Jeremy Davis & The Jazz Equinox Orchestra

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Whitney Frazier joins the

T ech T alk
THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG FEBRUARY 20, 2014 VOLUME 88 ISSUE 15

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Tech alert sparks racial controversy

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter Students across campus were upset after reading a Tech alert email informing them of the arrest of a suspicious person and his possible return to campus by the Louisiana Tech police department on Feb. 9. While a Tech alert may seem like routine procedure for suspicious activity, some were outraged by the description given of the suspicious person known as Johnny Austin when he was described in the Tech alert as approx 6 tall, 250 lbs, clean shaved head (he looks just like the big guy on the movie The Green Mile). This seems like subtle racism, said Ernest Johnson, NAACP state president. The NAACP objects to any form of racial proling. Johnson said the NAACP intend to le a formal complaint with the University of Louisiana Board and ask for the removal of the person responsible for posting the alert. The NAACP is strongly opposed to anything of that nature, and we must stand up against it, Johnson said. Kelly McBride, senior faculty member for ethics, reporting and writing at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla. said the problem is that big black men are being equated with this type of behavior and it is stereotyping. The challenge here is that people need to be able to identify him, McBride said. They need to focus on the behavior, then you dont have to include that type of description. Randall Hermes, Louisiana Tech police chief, said he sent the Tech alert with the safety of the students in mind. We wanted to provide the most accurate description that was not generic, said Hermes. He resembles the character in that movie so much. Hermes said he did not put the picture in the email because he was waiting on putting him in a line up for a student and he wanted to be sure. He said he was sure students would understand if they saw his picture.

Above: Tolliver Hall, a popular hub for students on campus, was affected by the ice. Below: Streets, cars and trees were frozen over during the two day campus closure.

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Climatic changes cause campus closure

F
Photo by Colin Fontenot

PAUL HARRIS STAFF REPORTER reezing rain blanketed the city of Ruston last week, resulting in hazardous travel conditions. This slippery precipitation forced the university to cancel classes Feb. 11 and 12. Louisiana Techs Emergency Response Team strongly recommended that students, faculty and staff refrain from traveling during the wintery mix. Many Tech students used the snow day to catch up on studying since nals are soon approaching. My international business class actually had a test delayed until Friday, granting me an ample amount of time to study, said Alec Davis, a senior business administration major. That was quite a sigh of relief. Other students took full advantage of the rare sight of icy conditions, making temporary sleds out of anything they could nd. Narendra Sharma, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, said he used a at oven pan as an aide to

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2 The T ech T alk February 20, 2014

NEWS

AAUW holds conference on gender issues

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter ender issues, pay equity and balancing work and family were the focus of a conference hosted by the recently-formed Tech chapter of the American Association of University Women. The theme of the conference held Feb 9 in University Hall was Bridging Generations: Succeeding in a Changing World. The workshop provided a great opportunity to hear the speakers talk about the struggles they have gone through and continue to go through as women in professional careers, said Caroline Hymel, a senior history major and AAUW president at Tech. Hymel said by having a panel of women from the baby boom generation to generation Y, it showed that the discrimination of women in professional careers has been a struggle for quite some time. Jennie Flynn-McKevitt did a phenomenal job of addressing current issues such as equal pay and providing a way to overcome those issues, Hymel said. Hymel said she hopes Techs AAUW has the opportunity to hold another workshop in the future. By educating women and men of the sexist problems within professional careers, the more women and men will want to ght the patriarchy and demand equality for all, Hymel said. Deborah Freda, state president of AAUW, said the goal of the conference was to expose college women and men to various women panelists from different generations to hear about their ex-

Photo by Devin Dronett

A panel addresses attendees at a conference titled Bridging Generations: Succeeding in a Changing World, which was put on by the Louisiana Tech chapter of the American Association of University Women. periences with issues like gender discrimination and pay equity. After the panelists are done speaking, students break up in smaller group formats, Freda said. Students can then speak one-on-one with the panelists. Freda said she hoped the conference would be an opportunity to send their message to other schools in Louisiana and showcase the benets of having institutional afliation with AAUW. Anne Taylor, AAUW Baton Rouge branch public policy chair, said the organization was pleased with how the conference went. Dr. Stoff and the students did well with putting on the conference, Taylor said. Taylor said she hoped the conference would encourage more women to pursue degrees in technical elds. According to information provided by Taylor, Louisiana is ranked 50th out of 51 (including

D.C.) for gender pay equialty. Undergraduate women are underrepresented in engineering and technology, Taylor said. Changing this would help the pay gap.

Email comments to pdd010@latech.edu.

Guice to head Louisiana Innovation Council

KELSY KERSHAW Futures Editor Louisiana Tech is not the only institution President Les Guice provides leadership for. Recently, Guice was appointed chairman of the Louisiana Innovation Council by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The LIC was established by the administration and legislature, Guice said. It is governed by board members representing major economic groups, educational institutions and gubernatorial appointees. In a press release explaining the executive order to create the LIC, Louisiana Economic Development staff secretary Stephen Moret said the council will continue to move Louisiana forward. It will help the state develop and implement targeted policies, programs and investments designed to maximize the potential of our increasingly knowledge- Techs prior success in innovation, combased economy, Moret said in the release. mercialization and industry partnerships We will bring together academia, the busi- that played a role in his being considered ness community, economic development for the position. and workforce leaders, as well as It was an appointment made some of Louisianas leading enby the governor based upon my trepreneurs. experience in working across the Guice said the LICs mission state in major research and innois to establish a comprehensive vation activities, he said. economic strategy and innovaHe said he is honored to be tion agenda which will help to asked to serve in such a prestiadvance the states economy gious position. and enhance competitiveness I feel strongly about the need throughout Louisiana. for Louisiana universities and inAs chairman, I will work dustries to work together to adclosely with Moret, he said. I vance Louisianas long-term ecoGUICE will chair all of the meetings and nomic competitiveness, Guice provide leadership in developing said. And I am pleased that plans and programs to foster innovation Jindal and Moret have condence in my across the state. abilities to lead this organization. Guice said he believes it was Louisiana While in his position, Guice said he plans to devote a lot of time to networking and advocating the success of innovation activities already established. We have many great faculties around the state who have research programs that produce results that can benet industries in the state, he said. We want to link those together more regularly. He said it is important to meet with the industry leaders and understand their needs, as well as their industry. We will be looking at things that have worked in other states and see if they would be appropriate to use here, he said. I will continue to work with higher education leadership and researchers and economic development staff, as well as leadership of various companies and business groups.

Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

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ICE from pg. 1

slide down the slick hills. My friends and I saw a lot of people sledding down the hills that surround the football practice eld and were intrigued, Sharma said. Living here we dont get to experience that too often, so we gured we might as well go enjoy some free fun. Sharma said he saw students using laundry baskets, pizza boxes and even a blow-up raft. A few of the Tech athletic teams were affected by the weather and had to improvise practice schedules. Jens Danielsen, a junior offensive lineman for Techs football team, said the teams scheduled conditioning workout for Wednesday was cancelled. Techs baseball team was forced to hold practice indoors at the Lambright Intramural Center. The weather didnt allow us to practice on the eld but with opening weekend right around the corner we had to get in there and get our work in, Luke Giddens, a senior pitcher, said, Despite the distraction caused by Mother Nature we were able to go indoors and still get quality practice time. Taly Merker, a sophomore tennis player, said the Lady Bulldogs also held practice in the Lambright Center.

It was a challenge for us because we had to go in the gym to practice, Merker said. The surface is different and we had an upcoming match that weekend. The Lady Techster tennis team did not allow the gym oor to be a factor in their competition against Grambling this past weekend, defeating the Tigers 6-0. Kylin Thomas, a sophomore business administration major, said he used the time off to catch up on sleep and reminisce about the summer. Im tired of all this cold, I say the same thing about the heat in the summer though, Thomas said. Although it gets unbearably hot down here during the summer, Ill take that over this bone-shaking cold weve been having here lately any day. Thomas said regardless of what anyones plans were last Wednesday, everyone was affected in some manner. Some students had presentations that were pushed back, some students probably were more than thankful for the cancellation because they may not have been ready for the class assignments due that day, Thomas said. Thats just what we have to deal with living in north Louisiana with this bi-polar weather.

