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Brakeville elected for second term CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter Good things come in pairs. At least Louisiana Tech student voters seemed to think so, voting current Student Government Association president Maggie Brakeville back into office for a second term. Brakeville, a senior agriculture business major, became the first two-term SGA president since 2002, when Ryan Kilpatrick was reelected. “It is an honor to be selected to serve,� she said. “I was so excited during the election and felt so much love from the students.� One such student is Rachel Minter, a sophomore communication major, who voted for Brakeville’s reelection. She said the current situation with the state higher edu-
cation budget cuts factored into her voting really going to push next year, getting the decision. student voice instead of just the SGA voice.� “President is really best as a two-year job, Brakeville indeed said she aims to proespecially right now,� she said. “With the mote student involvement. budget cuts and everything go“The best way for students to ing on, Maggie has spent the last bring about changes is by talking year learning about it and building to their student representatives,� up her case. Now it’s time to use she said. “Each class and departeverything she’s built up, instead ment has senators who propose of letting someone else start over bills. They are open to new ideas from scratch.� and love feedback from the student Minter said she also has conbody.� fidence Brakeville will be able to Another selling point of Brakevclose the gap between SGA and ille is her experience, Minter said. the student body. She has served four years on SGA BRAKEVILLE “SGA has come off with a steand sits on the State Board of Rereotype of being elite,� she said. gents. “Maggie has really helped beat Karen Rispone, a junior nanothat stereotype. I think that’s something she’s systems engineering major, said she voted
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for Brakeville mainly because of that experience. “Since she serves on the Board of Regents, she seems most able to get Tech’s name on the map and communicate our goals,� Rispone said. “With all her experience, I felt she was the best choice to represent the student body.� Brakeville said her origins with SGA came from a drive to make things better. “I got involved with SGA my first quarter because I wanted to help students,� she said. “This role is important to me because I can help improve the lives of students across campus as well as share my story throughout the whole Tech family.�
Email comments to csd020@latech.edu.
Small Business Administration brings grants tour to Tech MICHAEL HOGE Staff Reporter
Newk’s Eatery gets Ruston location Lincoln Parish will be getting its own branch of the chain restaurant Newk’s Eatery. The restaurant, which opens in the beginning of 4FQUFNCFS IBE JUT HSPVOECSFBLJOH DFSFNPOZ .POEBZ -PDBUFE BU 4PVUI 7JFOOB 4USFFU UIF CVTJOFTT JT FYQFDUFE UP CSJOH OFX jobs to the Ruston area.
The U.S. Small Business Administration visited Louisiana Tech as part of their Small Business Innovation Research road tour for innovators and entrepreneurs to learn about financial grants for small businesses. “The goal of our outreach is to get more high-tech and new startup firms that are in the technology area to be more aware of the federal SBIR program,� said John Williams, director of innovation for the SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. The goal of SBIR, or Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer program, is to educate on the opportunities to receive federal grant money totaling $2.5 billion dollars available for a wide variety of technology fields, he said. Williams said, “There are 11 agencies in the government participating in the program and my role is to make sure they follow the policy of the legislation.� The federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of the Navy, use representatives as outreach to underrepresented states, minority owned and women owned companies for increasing the number of new applicants, said Williams.
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Students go abroad for the summer BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter
Joshua Pate, a sophomore biology and Spanish major, Cloud Gate at Millennial Park and maybe a Cubs game said this is his first time studying abroad, but if she is lucky. not his first time to travel abroad. “My brother and a lot of other friends Study-abroad programs in college are one of the op“When I get to Madrid, I would like to exwent last year on this trip, all to different citportunities students can take advantage of to travel the plore the city, try new foods, immerse myself ies, and came back with a changed perspecworld while earning their degree. in the culture and checkout local landmarks tive of missions and living on mission,� Cook Paul Nelson said Louisiana Tech has a long tradition and museums,� Pate said. “Since this isn’t my said. “I am looking forward to experiencing of study-abroad programs. Nelson, an assistant profes- first time to travel, I’m not very anxious or and growing throughout this six week trip.� sor of modern languages, said 13 students this year are nervous; I’m more excited to get there and According to the New York Times, in headed to Madrid, Spain, from May 28 to June 25. experience everything. I would like to come 2014 fewer than one in 10 American college “As a foreign language teacher, I know back with a better knowlstudents graduate with study-abroad experigetting abroad and immersed in another i* EPO U XBOU edge of Spanish and underence. culture is the best way to learn another standing of Spanish culture.� “Despite the inevitable increasing global language,� Nelson said. “It is also the QFPQMF UP UIJOL Similar to Joshua, Jennicompetition for jobs, American graduates best way of understanding another culfer Cook said she has made lack the international experience, language ture from within that culture. Tech Ma- UIBU XF BSF UIFSF plans to travel this summer. capabilities and cross-cultural communicadrid gives me the opportunity to provide However, Cook, a sophotion skills necessary to succeed in the global PATE UP KVEHF UIFN BOE more elementary education such an experience to our students.� economy,� wrote Allan E. Goodman. “With Nelson said most of Tech’s study DPOEFNO UIFN major, said she is not headed only about 10 percent of students studying abroad programs are funded totally by to Madrid, but Chicago, on abroad at some point in their academic cathe students. The program fee they pay 8F BSF HPJOH UIFSF a mission trip for the local reer, we have a long way to go.