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CenturyLink founder’s story told at Tech RACHEL MAXWELL Staff Reporter
beyond the boot, taking third place in the Business Ethics category of the 2015 Axiom Business Book Awards. When The Golden Rule is mentioned, “This is the real Louisiana and New the founder of a multi-billion dollar cor- York awarding that story is a win for the poration is probably not the first thing that whole state,” Honeycutt said. “I’m just jumps to mind. Nevertheless, honored to have written it.” those who knew Clarke WilGlen Post, the current liams, founder of CenturyLink, CEO of CenturyLink, said insist it was the idea of treating he was happy to bring Wilother people with respect that liams’ story back home to led to his success. Tech, his alma mater. Leo Honeycutt, author of “We wanted to intro“Nice Guy Finishes First: The duce the Williams’ story to Clarke Williams Story”, spoke on the university,” he said. “It’s April 16 to an audience that ina great story of a man who cluded not only Louisiana Tech inspired others with his vistudents and faculty, but some sion and faith. of Williams’ family, friends, CenBoth Post and Carolyn HONEYCUTT turyLink officials and longtime Perry, Williams’ daughter, business associates. spoke about the late WilHe told stories, recounted in liams’ legacy. Then, Honthe book, about how Williams used the eycutt took the podium. He said WilBible and common courtesy to guide him liams’ unwavering ethics allowed him to success in the corporate world. to build his parents’ failing telephone The book, written by Louisiana-based company into the third-largest telecomauthor Leo Honeycutt, about the Monroe- munication company in the nation. based business CenturyLink, and published by in Louisiana by The Lisburn Press. The book’s message, however, has spread far > see HONEYCUTT page 10
Photo by Devin Dronett
Leo Honeycutt, author, Glen Post (pictured), president and CEO of CenturyLink and alumnus of Louisiana Tech University, and Carolyn Perry, daughter of Clarke Williams sign copies of the book after the talk.
Students connect closely with community at The Big Event RACHEL MAXWELL Staff Reporter
Photo by Colin Fontenot
Members of the aviation club help tear up a brick side walk.
for the organization. “We’ve had so much fun,” he said. “We love Ruston, and we love helping the community.” Despite looming clouds and the temptation to Cody Livingston, a member of Phi Boota Roosleep in on a Saturday morning, students filled the ta and a freshman music education major, said stands of Joe Alliet Stadium to lend a hand to lo- volunteering made him appreciate the percussion cal residents. fraternity much more. Tech’s Student Government Association enlist“When I joined PBR, I assumed it would just be ed more than 60 campus organizations to do yard about percussion,” he said. “The fact that we get work for residents of Grambling and Ruston as to help the entire area of Ruston, not just Tech, part of their annual service projmakes me really proud to be a ect, The Big Event. part of it.” Austin Bowden, a sophomore “The fact that we get Many residents that benefiteconomics major and SGA mem- to help the entire area ed from the students’ work, like ber, said he was excited about Amanda Harrison, said they were how many people they were able of Ruston, not just grateful for the extra help. to help this year. “My husband had been workTech, makes me really “The planning was the same as proud to be a part of it ing for four days trying to rake our years before, but we had a bigger front yard, and he had only gotten group of volunteers than ever,” he (Phi Boota Roota).” a portion of it done,” she said. said. “The Big Event is growing in “And now the volunteers have size every year.” CODY LIVINGSTON been here for about an hour and Maggie Brakeville, SGA presi- freshman music education major a half and the whole front yard is dent and a senior agriculture busidone, so it’s just fantastic.” ness major, said the best part of Harrison then asked for an adthe event was connecting Tech to the surrounding dress to which she could send a thank you note, area. a sentiment that SGA members like Ashleigh “I think the most important part is bridging the Dodds, a senior biology major, said make all the gap between Ruston and Tech,” she said. “It’s one work that goes into planning the event worthwhile. event where we really get the chance to unify the “After last year’s event, we got cards from peouniversity and the community.” ple afterwards thanking us,” she said. “It was just It was this connection to the community that really awesome to see that they appreciated the many student volunteers cited as their favorite hard work everyone put in.” part of the event. Varun Kopparthy, a member of the Association of Indian Students, said getting Email comments to everyone together for a good cause was exciting ram049@latech.edu.
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For the love of LEGOs The IDEA Place and Bricks 4 Kidz holds an all- ages LEGO competition for the community CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter
ativity of kids in Ruston,� she said. “It’s amazing how creative they can be when given the chance. Giving them an opportunity Six-year-old Oli Deal’s latest LEGO cre- to show what they’ve built is really important ation, dubbed “Robotic Battle Machine 3,� for me.� was built to capture a very specific type of Wages said she was happy with the bad guy. event’s turnout and entries. “It’s got a cage on its back to hold people “Our number of entries is up from last who drink too much coffee,� he said. year,� she said. “And we had lots of new Deal was one of 70 participants in Rus- people entering. I’m definitely impressed ton’s second annual Community Building with the winning entries.� Competition on April 18. Held at The creations on display inthe Louisiana Tech Idea Place and cluded a fire-breathing dragon, a hosted by Bricks 4 Kidz, the com- i(JWJOH UIFN futuristic garden, a DUPLO giraffe petition displayed original LEGO an opportuand a medieval jousting tournacreations and chose winners for ment. nity to show each age group. Another entry was a War of Bricks 4 Kidz made it clear here what they’ve the Worlds Martian machine, was no age limit for participants, built is really submitted by 9-year-old Madison but there turned out to be only Soper. She was quick to point out one entry in the 18-and-older cat- important for her favorite feature of the design. egory. “This is the heat ray,� Soper me.� Deal and his battle machine said. “It’s very devastating.� placed third in the 5-6 age divi- SARAH WAGES Wages said the LEGO itself sion. The son of Tech architecture Bricks 4 Kidz represents the mission of Bricks professor Brad Deal, Oli was not director 4 Kidz. the only family member to place. “LEGOs are timeless, and very Finn Deal, Oli’s 2-year-old open-ended,� she said. “They give brother, built a large castle and pirate ship ids an opportunity to build and create. That’s out of toddler-friendly DUPLO blocks for what we do, bringing together so many difthe competition. Adorned with such char- ferent people with one thing in common: the acters as Jake the Neverland pirate and the love of building.� Joker from Batman, Finn’s creation placed Oli Deal said he was happy to place befirst in the 2-4 age group. cause he had his eyes on the prize. Sarah Wages, owner and director of “I wanted to win,� he said. “I won a bag. Bricks 4 Kidz in Ruston, said the main goal It felt good.� of the competition was to show off the entrants’ talent. Email comments to “Our purpose was to showcase the cre- csd020@latech.edu.
1IPUP CZ %FWJO %SPOFUU
Oli Deal, age 6, shows off the creation that won him third place in the 5-6 division.
