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The student voice of Louisiana Tech University

Number 22

Festival unites cultures

ALWAYNE GREEN Staff Reporter The Student Center, Main floor, served as the epicenter of the various cultural activities on display at International Students Day April 24. Since the mid-1980s, international students have been showcasing their native cultures to the Tech campus and the Ruston community. Jeffery Hankins, an associate professor of history, said he always looks forward to the Indian and Taiwan booths. He said he enjoys the food and taking time out to learn more about the culture of his international students. A lot of us have international students in our classes, Hankins said. Those classes are small and scattered around, but here we get to see a lot in one place. Sgt. J. L. Cates of Ruston said he comes out every year to enjoy the food and learn more about people because they are all interesting. Its an opportunity to meet new people and to see where they are from, and to see how they dress and eat their food, Cates said. Matthew Barkley, a freshman architecture major, was among a group of students studying French, manned a booth representing French culture. It allows students of our country to get a taste, literally and figuratively, of a bunch of different countries around the world, Barkley said. Our world is becoming more multicultural, so a multicultural event gives an idea of all these cultures in one setting. Bishestha Adhikari of Nepal, said it was a great feeling to be

Techs anticipated Conference USA switch all but set

ANNA CLAIRE THOMAS Sports Editor For what seems like forever, Tech fans have been waiting, sometimes patiently and sometimes not so much, for news of a change in scenery; something that will change the entire face of the university in terms of athletics and academics. The long-awaited news may be just around the corner if the recent developments are any indication. Speculation has Louisiana Tech moving to Conference USA in a move that will see Tech leave the Western Athletic Conference and join C-USA along with five additional teams in 2013. Those teams include North Texas, Florida International, University of Texas at San Antonio, Old Dominion and Charlotte. A story posted on CBSSports.com caused an uproar after news of the conference realignment broke Tuesday morning citing unnamed sources and announcing a supposed move for Tech that would change the outlook of Tech athletics. After spending the past 10 years in the WAC, the move has been rumored for quite some time with the WAC becoming somewhat of a holding cell for teams looking to upgrade after a while. When Tech announced its entry to the WAC in 2001, hopes were high for a bright future, but with the immediate success followed by the departure of most if not all of the top teams such as Boise State and Nevada, the confer-

All photos by Sumeet Shrestha

Students from Saudi Arabia along with the International Office Director Dan Erickson dances to an Arabian song. Students from 25 different countries participated in this event. able to act as a cultural ambassador for his country. Adhikari, a junior biomedical engineering major, said although participating was not easy with finals approaching, she was motivated by the significance of the event. It might have been difficult, but we all work together as a team so it came out very easy, Adhikari said. The main things were preparing the food, collecting the goods and the souvenirs. After several years, she said Nepali students have realized their international counterparts enjoy their countrys food. Adhikari said the chicken salad, called chyola, had people coming back for more than two servings, and that kind of response makes her a proud Nepali. Dan Erickson, director of international student services, said the food keeps people coming back each year but they also want to see a balance between learning the culture and eating the food.

Abdul Saud, a freshman mechanical engineering major, represents Saudi Arabia by serving a traditional dish.

> see FESTIVAL page 7

Swaraj Khati a junior computer science major, sells ornaments from Nepal to the people who attended International Day.

ence has fizzled out. Not only are teams announcing severed ties with the conference, but now former WAC commissioner Karl Benson also was named the commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference earlier this year. Now, almost 11 years after joining the WAC, sources say Tech is expected to move to Conference USA in a muchanticipated move. If Tech were to join Conference USA, it would be no surprise considering the negotiations that have been ongoing in recent weeks between the two sides. The move to Conference USA is a no-brainer for anyone affiliated with Tech athletics, with the pros far outweighing the cons. Buddy Davis, the sports editor of the Ruston Daily Leader, has covered Tech athletics for decades and said he thinks the rumored conference move is the next logical step for Tech. I think its a tremendous move for athletics, he said. There will be so many great regional rivalries created with this conference move. It will be good on the travel budget. The travel has been just horrendous and the move will help from that standpoint. I think the move will come at just the right time. Without confirmation from Tech or conference officials, the news of the Bulldogs departure from the WAC is pending with an announcement expected to occur as early as Friday.

Email comments to act013@latech.edu.

Tech cycling team on the road again

REBECCA ALVAREZ Staff Reporter Techs cycling team is making a comeback and expects to become a sanctioned club team next fall. Ten signatures and the search for a faculty adviser are the only two things that stand in the groups way. Eduardo Lopez, a junior physics major, has been a leader in the effort to create a cycling club team. The cycling scene in Ruston has been dead for three years, Lopez. Its time to revive the scene. The upcoming team will not be Techs first cycling team. Three years ago, the club team participated in regional competitions before it slowly lost its members and became inactive. Stephen Mire, a senior mechanical engineering major, served as the teams last president before it ended and has attempted to revive the team numerous times. He and Lopez have been pushing the reinstatement of the club since February. The decision was kind of spontaneous, Lopez said. Lopez said he and Mire have been competing on a Shreveport cycling team due to the absence of a team at Tech. The experience the two have gained on the Shreveport road and mountain bike teams will play an important role for training methods and tactics for the new Tech team. Minimum training for road or mountain biking requires an hour of intense riding daily, he said. But first, the club must gain enough interest in biking and the team itself before anything can progress or be admitted as an organization. Anyone interested is able to join the team regardless of experience level, said Mire. The team is open to men and women. If it becomes active again in the fall, Lopez said he is expecting to schedule meetings bimonthly. The meetings and training sessions will be scheduled with consideration of each persons schedule. Mire said the team has five or six members, including him and Lopez. The two are hoping to have six to seven by the time all recruiting has been done, he added. I know its a small group, he said. Once we get up and running, word of mouth will make this a great club. Mire said the final steps to establish the club lay in the hands of 11 people. The program needs 10 signatures from potential members showing support for the team and a faculty member to serve as an adviser. When the requirements are met, insurance paperwork will be filed and the team will be able to compete. The two said they hope to travel throughout the region, and eventually the country, to compete against other universities. Competitions would either be in road or mountain biking. A few of the Louisiana universities Tech would compete against include Louisiana State University, Centenary College and Tulane University. With the recent Share the Road campaign that was adopted by Ruston to encourage a bike friendly city, Lopez and Mire said they hope more biking hobbyists join the team. Share the Road is a campaign that allows bikes to share the city streets with motor vehicles, which would make training for the team easier, said Lopez. We just want more people on bikes, Mire said. The club is a good way to enjoy riding with a group of people with a common goal.

Photo by Sumeet Shrestha

Email comments to rha014@latech.edu.

Alexander Anglin, a senior CIS major, rides his bike around the Thomas Assembly Center. Bikers like Anglin are excited that the cycling team is coming back as a club team soon.

2 The T T ech alk May 3, 2012

Campus
Student football tickets now on sale
Single game tickets for Louisiana Tech students are on sale for the Bulldogs season opener against Texas A&M set for Aug. 30. Tech students with an ID can purchase up to two (2) tickets per ID for $10 per ticket. Tickets must be picked up from the LA Tech Ticket Office from August 1st through August 29th. Tickets can also be picked up at the Independence Stadium Box Office. Student IDs must be presented upon retrieval of tickets. Limited seating is available. To order tickets students should visit the LA Tech Ticket Office or call (318) 2573631. For all the latest on Bulldog football and all of Louisiana Techs 16 NCAA Division I sanctioned programs, log onto www.latechsports.com.

Ask an Atheist Day raises questions

GRACE MOORE Staff Reporter Last week, the Student Secular Alliance held Ask an Atheist Day in the plaza accompanied with a gimmick fundraiser to send an atheist to church. Stationed in the Centennial Plaza, students and faculty had the opportunity to visit the SSA table and ask a few questions. Passersby could also donate money to Teach for America, an organization designed to employ college graduates to teach in underprivileged schools. Four community churches were represented and whichever canister received the most donations at the end of the event would have a group of atheists and agnostics attend its next service. Becky Shelton, an accounting graduate student, said the idea for a question table was simply a branch off of the SSA websites national Ask an Atheist Day, which was chosen in the hopes of having campus-wide participation. Its hard to get anybody to donate to atheists, she said. Miranda Petrie, a senior chemical engineering major, said she emailed approximately 30 local churches and only received responses from Cook Baptist Church, Ruston Church of Christ, South Parkway Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. She said she thought her emails were probably disregarded or trapped in spam filters. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the SSA sat behind its event table, each member sporting a nametag that said Atheist Ask Away. As time passed, the canisters slowly filled with small donations from curious spectators. However, Aaron Chenevert, a junior mechanical engineering major, said raising money for a charity with the promise to send a group of atheists to church is a clever way to take advantage of people. There is no value in just bringing someone to church, he said. Those who paid are

Lambright hosts Havoc at Hideaway

Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Centers fitness staff will host Havoc at Hide-Away beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hide-Away Park. Havoc at Hide-Away is a relay-style competition with each participant completing 25 dead lifts, one running lap, 25 burpees and finishing with three all-terrain laps on his or her own bike. Teams of three will register Saturday or go by Lambright before the competition. The cost will be $25 per team for those who pre-register and $30 per team that register at the event. The team with the best time will get a first-place trophy and all participants will receive a free T-shirt. For more information contact Chad Spruell, fitness and wellness coordinator, at 318257-4634 or cbs022@latech. edu.