� covers the airfare, cost of the language Temple Baptist Church. In 2014, Matt Symonds wrote an article academy, housing, tours, etc. The Span- UP IFMQ PVU w Cook said she would be in in Forbes Magazine about making the most ish language study-abroad programs run a group tasked with spreadout of one’s investment in college education. every other summer, one year in Costa JENNIFER COOK ing God’s love throughout They argued from first degree to top drawRica, one year in Madrid. Chicago. er MBA program, students need to study sophomore elementary “Madrid is to the Hispanic world education student “My goals for this trip is abroad more. what London is to the English-speaking to get to know the commu“Heads of HR at major corporations world,� Nelson said. “It is a major center nity and make an impact regularly complain about the lack of truly of world culture, banking and politics.� with the people there,� Cook said. “I don’t international talent, and urge universities While Tech’s program is set up as a language immer- want people to think that we are just there and business schools to develop it,� said sion program, Nelson said it also serves as a culture and to judge them and condemn them. We are Symonds. “Education providers of all types history course for the students. They get to see many going there to help out churches that are just have responded with a wide range of partner of the world’s most famous works of art, and walk the starting out and work with them to reach out programs, study trips and internships.� NELSON streets where many events that shapedworld history have to their communities.� taken place. He said the students come away, too, with Cook said she still wants to end up seeknowledge of what living in another country is like. ing a few popular sights in Chicago, like the Skydeck, the &NBJM DPNNFOUT UP CTM !MBUFDI FEV
At 68, Tech alum starts a law career RACHEL MAXWELL Staff Reporter
is using his free time to take trips back home to Louisiana. One such trip led him back to Tech’s campus, where he said he had many The average college student changes his fond memories. or her major three times. Bill Ward changed “If I had to make the choice again, I think his mind three times, too; it just took him a I would opt for Tech,� Ward said. little longer than most. After 50 years and During his return visit, Ward showed three career changes, Ward returned to Tech his appreciation to the people who he said to visit the campus where he started. helped him through his career transitions. In the summer of 1964, Ward came to “I went to the Registrar’s office to thank Louisiana Tech University to begin his en- them for the great support they had given gineering education. However, by the end me over the years in their prompt and comof 1965, he had left Tech to attend United petent response to transcript requests over States Military Academy at the years, most recently for the West Point, which launched his i* BN BMXBZT Georgia Bar Admissions Of20-year Army career, where he fice,� he said. served as an officer. FYDJUFE BCPVU He also reminisced about “Luckily I finished my engithe late Jimmie Howard Reynneering degree,� he said. “Be- UIF JEFB PG olds with Lawrence Gibbs, ascause after I retired from the MFBSOJOH TPNFsistant director of bands, and military, those were the only observed the changes around UIJOH * EJEO U jobs I could find.� campus. Ward then began his career LOPX CFGPSFw “I still recognize landmark as an engineer, working mostly buildings like Bogard Hall, in Columbus, Georgia. and one of the dorms I lived “I did engineering work for BILL WARD in, Mitchell Hall, when I was about 20 years,� he said. “In Tech alumnus here in 1964,� he said. “The December of 2010, I found old Hale Hall dorm that I lived myself on nobody’s payroll, in during the fall of 1964 has virtually debt-free, and with a lot of time on been torn down and replaced by Hale Hall my hands.� admissions building.� So, at 64 years old, Ward decided to purFor the students attending Tech half a sue a lifelong dream of his. century after him, Ward has one piece of “I contacted Mercer University to see if advice. it was even remotely feasible for someone “I am always excited about the idea of my age to enroll, and they said yes, that they learning something I didn’t know before,� had unconventional students all the time,� he he said. “Approach education as a life-long said. learning process; you’re never done, you’re Currently awaiting his results on the bar never at an end.� exam, Ward hopes to work for a law firm practicing elder law. &NBJM DPNNFOUT UP Until he receives his scores, Ward said he SBN !MBUFDI FEV
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Preregistration for classes begins MICHAEL HOGE Staff Reporter The beginning of May signals not only the advent of summer but a quarterly ritual at Louisiana Tech of preregistration for summer and fall classes. “If we didn’t do preregistration, it would most likely occur during quarter break,” said Josh Chovanec, associate registrar at Tech. He said preregistration is beneficial because it allows students to register for classes while still in the midst of campus life routine. “Students are usually home during break. If they’re at home they may not be thinking about what may need to be done here,” Chovanec said. Without preregistration of classes during the quarter, there would be a free-for-all during the quarter break resulting in havoc for everyone, especially for students with more hours, he said. Chovanec said the students who have been at Tech the longest get the first choice of classes because they often have a greater need of required classes in order to graduate. “If you know you can complete registration during preregistration before the last day of classes, because that’s when the first purge usually is,” he said. “All a student has to do is show up the next quarter.” All students must confirm their classes in order to avoid being purged, as well as students receiving credit from the office of financial aid, Chovanec said. Emilia Neinert, a freshman theater major, said she registers as soon as freshmen are allowed to do so. “I don’t procrastinate,” she said.
Photo by Ashley Kober
Alphonse Coco, a junior biology major, gets help from Sarah Evans, a junior secondary math education, with getting released for certain classes. scripts. “For our office, our only hold is past due balance. Registrars have their own holds; there could be a judicial affairs hold for some kind of discipline reason, biology lab fees, and traffic tickets are another big one,” he said. Williams said holds because of past due balance, lab fees and traf-
“I get it done when I first can do it.” Chovanec said by completing everything, a student only has to worry about classes and not about such things such as meals or holds. Zach Williams, a bursar with the office of the comptroller, said holds on a student prevents him or her from registering for the next quarter or receiving official tran-
fic tickets are the most common he has seen. He said a hold will not cause a student to be kicked out of the university; it merely prevents them from registering for the next quarter. “To register, they would have to take care of their hold and wait until the next quarter,” Williams
said. “They have until after the first three days of classes to do that.” He said most students who want to come back will take care of holds, but some will take the quarter off in order to deal with large balances that need to paid.
Email comments to mph027@latech.edu.