Tech Eco-Car Team turns heads at competition BLAKE BRANCH Staff Reporter The Louisiana Tech Eco-Car team competed at the 2015 Shell American Eco-Marathon April 9-12 in Detroit, drawing the praise of celebrity car enthusiast Jay Leno and earning a second place finish in the UrbanConcept category. In addition to the second place finish, Tech students set the bar for a new category of competition: Compressed Natural “It wasn’t Gas. very pretty, Heath Tims, team leader and an associbut I’m very ate professor of meproud of chanical engineering, what we ac- said the performance was groundbreaking. complished “We were the first with the car to pass inspection and drive on CNG in resources Asia and the given to us.� both Americas,� he said. “There’s quite a bit HANNAH of safety inspections CLARK and technical inspecDriver of CHAMP tions that have to be done in order to prove your vehicle is ready; it was quite a challenge.� Leno personally told Tech’s team the vehicle was the best looking vehicle there and was production ready. Tims said anywhere from 100 to 125 teams compete annually in the fuel economy driven competition.
it,� Clark said. “It’s honestly just the amount of time we put into this.� Clark said she had some nerves when the time came to get behind the wheel of the first CNG vehicle to ever hit the roadways. “It was really exciting, but also really stressful,� she said. “The whole goal was to get it across the finish line whether it was pretty or not. It wasn’t very pretty, but I’m very proud of what we accomplished with the resources given to us.� Seth Anderson, a senior mechanical engineering major, said while the results are exceptional, they are not a surprise. “Honestly, it’s nothing new,� he said. “There’s a lot of groundbreaking stuff going on in the College of Engineering Science.� Tims said part of what 1IPUP CZ "TIMFZ ,PCFS keeps Tech’s engineering stuChamp (left) and the Diesel Dawg (right) rest in front of The Lady of the Mist. Diesel Dog placed secdents on the cusp of innovation ond in the UrbanConcept Diesel category. Champ was the first car that runs on compressed natural is their drive. gas that passed road ready inspection in the Americas. “These results shows the type of students we have here,� he said. “It shows the passion Tech’s team took two cars to this chanical engineering major and driver of year’s Eco-Marathon: “Diesel Dawg,� the “CHAMP,� said the cars’ success at this and the innovation they bring to the table. second-place finisher in UrbanConcept year’s event was due to the hard work the It’s something we’re really proud of.� Diesel category and “CHAMP,� the com- team put in over the past year. pressed natural gas vehicle. “We have several people come up to Email comments to Hannah Clark, a sophomore me- us at competition and ask us how we do mbb029@latech.edu.
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Sigma Kappa sorority hosted a jambalaya fundraiser in Centennial Plaza to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, which is the chapter’s national philanthropy.
Photo by Brennen Lege
Good food for a good cause
Sigma Kappa Sorority hosted a jumbalaya fundraiser to raise money for Alzheimer’s research BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter Jambalaya itself may not be able to save lives, but this month, a Louisiana Tech sorority found a way to use the native Creole dish to serve a humanitarian purpose. Tech’s Sigma Kappa sorority raised money for Alzheimer’s research through the sale of jambalaya, passing out plates in the plaza during lunch hours on April 15. Those who wished to donate bought $5 tickets to reserve their plate of food. In the plaza, students could donate $5 to receive any leftover plates. As a sorority, Sigma Kappa has five philanthropies, and the sisters there said they do as many projects as they can to raise money to support causes such as funding Alzheimer’s research. Katie Lee, a junior biology major, said the sorority’s goal was to raise more money this year than last year. “Last year we raised around $5,000 with our kickball tournament, and so this year we’re trying to up that a little bit,” Lee said. “This year we used pre-sold tickets for jambalaya plates. We are hoping this, along with our kickball tournament, will bring in a lot more money to go toward our foundation. “ Kelsey Wildes, a sophomore marketing major, helped to
organize the event as a means of raising more funds for the sorority’s charity. “We are trying to raise more money, and do it in more areas throughout the community,” Wildes said. “Nobody can say no to jambalaya. It was just a fun time to hang out with my sorority sisters.” Jordon Collis, Sigma Kappa’s president, helped supervise and promote Kappalaya around campus. She also had a hand in preparing the roughly 500 plates needed to supply the jambalaya demand. “We’ve been planning this for months now,” Collis said. “I was up here supervising until about 1 in the morning cutting up all the ingredients for it, and we were lucky enough to have one of our sister’s parents volunteer to cook it today.” For Collis, preparing and even eating jambalaya was a brand new experience. “Well being from Texas, I never even tried jambalaya before,” Collis said. “I didn’t even know it had meat in it, but I love it.” Wildes said the group spent the night before the event cutting up roughly 200 pounds of meat. “At one point, everything was going good, we probably had a hundred plates left,” Wildes said. “But when I leave, I get a
call about five minutes later saying they were running low and needed more.” Wildes said Sigma Kappa, which usually only fundraises in the spring through their Kicking Grass to Cure Alzheimer’s kickball tournament, said the sorority would still be holding the tournament. Instead of doing just one big fundraiser, Collis said they would try to hold four separate ones throughout this year. “Because we have five different philanthropies, Sigma Kappa sends it in as one campaign, which equally disperses the money we raised evenly throughout all five,” Wildes said. “I think maybe later this year, we can do something else, maybe chili in the winter because it’s cold, and it’s what people love around that time.” Although this was the first year introducing this type of fundraiser, Collis said the feedback from students was great. “I think it was great to be on campus, because we reached a lot of individuals in the student body,” Collis said. “With Kicking Grass to Cure Alzheimer’s I feel like we connect well with organizations, but today it felt good for Sigma Kappa’s presence to be on campus, seeing everybody.”
Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.
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FROM THE EDITOR
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The South isn’t just a stereotype
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Sadler
MANAGING AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Cody Sexton
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Kelsy Kershaw
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JOHN SADLER Editor-in-Chief
T
here is a prevailing notion in our society that The South is an awful place to live. Too many people see our region as a cesspool of Klan members and homophobes, “unenlightened” slackjawed idiots who sit on our side of the Mason-Dixon Line and yell obscenities at the “enlightened” North. Since before The Civil War, racism has been the undercurrent of the popular opinion of the South. While the acceptance of racism in the South (and the nation) is getting better, we still have a long, long way to go. Somehow, however, the national view of the South and Southerners has not evolved. Southerners are all still seen as complicit in the casual (and sometimes not so casual) racism that pervades our society. We are guilty by birth, incapable of being decent people because we are “Southern.” And that is a problem.
Dr. Reginald Owens
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W
ith political hopefuls on both sides announcing their candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, lemmings of our deeply-divided society have already begun deciding who they will support. While Democrats treat Hillary Clinton’s return as the Second Coming, Republicans are left to toss a coin between class clown Rand Paul and the rookie from Florida, Marco Rubio. (I’m choosing to ignore Ted Cruz altogether these days.) The two-party system at its finest. I’ll admit at the news of Hillary’s potential presidency, I was elated. Buy why? Is it because I remember hearing her name as a child while I ran around my house dressed as a
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The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 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.
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.
The two-party parody
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The stereotypical view of the rest of the country of the South as irredeemable, filled with nothing but horrid people, is ridiculously condescending, and a good way to ignore the problems in other regions. It also ignores the large African-American population, the gay population, other ethnicities and the people who do not subscribe to discriminatory or prejudiced worldviews who also live in the South. With NYPD officers choking black men to death for selling unlicensed cigarettes, and the entire situation in Ferguson, Missouri not long ago, it’s evident that racism is not only a problem in the Deep South. So, instead of pushing the South aside as the only region infected with racists, how about we take a careful look at the entire nation, and realize there are good (and bad) people everywhere?
