ADDIE MARTINStaff Reporter

Spreading their wings into the Ruston market, students will soon be able to buy “zalads,” wings, “fingerz” or sandwiches from the newest addition to the local fast-food empire, Zaxby’s.

Locally-owned by Randall McDonald and Ray Anding, Za-xby’s will be coming to Ruston with the hopes of a June 2013 opening.

Zaxby’s will be located on the hill behind Starbucks on I-20, Louisiana Tech Exit 84.

“It is a great location, which we believe best serves all of Ruston,” McDonald said. “It will well accommodate all local area schools, such as Ruston High, and Tech and Grambling State University.”

Steele Moegle, an associ-ate professor of music, said she does not feel the location is convenient even though it is in a central area.

“The traffic in that area is hard, and access there is not easy,” she said. “Starbucks is located there, and sometimes I avoid Starbucks simply because of the location.”

This property was purchased from the Braswell family of Rus-ton, and they are excited about the purchase, McDonald said.

“It is seen as an opportunity to bring another great locally-owned and operated restaurant to the northeast,” he said. “It is also a new place for students.”

The restaurant serves chick-en cooked in a variety of ways on a platter picked from a vari-ety of combinations.

McDonald also said that Wi-Fi will be available to all cus-tomers in the restaurant.

The student voice of Louisiana Tech University

TalkTechFebruary 21, 2013 www.thetechtalk.org

The

Volume 87 Number 16

PRSRT STDNON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATIONUS POSTAGE

PAIDRUSTON, LA

PERMIT NO 104

RETURNSERVICE

REQUESTED

> see BOOK page 2> see PLANS page 2

Hide-A-Way plans delayed

KELSY KERSHAWStaff Reporter

In December, construction and renovations began at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson and completion is intended for mid-March.

Wade Simoneaux, head baseball coach, said the new additions will include a new locker room, ticket booth and new showers.

“We’re also going to renovate the entire inside underneath the stadium,” he said. “We’re going to create a team meeting room, a player’s lounge, an umpire’s dressing facility, an equipment room and a training room.”

Simoneaux said it is a lengthy process to complete these new facilities, but the ren-ovations are overdue.

“This stadium was one of the first stadiums built in Loui-siana back in the ‘70s,” he said. “It’s long overdue. We have 38 guys that are dressing in 32 lockers.”

The player-to-locker ratio was a sign they needed a larger facility. He and the team worked to raise some money to assist in funding the construction, he added.

“We had some good dona-

tions,” Simoneaux said. “Gary Patterson was the main guy to start the project by donating a large sum.”

The project began at the be-ginning of winter quarter, but there were several steps to take before construction could actu-ally begin, he said.

“There’s a lot of red tape to go through,” he said. “Starting with the fire marshal, then the aesthetics committee and cam-pus had to approve the bricks before building started.”

Simoneaux said he and the team are hoping the facilities will be completed and ready to use by spring quarter.

He said the ones who will benefit most from the new addi-tions will be current and future baseball players.

“We really just added on to our baseball locker room to make it larger where we could fit everyone,” he said. “It’ll also be a bigger, better recruiting tool when we bring in recruits to see a brand new facility un-der here instead of the old one we’ve been slopping around in for a while.”

With all the construction and activity going on around the field, Simoneaux said their practices have remained undis-

turbed and are continuing to go smoothly.

“They haven’t affected prac-tice one minute,” he said. “We haven’t even been interrupted in our current locker room that we’re in right now.”

Lincoln Builders is working on the construction of the new facilities outside, and once that is completed, they will begin renovations on the inside, he said.

“When our home schedule starts we might have to move out of here,” Simoneaux said. “We’ll either have to dress at home or wherever until we can get in it, but it hasn’t delayed anything as of now.”

Pierce Spangler, a freshman kinesiology major and a base-ball team member, said the con-struction has only affected the parking lot. Any other activities involving the baseball field will not be disturbed he feels..

“Everyone is just anxious and excited to move into the new locker room,” he said. “It will give us more space and we won’t have to share lockers any-more.”

The new locker room and facilities will definitely enhance the field, Spangler added.

“I believe it is a great addi-

tion to the field and I think be-cause of the new locker room, players and coaches will look forward to coming to practice more,” he said. “It also gives players a place to relax and just hang out before practices or

games.”Overall, the new facilities

and renovations will improve the function and aesthetics of the baseball field, Simoneaux said.

“It’ll open it up a lot and ev-

erything will be right here,” he said. “It will be more accom-modating to spectators, visitors and the team.”

Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

KAAMILYA SALAAMStaff Reporter

As the sounds of James and Bobby Purify’s “I’m Your Pup-pet” plays, Rick Simmons re-flects on how he became a fan of Carolina beach music.

Simmons is a George K. Anding Endowed Professor of English and the director of the Honors Program. He is a pub-lished author of several books with his latest cover-ing Carolina beach music.

“This is the ‘for fun’ part of my life,” Simmons said. “It’s very en-tertaining.”

Simmons has written five books with his latest release being the follow-up to “Caro-lina Beach Music: The Classic Years.”

“Beach music is not the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean––that was surf music,” Simmons said. “Beach music is a mixture of rhythm and blues, soul, Motown, even some doo-wop and ‘60s frat rock.”

Simmons first book “Caro-lina Beach Music: The Classic Years,” was so well received when it was published in 2011, he wrote a follow-up book.

“I considered that I’d really only just started on the subject, so I decided to write ‘Carolina Beach Music from the ‘60s to the ‘80s: The New Wave’ as a follow-up.”

Simmons said he became interested in Carolina beach music at a young age, but he did not consider writing about it un-til later in life.

Englishprofessor completes fifth book

J.C. Love Field scores new additions

SIMMONS

KAAMILYA SALAAMStaff Reporter

After a minor roadblock, the renova-tions at Garland Gregory Hide-A-Way Park are still under way.

In a previous story, the Tech Talk published the proposal by the Division of Student Affairs and the Lambright Sports and Wellness Complex for new plans to make additions to Hide-A-Way Park.

The plans to add new running and biking trails, sunbathing docks around

the pond and a new pavilion with a ca-noe rental to the park fell through.

Bobby Dowling, director of recre-ational activities, said the Federal High-way Administration grant did not get approved because they changed the requirements.

“Due to the new guidelines, the trails grant didn’t go through,” said Dowling. “So we’re in the process of reapplying.”

The new grant application is due by April 1.

Dowling and his staff are repack-aging the documents to include Hide-

A-Way Park and additional intramural fields.

Dowling said the new intramural fields are to be placed where Caruthers and Hutchinson Halls currently sit; the two buildings are to be demolished.

“The state has plans for the demoli-tion of Caruthers and Hutchinson to take place during the summer, when stu-dent enrollment is down to keep them out of harm’s way,” Dowling said.

Dowling added, the fees students pay to participate in intramural sports would cover most of the cost for the new fields.

Photo by Derek J. Amaya

Due to new guidelines, plans to add recreational amenities are postponed

A view of the pond in Hide-A-Way Park where the plans of adding new biking trails, sunbathing docks and a new pavilion equipped with canoe rentals have been postponed due to new guidelines of the Federal Highway Administration.

> see ZAXBYS page 6

Cane’s to compete with newZaxby’s

Photo by Derek J. Amaya

The parking lot outside the J.C. Love Field is currently closed due to construction for the new addi-tions. Some of the additions include a new locker room, a training room and a player’s lounge.

PAGE 7BOOBSDISCOVER LA TECH

Read more to find out what’s ‘underneath’ Tech’s latest Twitter sensation

MOVIE REVIEW

THIEF

Is ‘Identity Thief’ better than the reviews it has received? Read to find out.

IDENTITYPAGE 5

ALICE ESSIENStaff Reporter

Directed by Paul B. Crook, associate professor of acting and directing, the cast and crew of “Proof ” dazzled audiences.

“Proof ” is the tale of a woman struggling to come to terms with the possibly dangerous legacy of her late father. The award-winning stage play by David Auburn tells the story of Catherine (Sarah Flanagan), a woman in her late 20s who is strong-ly devoted to her father, and Robert (Jacob D. Guinn), a well-known mathematician.

While Robert’s talent in the world of numbers still appears to be strong, his grasp on reality begins to slip away, and as Robert de-scends into insanity, Cath-erine begins to wonder if she may have inherited her father’s mental illness along with his mathematical ge-nius.

After Robert’s passing, Catherine is confronted by Hal Dobbs (Aaron Michael Anthon), a gifted but obses-sive student of Robert’s, who wants to look through the late man’s notes in hopes of finding his last great work.

While Catherine is hesi-tant to look too deeply into her father’s work from fear of what it might suggest about her own future, she al-lows Hal to do so. When one notebook reveals a mathe-matical proof of potentially historic proportions, it sets off shock waves in more ways than one.

Flanagan gave a virtuous performance as Catherine. She embodied the role of a young adult struggling with the pressure of making life decisions while also suffer-ing from the fear of being a Schizophrenic.