Photo by Jessica Van Alstyne

The Student Secular Alliance held Ask an Atheist Day in Centennial Plaza offering to attend service at the church that raised the most money. unwise. I dont know what theyre trying to accomplish. As G.K. Chesterton, a famous English author, said Just going to church doesnt make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. Tyler Gerfers, a Chi Alpha campus minister, said he does not think he would pay anyone to go to church. I dont necessarily think church is the answer, he said. Justin Keowen, a freshman nanosystems engineering major and future SSA vice president, said he believes the groups fundraising ploy was humorous. Ryan Land, a junior electrical engineering major, rebutted saying funny seems to diminish the point. Its a gimmick, but the moneys not going to us, its going to [Teach for America]. We want to serve some kind of purpose outside ourselves, he said. Several SSA members agreed with Land and said they hope events like this will rid the public of misconceptions about their beliefs. If you dont ask questions, you dont know what the answer is, Shelton said. I think its important to ask no matter the religion. Its about open dialogue, what you believe and why. A heated discussion sparked when SSA member Caroline Kopfler, a junior biomedical engineering major, told a questioner there is no reason to accept God. There is a possibility that there is a god, she said, but there is also a possibility that theres a pink unicorn running around somewhere. Its evidence that changes belief. Caleb Norton, a sophomore electrical engineering major, said some students do not need evidence to believe. You dont need to find proof for things you feel, he said. Norton said humans who try to understand God are comparable to ants trying to

Pre-Law Society hosts debate

Techs Pre-Law Society, Phi Alpha Delta, will host a debate at 2 p.m. Thursday in Wyly Tower Auditorium. The debate will be focused on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, which has been in the news since it was originally proposed in 2010. The Supreme Court will make a decision regarding the act in June. The debate is open to the public, and there will be a time for questions from the audience at the end. To get informed about both sides of this issue and participate in the argument, join Phi Alpha Delta for this debate. For more information contact Jason Pigg, advisor for Phi Alpha Delta, at 318-257-3427 or jpigg@latech.edu.

Tech Dining Services seeks models

Tech Dining Services is looking for attractive and energetic individuals to model for its promotional materials. The casting call will be at 6 p.m. Thursday in Tolliver Hall. Those chosen to be Dining Dolls and Dawgs will hold a paid position and appear in all photos for dining services. Participants need to bring a headshot, rsum and come dressed to impress. In addition, a one-to-three minute presentation describing ones qualifications for the position must be prepared. For more information contact Alyson Goeders, dining services student intern, at diningservices@latech.edu.

understand humans. I think it takes more faith not to believe than to believe, he said. Land said he hopes no one was offended by this event because that was far from its intent. He said SSA is making efforts to become more active on campus and is participating in more community service. He said the organization participated in the Student Government Associations The Big Event for the first time this spring. SSA hopes to become a more accepted organization on campus, Land said, and upon the conclusion of this event, has promised to respectfully attend a Sunday service. Andrew Touchet, a sophomore physics major, said he will be a part of the group to attend a service. It should be interesting to go to church, he said. I havent been there in a while.

Email comments to gmm008@latech.edu.

May 3, 2012 The T T ech alk 3

Tech TEDx to spur thought

AUSTIN VINING Staff Reporter Former Microsoft CEO and current chairman Bill Gates was the wealthiest person in America in 2011. World-renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall, who is considered to be the foremost expert on chimpanzees, spent 45 years accumulating research on animals. Acclaimed author Elizabeth Gilbert wrote the 2006 memoir turned film Eat, Pray, Love. What these three people have in common, besides being credibly established in their areas of work, is they have each given a Technology, Entertainment, Design Talk. Tech will host its first TEDx at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Stone Theatre. Bilal Dia, a graduate student in engineering and technology management, is one of the students organizing the event. Dia said the event has been described as an intellectual circus and a brain spa. The event will bring people together for presentations by distinguished thought leaders, focusing on the theme The Blue and Red in shaping the future. Local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x means it is an independently organized TED event, he said. Due to limited space individuals must receive an invitation to attend Techs TEDx, Dia said. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to apply at www.TEDxLouisianaTechUniversity.com for consideration. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that brings people together to share a TED-like experience, Dia said. He said TED is a non-profit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading and started as a four-day conference in California 26 years ago. TED has grown to support those worldchanging ideas with multiple initiatives.

Photo by Shradha Sharma

Tech embraces CrossFit

MEAGAN LEE Staff Reporter P90X, Zumba, Insanity the list of workout programs available goes on and on. Each one of these athletic trends attracts its fair share of participants looking for the latest fitness trend. The latest workout fad is spreading like wildfire and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Some call its followers a cult, but there is no denying the popularity of CrossFit. Since the founding of CrossFit, Inc., by Greg Glassman in 2000, approximately 3,400 gyms have opened around the world, and the success of the company continues to escalate. Louisiana has not been immune to the radical, new program, and according to www. findcrossfitgyms.com, there are 18 certified gyms in the state. The closest gym to Ruston, however, has been in Monroe until now. Evan and Lauren Derveloy have been leading a CrossFit group at Tech for the last year and have anywhere between 10 and 20 people join them for the 6 a.m. workouts, Monday through Friday. Lauren, who is also the coach of Techs Regal Blues, said it was strange how it caught on in the beginning because it was just Evan and a friend working out together, but soon it attracted interest from outsiders who wanted to join them. Evan had the opportunity to become CrossFit certified in 2008 while he was active in the Army, Lauren said. I became really attracted to the program about six months ago and now we do it together. The Derveloys are now both certified CrossFit trainers and have plans to open their own Ruston gym in the beginning of June. The first day of workouts will be free of charge, complete with a community barbeque. The secret to the success of CrossFit is in its totally unique agenda. The workouts are short and intense, lasting 20 minutes or less and demanding all-out physical exertion. Lauren said Crossfit focuses on versatile, functional movement that is high intensity. One of the great things about it is that you dont do the same thing week after week, Lauren said. Thanks to the Workout of the Day, (WOD posted daily on the companys website, www.crossfit.com) you do something different every time you hit the gym. Many fire departments, law enforcement agencies and military organizations use CrossFit, as well as high school and college sports team and a major league baseball team. Its good for all types of people, Lauren said. Whether youre stuck in a rut or a workout guru, it will work for you. An 80-year-old woman can do it, and so can a 16-yearold athlete. Senior photography major Cody Bryant has been attending the Lambright CrossFit workouts since the beginning of spring quarter and said it is addicting. Of course, I love the benefits it brings physically, but one of the best things Ive noticed is the community it creates, Bryant said. I have become friends with everyone in

CrossFit class at Maxie Lambright Intramural Center is held at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. This is a high intensity but short in length workout aiming for all-out physical exertion.

the class and we all push each other to do our best. Its a great feeling to have them on your side. Lauren said that is exactly the environment she and Evan are trying to create in order to give back to Ruston citizens. Its so community based, Lauren said. Everyone is cheering one another on and feeding off each others physical being instead of just jumping on an elliptical machine with headphones in. Bryant said the sense of accomplishment he got from the program made it well worth the effort he put into it. You will benefit from friendship, encouragement, community and you will forever change your life and health with CrossFit, Lauren said. Lauren said she believes you will never know if you will regret something unless you try and encourges all to give it a shot. Lauren said, If I can get up every morning at 5:30 and be happy about it, I know Im doing something right.

At TED, the worlds leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes, Dia said. Talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. Jessica Oldham, a freshman civil engineering major, said a friend told her about TEDx coming to Tech. I was really excited, but I didnt really know what they were coming here for, she said, I thought it was going to be an actual TED seminar, which would be so exciting, but Im sure it will be fascinating to say the least. Oldham said every TED Talk she has heard has been really interesting. Its super smart people telling you about their lives, and all of the stories are interesting and inspiring, she said. She said it is really easy to understand, and they break it down. Oldham said she hopes to be invited. Dan Erikson, director of international student and scholar services, will sponsor the event and said the students and faculty are very excited to participate in this. Several students came together with this, he said. They are excited to be a part of that and bring this to Tech. Oldham said she thinks the students are most excited about this being a part of the larger TED movement. Events like this are happening all over the country and world, she said. Theyre already planning to have another event in late summer or fall. Michael Swanbom, a lecturer from the College of Engineering and Science, was asked to speak at TEDx, and he said he has been a fan of TED for a long time. With a high profile organization like TED, it lends a little bit of credibility to the types of talks that are going to happen there, he said, Of course,

Email comments to mdl024@latech.edu.