Tech rugby team hosts successful tournament CATHERINE BURKE Staff Reporter Louisiana Tech’s rugby team hosted a tournament Saturday with teams from all over, such as the University of Southern Mississippi, Troy University, Spring Hill College and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Tech’s varisty team went undefeated, winning the tournament cup trophy. Will Crawford, a junior 8 man, said he is satisfied with the outcome his team produced. “All in all the weekend was full of positives,” he said. “The veterans played as a team with class and really showed the depth and skill of our team.” What most might not know though is this program has a
rich winning history that dates back to 1991. “Winning was a part of the culture,” Crawford said. “We had conference titles and placed multiple times in various tournaments.” Crawford said the team has gone through trials and tribulations over the years though. “When the team disbanded in 2007 then reinstated in 2011, it took only three short years to go from no team to winning a second conference championship,” he said. “That shows the dedication of our team and our ability to overcome adversity.” Ben Lopata, a sophomore lock/ flanker, said the rugby program is special for more reasons than one. “Tech rugby is special because the entire administration and operation of the club is done by students, not faculty,” he said. “These same students who practice three times
a week, workout on their own time, play the game and do school work.” Lopata said rugby is truly a sport for anyone. “All you need is the right mentality,” he said. “It’s a great sport than anyone with heart and determination can play.” Calvin James, a sophomore prop and lock, said rugby is a universal uniting sport that has changed his life. “The team’s moments together are memorable and rare,” he said. “The guys look out for each other and always come in clutch when needed.” Lopata said support from fellow students and faculty means more to the team than words can explain. “Looking out at the crowd and seeing all of those people cheering us on form the sidelines makes us play even harder,” he said. “Like a good friend of mine always says, ‘A bad day of rugby is still a good day.’”
Email comments to cjb066@latech.edu.
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Texas governor panders to crazies
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Sadler
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exas is under threat of martial law. Or, at least, that’s what a large fringe group thinks. It was recently announced a large-scale military exercise called Jade Helm 15 will be held over seven states, one of them being Texas. Somehow, someway, what some people got out of that was that President Barack Obama and the federal government are invading Texas. Going off of the fact the exercise map has Texas labeled “hostile,” and, well, that’s about it, the adherents of this weird conspiracy theory started quite a ruckus. Conveniently ignoring the 15 operational military bases in the
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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.
‘He,’ ‘she,’ ‘they’ ... how about just ‘us?’
Michael LeBlanc
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no actual power over. Abbott, who ran on a campaign touting his defenses against Obama’s “federal overreach,” is so distrustful of the American government he bows to the wishes of the farthest fringe groups he can find. It’s understandable not agreeing with everything the federal government does, and it is understandable to be skeptical of politicians’ claims. But whenever you mistrust the American government so much to assume they are invading land they already own in order to impose martial law, you have no business running a state.
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state, as well as the fact the federal government is already in charge of Texas, these people believe they will soon be pushed under the boot of the military, confined to the yoke of martial law. Generally, these kind of ravings are confined to poorly run Internet message boards about the rise of the reptilians and lots of calculations about how jet fuel can’t melt steel beams. By all accounts, this should not be a news story. But, Texas Gov. Greg Abbot ordered the Texas State Guard to monitor the exercises in order to ensure the safety of his citizens. You read that right. State money and efforts are going toward using the state guard to police the national military force. A force, I remind you, they have
KELSY KERSHAW Features Editor
U
pon walking into the car dealership the other day, it took 20 minutes for me just to be greeted, and when I walked in I was gawked at. There were three salesmen (all male) grouped by the door socializing, and before I even stepped all the way inside, their conversation halted and they looked at me like I was a lost child. Not a single one said anything to me. It wasn’t until one of the female employees came out from the back that I received any service. I knew what I needed, I knew why I was there, and I was just like any other paying customer, so why was I treated differently? To put it bluntly, some men are sexist pigs. I had a dress and heels on with my hair and makeup done, and I have blonde hair. So obviously I’m a ditz and can’t possibly be capable of explaining why I’m at a car dealership or what I need. Being a pretty passionate feminist, I was just plain annoyed. Gender discrimination and in-
equality are extremely pressing and crucial social issues. We are objectified, we are paid less in the workforce and our intelligence is belittled. This is not to victimize women. We’re not the only gender. As a matter of fact, male and female are not the only gender categories. Transgender individuals make up a large portion of the American population. They are people, too, and they receive discrimination on more extreme levels. Their families sometimes disown them, they are sometimes bullied very violently in school and 41 percent of them have attempted suicide, according to an article in the Huffington Post. It is really disheartening that we live in a society so close-minded and judgmental and unaccepting of those who are different. Not only that, but we have developed this mindset of definitive categories with stereotypes. For example, in the children’s section at a Duane Reade (a subsidiary of Walgreen’s located in New York City) store, there were
two separate display cases of toys. One was titled “girls toys” and the other “boys toys.” In the girls’ case were pink and purple ponies and dolls, and in the boys’ case were blue and green action figures and racecars. Our gender stereotypes trickle down into childhood. Why should young children be told what they can and can’t play with? Why should I be treated like I don’t belong at a car dealership? And why should transgendered individuals be victimized? Some people use the Bible to defend their stereotypical actions, but if we’re going to use the Bible for anything, it should be to stop the discrimination and stereotyping that’s tearing society apart. We have bigger fish to fry like an upcoming presidential election and Louisiana’s current budget cuts negatively affecting education. Let’s put our time and energy into those milestones and accept one another for what we all are— human beings. Kelsy Kershaw is a senior journalism and FMRS major from Jennings. Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.