Anthon’s performance as Hal Dobbs was witty and typical; but nothing less of entertaining. His portrayal gave the plot an interest-ing insight on the aspects of sexism in educational insti-tutions.

“Proof ” also stars Molly Page as Catherine’s well-meaning but superficial sis-ter, who doubts Catherine’s ability to take care of herself.

Page’s stage persona as Claire was the dynamic that held the story together. She brought comedy and drama to the theatric performance by emphasizing her char-acter’s overbearing, sisterly duties.

The most remarkable performance of the night was given by Guinn. From groans of bodily ailments to stiff motor skills, he embod-ied every aspect of an elder-ly, deranged mathematician. Guinn’s portrayal of Robert brings eerie mystic to each scene as he roams the stage hauntingly.

“Proof ” takes place in the windy city of Chicago in the early days of September.

The production team did a marvelous job of making sure the set and characters illustrated aspects of Chi-cago autumns. The stage lighting reflected off the characterized backdrops to resemble the colors of fall leaves. Each scene took place on the back porch of the families’ old worn-out house, so the characters’ costumes and mannerisms depicted chilly autumn days and nights.

The most intriguing ele-ment of the production may have been the freshman flut-ist Abigail Machowski.

Her musical talent blos-somed throughout the the-ater, setting the mood and tone of the production as well as provoking the emo-tions of the audience.

Overall, the production team produced a magnifi-cent show. Every aspect of production was superb from the trashy backyard set to the diligent ushers. The School of Performing Arts and theater department delivered another success-ful production sure to gain them critical acclaim.

Email comments toeae008@latech.edu.

“I grew up with this music,” he said. “I didn’t really get into it until high school and my appreciation for the music developed more as I entered college.”

Simmons said his decision to write about this subject came from the lack of written material available on that par-ticular genre of music.

“Over the years, I realized that almost nothing had been written about it,” he said. “So after doing a few books I de-cided it was time to write about the subject.”

Simmons said he chose to focus more on the 1960s through 1980s in the sequel because those eras were when this started to become popular in the area he grew up in.

“In the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia, this type of mu-sic started to become popular in the 1960s and eventually became known as Carolina beach music to differentiate it from California beach/surf music,” Simmons said. “This book focuses on music from roughly 1966 through 1982, the ‘newer’ beach music as opposed to those older songs

growing out of the ’40s, ’50s and early ’60s.”

Though Carolina beach music was popular along the Carolina coast, it featured art-ists from different areas and genres.

“There are some Louisiana musicians who are important to the genre—Benny Spell-man, Ernie K. Doe, Jewel and the Rubies, Brenton Wood and others,” Simmons said. “Soul singer Marvin Gaye covered a few beach music songs with ‘Too Busy Thinking About My Baby’ and ‘Come Get to This.’”

Simmons said he did not write the books for research but instead for anyone inter-ested in reading a new book.

“I wrote the books for any-body, not just for beach music fans,” Simmons said. “I really never considered it to be a research project as much as a way to tell the stories behind the songs and artists, how and if they charted in mainstream America, the songs’ origin and the artists’ involvement with the song. Many of these songs made Top 40, so people everywhere will know them.”

Email comments to kms042@latech.edu.

Although the renovations have been pushed back, stu-dents still discuss the idea.

Liah Crowe, a senior kine-siology major, who frequents the intramural soccer fields, said she is glad to see the dorms go.

“That’s awesome; they’re tearing those dorms down be-cause they haven’t used them in a long time,” Crowe said. “We need more fields. A lot of players are always spraining their ankles on the ones we have now.”

Students who do not par-ticipate in intramural sports or visit the park are also thrilled.

Fab Yonk, a junior mechan-ical engineering major, said he

thinks the new plans will draw more students to the outdoor areas.

“I usually play indoor soc-cer, but with the new fields, I may have to try outdoor,” Yonk said.

Similar to Yonk, Kimberly Raner, a senior chemical en-gineering major, said she does not go to the park or intra-mural fields but she is glad to see the money students pay to participate in intramural sports being put to use.

“I’m not big into the intra-mural sports, but I think it’s real, cool that the school is al-lowing students to see where their fees are going,” Raner said.

Email comments to kms042@latech.edu.

2 • The Tech Talk • February 21, 2013

Concert association brings Irish styles

The Louisiana Tech Concert Association will present the musical stylings of Danu from 7:30-9 p.m. on Monday, March 11, in the Howard Center for the Performing Arts.

A high energy celebration of the Emerald Isle, the music of Danu offers an authentic Irish experience.

Using traditional instru-ments—flute, tin whistle, button accordion and bouzouki—the music is clever and fun.

Danu mixes ancient Irish mu-sic with contemporary works to create an unforgettable evening.

Danu has won the BBC Award twice and the Irish Mu-sic Magazine Award. In the United States, Danu has per-formed coast to coast including performances in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and Washing-ton as well as at the University of Illinois Krannert Center and the University of Notre Dame.

The concert is open to any-one who purchases a ticket.

For ticket information, con-tact the Howard Center Box Of-fice at 318-257-3942 on Mon-day-Friday from 1:30-4:45 p.m.

For more information con-tact the School of the Perform-ing Arts at 318-257-2711.

Skeeter run benefits malaria prevention

The United Methodist Church will have the Louisi-ana Skeeter Run on March 2 at the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Check-in for the event is at 6:30 a.m. and free T-shirts will be provided while supplies last.

The one-mile run begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8:00 a.m.

The event is dedicated to eradicating malaria worldwide and is benefitting Imagine No Malaria, an initiative support-ed by the United Methodist Church.

Every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa and mil-lions of lives are needlessly lost each year. The church urges all to ome out and support the event to fight to save lives.

The cost of registration for the event is $25.

For more information con-tact Amy Stegall at amys@trini-tyruston.org.

Purge date around the corner

The first purge for the Spring 2013 quarter will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 27.

Students who have regis-tered for the Spring 2013 quar-ter must pay all fees to the Ca-shier’s Office before the purge deadline.

All students must pay in full or confirm their registration by the purge deadlines to com-plete the registration process.

Students who have a balance of zero or a negative credit bal-ance because their tuition and fees are paid by TOPS, scholar-ships, federal financial aid, fee waivers, or other credits are re-quired to “confirm” registration on their B.O.S.S account.

Failure to complete tuition/fee payment or failure to con-firm your schedule by these deadlines will result in a purge

For information on the purge deadline contact the Registrar’s Office at 318-257-2176 or by email at registrar@latech.edu

NRA hosts pistol course

The National Rifle Asso-ciation will host the NRA Pis-tol Course from 5:30-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22 in Wyly Tower room 1109.

Participants must pay a reg-istration fee of $150. The two-day course will teach the basic knowledge, skills and attitude for safely owning and operating a pistol.

Participants will also get range time to practice firing a revolver or semi-automatic pis-tols.

Students will be awarded an NRA course completion certifi-cate upon passing an exam over the course material.

For more information, con-tact continuing education per-sonnel at 318-257-4433 or by email at ce@latech.edu.

Campus

Submitted Photos

Top: First year theater graduate students Sarah Flanagan, as Catherine, and Aaron Michael Anthon, as Hal, discuss the proof and reconcile with each other after earlier events.

The ‘Proof’ is in the performance

> BOOK from pg. 1

> PLANS from pg. 1

Bottom: Senior theater major Jake Guinn, as the father Rob-ert, and first year theater gradu-ate student Sarah Flanagan, as the daughter Catherine, share a sweet moment between each other as he reassures her that she will be alright despite her fears.

Washer & DryerMicrowaveDishwasher

Refrigerator w/ IcemakerSelf-Cleaning Oven

FREE Wireless High Speed InternetCentral Air & Heating

Individual Security SystemsPet Friendly

24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

3BR 3BA 4BR 4BA UNITS AVAILABLE

Gilbert Realty • 611 South Vienna • Ruston, LA 71270 • (318) 251-9106

Cable TV Availability • Walking distance to campus & downtown Ruston

ADVERTISEwith US!I N P R I N T & O N L I N E

CALL TECH TALK ADVERTISING AT 257-4949 FOR MORE INFO

RANEY JOHNSONStaff Reporter

In a typical meeting of the Secular Student Alliance, seven students sit with each other in Bogard Hall, Room 237 discuss-ing everything from religion in politics to how atheist societies use billboards for awareness.

Justin Keowen, vice presi-dent of SSA, said the organiza-tion is a nonreligious group that supports secularism. Keowen, a sophomore nanosystems en-gineering major, said anyone can join as long as they are not trying to convert anyone and are willing to question others’ beliefs.

“We support scientific ad-vancement and education,” Keowen said. “If you cannot believe in it with scientific proof, then what is the point in believ-ing in it?”

Keowen said the organization was originally called the Free Thought Society and members would talk about deep and con-troversial topics.

Keowen said members de-cided to change the name be-cause they wanted to be more active rather than sitting around and just talking.

“Last year, the organization did a canned food drive and we

are trying to do more things this year,” he said.

Andrew Touche, public rela-tions director of SSA, said ev-ery week the group talks about random topics.