> see TEDX page 7

SGAs matching funds requests provide ample opportunity

HANNAH SCHILLING Staff Reporter Ride a bike for awareness, provide the Philippines with clean water, or attend a conference. These are just a few things that the Student Government Association has made happen this year through matching funds. An organization can put in a matching funds request asking the SGA to match the amount of money they have earned through fundraising for up to $200. According to Tyler Sipes, SGA treasurer, $800 is put aside every quarter for matching funds. The funds can be used for things like registration fees for conferences or assistance on projects that can affect the whole campus, he said. Clint Carlisle, SGA president, said they have reached their limit every quarter, usually approving four matching fund requests. The matching fund request application packet in the back of Tolliver Hall is an easy form to fill out, but not many organizations take advantage of the opportunity. Many times it is the same organizations over and over because its something theyve done in the past, Sipes said. One of those organizations is Engineers Without Borders, and EWB treasurer Nicole Roberts said presenting the request to the SGA is worth it. We need to raise several thousand dollars, Roberts said. We will be working with a community in the Philippines to improve the water flow to a village. EWB plans to work with the community for five years and hopes to make several trips. Roberts said the first trip will be to evaluate the stream that supplies the community with water and figure out a way to fix the sinkholes which are preventing water from getting to the village crops. I am still waiting to hear from SGA officially, Roberts said, but I have heard that we were approved for the full $200. Tyler Wagnon spoke at the April 24 SGA meeting, asking them to match his numerous fundraising efforts to represent Pi Kappa Phi by cycling from Miami to Tallahassee to serve people with disabilities, while raising money and awareness for programs for people with disabilities. We will stop and spend time with people with disabilities along the way, Wagnon said. His matching funds request was passed unanimously, adding Tech SGA to the list of Wagnons sponsors. If the money is so helpful to organizations, why dont more take advantage of the funds? Organizations may not realize that the service is there, Sipes said. Carlisle said he thinks that communication with students is the root of the problem. Mass emails and poorly attended town halls are not sufficient, he said. Better communication has been a goal for every SGA for years, but the solution has not been found. According to Trevan Jenkins, president of the National Society of Black Engineers, communication is not the problem because he knew about the funds. The maximum amount we could use through SGA was not enough to have significantly helped us carry out a program or attend a conference, Jenkins said. He said NSBE raises money through fundraisers and corporate sponsors to create programs for their members, beautify the campus and impact the surrounding community in the positive way. NSBE might not need the funds as much as other groups that could apply, but the money is going to a good cause regardless. EWB might argue before getting on a plane to the Philippines that the matching funds of $200 meant the difference between making that first trip to get village clean water happen or not. Wagnon might say it means the difference between him changing lives across Florida, or staying in Ruston. Any organization trying to make the world or their community, a better place, can take advantage of these funds.

Email comments to hms017@latech.edu.

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Insight
REBECCA SPENCE Editor-In-Chief

4 The T T ech alk May 3, 2012

FROM THE EDITOR

Student-athletes take Twitter time-out
n my few years of being a part of and a supporter of NCAA athletics, the coaches I have dealt with always warned players of social media etiquette. Both coaches I have played under encouraged us to monitor cursing, inappropriate pictures, trash talking other teams, leaking strategy and talking badly about members of the athletics program in general. Neither enacted a code against all of these things, but both coaches had their own Facebook and Twitter accounts. This allowed them, for the most part, to be able to see what kinds of things players were posting. As a player wanting playing time, each time I went to post anything, I made sure it was appropriate because I knew someone was watching. For me, keeping my Facebook pretty clean was not a huge problem because I am friends with many family members and potential employers. For others, it was more of a challenge and still is today. If we take a look back at recent events, Twitter and Facebook have been the root of many program-embarrassing issues. It has also caused problems with suspensions and penalties within the program itself. In October 2011, Western Kentucky University suspended running back Antonio Andrews after he tweeted critical comments about the teams fans. In January, cornerback Yuri Wright was expelled from his private high school for posting sexually graphic and racially insensitive tweets. This incident caused him to lose an offer to the University of Michigan for football. Finally, last month, the NCAA took away 15 scholarships from University of North Carolinas football program after investigating a problem based on a players tweet. The issue goes past the player when it is posted on the Internet. As a representative for the school, these tweets represent the school in a negative light, potentially driving students away from attending. According to USAToday.com, many college coaches are considering Twitter or Facebook bans for student-athletes. This ban is effective at Mississippi State, South Carolina, Towson and Boise State. What some coaches are failing to see is the value that social media can have for their programs. Many student-athletes interact with other students and ask for support. In this day and age, faceto-face conversations happen, but online conversations seem to boost involvement in events. At Tech, whenever there is a White Out game or a special athletic event of that stature, it is advertised through email, Twitter and Facebook. This is where students can get all of the information and see if their friends are attending events as well. It helps gain support for different sports teams. Instead of banning Twitter or Facebook, coaches should look into monitoring for inappropriate content and having a standards system of some type. Asking for a username and password of players seems unethical. It is a violation of the First Amendment for public universities as well. Private universities have their own rules, and although it may not be ethical, it is OK for these institutions to present rules banning social media for their student-athletes. So, the question comes down to ethics. Student-athletes are no longer protected under worker compensation laws, so should they be allowed to be treated as employees of the school? I think a course on social media or an internal standards system would benefit the few cases a year of social media issues with student-athletes. These problems are easily fixable without violating anyones First Amendment rights. Rebecca Spence is a senior journalism and speech communications major from Cypress, Texas, who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk. Email comments to res022@latech.edu.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dean of Student Life responds to bookstore article

am writing in response to the article submitted by Rebecca Alvarez titled Bookstore entrance presents problems? (4/26/12). I first want to express appreciation to The Tech Talk for vigilance in identifying barriers for all students, especially those with disabilities. It is imperative that administrations be made aware of issues that negatively impact student success. I was, however, disappointed in the fact that certain statements attributed to me were incorrect and influenced the tone of the article. I did not state that power doors are not a priority, nor did I intend to imply such. Rather, I emphasized in my interview that Louisiana Tech has been responsive to concerns brought to our attention by students with disabilities. I am pleased that administrators from various departments across campus have worked as a team to address not just the letter, but the spirit of the law as well. Student retention is the concern of all of us, therefore it would follow that breaking down barriers, providing reasonable accommodation and assisting students to navigate the university successfully would be a priority. I welcome any feedback related to barriers for student with disabilities, and I thank you for this opportunity to correct the record. Respectufully,

REFLECTIONS IN THE RYE

Will and Kate plus billions
MOLLY BOWMAN News Editor year has passed since William and Kates royal wedding on April 29, 2011. How much money do you think it cost to put together a royal wedding catered to 2 billion viewers? A staggering amount that could probably save many small countries suffering from hunger and poverty. It is estimated that William and Kates royal wedding cost Britain between $1 billion and $50 billion, according to Forbes. During the couples engagement year, the Royal Familys charitable trust made $67 million, thanks partially to the wedding souvenirs that were being sold. Not only did this affect Britons, but Americans as well. In 2011, Americans spent $2.8 billion in Britain because of the publicity the royal wedding was receiving. Although that is more money than most people could have envisioned on spending for a wedding, it served as a welcome distraction from the destructive things that go on in the world. Not only was it good publicity for the monarchy of England, but it also generated jobs in tourism, journalism and fashion because of the exposure of the wedding. Millions of Americans woke up at 4 that morning, tea and crumpet in hand, ready to watch the soonto-be Duchess of Cambridge step out of the Queens 1977 RollsRoyce for the long-awaited reveal of Kates wedding dress. Kates beautiful ivory lace and satin Alexander McQueen dress was instantly loved by millions of viewers not to mention eager designers. Within minutes after the dress was revealed, designers were sketching replicas for their collections. Not only did Kates threads sow a lot of attention, but her sister Pippas gown was far from unrecognized. The way Pippas Alexander McQueen bridesmaid dress accentuated her derriere created a widespread need for women to get off their bums and buy a new one. Women began asking plastic surgeons for the Pippa butt lift along with workout classes to get your Pippa bottom. Pippa and Kates style has been in the public eye since the wedding and have been the topic of discussion on many news shows. I have seen more than one segment on The Today Show on how to get Kates timeless style for a low price as well as on Good Morning America. Kate and Pippa even made it in Times 2012 issue of the 100 most influential people in the world. They are taking the world by storm one Issa dress at a time. Kate seems to be the epitome of a princess. She has her prince charming-literally- style, beauty and class. Her children will be able to frolic in the tall grass of the English countryside. What more could a mother possibly wish for her daughter? The most fascinating part about this to me is that Kate is a commoner. She was by no means poor, but she was chosen ahead of royalty, just like in the fairy tales we all read and watched as children. Kate has given little girls all around the world the hope that they could be next. You dont have to be a member of a royal family to find your prince, you just need one to be your roommate. The hype of the wedding might be dying down for many, but the flag commemorating the royal wedding still hangs high on my wall. Molly Bowman is a junior journalism major from Shreveport who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to mmb041@latech.edu.