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February 20, 2014 The T ech T alk 3

Students gamble the night away

Mardi Gras Masquerade brings real prizes for fake cash
AUSTIN VINING Contributing Editor hough school was cancelled Feb. 11 due to inclement weather, students still lined up to test their luck at the second annual Mardi Gras Masquerade. The Mardi Gras Masquerade is a semiformal casino night put on by Residential Life and Union Board, assistant dean of student life and judicial affairs Sam Speed said. Union Board member Morgan Tanner said she has worked the event for both years. I love all the decorations, she said. It makes the Tonk look really interesting. Tanner, a junior electrical engineering major, said upstairs in the casino area, they had blackjack, roulette, poker and an oxygen bar. I really enjoyed working the roulette table, she said. Downstairs was host to food and a disc jockey, Tanner said. It had both elements, the dining and the dance experience, and the casino and Vegas feel, she said. Tanner said the event was a little harder to put on due to the weather. At rst I was confused, she said. But we had all day to relax and class on Wednesday didnt start until noon, so why not have it? Speed said he thought the turnout was decent and that a couple hundred people

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Left to right: Camella Card, a junior chemistry major; Morgan Tanner, a junior electrical engineering major; and Andrew Lewis, a junior medical technology major, spend their time playing roulette. were there when he was there. I think they gained a few at the end because school was out, but they may have lost a few too, he said. Housing student worker Erin Smith said he was proud of the way everything went. Smith, a senior kinesiology major, said he really enjoyed the food, and was impressed with the DJ. Everyone seemed to enjoy meeting other people, Smith said. It was a great opportunity for people to get out and see some different faces. People were in awe of how great every-

thing looked, he said. I cant wait to go back next year, Smith said. Its one of those events I really look forward to every year.

Email comments to acv001@latech.edu.

Police prepared for potential dangers

KELSY KERSHAW Futures Editor do is to respond as quickly as possible. Were all trained like that now, he said. Our last training was over the Christmas Since 1980, there have been 137 fatal holidays. school shootings in the United States that Before responding, and before the situahave killed 237 people. tion arises, Hermes said the most The worst of these was the important thing is to take prevenVirginia Tech shooting in 2007, tative measures. which resulted in 32 fatalities. This is something we try realThat was the same year Louily hard to do, he said. You have siana Tech chief of police, Ranto connect the dots and commudall Hermes, came to Tech. nicate. The shooting which triggered He said something that has the change in law enforcements become routine and is prevalent tactics, however, was the Colon every college campus is a umbine High School shooting threat assessment team. in Littleton, Colo. in 1999, which Its a group of staff memresulted in 13 fatalities, Hermes bers who meet to address any said. students who are a concern, HERMES It really sent a message to Hermes said. They try to adus, he said. In law enforcedress it early enough to intervene ment we had been trained to go to a scene and keep bad stuff from happening. where some kind of violence is happening Most of the time the shooter has given contained by four walls where you couldnt signs or hints that they were going to act see, and secure the perimeter then call the out and they just went unreported, he said. SWAT team. Hermes said the people on this team That was the prevailing procedure for include representatives from the university Columbine, but while the police agencies police, the vice president of student affairs, waited for the SWAT team to arrive, they people from the behavioral science departheard shots being red within the building, ment, the dean of students and someone he said. from academic affairs as well. We are handling things so differently We meet very regularly, pretty much now, Hermes said. We train law enforce- monthly, he said. Thankfully, on our camment guys, whether theyre campus police, pus we rarely have an issue we have to deal deputy sheriffs, city police or state police, with or discuss. that the rst armed ofcers to arrive are to Sometimes they do though, he added, enter the building and go straight to where and that is when they determine the best the activity is. method to approach the problem. Usually, about 60 percent of shooters Thats on the front end, the preventawhen they hear the police, end up commit- tive end, which is the best way to resolve it, ting suicide, he added. Hermes said. In the event that Louisiana Tech would be in a situation like Virginia Tech or Col- Email comments to umbine, Hermes said one thing they would Kjk016@latech.edu.

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4 The T ech T alk February 20, 2014

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It might come as a surprise to you that some of historys greatest American journalists are working right now, exceptional minds with years of experience and an unshakable devotion to reporting the news. But these voices are a small minority now, and they dont stand a chance against the circus when the circus comes to town. That is a quote from anchor Will McAvoy, played by Jeff Daniels on HBOs The Newsroom, during an on-air apology for not giving the people of the United States the news they need. Instead, he gave them news that entertained them. His sentiment still rings true. Our media is no longer providing us information, but infotainment. They have become like a circus. Ukraine is on the brink of civil war, and what was the lead story on

CNN three weeks ago when the riots rst started? Justin Bieber getting arrested. Instead of talking about the Senates latest failure to extend unemployment benets for 1.7 million people, most media outlets spent the early part of this month talking about a Coca-Cola commercial that some people did not like because it featured cultural diversity. It is scary really. Scary that I am learning skills to join a machine that has lost the desire to present real news in their effort to be atop the ratings chart. I may be a journalist for a college newspaper, but I take my job seriously. I am honored to inform the students and alumni of our university of news that matters to them. And as I move into the professional world, that is a passion that I will continue. Americans deserve to be informed. If you are going into a voting

booth, do you care more about Biebers latest antics or who is going to ght to pass immigration reform? As a journalist, what I write on this page is my voice. How I use that voice is up to me. However, my obligation is to you. It is my obligation to supply you with information that you need or should be talking about. Anchor Will McAvoy knows what needs to be done, and although he is a ctional character, he knows what I need to do as well. Im quitting the circus, switching teams, he said. Im going with the guys who are getting creamed. Im moved they still think they can win, and I hope they can teach me a thing or two. Kaleb Causey is a senior political science and journalism major from Jonesboro who serves as editor-inchief for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

Stay strong: Winter is almost over

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he media gets a bad reputation. News organizations, glossy magazines and the 10 oclock news have all been blamed for things like reporting bias or showing images that inuence young people to act in irresponsible ways. But I never thought I would see the day that our president blamed the media for a broken government. Yes, sometimes we (American people) get very divided, President Obama said in an interview with Chris Matthews of MSNBC in December, partly because our politics and our media, specically try to divide them and splinter them. Newsash: the American people are divided because our politics are divided. Our politics are divided because our politicians cannot compromise and will go so far as to shutting down the government over a budget disagreement. So, tell me, Mr. President,

who is to blame for our divided country? When Bill OReilly, a Fox News host, sat down with the president before the Super Bowl, he asked him about the Cincinnati IRSs improper investigation of some conservative groups. Obama got defensive. No, we do (know what happened)thats not what happened, Obama said. These kinds of things keep on surfacing in part because you and your TV station will promote them. Instead of informing OReilly that there is a similar investigation of progressive groups, and Fox Newss coverage of only the investigation of the conservative groups is misleading or explaining what happened to get the record straight, Obama immediately blamed the station for not dropping the issue. These kinds of things keep on surfacing, not because the media promote them, but because the media can only work with what is given to them. If elected ofcials give them vague explanations, it is their

job to question them and nd out specics. If you give them a government that has let partisan politics cripple itself, they have no choice but to report that news to the people. What the president and other politicians have failed to remember is that the media are merely connections between authority and the people. They are to report facts and help everyday citizens understand the complexities of politics. Yes, some media organizations skew the news to benet themselves and increase viewership, which cannot be ignored. But why not give them some news that cant be skewed? If scandals were fewer and compromises more frequent, the media would have no choice but to shift their focus. Until then, blame the source for division, not the reporter. Hannah Schilling is a senior journalism and political science major from Bossier City who serves as Managing Editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to hms017@latech.edu.

Forget running; can Hillary win?

JOHN SADLER Features Editor

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

alfway through President Barack Obamas last term, America has to look to the future. In 2016, there will be someone new in the Oval Ofce. So far, the 2016 race is a strange one. On the Republican side, Paul Ryan, Rick Santorum and Chris Christie have been touted as presidential contenders. On the Democratic side, however, only been one name has been seriously considered: Hillary Clinton. While there have been other people who have shown interest, Clinton seems to be the frontrunner, even though she has kept quiet on the issue. Well, quiet might not be the right word. She has repeatedly dodged the questions with statements about how she is happy where she is at present.

Most people think it is pointless to argue whether or not she will run because there are not really any reasons she should not. Or are there? Mitt Romney recently appeared on NBCs Meet the Press and was asked about the revival of the scandal during Bill Clintons administration involving Monica Lewinsky by Senator Rand Paul. Paul called President Clinton a predator for taking advantage of a girl that was 20 years old. Romney responded that Clintons mistakes were his own and should not affect a run for ofce by his wife. Well, duh. The only thing I can see hurting her image is the Benghazi, Libya consulate attacks in 2012. Recent polls conducted by YouGov and Quinnipiac University found that 44 percent and 52 percent of the American people, respectively, feel they were misled

by the Obama Administration during the crisis. Her now-infamous What does it matter? response to a senators questioning during a meeting of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will surely be brought up as well. Does Clinton have a chance? Absolutely. She appears more like a politician (for good and ill) than bumbling Joe Biden or screaming Howard Dean. Then again, neither of them have a Benghazi-sized blot on their legacy. If Clinton wants the job (and come on, of course she does), she is going to have to come up with something better to say than, What does it matter? John Sadler is a sophomore journalism and English major from Extension who serves as features editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jts040@ latech.edu.