“We welcome anyone inter-ested in speaking their mind,” Touche said. “Last week we dis-cussed conspiracy theories.”

Keowen said last year at meetings members discussed more religious topics, but nega-tive debates would ensue.

Touche said this year they try to balance it out with more

reasonable topics.The discussion for the Feb. 6

meeting was on whether athe-ist groups should use billboards such as the one put up in Times Square that has Santa Clause over a crucified Jesus with the words “Keep the MERRY!” un-der the Clause picture and the words “Dump the MYTH!” un-der the picture of Jesus.

“I find billboards like this harmful to our cause,” Touche said. “It is poking a bear with a stick.”

Touche said the message

makes it seems like there is a war against Christmas.

William Stockton, a member and freshman biology major, said he agrees the billboards like the Christmas one should be used because it is for clos-eted atheists who are too afraid to come out.

“It is for those atheists who do not feel they should cele-brate Christmas,” Stockton said. “Be happy about Christmas and forget the whole crucifixion thing.”

Stockton said the signs bring

the issue of not believing in God to the forward ground.

“If you go back to any injus-tice in the world, there has to be opposition against the injus-tice,” he said.

Keowen said he does not agree with the use of the signs when they target religious groups.

“There is a difference be-tween promoting good atheist views and targeting those peo-ple who are against it,” he said.

The members of the group said they all agreed there is a

need to make atheism accept-able today because there is a lot of hostility toward atheists.

Keowen said at last year’s food drive, no one donated to the group when they saw athe-ists were putting it on.

“As soon as we took the word atheist off of the table, people donated to us,” Keowen said.

Touche said even though the signs are for not believ-ing in a god to become more acceptable, he still does not want the radical billboards to become accepted, but instead wants atheism to be accepted. Stockton said he agreed atheist groups should not target reli-gious groups.

“Saying, ‘Hey you are wrong,’ is obviously not the right way to go, but we should say, ‘Why do you believe in this?’, ” Stockton said.

Keowen said atheist groups like SSA should be used to make atheism more acceptable not the use of billboards.

“We should give people a place where they are trying to come out, instead of going out and trying to get people to con-vert,” Keowen said. Email comments torcj008@latech.edu.

February 21, 2013 • The Tech Talk • 3

975 Tech Dr, Ruston • 800.522.2748 / www.lacapfcu.org*Opening deposit - $50.00. No minimum balance required. Must maintain Direct Deposit or 10 Debit Card transactions per month (non-ATM) required. 02/13

FederallyInsured by NCUA

Save money with no monthly service chargeYou’ll Love Our FREE Checking

FREE Visa Check Card • FREE Online Account Access • FREE 24 Hour La Cap ATMFREE Mobile Access • Email Alerts for Low Balance • Nationwide Access Through CU Service Centers

NOW OPEN!Conveniently located close to campus!

PRESENT THIS AD FOR 40% OFF ANY SERVICE

See our other specials on our Facebook page

307 WEST ARIZONA • 318-232-2363 • WWW.SALONENVY.BIZ Offer cannot be used with any other discount. Offer expires 4/1/2013

Secular society speaks out

Photo by Tyler Brown

The Secular Student Alliance meets in Bogard Hall to discuss issues from religion to politics and issues facing athiests today.

ALICE ESSIENStaff Reporter

Doing anything in 10-12 weeks that would take others 16-19 weeks to complete is considered challenging, but that is exactly what is done at Tech.

Since 1967, Tech has oper-ated on a quarter academic calendar but awards the same credit hours as a semester school and is the only university in Louisiana that does so.

When working on a quarter calendar, three quarters would equal two semesters at most universities operating on a se-mester calendar. The quarter calendar allows students to take on more material in a shorter amount of time, thus lessening the time it takes to get a degree.

With quarters being shorter than semesters, the quarter calendar allows students to take lighter class loads. For ex-ample, on a semester calendar, the full-time undergrad class load would consist of 12 credit hours, while on a quarter calen-dar eight credit hours would be considered full time.

The quarter calendar keeps Bob Vento, University Registrar, and other faculty members on their toes year round.

“As an administrator, it’s

a tough thing to do because you’re doing things more rap-idly,” Vento said. “As record keeper for the institution, we handle all registration, procre-ation of schedules, grading and transcriptions and that has to be done more times a year on a quarter calendar. We produce four full graduations a year. Most schools don’t do that and others barely produce two.”

Vento believes the quarter calendar aids students more in preparation for the future.

The quarter calendar forces students to learn and work at a faster pace.

“You have no time to pro-crastinate. You have to stay in tune with your work,” Vento said. “This prepares our stu-dents better for life, the job world, graduate school and pro-fessional school especially.”

Jeremy Mhire, a political sci-ence professor, favors the quar-ter calendar because it allows students to traverse more in an academic year.

“Substantially over time you’re able to study more sub-jects than you would on a se-mester calendar,” Mhire said. “In order to explore more sub-ject you are forced to move through things more quickly. The drawback is that some-

times you can’t explore them as thoroughly, but we compensate for that by narrowing the items of focus to add that depth.”

The quarter calendar is favorable amongst some stu-dents.

Breanna Jones, a senior ac-counting major, transferred from a semester school to Tech and enjoys the lighter class load.

“When I was at my semester school, I was taking anywhere between five and eight classes each semester and it was a lot to keep up with.” Jones said. “Here at Tech, I take three or four classes a quarter.”

Others oppose the quarter calendar because of its rapid pace. Jonathan Whitehurst, a freshman civil engineering ma-jor, finds the quarter system crippling.

“Although there is a smaller class load, the fast pace teach-ing can easily get the best of you,” Whitehurst said. “It’s very important, more so with the quarter calendar, that you limit your procrastination and keep up with the pace. Once you get behind it’s very hard to catch back up and 10 weeks have gone by before you know it.”

Email comments to eae008@latech.edu.

Pros, cons weighed with quarter system

LET’S GOTECH!

ADVERTISE WITH THE TECH TALK TODAY!Gain exposure to a campus of over 11,000 students, faculty and staff.

What are you waiting for? Call 318.257.4949 to speak to an ad representative. Or email us at techtalkads@latech.edu.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITORMANAGING EDITOR

ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITORNEWS EDITORS

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORSPORTS EDITOR

MULTIMEDIA EDITORSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

ADVERTISING MANAGERADVISERS

ADVERTISING ADVISERPRODUCTION MANAGER

ADVERTISING PRODUCTIONDEPARTMENT HEAD

Molly BowmanAustin ViningHannah SchillingDerek J. AmayaRebecca AlvarezNatalie McElweeGrace MooreReina KemptChad MerrittJessica Van AlstyneDeepanjan Mukhopadhyay Tyler BrownRod WaynickJudith RobertsT. Scott BoatrightDr. Reginald OwensMichael LeBlancMichael LeBlancDr. Reginald Owens

MANAGEMENT

TalkTechThe

The student voice of Louisiana Tech University

IN OUR OPINION

4 • The Tech Talk • February 21, 2013

FROM THE EDITORWeighing the options

MOLLY BOWMANEditor-In-Chief

As a woman, there is a sig-nificant amount of pressure to be attractive at all times.

We spend extra time in the morning to apply that additional layer of mascara or try to straight-en out that one wave in our hair.

Some women even go to the extent of waking up hours before it is necessary to primp them-selves for the day.

We dress for ourselves, school, work and even other people.

We should initially be dressing for ourselves, but there’s always that thought running through the back of our minds to where we have to look better than others, especially if we plan on bumping into someone we want to impress.

When I dress well for myself, I usually feel more confident and I am in a better mood knowing that I made an effort while getting ready that morning. But, some-times it has the opposite affect.

This happens when I receive

compliments from other people.Yes, it’s all fun and games when

someone compliments you on looking nice. But, when you take a step back and evaluate who is giving the compliment, it can be a different story.

If you see someone every day and they compliment you on looking nice, you can bet it is a backhanded compliment most of the time.

I will still accept the compli-ment and give my thanks for the acknowledgement but it is still a little disconcerting.

“So wait, you’re really telling me when I don’t dress like this ev-ery other day I don’t look appeal-ing? How sweet of you to notice.”

Then there are those girls you secretly dislike because they look cute and groomed every day.

Either appearances are a prior-ity for them and they lose a lot of sleep to look good, or, they have no lives. I always tell myself it’s the latter.

I kind of smile to myself hop-ing that I got at least 45 minutes

more of sleep than they did.Appearances have become an

important part of how we are in-dividually viewed by society and by our peers. It has the potential to make us or break us in some aspects of life. But at what costs –– occasionally our schoolwork.

There are opportunity costs when it comes to appearances. Sometimes you might have to sacrifice your grade a little bit for some self-confidence.

There are those days when looking good trumps all, when you know that boy you like is in your class or there is a girl you have to one-up.

You have to look good and there is that looming fear of being seen with no makeup at all and the bags under your eyes are big enough to pack for Europe.

This fear alone will make me get up five minutes earlier to at least apply some mascara, even if it means five minutes less of studying.