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Stereotyping is awful. It’s awful regardless of whether or not it involves racial, religious or regional characteristics. Before I go any further, I’d like to say I’m not equating Southern stereotypes to the racism faced by others in the country. But that’s the thing. Every time I have seen this brought up online the view is that, “Well, now you know how African-Americans feel.” I don’t understand why that is a good thing. Prejudice is something we should be attempting to eradicate completely, not transfer to another group. It’s wrong, always. I don’t have to understand firsthand the experience (and likely I never will) of being discriminated against by skin color to understand that it is inexcusable and unacceptable. I grew up in a rural area and witnessed people who bought into racism and homophobia firsthand. The South is still infected by it, no doubt. But that does not mean all Southerners buy into it.
Power Ranger? I don’t know much about her these days, but I was predisposed to support her because she’s a Democrat leaving the only other alternative (if you want your vote to matter, because honestly who cares about the other guys?) to vote Republican, which I refuse to do. Gay Republicans are an abomination. To the point, I loathe the twoparty system where Americans are forced between the lesser of two evils and often have to sacrifice common sense to stay true to their voter registration status. As a gay liberal arts major, there’s no choice but to be a liberal voter. But what’s worse than having fate dictate who you vote for as the next mascot of our country is when you dare support something not within the realms of your political affiliation. I’m forced to defend my dis-
agreement on a $15 minimum wage and that the wage gap is not as big of deal as it’s played up to be. Then I have to make up for it by reminding people I support cuts in defense spending and gay marriage (a matter of which I have no personal gain as marriage is a ridiculous notion to me all together). The system is flawed with little help for any immediate change, as Americans hate that more than anything else. And rather than fully committing to one side and risk becoming a parody of myself, I prefer to sit on the sidelines and make snarky comments about both teams… while wearing a Power Rangers costume. Cody Sexton is a senior journalism major from Oak Harbor, Washington who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.
BLONDIE KNOWS BEST
We got ourselves a scandal KELSY KERSHAW Features Editor
P
aging gladiators in suits, the FBI needs Olivia Pope to handle their current mess. News sites are deeming it one of the largest forensic scandals in U.S. history. For those of you who may have not heard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has publicly admitted to some very flawed investigating, or testimonies rather. Recently, the organization and the U.S. Justice Department made a statement acknowledging that 26 of 28 examiners in the microscopic hair comparison unit overstated forensic matches, according to NBC News. As of Tuesday, of the 268 trials that the unit participated in, more than 95 percent of them fell victim to these flawed matches. These cases included 32 people who received the death penalty or life in prison, of which 14 have already died. These are people who could have been innocent. Now, these errors from the FBI
don’t exonerate completely the defendants who were convicted, but they do leave room for reasonable doubt and appeal after review. Reviews that the FBI and the Justice Department both vowed to devote their time and energy, too, in an article by NBC News. Both organizations want to ensure affected defendants are notified and proper justice is served. This particular investigation has been underway since 2012. It was said that flawed testimonies could possibly be dated back to the 1970s. At a time of pivotal societal unrest, the publication of this investigation could not have worse timing, or better I suppose. With the injustice of the current police brutality cases, the fight to lessen the wage gap and the fight for gender and marriage equality, we need justice. But now we find out that some of the key players in this justice process cannot be trusted, or need to be double-checked, just to make sure they did not overlook something.
Call me crazy but that does not seem okay. Yes, this investigation is primarily in the hair comparison unit of forensics concerning matches to criminals who have been convicted of murder, rape, etc. But if it happened there, who’s to say it has not happened elsewhere. I understand no one is perfect, but there are some individuals whose job descriptions require them to be as close to perfect as they can be. An examiner in the forensics department for the FBI is one of them. However, the timing of this investigation could be just right. It could pave the road to justice for many. I guess all we can do now is pour ourselves a glass of wine, pop some popcorn, sit back, and watch and hope the federal authorities can “Olivia Pope” this case. Kelsy Kershaw is a senior journalism and FMRS major from Jennings, La. Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.
A cut in education is not the solution Recently Gov. Bobby Jindal has proposed a plan for budget cuts to higher education institutions. These cuts mean the state could face an 82 percent reduction, which would be around $600 million dollars toward state funding to colleges and universities for the next school year. Jindal has proposed certain measures to make sure the cuts to education are not too extreme, but if the legislature does not agree with him, education will still take an enormous hit. His budget for education is coming from money that is not guaranteed, and this is risky and should not be the case when it comes to education. Jindal plans to alleviate these budget cuts by getting money from leftover lottery winnings and other state agency fees. While this budget proposal would have a tremendous impact on the education system, this is not the first news of a rising concern for these institutions. Colleges and universities have already been suffering. More money has been going to TOPS, but this is not due to higher enrollment but because students are having trouble affording school due to the rise in tuition. While tuition is increasing in Louisiana, it is still relatively low compared to other states. Faculty who work for colleges and universities in Louisiana are severely underpaid compared to their southern counterparts. These faculty members receive $16,000 less than the national average and have not had a pay increase since 2008, according to the Louisiana House budget staff. Education is an extremely valuable thing, which should not be overlooked. If passed, this will have a drastic effect on Louisiana because a large amount of the education budget is provided by the state. Because the state legislature has to cut millions of dollars from the budget if they do not reach a compromise, then education will simply suffer the most. The Louisiana state constitution says if there are budget cuts, they must come out of education and healthcare. These budget cuts will be absolutely crippling to higher education in Louisiana. So if this means they simply must cut the education budget, there has to be a reasonable solution without causing Louisiana’s colleges and universities to suffer. They could amend the state constitution to work around this, but this seems to be out of the question for Jindal. For Jindal, education cuts seem to be the only route to go, since he refuses to raise taxes. It seems as if Jindal does not have a solid plan or does not realize the impact these cuts will have on Louisiana. Because education is so valuable, it should be properly funded without this risk factor the budget presents. Education is crucial to Louisiana, national and global life and if funding is cut this will impact citizens on a grand scale. If Jindal wants this state to thrive, funding for education must be taken seriously.
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LSU survey shows citizen opinion of BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter About 1,000 Louisiana citizens answered a survey this year that listed their problems with the state legislature to help give the legislature an idea of what people wanted. The problem is, most of the survey’s results did not make any sense, said Mike Henderson, director for the Public Policy Research Laboratory at Louisiana State University. Henderson made these comments in a presentation titled “What do the people want?” in Wyly Auditorium April 16. Henderson’s speech is based on the 2015 Louisiana Survey he conducted, which dealt with the public’s perception of a wide variety of upcoming legislative issues. “I think the general message is the state government is in a bind and they’re not going to get clear answers from the public,” said Henderson, who conducted the survery. “The public has inconsistent positions, and do not know what they want. That is my interpretation of the poll.” The graphs he showed the audience all had a “I think the gentrend: the majority ofpeoeral message is ple want to make spending and would not mind a the state govern- cuts, tax raise for the rich. ment is in a bind “Even people in upper incomes were saying and they’re not rich people weren’t paygoing to get clear ing enough, but were saythey themselves were answers from the ing paying the right amount,” public.” Henderson said. “Everybody thinks rich means the next richest person and not MIKE HENDERSON themselves. So there is not Director for Public Policy a solution there for the legResearch Laboratory at Louisiana State University islature.” When people were asked where spending cuts needed to be made, they believed welfare and prisons were getting too much of the states budget. In fact, welfare accounted for .5 percent of the states budget, and prisons three percent, according to Henderson’s studies. Education and healthcare combined received the majority of money, which the public said they did not want to cut spending to. Jeremy Mhire, an associate professor of political sci-
Photo by Brennen Lege
Mike Henderson, director for the Public Policy Research Laboratory at Louisiana State University, delivers a presentation to students and faculty in Wyly Auditorium on April 16.