t is almost over. After Christmas, New Years, way too many weeks and the Snowpocalypse, the end of winter quarter is almost here. And we are ready for it. As if walking across campus at 8 in the morning were not bad enough, winter quarter drops the temperatures to below freezing and brings with it a piercing wind to make getting out of bed just that much more difcult. Winter quarter is the overdone main course stuck between the hot appetizers and long-awaited desserts. It is the time of year when campus dies, literally and metaphorically, as the grass freezes over and the students hide inside. For the most part, it is miserable. Winter quarter is depressing. It does not try to be, but its weather, its schedule and its dormancy are a trifecta of hate. Good side of winter quarter? There is a break in the middle. Bad side of winter quarter? There is a break in the middle. Winter quarter seems to drag on forever, but, nally, it is making way for our favorite treat. Spring quarter is a gift. The trees come back alive, the owers are back in bloom, and campus is a hub of activity. We can actually see and remember how gorgeous our campus and college really are. Spring Fling, concerts, The Big Event, Greek Week and many outdoor tournaments take place in spring. Ruston weather is almost perfect during spring. And, perhaps most importantly, the outdoor Lambright pool reopens in spring. There are parties, formals, retreats, outdoor pickup games and tons of options to get students away from schoolwork. Outside is a real option, and it should be. Campus buzzes. Students are so excited about the good weather and low pressure that they are all over, making campus a great place to walk around and make new friends. Spring quarter, more than any other quarter, is a great time to be a Tech student. Yes, winter quarter has basketball, and it has been a great season, but spring quarter brings baseball and softball, which nally give us the fresh air we have been missing since fall. Classes do not seem as terrible in spring. Maybe teachers are in better moods, or maybe it is something in the air, but there is something about spring quarter that makes classes a lot more bearable. Unlike winter, spring has a bright light at the end of the quarter that shines brightly and comes quickly. At the end of these ten short weeks, summer begins. Days of spending days doing nothing except laying out by the pool or going to the lake are nally in sight. There may not be any snow days next quarter, but there are plenty of I dont feel like going to class days to be had, and that seems ne, because it is spring. For around 800 students, spring means its almost over. Spring quarter is their victory lap for graduation, and they plan to run it hard. They are ready to hang out with friends they may not see again and do dumb things they cannot do when they get a real job in a few months. They are ready to make sure everyone has a good time. Basically what we are saying is: make the most of it. Listen to the seniors who want to go out with a bang, and take some time for yourself. We have all been trapped inside cramming for winter exams and bundling under blankets, waiting for this time to pass. It is almost here. Study hard for nals, relieve some stress with Mardi Gras, and come back ready to go, because spring quarter is the icing and the cake.

NEWS

February 20, 2014 The T ech T alk 5

Karate team hosts tournament

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter The Louisiana Tech Karate team hosted a tournament Feb. 7-8 in the Lambright Intramural Center. The tournament counted as a national qualier for the national karate championships in Las Vegas, N.V. All the people placing in the top 4 qualify, said Buster Cotton, Tech karate coach. We have competitors from all over Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas. Cotton said the competition has divisions from 5-year-olds all the way to adult black belts and is sanctioned by the United States Karate Alliance. We travel and compete a lot on the national circuit, Cotton said. Most of our members have taken our beginner karate class at Tech. Cotton said karate classes are offered during the fall, winter and spring quarters. Tech students primarily learn a form of traditional Korean karate as well as many other variations of martial arts. The tournament had many student competitors from Tech. The morning started with the

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Christopher Williams, vice president of the Tech karate team, shows off his moves at the national qualifier tournament. childrens divisions and progressed to the advanced divisions where most Tech students were competing. Ethan Axton, a sophomore general studies major, said he joined the team after he discovered it during his second quarter at Tech. I was taking classes outside of Tech, Axton said. Then someone told me that they offered a class at Tech. At the tournament, Axton competed in the adult

advanced division. I have competed many times, Axton said. Ive been to the national championships, as well as the world championships. Ross Todd, graduate student and president of the Tech karate team, said he thought the tournament was going to turn out well. My rst experience with karate was at Tech, Todd said. Ive been enjoying it so far. With a long history of success, the Tech karate team is no stranger to national and international competition. David Jordan, former kinesiology professor and karate team coach at Tech, said he retired in the early 2000s, and Buster Cotton took over as coach. Jordan said the Tech karate team won its rst national team championship in 1983 after the team was formed in 1976. Over the years we have had at least 10 schools started by former students, Jordan said. We have had many national championship teams and individual national champions.

Email comments to pdd010@latech.edu.

Career Day gives students opportunities

PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter Despite the circus that may sometimes present itself in the pursuit of a degree, students all share one common interest for being here. Everyone has to grow up and get a job one day. Louisiana Tech held its annual Spring Career Day last Thursday in the Student Center. More than 100 companies were present for Tech students to interact with at the event that ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Charles Leggieri, training supervisor for Graphic Packaging International in West Monroe, said the company was in attendance because of the past success students from Tech have had within their company. GPI was looking to ll 13 internship opportunities for the upcoming summer. We have been very successful with the talent that comes out of here from the engineering departments, however, we have also had interns in accounting, nance, IT and HR, Leggieri said. Matthew Vetter, a senior chemical engineering major, said he was content with his experience after Career Day. There were a lot of companies in search of chemical engineers today so I was satised, Vetter said. Hopefully I can get quality internships from attending today. Vetter said Career Day allowed him to get his name out there to companies and network in hopes of getting a job. I was in search of any experience I could gain today, Vetter said. James Castle Roberts, an economics and history major, is a member of the Peer Leadership Council (PLC) on campus. PLC members helped greet students entering the event, sign students in and give out their name tags. Roberts also attended in search of an internship when his PLC duties were complete. There were companies that I spoke with that were offering paid internships so that would be nice to have, Roberts said. There is a really strong ght for jobs, and there were a lot of options present today that students can take advantage of. Roberts said he already has one internship in the works for this summer. Im trying to get an internship with the Smithsonian this summer so Ill be able to get my foot in the door with that position and make connections with people higher up to possibly get a job later on, Roberts said. Leggieri said one way to separate yourself from the other students at Career Day is to do research on the companies you plan to talk to. Id recommend that any student attending Career Day to do some homework on the companies present to be prepared for the questions that may be asked, Leggieri said. We have had a lot of the Tech students already know what we produce and where were located. Thats impressive. Leggieri said GPI has hired numerous interns from Tech and have gone on to offer Tech graduates full-time position within their company. Its not about who you know or what you know. Its about who knows you, Roberts said.

Photos by Paul Harris

Tech students talk to prospective employers at Career Day in the Tonk last Thursday.

Email comments to phh007@latech.edu.

6 The T ech T alk February 20, 2014

NEWS

Lighting the way since 1894

Alumnus and former employee donates a nearly 100-year-old Tech light bulb back to the university
PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter reasures usually remain hidden. Only when the treasure is unveiled can one enjoy the pleasure it brings. Former Louisiana Tech employee and graduate Bill Cox inherited a Tech treasure that is nearly 100 years old. Cox was given a light bulb that has a lighted bulldog built into it that lights up when plugged in. I got that bulb back in 1965, Cox said. There was a gentleman named Sherwin Hayes that had a welding service on U.S. 167 south of town, and when he passed, his mother was cleaning up down there, she called me and said, Sherwin has something down here that I think he would want you to have. Cox said he drove there to see what it was, and she gave him an old lamp, the base of it was a big horseshoe that had a Spanish revolver welded to it. The barrel of the gun was pointing straight up, Cox said. He put a light xture on the top of the barrel, ran a wire through the barrel out the bottom and put a lamp shade on it. Cox said that at the time he didnt have much use for it so he stored the lamp away in his barn for years. Probably around 1980, I was cleaning up and thought I was going to throw it away, Cox said. He called his friend over instead to give it to him. While disassembling the lamp, Cox said he then found the light bulb that was being used for the lamp. I told my friend that he could have the lamp but I was going to keep the bulb, Cox said. He once again stored the bulb away until he got a call in 1994, the year Techs centennial was celebrated. Cox said Tech called him to see if he had anything signicant Tech could use for the 100th anniversary. I called them later that day to tell them about the light bulb, Cox said. We were afraid to plug it in the rst time because we didnt know what would happen. We hooked it up to a dimmer switch, and I slowly started to give it power, and it started glowing, then lit up. Cox said once he found out it worked that he had to preserve it in some manner. I made a shadow box lined with dark blue velcro inside and put a glass door on the front of it, Cox said. I took an old trophy to get a marble base off of it then went and bought a brass xture and drilled a hole through the bottom. Cox said once the casing was assembled he went to the jewelry store to get a plate put on the front of it that says, Louisiana Tech University, lighting the way since 1894. I cannot come close to tell you when it was actually made, but Ive talked to a lot of people about it and some old timers say that they remembered there were two or three of these light bulbs in the Tech bookstore for sale back in the 20s, Cox said. Its a unique thing, Ive seen a lot of Tech stuff around but I dont know if there are any others like this around. The bulb is now housed in Tech President Les Guices ofce overlooking the university on the 16th oor of Wyly Tower. My understanding is that maybe an electrical engineer from Tech created the bulb and brought them back to the university, Cox said. Thank goodness I saved it because it is a great piece of memorabilia that has represented this great university for a long time.