I mean, have you seen Kim Kardashian without makeup? She

looks like the walking dead when the rare photos of her with no makeup surface. No one should have to be in that situation.

Then there are those days- where you would rather sleep 10 more minutes than look present-able in class or you need those extra 15 minutes to go over one more page of notes.

Are you really going to regret looking a little disheveled one day in class rather than getting that ‘A’ on a test? An extra 15 minutes of studying can be a game changer if you are looking at the material for the first time in weeks.

It’s clearly best to allocate your time to where you can look decent and do well in class every day but we all know some times things don’t go as planned.

There comes a time when we all must choose. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Molly Bowman is a junior journalism major from Shreveport who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. Email com-ments to mmb041@latech.edu.

Though some provisions have changed, Feb. 12 marked the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Just so readers are clear, it is 2013. The fact something this sexist has just been reapproved is outra-geous.

According to a British tabloid as well as some other online news sources, businessman Ian McNicholl is one of the many men who has suffered from domestic violence.

His then fiancée, Michelle Williamson, punched him in the face several times, stubbed out cigarettes on his body, lashed him with a vacuum cleaner tube, hit him with a metal bar and a hammer and even poured boil-ing water onto his lap.

That at 6’ he was nearly a foot taller than her made no difference.

He still has burn marks on his left shoulder from when she used steam from an iron to attack him.

Williamson is now serving a seven-year jail sentence for causing both actual and grievous bodily harm.

During the trial last year, McNicholl told the court that, during more than a year of attacks and intimida-tion he has lost his job, home and self-respect.

He had been too scared to go to the police and had considered suicide.

She was only arrested after two neighbors saw her punch him.

The fact of the matter is about two in five of all vic-tims of domestic violence are men; that’s 40 percent.

These figures are equivalent to an estimate 4.5 mil-lion female victims of domestic abuse and 2.6 million male victims.

Males are victims. However the Violence Against Women Act defines victims as female. As one result, tax-funded domestic violence shelters and services as-sist women and routinely turn away men, often includ-ing older male children, according to Fox News.

The Violence Against Women Act does do good; it has been successful in the past. It is not overall a bad thing.

What the Violence Against Women Act does do, however, is perpetuate the sexist notion that women are the only victims.

Gender bias continues to solidify the mindset that women are helpless and men are always the enemies, when that is just not the truth.

Society has to get educated on the facts and call for a change.

Many men feel embarrassed to come out as victims of domestic abuse. Maybe if the issues were publicized that instances of female victimization things would be different. Maybe men would not sit back and suffer in silence.

Until something is done and men are treated in the arena of domestic violence, there can be no true equality.

Men suffer from sexism per domestic violence act

SUBSCRIPTIONSTech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk

Subscrip tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.

PUBLICATIONThe 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 146.

POSTALSecond-class postage paid at Ruston, La. Postmaster: Send

address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272-0045.

CONTACT USNEWSROOM 318.257.4946ADVERTISING 318.257.4949

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.

WRITE TO US

A NEWS PAINTINGA shortage of creativity

REBECCA ALVAREZNews Editor

We have finally done it. Apparently, there is no more room for genuine

creativity. Someone else has al-ready thought of everything and sucked up all creativity. There is no way we will ever be able to come up with something and call ourselves creative or clever.

It seems originality is extinct.The fads started by “Gangnam

Style,” “Call Me Maybe,” the lat-est “Harlem Shake” and every viral video and meme in between have only confirmed my conclu-sion that today’s society lacks originality.

It all starts with one video. Take the Harvard baseball team’s “Call Me Maybe” parody, for example. I am not going to lie, it was hilari-ous — I even started to pump and cross my arms every time I heard the song after watching the video — but within a few weeks there were parodies for that song for al-most anything you could think of.

From horrible referee calls in the NFL to Sesame Street’s lessons on sharing, every event, organiza-tion and stereotypical group had its own rendition of the song.

Eventually, everyone got bored of “Call Me Maybe” and that chapter of obnoxiousness was closed.

Enter galloping South Korean pop star PSY with “Gangnam Style.” The video was a world-wide sensation — everybody was busting out the pendulum gallop no matter where they were.

University mascots and stu-dent bodies lunged at the oppor-tunity to copy the video, and clev-er political junkies created altered lyrics and content of the video to make stabs at the 2012 presiden-tial candidates, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. The list of paro-dies goes on for pages and pages.

To this day it has not been thrown into the filing cabinet with “Call Me Maybe.” Every now and then a new parody hits the web and the song is still very popular, but now there’s a new bandwagon

hundreds of people are jumping on — the “Harlem Shake.”

Of all of the memes and vi-ral videos to fall under the cyber spotlight, this dance video has to be the one that baffles me the most.

Somebody please explain to me how a 30-second video of a group of people gyrating their bodies and thrusting their hips can be so amusing that it inspires oth-ers to do exactly the same thing.

“I don’t know, Becca. It’s just funny.”

“It’s not all the same — some of them dress up in funny cos-tumes.”

Sorry guys, it’s really not that funny. It’s not clever. More impor-tantly, it’s already been done 500 times.

I can put aside the lack of orig-inality and overkill with “Gang-nam Style” and “Call Me Maybe” parodies because at least there is enough change in the stock of the video to draw a good chuckle. But the “Harlem Shake” never changes.

Is there really nothing else that can make a good video?

Every time I get on Facebook, my friends who attend differ-ent universities always seem to be posting about that pointless video. Many university student bodies have already made their own “Harlem Shake” video. For a short time I was proud because I thought no organization or group of students here at Tech had posted a video yet, only to be told it had already been done by Union Board and that there were other organizations ready to post “Shake” videos, too. Well, there goes my pride.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought this was the age of the “hipster”? That’s another discus-sion for another column, but you would think originality would be a bigger deal with how big this “hip-ster” is.

Rebecca Alvarez is a junior journal-ism major from El Paso who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to rha014@latech.edu.

GRIN AND MERRITTLegacy of a legend

CHAD MERRITTMultimedia Editor

Jerry Buss was more than an owner of a sports team. He was a visionary, an inspiration

and an innovator; and these traits extended further than basketball. The sporting world held many moments of silence on Monday when Dr. Jerry Buss passed away.

Buss was born and raised in poverty, but he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry by 24. He turned a $1,000 investment in a Los An-geles apartment building into the foundation for his fortune. He changed a mediocre sports team into the premier example of a sports franchise.

He built all of this himself. He is the example of a self-made man.

Buss bought the Los Angeles Lakers, along with other assets, for $67 million in 1979. The Lak-ers alone are now worth $1 billion. During his 34-year tenure as the Lakers owner, his team went to 16 NBA Finals and won 10 champi-

onships.More than anything, Buss

proved himself to be a superb boss. The most successful owners in sports have similar qualities as Buss. Robert Kraft turned the New England Patriots into a dynasty after purchasing the team. Nolan Ryan bought the Texas Rangers, and in his first two years as owner brought the team to its first two World Series appearances.

The one thing these three men have in common: They are great leaders.

They built teams which play-ers wanted to play for. They hired the best coaches, built the best fa-cilities and created the best sports environments. The atmosphere these men create make their teams ideal for coaches, players and fans.

This formula for success works the same in other fields also.

The late Steve Jobs made Apple into the empire it is today. Richard Branson created a con-glomerate, Virgin Group, which is known worldwide. Jeff Bezos

developed Amazon.com into the world’s largest online retailer.

The common theme among this elite group of CEOs: They are great leaders.

All of these CEOs and sports team owners have the same char-acteristics; they are all self-driven, motivated and easy to work with/work for. They took the initiative to get themselves to the esteem they have reached now.

Jerry Buss didn’t buy the Lak-ers and then wait for results. He was involved. And his investment paid off in the form of 10 cham-pionhips. In the process of his success, he changed the very face of basketball. Without Buss, the NBA would not be where it is to-day. What the New York Yankees are to baseball, Buss’ Lakers are to basketball.

Instead of waiting for your big break, in whatever form it may be, take the initiative.

Don’t be a sheep. Sheep will stick together in flocks and avoid straying away. Instead, one should be a goat. Goats are independent

animals which will diverge from the group.

Don’t be afraid to break the norm and try something new. Todd Graves was told his busi-ness idea would fail. His company, Raising Canes, now makes over $100 million a year.

Think about how much better it is to go to school when you like your teacher. Think about how much you appreciate going to work when you like your boss.

Having great leadership can help someone aspire to take ini-tiative of his or her own.

But first, you need a leader.Jerry Buss was the leader the

Los Angeles Lakers needed. His legacy will continue to live on long after his passing. Who will follow in his footsteps and become the next game-changer in life?

It could very well be you, as long as you try.

Chad Merritt is a junior journalism ma-jor from Livingston who serves as mul-timedia editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to cam059@latech.edu.

Insight

February 21, 2013 • The Tech Talk • 5

Arts&Entertainment

Website warfare intensifies as social media outlets expand ADDIE MARTINStaff Reporter

Social media includes forms of electronic communication through which users create on-line communities to share infor-mation, ideas, personal messages and other content.