ence, has organized events this year at Tech’s Waggonner Center for Civic Engagement and Public Policy. He said the center wanted at least one, if not more, events, which focused on Louisiana politics, especially the Louisiana legislative session. Mhire, who knew Henderson from their days together in grad school, said giving him a call to speak at Tech was a no-brainer. “I knew he not only conducted this Louisiana survey, but he also gives speeches about it,” he said. “I called him and asked him to give this speech this week, because the legislative session is happening next week.” Aaron Abbott, a senior political science major, was in attendance for the speech, and said he was optimistic
Gender wage gap issue draws differing opinions BLAKE BRANCH Staff Reporter
jor, said the wage gap is a family issue. “I don’t see how this is an issue everyone is not jumping on,” he said. “You April 14 was Equal Pay Day nation- have elected officials like Sen. Vitter and wide, and people across the country Sen. Cassidy who both have wives and stopped to voice their feelings about the daughters. Do they not value them as need for equal pay in the workforce for much as themselves?” men and women. Smith said the issue has no party lines On Louisiana Tech’s campus, mem- either. bers of the American Association of “I don’t think this is a Republican or University Women gathered at Centen- Democrat issue,” he said. “Both sides nial Plaza, setting up a booth have their own numbers, but where students could pick either way the numbers go, it up fact sheets, buy cookies “I don’t think is still not equal. To anyone or cupcakes and share their this is a who would disagree, I would thoughts on the topic. ask them to put themselves in Caroline Hymel, a history Republican a woman’s shoes.” graduate student and presi- or Democrat J. Alan Bennett, who serves dent of the AAUW on Tech’s issue. Both as director of executive MBA campus, said the main goal of program and teaches economthe day was educating fellow sides have ics at Tech, said he opposes students. the idea of a wage gap. their own “We’re here to inform “The truth is the wage gap people about the wage gap numbers, but is overstated,” he said. that exists between men and either way Bennett said these numbers women,” she said. “Louisiana the numbers do not account for what he is actually ranked 51 of all 50 called compensating differenstates plus Washington D.C. in go, it is still tials, such as unpleasant work terms of the gap between men not equal.” environment and a greater risk and women, which is shockof injury. ing.” “It’s like comparing male NICK SMITH According to a study done junior political steel workers with the female by the American Association science/speech secretaries,” he said. “I think of University Women in 2013, communication reasonable people recognize full-time, year-round working major those two people will not earn men age 16 and older make the same pay.” an average of $48,318, while Bennett said some take that as sexwomen of the same specifications make ism, however he does not believe that is $31,865. the case. “Louisiana women make 66 cents to “The question policy makers must ask the dollar compared to our male coun- is why are women not choosing to work terparts,” Hymel said. “Also, in 2013, six in more dangerous, more high-yielding out of 10 women were 200 percent be- occupations,” he said. “I think it simply low the national poverty level, struggling comes down to choice.” to make ends meet.” Nick Smith, a junior political science Email comments to and speech communication double ma- mbb029@latech.edu
about rival schools coming together to share valuable public information. “It’s a great representation of Louisiana working together regardless of which university you come from and wanting the overall good to happen for everyone,” he said. Abbott shared his views of Henderson’s presentaion, putting it mildly. “At times it’s disheartening, especially of the inconsistencies he showed today,” he said. “But we have to look to the future. The future is always bright.”
Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.
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t The Tech Talk t "QSJM DESIGN BY KELSY KERSHAW
Photo by Colin Fontenot
Photo by Brian Blakely
Photo by Colin Fontenot
TOP: Ashton Sistrunk, a graduate student in curriculum and instruction, played with some of the children at the Louisiana Tech Early Childhood Education Center. ABOVE LEFT: Ross Dies, a junior biological science major, puts equipment back in its correct spot in the Jack Talton Exercise Room. ABOVE RIGHT: Amber Jurgensen, a senior English and history double major, helps Jessie Cone, a sophomore business management major, review and edit a writing assignment. BOTTOM: Ross Dies, a junior biological science major, reracks weights during his shift at the Jack Talton Exercise Room.
Photo by Brian Blakely
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JOB$
on-campus
part-time checks with full-time rewards CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter
P
erhaps it is just that bills need paying. Sometimes it might be a desire for career experience. For some, it could be the reward of serving others. Whatever the reason, many students at Louisiana Tech and across the nation turn to parttime jobs to get a little extra out of college life. Finding the right job while in college can sometimes seem daunting. There are many options, but identifying which one would carry the most benefits can be challenging. There are students across campus and Ruston who are working in jobs well suited for their needs. Whether the goal is service, career preparationw or just the money to survive, these student workers each have a story. These stories are just a few examples of the part-time jobs available to students.
A rewarding paycheck Ashton Sistrunk watches through a glass screen as numerous preschoolers romp across the adjoining room, playing with their instructors. The observation room is almost the only area at the Louisiana Tech Early Childhood Education Center where one is not surrounded by playful kids. As part of the Center’s staff, Sistrunk said she works to get the children thinking while they play. “We try to engage the kids and teach them socio-emotional skills by getting them discussing,” she said. “We’ll ask things like, ‘why did you decide to sort the shapes that way?’” As a graduate student majoring in curriculum and instruction, Sistrunk said this job was just the fit she needed. “It’s very practical for my major to get experience here, and it’s even more practical to get it here on campus than at another daycare,” she said. Sistrunk said the job is a good addition to the subject matter of her first degree.
ASHTON SISTRUNK
“My undergraduate experience was with kindergarten through fifth grade, so this job helps me understand the foundational skills that kids need before they reach that level,” she said. Sistrunk watches through the screen as a group of preschoolers tinker away at a building block station. “I love this age,” she said. “They pick up on things so quickly. It’s very rewarding to see their improvement over the course of a year. You leave exhausted, but you know that you made a difference.”
A career-focused paycheck
Amber Jurgensen sits at the front desk of the Louisiana Tech Writing Center, hoping to get some paperwork finished before her next appointment. As a Writing Center tutor, Jurgensen said her job involves equipping students to improve their own writing process. “I encourage students to discover the patterns of error in their writing, helping them to be able to catch their own errors in the future,” said Jurgensen, a senior English and history double major. Jurgensen said her application to the Writing Center came about in an unusual way. “I came to get assistance myself, and the tutors Ross Dies walks the floor of the fitness room at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, racking noticed that I wrote well and that I enjoyed writing,” she said. “They asked if I would consider working weights and repositioning equipment as he goes. there. I realized it would be a Dies, a junior biological sciplace that I would love to work.” ence major, maintains the weight As she fills out reports of the room and assists patrons in their I love this age...You day’s sessions, Jurgensen reexercises as part of his duties on called a unique tutoring opportuthe Lambright fitness staff. He leave exhausted, nity and its rewarding outcome. said the job gives him something but you know that “I remember one international to do, as well as providing for his student who didn’t need writing monetary needs. you made a help, just pronunciation,” she “I support myself, so I have difference. said. “She would come in and just bills to pay,” Dies said. “I also read out loud to us, and we would wanted a job to keep me busy. I ASHTON SISTRUNK help her pronounce the words. It don’t like being idle.” Curriculum and institution was a lot of fun and very helpful Dies said working at the Lamfor her.” graduate student bright fits conveniently into his Jurgensen said she wants to lifestyle. help make writing a more enjoy“I basically already live here,” able experience for students. he said. “I train here twice a day, “I love when students are happy after a session, every day. Plus I just love the facility.” He weaves through the closely-packed stations and I can see that they’ve really learned something occupied by dozens of students, offering assistance new from the Writing Center,” she said. “I can see and ensuring that everything works properly. He that I’ve been able to make a difference and help pauses to lift some barbells that an earlier visitor them feel more confident in their own skills.” forgot to re-rack. “I enjoy working here because it’s an environment that I identify with,” Dies said. “I get to work Email comments to csd020@latech.edu. where I play.”
