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THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG APRIL 17, 2014 VOLUME 88 ISSUE 19

The

PAID

Concrete canoe paddles into first

Tech Talk staff wins big at SPJ

NEWS SERVICES
Staff members of Louisiana Techs student-run newspaper, The Tech Talk, received a variety of writing and photography awards for their from the Society of Professional Journalists. Six students on staff received awards from SPJs Region 12 Mark of Excellence contest and are now entered in the national competition. Our Tech Talk staff continues to bring recognition and honor to the journalism department and the university, said Dr. Reginald Owens, chair of the department. I congratulate them on their award-winning ways. Owens added that the SPJ was a prestigious organization with a strong competition. It is signicant to note that our students are winning in a very competitive arena, Owens said. These awards represent more than recognition of their good skills. These honors also represent their hard work and dedication. Those who received awards were classied into a winner category and nalist category. Students who placed are listed below. Winner Derek J. Amaya, a senior journalism major from Metairie, Sports Column Writing. Kaleb Causey, a senior journalism and political science major from Jonesboro, Sports Writing. Devin Dronett, a junior communication design major from Lake Charles, Feature Photography. Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay, a junior photography major from India, Photo Illustration. Hannah Schilling, a senior journalism and political science major from Bossier City, General Column Writing. Finalist Allison East, a senior journalism and history major from Vicksburg, Miss., General Column Writing. Mukhopadhyay, General News Photography.

Members of the American Society of Civil Engineers swept the competition in the Deep South Regional Concrete Canoe Conference and brought home first place. IAN EDWARDS Staff Reporter into four parts. The competition itself is divided into racing (multiple types), aesthetics, a design paper and a presentation, he said. This year, our men and women won rst in everything, every single race type included. This will mark the fth year out of seven that our team has advanced to nationals, which will be in Pittsburgh in June. Andrew Vicknair, a senior civil engineering major and mix design captain, said his team was able to improve their concrete mix with lots of trial and error. The past few years, our starting mix ended up being too heavy, Vicknair said. It was around 66 pounds per cubic feet, and most of the canoes that compete in regionals and nationals are in the 50s.

Submitted photo

ouisiana Techs chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers recently put their skills and knowledge on display as they brought home rst place at the Deep South Regional Concrete Canoe Conference. the conference featured teams from 14 universities throughout the south, said Sal Pellittieri, a senior civil engineering major and team captain. Each year, ASCE has a regional conference against teams like LSU, Ole Miss and Mississippi State, Pellittieri said. This year, it was held in Memphis, Tenn. Pellittieri said the competition is broken

We managed to get ours down to 54 after about 25 different trials, and our nal product emerged with a weight of 146 pounds, which is a solid job. Vicknair said advancing to nationals carried a certain air of prestige along with it. Its almost like playing college football for a year, and when that year is up, being drafted to the NFL, he said. Teams come in with more money and bigger groups, which allows them to have a greater variety of aesthetics and overall resources. Its certainly a high end spectrum, but I feel like we belong there. Pellittieri said despite Tech being considered one of the high end teams, they were

> see CANOEpage 6

2 The T ech T alk April 17, 2014

NEWS

Greeks come out to show their spirit

FREDEDREIA WILLIS Staff Reporter Last week, Greeks went head to head to raise money for deserving causes. A week Greek Week, a yearly event that takes place every spring quarter, is a time for all Greek organizations on campus to join together. The weeks competitive events kicked off at noon Monday April 7 in Centennial Plaza. Students created a large audience around the red tables for a cook-off. On Tuesday afternoon the Greeks gathered around the red tables for a donut-eating contest. The most popular event during Greek Week was Songfest on Tuesday evening. Songfest was a competition where fraternities and sororities paired up to perform skits, dances and songs. It was great to be able to see all of my friends from other sororities and promote Greek unity while still rooting for my girls, said Marissa Lee, a member of Kappa Delta and junior biology major. Wednesday started out with the stroll-off, sometimes known as a party walking. The stroll-off competition was followed by a girls kickball tournament. Sarah McCorkle, a member of Phi Mu and a senior speech major, said she was thrilled and excited about the kickball tournament. My favorite thing about Greek Week (was) being able to hang out with my sorority and all of the other Greeks as well, McCorkle, a junior speech communication major, said. Thursday began with Penny Wars, where Greeks competed to see who could gather the most pennies with the least amount of silver coins or paper money. McCorkle said she enjoyed raising money for a charity through Penny Wars. She said that all of the money went to MedCamps of Louisiana. After the Penny Wars, the Greeks joined together for volleyball tournament. After, the Greeks ended Thursday with the Up Til Dawn 5k Glow Run for St. Jude. The kids should be outside playing, but instead they are battling diseases, she said. I was very excited to see all of the Greeks participating in the run, said Samantha Rachel, executive director of Up Til Dawn. It felt great to win but I was just glad to be a part of the race period, said Ethan Brown, the rst place winner of the run. To kick off the last day of the week, the students headed to South Campus for a series of relays known as Farm Games. As the Greeks united one last time to close the week, the winners were revealed. Each event awarded a number of points, which were kept secret throughout the week so nobody could determine who was ahead. Sigma Kappa and Sigma Nu were named the champions. Breayn Green, a member of Sigma Kappa and a senior speech language pathology major, said she was thrilled to win this years Greek Week. Green said the best part was seeing all the fraternities and sororities truly coming together. I feel very proud of my sorority sisters, she said. We all worked so hard this year and week to win. My voice is still gone from screaming so much in celebration. It was a competitive week, she said. But seeing everyone come together to bond with not only their brothers or sisters but all of the Greek community, was great.