This includes Facebook, Twit-ter, Instagram, etc.

Scott Levin, an assistant pro-fessor of English, said social me-dia was originally a device used to promote businesses, as well as a means to communicate for friends, but it has been grossly criticized in recent years.

“I primarily created a Face-book because my colleagues use it and initially used it for rhetori-cal purposes,” he said. “It was an opportunity to create a persona that I knew future employers

would potentially look at; hence, it was a tool to create an appeal-ing facade.”

Internet users can tell anoth-er’s interests, hobbies, activities, location and company just by looking at a Facebook page.

Taylor Mack, an associate professor of geography, said if individuals want to hold social media accounts, then they have to be smart with their privacy set-tings, as well as emotionally ma-ture enough to use an account.

“Students need to realize Facebook does not care about anyone’s privacy,” he said.

However, social media has be-come more than just a place to share funny videos and pictures; many have begun to use their so-cial networking sites as more of a place to rant or insult.

Lauren Connor, a junior kine-

siology major, said she has begun to see more people using Twit-ter and Facebook as a place to complain, but when rants get an-noying, she just “unfollows” that person.

“Social media meanness is a

real issue,” she said. “We need to be more cautious because it could lead to bullying and more serious issues.”

Social media is not just an

easy access to bullying but it also serves as a direct line to cutting down celebrities.

Nicole Polizzi, originally from “Jersey Shore,” commonly known as “Snooki,” is a victim of cyber bullying quite often, but she replies to all ugly tweets with positive and encouraging re-sponses.

For example, @snooki tweet-ed, “Getting my workout in so I can look good in my dress for @JLaValle later.” Once reading the tweet, @Joeyl666 tweeted to @snooki “are u workin out ur face?” and @snooki replied, “Can I borrow ur pretty 1?”

Mack said people need to learn to be polite, and celebrities aren’t exempt.

“If you do not like certain people, then just leave them alone,” he said.

Levin said there will always be bullies, and they probably view social media as a way to be pas-sive aggressive about what they do.

“For instance, because they are doing the bullying via social media, they probably don’t think they will be doing as much harm,” he said. “They are wrong.”

Connor said our culture is so rooted with social media that she thinks online negativity will never disappear completely, but face-to-face interaction should be encouraged.

“A simple decrease of the problem is better than nothing,” she said. “So if you do not like someone or something, just ‘un-follow’ and be nice.”

Email comments to alm085@latech.edu.

MOVIE REVIEW

Before Rates Increase on Feb. 26th

ALICE ESSIENStaff Reporter

Of the many qualities I ad-mire about Melissa McCarthy as a comedian and as a dra-matic actor, the best is how fully she gives herself to every character she plays.

She has the courage and will to go all out, whether it’s putting the moves on an air marshal in “Bridesmaids,” downing a bottle of salad dressing on “Saturday Night Live” or boldly scamming her way through life in “Identity Thief.”

After its first few scenes, “Identity Thief ” becomes a predictable, mildly amusing road-trip comedy.

As her first starring role in a feature comedy, McCarthy plays Diana, a resourceful, big-haired Florida drifter who leads the good life while run-ning up a huge tab under a false identity.

She hits a jackpot with the

assets of one Sandy Bigelow Patterson, a sober-minded Colorado family man played by Jason Bateman.

Diana ruins Sandy’s life with her scheme, affecting his credit, career and his personal reputation. Her schemes could not come at a worst time for Sandy, because he and his wife (Amanda Peet) are soon ex-pecting their third child.

The police are portrayed as powerless, so Sandy de-cides to take matters into his own hands to restore his life by tracing the destruction to her door. Sandy heads south to drag Diana to justice.

The pair’s adventures in-clude eluding gangsters played by Genesis Rodriguez and rap-per T.I.

T.I.’s role in the film must have been solely to appear in trailers because his dialogue and character, in general, were both irrelevant to the overall plot.

To add to the chaos, a

bounty hunter played by Robert Patrick is also trailing the duo. Multiple fights, car crashes and even a snake at-tack, plague the travelers on their journey from Florida to Colorado.

The humor in the film definitely meets the standard R-rating; profanity and sexual references are thrown around throughout the film.

It’s comedic how Bate-man’s character can’t seem to catch a break, especially hav-ing a name like Sandy, which he is reminded of frequently.

McCarthy, to her credit, throws herself into more than her fair share of physical gags. Several jokes are made at the expense of her character’s weight and appearance.

I’ll admit that she’s easily the best part about this movie, even if she does often resort to insensitive clichés. She saves the film from being another mediocre comedy.

At best, “Identity Thief ” is slightly above a mediocre comedy; at worst it’s an in-struction manual for future identity thieves.

I give the film three stars, because although the plot was interesting and exciting, miscasting, like T.I., left many scenes without comic relief.

Email comments to eae008@latech.edu.

Identity ThiefHHHII

Universal Pictures

‘Identity Thief’ tries to steal the show

NICOLE “SNOOKI” POLIZZI

6 • The Tech Talk • February 21, 2013

Distractions

SUDOKUPUZZLE

Fill in the grid so that every

row, every column and

every 3x3 grid contains

the digits 1 through 9.

www.sudoku-puzzles.netwww.Sudoku-Puzzles.net

Sudoku, Kakuro & Futoshiki Puzzles

Sudoku 9x9 - Hard (134245910)

8 9 2 5

1 7

5 7 2 6

1 5 3 9

1 8 2 4

8 5 9 2

9 7

9 5 3 1

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Solution:

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WEEKLYHOROSCOPEwww.horoscopes.com.net

AriesMarch 21 – April 19

You usually place a lot of importance on self-control, Aries. Today this will come in handy when you receive some

wonderful news that might otherwise move you to tears. Don’t carry it too far. Under these circumstances, it’s OK to let it out a little. Your hard work and dedication are finally paying off. News about possible advancement could come

your way. It’s a very eventful day.

TaurusApr 20 - May 20

Expect some great news regarding money, possibly involv-ing professional advancement. You may have to control the urge to cry tears of joy, Taurus. In a different vein, a close

friend could be going through some changes and might want your support. Your best course of action would be

to listen rather than give advice. You may have to control yourself if the situation defies all reason.

GeminiMay 21 - Jun 20

Happy events involving your mother or another close female relative might have you feeling emotional, Gemini.

It could involve a marriage or birth. Your own projects, particularly those done with other people, could be going well in spite of having to overcome some difficulties. The

results could move you to tears, and you may feel the need to control yourself. Don’t be afraid to show how you feel.

CancerJun 21 - Jul 22

Your intuitive abilities are at an all-time high today, Cancer. You should find it easier to tune into others’ thoughts and feelings. It might be a good idea to control your reactions

to them. Don’t tell others what you’re picking up unless you know for sure they’ll want to hear it. Your imagination and creative abilities are also operating at a very high level.

Make the most of them.

LeoJul 23 - Aug 22

Today a deep concern for others’ feelings could have you lending a sympathetic ear to those in need of some

understanding. It’s more important to listen than talk, Leo, even though your practicality might want to express itself.

Your affairs should go smoothly, bringing you and those around you a lot of satisfaction. Don’t be surprised if you

shed a few tears of joy at some point.

VirgoAug 23 - Sep 22

Today you might complete a project that was difficult but important to your career. Acknowledgement of your

dedication and hard work could find you more emotionally overwhelmed than makes you comfortable. You may have

to make a special effort to control your feelings. You’ve moved mountains to get where you are and it’s nice to be

recognized. In the evening, celebrate. You deserve it.

LibraSep 23 - Oct 22

A long-awaited social event, perhaps a wedding or chris-tening, could move you to tears, Libra. As you’re naturally a person who doesn’t like showing your feelings, you might feel the need to get away until the urge to cry has passed. This should be a very happy day for you as well. Your own contentment could seem almost too good to be true. It’s

real. Relax and enjoy it.

ScorpioOct 23 - Nov 21

An intense, emotional dream could move you so powerfully that you wake with the odd sense that the dream was real.

Write it down, Scorpio. Maybe it is. Efforts to overcome obstacles and advance yourself in your career could finally be paying off. You might be walking around in a daze asking if it’s really happened. It has. Make the most of it. And don’t

be afraid to reveal your feelings to others.

SagittariusNov 22 - Dec 21

Thanks to your shooter natural optimism, you are always ready to change and new ideas. You have the chance to be a leader this month, while the less you to benefit from a

new concept convinced. Emotional grow in sensitivity and understanding of this month.

CapricornDec 22 - Jan 19

Today you may feel the need to do a lot of work around the house, Capricorn. Perhaps you expect visitors or you simply want to get the place spruced up for your own enjoyment.

You need to take it easy and not try to do everything at once. You could run into difficulties that require help from others who may be out. Pace yourself and control the urge

to run through your chores like a steamroller.

AquariusJan 20 - Feb 18

Some intense, revealing communications with a close friend or lover could reveal wonderful new things about

your relationship. Perhaps you have more in common than you thought. Perhaps fears prove groundless. As a result,

Aquarius, the two of you could grow closer and discover a new mutual sense of purpose. Enjoy the positive feelings,

and have a great day together.