A survival paycheck
ROSS DIES
AMBER JURGENSEN
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Arts Entertainment The Sigma Kappa sorority, with the help of Sigma Nu, Sigma Pi and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternities, performed a “Full House� skit as members of the Tanner family. The skit included song and dance numbers as the Tanner family channel surfed from their couch.
Photos by Devin Dronett 4PSPSJUJFT BOE GSBUFSOJUJFT EBODFE GPS B DBVTF BU UIF BOOVBM (SFFL 8FFL 4POHGFTU PO "QSJM JO )PXBSE "VEJUPSJVN 7JFXFST FJUIFS QBJE XIJDI XBT EPOBUFE UP .FEDBNQT PG -PVJTJBOB PS UXP DBOOFE HPPET XIJDI XFOU UP $ISJTUJBO $PNNVOJUZ "DUJPO "GUFS EBODJOH UIFJS IFBSUT PVU UIF XPNFO PG 1IJ .V XJUI IFMQ GSPN UIF NFO PG 4JHNB "MQIB &QTJMPO BOE 1J ,BQQB "MQIB XFSF BXBSEFE ĂĽSTU QMBDF
ABOVE: Alpha Chi Omega’s skit involved an “Old School� vs. “New School� basketball game with choreographed halftime shows.
Juwon “JuJu� Park took center stage during one of Phi Mu’s hip-hop dance numbers.
LEFT: From left, Ashton Garner, Emily Avery and Isabella De Soler of Kappa Delta performed a jazz routine during their Songfest skit.
A&E OPINION with Cody Sexton
So what if you die? There’s CGI! Upon its release I was coerced into seeing the latest installment in the “Fast and Furious� franchise titled “Furious 7.� I expressed concern to my captor on the way to the theater that because I had not seen films two through six yet, I would surely be lost in the storyline. I was soon reminded by the excessive action, hot women and hotter cars there was little room left for substance, so I settled in to my Coke ICEE and just waited to see how the filmmakers planned to kill off the character played by the late Paul Walker who died in 2013. It’s incredibly morbid, but I’m not the only one who saw the movie only to inquire about the actor who played Brian O’Conner. However, the death scene never came. Though there were several instances, including a house explosion and a cliff, the filmmakers decided to forgo killing Walker’s character and opted for a reshoot of the film’s ending. The only thing more morbid than my (and others’) obsession with seeing how they killed him off was how they employed CGI to use footage from previous films to include his likeness posthumously. While many viewers marveled through their tears at the advancement in technology that allowed a dead man to appear on screen, I was horrified. It leaves room to wonder if we should have the ability to essentially resurrect someone for the sake of a film. We have seen instances like this already with the holograms of Tupac and Michael Jackson that are used to perform concerts, but what purpose do they serve besides allowing everyone to marvel at technology while being really bummed out? But digital immortality is not for everyone. Before his death, Robin Williams put restrictions on his image for 25 years following his demise. The beloved comedian, known for films like “Mrs. Doubtfire� and “Patch Adams,� filed a deed that said his likeness cannot be used until the year 2039, except by the Windfall Foundation, which is set up in his name. These instances should raise the issue of whether or not celebrities have the rights to their own image and if the public feels too entitled to them. Whether it’s Robin Williams denying his likeness for 25 years or Sia covering her face with a wig while she performs, should celebrities have to take such drastic steps to ensure their natural right to own their identity? Cody Sexton is a senior journalism student from Oak Harbor, Washington, who serves as managing and entertainment editor for the Tech Talk.
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YOGA
JANELLE MONÁE The “Electric Lady” is back with another psychedelic tune. Off of her upcoming EP, “The Eephus,” “Yoga” has a more sexual feel than Janelle Monáe’s previous work. Featuring newcomer Jidenna, “Yoga” is a new sound for the young artist. With it’s catchy chorus, namaste listening to this.
Photo courtesy of hotnewhiphop.com
Tyler branches out to create a new sound JOHN SADLER Editor-in-Chief
Courtesy of thrillerthanmost.com
U MAD?
VIC MENSA (FT. KANYE WEST) Chicago rapper Vic Mensa is breaking out onto the scene and it’s all thanks to Kanye West, who Mensa’s new song features. Though Mensa’s previous work is relatively mediocre, his recent collaborations with West (including West’s song “Wolves”) have resulted in praise for the young artist.
Courtesy of universityprimetime.com
KINDRED
PASSION PIT With Passion Pit’s third LP, lead singer Michael Angelakos employs the band’s trademark synth-pop sound to tell new stories about his life. Angelakos recently opened up about his issues with mental illness and the album focuses on the positivity in his life to combat his troubles.
Courtesy of YouTube
BAD INTENTIONS NIYKEE HEATON
YouTube can either be a blessing or a curse when it comes to helping artists reach fame. In the case of Niykee Heaton, feel very blessed. The 19-year-old singer started with acoustic covers to rap songs like Chief Keef’s “Love Sosa” and now her new EP proves she’s more than just a pretty face.
It’s been a minute since I’ve listened to Tyler, The Creator. “Wolf,” his third album, did not hold a lot of replay value for me, except for two or three standout songs. While “Wolf ” was an effort from Tyler to distance himself from the edgy, violent persona on display in “Bastard” and “Goblin,” it really stayed wrapped up in personal issues. There’s only so many times you can make a song about your absent parent before it isn’t interesting anymore (I’m looking at you, Eminem). Nonetheless, I was pretty excited to listen to “Cherry Bomb.” Tyler is wrapped up in a ton of nostalgia for me, so I had to see if he had changed up enough to keep me interested. He did, for the most part. The album veers away from hip-hop sometimes (occasionally abandoning it completely) and goes into serious punk rock territory. The album opener, “Deathcamp,” sounds like somebody is playing a N*E*R*D song through broken speakers. The song grabs your attention and holds up over multiple plays, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Odd Future Records
Cherry Bomb Tyler, the Creator HHHHI Tyler has always been open about how big of an influence N*E*R*D was on him, but this seems like it is getting really close to recycling ideas. “Deathcamp” is a little bit more than inspired and a little bit less than plagiarized. The punk inspiration holds through for the first half of the album (see standout tracks “Buffalo” and “Pilot). “Find Your Wings” is one of the weird, low-key interludes Tyler is fond of (see “Treehome95” from “Wolf ”) and that I positively cannot stand. It feels like filler and screws up the flow something awful.