Photo by Devin Dronett

Email comments to phh007@latech.edu.

The light bulb was displayed at Louisiana Techs centennial celebration and is now displayed in the office of Tech President Les Guice.

Bullying prevalent in Lincoln Parish Schools

FREDEDREIA WILLIS Contributing Reporter No matter where one lives, students are facing bullying in their schools. Natalie Songer, 18, is a senior at Cedar Creek High School who has experienced bullying at her school. Bullying becomes a problem when it is repetitive or when there is a conscious intent to hurt another child. It can be verbal, psychological or bullying, according to Scholastic, Inc. Songer said she received an anonymous letter in her locker that told her some awful things. The letter has hurt me for years, but Im doing better now, she said. The Internet is also becoming a huge part of many teens lives; it is no surprise that cyber bullying is seeing an increase. Tianna Turner, a freshman family and child studies major, said that her friend who attends Ruston High School is currently a victim of cyber bullying. Things that have been said about my friend on Facebook have caused her to start cutting and shes on a 24-hour suicide watch. Turner said. Based on national averages, approximately 204 students at Ruston High School will become a victim of cyber bullying in the next 12 months according to U Know Kids, an online bullying prevention site. I dont like to see other children at my school getting bullied; it hurts my feelings just to see it happening. said Jamarius Washington, 18, a Ruston High senior football player. Bullies may be experiencing trouble at home, be underachievers in school, and for whatever reason they feel they have to make themselves better by picking on someone else. On the outside bullies may look ne, but chances are they may be very lonely or may deliberately try to hurt themselves or have trouble eating or sleeping, Turner said. When asked how he prevents bullying from taking place in his high school, Washington said, Simple. I walk up and say, Chill out man; you wouldnt do that to me so why do it to him. The reason is because victims of bullying are often shy and tend to be physically weaker than their peers, according to Parents & Child Magazine. They may also have low self-esteem and poor social skills, which makes it hard for them to stand up for themselves. Imagine if we started putting encouraging and loving letters in the other students lockers, how impactful that would be, Songer said. I pray that God uses me to speak kind words to prevent suicide in my high school.

Email comments to flw005@latech.edu.

World
W&NBRIEFS
WORLDNEWS
Fighting resumes in South Sudan rebels
JUBA, South Sudan (AP) Rebel forces took control of parts of the capital of South Sudans oil-producing Upper Nile state, a military ofcial said Tuesday, as the United Nations said at least 10 people died following the latest outbreak of violence in the worlds newest country. Fighting broke out early Tuesday in Malakal, which once was in rebel hands but is now mostly controlled by government troops, said South Sudanese military spokesman Col. Philip Aguer.

Nation

February 20, 2014 The T ech T alk 7

Gay activist arrested at Sochi

ASSOCIATED PRESS An Italian activist shouting Its OK to be gay and dressed in a rainbowcolored outt and large headdress was detained Monday as she entered an arena to watch an Olympic hockey game. Vladimir Luxuria, a former Communist lawmaker in the Italian parliament who has become a prominent transgender rights crusader and television personality, was stopped by four men and then driven away by police in a car with Olympic markings. Luxuria later told The Associated Press she was kept in the car for about 10 minutes, then released in the countryside after the men had taken away her Olympic spectator pass. She eventually made it back to her hotel and said she was leaving Russia on Tuesday morning. They dont say anything. They just were people who had to do this and they did it, Luxuria said. Earlier Monday, Luxuria walked around the Olympic Park in Sochi for about two

Snowden elected to represent school

LONDON (AP) Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden was elected Tuesday as the ofcial representative of the student body at the University of Glasgow. Students at the institution say that they nominated Snowden to make a statement about democratic rights.

Vladamir Luxuria was detained by police at the 2014 Winter Olympics Monday, Feb. 17. hours. She was shouting porting gay rights. Police a group of young Russian men who shouted to teleGay is OK and Its OK to denied detaining her. The Italian activist vision cameras in broken be gay in both English and walked around the Olym- English: Trans not good. Russian. Luxuria arrived at a tickLuxuria had a ticket to pic Park on Monday with a group of journalists. Some et inspection barrier at the be at the games. Luxuria said she was de- Russian fans stopped to hockey arena just before an evening game was due to tained on Sunday evening pose for photos with her. Luxuria and her colorful begin. She passed through by Russian police who told her she should not wear outt did not attract much the barrier and was being clothes with slogans sup- negative reaction except for given directions to her seat

AP Photo

when four men who were not wearing any identication surrounded her and started shouting take her away. They then led her out of the venue and to the parking lot. I was very, very afraid this time because the rst time they said, Its OK for the rst time, dont do it again for the second time. So, this time I was a little bit afraid, Luxuria said. But they just left me outside, in the country, there, outside and thats it. Before she went to the stadium, Luxuria said she did not want to be arrested. Its not nice to be all alone in a room with a neon light not knowing whats going on, she said Monday afternoon, but then added it was important for her to stand up for the rights of lesbian, gay and transgender people all over the world. It was not immediately clear why Luxuria was detained. Last year, the Russian parliament passed a law banning propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors.

Protest camp in Ukraine in flames

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) Protest camp in the center of Ukraines capital was engulfed in ames as police advanced on protesters. As of Tuesday aftenoon, 18 were conrmed dead.

Execution drugs New heroin in short supply earns killer

ASSOCIATED PRESS The nations shortage of execution drugs is becoming increasingly acute as more compounding pharmacies conclude that supplying the lethal chemicals is not worth the bad publicity and the legal and ethical risks. The scarcity of drugs for lethal injections has forced states to scramble for substitutes. And experts say that whatever alternatives are found will almost certainly face costly court challenges made more complicated by laws that cloak the process in secrecy. On Monday, the Tulsa, Okla.-based compounding pharmacy the Apothecary Shoppe agreed to stop selling pentobarbital to the Missouri Department of Corrections after the pharmacy was named in a lawsuit led by death row inmate Michael Taylor alleging that the drug could cause inhumane pain. Missouri previously paid $8,000 in cash for each dose of the drug. The settlement will probably mean changing delicate execution procedures just a week before Taylor is scheduled to die for raping and killing a 15-year-old Kansas City girl in 1989. Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday that Missouri is prepared to carry out the Feb. 26 execution but declined to elaborate. Messages left with spokesmen for the corrections department were not returned. The Apothecary Shoppe declined interview requests or to answer emailed questions. Missouri, like many states, is reluctant to divulge much information about how, or where, it obtains lethal injection drugs, citing the privacy rights of the supplier. Lethal injection has faced increasing scrutiny over the past decade. Major drug makers, many of them based in Europe with longtime opposition to the death penalty, have stopped selling to prisons and corrections departments. The source of the drugs is moving to the forefront of the death penalty debate. Compounding pharmacies which custommix prescription drugs for doctors and patients seemed like the answer. They are generally overseen by state boards, not the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, although a law adopted last year requires larger compounding pharmacies to register with the FDA and submit to federal inspections. But now, some compounding pharmacies are starting to back away, too.

STATENEWS
Substitute teacher accused of sex crimes
LAFAYETTE (AP) A Vernon Parish subsitute teacher is free on bond after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a student. KATC-TV reports the Vernon Parish Sheriff s Ofce arrested 39-year-old Cindy Martinez on a misdemeanor charge of prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and a student. She posted bond shortly after being arrested on Friday.

nickname

ASSOCIATED PRESS POINT PLEASANT, NJ On an icy night last month, a man entered a grocery store here, walked past the displays of cake mix and paper towels, and went into the bathroom, where he injected himself with heroin. Hours later, the man was found dead in the bathroom with a needle still in his arm, authorities said. They believe the man was one of more than 80 across the country who have died in recent weeks after injecting heroin laced with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opiate. As the number of people who use, and fatally overdose on, heroin has skyrocketed in recent years, authorities are seeing the return of an alarming development: heroin that, often unbeknownst to the user, is spiked with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a narcotic that is typically administered to people in chronic pain, including end-stage cancer patients. It is also used as an anesthetic. It is considered 80 times more powerful than morphine and can kill by inhibiting breathing. The dealers push this as being a super high, which it is, but its also lethal, said Ellen Unterwald, director of the Center for Substance

Lafayette crime rates grew in 2013

LAFAYETTE (AP) Crime reported in Lafayette crept up in 2013, led by an increase in aggravated rapes. Police Chief Jim Craft said Monday after the numbers were released, he was disappointed. Lafayette did have two fewer murders in 2013, dropping from 12 to 10. Craft said detectives have made arrests in all 10 of the homicides.

