech g first d e clothes aneally anythin o in d t t e e h g b t h is ugh re. R like t hanic “I just f like this he lks throhomore mec lling Hills. a HAW w g n f o p u o KERS Y S cool st h the door.” hs, Hunter L ique. The so shopper at R L Y KE throug r y few mont mething un me a regular GN B I S o E e s o D Ev bec for oking he has Hills log major said neerin

B

www.thetechtalk.org

12 • The Tech Talk • March 26, 2015

Sports Talk Hot shooting Owls oust Tech from NIT JARED KING Sports Editor Louisiana Tech’s season ended the same way it began, with a trip to the “City of Brotherly Love.” But the Temple Owls showed little love in beating the Bulldogs 77-59 Wednesday night.

Temple hit nine 3-pointers and led from start to finish as the Owls ended Tech’s run in the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals — the second consecutive year Tech has been unable to advance past the quarterfinal round.

While Temple advances to the Final Four of the NIT in Madison Square Garden, Tech and its trio of beloved seniors return to Ruston as their season and their college careers come to a close.

“This group was special,” said Tech coach Michael White. “It’s been tough. It’s been tough since we lost at the conference tournament. It’s been a tough couple of weeks. I am proud of the way we handled it, and the character that we showed. We had a couple of nice wins against some good teams in the NIT.” The Bulldogs were playing a Temple team that was much improved from their previous meeting. Due to eligibility issues and injuries, those Owls were without forward Jaylen Bond and guard Jesse Morgan — both of whom played big roles Wednesday night.

“They were (really good) both times that we played,” White said. “The goal was in front of us to get revenge. We just didn’t play well enough. I thought we were a little lethargic early. The key for us was less pressure and keeping them out of the paint. I

thought it resulted in a lower energy level. We scrapped it at the half. I said if we are going to go down, we are going to go down swinging.”

Quenton DeCosey led the Owls with 21 points and 11 rebounds while Jesse Morgan added 17 points and Will Cummings tallied 15 points and six assists.

The trio combined to hit 8-15 3-pointers.

“I thought Cummings and DeCosey kept making plays,” White said. “We just didn’t play with the same energy level (as Monday night). We missed some easy shots early in the game, and I thought that was big. It was a tough game for us.”

Temple scored the first five points of the game before a jumper by Erik McCree at the 18:15 mark got the Bulldogs on the scoreboard. McCree started the game 4-4 from the field including connecting on two 3-pointers, the second of which cut the Temple lead to 8-7, but that would be the closest the Bulldogs would get.

A Cummings layup with 7:03 to play in the opening half stretched Temple’s lead to 3420, the biggest of the first half for the Owls. Tech’s Kyser, Smith and McCree all got on the board in the final two minutes of the half and cut the Temple lead to 41-33 going into the break.

McCree led Tech with 14 points while Kyser and Appleby ended with 10 points each. Smith ended with eight points and five assists before leaving the game with an apparent left ankle injury midway through the second half.

Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.

with Jared King

Dunkin’ ’Dogs fail to finish

L

AP Photo / Charles Fox

Michale Kyser and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs were knocked out of the NIT quarterfinals for a second straight year.

Driskel, QBs shine in Tech football spring practice ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

ordinator position prevented him pro how he is approaching this Scotty Young and barely led Tech from reaching his potential there. thing. I have been impressed by past Division Two opponent LaHoltz said Driskel has had no the way he has handled himself. He mar. Yet Higgins has the advantage Spring is here which means one problem adjusting to the playbook is putting in a lot more time than over Driskel in the sense that he thing: no, not rain nor pollen, but at Tech. many of the people on this roster has more experience in Petersen’s instead football.

“I could not be more pleased right now.” offense and the continuity helped The pads are back on as spring with Jeff (Driskel) and how he has Petersen, who is also the quar- him. practices for the Louisiana Tech picked it up coming here,” Holtz terback’s coach at Tech, said “Ryan (Higgins) has had a lot of football team have begun. said. “He has had this playbook for Driskel’s professionalism can be reps in our offense for almost twoTech head football coach Skip five days and has made some reads credited to the people and events plus years and he is getting better Holtz and his staff look to use this and throws that have really been from his past. all the time,” Peterson said. time to examine their impressive.”

“He does Holtz said Higgins’ team and see how they Holtz said everything the progression has been can respond to a strong he has been way you want impressive.