SOME R’ELLIE GOOD ADVICE
College is not for everyone ELLIE MOSLANDER News Editor
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n high school, I had this mindset that everything I was working for was set toward going to college and getting a degree. I believed after everyone walked across the stage and received their diploma, the normal thing to do was head to school. This seemed the “right” thing to do; hop on a conveyor belt like system where you will head down to college, get your degree and BOOM – start your adult life as the perfect citizen with a degree to prove it. While receiving a degree is in no way a bad thing, not everyone pursues this path in life. Some people decide they do not want to attend college at all, or at some point in their college career they decide it is not what they really want to do with their life. And there is nothing wrong with that.
In the United States, we are so dead set on fitting into a mold, sometimes we pursue things we ultimately don’t desire. Of course education is valuable, and it is a great experience that can better your future. I think we should take advantage of it, but I believe there is a misconception this is the key to happiness, and if you don’t follow this system, you are doing it wrong. And this is definitely not the case. Some people absolutely love what they do – and they did not receive a degree. Our society seems to look down on people who did not attend college, viewing them as failures. But people such as Coco Chanel and Walt Disney did not attend college. Even if a person works a job society views as low income but is perfectly happy with it, then there is no reason to look down on their lack of a degree. I’m not telling people to just drop out of school and give up, or
in any way trying to degrade the value of a degree, but I think life and the pursuit of happiness is truly individual. We tend to point fingers and judge others for what they want to do with their life. College is valuable, but if someone decides they do not want to go to college, then why judge them or force them to invest a lot of money and attend a school when this is not what they feel they should be doing with their life? Just because they are living life in a way which is not the “norm” does not mean they have bad goals; they have just chosen a different path to pursue their dreams. So college really may not be for everyone, and nothing is wrong with that. Ellie Moslander is a junior journalism major form Albuquerque, New Mexico, who serves as news and associate multimedia editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to emo012@latech.edu.
What good could a boycott have done? Although the “Fight of the Century” between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao failed to live up to the hype surrounding it, that did not stop the fight from making an obscene amount of money. Though the final numbers for the fight are waiting on the pay-per-views to be accounted for, it was suspected the fight would generate $400 million in revenue. As we said, an obscene amount of money. Per the contracts of the fighters, Mayweather stood to make more from the fight than Pacquiao from the start. If the total revenue reached $160 million, it would be split 60/40 and the same if it reached $180 million, with the $20 million difference split 51/49 to the winner, in this case (spoiler alert) Mayweather. To nobody’s surprise, Mayweather remained undefeated and beat Pacquiao after 12 rounds and 0 knockouts. Boring, right? Everyone else thought so, too. However, while many took to the Internet to comment on how Mayweather danced his way to a victory or protest that it didn’t matter if he won because he still couldn’t read, others assumed their positions on top of their pedestals to self-righteously condemn anyone who dared watch the what was the most talked about thing the following week. All of this was because Mayweather has a history of domestic abuse and there were some who believed the fight should be boycotted. It was not just random people on the Internet, but more notable names like Katie Couric and Keith Obermann who said they were going to forego watching the fight on the grounds that they did not want to support someone with a history of domestic abuse. Fair. It might have seemed noble to not watch the fight, because you thought you were supporting a domestic abuser, but what good did not watching do in the long run? This is not to downplay domestic abuse by any means. The obvious general consensus is it’s horrible and that should go without saying. But boycotting the fight would not undo what was done or what Mayweather could potentially do in the future. Watching the fight should not suggest the viewer was supporting Mayweather. Though he was favored to win, many watched in hopes of seeing Pacquiao give Mayweather what many believed he deserved. Crazier things have happened in sports (remember the Kick Six during the 78th Iron Bowl that led to Auburn beating Alabama?). Successful boycotts rarely have much to do with the immediate loss of revenue so much as they do with the public’s reaction to the boycott. And as many are already dropping the issue, it proves the point this had little potential to make a difference. Speaking down to people taking part in a highly-anticipated sporting event does not make someone a bad person, but talking down to them (on the Internet of all places) makes you an annoying one, at least.
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BRITNEY SPEARS & IGGY AZALEA
In an effort to show how charitable Britney can be, she has lent her starpower to Australian rapper Iggy Azalea on their new duet “Pretty Girls.” The pop track features Spears’ processed, but still recognizable, vocals and Azalea’s learnedSouthern rap style. While it holds no artistic value, it’s a catchy tune.
“Age of Ultron” is ultra success CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter Ever since “The Avengers” blasted into theaters three years ago, millions of fans have longed for the sequel, wondering if it could possibly live up to its predecessor. Yes, moviegoers. Yes, it can. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” brings together the Marvel Universe once again for a thrilling and thought-provoking ride. The superb action and humor from the previous film are back, but a tinge of darker tone also provides refreshing contrast. Directed by Joss Whedon, a Marvel comic writer himself, the film features the return of its all-star cast for another all-star hero teamup. This time the Avengers face Ultron, a sentient robotic program designed by Iron Man and Bruce Banner. Ultron, voiced by James Spader, rebels against his makers and seeks to force humanity to extinction, invading the Internet and raising an army of robots. Spader’s voice lends a chilling and compelling presence to the villain. Without the need for much character building (previous movies having done enough), the film continues the fast-paced, thunderous action that has become a staple of the series. The sequel reportedly set a Marvel record for visual effects. Fans of super-powered fights will not go home disappointed.