Linda D. Griffin Dean of Student Development

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HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW

New type of bully in the classroom
MARY TIMMONS Contributing Editor ts one thing if a child bullies another child, but being called absurd things by an adult in the classroom takes bullying to a different level. According to CNN, New Jersey father Stuart Chaifetz said a classroom teacher verbally abused his autistic son. Chaifetz posted a video on YouTube of recorded audio that exposes an adult calling his autistic son a bastard. Officials said one school aide resigned, another was put on leave and a substitute aide was not invited back amid the allegations. Autism can be difficult to understand for those who have never had experience interacting with others who are diagnosed with the disorder. However, it should not take a genius to realize that working with students who have disorders and learning disabilities takes patience and understanding. It takes a unique type of person to take the time to work with those who are not your average children. The article states that Chaifetz sent his son Akian into school with a recorder device in his pocket. He said the tape revealed teachers at the school mocking his son and calling him names. A person who verbally abuses a child is in no way qualified for the position and should have never been given the job if she was unable to be sensitive to the actions of an autistic child. What happened to Akian bothers me but it is just as irritating to know that parents are leaving their children in the care of people who do not sound qualified to teach for any child, with or without a disorder. According to the article, along with Akian the classroom only consist of other students with autism who have trouble communicating with others. Without knowing the recorder was capturing everything being said, a woman could clearly be heard on the tape saying, Go ahead and scream because guess what? Youre going to get nothing until your mouth is shut. This adult is openly taunting this student. Mocking another child is something I would expect out of a 10 year old. Im not surprised that children bully other children. Its what kids do. Im not saying it is right or that it should be tolerated, but kids will be kids. An adult on the other hand has no excuse, and it is morally wrong and utterly disgusting to see an adult pick on a child. In other cases, parents have used technology to tell them what children are unable to express on their own. The practice can expose abuses, but some say it could violate the rights of other children, the article stated. When it comes to a public school, parents have every right to know how their child is acting and being treated inside the classroom. My only option was to put a recorder there. I needed to hear what a normal day was like in there, Chaifetz said in the article. Teachers should be the adults that parents trust their kids with. A teacher has just as much impact on a child as a parent. He or she should be motivational role models who inspire kids. What happened to Aiken was not a product of teaching, it was the result of pure hatred and that should not be tolerated in any public setting. If a parent cannot trust a teacher who can he or she put trust in? Mary Timmons is a senior journalism major from Shreveport who serves as contributing editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to mnt005@latech. edu.

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May 3, 2012 The T T ech alk 5

Relay for Life raises awareness

HANNAH SCHILLING Staff Reporter Lincoln Parishs Relay for Life had a large amount of participants to walk and help raise money to fund research through the American Cancer Society. Before the event even started, Christina Hayward, Team Captain Chair and senior psychology and biology double major, said she had high hopes for the event. Our goal is $40,000 and we were halfway there before tonight, she said. Although that goal wasnt reached, others were. This is the best relay Lincoln Parish has had in some years, Hayward said. My original goal was 20 teams to participate, and we got up to 30 teams. I was really excited. The Relay for Life had to move from Ruston High Schools outdoor track to inside the gym because of rain. Relay for Life is an overnight event where members of each team takes turns walking around the track from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and in their downtime they run different booths with food and games to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The money goes toward research, Hayward said. Through this type of research, the pap smear and the colonoscopy were discovered. They also give services like if a patient does have chemo, they will give them a gas card, or like Hope Lodge Housing in New Orleans, they house people going through chemo. Some of the teams helping raise money from Tech included Kappa Delta Sorority, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Circle K International, Louisiana Tech Football Family, Society of Women Engineers, and National Society of Black Engineers. Morgan Conrad, a freshman family and childhood studies major, sat behind a table of chocolate-covered strawberries, a symbol representing her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I think its a really good cause, Conrad said. Relay for Life focuses not only on raising money, but also with honoring survivors with a survivor lap, survivor dinner, survivor bingo, survivor cake walk, and its newest honor, the Survivor of the Year award. The first winner of the award in Lincoln Parish is Avalyne Nichols. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2009 and had her last treatment March 2010. It made me a better person, Nichols said. Cancer can destroy you, but I needed to survive. I needed to fight. I have learned to enjoy little things that people walk past every day, like kids laughter or a sunset. I think about those things now. Nichols accepted the award and told the crowd at the relay the story about her journey. I feel honored that I am still alive and am able to be Survivor of the Year, she said. Its an incredible honor. The relay included entertainment such as Ruston High Schools spirit groups, a Cake Boss competition, and a Mr. Re-

Submitted Photo

Participants competed in various events during the overnight Relay for Life event. The events were moved to the gym in Ruston High School after it was determined that the rain was not going to stop. lay pageant. A Luminaria Ceremony was also performed, where the gym dimmed and small paper bags around the gym floor were lit in honor of those who have passed from cancer. Sutton Davison also performed early in the night to the crowd at the relay. It was humbling to see people support such a worthy cause, Davison said. Also they seemed to really enjoy our songs, which is always fun. The fun was cut short at midnight, because another event was scheduled in the gym for 7 a.m., and the remnants of the relay had to be cleaned up. Despite the rain and the

early ending followed by cleanup, the 30 teams raised $26,814 worth for the American Cancer Societys research.

Email comments to hms017@latech.edu.

TOPS redefines academic year standard

AUSTIN VINING Staff Reporter The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) will provide more opportunities for the in-state students of Louisiana. After a recent rule change of the definition of an academic year, summer sessions are now included. Louisianas Taylor Opportunity Program for Students is a series of merit-based scholarships that award amounts equal to tuition, some including a stipend, at a state public college, university, community college or technical school, according to the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistances website. Kimberly Barlow, Tech scholarship coordinator, said the window to earn 24 academic hours a year to meet the TOPS requirement, now includes summer. She said that it would count from fall quarter through summer quarter. If a students TOPS is in good standing at the conclusion of spring quarter, TOPS funding for summer session is available. She said students can request funding by completing the TOPS summer session payment request and acknowledgement form. It is important to remember that using TOPS for summer funding counts as one of your 12 quarters, Barlow said. The new program will benefit Tech students, she said, because several students have lost TOPS because they only had fall quarter through spring quarter to earn the 24 credit hours required. I am cautioning every TOPS student that the goal still should be to earn the 24 hours by the end of spring, Barlow said. The summer rule change should only be treated as a safety net. Jarmilla Ward, a senior computer information systems major, received TOPS when she started at Tech in 2008. Sadly, I lost my TOPS around my junior year, she said. I plan to regain it before the year is over. Ward said she lost her TOPS award because her GPA fell below the minimum requirement. She said the GPA requirement is lower for freshmen and sophomores than it is for juniors and seniors. The TOPS rule change has already helped her, she said. It has changed my situation by allowing me to take transfer classes during the summer at an easier university, Ward said. Ward said she is grateful for the change, and she knows it will help other students as well. TOPS meant a financial assistance that I greatly needed, she said. If it wasnt for me getting TOPS, I probably would have gone to a different university. Since Ward lost her TOPS award after her second year, she still has six quarters of eligibility left, she said. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance gave Ward a set amount of time to regain her TOPS award by raising her GPA back to the minimum standards. Though I did lose my TOPS, Ward said, I wanted to continue at Louisiana Tech, because I wanted to complete my degree at a positive and accredited college.

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ACCIDENT DOWNTOWN TURNS THE LIGHTS OUT

Medical Center
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An 18- wheeler hit a light pole on Trenton Street in downtown Ruston, which caused a power outage for hours. The driver said he was following officers instructions. One pole, seen above leaning at an angle, was a few feet away from hitting a car. The truck was carrying equipment for a paper mill in Shasta, Calif.

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6 The T T ech alk May 3, 2012

World&Nation
B R I E F S
WORLDNEWS STATENEWS

School board eliminates positions

Five Men arrested in bridge bomb plot

CLEVELAND (AP) Five men, at least three of them anarchists, plotted to blow up a bridge near Cleveland, but there was no danger to the public because the explosives were inoperable and were controlled by an undercover FBI employee, the agency said Tuesday in announcing the mens arrests.

MINDEN, (AP) The Webster Parish School Board has voted to eliminate 38 school and district level positions in a two-prong budget reduction plan designed to realign the school systems spending with its revenue stream. The Times reported the personnel cuts approved Monday night, when coupled with other savings measures implemented this school year, reduces the 2012-13 budget by $4.2 million.