Experts say theyre not surprised, given the limited prot in selling execution drugs, ethical concerns in the medical profession, potential legal costs and unwanted publicity. This is not a good business model for compounding pharmacies, to be making drugs for executions, particularly with all the secret ways theyre doing it, Fordam Law School professor Deborah Denno said. Richard Dieter, executive director of the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center, agreed. Im sure theyve never had such publicity, Dieter said. They must be wondering what they got themselves into.

Abuse Research at the Temple University School of Medicine. Users typically dont know how much fentanyl is mixed in, and she said just a small amount can be fatal because the drug is so potent. A very small amount can exert a very signicant effect, said Eric Strain, director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and Research at Johns Hopkins University. In Maryland, at least 37 people have died from the combined drugs, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and in western Pennsylvania, authorities said they caused 22 deaths in recent weeks. In Rhode Island, 25 people have died from the laced heroin, and in Vermont state police have warned that pure fentanyl is being sold as heroin. With more and more addicts turning to heroin because crackdowns on powerful prescription opiate painkillers have made them more expensive and inaccessible, there is concern that more people may be exposed to fentanyl-laced heroin during this wave than in previous ones, including in 2006 when hundreds of people from Chicago to Philadelphia died after injecting the drugs.

Arts Entertainment
Jeremy Davis puts on a fabulous show
CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor With Louisiana being the birth place of jazz music, loving it comes as natural for its residents as having a taste for crawsh and spice. As the home state of Louis Armstrong, how could it not be? The air was electric as the seats for Howard Auditorium lled with people waiting for Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra to take the stage for his homecoming concert which served as a fundraiser for the School of Performing Arts. One thing any good live entertainer knows is that you have to know the audience. As former Louisiana Tech students, Davis and his bands singer Clay Johnson looked at home on the stage in Howard and greeted the audience as old friends. From the moment the band struck up a beat, the audience was entranced. Though they tried to remain poised, it was not long before members of the audience accepted Davis invitation to dance along to the music and could be seen taping their toe or bobbing their heads to the beat. While Davis name stretches across the posters and album covers, the star of the show was Johnson. His stage presence was enigmatic and halfway through the show his voice had awokan the love for jazz move Louisiana residents hold in the soul. The music was more than something todays youth hears at grandpas house. Davis and his orchestra breathed life back into songs from the past. The medley of Johnny Mercer songs like That Old Black Magic allegedly written about actress Judy Garland and Moon River from the Audrey Hepburn lm Breakfast at Tiffanys were show highlights. The audience was more receptive to songs they were familiar with and the spirit was higher when crowd pleasers like Lady Luck were being performed and the audience could sing along. The show was unique for the band as Davis and Johnson, both from West Monroe, considered themselves right at home with their family and friends in the audience. While they raved about their excitement about being back home in the south, they employed their southern charms and insisted everyone do as one does in church and introduces themselves to a neighbor in the audience. The band was joined on stage by Lawrence Gibbs, director of the Tech jazz band, who accompanied the band on sax to the pleasure of the crowd. During the bands rendition of Route 66 some of the members gave a solo performance to show-

8 The T ech T alk February 20, 2014

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra

Clay Johnson is the orchestras frontman as the singer but Jeremy Davis shines when he plays the saxaphone. case their own talents, each met formance to an end, they left the to God, Johnson closed the show stage and Second Lined through with hopes from the band to rewith generous applause. Johnson paid tribute to Elvis the aisles while umbrella wield- turn soon for another show. And if the audience has any Presley during a comical, yet ing audience members danced soulful, cover of Presleys Are along. The scene was tting of a say in the matter, it will not be performance through the streets long before Jeremy Davis and You Lonesome Tonight. The band followed in the steps of New Orleans and the spirit of the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra of Presley by taking time during the music was infectious. It was bring the saints marching back the song to offer words of wis- an embodiment of everything into Howard for another show. dom to the audience, who found that has helped the state of Louisiana to stand the test of time. Email comments to the comical advice entertaining. With many thanks and thanks cls068@latech.edu. As the band brought the per-

Petition to deport Bieber goes to the White House

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter After a series of allegations and illegal ascos, a petition has been made on whitehouse.gov calling for the deportation of Canadian singer Justin Bieber. The petition has reached the appropriate number of signatures required in order for the White House to make an ofcial response to the outrage. I say lets get this guy out of here, said Daniel Ouchley, junior biology major. Ouchley said although he did not know about the petition, he is glad they are trying to get Justin Bieber deported. He is a corruption to the youth, said Ouchley. It degrades us here in the United States. vocating the petition. More than 250,000 people Through all the outrage and agree with Ouchley and have frustration it seems hard to nd signed the whitehouse.gov petia true fan of Justin Bieber these tion titled Deport Justin Bieber days. and revoke his green card. David Anderson, a history It says, We the people would professor who also teaches music like to remove Justin Biebers history, said the outrage comes from our society. from resentment towards Justin The petition mentions its reaBieber for the idea of him having sons for Justin Bieber deportatoo much money for his age. tion as him being a negative imThe guy broke the law joy age for America pop culture and riding but dont begrudge him music, as well as being a danger because he has money, AnderBIEBER to society for recklessness and son said. drug abuse. Anderson said he believes that Even U.S. Senator Mark Warner of Vir- when people blame Bieber, they are really ginia made comments on social media ad- blaming the younger generation.

He said he believes that the younger generation should be offended since young people are not the only ones that break the law. I know older people with money that are immature, said Anderson. As for the whitehouse.gov petition, Anderson said he is not counting it having any real weight. We cant arbitrarily pick one person just because we dont like them, said Anderson. Its not something we can do by vigilante or public opinion. Biebers Feb. 14 hearing was rescheduled to Mar. 3 and it will be interesting to see the results of yet another celebrity court case.

Email comments to pdd010@latech.edu.

Its all a trick: The Great Beauty is beautiful

JOHN SADLER Feature Editor The rst scene of Paolo Sorrentinos The Great Beauty follows a group of Japanese tourists as they photograph the fountains of a sunny, beautiful Rome. As one tourist walks away from the group to get a photo of a panoramic view of the city, he drops dead, a victim of Romes beauty that eludes the citizens of the city. The scene then cuts to a birthday party atop a Roman villa, where mariachi bands, strippers and artists dance to Italian disco music in celebration of the 65th birthday of Jep Gambardella. Gambardella, played by Toni Servillo, is an aging former novelist coasting on the success of his only published novel, The Human ApPortrayed as airheaded and selfrighteous, the socialites represent the absolute worst product of an afuent artistic atmosphere. A politically-funded novelist brags about her work output, a lecherous toy salesman makes obscene comments at young women and a vapid ex-actress brags about the novel she will write. Gambardellas work output has slowed in the years since the publication of his novel, and when asked about his future writing, he responds that Gustave Flaubert (a 19th-Century French writer) tried and was unable to write a book about nothing, so how could he? Gambardellas underlying existential disgust with his life draws forward nostalgia for a simpler life, which is further intensied when he learns that Eliza, the only woman he has ever loved, has died. Provoking unusual tears from our hero, the scene is followed by a revelation from Elizas husband that Eliza wrote in her journals she only ever truly loved Gambardella, a surprise that leaves him shocked. The most human character in the lm is Ramona (Sabrina Ferilli), the aging stripper daughter of Gambardellas old friend. She is nancially below the libertine mob surrounding the main character, but emotionally far superior, a nave but lovely individual offsetting the debauchery. Taking up with Gambardella in a kind of platonic relationship, the two share a scene in which they explore the ancient buildings of Rome. In a contrast to the disgusting traits of the cast of characters, Sorrentinos vision of Rome is touchingly beautiful. The main characters love of Rome is evident, and it is evident to the audience why. Rome is above the lascivious actions of its people, and the ancient marble statues and crumbling buildings provide a contrast to the distinctly modern and self-centered

Medusa Film

The Great Beauty HHHII

paratus. Having turned to work as an arts journalist for a high-end Roman magazine, he spends his weekends (and most weeknights) entertaining a cast of wealthy socialites.

view of the main payers. The backdrop also provides an outlet for Gambardellas longing for his past, a life that had meaning and love. My only complaint with the movie is the heavy-handedness of its message. The message is understood almost immediately, but the next two and a half hours are spent discussing it. Gambardellas search for meaning takes him on a journey through a magnicently depicted Rome, a city which Sorrentino suggests the Romans never truly see, and alongside a group of characters rapidly hitting an age where their party lifestyle is becoming borderline pathetic. In the words of Gambardella, Were all on the brink of despair, all we can do is look each other in the face, keep each other company, joke a little Dont you agree?