Photos by Devin Dronett

Above: Runners decorate their shirts for the Glow Run, an event put on by Up Til Dawn to raise money for St. Judes. Left: Runners line up at the start line for the Glow Run.

Email comments to flw005@latech.edu.

PRISM students observe day of silence

JARED KING Staff Reporter of PRISM for three years and is transgender. Tracy values the group because of the discriminaWhat will you do to end the tion he was subjected to in high silence? Students of Louisiana school. Techs Prism group took a vow My story is not a happy one, of silence Friday to do observe Tracy said. I didnt have a good National Day of Silence to bring time in high school because of awareness to the Lesbian, Gay, the discrimination and the bulBisexual and Transgender com- lying that I suffered from. I exmunity Friday. perienced the physical PRISM, founded side of the abuse as well in 2005 as the Gay/ as the verbal side of it. Straight Alliance, ofPRISM is very supportfers Tech students a ive of the transgender place to be who they community and supports are without fear of transgender awareness. bullying or discrimiWhile primarily creatnation. President Tayed as an organization for lor Michiels, a senior members of the LGBT marketing major, said community, heterosexual that the group propeople are also members vides LGBT students of PRISM. Referred to as TRACY with a safe space. allies, heterosexual memIn our safe space, bers of PRISM are advopeople are free to be who they cates of LGBT rights and stand are, Michiels said. We accept with the LGBT community in its everyone. People arent afraid to ght for those rights. talk about being gay, and transRebecca Hillman, a senior acgender members arent afraid counting major, is the vice-presito dress up as the gender they dent of PRISM and is an ally of choose to express. the organization. Many of the members of An ally is simply a person who PRISM did not have the luxury supports the LGBT community of such a support system in high and works to prevent homophoschool. Declan Tracy, a junior bi- bia and participates in activism ology major, has been a member events, Hillman said. Allies are

Photo by Colin Fontenot

important because they give the LGBT community validation. They dont have to be a group of gay people but they can be integrated with heterosexuals. As a member of PRISM, Hillman said she has not faced discrimination from other students because of her association with the organization.

I think the Tech campus is a very open place, Hillman said. I think it is more open than people think, and the members of PRISM have never had problems with students reacting adversely to them.

Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.

Above: Dustin McGilvray, right, a senior psychology major, and Taylor Michiels, left, a senior marketing major, tape each others mouths in order to observe the Day of Silence, a LGBT awareness event that takes place nationwide.

UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY
Lady Techsters softball will host Southern Miss in two games at 5 and 7 p.m. University closed for Easter holidays

SATURDAY
Lady Techsters softball will host Southern Miss in a game at 2 p.m.

SUNDAY
No calendar

MONDAY
Easter holidays end at 5 p.m.

TUESDAY
No calendar events

WEDNESDAY
The 8th annual Shakespeare festival will be held in the courtyard of GTM from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

THURSDAY
No calendar events

events

NEWS

April 17, 2014 The T ech T alk 3

Relay raises money, awareness

FREDEDREIA WILLIS Staff Reporter Lincoln Parishs Relay for Life drew almost 300 participants to walk and help raise money to fund cancer research through the American Cancer Society. Before the event started, Brittany Copponex, a senior mechanical engineering major and event chairperson for Lincoln Parish, said she was very pleased with the turnout of the crowd. Seeing Relay for Life being able to bring the whole community out for the mere cause of trying to eliminate cancer was very heartwarming, Copponex said. It basically sucked me in, and I love how it brings people together to raise money. Relay for Life is an overnight event where survivors, supporters and current ghters take turns walking, around the track from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. When attendees are not running or walking they can enjoy different booths with food and games to raise money for the ACS. Though the theme changes each year, this year was superhero themed. Colton Boothe, a Ruston High School senior, served as the rst speaker of the evening. Boothe was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at 8 years old. He and his family have been major supporters of the Lincoln Parish Relay for Life since that time, raising more than $9,000 to help with awareness and ght against cancer. Boothe said he remembers sitting in his hospital room, and the doctor telling him he had cancer. I didnt know what cancer was; I just knew that it wasnt good, he said. As soon as I heard those words, I broke down crying. Boothes speech was pate in the event and said it was her rst time ever doing Relay for Life. Boagni explained that she had a lot of fun and thinks that she will participate every year now. I liked being with a group of people I enjoyed and walking for such a wonderful cause, she said. Even though I dont have cancer, I felt like my participation gave someone who does lots of faith. The luminaria ceremony began with small white paper bags with candles inside that traced the outline of the track. The candles were lit in honor of survivors, ghters and those who have lost their lives to cancer. Photo by Devin Dronett Were going to elimiLuminaries placed around the track honored those who have survived cancer, those who nate cancer one day, Copponex said, I am going to are battling cancer and have lost their lives to cancer. be an active member of followed by the start of the Claudy Aker, survivor of out and how Relay for Life Relay for Life for the rest of my life. survivor walk. lymphoma cancer, said. I has given me hope. Relay for Life truly lets would tell any young perJessica Boagni, a memyou know that youre not son that is being affected ber of Delta Sigma Pi, Email comments to the only one in that boat, by cancer not to chicken helped the sorority partici- flw005@latech.edu.