The titular “Cherry Bomb,” however, is the best song Tyler has released in years. There is very, very little traditional hip-hop present in this track. It’s Death Grips-lite, a step above “Yeezus” in distortive ridiculousness (Tyler even screams, “I am a god”). I love it. It makes me want to punch something. The second half of the album is very, very hit-and-miss. “2seater” is weak and “F*****g Young / Perfect” was a strange pick for the album’s lead single. “Smuckers,” though, salvages that back half of the album in a big way, featuring killer verses from Tyler, Kanye and Lil Wayne. Tyler holds his own, though. His furious spitting puts him on the same level (at least in this song) as two seasoned veterans of the game. It’s great to hear the three throw lines back and forth. “Keep Da O’s” has a Pharrell feature, and that’s honestly the best I can say about it. The N*E*R*D influence has been confirmed and blessed with the frontman’s presence. The album’s highs are almost astronomical, but its lows are similarly extreme. Tyler has yet to craft an album that I enjoy listening to all the way through, but he has made some songs that will be permanently in my rotation.
Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.
Young Thug plays it safe on his new record JOHN SADLER Editor-in-Chief Young Thug is the crown prince of weird. He’s famous for his ridiculous and catchy choruses (“I’m a stoner, I’m a stoner, I’m a stoner”), his propensity for wearing women’s clothing and his mushmouth style of rapping (seriously, it took me so long to understand “Lifestyle”). So when he announced his debut studio album (later changed to just a digital album) would be called “Tha Carter VI,” nobody was surprised. With the recent fallout between Cash Money Records and Lil Wayne, however, whatever goodwill existed between Wayne and the homage to his successful “Carter” series there was evaporated. Wayne sued. Thug had to change the name. He’s a blood. “Carter VI” became “Barter VI” because, y’know, Bloods hate Crips and, by extension, the letter C. Problem solved. It’s that kind of rapid-fire decision making that’s allowed Thug to release music at the rate he does. Mixtapes and digital albums flow out of him at an
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Barter 6 Young Thug HHIII Photo courtesy of bet.com
Young Thug’s latest album, “Barter 6,” failed to be innovative. astonishing rate. He’s a lean-addled prodigy. This does not always mean his projects are infallible, though. Thug is very firmly entrenched as a singles rapper. There has yet to be a solo project that he has released that’s been fully cohesive to me (aside from his work with Rich Gang). “Barter 6” doesn’t change that, but it’s still pretty good. “Can’t Tell” is an early standout. Featuring T.I. and Boosie BadAzz, the song is ridiculous and fun as hell. “Never Had It” follows the same formula. Featuring Young Dolph, whose rap skills are tenuous at best (Thugger, that’s my
motherf***ing brother from a mother***ing ‘nother), the song is ridiculous and fun as hell. In fact, all of these songs are ridiculous and fun as hell. But that’s the problem. They’re all pretty good (“Halftime” and “OD,” especially), but there are very few new things on this tape. The creative energy on last year’s singles “Stoner” and “Danny Glover” is not on display here, and I sincerely doubt any of these songs will reach that level. It is not bad, by any means. It’s a solid album (Mixtape? Nobody is really sure), and it’s worth a listen or two before you can cut it down to the two or three songs you want to continue hearing.
That’s the other problem with a work ethic that lets you release about 7 million songs a year. It saturates the market. Weirdness is not so weird when it’s everywhere. And make no mistake, Thugger is weird. And he’s given us something different just by making a project (just by existing, honestly). It’s not different enough, though. The songs run together; it’s the same Thugger we’ve been getting. I wanted something crazy from the crown prince of weird, and I didn’t really get it.
Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.
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Distractions WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 – April 19 Being married to someone for many years takes work, Aries. No one said it was going to be easy. Hollywood promotes a fantasyland that can make your life look drab and boring by comparison. Realize that your life can be good and interesting, too - reality is even better than the movie version. Today is a good day to prepare for future growth. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Today is a great day to make your big move, Taurus. If there’s something in the love and romance department that you feel you need to act on, this is the day to do it. It’s now or never. Approach all situations in a practical, caring manner. Plow forward with confidence and don’t look back. Indulge in those things that give you pleasure. Get a massage or take a bubble bath tonight. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Take your focus off you and concentrate on someone else for a day, Gemini. This doesn’t mean focusing so the person will stop and pay attention to you. It doesn’t mean getting their attention so that you have someone who will listen to you talk. Get someone’s attention because you really want to hear what he or she has to say. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 It might take an extra few minutes to get out of bed today, Cancer, but it will be worth it when you do. You will find that the more honest you’ve been with people, the more payoffs you will receive. Being dependable and trustworthy are key issues to focus on. Act strong and proud with regard to who you are and the rewards will come. Bring a certain amount of tenderness to all your actions. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Don’t try to fit into a mold you simply don’t belong in, Leo. You may have gone through a major transformation lately in which you went from being a square peg to a round peg. Other people might still be trying to push you into the square hole. Don’t let them. Let people know that it upsets you not to be treated the way you want to be treated. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 There may be subtle messages in people’s words today that you need to attend to, Virgo. Other people could be trying to send you hints in order to push your buttons. Confront them on this behavior. Don’t ignore the subtleties in their voices. Tender, loving messages may
be laced with thorns intended to provoke you. Don’t let this action go unnoticed. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Don’t keep playing along with the games if you no longer want to repeat the same drama, Libra. By placing yourself in a victim role, you’re opening yourself up to manipulation and control by others. To stop the repetitive pattern, it’s crucial for you to stand up and recognize that you have an important part in the healing process. Recognize that you have the power and courage to change. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Today is excellent for you, Scorpio. You should be encouraged to take action in any artistic realm. Cook a scrumptious dinner and share it with a loved one. Give your heart a chance to speak and act on what it says. Your feminine and masculine sides are on the same page now. Take the opportunity to balance these two aspects. You’re a magnet for love and romance. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Go weed the garden, Sagittarius. If you don’t have a garden, start one. It’s important for you to get into the Earth today, so roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Feeling a connection with the ground is an important step in manifesting your dreams. Buy some seeds, fertilizer, and a watering can. This is a great day to create a nurturing environment in which a seed can grow. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 There’s great opportunity for romance today, Capricorn. Love the people you’re with, but don’t smother them. The more you loosen your grip on a situation, the more you will gain control of it. Cutting chains to the past is the first step in moving forward toward a goal. You might not realize how much a past situation holds you back until you make the effort to release it. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 The active and receptive natures of your being are coming together, Aquarius. There’s a balance between these two aspects. You’re able to attract the prosperity and love you desire by the way in which you handle yourself around others. Today is about the equilibrium between give and take. Make sure there’s a healthy balance between you and your loved ones.
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LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Today is a fantastic day for you. Your sensual, caring nature will be appreciated, Pisces. Whether you actively pursue it or sit back and relax, you will receive the love and good fortune you desire. Your creativity is also at a peak during this time. You should take advantage of this energy and actively use your talent to create something beautiful and meaningful.