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Avengers: Age of Ultron HHHHI
New players and powers provide fresh twists to the action this time around. Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Quicksilver make their screen debut, using super speed and mind power both for and against the Avengers. In addition to the familiar epic action, the Avengers’ humor that fans have come to expect is back in full force. Downey Jr.’s Iron Man leads the way in his own witty, egotistical style, but every hero has at least one quip
to get spectators chuckling. Despite leaning on the usual action and humor, the film also carries a deeper, sometimes darker tone that seems to be growing in comic book movies. The villain himself is a creation of the Avengers, designed by Stark and Banner without the others’ knowledge. Ultron is the team’s dark side come to life, a representation of their inner struggle, a struggle that will reappear in future movies. This darker tone is one of doubt, setting Iron Man’s progressive ideology in stark contrast (pun intended) with Captain America’s vision of freedom. These hints of conflict are set to take center stage in “Captain America: Civil War” next year. “Age of Ultron” is part of an evolving trend in superhero films, focusing not solely on what the heroes can do, but also what they should do. As Cap says as they gear up for the final battle, “Ultron thinks we are what’s wrong with the world. This isn’t just about winning, it’s about whether he’s right.” The contention is temporarily resolved by Paul Bettany’s character The Vision, another artificial intelligence who offers both unique powers and a voice of reason. The new seed of doubt adds a welcome depth to the movie, partnering wonderfully with the high-flying action and witty dialogue. The Avengers treat fans to a thought-provoking, action-packed and laughter-inducing good time once again.
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‘Swan Lake’ is the epitome of beauty and grace KELSY KERSHAW Feature Editor A performance as beautiful as the story it told. No words can justify the artistry demonstrated by the Russian National Ballet Theatre April 29 in the Howard Center for the Performing Arts. The Russian National Ballet Theatre is internationally acclaimed, and there is no doubting that after last Wednesday’s performance. The completely sold out crowd — more than 1,100 tickets — only begins to explain the magnificence of the show. “Swan Lake” is the story of a princess, Odette, who is cursed by an evil sorcerer and turns into a swan during the day. Prince Siegfried is told by his mother, the Queen, that he must choose a bride. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the decision, the prince goes to the lake to be alone where he meets Odette. He learns of her curse and that professing true love to her is the only way to break it. He
is tricked by the sorcerer, Rothbart, but in the end his love triumphs and he breaks the curse for Odette. The Swan Lake performance was sponsored by the Louisiana Tech Concert Association (LTCA). It is safe to say that this was an excellent way to wrap up LTCA’s events for the year. It was a vivid display of intricacies and grace, from the backdrop to the costumes and the choreography to the atmosphere. Ballerinas are arguably the most beautiful athletes. The pirouette turns by both the male and female performers were as perfect and on “pointe” as that of the figurine in a young girl’s jewelry box. Every move the dancers made was fluid and graceful; they made motions as simple as walking and waving look like art. Even movements on a grandeur scale seemed weightless. When the male dancer lifted the female dancer into the air, it was comparable to the most exquisite of sculptures. It was so crisp and clean but elegant and smooth. When performing group for-
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CALIFORNIA NIGHTS BEST COAST
On the duo’s third LP, Best Coast channels ‘90s alt-rock. Lead vocalist Bethany Cosentino’s vocals are stripped not stripped as on 2012’s “The Only Place,” but with the added layer of fuzz. “California Nights” is heavyish, filled with hooks and make listenrs feel like they’re in their own moody, ‘90s teen drama wondering why Freddie Prinze Jr. won’t call them back.
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JACKIE CIARA On the album’s opening track, “Jackie (B.M.F.)” Ciara boasts about giving birth to 9 pounds, 10 ounce baby and declaring herself a “bad mothatf***a.” And rightfully so. While the album is full of the same attitude that made her famous, she proves she has grown as an artist as well with soulful tracks like “I Bet.”
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Submitted photo
The Russian National Ballet Theatre performed “Swan Lake” for Tech Students on Wednesday May 6 in Howard Auditorium. mations, the dancers moved as one. Not a hand was out of place or a foot a step ahead. Multiple times there were 14 or more dancers on stage all leaping, pirouetting or arabesquing simultaneously and not so much as a feather on their costumes touched. Every element flowed so co-
hesively together. It was a well-rounded performance. The choreography, very intricate and closely perfect, fit seamlessly with the music. All of it contributed to the impact of the story.
> see SWAN LAKE page 6
THE WATERFALL
MY MORNING JACKET On their new album, “The Waterfall,” My Morning Jacket’s title is meant to be a metaphor for life beating you down. However, the fluidity of the band’s sound on each track offers another metaphore with crashing notes and arrangements that create swells of sound and emotion.
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Distractions WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
time is right. Sometimes we need to work things out for ourselves. Be patient.
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Aries March 21 – April 19 A rather spacey friend or acquaintance from far away could call today, Aries, perhaps to propose a visit. This might not be convenient now, and could put you in a quandary as to whether or not to agree to it. Your decision eventually comes down to how much you care for this person and how badly you want to see him or her. Think carefully before saying yes or no. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Financial paperwork might have you baffled today, Taurus. You might not be in the right frame of mind to do it now, so if it isn’t urgent, wait a day or two. If you need to take care of it immediately, don’t be too shy about consulting someone else. You will be glad you did, and you won’t have to wonder whether or not you did it right. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 You and a current or potential romantic partner may be in a strange space today, Gemini. Intellectual awareness battles emotional doubts. Communication could be vague and easily misinterpreted, so choose your words carefully, even though it may be difficult to find the right ones. Your relationship should survive the day, but your understanding of each other could suffer if you aren’t careful. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Your intuition is operating at a high level, Cancer, but you may not be able to make sense of the psychic impressions you’re receiving. The emotions, images, and symbols you pick up from others and the astral plane could be vague and easily misinterpreted. They could be important, though. Write them down and look at them in a day or so. You should be able to make sense of them then. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Creative energy may be high today, Leo, but you may be unable to use it the way you’d like. Perhaps you don’t have a project to work on or you have writer’s block. Ideas may come, but you don’t know what to do with them. The best course may be to write them down. The very process of writing could open doors for you. At least you will have your thoughts for another day.
Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 You could get some strange phone calls today, Libra. There could be a few hang-ups, wrong numbers, or friends who forget why they called! Communication isn’t likely to run smoothly, so you may have to make an effort to choose the right words, go into as much detail as possible, and ask if you’re being understood. Otherwise, things could get more complicated. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Money matters may seem up in the air today, Scorpio. Your usual practicality may desert you. This could make you stressed and angry because you’re perfectly capable of dealing with your finances. Don’t worry. The vagueness should pass by tomorrow. In the meantime, get some help, or if your concerns aren’t too urgent, wait a day or two. Give yourself a break. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 You might be in the midst of an exciting creative project with a partner, Sagittarius, and anxious to move forward so that you can present it to the public. But you might feel distracted and unable to focus on your work. Don’t get too upset. These things happen. Be patient and wait until tomorrow if you have to. You will be back in the groove by then. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 If you’ve been planning to spend a day meditating, Capricorn, this is the day to do it. You’re in an elevated frame of mind, not in a space to focus on mundane matters. Artistic inspiration could come to you now. Any kind of exercise should get the endorphins flowing. But don’t expect to get any practical work done. You’re definitely out of this world. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Communication with friends and lovers may be limited by emotional factors today, Aquarius. You may have a tendency to overreact to casual comments that are probably innocent but that you misinterpret as offensive. Quarrels over nothing could result, which could raise your blood pressure and stress level for no good reason. If ever there was a day to think before speaking, this is it.
Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 A family member may withdraw from you, Virgo. This person appears to be going through a private emotional crisis and isn’t apt to confide in you now. Your inclination could be to push it, but this could be a mistake. Give him or her the chance to share with you when the
CROSSWORDPUZZLE Across 1. Anklebones 5. Fleur-de-___ 8. ___-deucey 12. Monumental 13. Puccini classic 15. Prolonged unconsciousness 16. Actor Morales 17. Charged 18. Pianist Gilels 19. Trading ship 22. Opposite of post. 23. China’s Chou En-___ 24. Knowledge 26. Takes by theft 29. Add fizz 31. ___ glance 32. Looks for 34. Writer Loos 36. Steals 38. Actress Witherspoon 40. Spillane’s “___ Jury” 41. Cleft 43. Spiritual sustenance 45. Yiddish plaints 46. Thin and watery 48. Black tourmaline 50. Observed 51. Fond du ___ 52. Doze 54. Three-dimensional vision 61. Black 63. Champagne buckets 64. Bear in the sky 65. Burn balm 66. Clear the boards 67. Escaping fluid 68. Confined, with “up” 69. Suffix with glob
www.bestcrosswords.com 70. Small children Down 1. Abound 2. Church recess 3. Person who is liable to tell untruths 4. Winter hanger 5. Shark’s offering 6. “___ She Lovely?” 7. Con game 8. Bandage brand 9. Rival 10. Islamic chieftain 11. Ivy League school 13. Mobile home 14. Start of a Dickens title 20. Lukas of “Witness” 21. Asta’s mistress 25. Title bestowed upon the wife of a raja 26. Halts 27. Next largest scoop after tea 28. Appears 29. Orgs. 30. Kind of alcohol 31. Horace’s “___ Poetica” 33. New Zealand parrot 35. Loser to DDE 37. Regal address 39. Shut in 42. Digits of the foot 44. Cries of discovery 47. Free laces, say 49. Supernatural 52. Type of tide 53. Word that can precede bodied and seaman
DAILY U
55. Creamy.beige color 56. Actual 57. Scottish Gaelic 58. Hydrox rival 59. H.S. exam 60. Tibetan oxen 62. After taxes
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 A phone call could inform you of difficulties at home that require that you deal with them right away, Pisces. This is nothing to be alarmed about, just one of those irritating little hassles that requires attention when you’d rather turn in another direction. It could be as innocuous as a broken appliance. Take care of it efficiently so you can get back to your activities. Stay calm!
WEEKLYWEATHER
www.accuweather.com
TODAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 85 LOW 67
HIGH 86 LOW 67
HIGH 85 LOW 66
HIGH 87 LOW 69
HIGH 84 LOW 63
HIGH 80 LOW 60
HIGH 82 LOW 68
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
www.sudoku-puzzles.net
SBIR from pg. 1
SWAN LAKE from pg. 5
>
Sreenivasa Sanakam, a fifth year biomedical engineering major, is one potential applicant with his company HelpFlix. “We started a business where we produce 3D animations,” he said. “We initially started with medical devices to make training manuals for medical equipment.” Sanakam said the next goal is to branch out from the medical field into other areas of interest. “The reason we are here is to gather what kind of training they are currently providing and what funding they are providing so we can make animations for their safety training procedures and technical procedures,” he said. The aim is to target specific agencies requiring unique training procedures, Sanakam said.
> He specified examples such as safety training for farmers or for different training procedures in the Navy and the large volume of manuals the Navy has for different standards. “The program managers have explained they are connecting me to the right person in that particular field, so it turned out to be very good thing,” Sanakam said. Williams said the SBIR program is great for students and having a company already is not a requirement to apply for the program. If an applicant wins, he said, he or she gets to form a company and keep the intellectual rights to the property. “After the startup competition, I realized the private investor route was probably not the best fit for my type of project, especially in this region since in-
vestors really don’t understand this type of product,” said Todd Maggio, associate professor of communication design. His product is LMNOBeasts, a way to help children strengthen reading skills through typography as well as therapy for kids with communicative disorders such as dyslexia. “On the other hand, for educational ventures or products that deal with children’s health, there are plenty of grant opportunities out there and grants don’t have the same expectations that private investors would have,” he said. Maggio said a grant gives the freedom to do needed research without investors constantly demanding results.