Big Event gives back to Ruston community

LACY CAMP Staff Reporter With an opening message from the mayor of Ruston, Dan Hollingsworth, the Big Event, organized by SGA was ofcially underway Saturday morning. I should thank you (the students) for participating in the Big Event because willingly volunteering services to others is one of the key stones of living a good life, Hollingsworth said. Louisiana Tech President Les Guice, Senator Rick Gallot and Vice President for Student Affairs Jim King were guest speakers. The No. 1 role of universities is to serve, Guice said. We serve the citizens, our state, our communities and the nation. At least 50 organizations and 1,300 volunteers lled Joe Aillet Stadium to serve around 100 homes, said Carlton Gray, a senior sustainable supply chain management major who organized the Big Event. As a former student as Louisiana Tech, I rarely saw 8:30 or 9 oclock in the morning, particularly on Saturdays, Guice said. Although most of the volunteers were Tech students, Gallot and his family also participated in the Big Event. I have never seen a group come together like this to go out and provide service to the community, Senator Gallot said. However, gathering volunteers who are willing to wake up early is not the only challenge the SGA must face, planning the event and getting participants are two other main challenges. You normally start prepping for this in the winter quarter, Gray said. Normally what we do is look at the list from the previous year and call all the people who participated last year, then after that we put ads in the Ruston Daily Leader, and then the homeowners mail the ads back to us. As part of the Big Event, volunteers scattered out in teams across Ruston providing services such as cleaning windows, raking leaves and throwing sticks into a pile. I serve on UCM, which is United Campus Ministries, as their secretary and this year all the campus ministries wanted to come together and serve the Big Event as one whole group, Catherine Champ, a senior business management major, said. This is the rst year the ministries have come together, so it is a really cool opportunity to serve as one body of Christ. As volunteers became leaders throughout Ruston through community service, King ended his speech to the volunteers by reminding that every student is a leader. You guys are the leaders of this campus, King said. You are the leaders of this community. Model the way for one another. Model the way for the community. You are leaders here and you are leaders tomorrow.

Email comments to lmc074@latech.edu.

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MANAGEMENT
MANAGING EDITOR
John Sadler Allison East Kaleb Causey

4 The T ech T alk April 17, 2014

The

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The war on women continues

KALEB CAUSEY Editor-in-Chief

CAUSEY SAID SO...

NEWS EDITOR

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Austin Vining

FEATURE EDITOR

Cody Sexton

Hannah Schilling Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay Devin Dronett Derek J. Amaya Colin Fontenot

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year ago, I changed political parties. I made the switch that ostracized me in southern politics. I switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. While this has gained me a lot of ack, I am still proud of my decision. I did so for several reasons, but gender equality was a major one. Last week, Republicans in the Senate blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill intended to hold employers accountable for wage discrimination against women. The Republican defense to shooting the bill down was the bill would create more lawsuits. Really? If it is creating more lawsuits, the bill is doing its job of xing wage discrimination because it is helping those women prevent companies from discriminating in the future. However, the most preposter-

ous storyline to come out of this event was Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in an interview with CBS Face the Nation Sunday. I nd this war on women rhetoric almost silly, she said in regards to the outrage against the Senate Republicans for not supporting the bill. It is Republicans that have led the ght for womens equality. Blackburn also said the bill did not do enough, so it should not be passed. However, any increase in help is better than no help. These sorts of things take time and small steps always help move the conversation along. Blackburn apparently does not understand that. This is the same congresswoman who voted against a very similar bill in 2009, then voted against the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a bill that helped bring gender equality issues to the forefront of the national conversation, and last year said that women dont want

equal pay. The U.S. Census Bureau has found that women make 77 cents for every dollar men earn. Show me a woman who does not want the extra 23 cents that she is being shorted and I will gladly change my mind. Women deserve equal rights, and that includes equal pay. People should be evaluated and compensated based on their work, not their gender. Republicans continue to battle their image as the anti-women party by mentioning famous women in history who were Republicans. Instead of touting past successes, the Republicans main focus should be providing the women of tomorrow with equal opportunities. Kaleb Causey is a senior political science and journalism major from Jonesboro who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

The truth about vaccines

Vaccines are good. At least, thats what we think. As for the rest of the American population, the same cannot be said. Anti-vaccination groups are a rapidly growing entity in the United States. One of the crusaders of this antivax movement is former Playmate Jenny McCarthy. McCarthy has claimed for years that vaccinations are dangerous, according to an article on Slate.com. Her claims most likely began when her now 7-year-old son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. She is rm in her belief that vaccinations were the cause of her sons autism. For years she has been advocating that there are toxins present in vaccines. While that may be true, medical professionals have explained that the amount of toxins in vaccines is far too small to be considered dangerous. In all honesty, vaccines do not contain a big enough dose of toxins to cause the problems that anti-vaxxers, like McCarthy, are claiming exists. In an article from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it provides proof of the safety of vaccines. Anti-vaxxers are using faulty logic. Just because a moderate proportion of people may breakout with a disease shortly after receiving a vaccination, or may die shortly after is a casual connection. According to the article, anti-vax groups might as well say that eating bread causes car crashes since most drivers who crash their cars had probably eaten bread within the past 24 hours. The only reason anti-vax groups were started was due to bad research with even worse interpretation. We dont even know why those groups exist anymore. These anti-vaxxers are not doctors, at least not smart ones, and they are basing their opinions on discounted research by a man who was discredited by the medical community. If their claims were true, why would they ever trust doctors again since they think they are poisoning newborns with autism shots? McCarthy made her living selling nude pictures of herself and apparently thats all you need to get people to listen to the made up medical facts about vaccines that save lives and do not cause autism. It is ridiculous that they refuse vaccines because it puts other kids at risk and makes preventable diseases more prevalent. Yes, the diseases we vaccinate for are signicantly less prominent now, but all it takes is one contraction to cause an outbreak if we have a number of unvaccinated people. That happened in Bolder, Co., and they had a really high whooping cough rate in 2002 because of it. On McCarthys anti-vaccine body count page there are 130,730 recorded preventable diseases and 1,381 preventable deaths but 0 autism diagnoses scientically linked to autism. These numbers provide proof of what vaccinations can really do.