Wal-Mart to pay for labor violations

WASHINGTON (AP) The Labor Department said Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is paying $4.8 million in back wages and damages to more than 4,500 employees nationwide for unpaid overtime. The Bentonville, Ark.-based company is also paying nearly $464,000 in civil penalties. The Labor Department said the company improperly considered the workers to be exempt from overtime pay. Wal-Mart spokesman Greg Rossiter said the company took the allegations seriously when they were first raised in 2007 and immediately corrected the way it classified the employees. We adjusted our pay practices at that time and determined that back wages should be paid for the associates involved, Rossiter said.

House committee addresses deficit

AP Photo

In this June 4, 2009 file photo, Cuban coast guards, right, stop men from trying to migrate illegally to the U.S. on a foam raft near Havanas Malecon.

Cubans share personal beliefs on new traveling-related freedoms

Cuban travel restrictions loosened

pinnings. But scrapping travel controls could be an even bigger step, at least symbolically, and it carries enormous economic, social and political risk. It would be a big step forward, said Philip Peters, a Cuba expert at the Virginiabased Lexington Institute. If Cuba ends the restrictions on its own citizens travel, that means the only travel restrictions that would remain in place would be those the United States imposes on its citizens. The move would open the door to increased emigration, and make it easier for those overseas to avoid forfeiting their residency rights, a fate that has befallen waves of exiles since the 1959 revolution. Rumors of the exit visas imminent demise have circulated on and off for years. The whispers became open chatter last spring after the Communist Party endorsed migration reform at a crucial gathering only for Castro to dash those hopes in December, saying the timing wasnt right and the fate of the revolution was at stake. Alarcons comments in an interview published in April then revived hopes nonetheless that a bold move is coming. One of the questions that we are currently discussing at the highest level of the government is the question of emigration, he told French journalist Salim Lamrani. We are working toward a radical and profound reform of emigration that in the months to come will eliminate this kind of restriction. But Saturday, Vice Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez told exiles not to set their hopes too high, vowing the government would always maintain some travel controls so long as it faced a threat from enemies in Washington. Havana residents say they are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what the government does.

BATON ROUGE (AP) The House budget-writing committee is unveiling its plans Tuesday for filling a $211 million deficit this year, after working behind the scenes with the governors office on ideas for plugging the gap. The Appropriations Committee also is expected to rework next years $25 billion budget proposal to account for a more than $300 million drop in projected state revenue in the new year that begins July 1.

HAVANA (AP) After controlling its citizens comings and goings for five decades, Cuba appears on the verge of a momentous decision to end many travel restrictions, with one senior official saying a radical and profound change is weeks away. In the last 18 months, Castro has already removed prohibitions on some private enterprise, legalized real estate and car sales, and allowed compatriots to hire employees, ideas that were long anathema to the governments Marxist under-

New Orleans Hornets receive tax break

Tourists barred from buying marijuana

AMSTERDAM (AP) A policy barring foreign tourists from buying marijuana in the Netherlands went into effect in parts of the country Tuesday. About 200 smokers marched in protest.

BATON ROUGE (AP) The Louisiana House reversed course Monday and agreed to give a 10-year, $37 million tax break to the New Orleans Hornets, part of the states deal to keep the NBA team. Henrys bill was sent to the Senate for debate with a 62-37 vote, a week after it failed in the House, getting only 49 votes. It needed 53 to pass.

Children charged with cyberbullying

Suspect arrested in Navy veterans fundraising scam

CLEVELAND (AP) A fugitive on the run for more than two years has been arrested on accusations that he ran a scam that collected $100 million in donations from peoplewho believed they were helping U.S. Navy veterans. The man, who uses the false identify of Bobby Thompson, was indicted in Ohio in 2010 on theft, money laundering and other charges related to the Floridabased charity. He disappeared in June 2010. Authorities said little money collected by the charity was used to benefit veterans. Authorities acting on a tip tracked Thompson to a bar in Portland, Ore., on Monday night, followed him home and made the arrest, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. He had multiple fake ID cards from Canada and a backpack containing cash, DeWine said. The arrest closes a search dating back several years and involving a Tampa, Fla.-based charity known as the U.S. Navy Veterans Association. Authorities said the real Thompson wasnt connected to the association and had his identity, including his Social Security number and date of birth, stolen.

Chinese activist escapes house arrest

BEIJING (AP) A wellknown blind activists escape from house arrest in China has set off a cat-and-mouse conflict on the Internet between censors and citizens.

LOGANSPORT (AP) Six Logansport youths have been arrested on cyberbullying and battery charges after authorities say they held down a 10-yearold boy, partially stripped him of his clothing and videotaped the incident.

Police officer wounds student

AP Photo

Exxon Mobil Corp. cleaning up oil spill

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot announces the arrest in Portland, Ore. of a fugitive who went by the alias Bobby Thompson.

Facebook users try organ donor option

ATLANTA (AP) An or- group working with Facebook, gan donation group says more said more than 100,000 users than 100,000 people used a had added their donor status new Facebook feature the first by Tuesday night. day to declare The feature they are donors. also provides a The new oplink to state regtion was anistries so people nounced Tuescan officially sign day by Facebook up to be a donor. CEO Mark ZuckBy Wednesday erberg to boost morning, 18,000 Like the Organ Donation the number of Facebook uspage on Facebook. potential organ ers had used the donors. It allows link. Facebook users But a spokesto add organ dowoman said nor along with other personal they don't know how many of information on the site. those 18,000 followed through Donate Life America, the and registered.

Obama signs peace agreement with Afghan President Karazi

KABUL, Afghanistan The president said the (AP) President Obama deal will also pave the way and Afghan President Ha- for a future of peace. mid Karzai have Karzai said signed an agreepostwar agreement aimed at cement will seal an menting a lasting equal partnerU.S. commitment ship between Afto Afghanistan afghanistan and the ter the long and United States. unpopular war Obama and ends Karzai signed the Obama said agreement at the the war has been presidential palace costly for the U.S. in Kabul shortly OBAMA He said the deal after the U.S. presiwith Afghanistan dent arrived in Afallows the U.S. to wind down ghanistan on Tuesday, slipthe war, but still stand by Af- ping into the country under ghanistan and its people. the cover of darkness.

PASADENA, Texas (AP) A 14-year-old boy suspected in the overnight break-in of a Houston-area classroom was in critical condition Tuesday after being shot by a police officer. The boy, an eighth-grader, was shot in the chest by a district police officer, who was investigating a broken window.

TORBERT (AP) ExxonMobil Corp. said it is cleaning up about 80,000 gallons of oil that spilled from a pipeline in a rural Pointe Coupee Parish, northwest of Baton Rouge. The company said the pipeline was shut down Saturday night after a loss of pressure. The spilled oil was discovered Sunday. No injuries have been reported.

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May 3, 2012 The T T ech alk 7

LAST EDITIONS SOLUTION

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
Aries March 21 April 19 Are you having some problems with authority, Aries? Are you having a hard time making yourself understood? If so, have you thought about explaining your projects in detail to the people that you hope will follow you in your adventure? You cant expect others to follow you blindly. They, too, have their lives to live, as well as their own objectives and priorities. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Yes, Taurus, your projects have taken some time to get set up. This is because you havent been concentrating hard enough. You are doing several things at once, with the result that things have been moving more slowly than you expected. Your change in orientation requires you to focus your energy in a single direction. However, the question remains - what direction? Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 You dont have to create everything alone, Gemini. Life isnt an individual sport. To live life fully, you must participate. Often this involves interacting with other people. This is an exercise in confidence. Do you want to be with us - yes or no? Regardless of your answer, outside events will lead you in a direction that you can neither predict nor imagine. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 When we have found our path, we naturally want to start to walk down it, Cancer. The reverse isnt true despite what you seem to believe. Its quite futile to learn how to walk when you dont know which path to walk upon. This may seem a little obscure to you, and yet its true. Desire is what creates aptitude, not the reverse. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 The astral energy is encouraging you to open up more to your world, culture, and ways of thinking, Leo. You dont have to go off alone in the desert to reinvent everything. For you, this would be the easy way out, because it would allow you to hide! Develop your curiosity about what exists in this society. Your opinion will carry weight later on. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 How focused you are, Virgo! Youre so calm and collected. Of course, the mood is especially hospitable to sobriety, reasonableness, and hard work. The horizon is clear, and you have all the information you require to navigate the seas of life. All you need is a little more faith and courage. If you dont succeed today, youll have no one to blame but yourself. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Today, Libra, you can at last express the secrets that have been troubling you. You may be seething with anger inside and afraid to let it show for fear it may explode on contact. Or you may be steaming with a concealed passion for some lucky special someone. The head will rule the heart today, and your mind will be unclouded by any haze of emotion. Perhaps you should take advantage of it. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your mind is in great turmoil right now, Scorpio, so it isnt surprising that you cant pay much attention to anything. Its as though your concept of the world has been inexorably changed and you see your love life and career with new eyes. Even so, you feel compelled to pick up the pieces of the past and save them. The day ahead should help you let go of the old world.