PiscesFeb 19 - Mar 20

Ancient social traditions could be a powerful part of your day, Pisces. An emotional event concerning your

family - wedding, christening, or other milestone - could especially move you. In the rush of social interactions, you

will probably keep a tight rein on the expression of your feelings. Keeping up appearances could be more important

to you than usual. Do it, but be yourself.

DAILY U Email feedback to dwyer@latech.edu

WEEKLYWEATHER www.accuweather.com

TODAY

HIGH 60LOW 43

FRIDAY

HIGH 63LOW 35

SATURDAY

HIGH 60LOW 38

SUNDAY

HIGH 67LOW 43

HIGH 60LOW 34

MONDAY

HIGH 62LOW 34

TUESDAY

HIGH 56LOW 29

WEDNESDAY

Across1. Ancient Athens’s Temple of ___ 5. Ballad ending 8. Distinctive quality 12. Asta’s mistress 13. Cary of “The Princess Bride” 15. Break, card game 16. Babe in the woods 17. ___ evil... 18. Golfer Ballesteros 19. Confine 22. Blend 23. Encouraging word 24. Pack down 26. Spoiled beer 29. Very much 31. Menu words 32. Twixt’s partner 34. Introduction 36. Sneaky guy? 38. Pry 40. Dissolve, as cells 41. Musical drama 43. Night noise 45. Med. specialty 46. Sibelius’s “Valse ___” 48. Dinner jacket 50. Dagger of yore 51. Bear lair 52. Pouch 54. Laundry rope 61. ___ even keel 63. Stratum 64. Latin love

65. Easy stride 66. Wander 67. James of “The Godfather” 68. Draft classification 69. Bounce on one foot 70. Bounce back

Down1. Years in old Rome 2. Horse of mixed color 3. Actor Stoltz 4. Adventurous expedition 5. Gen. Robert ___ 6. Decorative pitcher 7. Actress Sofer 8. Donkey 9. Without a job 10. Sitarist Shankar 11. Acme 13. Shuns 14. ___ voce (softly) 20. All ears 21. Tombstone lawman 25. Blackbird 26. Slumbered 27. Picture of the sea 28. Psychics claim to have a sixth one 29. Snob 30. Kind of question 31. Mil. address 33. Eternity 35. Bumped into 37. “___ Brockovich” 39. Excessive modesty 42. Just ___!

44. Former spouses 47. Informs 49. Intertwine 52. Go it alone 53. Auth. unknown 55. Swear words 56. Rookie 57. Pile 58. Apple product 59. Ark builder 60. Cube maker Rubik 62. PBS benefactor

S1

H2

E3

A4

S5

L6

O7

B8

C9

I10

S11

T12

Y13

E A R T14

I N E S15

A16

R E A

N17

A S A A18

R E T E B19

A E R

C20

L E F R21

A S R22

W23

A N D A

U24

S25

E S A26

P E R

O27

G28

R E S P29

R E T E N30

S31

E32

I33

M E A N S34

A I N T35

A T E

S36

A T O37

W L E T N38

O L

U39

H U H40

R41

O L L M42

O43

N K S

P44

A P E R45

B O Y R46

E D Y E

R47

E I N T48

I T O

I49

N50

T51

E N T A52

R C N53

A54

G55

S56

M57

E A T A58

L59

L A H T60

E A K

A61

E R I L62

O O I E I63

R M A

C64

R O C S65

G T S C66

O A T

Go back | Print | Help

BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for July 29, 2012

Across1- Queens stadium; 5- Slovenlyperson; 9- Prehistoric sepulchraltomb; 13- 365 days; 14- Prongs;16- Carpeting calculation; 17-American space agency; 18-Narrow mountain ridge; 19-Boxer Max; 20- Musical staffsign; 21- ___ Tafari (HaileSelassie); 22- "Hotel ___"; 24-Employs, consumes; 26-Copycat; 27- Meanies; 29- Falseshow; 33- That is to say...; 34-Spahn teammate; 35- London artgallery; 36- Posed; 37- Littlehooter; 38- Cambodia's Lon ___;39- No way; 41- Drum sound;42- Religious recluses; 44-Newsboy; 46- Color anew; 47-Bit attachment; 48- BandleaderPuente; 49- Purpose; 52- Curve;53- Badgers; 57- Flesh; 58- TheMerciful; 60- Durable wood; 61-Ethereal: Prefix; 62- Sarge'ssuperior; 63- "The Joy ofCooking" author Rombauer; 64-Gator's cousin; 65- Cpls.'superiors; 66- Cover; Down1- Harmony; 2- Get better; 3- Facilitate; 4- Sea north of Australia; 5- Gazes fixedly; 6- Turkishmoney; 7- Till bills; 8- You ____! Sure!; 9- Nightclub; 10- Ayatollah's land; 11- Highly rankedcompetitor in sporting events; 12- Skater Lipinski; 15- Snake; 23- Rainy, say; 25- D.C. VIP; 26-Disney mermaid; 27- City in Nebraska; 28- Costume; 29- Friendly; 30- Nursemaid; 31- Tend afire; 32- Slippery swimmers; 33- The jig ___!; 34- Faint; 37- Describing the path of a satellite; 40-Miscreant; 42- Got together; 43- Dental; 45- Cartoon Chihuahua; 46- Wealth; 48- Distinguishingcharacteristic; 49- Apple product; 50- Not e'en once; 51- Edible corm; 52- Sleep like ___; 54-Dynamic start?; 55- Explorer Vasco da ___; 56- Three-player card game; 59- ___ Lobos;

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22

23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39 40

41 42 43 44 45

46 47 48 49

50 51

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

61 62 63 64

65 66 67

68 69 70

Go back | Print | Help

BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for July 30, 2012

Across1- Ancient Athens's Temple of___; 5- Ballad ending; 8-Distinctive quality; 12- Asta'smistress; 13- Cary of "ThePrincess Bride"; 15- Break, cardgame; 16- Babe in the woods;17- ___ evil...; 18- GolferBallesteros; 19- Confine; 22-Blend; 23- Encouraging word;24- Pack down; 26- Spoiledbeer; 29- Very much; 31- Menuwords; 32- Twixt's partner; 34-Introduction; 36- Sneaky guy?;38- Pry; 40- Dissolve, as cells;41- Musical drama; 43- Nightnoise; 45- Med. specialty; 46-Sibelius's "Valse ___"; 48-Dinner jacket; 50- Dagger ofyore; 51- Bear lair; 52- Pouch;54- Laundry rope; 61- ___ evenkeel; 63- Stratum; 64- Latin love;65- Easy stride; 66- Wander; 67-James of "The Godfather"; 68-Draft classification; 69- Bounceon one foot; 70- Bounce back; Down1- Years in old Rome; 2- Horse of mixed color; 3- Actor Stoltz; 4- Adventurous expedition; 5- Gen.Robert ___; 6- Decorative pitcher; 7- Actress Sofer; 8- Donkey; 9- Without a job; 10- SitaristShankar; 11- Acme; 13- Shuns; 14- ___ voce (softly); 20- All ears; 21- Tombstone lawman; 25-Blackbird; 26- Slumbered; 27- Picture of the sea; 28- Psychics claim to have a sixth one; 29-Snob; 30- Kind of question; 31- Mil. address; 33- Eternity; 35- Bumped into; 37- "___ Brockovich";39- Excessive modesty; 42- Just ___!; 44- Former spouses; 47- Informs; 49- Intertwine; 52- Go italone; 53- Auth. unknown; 55- Swear words; 56- Rookie; 57- Pile; 58- Apple product; 59- Arkbuilder; 60- Cube maker Rubik; 62- PBS benefactor;

Difficulty HARD

CROSSWORDPUZZLE www.bestcrosswords.com

114 W. PARK AVENUERUSTON, LA 71270P: 318.255.8320

CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY

HOURSTUESDAY - SATURDAY4 PM - 11 PM

RESTAURANT SUSHI BAR LOUNGE

Skip Russell �s

Campus Washateria

Wesley

Homer St.

Loui

siana

Ave

.

Texa

s

Ala

bam

a

Keeny HallWyly Tower

CampusWashateria

Just East of Tech CampusNext to University Apartments behind Wesley Foundation

• Open 24 hours / 7 days a week• Cleanest in town• New machines• Air Conditioned

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKSERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965

YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US

APARTMENTrentals

1 & 2 BR/1 BA apts.2br/2.5 ba CondosW/D, wifi, sec. sys.318-242-0003

APARTMENTrentals

1 & 2 BR/1 BA apts.2br/2.5 ba CondosW/D, wifi, sec. sys.318-242-0003

APARTMENTrentals

1 & 2 BR/1 BA apts.2br/2.5 ba CondosW/D, wifi, sec. sys.318-242-0003

APARTMENTrentals

1 & 2 BR/1 BA apts.2br/2.5 ba CondosW/D, wifi, sec. sys.318-242-0003

“This will help us to accommodate our local high school young adults, college students and all who wish to enjoy this amenity,” he said. “We hope to offer a great environment for anyone who wishes to dine in.”