The tone of the music, the motion of the dancers, the colors of the costumes and the backdrop lighting all depicted the emotion of the story. In Act II, when the Prince is overwhelmed and wanting to be alone the music softened and lowered in volume and the lights dimmed to shades of blue while his costume was white and simple. Then in Act III, when the evil sorcerer arrives to trick the Prince with his daughter, the music blares in a sharp tone and paces quicken and his costume is black and other dark colors. One cannot watch this jaw-dropping talent with feelings of distaste or boredom. However, the entertainment is not just in the talent. It is in the atmosphere, in the choreography, in the costumes, in the stage setup, and in the dancers’ expressions; it is the story. Ballet, especially “Swan Lake,” is performance art in its most gracious and softest form. It is almost safe to say not an attendee left displeased. It started a full house and ended in a standing ovation; it does not get much more beautiful than that.
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Sports Talk
Tech athletes walk the blue carpet
FROM THE SPORTS DESK with Jared King
The day boxing died
S
Photos by Colin Fontenot
Junior running back Kenneth Dixon accepted the award for team of the year on behalf of the Louisiana Tech football team Monday night at the TECHSPYs.
CATHERINE BURKE Staff Reporter Howard Auditorium was full of excitement Monday as athletes from the diamond to the field to the court to the track came together for the inaugural TECHSPYs awards. Junior football running back Kenneth Dixon said he was very excited to be able to attend this event. “It’s awesome that Tech put this together to honor the athletes and their accomplishments,” he said. “We can show and be recognized for what we’ve had going on all year.” Dixon said he has big plans for his senior year. “We’re going to do it big this year,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to win the ConferenceUSA championship, get a bid to a bowl game somewhere and win that bowl game.” Dunkin’ ’Dogs head coach Mike White said the event was great for student athletes from every sport. “The TECHPYs is an opportunity for student athletes to sit back and relax,” he said. “The athletes can integrate with athletes from other sports and socialize.” The event kicked off with master of ceremonies Teddy Allen’s introduction of the inaugural event and what attendees could expect throughout the evening. Major awards given out were top performance by a female athlete, given to softball player Pauline Tufi; top performance by a male athlete, given to golf player Victor Lange; female student athlete of the year, given to women’s basketball player Whitney Frazier; male student athlete of the year, given to Kenneth “Speedy” Smith; and team of the year, given to the Louisiana Tech football team. Dixon accepted the award on the behalf of the football team. He said he could not be more
Buddy Davis was on hand to present the Courage Award to Tech’s bravest athlete.
Sophomore softball player Tori Charters sang in the talent portion of the TECHSPYs.
proud to be a part of the Bulldog football team. “We had an unbelievable season,” he said. “We made an oath not to go 4-8 again like we did my sophomore year and I think we really overcame that.” Dixon said the reception of the award was not just one man’s doing. “We all went out and played hard every day and every game,” he said. “Everyone played a huge role and we’re very thankful.” A special award given out was the courage
award. This award was presented to Jaquvis Hart by Buddy Davis of the Ruston Daily Leader who has covered Tech athletics for the better part of the past 20 years. Hart is a sprints runner for the Tech track and field team who is missing part of his left arm. Hart said he does not allow his disability be an excuse to hold back. “I believe the only way you can be disabled or handicapped is mentally,” he said. “If you push through and believe you can do something, you will, no matter the situation.” The event closed by honoring all out going seniors on stage. Jay Luksis, assistant athletic director of marketing, said the department plans on having the event again next year. For more on Tech athletics, follow the Tech Talk Sports Desk’s Twitter page at twitter.com/techtalksports.
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Lange selected to NCAA regional play NEWS SERVICES Louisiana Tech junior golfer Victor Lange was selected for the NCAA Golf Regionals as an at-large individual selection for the second consecutive year as the NCAA announced its regional selections Monday. Lange will head to Lubbock, Texas where he will compete among a field of 13 teams and 10 individuals at Rawls Course in a regional hosted by Texas Tech. He was selected as the No. 3 seed among the individuals. “I am excited for Victor to be rewarded for having such a good year,” Tech head coach Jeff Jenkins said of Lange’s selection. “His ability to control trajectory and the flight of the ball will be in his favor at the Rawls Course.” The Rawls Course is the home site of Texas
Tech, a course that Jenkins knows well. Jenkins accepted the head coach position with the Bulldogs after four years as an assistant coach at Texas Tech. Lange enters the NCAA postseason schedule as the highest-ranked Conference USA golfer at No. 78 nationally. Last season Lange became the first Tech golfer to receive an NCAA Regional bid. He finished tied for 25th at 4-over-par at Briggs Ranch Country Club in San Antonio, LANGE Texas. “It is huge having NCAA postseason experience,” Jenkins said. “While we talk about how each event is no bigger than
the next, having postseason experience can only be an asset. I think he will know what to expect more this time than a year ago and that should help him play to his potential.” The NCAA Regional round is a 54-hole stroke-play tournament over three days. The low five teams and the low individual not on those teams from each regional will advance to the finals. Six 54-hole regional tournaments will be conducted May 14-16. Thirteen teams and 10 individuals not on those teams will compete at each of the three regionals while the other three regionals will have 14 teams and five individuals not on those teams. The finals will be conducted May 29 – June 3 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida on the campus of the University of South Florida.