www.horoscopes.com.net
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 The day will be fairly quiet for you, Sagittarius. Youre likely to yoke yourself to a task and continue working on it until evening. If someone tries to persuade you to take a break, it wont be all that difficult to resist. This is one day when you should follow your instincts, keep your head down, and focus on the task at hand. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You should use the day to ponder your professional future, Capricorn. Many forces seem to be working together to clarify your ideas on the subject. Rather than rebelling at the slightest provocation, as youve been doing lately, it would be much more reasonable for you to think first about the basic material needs of you and your family. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Today is no time for dreaming, Aquarius! Quite the contrary. You can expect to have to settle a number of minor technical problems involving communications or transmissions. On the whole, it will be a somewhat trying day, but at least your mind will be occupied, leaving no room for the difficult internal questions that have been bothering you so much lately. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Are you getting hit with obstacles, Pisces? Could it be that you simply need to allot yourself more time to complete the monumental tasks you take on? This might be difficult for you to tolerate. You dont know how to deal with times like these when you must continue doing the same thing over and over until you get results. Theres a lesson here for you. Remember that patience is a virtue.

BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for July 21, 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across Across 1. Ayatollahs predecessor 14 15 16 1- Ayatollah's predecessor; 55. Most unfavorable 10. Legal rights org. 10- Legal Most unfavorable; 17 18 19 14. Decline 14- Decline; 15rights org.; 15. ______ by anyother name"; "______ by any other name 20 21 22 23 16. Adverse fate 16- Adverse fate; 1717. Organization topromote theater; Organization to promote 24 25 theater 18- Oscar de la ___; 19- Fall; 18. Oscar de girls; 22- Sieves; 24- 26 27 28 20- Young la ___ 29 30 31 32 33 19. Fall Hawaiian food; 25- A dynasty in 20. Young girls China; 26- Modern humans; 30- 34 35 36 37 22. Sieves 34- Blueprint; 35Necessary; 24. Hawaiian food Iams Private Pyle; 3738 39 40 25. A dynasty 38- "You've got mail" alternative; in China 26. Modern humans 42 43 44 45 co.; 39- Human limb, section of a 41 30. NecessaryAppropriate; 41journey; 4034. Blueprint 47 48 49 Queens stadium; 43- Absolute; 46 35. Private Pyle (out); 46- Cocktail; 45- Squeezes 50 51 37. Iams alternative 50- Eyeball; 48- The intestines; 38. Youve got mail co. 51- Exclamation of contempt; 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 39. Human limb, section Strong 52- Incarnadine; 56of a journey green liqueur; 60- Japanese 60 61 62 63 40. Appropriate sandal; 61- Handle; 63- Like 41. Queens stadium grass in the morning; 64- The 65 66 43. Absolute Director Welles; 66- 64 gamut; 6545. Squeezes 67- Contest, (out) Christmas; 67 68 69 46. Cocktail Haunted house ethnicity; 6848. The intestines sounds; 69- Between ports; 50. Eyeball 11. An apple or a planet will have 55. Emperor of Rome 51. Exclamation of contempt Down this at the centre 54. 68 52. Incarnadine 1- Did the butterfly; 2- Mandlikova12. Crazy as 3- Against; 4- First to be bowled over?; 5- Alternative of tennis; 56. Lots and lots 56. a ticket; 6- Mine finds; 7- Director Howard;a ___ fliers; 9- Instructor; 10- List of extra items; Strong green liqueur to 8- Fast 57. Revivalists 60. Japanese sandalplanet will have 13. Strike callers 12- Crazy as a ___; 13- Strike callers; 2111- An apple or a this at the centre; 21. Fair-hiring abbr. 61. Handle abbr.; 23- Actress Charlotte; 26- Sudden convulsion; 27- 58. Affectedly dainty 28- More Fair-hiring Hawaiian greeting; 23. Actress Charlotte 63. Like grass in the morning 30- Israeli desert; 31- Scale; 32- Higher;59. Tree frog wan; 29- Conductor Georg; 33- ___ luck!; 36- Salonen 26. Sudden convulsion 62. Conductor -PekkaBumped 64. The gamut into; 42- Disintegrate; 43- Disclose; 44- Streamers; 45- Spiny anteater; 47- Apr. addressee; 4927. Hawaiian greeting 65. Director Welles Emperor of Russia; 53- Roster; 54- Camaro model; 55- Emperor of Rome 54Airline to Oslo; 5228. More wan 66. Christmas and lots; 57- Revivalists; 58- Affectedly dainty; 59- Tree frog; 62- Conductor ___68; 56- Lots 29. Conductor Georg LAST EDITIONS SOLUTION 67. Contest, ethnicity Pekka Salonen; 30. Israeli desert BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for July 20, 2011 68. Haunted house sounds M A D A T E R L E O A R S 31. Scale Across 69. Between ports 1- Angry with; 6- Della's creator; A B E L E S E E R S T E T 10- Crew needs; 14- White 32. Higher poplar tree; 15- Clairvoyant; 16T I D E T I V O Editor's mark; 17- Feudal estate; M A N O R 33. ___ luck! 18- It may turn; 19- VCR Down A B S O R B I N G E E L E R alternative; 20- Engrossing; 2236. Bumped into Conger catcher; 23- Thin layer; F I L M E N T I T L E 1. Did the butterfly 24- Qualify; 26- Monetary unit of 42. Disintegrate Burma; 29- Greek letters; 31P Y A E T A S O A T 2. Mandlikova of tennis Bran source; 32- ___ Lingus; 3343. Disclose Queue after Q; 34- Lines of A E R R S T U S T I R P S 3. Against descent; 38- Hindu princess; 40R A N I E R G S A T E 44. Streamers Unit of energy; 42- Fill to surfeit; 43- Girl in a Beach Boys song; 4. First to be bowled over? R H O N D A F R A U R A N 45. Spiny anteater 46- German Mrs; 49- in Campaigned; 50- Yes, 5. Alternative to a ticket H A I Y U R T E S T Yokohama; tent; 47. Apr. addressee Cornerstone51- MongolGet as52abbr.; 536. Mine finds U I 49. Airline to Oslo one's own; 57- Bluesy James; A C Q M S R E P E T T A F U L 59- Crews; 60- Ill-humored; 65T E A S L E E N 7. Director Howard This, Tijuana; 52. Emperor of Russia in67- Path; 66- Yours, in E S T A A T O I R O U T E Tours; 68- Ollie's 8. Fast fliers partner; 69- "Jurassic Park" 53. Roster actress; 70- Perfect places; 71S T A N D E R N E D E N S 9. Instructor Remnant; 73- Strikes out; T A R E D R E G D E L E S 54. Camaro model Shipping deduction; 7210. List of extra items Down
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16 19 11 12 13 14 17 20 15 18 21 22 23 24 25 31 34 26 32 38 43 27 28 29 33 30 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 51 47 48 49 52 50 53 59 65 68 71 54 55 56 60 57 58 61 62 63 64 66 69 72 67 70 73

CROSSWORDPUZZLE

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WEEKLYWEATHER
TODAY
HIGH 87 LOW 66

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DAILY U

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FRIDAY
HIGH 89 LOW 66

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WEDNESDAY HIGH 82 LOW 59

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The food is what draws people to the booths, and we hope the students have things that will educate them about their country, he said. Its also a festival and people dress up sometimes in clothes from their country. Erickson said this year is the 29th anniversary and more than 25 of the 50 coun-

FESTIVAL from pg.1

tries represented at Tech were present at the festival. He also said that each year students try to make it special in their own way and this year they made it special with flash mob dancing. The students change each year, so every year has its own characteristics, Erickson said.

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Email comments to ahg007@latech.edu.

the quality of talks are going to depend on the people who give them. Swanbom said he feels recognizing the interesting work happening throughout campus is a good thing, and doing it as a TED event is even better. I have been a little bit surprised when Ive mentioned it or its come up in some way,

TEDX from pg. 3

that Ive had to explain to more people than I expected what exactly TED is, he said. Swanbom said he has watched videos from TED events, and he has been impressed with each one. I like the premise which is get the movers and shakers and doers and try to get them to talk about what theyre passionate about, he said. Thats why the talks end up being good; they

strip away a lot of the garbage and get to the heart of the true passion. A variety of people have presented their ideas at TED Talks; CEOs, inventors of great things, researchers and publishers in nature and science, Swanbom said, there are also high school teachers who come to talk about how to teach. Its really about identifying these people who have passions

and ideas and getting them to talk about those passions and ideas, he said. Swanbom said the title of his talk is The Vehicle to Drive the Next Generation. When he uses the term vehicle, he said, he is not talking about the cars he creates, but about an educational model.