WEEKLYWEATHER
www.accuweather.com
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 76 LOW 62
HIGH 76 LOW 69
HIGH 93 LOW 60
HIGH 94 LOW 66
HIGH 81 LOW 61
HIGH 78 LOW 52
HIGH 81 LOW 57
SUDOKUPUZZLE
www.sudoku-puzzles.net
Difficulty MEDIUM Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
Sudoku Puzzle - Medium
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION Sudoku Solution - Easy
HONEYCUTT from pg. 1
>
“Clarke Williams proved that David could beat Goliath, and do it the right way,� Honeycutt said. Many business students filled seats in Wyly Auditorium during the presentation. Spencer Clark, a senior business management major, said he was impressed Williams’ had become so successful without compromising his beliefs. “I liked that he didn’t change for anybody,� he said. “He stayed true to himself.� President Les
Guice said he thought Williams’ story could show Tech students they could succeed even if the odds seem to be stacked against them. “Even when things did not fall into place immediately, he didn’t let anything stop him from achieving his goals,� Guice said. “He was ambitious; I think if students take anything away from today’s presentation it would be that he always kept going. You can’t stop.�
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SPRING ISSUE /// COMING SOON
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W&NBRIEFS
Child beggars rampant in Senegal
WORLDNEWS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Imprisoned Ukraine pilots mother seeks international help UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The mother of a Ukrainian helicopter pilot imprisoned in Russia is on a global campaign seeking support from world leaders to pressure President Vladimir Putin to free her daughter.
Al-Shabab bombs UN van in Somalia, our workers killed MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Islamic extremists set off a bomb in a U.N. van in normally tranquil northern Somalia on Monday, killing at least seven people, including four employees of the U.N. children’s agency in an attack that was widely denounced.
Blue Bell Creamery issues recall of all ice cream products BRENHAM, Texas (AP) — Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries issued a voluntary recall Monday night for all of its products on the market after two samples of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream tested positive for listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria.
STATENEWS Michelle Obama honors work for housing veterans NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans’ success in moving homeless veterans off the streets and into housing is an example and challenge for the nation, first lady Michelle Obama said Monday.
Pelicans coach: Warriors arena might be too loud OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — New Orleans Pelicans coach Monty Williams stirred up fans in the Bay Area before Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, saying the decibel level at Oracle Arena might be illegal.
Vitter brings in more $1.1M for governor’s upcoming campaign BATON ROUGE (AP) — U.S. Sen. David Vitter continues to draw hefty sums for his campaign to be Louisiana’s next governor. His campaign said Monday the Republican senator brought in $1.1 million so far this year, boosting his fundraising total to $5.2 million.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Twelve-year-old Youssuf and 7-year-old Mamadou start their day at 5 a.m. walking from a Dakar, Senegal suburb into the city to beg for money. The older boy must come back with 700 CFA ($1) and the younger 500CFA ($0.80), or they may get beaten. They then must go beg for food. “We have no choice,” said Youssuf who was sent by his family from GuineaBissau to study the Quran at a school known as a Daaras. Human Rights Watch and a coalition of 40 organizations in Senegal, known as the Platform for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, are calling on the government and police to enforce laws adopted nearly a decade ago that prohibit forcing children to beg. More must be done to make sure abusive schools are held accountable, the groups said in a report Monday. “Police can’t just stand by,” said Corrine Dufka, West Africa regional director for Human Rights Watch. A 2014 government census of Quranic schools found over 30,000 boys subjected to forced begging for food and money
AP Photo/Jane Hahn
Wounds on a Talibe student’s knees as conditions at his local school, called a Daaras, are not sanitary, creating health risks to him and other students, in Guediawayes. in Dakar, the report said. The children live in poor conditions, at least seven have been killed since February 2014, according to social workers and child rights advocates who spoke with Human Rights Watch. Many have open wounds on their knees, feet, live in unsanitary conditions and reported beatings to the
rights group. Senegal has prosecuted only a handful of cases involving children who are trafficked and forced to beg like this despite the 2005 law outlawing the practice, the groups said. “The message government is sending, by its failure to investigate and prosecute the people behind
FBI chief ’s Holocaust remarks towards the Poles causes issues ASSOCIATED PRESS WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Obama did it, now the FBI director has done it, and each time it has caused huge offense to a U.S. ally: using language to suggest that Poles were accomplices in the Holocaust. Poles were waiting to see if FBI director James Comey would issue an apology — something that hadn’t happened by late Monday. Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna said he expected him to say sorry so the matter can be settled. Comey said last week, “In their minds, the murderers and accomplices of Germany, and Poland, and Hungary, and so many, many other places didn’t do something evil. “They convinced themselves it was the right thing to do, the thing they had
AP Photo/Alik Keplicz,File
A person walks near the entrance to the former Nazi Death Camp complex of Auschwitz with the “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work Sets you Free) writing above. to do. That’s what people do. And that should truly frighten us.” Comey’s comments are particularly offensive to Poles not only because they had no role in running Auschwitz and other death
camps where Jews were murdered during World War II, but because they were themselves victims of the Third Reich. In all, 6 million Polish citizens were killed during the war.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A spokesman for a Muslim couple in Alabama says their 20-yearold daughter fled a Birmingham suburb to join ISIS militants in Syria after
being recruited on the Internet. Attorney Hassan Shibly spoke at a Birmingham mosque on Monday on behalf of the parents of the young woman, whom he identified only as Hoda. Shibly said Hoda left
in November after being “brainwashed” for an undetermined length of time. The spokesman added Hoda’s family has been in contact with U.S. law enforcement and government officials since she disappeared.
use religious education as a cover for economic exploitation of the children in their charge,” with no fear or prosecution. The government should remove children from the schools that exploit and abuse, and the National Assembly should pass a draft law regulating Quranic schools, the groups said.
Chemistry Ph.D student illustrates thesis through her own comic book ASSOCIATED PRESS
Family spokesman: Alabama woman leaves hometown to join ISIS in Syria ASSOCIATED PRESS
these abuses, is that the lives of these children are not worth protecting,” said coalition head Mamadou Wane. There is a tradition of sending children to learn the Quran at boarding schools. The groups said many of the schools are legitimate, but that “thousands of so-called teachers
sions, it was on the back of an envelope or on a MADISON, Wis. (AP) napkin that she doodled — Late last spring, a doc- sketches of the chemitoral student worked late cal bonds to better show into the night. As she doo- her parents what she was dled, her chemistry thesis working on in the lab. Jody took on a life of its own, Berns, Veronica’s mother, transforming into a comic said their family has a hisbook. tory of doodling and has Veronica Berns, 28, shared comics for years. was working on her Ph. D. Berns surprised her in chemistry at the Univer- family with her comic sity of Wisconsin -Madi- book “Atomic Size Matson. ters” at her graduation last Berns said year. The book she long strugdepicts cargled to explain toons of Berns her work to her wearing various parents and costumes and friends. The uses humor as self-described well as simple comic book fan comparisons to said she began describe elabodrafting her rate chemistry. thesis on qua“We’re just sicrystals — a really proud subset of crysthat she can tals that diverge take something BERNS from the usual so complex and structural charput it into a fun acteristics of crystals. visual explanation that evBerns quickly con- eryone can enjoy,” Jody cluded that she would be Berns said. best able to describe the Veronica Berns’ prooddball compounds with fessor Danny Fredrickson illustrations. said Berns was the first of “They’re not very his students to construct well-polished illustrations. her thesis in an artistic That’s on purpose,” Berns way. said. “I wanted it to be like He said often it is difI’m explaining on the back ficult for scientists to exof an envelope.” plain what they do with And on many occa- proper context.