DEPARTMENT HEAD

Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscriptions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. The Tech Talk (USPS 535-540) is published Thursdays of the regular school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Journalism Department of Louisiana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 139. Second-class postage paid at Ruston, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272-0045.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Human rights ignored

HANNAH SCHILLING Multimedia Editor

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The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address, classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 146 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publication. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/. Louisiana Tech University is committed to the principle of providing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http:// www.latech.edu/administration/ policies-and-procedures/1445. shtml.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ducation. Food. Housing. Medical care. Privacy. These are just a few of many things the United Nations declared as human rights that every person is entitled to in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Forty-eight countries signed the document, a promise to hold each other to the high standards outlined in the 30 articles. But these countries have broken their promise. Just last week, Egypt imprisoned four men for holding parties they say involved homosexual activities. Chinese police kidnapped and tortured four human rights lawyers, hanging them by their wrists and beating them, for pursuing action to help those illegally imprisoned in black jails where more torture tactics are used. The United States continues to use torture techniques on alleged terrorists before knowing if the prisoners are guilty. Former vice

president Dick Cheney said the enhanced interrogation techniques including waterboarding, a process during which water is poured over a persons nose and mouth to induce choking, are not torture. Even if it was, Cheney asserted, it would not be a violation of human rights because the prisoners were unlawful combatants. There is the problem. These three countries, all signers of the declaration, cannot seem to grasp the concept that every human, regardless of sexuality, political ideals or criminal activity, is still a human. Using labels to justify these abuses is shameful. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law, Article 7 of the Universal Declaration states. Humans who choose to identify as anything but heterosexual do not shed their humanity as a result of that choice. Humans who hold a certain political belief do not become animals to be tied up. Humans who may or may not have

information do not become tools to be used to further your interests. They feel pain, they feel love and they, as humans, should have the right to feel protected. The continuation of indifference to human rights violations on the worlds stage puts everyones rights in jeopardy. We cannot continue to dehumanize others because that undermines who we are as humans. Uganda in February enacted a new policy which allows up to life imprisonment for those convicted of engaging in gay sex and sets a seven-year jail term for attempted homosexuality. In response, the United States, the World Bank and some European countries sistance to Uganda. This is the kind of accountability needed. We can only hope it does not stop here. Hannah is a senior journalism and political science major from Bossier City who serves as multimedia editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to hms017@latech.edu.

LETS GET ONE THING STRAIGHT

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor

A slap with the Bible Belt

bill is making its way through the Louisiana state legislature that would make the Bible the state book. This came as joyous news to som of the religious, outrageous shock to those who see it as a violation of the First Amendment and a complete surprise to me because I had no idea such a label existed. State book? Thats a thing? It reminds me of those labels given to random days of the year like the recent National Sibling Day. The elected ofcials of this state are spending time, energy and taxpayers dollars trying to give the Bible a gloried title. This sounds like a story someone from a different state would tell to parody how ridiculous the South is, but it happens to be true. Honestly, it is not surprising that something like this is hap-

pening. I did not even bother to get upset over the people who are wasting time to support this bill. Obviously, it is a blatant violation of the First Amendment. The bill is a complete slap in the face to people with different beliefs than Christians; however, it does no one any good to get too upset over it. There is little hope for it to pass. For one reason, other than opening us up to an onslaught of jokes this state cannot afford to be subjected to, it would make the state susceptible to legal action. You cannot separate Christianity from the Bible, said State Rep. Wesley Bishop. If you adopt the Bible as the ofcial state book, you adopt Christianity as the state religion ... We are going to open ourselves to a lawsuit. This bill is eerily similar to the one recently passed in Tennessee which allows students to use their religious beliefs as an excuse to bully others in school.

The American Civil Liberties union of Louisiana also believes this bill is a form of bullying those with different beliefs. This whole thing is a notvery-well concealed effort to use discrimination against people in Louisiana who do not include the Holy Bible in their beliefs, ACLU executive director Marjorie Esman said. The biggest concern with religion-based actions like this is the people behind them think they are doing it for the greater good when really they are taking a step back from progress. Wouldnt our representitives time be better spent xing something like education or trying to break the stereotype that we all have pet alligators? Cody is a senior journalism and English major from Seattle who serves as Entertainment Editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