Email comments to acv001@latech.edu.

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Arts&Entertainment
MOVIE REVIEW
KALEB CAUSEY Staff Reporter In a usual action/thriller fashion, The Raven features a race against the clock plot with twists and turns to throw the audience off of the murderers trail. Recent movies like Safe House and Contraband have taken the race against the clock theme and ran it into the ground so much that I was weary of even seeing another movie featuring the same theme. Even popular television shows have taken the theme and put their own spin on it. Shows like 24 and House feature the same find the answer or someone dies type plot. No matter what, a race against the clock should keep the audience on the edge of their seat, and this film did not fall short of that standard. James McTeigue directed The Raven with only two films under his belt before he started this project. V for Vendetta and Ninja Assassin were his only films as lead director, and only V for Vendetta impressed me. As I walked into the theater to see The Raven, a lot of thoughts ran through my head. I thought this film could never match the gore, darkness and deviousness of an Edgar Allan Poe story. I thought the role of Poe would be awfully portrayed by an actor who has never entertained me I also thought that for me to hold a movie to the standards of a Poe writing was a bit out of reach as well. The film follows Edgar Allan

May 3, 2012 The T T ech alk 8

Raven is a soaring triumph

Rogue

The Raven HHHHI Poe, played by John Cusack, and starts off with a scroll of text that says Poe was found on a park bench near death, and his last few days and how he got there remain a mystery. The film begins by portraying Poe as a poor writer whos struggling for money to fuel his alcohol addiction and is in love with the young Emily Hamilton (Alice Eve). Hamilton and Poe are a forbidden couple due to Captain Hamiltons, Emilys father, hatred of Poe. Detective Emmett Fields, played by Luke Evans, finds a crime scene that resembles a murder from Poes story The Murders in the Rue Morgue, right down to the killers escape route. After questioning Poe and trying to form a suspect list, Fields finds another crime scene. This time it resembles The Pit and the Pendulum.

This time the killer has left a clue in the form of a red death mask. At a masked ball that greatly resembles one in The Masque of the Red Death, Fields and his officers are expecting a rampage of murder that would follow along with the storyline, but instead Emily gets kidnapped and the race begins. The plot of the movie is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Cusack leads a great group of actors in this movie who captivated me just as much as the storyline did. Although I really enjoyed the film, I did have a few problems with it. Not even halfway through the film, I figured out who the killer was, and the thrill was taken away. The mystery of the killer is every bit of the adventure in this movie, and knowing that killer will make the remainder of the movie less enjoyable. In the end, I was highly surprised that McTeigue was able to portray the gruesome and dark murders that occur in so many of Poes writings, though I do not think they would have met his standards. However, comparing a modern day movie to the great writings of Edgar Allan Poe isnt the fairest of matchups. The film proved to be a great portrayal of Poes works and offered an interesting story to the last few days of his life.

Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

Senior photography students showcase work

KALEB CAUSEY Staff Reporter The BFA Art Exhibition Reception was held Friday at the Enterprise Center and featured the work of 11 senior photography majors. Joseph Forsse, a featured artist, said this final art show was a sigh of relief for him. Its extremely fun but very stressful, Forsse said. Im pretty sure Ive lost quite a bit of hair on my head. Forsses theme for this art exhibition was focused on the Band of Pride. He said he picked up the idea from his time spent as a photographer for the Lagniappe yearbook. Photographing football games became the thing that I loved, Forsse said. Through that, I discovered my passion of photographing the band. Frank Hamrick, an associate professor of photography, said the senior students year is the same every year. He said the set-up provides the seniors with a lot of freedom to work. They spend their first two quarters working on these projects for their portfolios, Hamrick said. In the spring, they come to me, and I get the chance to see what theyve come up with out of the freedom they are given. Jordan Armentrout, a graduate student in psychology, said he was surprised with the quality of work of the artists. Its really hard for me to choose a favorite artist, Armentrout said. The work draws my attention and makes me wonder what the artist was thinking. Kayla Anderson, a featured artist, said her project was a series of photographs transferred on wooden planks. Its a very stressful and long process, Anderson said. It took me about nine months to complete. Anderson also said she loves art and enjoys unconventional methods of presenting it. I like exposing Ruston to different forms of art, Anderson said. My inspiration for this project was my desire to want to manipulate a photograph and to do something completely different. Sarah Leal, a sophomore studio art major, said she enjoyed the artwork of Cody Bryant. I like Codys work because of his basic theme of cycling and the Ruston cycling community, Leal said. Its very interesting and a different aspect to our town. Forsse also enjoyed presenting a different aspect of Ruston with his theme of the Band of Pride. I worked on this project from September to February, Forsse said. He said the experience of the Poinsettia Bowl was a memorable but tough one. I didnt have much of a chance to thoroughly enjoy the trip because

Photos by Jessica Van Alstyne

A student admires a piece of work by Cody Bryant, one of the 11 senior photography majors featured at the Enterprise Center. The photographers have worked on the projects for the showcase since Fall Quarter.

I was taking so many photos, Forsse said. I did really enjoy the time off that I had from photographing though. Hamrick said this was a great class

of artists and he was impressed by all of their work. Theres a great variety of work in this exhibition, Hamrick said. Theyre not the typical cookie-cutter

photographs, and these artists have really developed their own voices.

Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

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More Talk
Catharine Mercer, a sophomore animal science major, watches students play volleyball in the outdoor pool as she works her shift at the intramural center.
All photos by Sumeet Shrestha

May 3, 2012 The T T ech alk 9

Lambright
Overcoming construction obstacles for a brighter future
BY HANNAH SCHILLING Staff Reporter After watching the finish date change time and time again, students are finally doing cannonballs into the cool water of the new pools at the new addition to the Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center. Before students even walk through the glass doors, the faint smell of chlorine invades the sidewalk. Through the doors, the front desk sits farther away than students were used to in the gym. Some students who work at the Lambright, like Kristen Burns, a junior psychology major, are trying to get accustomed to the alterations to their old job positions. The location of the front desk is not as close to the door now, Burns said. Now two people have to work at the desk to make sure no one gets past. Anyone could easily slip up the stairs right by the front door or come in through the other entrance. After walking the extra distance to the front desk and letting workers swipe a Tech ID, the next question to answer is, What first? With new accompaniments to the Intramural such as a rock wall, an Olympic-sized indoor pool, an outdoor pool and Counter Culture, there are many things students have to explore. Hannah Smith, a sophomore nursing major, said she is excited about a Counter Culture being on campus. My favorite thing about the new additions is the frozen yogurt, she said. Francheska Richards walked away from her job at Raising Canes, leaving behind the smell of greasy fried chicken for the smell of fresh yogurt at Counter Culture. Richards, a senior health information management major, is enjoying her job at the newest addition to the Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center. Its such a relaxed atmosphere, and I like the flexible hours, Richards said. I love that there are so many more college students that come here, unlike Canes. Richards said she also likes the food at Counter Culture and recommends the chopped chicken sandwich with extra chipotle sauce. Counter Culture is open the same hours as Lambright, including until midnight on the weekends. If youre not in the mood for cooling off with frozen yogurt, there are two more optionsthe outdoor and indoor pools. I wish there was more shade, Smith said, but its really nice. Caitlin Germany, a sophomore kinesiology major, walked away from the natatorium relieved that she would get to watch people do something other than swim laps and do water aerobics. This facility is more of a recreational pool where people can lay out, play basketball and volleyball, while the other was more for diving board practice and swimming laps, she said. Germany said she is enjoying her new job at the new Lambright pools. I worked at the nat for two months before this opened, she said. I like this facility more because there are more people to watch, and its more exciting. I get paid to people watch. Even though its a big responsibility, its still fun. The pool schedule varies from day to day and is posted in PDF form under recreation and aquatics on the Tech website. The workers at Lambright all agree on one thing: the new additions have brought in more students than they have ever seen. I like meeting new people, and now there are more students coming that have never been to Lambright before because now the pools are here, Burns said. Jazmine Robinson, a senior computer information systems major, said her job in the bowling alley has become a lot more exciting, too. It has brought a lot more students, Robinson said. We stay open until midnight, and now that the new facilities opened, we actually have students here until midnight. The workers may like the new traffic coming through Lambright, but Smith thinks the traffic outside is a problem. I wish they would fix the parking because there are so many people coming here now, she said. According to James King, vice president for student affairs, parking in front of the new pools is at the top of the list when it comes to how the money from the new enhancement fee will be spent. The parking problem should be solved by the fall. Brandon Frierson, a sophomore civil engineering major, said the advantages of the new additions go beyond a cool dip in a new pool. Its a great addition that beautifies our campus, Frierson said. It will improve the lifestyle of students, and also increase the number of students we have. He also said there could be improvements made like a speaker system with music, more places to eat and a place inside to hang out. After waiting for so long for the new facilities, Frierson said, Its about time. Sitting back watching students wade into the clear water on a sunny day, seeing the local swim teams swim laps and observing students scramble their way up the rock wall, many students and visitors to the intramural center may have realized it was worth the wait.