Email comments to jts040@latech.edu

Distractions
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 April 19 Children or possibly some close friends or a love interest could be upset today, Aries. The financial coffers arent full enough to afford something they think they absolutely have to have right now. You might find yourself having to soothe their feelings, reassuring them that not now doesnt necessarily mean never. If they dont respond, dont keep pushing. Theyll have to come to terms with the situation in their own way. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Worry about a family member may be on your mind today, Taurus. This person could be all wrought up over work, money, or possibly a love affair thats broken off. Say whatever reassuring words you can muster, but dont expect him or her to respond, and dont fall into the trap of feeling that your kind words were all in vain. They did register. Its just going to take this person a while to come to terms with the situation. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Uneasy feelings may be plaguing you throughout the day, Gemini. There could appear to be no valid reason for this. Everything seems to be going well for you, and no one close to you has anything heavy going on. Its probably nothing Earthshaking. You may just be intuitively picking up on the troubles and anxieties of people you pass on the street. Your intuition is high today, so you could psychically sense just about anything. Hang in there! Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 A friend, perhaps a woman, could well be upset or even angry with you today, Cancer. Money might be involved in some way. There may be nothing you can do to reassure her at this time, so its best to give what reassurances you can and then back off. Whatever has gone wrong, shes probably overreacting, and eventually shell see that. In the meantime, you do what you can to work off your own anxieties. Hang in there! Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Is your boss a woman, Leo? If so, stay out of her way today. To put it mildly, she isnt in a good mood. Work hard, be very sweet to everyone, and make copious use of your innate diplomacy. You may be on the receiving end of some sharp words, but by remaining focused and continuing your routine in your usual efficient manner, you should avoid any major blowups. Try to stay calm, and hope she goes home early! Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Travel may cause more problems than its worth today, Virgo. You may forget some vital items when packing or there could be too little time to get everything ready. Your plane could be delayed or something valuable lost. Try to short-circuit potential problems. Use a checklist when packing, keep valuables close to you, and take lots of books and CDs in case you have to wait out a delay. In spite of it all, have fun! Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Finances may cause an upset between you and a friend today, Libra. Perhaps this person owes you money and cant pay it back, or vice versa. If this is the case, try to work out some kind of arrangement that suits you both. Theres always a way to create a win-win situation if you dont both get so angry that your objectivity is totally wiped out. Stay calm and focused and all should be well. Hang in there. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 A social event could put you in touch with someone whos carrying around a lot of bitterness and anger, Scorpio. This probably wont be very pleasant for you, as this person could well see you as the perfect listening post for all their problems. Dont feel trapped! Be polite but make your excuses as soon as you can. There are other friends present whose company youll enjoy a lot more! Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 The workplace could be very hectic today as a colleague prepares to leave on an important business trip, Sagittarius. Nerves could be strained and tempers short. Try to stay focused and get everything necessary done without making yourself crazy. You may be the one who keeps everyone else from going crazy, although you might consider hiding in the closet yourself. Say a prayer of thanks when your colleague finally rides off in the taxi. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You may have a wonderful day today, Capricorn. Your imagination, intuition, and creativity are all high, and inspiration for new artistic works could be filling your heart and brain. Youll be all too happy to discuss your ideas with anyone who shows an interest. The one dark spot in the day might be that a child, close friend, or lover goes into a snit because he or she feels ignored. Dont worry. Theyll come out of it. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Your home could be a very busy place today, Aquarius. Visitors could come and go throughout the day, probably annoying you at times. You might also find yourself having to soothe angry outbursts on the part of a member of your household. Take care, however, that this persons problem doesnt get you so inflamed that you go into a fit of anger, too. Try to stay calm and focused and youll get through the day. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Someone you work with might need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on today, Pisces. Stresses on the job extend beyond everyones capacity to endure, so dont be surprised if at some point a colleague sheds a few tears. You might find your patience pushed beyond its normal limits. On days like this its best to work as quickly as you can, stay focused, and go for a drink after you leave work. Then have a nice walk home!

February 20, 2014 The T ech T alk 9

CROSSWORDPUZZLE
Across 1. Flat sound 5. Rubbish 10. Pops 14. Batting Babe 15. Large artery 16. Sewing case 17. Eye drop 18. Feudal estate 19. Coil 20. Jasons ship 21. Makes known 23. Ply 25. Crucial 26. Golf hazard 31. Unite 35. Mineral suffix 36. Summarize 38. Kid leather 40. Type of tide 42. Jeter of the Yankees 44. Overly submissive 45. Of course! 47. Narrow groove 49. Vane dir. 50. Clan symbol 52. Eyeglasses with tinted lenses 54. Small batteries 56. Miracle-___ 57. Inflammation of the stomach 62. Eye part 66. Killer whale 67. Thin soup 68. I did it! 69. Oscar winner Patricia 70. Vive ___! 71. Nights before 72. Shrek, for one 73. Bar, legally 74. Narrow inlets Down 1. Mex. miss 2. Plaintiff 3. All-male 4. Burial cloth 5. Interfered with 6. Crowd noise 7. River through Florence 8. Inventory 9. Section of New York City 10. Sandwich shop 11. Mighty mite 12. Couples 13. Little drink 22. Affirmative votes 24. Orch. section 26. ___ Fein 27. Bothered 28. Peachy! 29. Deck quartet 30. Components 32. Pirate liquor 33. Actress Davis 34. Paradises 37. South American country, famous for Macchu Picchu 39. Just manages, with out 41. Agt.s take 43. Monarchy 46. Pressure 48. Cabinet dept. 51. Metamorphosed limestone 53. Linger aimlessly 55. Fathers 57. Diver Louganis

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58. Rent-___ 59. Shopaholics delight 60. Civil wrong 61. Langston Hughes poem 63. Sitarist Shankar 64. Its a thought 65. Impudence 66. Lennons lady

LASTISSUESSOLUTION

DAILY U

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

WEEKLYWEATHER
TODAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY

www.accuweather.com
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

SUDOKUPUZZLE
Difficulty HARD Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
Sudoku Puzzle - Hard

www.sudoku-puzzles.net LASTISSUESSOLUTION
Sudoku Solution - Easy

HIGH 76 LOW 38

HIGH 63 LOW 38

HIGH 69 LOW 44

HIGH 67 LOW 45

HIGH 64 LOW 42

HIGH 53 LOW 36

HIGH 55 LOW 39

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

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Futbol club readies for new season

IAN EDWARDS Staff Reporter The Louisiana Tech Futbol Club held a meeting last Wednesday in order to garner interest in the upcoming spring season. Brian Williamson, a junior environmental science major and club president, said his club has a passion for the sport of soccer. Our goal is to bring a more competitive soccer experience to Louisiana Tech, Williamson said. Since theres no ofcial mens team, we hope to ll that spot and play more serious matches than the typical intramural games. We have games scheduled against University of Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana State University and other colleges in the area. Williamson said the club is allowed to use Techs name, but are basically on their own for raising funds. The school will match the funds that we raise, but only for certain costs, he said. We pretty much pay for equipment and uniforms, and since we are hoping to have around 25 players this season, it may get pretty expensive. Im hoping by next falls season, we can have nice Adidas uniforms. Williamson said it was difcult making plans around an inconsistent number of players. For our rst season last fall, we had 25 players, but it constantly changed, he said. At the end of last season, we had around 20. Brian Authement, a senior electrical engineering major and club treasurer, said the team is a good experience for anyone who loves the sport. I got the email last fall, joined the team and enjoyed my time on the team, Authement said. Some of our opponents have had their teams for over 10 years, but its fun to get back into the sport, though we may be a little behind our opponents. Tanner White, a sophomore chemical engineering major and team member, said he played last falls season and is ready for the spring season. I came to the meeting to see if any changes would be made going into our spring season, White said. Last season was fun, especially since Ive played soccer since high school, and missed a competitive atmosphere. White said he hopes more students will come out and join. We did well last season for a newlyformed team, but I think wed have done better if we had more players to sub in and out, he said. White said hes optimistic for a good spring season. Im ready to get better, get more experience, and hopefully this will take off into more than just a 12-person, one-sub soccer team, he said. For more information on the club, email LTFC@latech.edu.

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He has a long criminal history, Hermes said. One of the longest I have ever seen. Hermes said in addition to his criminal history around Ruston, this was not the rst time Austin has been arrested on Techs campus. According to information provided by Hermes, the last offense at Tech was a rst degree robbery charge in 2004. Lana Alexander, a senior nursing major at Tech, said she did not see how people were outraged by the description if it would help in identifying the person. A lot of people have seen the movie, Alexander said. It is a relatable, detailed description.