Tina Stuckey, a junior family child studies major, said she thinks Zaxby’s is a lot like Raising Cane’s, so Zaxby’s will definitely have some competition.

“Raising Cane’s is popu-lar in Ruston because it pro-vides a good environment to hang out even when it is late, and their sauce is pretty good, too,” she said. “Zaxby’s will have to offer some really great sauce to get me to switch.”

One thing Zaxby’s will bring to Ruston is more jobs.

McDonald said he hopes to hire a team of ap-

proximately 50 people in order to keep the new restaurant running smoothly.

“If it is anything like Cane’s, it is hard work,” Stuckey said. “You have to be on your feet all day, constantly wash your hands and clean, clean, clean.”

Zaxby’s also offers online ordering and the new Zaxby’s app provides the menu for people at all times.

“The restaurant will fea-ture a beautiful store that will provide a big menu with quality food and product at a great price,” McDonald said.

Moegle said more eating options as well as more job

opportunities will benefit the Ruston community. “Having a Zaxby’s will be great,” she said.

“Ruston can always use all the new restaurants that it can get.”

Email comments to alm085@latech.edu.

> ZAXBYS from pg. 1HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH YOUR MATH COURSES?

I tutor the following subjects: Pre-Calculus I, Pre-Calculus II, Calculus I

Algebra & Geometry

$23/hr. - For more information call 318.278.3638

February 21, 2013 • The Tech Talk • 7

More Talk

KELSY KERSHAWStaff Reporter

The name of the administrator of @LaTech-Boobs has been omitted from this article to protect him from any future professional ramifi-cations.

In July 2012, @TotalTechMove became part of the twitterverse, but now it has evolved into an account known as @LaTechBoobs.

A multitude of university boob accounts have been surfacing on Twitter. They appear to share the common theme of incorporating breast in photos to show their school spirit.

“The @LaTechBoobs account is purely for fun,” Guy, (an alias for) the administrator of the @LaTechBoobs account, said. “I would like to think it is something the stu-dent body at Tech can find hu-mor in with a touch of creative school spirit.”

Guy, a junior biology major, said Twitter has replaced Face-book and students should be on it if they are not.

“I think that trying to rouse up some student participation in any way is a positive thing,” he said. “Combining those two ideas with the recent explosion of the #boobment, started by @KUboobs, created a perfect place for @LaTechBoobs to enter our newsfeeds here at Tech.”

The #boobment is not all about boobs though—it is about school pride, he said.

“Being able to show some spirit by doing something outside of the box sounds like some-thing people at this school can get behind,” Guy said.

Not all students feel the same way as Guy, however. Catherine Dale, a junior geographic in-formation science major, said the account makes her feel uncomfortable.

“I think it is dumb for someone to have thought to make such an account in the first place,” she said. “It’s annoying for us girls because for the most part that is not something we want to put focus on, especially on social media.”

Dale said she is aware that it is just for fun, but it could get taken too far if people are not careful.

“I followed the account that it was before they changed it,” she said. “If I cared enough I prob-ably would have noticed it before now.”

Guy said the account is in no way meant to be offensive.

“It is clearly stated that it is not for promoting nudity nor intended to degrade women,” he said. “Honestly, I think it is something women should appreciate because @LaTechBoobs doesn’t dis-criminate, whether you’re short, tall, big or small, you can show a little school spirit.”

Ryan Mitchell, a senior accounting major, said he thinks the account could create mixed emotions among women.

“Some girls may see it as degrading to wom-

en but others may see it as a form of motivation to change their lives for the better,” he said. “This is a ‘to each her own’ kind of situation.”

Mitchell said he thinks the account exudes a positive aspect about Tech.

“I think it says that Tech lets people be who they are,” he said. “It does not try to steer them one way or the other.”

Kentucky University and University of Mis-souri both have really popular “boob” Twitter ac-counts, he added.

“@LaTechBoobs is just a byproduct of large universities which is what Tech strives to be,” he said. “I think the account will eventually catch on.”

Guy said if a student disagreed with the ac-count that his suggestion is not to follow it.

“I aim to avoid being viewed as a negative account,” he said. “@LaTech-Boobs means no harm toward anyone or their beliefs.”

He said the account is there to support the students and promote school spirit in a cre-ative way.

“Tech may be a small school, but we have a fun stu-dent body that should enjoy a humorous account such as @LaTechBoobs,” Guy said.

Sam Speed, assistant dean of student life, said social media such as Twitter have changed the way students communicate and interact with one another.

“It’s like a lot of other things, it just depends on the context of it and how it is be-

ing used,” he said. “There are the positives, as far as connecting with individuals and enhancing communication in some ways but then the nega-tive is it is degrading communication in other ways.”

Speed said he hopes students are cognizant of the ramifications of the things they are post-ing on these social media sites.

“I think accounts such as @LaTechBoobs are slightly humorous,” he said. “Those who create them just have to know how far is too far.”

His hope is that students do not actually post to the account and keep their body parts private, he added.

Guy said @LaTechBoobs as far as he is aware has received zero public complaints on Twitter since it evolved.

“It has gotten a bunch of mentions and a whole lot of new followers,” he said. “It is per-fectly legal and adheres to Twitter’s policies.”

He said he discourages any inappropriate ac-tivity and supports the closure of accounts that partake in the activities or break the policies.

Currently, @LaTechBoobs has 566 followers.“Ladies and gentlemen, embrace the #boob-

ment, love the #boobment, and spread the #boobment,” he said. “Follow and tweet us at @LaTechBoobs.”

Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

“Some girls may see it as degrading to wom-en but others may see it as a form of motiva-tion to change their lives for the better.”

RYAN MITCHELLSenior accounting major

#BOOBMENTTwitter’s

newest crazearrives at Tech

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

8 • The Tech Talk • February 21, 2013

Forever bleed

Tech blue’ve been a part of the Tech family since 2009. I first stepped on to this campus as a Lady Techster under head coach Teresa Weatherspoon,

but somewhere down the line I had to do what was best for me, which was to pursue my jour-nalism career head-on.

Making that decision was nerve-wracking for me. My whole life was about basketball, and to make a drastic change that seemingly made all those countless hours I spent in the gym useless, was devastating. It seemed more so for my friends, fans and family, as still to this day some rag me about quitting basketball. Some friends don’t even talk to me any more be-cause of it. And I use the term “friend” loosely.

I started to wonder if I made the right choice to come to Tech, to play basketball at this level and to pursue a degree in something that isn’t guaranteed money. As time went on, God opened doors for me to let me know I couldn’t have made a better choice here at Tech.

If you’re not a fan of Tech, you can hear a lot of things about the school that would make it unappealing, especially for a young black woman like me. My choice to not attend a Historically Black College or University can lead to some salty looks from my peers. Ei-ther I’m lucky or naïve, but I have never had a problem be-yond the usual here at this uni-versity.

Sure, some teachers will give you a hard time and the park-ing is horrendous, but that’s on any campus in America. My personality has never been one to get overly offensive over my school. School spirit was never really my thing in high school. But about Tech, I will argue anybody down to why our foot-ball team could give the nation’s best a run for their money and how our sports like basketball and track could surprise any-body at any given time. I will argue that our education is top notch and superior to the flag-ship university down in south Louisiana.

In my four years at Tech, I have met some amazing people, some inspiring mentors and I have put my foot in the door to where I want to be in my sports journalism career. As this is my last Sports Talk page as sports editor, I wish to thank every-one in the journalism depart-ment for their knowledge and support because I know I gave them hell with all of the special layout designs I wanted during my tenure. I also want to thank my readers; it’s not about how many are out there reading the Tech Talk but about those who do read it and enjoy it. I will take quality over quantity any day.

Editors spend so much time down in the lab to make a great newspaper, even nights and weekends. Ask any of our friends where we are right now and their best guess is, we’re in the lab working on the paper.

Though this duty can be stressful, I take it as a test of my mental toughness.

As I walk away from my posi-tion as sports editor, I take with me a lot of priceless knowledge and experience, from witness-ing the wild Tech vs. Texas A&M game in Shreveport, to going to the Super Bowl Media Day in New Orleans.

Tech has given me ample opportunities to better myself as a journalist, to find myself as a human being and to be pre-pared for the real world that I am set to be released into.

I know I can always say one thing for the rest of my life. I will forever bleed Tech blue and red.

Reina Kempt is a senior journal-ism major from Baton Rouge. Email comments to rjk007@lat-ech.edu.

Sports Talk

I

FROM THE SPORTS DESKFROM THE SPORTS DESKREINA KEMPTwith

Techsters become clutchWhitney Frazier’s game winning 3-pointer give Techsters hopeREINA KEMPTSports Editor

It looked like another loss last Satur-day for the Techsters against longtime conference mate Idaho. Tech was down 62-61 with just 8.4 seconds remaining in what looked to be the Techsters fourth down-to-the-wire loss in conference this season.