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FROM THE SPORTS DESK with Jared King
Watts electrifies with late TD catch
Barmore is bar none
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Quarterback Jeff Driskel led his squad down the field late in the fourth quarter before throwing a game-winning touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Marlon Watts, who came down with a tremendous catch as Team Bulldogs defeated Team LA Tech 35-34 in Saturday’s Spring Game. ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter On a soggy Saturday afternoon in Ruston, the Louisiana Tech football team played a thriller of a spring game. The team was separated into two units for the intra-squad scrimmage: Team Bulldogs and Team LA Tech. Team Bulldogs went ahead in the last minute to beat Team LA Tech in a come-from-behind victory, 35 to 34. All eyes continue to be on the quarterback competition this spring. Jeff Driskel and Ryan Higgins are the main two competitors while redshirt freshman Price Wilson continues to sit back and learn, awaiting his turn in the foreseeable future. Head coach Skip Holtz and his staff were finally able to see how the quarterbacks would compete against each other in a true game-day environment in front of the fans. Driskel, a senior transfer from the University of Florida and favorite to
start the season, finished the game 22-for-40 for 269 yards and four touchdowns and three interceptions. Despite the turnovers, Driskel showed composure as he led Team Bulldogs to the comeback win, orchestrating a 59-yard drive in the last 1:15 of the game. Driskel capped off the game winning drive with a touchdown pass to Marcus Gaines and a two-point conversion pass to Sanford Seay. Holtz said he understands what caused Driskel’s interceptions and is not worried about the turnovers. “The first one was a Hail Mary, he just wanted to see how far he could throw it,” Holtz said. “I am not really worried about that one. The other one was a fourth down call where he had to throw it; that one I can deal with. The (last) one I thought he forced the ball on when it started raining at the beginning of the third quarter.” Driskel said he was pleased by his performance, though the last in-
terception bothered him. “Overall, I think I had a good day,” Driskel said. “I (threw) the ball accurately and (made) good decisions, but I would like to have the one (interception) back that I threw into double coverage downfield.” Driskel said the last drive was the icing on the cake to a great spring game. “That (game-winning drive) was a good situation to be put in, a twominute drill,” Driskel said. “In the spring, you are running plays not as much situationally so we were able to be put in that situation. We came out and scored and we went for two. That was fun. We came out with a win for the blue team.” Higgins, a junior and the biggest competition to Driskel, played well, as he went 18-for-26 for 214 yards and a touchdown, throwing no interceptions. Higgins helped lead Team LA Tech to 17 unanswered points to take the lead in the second half. Higgins said he was happy about
his performance in the game. “I think I did very well,” Higgins said. “I think offensively we did really well and it was a really exciting game, a lot more exciting than last year.” Holtz said the three quarterbacks are impressive, each as deserving as the next. “All three are very capable,” Holtz said. “I think Ryan Higgins has had a great spring. We have talked about that. Jeff has done a very nice job of coming in and picking it up. Price gets better every day. He just keeps maturing and growing. I feel really good about all three and I think they all will be quarterbacks. They will all have their day out there in that stadium.” For more on Tech athletics, follow the Tech Talk Sports Desk’s Twitter page at twitter.com/techtalksports.
Email comments to amh072@latech.edu.
Tech’s Lange looks to lead team to NCAA Regionals ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter lar.
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Junior Victor Lange is ranked No. 72 nationally and is the highest ranked C-USA golfer in the country.
Golf and basketball are simi-
No, not in the sense of how the two sports are played; in that case the two are as alike as the size of the balls they use. However, for the Louisiana Tech golf team, the two are similar because they, like collegiate basketball teams, share the same philosophy: win their conference and they are in the “big dance,” or in this case for golf: the NCAA Regionals. Tech golf has not been a powerhouse this year; however, the Bulldogs did win the Memphis Intercollegiate in mid-September. Ben Robinson, a junior golfer at Tech, said the win was a memorable one for his teammates and first-year coach Jeff Jenkins. “We got our first win during my time at Tech,” Robinson said. “One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to win a match and we accomplished that.” Robinson said he and his teammates can make up for their inconsistent play by turning it up in the Conference USA Tournament in Texarkana starting Sunday. “We are beginning to play
quite well and we are feeling confident,” Robinson said. “We were inconsistent this year and it hurt us, but now we feel great and will be ready.” Robinson said all that matters is winning the conference, for the sake of keeping their season alive. “To get to regionals we must win our conference tournament,” Robinson said. “Since we did not finish in the top 60 this season, that is what must be done. It is similar to the NCAA tournament in college basketball where we win and ‘we are in.’” In order to reach their goal of making the NCAA Regionals, Tech’s golf team must ride the coattails of their most acclaimed player, Victor Lange. Lange, a junior, recorded a 71.27 average this season, breaking his own record of 72.8 from last year. Lange’s current average is tied with the Louisiana collegiate record for a seasonlow average held by professional golfer and LSU alumni, David Toms. Last year, Lange became the first Tech player to receive a bid to the NCAA Regionals. Lange said his success this season can be credited to his change in work ethic. “I have made some lifestyle changes this season,” Lange said. “I have a more structured
lifestyle, which has helped me. Also, I have changed my practice routines slightly, which has led to a more focused practice. This gives me time to get more quality practices in rather than quantity.” This year’s conference tournament will be much more different than previous years. C-USA will become the first NCAA DI conference to include match play as part of its men’s golf league championship. CUSA schools will play 54 holes of stroke play with the top four teams advancing to a four-team seeded match play playoff. Lange said though the new format is different it can be rather advantageous; the idea of he and his teammates making it far does not seem as far-fetched. “There is not really that big of a difference between first and fourth place,” Lange said. “Now teams must focus on getting into the top four. Once that is done, you head into match play where it is anybody’s game, basically.” Lange said he and his teammate are not intimidated by the CUSA Tournament. “It is just another tournament and we will approach it as just another tournament,” Lange said.
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e reached 20 straight NCAA Tournaments, nine Final Fours — including eight in a row — and five national championship games, winning one. He spent 20 seasons as the head coach or assistant head coach, never suffered a losing season and won 30 or more games in 13 seasons. He was the fastest coach in NCAA history to reach 450 victories and finished his career with the second best winning percentage in basketball history with a career record of 576-87 (.869). Who is he? His name is Leon Barmore, you may or may not have noticed the one banner bearing his name inside the Thomas Assembly Center. Barmore put Louisiana Tech athletics on the map. Without the success he and the Lady Techsters had, Tech would be known for relatively little in the world of collegiate athletics. But because of Barmore’s success, Tech is known as having the third-best all-time winning percentage of any NCAA Division I program — men’s or women’s. Tech is known as being one of only two NCAA women’s basketball programs to win at least 1,000 games. Tech is known as having made 27 appearances in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, which is the fourth most NCAA Tournament appearances in the nation. Despite all of these accolades, Barmore does not have his name on the TAC despite his teams being nearly unbeatable at home. The Lady Techsters boast the thirdhighest home winning percentage in NCAA women’s basketball and are a perfect 36-0 in NCAA Tournament games held inside the arena. Barmore’s name is not on the court either. That honor belongs to NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone, the men’s basketball team’s most successful alumni. Barmore does not have a street named after him either. That honor belongs to Tech’s longest tenured university president Dan Reneau. Barmore dedicated 35 years of his life to coaching the Lady Techsters; he is a member of the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Next time you enter the TAC look up toward the rafters and try to take notice of the one banner honoring Barmore and take a moment to understand how impactful his success was. Jared King is a senior journalism major from Jena who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.