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Sports Talk
CHAD MERRITT Sports Editor Half an Italian BMT Subway sandwich, bananas, chocolate Clif Bars, two containers of Pedialyte, honey buns and a handful of Slim Jims sounds like a pre-game meal of Michael Phelps proportions. These calories are not burnt in the pool, but rather on a bench under hundreds of pounds of iron. Powerlifting team president Cody Tick McElroy said the physical preparation he takes before he lifts is only half the battle. My mind is always on powerlifting, McElroy said. Im always thinking about everything. Training, the platform, the competition, winning and records, I think of it all. Techs powerlifting team is one of the many club sports offered to all students. When McElroy was not recruited for football he looked to nd another sport to participate in while at Tech. He noticed the powerlifting team while at freshman orientation and decided to join. Powerlifting is not an NCAA sanctioned sport, but that has not stopped Tech from building a dynasty rivaled by no other. The history of Techs powerlifting program is prestigious; the mens and womens teams have won 33 National Championships combined, the men winning 13 straight championships from 1994-2006. The coach and faculty adviser for the powerlifting team is Josh Chovanec, a threetime national champion lifter from Tech. Now that we have moved from Memorial Gymnasium to Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, I hope we can build the team more, Chovanec said. You always want to win championships, but building the team and the morale up is always a goal. Tech earned second place nishes the past two years at the national championship. Two years ago, the national champion was determined on the very last pull, McElroy said. Its like a fourth down goal line stand. It is you against the world. Preparing for the national meet is a yearlong affair. The team meets three times a week in Lambright to condition their bodies and build strength. Outside of preparing their bodies for competition, the team is also preparing for an overhaul of their training facility. The team is working on raising funds to renovate the weight room in Lambright. Plans for the restoration include new oors, more weight lifting equipment and additional memorabilia. Chovanec said he expects more than 700 powerlifters to reunite this fall at the 40th year powerlifting reunion. The current powerlifters on the team are much like the powerlifters of past teams; they all come in different shapes and sizes. Standing at ve feet tall and weighing 105 pounds, Clarrissa Johnson can lift nearly twice as much as she weighs. A lot of people think we are bowed up, full of muscle and on steroids, Johnson said. Thats body building, not powerlifting. We are getting stronger, not building mass. Being a high school state powerlifting champion, Johnson is used to the reactions she receives when people nd out she is a

10 The T ech T alk February 20, 2014

Powerlifting team on track for nationals

Photo by Derek J. Amaya

Stephen Moore performs a bench press while Cody Tick McElroy spots him. powerlifter. Because Im a tiny girl people are usually shocked and ask really? Johnson said. But I think you should break the stereotype. Its really fun and I recommend it to anybody who wants to give it a try. Techs powerlifting team will travel to Orlando, Fla., to compete at the USA Powerlifting 2014 Collegiate National Powerlifting Championships which will be held from April 17-19.

Each member competing will be giving everything they have to help the team out and reach their ultimate goal. Lokka Tattur by Tr will be blasting in McElroys ear as he prepares for his last attempt at nationals, an attempt which he hopes will bring home the 34th National Championship to Tech.

Email comments to cam059@latech.edu.

Bulldogs baseball begins season swinging

WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter

we have been ghting the weather handed pitcher Phil Maton. Richie Navari started on the what is important for the senior trying to get ready for the game. Maton led the team in almost mound for the Bulldogs as he went this year. Going into this new season in every pitching category last year nine shutout innings, giving up just I focused on my average last After going 19-37 last season, a new conference, the Bulldogs and sported a team best 2.70 ERA. two hits. year, and got away from RBIs, but the Bulldogs are looking to have are ranked dead last in pre-season The Bulldogs started this seaAnother key performer in the this year I am focused on driving a much better season in their rst rankings. son off with a heartbreaking loss Bulldogs rst win is rst baseman in runs, Ervine said. year in Conference-USA. I saw that and to Southeastern Tyler Ervine. In relief of Navaris The team begins the thought it was in a game that Ervine had a impressive outing, Laseason with a 12 game kind of strange took 10 innings to night to forget the etten Galbraith picked home stand followed when we only decide the victor rst game, going up the win with three by a three-game series played two of with a nal score 1-3 with a strikehits, one earned run with at Texas A&M starting those teams last of 4-2. out Friday but rethree strikeouts. March 7. year, we have no Maton redeemed himself I need to clean up a The Bulldogs will idea about them ceived a no-deon Sunday going lot of stuff, but I kept my play 29 games at home and they have no cision while giv2-2 with three team in it and did what I this year, which means idea about us, ing up just one walks and a run needed to do to help my fans will have plenty of Simoneaux said. earned run with scored. team get its rst win, chances to come out and Simoneaux three strikeouts. I am in my MATON NAVARI ERVINE GALBRAITH Galbraith said. support the Bulldogs. said the ranking The second fourth year and The Bulldogs begin a The season started is going to put a game did not go opening day is three game series with this past Friday against Southeast- chip on his teams shoulder and it the Bulldogs way with a 15-6 blow- always fast paced and everyone Tulane University at home starting ern University. is not how you start but how you out. has the jitters, even me, Ervine tomorrow. Before the game, Coach Wade nish the season. The third game went the Bull- said. Simoneaux said, I have been tryMaybe the most promising dogs way with another extra inLast year Ervine had one of the Email comments to ing to get the guys ready this week; player on Techs roster is right- ning game and a nal score of 2-1. top batting averages but that is not bwt008@latech.edu.

Techsters softball shakes off rough start

PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter Despite a 2-7 start on the year, the Lady Techsters softball team has shown promising efforts. In last weeks Texas Classic in Austin, Texas, the Bulldogs fell 1-0 to the Kentucky Wildcats, ranked seventh in the nation, on the tournaments opening day. Bianca Duran pitched four innings giving up the only run scored in the matchup. She allowed four hits with no walks and two strikeouts on the day. Pauline Tu came in relief allowing only one hit in her days work. We came into the weekend really excited and motivated to not only hang with, but potentially beat, Kentucky, junior outelder Katelynn Hill said. Theyre one of the hottest teams in the country, but the fact that we competed heavily in both games just reinforced our beliefs in what this team is capable of. Despite the pitching performances by Duran and Tu, Tech failed to record a hit in the contest ultimately resulting in the loss. Kentucky scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the third inning and it proved enough. Our approach was great, head coach Mark Montgomery said. Our energy and focus were great. We gave ourselves a chance. I told them that this type of effort was good enough to beat anyone in Conference USA. Thats what we need to work toward on a more consistent basis. Following the shortcoming against Kentucky, Tech fell 7-2 against Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, the defending Summit League Champions. The game was tied in the bottom of the sixth inning until IPFW scored ve runs with two outs. The Techsters took on Kentucky again in the tournament on day two, but the Wildcats held on to outlast Tech 6-3. Tech had its strongest performance of the tournament at the plate, connecting for nine hits on the day. I cant tell you how proud I was of our effort against Kentucky, Montgomery said. We outhit one of the top teams in the country and we did it against their ace. Tech closed a four-run gap scoring three runs in the top of the sixth to bring the game within one, but it wasnt enough. Tech took on 16th ranked Texas for the second game of the day, jumping out to early one run lead in its rst at bat, but an explosive answering from the Longhorns proved too much. Texas answered back with ve runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Tech never caught up, falling 7-2. From the beginning of practice in January, weve made it a team motto that we will ght from rst to last pitch, Hill said. This team has tons of ght in it, and I cant wait to see what kind of comeback wins we have waiting for us this season. The Techsters wrapped the weekend tournament up with another loss to IPFW. A pair of Tech miscues in the bottom of the

third allowed IPFW to put four runs on the board. IPFW won the game 5-3. We were completely capable of beating every team we played this last weekend, but it was the little things that beat us, junior inelder Hailey Winter said. Ultimately we beat ourselves with the mental mistakes. At practice this week I think we will work on our focus, once we get that down and under control we will be unstoppable. Tech softball opened its season hosting the Lady Techsters Invitational in Ruston two weeks ago. The Lady Techsters won two of the four games played, notching wins over Tennessee-Martin and St. Louis. Tu said Tech softball is a dynamite team that is full of energy. We have so much ght, we have so much heart, and we never give up, Tu said. Deep down in everyone is a warrior and we are all ghting the battle together as one.

Email comments to phh007@latech.edu.