The ladies couldn’t afford another loss; even though it is too late to claim first place in the conference regular season, another tough loss after last Thursday’s defeat to Seattle would have kicked the Techsters while they were down.

But head coach Teresa Weather-spoon called a timeout after Idaho’s go-ahead bank shot and drew up a play, not giving up hope on her struggling players.

Tech inbounded the ball with junior guard Janay Borum pushing it ahead the distance of the floor. She fell imme-diately after crossing half court which seemed to be the deal breaker for Tech, but Borum kept her dribble alive and made a pass to freshman guard Lulu Perry. Perry dribbled across court to the left wing and passed it to sophomore forward Whitney Frazier, who threw up a prayer from 3-point range.

Her prayer was answered as the high shot ball banked the side of the back-board and swished in with .2 seconds re-maining. The Lady Techsters celebrated in triumph as they came out victorious in a thrilling fashion.

Weatherspoon later said the last play was not run as planned but her players still played with confidence and pulled out the win.

“We were trying to get Janay to push the ball up the floor and give it to Kelia but Janay fell,” she said. “Frazier knew the timing and took it confidently. Be-fore the game she said she didn’t feel like she could miss.”

Frazier’s buzzer beater performance gave the Techsters life—much needed life. With losing four of the last six con-ference matchups, this victory gave the girls a lot of momentum going into the last four games before the Western Ath-letic Conference tournament.

“This is big for those kids to see something go their way,” Weatherspoon said. “Especially when you tell them to play hard and great things will happen. And this could be the best momentum builder that could come their way. You feel good about yourself to win some-

thing like this down the stretch.”Despite Frazier’s last second shot,

Weatherspoon said her post players and ball handlers were a critical part of their win Saturday night. The Techsters only turned the ball over nine times during the course of the game.

“They were working hard,” she said. “Our bigs were productive. They were setting good screens and finishing at the rims. We took care of the ball as well.”

A lot of players are stepping up for the Techsters, but redshirt sophomore guard Kelia Shelton has the highlight of the season.

Shelton scored 45 points in the vic-tory against University of Texas at San Antonio on the road. She also made a season high 16 field goals, shot 72 per-cent from field and made 10 free throws in this career high game.

The Techsters will have to play some tough games against the likes of Utah State University and New Mexico State Unviersity, both teams that Tech fell short to earlier in the season. Shelton must have another spurt of energy to give the Techsters some wins.

These next four games are crucial in preparing for the tourney as higher

seeds play lower seeds and Tech would definitely rather play Texas State Uni-versity in the first round than have an-other nail biter with Idaho or Utah State.

The WAC tournament is devastat-ingly vital to the extension of the Tech-sters’ season being it is the only way they can become eligible for the NCAA tournament.

The WAC tournament is from March 13-16 in Las Vegas.

It’s either win or go home.

Email comments torjk007@latech.edu.

Top: Whitney Frazier shoots the game winning 3-pointer over Idaho’s Ali Forde with .2 second remaining. Bottom: The Techster bench reacts to the vicotry.

Photos by Donny Crowe

Hadnot leads track to WAC meetREINA KEMPTSports Editor

The men and women’s track team are preparing to perform in the Western Athletic Conference meet tonight in Al-buquerque, N.M.

This three-day event will give Tech’s runners, jumpers and throwers a chance to qualify for the March NCAA indoor tournament, where elite runners like Tech’s own Trey Hadnot had success in last season.

So far this season, Hadnot, who is just a junior, has got back on track to his usual line of success after being plagued with a series of injuries during his sopho-more season.

In the Tyson Invitational in Arkansas, Hadnot set a school record of 20.81 sec-onds in the 200 meter dash. Not only did he break school records with that time, but it was good enough to be tied fourth in the nation.

Hadnot said reaching the 20-point mark in the 200-meter dash was his goal for this season, but since he has already reached it, his new goal is hitting the 46-point mark in the 400-meter dash.

“Coming in to this season my goal

was to run 20-point,” Hadnot said. “Be-cause I know if I ran 20-point I would make it to nationals. Now that I’ve al-ready ran 20-point, I’m not going to try to run faster in the 200, I’m going to try to run 46 in the 400. That will get me to nationals in that event and my ultimate goal is to try to place in nationals.”

Hadnot is not the only one shining bright, Micara Vassell has been doing great things as she threw for the fourth-best throwing mark in school history back in January at the Howie Ryan Invi-tational in Houston.

Head coach Gary Stanley is confi-dent with his athletes going into the con-ference tournament. He said this meet is not just about individual athletes, but how well they can do together as a team.

“I appeal to their sense of pride, and their sense of belonging to a university and their coach who is preaching that message to them that’s saying, ‘Hey, lets represent.’”

Hadnot has had a lot of individual success in his young career but he said his competitive edge is what keeps him motivated to do all he can for a team win.

“I’m trying to do everything it takes,”

he said. “I remember a month ago I asked him ‘Do you honestly feel we have a chance to win conference?’ If you think we can win the meet I want to run the 60 (meter), the 200 (meter), 400 (meter)

and the relay. I’ll be tired afterward but if that’s what it takes to win then I’ll do it.”

Last year left a bad taste in Stanley’s mouth as the women’s side lost in the WAC meet for the first time in four sea-sons making them three out of four in championships since 2009. One thing Stanley said was that this team is entirely new and he tries not to think about last year but what they can get accomplished this year.

Stanley said he is looking for Hadnot, junior Kendall Hayes (who also plays football) and Dennis Richardson to do well in New Mexico on the men’s side and Kim Francis, Micara Vassell and Kimberly Smith to do well for the wom-en.

“I want to see as many individual medals around (Hadnot’s) neck as he can get,” Stanley said. “I think Dennis Richardson is ready to go and Hayes, who is a football player, is doing well in the hurdles. Our seniors on the women’s side, Micara Vassell and Kimberly Smith are doing well, and we need big perfor-mances out of them.”

Email comments torjk007@latech.edu.

Softball and baseball step to the plateDEVIN KINGSports Reporter

The Lady Techsters softball team started its season out with two south Louisiana tournaments at Southeast-ern Louisiana University and McNeese State University. They start the 2013 season 5-4.

New head coach Mark Montgom-ery said the team had a great offseason and the players are buying into the new system.

“We understand we want to get bet-ter each month of the season,” Mont-gomery said. “We expect to win the Western Athletic Conference.”

Montgomery is the third head coach at Tech in three decades. Montgomery was highly successful at Centenary and Northern Colorado. He has more than 12 years of head coaching experience and some 330 victories on the colle-giate level.

He said preparation for this season was great and his women are ready.

“Offseason went great; we started in September,” Montgomery said. “The kids have really been working hard and I believe things will look great out on the

field.”Where there is adversity, seniors like

Michelle Jones, Janna Frandrup and Melanie Goff are the ones coaches ex-pect to step up, and Montgomery said he is expecting these women to do just that.

“I hope that all the players have impact moments, but I expect to rely on some senior pitching this season,” Montgomery said. “We are going to re-ally rely on them.”

The Lady Techsters look to make a statement in the Southern Miss tourna-ment this weekend.

“They are excited to play against somebody besides themselves,” Mont-gomery said. “For the last month and a half, they have been hitting, pitching and fielding. They are excited to get out and see how they do against other teams.”

The Techsters get ready for the Southern Miss tournament this week-end with their opening game against Northwestern State University at noon Saturday followed by Southern Miss Un-versity at 5 p.m.

Email comments todki008@latech.edu.

REINA KEMPTSports Editor

The Bulldogs baseball team started their season just last week against Uni-versity of Texas-Arlington and Univer-sity of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The Bulldogs are 1-3 at the start of their seaon.

They look to play Oral Roberts in a three-game series starting at 6 p.m. Fri-day, 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at the J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

Head coach Wade Simoneaux said he and his team have been practicing and looking forward to the start of the season all fall.

“We took 27-30 days in the fall, then we had about two and a half to three weeks of practice,” he said. “I wish we had a little longer but I think all coach-es think that way. Our guys worked hard and they’re ready to compete.”

One thing Simoneaux said he is sure about is that he has a team full of experienced veterans, and he plans to use that to their advantage when it comes to mentoring new players and succeeding in pressure situations.

“We’ve got a veteran ball team,” Simoneaux said. “It’s nice to have that veteran leadership not only on the field but the bench. They’ve been through the ups and downs of the season and they understand what it takes to win.”

Early on in the season Simoneaux said he will use a variety of different lineups to test the waters.

“We will be using a host of guys (pitchers), so guys are going to get opportunities to put their nose in the lineup, get on the mound and show us what they can do because we have to figure out who can do what in different situations,” he said.

Simoneaux said losing games early in the season does not concern him.

“You can’t worry about losing a ball game early on because you have to try to develop guys along the way,” he said.

Simoneaux said he is preparing for a steep conference schedule, he said new conference teams like Dallas Bap-tist have done big things in the past and he does not overlook their talents.

Email comments torjk007@latech.edu.

Photo by Media RelationsJunior Trey Hadnot sprints as the last leg in the relay race at the Howie Ryan Invitational.