Arts Entertainment
BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter Many students left Howard Auditorium after watching the Margaret Jenkins production, Times Bones, on April 10 feeling downright perplexed. Plenty of those in attendance for this fourth and nal show in the Louisiana Tech Concert Association (LTCA)s 2013-2014 schedule were fairly new to contemporary dance and did not know what to expect out of the performance. A quick glance at the Artistic Statement in the shows program, written by Jenkins, claried what the audience was to expect: a dance loosely based on the myth of the scattered limbs of Osiris, Jenkins said in the statement. Times Bones explores the underpinnings of my dances, the bones of my earlier work, toward creating a new whole, another beginning on this 40th anniversary of my company, she wrote. LTCA Director Paul Crook took the stage prior to the show to welcome and thank Jenkins crew formally, and then gave a brief synopsis of the dance production, assuring the crowd they were in for a treat before returning to his chair. The show opened with a silent video, which was projected onto a large cloth-like screen, which hung from the rafters, hiding most of the stage. The projection displayed the different choreographic pieces that Jenkins produced over her career. Accompanying the projection was an eerie soundtrack of soft instrumentation and indecipherable whispers. While the video continued playing, seven dancers entered from behind the crowd and moved throughout the aisles of the auditorium as Jenkins read aloud a lengthy list of credits from her previous work. At the end of this prelude, the projection ended and the screen went away to reveal the set. Numerous square panels of clear glass hung vertically along the back of the stage, while dozens of lowered light xtures acted as the pseudoceiling to the box-like set the dancers performed in. The way the set used light patterns and color motifs to create different atmospheres throughout the performance stood out as a ne example of abstract storytelling. Newcomers to this style of dance did not have much to get excited about with Times Bones. A lot of the dance moves seemed plain. The dancers often assisted each other during every jump, no matter how small, and it was difcult for viewers to keep up with all of the simultaneous, moving action on stage. That is not to say the performers did not have a few impressive feats up their sleeves. For instance, dancer Kelly Del Rosarios heart-stopping leaps off the ground and displays of raw physical strength were a personal highlight of Times Bones. For students who came to watch these San Franciscobased performers, thoughts after the show ranged from confusing to awesome, with a lot of varying opinions in between. Those who expected a linear, spoon-fed narrative were left puzzled on their verdict of Times Bones, while those who kept an open mind and introspective disposition seemed to experience much more from it.

April 17, 2014 The T ech T alk 5

Ti mes Bon es po larizes Tech stu dents

Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.

Captain America soldiers to the front of the box ofce

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor Whether it was sweeping patriotism, a love for the comic book hero or Scarlett Johanssons perfection that brought movie-goers to see Marvels latest Captain America lm, the lm has been a box ofce hit making it the No. 1 lm two weeks running. Thankfully, there are several more comics for Hollywood to use as an inspiration for lms to contrast from the teenage dystopian love stories and Tyler Perrys cross dressing. Though the lm is thoroughly enjoyable, the best thing about the release of a new Marvel movie means we are one step closer to Joss Whedons Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Winter Solider takes on a darker tone as Captain America battles the forces of the secret organization HYDRA but manages to keep the light-hearted charm Marvel is known for. The lms rst action sequence was eerily reminiscent of Captain Phillips with a ship commandeered by international pirates. When Captain America jumped (literally) into action and began the search and rescue, I began thinking how much easier of a time Tom Hanks would have had if he lms and delivers a performance not soon forgotten. In addition to new cast members, nothing makes a lm better than the lmmakers ability to bring in old faces if only for a moment. Cobie Smulders reprises her role returns as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill as well as Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Helping the Captain in his ght against HYDRA, fans get a glimpse of Sam Wilson, a.k.a. Falcon, played by Anthony Mackie and Agent Kate Carter, played by Emily VanCamp. One of the most notable and commendable aspects of the lm is its lack of CGI effects. The lmmakers instead uses practical effects and well-choreographed hand-to-hand combat and gun play. Though the lm was somewhat predictable at times with a few corny jokes to be expected from a super hero action movie, it was still a thrilling and entertaining work of art. In a perfect example of natural selection at its nest, some decided to leave the theater before seeing the hidden mid-credit scene, which is always the best part of a Marvel movie. Without giving away too much, fans are in for a treat with the new Avengers movie coming out in the summer of 2015 as they enter the Age of Miracles.

Marvel Studios

Captain America: The Winter Solider HHHII

had a shield. Speaking of the shield, the lmmakers gave the Captain more versatility with his iconic shield in this lm, allowing him to use it more as a weapon than just a means of defense. Captain America: The Winter Solider is considered to be one of Marvels best lms so far for its brilliant action sequences and standout acting. Chris Evans and Scarlett Johanssons on screen chemistry feels natural and supports their characters roles in the lm. Johansson in particular was a standout character. It was a nice to see her front and center for a majority of the lm as (much to my own dismay) she does not have her own Marvel lm. Yet. Robert Redford steps out from behind the veil created by his recent work with indie

I think I may have an STD.