aturday night was supposed to be the best night of boxing in 40 years. It was supposed to be a fight between two of the greatest boxers of all-time giving fans what they had wanted for years. It was supposed to be a matchup between an unstoppable force against an immovable object. However, the Mayweather versus Pacquiao fight was none of those things. It was more like a boxer fighting a ballerina. I purchased the fight — save your judgment for someone who cares — and watched the pre-fight analysis and the undercard bouts waiting in anticipation of the greatest main event of my generation. No, really. More than once my friends and I mentioned this fight could be single greatest moment of sports history we would witness in our lifetime. You can imagine our disappointment. This match was supposed to redeem the sport. It was the only fight mainstream sports fans, casual sports fans and boxing fans alike wanted to see — and it was terribly disappointing. The appetite for the fight was unbelievable. The arena was sold out and the actual main event was delayed because so many people were trying to purchase the fight, cable companies were experience technical difficulties attempting to stream the fight to all of its purchasers. The payper-view money awarded to each boxer has not been announced yet, but there is no doubt it will be a record amount. Yet moments before the fight began, I look over at the couch in my living room and my father-in-law — a lifelong boxing fan and former amateur boxer — was asleep, my wife was asleep and two of my friends were fading in and out of consciousness. How could someone waiting for such a grandiose event be sleeping just minutes before it began? Maybe it was a sign of things to come. The fight was a snoozer and it was very disappointing, I am not disappointed I watched the fight nor am I disappointed I purchased the fight. I still witnessed history. I watched boxing die. Jared King is a senior journalism major from Jena who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.
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ASSAULT Tech takes steps to combat
SEXUAL ASSAULT Design by Kelsy Kershaw
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RACHEL MAXWELL Staff Reporter According to Louisiana Tech’s University police record, there has not been a sexual assault on campus in years. Pine Hills Advocacy Center is rarely called to action by Tech students. The men and women who walk around our campus are, it would appear, unaffected by this issue. However, with one in five women and one in 16 men being sexually assaulted during their academic career, many think that the low number of reports does not indicate a lack of cases, but instead that Tech lacks an environment in which victims feel comfortable reporting. Lauren Tressler, counselor and coordinator of career development at Tech, said the counseling center sees firsthand the effects of sexual assault on our campus. “It really is something that’s happening,” she said. “Since I started here in September, we’ve had at least a dozen cases come to us. We deal with it regularly.” While Tressler said the problem is indeed prevalent at Tech, fewresources are being utilized by victims. Carole Carson, director at Pine Hills, said they get fewer victims referred to them from Tech than other schools they work with. “We are not very involved with Tech,” she said. “I do not know why that is; I am sure the problem is there. Last year, there were two students who received services with us, but I think a lot of students are not reporting.” While the Counseling Center and Pine Hills see some of those affected
at Tech, University Police have very few cases reported to them. Chief Randal Hermes said he would like to be able to help resolve the cases. “We know there are more out there; that’s just the nature of this kind of violence,” he said. “I think in There are several posLouisiana, sible explanaand at Tech, tions as to why Tech’s reportthe atmoing rate is so sphere is so low. Sonja Daconservative, vis, a member people don’t of the Board of Directors with talk about UniteWomen. sex openly, org, pointed to so when you the culture in America and start to talk the South for about sexual reasons victims feel unviolence, a c o m fo r t a b l e wall goes reporting. “The probup.” lem is this culture that creSONJA DAVIS ates excuses United Women.org for perps, and Board of Directors that has to change,” she said. “I think in Louisiana, and at Tech, the atmosphere is so conservative, people don’t talk about sex openly, so when you start to talk about sexual violence, a wall goes up.” Tressler said while the victims that come to the counseling center want help working through the trauma, many do not want to take legal action because of the fear that goes
Photo Illustration by Devin Dronett
along with it. “There’s a stigma that if they report the attack, they won’t be supported. In our country right now, there is a lot of victim blaming,” she said. Speakers who have visited the university and spoken to different organizations said while Tech students’ reception of sexual-assault information is mostly normal for college students, there have been some stand-out reactions. Terrie Queen-Autrey, director of Domestic Abuse Resistance Team, said while Tech’s Greek community has been very helpful overall, she witnessed laughter during a presentation. “When I speak to the fraternities, there have been several men who have obviously been moved by the stories,” she said. “We had one young man come up after and ask what he and his brothers could do to help. He was clearly upset by the issue. But I have had groups laughing and snickering as well, there was one group of men, four of them on the front row, that thought anything I said was funny.” Traciana Graves, a workplace strategist, also spoke to Tech’s Greek community. Graves addressed the organizations about suicide, sexual assault and hazing during Greek Week, and was met with a mixture of concern and laughter during the portion of her presentation regarding sexual violence. “There are a few ways men tend to react during those conversations,” she said. “One of those is laughter. So while it is shocking in a way, I was not surprised. These are uncomfortable conversations. I don’t look at it as a judgment or negative. I see it as very telling that something as serious as this evokes laughter.” Graves said more telling than the laughter was what she did not hear during her presentation. “Typically women feel comfortable
enough to share their stories,” she said. “I was surprised that did not happen, because there were visibly people in the audience moved, and we know statistically that there were victims in the room.” While some may consider Tech’s climate suppressant at the moment, forces are in motion to create a more open conversation about the issue. SB 255, a college sexual assault reform bill, is making its way through Louisiana’s legislature. If passed, the law would require colleges to administer an annual climate survey and provide greater resources and education for students and victims of sexual assault. Nick Smith, a junior political science major, has been working for months on the Senate sexual assault working group to pass the bill. “It will allow for greater transparency, so that more victims will become survivors,” Smith said. While it is not in effect as of yet, Tech is taking action now to become a more safe and open place. There is now a sexual assault task force on campus, along with naming “responsible employees” who have authority to address sexuallyoriented crimes. Autrey said she is impressed with the steps the school is taking. “Tech has come a long way,” she said. “You have a campus that wants to be a safe place.” However, Davis said responsibility does not lie solely on the school or victims to report. “If we do not step in as a community, we won’t change anything,” she said. “It is your responsibility not only as a student but as a decent human being to step in, stop it and get help for those who need it.”
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