SPORTS

February 20, 2014 The T ech T alk 11

Frazier dominant in life

PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter Thats amazing when your mind is only focused on winning and being a tremendous teammate, Whitney Fraziers basketball Weatherspoon said. Thats when life began in the fourth grade in all the other little things come El Dorado, Ark. Her career con- when youre not even looking. tinues today at Louisiana Tech Frazier broke into the Lady in Ruston, where she recently Techsters 1,000 point club Feb. became the 41st Techster to 8, against Marshall University score 1,000 career points. with 11:06 to play in the game. Although Frazier has comShe will be known as one piled a lengthy list of acco- of the great Lady Techsters, lades, her off-the-court Weatherspoon said. temperament may be Shes only touched the most impressive ele- She will be the surface. This is known as ment of who she is. only a little bit of Teresa Weather- one of the how great this kid spoon, Lady Techsters will be. She is only head basketball coach, great Lady going to get better said Frazier literally Techsters. every day and every means everything to this year because she Shes only team. adds to her game. People dont see touched the Shes not complawhat she does off the surface. cent. She doesnt court behind closed like where she is all doors. Many only see TERESA the time, she wants the efforts she puts in on WETAHERSPOON to add more conthe court in the game, head womens stantly. but thats the same ef- basketball coach Frazier said by fort she puts in during joining the 1,000 practice, in the classroom, in point club it makes her feel that trying to fuel her teammates, if she can reach that she can Weatherspoon said. She takes reach any milestone in life. Frafull responsibility for everything zier is not content just being a that goes on. She holds herself member of such an elite group accountable. She is a kid with of former Tech athletes. tremendous broad shoulders. I feel like now I have to get Weatherspoon said Frazier is to 2,000 before I graduate, Fraan all-out energy kid with a deep zier said. Im not satised; I allove for the game that gives her ways want to get better. a desire to be great. Weatherspoon siad this disFrazier currently leads the plays the progress and maturaLady Techsters in a multitude tion Frazier has endured as a of statistics. She is the leader player at the collegiate level. She in eld goals made (140), eld said that Frazier is playing so goals attempted (298) and eld well because she puts in the exgoal percentage (.470). She also tra time and that she constantly sits on the top of the leader- wants to get better. board in free throws made (96) Frazier said a name or certain and free throws attempted (123). university doesnt mean anyFrazier also leads the team with thing to her. 240 rebounds. She has averThey play basketball just like aged 16 points per game thus me so I cant let the university far this season, nearly four and a they attend intimidate me, Frahalf more points than any other zier said. I just love to compete teammate. playing the game of basketball. Weatherspoon said individual Weatherspoon said Frazier praise does not matter to Frazier. can guard any position on the She (Frazier) wants to win. oor during a game. That is her mental approach. She has an amazing mental approach to greatness, she fears nothing and wants to conquer all challengers, Weatherspoon said. Despite the win-loss column for the womens basketball team this year, Weatherspoon said Frazier is winning in other ways. She is winning in the game of life, Weatherspoon said. This season has taught her that in life no matter what she goes through, and in the game of basketball no matter what she goes through, or where that ball bounces she still must perform. She must still believe that she is a winner. She must still have condence in herself and understand the value of who she is even when people jump off board. Weatherspoon said Frazier is a never-give-up kid, when something doesnt work she pushes. If that doesnt work, she pushes again. I think this season is a big lesson, Frazier said. It teaches me that although you may give your all for something you love, youre just not going to come out on top sometimes. It teaches you that there will be hard times, but after the cloudy day the sun is going to shine, so we always have to keep getting after it. Weatherspoon said the team has a saying Whitney Frazier became the 41st member of the Lady Techsters 1,000 point club during a game on Feb. 8 against Marshall.
Photo by Donny Crowe

Techster nds success on and off court

they always repeat, good is for free, great and greatness is a price you must pay. She added that Frazier embodies the price you must pay to be great on and off the court. She has expectations for herself and everyday shes after those expectations, Weatherspoon said. She lives up to what she believes in herself and she lives up to the push that we put behind her, Weatherspoon said. I am truly blessed to have this player on my team but she is even more so an amazing person and I am thankful we were able to cross paths.

FROMTHESPORTS DESK
with Chad Merritt

Peace through sports

Email comments to phh007@latech.edu.

Bulldogs atop the conference again

WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter Tech is 21-5 overall and in a three-way tie for rst place in Conference USA with a 9-2 conference record. This year has seen its share of adversity with guard Raheem Appleby sustaining an ankle injury pretty early in the season. Raheem is back jogging and it is nice to see him jog, but it is nicer to see him shoot it, head coach Michael Withe said. He got some buckets with nobody guarding him on the Thomas Assembly Center goals over the past couple of days. He has had more smiles come across his face over the last few days then he has in the month prior. He is eager to get back and we are eager to have him back. Two players have stepped up in Applebys absence with increased minutes, Jaron Johnson and Kenyon McNeail. McNeail is averaging over 10 points a game while Johnson is averaging nine a game. McNeail also just passed a career milestone with Louisiana Tech as he registered his 1,000th career point against Rice. McNeail bemore than just a sharp shooter. It is not about how many shots he gets up, or threes he hits or how many minutes he gets, White said. Kenyon is always about winning and he has always been that way. He has been that way his entire basketball career going back to high school. Another feat that was met in the game against Rice occurred as Kenneth Smith passed the ball to Jaron Johnson, who drained a three as Smith got his 500th career assist. Only two other players in Louisiana Tech history have completed that feat before Smith became the third Saturday. Another positive for the Bulldogs is for the third time this season, the Louisiana Tech mens basketball team garnered points in the Associated Press Top 25 with the latest poll released Monday. The Bulldogs picked up one point in the week 16 AP poll after having ve for week 11 and one for week 13. The Bulldogs are on a fourgame winning streak heading into tonights game at East Carolina.

he XXII Olympic Winter Games, amidst all the controversy, are nearly completed. Despite all the risk of terrorism and political strife, the games have continued to this point without any major hiccups. Much like most Olympic Games of the past, the high points during the Games will overshadow the lowlights discussed prior to the games. T.J. Oshie conquered Russia in a classic hockey match, Americans swept the rst-ever Olympic mens slopestyle ski competition and 15-year-old Yulia Lipnitskaya became one of the youngest Olympians to win gold. The Olympic Games are only one example showing how sports have always had the ability to bring solidarity to the masses. The pain of national and natural disasters like Sept. 11th and Hurricane Katrina were eased when sporting events resume. Baseballs return following 9/11 and the country rallying around the Saints during their 2006 campaign are just two examples of sports bringing us all together. Success in sports can just as easily bring us together as well. Bulldog basketball is as good now as its been in a while. Coach Mike White has a special team we should all support as they approach postseason play. Wouldnt you want to tell your friends and family that you went to the last home game of the season before the basketball team won a national championship? The one thing everybody on this campus shares is that we are Tech fans. No matter who we are or what we do, we all cheer for the red and blue. It is easy to become a crazed fan and get behind something; just go to a game and enjoy it. The message for my last piece of college writing ever is simple: support your team. Regardless of what your team is, being supported has never hurt anyone. With a supporting cast and a little luck who knows, Tech may have another National Championship before you know it.

Photo by Donny Crowe

Kenyon McNeail became the 36th member of the Bulldogs 1,000 point club during last Saturdays home win against Rice. came the 36th player in Bulldog basketball to accomplish this feat. He is a 1,000 point scorer, who for the most part has come off the bench the last three years of his career, after starting his freshman year, White said. That takes a pretty special kid. McNeail has a reputation as a shooter, but to his team he is much

This column is dedicated to everyone who ever believed and befriended me. From my rapscallion friends in college to those who read my columns on the Internet from afar. Thank you all, Godspeed and Who Dat.

Email comments to bwt008@latech.edu.

Chad Merritt is a senior journalism major from Livingston. Email comments to cam059@latech.edu.

More Talk

12 The T ech T alk February 20, 2014

Savvy Social
Ruston businesses show off
AUSTIN VINING Contributing Editor

Media
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We post whatever is going on with our members, she said. Were business based. If I nd that a member has put something on their Facebook or their Twitter, if theyre holding a sale or sharing good news, Ill share that.

Flowers said the Chambers website has hot deals, a calendar, news releases and job postings, and whatever hits their website automatically goes to their Facebook and Twitter. The other things are like if I nd a good technology website that could benet our members, she said. We try to post anything we think could benet our members. Each month the Chamber brings in a different speaker to talk about a certain topic during Business Buffet, she said. In June they hace scheduled a business consulting company to speak on social media. Sara Corley, a co-owner of Rosemarys Kitchen, said her company uses Facebook and Twitter and a blog where their weekly menu is posted. We use social media to post all of our specials and special events, she said. Facebook is that daily touch and the same thing with Twitter. You cant put very much out there on Twitter, but just little pops of Hey, weve got this great soup today. Facebook has been their best tool, CorFLOWERS ley said, but Twitter has been a little slow going. I wouldnt be here if it werent for Facebook, she said. A lot of the older customers do not use Facebook and will either look at the blog or QUIMBY call, but most of their customers are younger and they are able to see what is being offered through Facebook, Corley said. Photo by John Sadler I dont see how you can run a business Rustons Convention and Visitors Bureau is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday these days without social media, she said. and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

Facebook recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and many businesses could not imagine not having this tool, along with many other social media sites. Lori Birdwell, a senior marketing major, said many companies use Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to promote sales and special offers, and LinkedIn is another commonly used social media venue for business. I think it is a good idea seeing as how widely social media is used on a daily basis and virtually everyone uses it so its outreach is widely dispersed, she said. Marketing director at Ruston-Lincoln Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Amanda Quimby said the CVB uses Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Google Blogger, Instagram and Pinterest. We are attracting visitors to the area, she said. We dont necessarily try to send messages to people in the city. We focus our efforts on getting people from Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi to come here. Anything the CVB puts out on social media is promoting events and trying to get people to come here, Quimby said. You cant really measure how successful it is, but we get people from other states liking and sharing our posts, so we know the message is getting out there, she said. Communication and Special Events Coordinator for Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Ivana Flowers said the Chamber utilizes

CORLEY

Photo by John Sadler

Rosemarys Kitchen is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Email comments toacv001@latech.edu.