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Distractions
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 April 19 If you find yourself second-guessing plans you made earlier, Aries, perhaps for a plane trip, try to look objectively at your concerns. You dont have to cancel everything if you have money worries. Your fears will probably turn out to be unfounded. This could be a good time to look into learning more about modern technology, either by enrolling in a class or attending a lecture. Evaluate vacation plans or a class with an analytical eye. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You might find yourself wrestling some ongoing, unresolved issues that could interfere with your ability to do your job. Be mindful that youre a bit brittle today, particularly if youre working on financial matters, Taurus. The last thing you want is a major battle with those around you, so do your best to keep a cool head. Dont let uncontrolled emotions rule the day. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 There is a possibility that youll fall into a bit of a regression today as old feelings of anxiety or inadequacy surface. Although youve reached a good place in terms of self-confidence, some old childhood fears could resurface. The old emotions that bubble up could impede your interactions with your co-workers or friends today, so be mindful of what lies under the surface for you, Gemini. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 OK, up and at em, Cancer! You might feel like youre walking through sand today, but you really need to shake your booty and get the blood flowing. If you dont get up and do something, youll be a slug all day. You need to clear your head and cast off that bloated feeling. Most importantly, you want to get a good start to the day so you can accomplish everything that awaits you. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Your artistic abilities could seem a bit blocked today, Leo. You could be anxious to complete a half-finished project, but at this point you may have no idea where to go with it. Dont panic! Do something else for a day or two and ideas will probably flow as if by magic. If you dont have a tight deadline, theres no rush to complete the work now. Give it some time! Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 This could be a tough day for you emotionally. It might surprise you to find that some very old, deep-seated feelings get churned up in the course of investigating a subject of keen interest to you. It might be difficult to process these feelings. Dont try to intellectualize them too much, Virgo. At the same time, be wary of situations that could trigger an emotional cyclone. Some words can be brutally painful. Try to avoid this at all costs. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Things could be up and down for you today, Libra. You might experience some confusion as a result of communication snafus or computer glitches that affect financial issues youre trying to solve. Persevere and youll succeed. Dont be surprised if youre recruited to join a project that is totally new to you. You may be apprehensive at first, but youll do just fine. Go ahead and say yes. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 You might be feeling a little tense because you and your partner are grappling with some thorny financial issues right now, Scorpio. You could be frustrated because you need to postpone some purchases or investments until the cash starts flowing more freely again. The good news is that this is a fine time to work out such a conflict to a satisfactory resolution. Both of you will need to be open-minded and look at all sides as you make your decisions. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 This will be an exciting day for you intellectually, Sagittarius. A number of intriguing concepts will catch your fancy, and youll be hungry to learn more about them right away. Your research could take you to a library or onto the Internet. The topics might relate to social or political issues. As irresistible as these new ideas are, dont forget to tend to the business of everyday life. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Youll want to respond to your creative juices, which will be flowing freely today, Capricorn. Dont suppress the urge to sing, compose, paint, or write. Youll be in the full flower of creativity, so make the most of it. Youll be able to take care of your daily obligations and still make room for your creative expression. Listen to the messages you receive in your heart and let them burst forth. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Tugs on the home front could be pulling you away from attending an event with friends that youve been looking forward to for some time. Try to be reasonable and sort out the needs of those at home with kindness in your heart. You might be able to address those issues and still have time to be with your friends later. Just remember to keep your priorities straight, Aquarius. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Cool heads will be needed today, Pisces, as tempers may flare at work because of frustration with ongoing problems. You might need to take the lead in keeping everyone calm by facilitating clear and open communication. It will be important to keep emotions in check or words will fly that people may regret. This is a temporary situation. Everyone should be back on an even keel as soon as issues get properly aired.

6 The T ech T alk April 17 , 2014

CROSSWORDPUZZLE
Across 1. Foot covering 5. ACLU concerns 8. Big name in printers 13. Hog fat 14. Cat call 15. Caribbean island 16. Dedicated to the ___ Love 17. Writer Wiesel 18. Have a feeling about 19. Pay determiner 21. Moray 22. Clean air org. 23. Very cold 24. Large sea wave 28. Nissan model 30. Rugged utility vehicle 31. Cambridge sch. 32. Figure of speech 33. Primo 34. Wall St. debuts 35. Exhausted 38. Some nest eggs 41. Attendee 42. Gauchos rope 46. Free 47. Tart 48. Babys napkin 49. Money put aside for the future 51. For shame! 52. ER extras 53. Bass, e.g. 54. Optical instrument 57. Bottled spirit 59. ___ soup yet? 60. Neat as ___ 61. Academy award 62. Tins 63. Burts ex 64. Exploits 65. Make a lap 66. Canadian gas brand Down 1. Tardiest 2. Wicker receptacle for documents 3. Aromatic herb 4. What I Am singer Brickell 5. Cooperative race 6. Labor 7. Sugar 8. Relax 9. Primp 10. Tanning salon purchase 11. Delivery room docs 12. Not for a Scot 14. Birthplace of Muhammad 20. Femme fatale 25. Prophet 26. O Sole ___ 27. Part of TGIF 29. Toll rds. 30. Batmans hilarious nemesis, with the 33. Study of sound 34. Thought 36. Awestruck 37. Great Lakes tribesmen 38. Apr. addressee 39. Narrow inlet 40. Move forward 43. Opportunely 44. Form of bowling 45. Hall of fame 47. Scoffs 48. Eats to a plan

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50. Greek epic poem 51. Hard stone 55. Morales of NYPD Blue 56. Racer Yarborough 57. Deity 58. Legal ending

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

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

HIGH 71 LOW 50

HIGH 75 LOW 54

HIGH 78 LOW 59

HIGH 78 LOW 60

HIGH 79 LOW 59

HIGH 81 LOW 60

HIGH 82 LOW 65

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

>

CANOEfrom pg. 1
said. Ive been a part of a three-time national championship team, and won a 120-mile race in Arkansas with my best friends three years in a row. So when I heard about the competition, I wanted to do my best to help out. Vicknair said the team was a worthwhile endeavor. Concrete canoe is denitely a conversation starter, he said. The rst question we always get in response to what we do is How do you make concrete oat? It also counts as real-world job experience and looks great on a resume.
What is the Student Advancement Team?

More Puzzles: www.sudoku-puzzles.net

More Puzzles: www.sudoku-puzzles.net

very cost-efcient. Some of the bigger schools will spend up to $30,000 on their canoes and make it a class project, Pellittieri said. All together, we probably spent $1,000, and since this is strictly extra-curricular, I feel like the school is getting a pretty good bang for their buck with us. Of course, without people to power it, all the hard work would go to waste. Colby Spears, a freshman civil engineering major, was one of the paddlers. Spears said this was not his rst introduction to canoe racing. I, personally, am a marathon canoe racer back home in Bogalusa, Spears

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What is the Student Advancement Team?