Email comments to hms017@latech.edu

Bailey Williams, a sophomore aviation major and staff member for the intramural center, holds on to the rope while Carlos Cano, a junior economics major, experiences rock climbing.

Above: The new addition of a lounge pool at the Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center makes it possible for students and visitors to play basketball while staying cool in the pool. Right: Francheska Richards, a senior health information management major, waits to check out customers at Counter Culture.

Sports Talk
Dogs look to continue WAC win streak against Spartans
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
with REINA KEMPT

10 The T T ech alk May 3, 2012

WAC hardware almost expected

ooking around lately I started to notice the amount of ice around campus, a chilliness that comes with a sense of pride, a sense of ownership. A breeze that came with hard work and effort. I mean WAC championship rings; theyre everywhere. Over 100 football players, several dozen track runners and about a dozen women basketball players are sporting them just to name a few. Its nice to see the domination Tech has in the Western Athletic Conference. Maybe it will motivate some of our other sports to try to join Club Breezy. Every ring is immaculate, unique and tells the story of what each team went through to join the club. Football not only has the WAC on one side, but it also shows the teams journey to the San Diego Poinsettia Bowl in which they played the powerhouse football team of Texas Christian University. Many thought it was clear we would lose, but Tech gave TCU a run for their money. A few players will be able to take that ring to the next level as six Tech football players have signed free agent contracts to play in the NFL. Adrien Cole signed with the Chicago Bears, Matt Broha with the New York Giants, Lennon Creer with the Redskins and Terry Carter with Pittsburgh. News of Kris Cavitt and Jay Dudley signing with the Lions and Giants respectively also was announced, making this years championship football team one of the best in some time. The womens track rings look a lot like footballs, but there is one big difference: it was their seventh consecutive championship. Womens basketball is totally different than all other rings, matching the unique style of their head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. These ladies, and Im a member of this championship squad, have a ring with a huge Columbia blue gem as the center which shows how womens basketball is the only sport at Tech that changed the school colors. One of the ladies from that team, Adrienne Johnson, is sporting that championship ring in a professional league in Bulgaria where she continues to shine, Adrienne Johnson. Lets face it, plenty of our sports have the potential to join the club next year. Mens basketball had a good energetic squad this year; they just needed more experience down the stretch. With three impactmaking freshmen coming back, I dont see how thats farfetched. Softball is doing well this year as theyre currently placed sixth in the conference with a team full of underclassmen. I have faith that they can come up big next year. Soccer had a rough season this year, but before that they have been known for being pretty good over the past few years, and Im sure they plan to get back to that reputation. So its not like Club Breezy is exclusive; we welcome any Tech sport to come join; in fact, we would love for more sports to join. Tech is not only a great school academically, but we excel in sports as well. This is not only a place that creates doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen and even journalists, but it is where champions are made in and out of contests. Reina Kempt is a junior journalism major from Baton Rouge who serves as associate sports editor. Email comments to rjk007@latech. edu.
Photo courtesy of Media Relations

Track set to shine at conference tournament

DEREK J. AMAYA Sports Reporter

Senior outfielder Justin Gordey dives back into first base in last weekends series win over Hawaii. The Bulldogs return to action with a three-game series starting at 6 p.m. Friday against San Jose State at home. DEREK J. AMAYA Sports Reporter After the momentum swinging back and forth throughout Western Athletic Conference play, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are set to finish off their final home series of the 2012 campaign against the San Jose State Spartans. While most of the Bulldogs conference games have gone down to the wire and resulted in close losses, head coach Wade Simoneaux and his team are ready to finish off the season on a high note after taking the last two conference games from Hawaii last weekend. Junior pitcher Jamie Gilley, who was just named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Pitcher of the Week, said playing against conference teams brings out the competiveness of the team and they are ready to take on the challenge. You really have to throw it in there, he said. If you leave the ball up, they are going to smash it somewhere. Thats the big difference between some of the other nonconference teams weve played. Nearing the end of his record-breaking season, junior closer Caleb Dudley said San Jose State is a team which surprises them every year. I know theyre a scrappy team, he said. They do all the small things right. Theyre coached really well. Pitching has always been really good in the past. All around theyre an average hitting team. They execute when they need to execute and get the job done. The Bulldogs (20-23, 3-9) are sixth in conference behind the fifth place Spartans (21-19, 5-4). A series win would mean the Bulldogs are still in the running for the WAC tournament. In the WAC, you feel like you have something to prove every week, Dudley said. Were not really well liked in the WAC because were from the South. I guess we dont really fit in the West Coast. These last three home games of the season at J.C. Love Field, the players are ready to step up their game and leave the home crowd on a high note. I love playing at home, Dudley said. I love our fans. Especially when right field is packed, thats always fun. You always go out with intensity, but theres an added sense of intensity when youre home crowd is there. You always want to get a win with the fans. Gilley said its a tough task but the team knows what they have to do. San Jose State is a tough team, Gilley said. All I know is, we have got to beat them. The Bulldogs play San Jose State Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m., 3 p.m. and 1 p.m. at J.C. Love Field.

After realizing the indoor season did not end as anticipated, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs track and field team is looking to end their outdoor season with a good showing in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Associate head coach Shawn Jackson said the indoor conference tournament was an awakening for the team and the experience the team gained will help out this time around. Every meet we have competed in has led to this, he said. All of our motivation will now be focused on this meet and were going to stay competitive in the conference. Louisiana Tech ended the 2012 outdoor regular season winning seven event wins at the Golden Eagle Classic last weekend. The WAC Tournament will be the seasons conclusion for some of the athletes. We have to get everybody to compete to his or her ability, Jackson said. Those who are freshman are not freshman anymore since they have only a few weeks left of the year. We have prepared the whole season for this. Jackson also said the focus needs to stay on their own team rather than worrying about other competitors. Players to watch our own athletes, he said. On the girls side, there is Chelsea Hayes, who is a national type athlete. On the mens side, Trey Hadnot is healthy and ready to compete. As far as who are we competing against, we like to stay focused on our task at hand.

Email comments to dja014@latech.edu.

Email comments to dja014@latech.edu.

Tech softball becoming a family affair

REINA KEMPT Associate Sports Editor Erin Kipp and Alayna Kipp are sisters from Bullard, Texas, and just one year behind each other. The sisters also serve as teammates on the Lady Techster softball team. These ladies have been playing ball together ever since they were toddlers and have grown up to compete on the collegiate level with one another. Erin, a sophomore, said they always knew they wanted to play together,m so when head coach Sarah Dawson recruited them both, she was ecstatic. I was really excited about me and my sister being able to play together, Erin said. We started playing together as kids and we always thought it would be great to finish together. Alayna, the younger of the two and a freshman at Tech, said she couldnt wait to get to Tech to play with her sister once again. She said she always looked up to her big sister and being able to play on the next level with Erin was a dream come true. The reason we love Tech so much is because they recruited us at the same time, Alayna said. They wanted us to continue playing together. But with all fun and games aside, its the most crucial part of season and the Techsters are lacking consistency offensively. The team is batting .239 at this point in the season and will need to improve in order to knock off the competition. There have been a lot of ups and downs these past few weeks for the Lady Techsters softball squad, but Erin and Alayna both said they are ready and focused to take on Fresno State (31-20, 11-5) in what will be the last regular season game. Dawson said she knows her team is struggling but this series against Fresno State would be a great time to turn things around before going into the WAC tournament hosted in New Mexico. We have a lot of work to do but we just have to take it one game at a time, Dawson said. Each win from here is just a momentum builder for us to continue to build on. Fresno State is currently ranked third in the conference behind Hawaii and Brigham Young. Tech will have to buckle down on defense and match their intensity offensively despite their current woes at the plate. The Lady Techsters are one of only three teams in the Western Athletic Conference that have gone to the championship tournament every year since 2006 alongside Hawaii and Fresno State. A feat like that has been accomplished by a team full of underclassmen with only two seniors. Those seniors, Kendra Harmon and Charday Wilson, have played their last regular season home game at the Lady Techster Softball Complex last Saturday in a split doubleheader against Nevada. For the rest of the squad, its a building process and no better game to build and finish the regular season strong with than the Lady Bulldogs. The game against Fresno State will be available on Gametracker for all fans who would like to follow the action on the West Coast. The Lady Techsters and the Bulldogs will meet up Friday at 8 p.m. and again Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. in Fresno, Calif.

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