2014 campaign, which impressed by him to do it,” “I think Ryan is growresulted in nine wins and Driskel’s dePetersen said. ing up,” Holtz said. “He a Zaxby’s Heart of Dalcision-making “ O bv i o u s l y has had a good camp las Bowl victory. and ability to he was raised and is not going away The Bulldogs did not make good right by his quietly. I think he has a lose many players from decisions in family, he has great knowledge of the last year’s team thus, the pocket. great parents. offense and an awful lot many key components “He has He came out of reps in it, he is feeling are returning. One of done a good of high school really comfortable and the few glaring quesjob of prowith great doing a nice job.”

DRISKEL HIGGINS WILSON tions about this Tech tecting the work ethic and The odd man out in football team is at the football and went to Florithe competition is Price quarterback position. Can the Bull- seeing defenders,” Holtz said. “I da and continued that.”

Wilson. dogs find a viable replacement for wanted to learn how he processes, Petersen said being at a highHoltz said Wilson has all the Cody Sokol at quarterback? how he reads, how he throws, his caliber school like Florida helped talent in the world but he does not There are three quarterbacks decision-making, and whether he sculpt Driskel into the player and have a complete mental grasp of competing in spring practice: Uni- puts the ball in danger. I think he person he is. the game yet. versity of Florida graduate transfer has done a great job with it.”

“You can tell he has been at a “Price has had some flashes of Jeff Driskel, junior Ryan Higgins Holtz said he has also been im- big-time university and has done brilliance and some flashes of a and redshirt freshman Price Wil- pressed by Driskel’s commitment it right for a long time,” Petersen redshirt freshman,” Holtz said. “I son. to the team and his ability to be said. “He does all the little things think No. 10 is really going to be Driskel, before transferring to a sponge, soaking up all the infor- the way you want them done, there good here one day, we just have to Tech, was one of the top dual- mation he can in order to enhance is not much bad you can say about bring him around mentally.” threat quarterbacks in the country himself and the team. him as far as how he works.” at the high school level and com“Jeff is vocal, he is here early, he Petersen said Driskel and HigFor more on Tech athletics, follow mitted to Florida as one of the na- comes in and studies film,” Holtz gins have quite the quarterback the Tech Talk Sports Desk’s Twitter tion’s top signal callers. However, said. “When he is not in class, he battle going on. page at twitter.com/techtalksports. his tenure at Florida was forget- is asking (offensive coordinator It is Higgins’ third year at Tech. table, as a myriad of injuries and a Tony) Petersen for extra meeting He struggled as a starter in 2013 Email comments to revolving door at the offensive co- time. He has been a consummate when he came in for an injured amh072@latech.edu.

ouisiana Tech’s men’s basketball team’s mantra this season has been “finish” and though they were not invited to the NCAA tournament, the senior trio of Raheem Appleby, Michale Kyser and Kenneth (Speedy) Smith has an opportunity to do just that.

Men’s basketball head coach Michael White has won more than 100 games in his four seasons at Tech, but despite the number of wins on his resume, White has been unable to take the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament.

The Bulldogs have won three consecutive regular season conference championships, two as a member of Conference USA and one as a member of the Western Athletic Conference, but their regular season success has not translated to the postseason.

The Bulldogs have been invited to play in the National Invitation Tournament each of the past three seasons, but the NIT is not the grand prize and hanging another NIT banner in the rafters of the Thomas Assembly Center is not what these players wanted to accomplish.

While it is nice to see your team compete in the postseason, White has had four chances to get Tech into the NCAA tournament and has failed to do so.

Complain all you want about how teams do not want to come to Ruston for fear of losing to a “mid-major” program, but Tech had opportunities this season it simply did not capitalize on.

The Bulldogs took on the Owls of Temple University to start the season in a game Tech led at halftime but was unable to finish strong and lost. Tech’s out-of-conference road woes continued when the Bulldogs lost to the Syracuse Orange by two points at the buzzer before blowing an 18-point second half lead at North Carolina State in another close loss.

Despite the regular season woes, Tech still had an opportunity to advance to the NCAA tournament but a late rally against UAB was stymied in overtime when the Bulldogs could not finish the rally.

Tech’s mantra this season may have been to “finish” but it certainly have not done a good job of doing so.

Jared King is a senior journalism major from Jena who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.