The Student How do you join SAT? Advancement Team (SAT) provides a vital link between the alumni To be considered, a student must: be currently enrolled, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and friends of Louisiana Tech and the current student body. Working with and be available for meetings and activities throughout the year. A completed application along theDivision of University Advancement, the SAT is an elite group of students Applications are available at the Marbury Alumni Center. who gain a working knowledge of the universitys functions with external Sounds Interesting? constituencies alumni, friends and governmental agencies Application deadline is Wednesday, April 23. Return completed application to the Louisiana Tech while Marbury Alumni Center. For more information, contact Jimmy Washington at gaining leadership skills and serving as student advocates.
jimmy@latechalumni.org or call 255-7950

The Student Advancement Team (SAT) provides a vital link between the alumni and friends of Lou- isiana Tech and the current student body. Working with the Division of University Advancement, the external constituencies - alumni, friends, and governmental agencies - while gaining leadership skills and serving as student advocates.

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How do you join SAT?

Student must be currently enrolled, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be available for meetings and activities throughout the year. A completed application along with an unofficial transcript from the registers office and two letters of recommendation are required. Applications are available at the Marbury Alumni Center.

Email comments to ije001@latech.edu.

Programs and fees vary by location. Contact your local center for details.

Application deadline is Wednesday, April 23. For more information, contact Jimmy Washington at jimmy@latechalumni.org or call 255-7950. - over -

More Talk

April 17, 2014 The T ech T alk 7

A neighborhood ripe for change

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Head of the South of California Avenue project and Tech architecture professor Kevin Singh and community resident Mary Stringfellow admire the fruits of their labor.

Tech professor inspires collaboration

BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter hen Mary Stringfellow has a stressful day, to unwind, she usually goes to the Ruston community garden atop the hill at the corner of Union Avenue and Jones Street. The garden has allowed Stringfellow and others to grow large, bright squash, turnips, tomatoes, peppers, mustard greens, collard greens, mint and even string beans for the rst time in their lives. It relaxes me, the 66-year-old Stringfellow said. I just love working in the garden. Some of the younger people came by and were impressed to see all that I did. I didnt know a thing about gardening three years ago. This is because the community garden has only been around for three years. The rst of its kind in Ruston, it was designed and built in 2011 through the South of California Avenue project headed by Kevin Singh, community activist and Louisiana Tech architecture professor. Singh said the purpose of the project is to help out the neighboring community that begins just a block away from Techs campus. As director of the School of Architectures Community Design Activism Center, Singh uses classes to design and build projects to help the neighborhood. Through the CDAC class architecture students build projects throughout the neighborhood bounded by California Avenue. CDAC later used funds from a Lagniappe Ladies grant in 2011 to build the decorative fence around the gardens perimeter. Students from Cypress Springs Elementary helped to paint the fence pickets at Duncan Park one Saturday morning, Singh said. When my students installed them the next week, these students were walking through the neighborhood and saw their pickets. They pointed out to their friends with pride which ones they had painted. This small project had shown them the difference they can make in helping to beautify their neighborhood.

Singh said after the garden was built it was up to the neighborhood to help keep it alive. We only designed and built the framework for the garden, he said. The residents have to do the work to get the results. If participants dont put in the effort-planting, watering, weeding, etc--they wont reap the harvest. Stringfellow, who works with Singh through Mays Chapel CME Church, has no problem leading that charge. Those who want to plant in the community garden must come to her to be assigned a plot of land to start with. Stringfellow said her main focus now is to get more participants to ll up all of the empty spaces. It amazes me when people see me working and drive by to watch, she said, explaining how newcomers join the garden through their curiosity. I guess Im the motivator. Now that the garden has prospered, Singh can now continue his SOCA project, which he describes as being a 20-year plan in its entirety. Singh, who claimed his rst CDAC project was raking leaves and cleaning up yards in order to build trust between his group and the neighborhood six years ago, is now beginning fundraising for the next phase of his plan. Currently we are having community meetings to design and build a friendship house, said Singh, who is excited to get the project underway. This will be the rst built structure in the neighborhood which CDAC has been involved in, he said. Singh said the work of his students over the past six years have made this all possible. We need to work together to make Ruston and the SOCA neighborhood better, he said. Better opportunities for all children in Ruston is what will make our community better. The people I am currently working with are committed to making the difference. Our hearts are in the right place and we will make the necessary changes in Ruston.

Community residents enjoy produce from the South of California Avenue project.
Submitted photos

Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.

Sports Talk
Tech breaks ground on new facility
FROMTHESPORTS DESK
with Jared King

8 The T ech T alk April 17, 2014

McClelland big part of end zone project

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

The ceremonial groundbreaking of the south endzone facility construction took place at halftime during Saturdays T-Day spring football game. JARED KING Staff Reporter Bulldogs fans witnessed a signature day in Louisiana Tech athletics Saturday as head coach Skip Holtz held the annual T-Day Spring Game and the south end zone project ofcially broke ground. Holtz divided his roster into two teams red and blue and gave defensive coordinator Manny Diaz the reigns of the red team, while offensive coordinator Tony Petersen called the shots for the blue team. In the end, the red team came out on top by a score of 37-20. I think it was a great glimpse into the future, Holtz said of the spring game. I am excited about the progress we made. There were times when it was ugly but I thought there were some great ashes. One of those ashes was wide receiver Paul Turner, who transferred from LSU in 2012 and sat out the 2013-14 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Turner led all receivers with ve catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns including a 70-yard touchdown catch from redshirt sophomore quarterback Ryan Higgins on the rst play of the game. Higgins completed 22 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing two interceptions to lead Diaz red team. Plagued by inconsistent play last season, Higgins was pleased with his overall performance, noting that he still has room to improve. I thought the red squad did a good job moving the ball, Higgins said. I had two throws that I wish I could have pulled back right away. I have to be more consistent and not try to force plays but let the play happen. Diaz red team was also impressive defensively, forcing redshirt senior quarterback Scotty Young to throw three interceptions all of which were picked off by redshirt senior defensive back Colby Brown. They have had an incredible spring, Holtz said of a secondary that combined for ve interceptions and 11 pass break-ups. I think LeVander Liggins, Adairius Barnes even Bryson Abraham despite missing a tackle on that opening play have had a great spring. Xavier Woods, Lloyd Grogan, Kentrell Brice and Thomas McDonald those guys are all doing a really good job. I think the secondary has a chance to be a strength for us. At halftime, President Les Guice, athletics director Tommy McClelland and a host of others participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for Techs south end zone facility. While there will certainly be a change in the landscape of Joe Aillet Stadium, McClelland said the facility will give the entire athletic department a facelift. Facilities are the lifeblood to a college athletic department, and Louisiana Tech has beneted tremendously by the Quest for Excellence campaign, McClelland said. This facility will elevate our entire athletic department and all of our programs to another level. It will be a game changer for us in so many ways.

Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.

White agrees to six-year, $3.4 million extension

NEWS SERVICES Louisiana Tech University and head mens basketball coach Mike White have agreed in principle to a six-year, $3.6 million contract extension, according to Athletics Director Tommy McClelland. The new long-term contract extension is pending the approval from the University of Louisiana Systems Board of Supervisors. The level of excitement for Louisiana Tech mens basketball is at an all-time high, McClelland said. Maintaining this momentum is extremely important as we continue to reach new heights on the court. Mike White is at the center of this movement. He and his staff have done such a tremendous job over the past three seasons, and we look forward to what the future holds. White has re-energized the basketball program and the fan base both locally and nationally with multiple conference championships and postseason appearances in just three years at the helm. Mikes contributions to and leadership of our mens basketball program and our student athletes has been nothing short of excep- letic excellence here at Louisiana tional, said Tech President Les Tech, and Tommy McClelland has Guice. He has always represent- spearheaded the effort to provide ed Louisiana Tech with the utmost our athletic programs with the class and integrity, and has elevat- necessary resources to be suced our program to one of national cessful, White said. With their standing. We are excited to know continued support, along with a that he and his family renewed energy from will remain a part of the the Bulldog fan base Tech Family for years to and student groups, we come. couldnt be more excitWhites Bulldogs just ed about the future of completed an impresBulldog Basketball. sive 2013-14 season On ve different octhat saw the team post casions, the Bulldogs rean overall record of ceived points in one of 29-8, tying for the most the two Top 25 national victories ever in a single polls. The team also season in program hiswon the inaugural Gulf tory. Coast Showcase tourWHITE With the 29 wins nament and nished in came a share of the the top 20 nationally in Conference USA regular season scoring offense, scoring margin, title in the schools rst year in the assists per game, steals per game league and a runner-up nish in and turnover margin. the C-USA Tournament. All of this came a year afTech also registered wins over ter White guided the `Dogs to a Big 12 second place nisher Okla- 27-7 record in 2012-13 which inhoma and SEC second place n- cluded a program-record setting isher Georgia and was one victory 18-game winning streak that was shy of reaching the National Invi- also the second longest streak in tation Tournament Final Four. NCAA Division I. Dr. Les Guice has made an Tech made more history that unwavering commitment to ath- season by earning a Western Athletic Conference regular season championship for the rst time and the schools rst AP Top 25 ranking in 28 years. White was rewarded by the league for his efforts as the Don Haskins WAC Coach of the Year, the rst Bulldog coach to receive the honor, and by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) as the District VII Coach of the Year. After becoming the 17th head coach at Louisiana Tech, White was one of the youngest head coaches in the country and took the eighth youngest team in the country to an 18-16 record in 2011-12 and the schools rst WAC Tournament nal appearance after upsetting perennial powers Utah State and Nevada. He was recently named as one of 15 nalists for the Skip Prosser Award, given to a head coach who not only achieves success on the basketball court but who also displays moral integrity off of it. The New Orleans native has accumulated a 74-31 record. At the 100-game mark, White had the highest winning percentage and the most wins of any coach in Tech history.

t Saturdays T-Day spring football game, Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland, President Les Guice and a host of others participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the south end zone project. The project, rst announced in the summer of 2010, is the big-ticket item of Techs Quest for Excellence campaign that many have been patiently waiting on for some time. While other projects have been completed such as the new bleachers at the Lady Techsters softball eld and new lighting at the womens soccer eld, the south end zone project is the capstone of the campaign. The pink construction ags on the hill of Joe Aillet Stadium have been there before, seemingly signifying work expected to take place, and those ags have been removed before without as much as a blade of grass being disturbed by the shovel of a construction crew. Such has been the life of the end zone before Saturday. McClelland was hired to replace Bruce Van De Velde as the athletics director in July 2013. Now in his eighth month on the job, McClelland has helped Tech athletics make tremendous strides. It was McClelland who was able to get the new video board and sound system installed in the Thomas Assembly Center in October 2013, and it was McClelland who spearheaded the effort to get the south end zone project off the ground. Not to mention, it was McClelland who hired Tyler Summitt, despite being 23 years old, to replace Teresa Weatherspoon as the head coach of the Lady Techsters after she coached the basketball team to consecutive losing seasons for the rst time in the history of the program. If nothing else, McClelland has proven that he will be proactive in his decisionmaking and he is going to hold Tech athletics to a high standard warranted by the rich tradition and history of Tech. He has embraced the Tech family and has shown the ability to rekindle the universitys relationship with its alumni. It has become quite clear in only a manner of months that the south end zone project is simply one big cog in the wheel of change that McClelland has been able to successfully spin into motion.

Jared King is a junior journalism major from Jena. Email comments to jki008@latech. edu.