Seasons Greetings!

BEYONCE BREAKS RECORDS WITH NEW VISUAL ALBUM Arts & Entertainment PAGE 5

WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE BIGGEST MOMENTS OF 2013 PAGE 8

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THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG DECEMBER 19, 2013 VOLUME 88 ISSUE 10
KALEB CAUSEY Editor-in-Chief More than $50,000 was stolen from the Louisiana Tech athletics ticket ofce between August 2011 and June 2012, according to a report released by the Louisiana legislative auditor. The report said university ofcials knew of the $50,891 theft in July 2012, but did not immediately address control weaknesses in the ticket ofce. In the athletic ticket operations area, the same employee collects payments, makes deposits and reconciles the deposit to the accounting records, Louisiana Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera wrote in the reports management letter dated Nov. 15 of this year. Former Tech ticket manager Randall Chance Snow, 24, was arrested on Aug. 9, 2012, and charged with theft in connection with the disappearance of $49,158, according to a university police incident report. Snow is scheduled to appear in district court Jan. 14. In a statement released Monday, the university did not disclose the name of the employee, but did say he has admitted to the theft and had resigned prior to the discovery of the missing money. Tech internal auditor Robert Grafton said the university was tipped off to the theft by the athletics department. When they hired a new ticket manager, that person discovered it, he said. I looked at all of the details and information and the persons actions that I investigated was the person arrested. In a written response to the audit report, Louisiana Tech President Les Guice wrote that he feels that adequate improvements have been made to prevent future incidents. Louisiana Tech took the necessary steps to collect and safeguard documen-

The

PRSRT STD NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE RUSTON, LA PERMIT NO 104 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PAID

$50,891 STOLEN FROM ATHLETICS

Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

tation related to the incident, the university noted in a statement released Monday. [The information] was then turned over to the district attorney for Lincoln Parish. Tech has received a full reimbursement for the theft and said they will continue to regularly review and improve money-handling practices across campus, according to the university. The Tech Talk will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they develop.

Meningitis cases prevalent at universities

HANNAH SCHILLING Managing Editor A sudden onset of fever, a headache and a stiff neck are just a few of the symptoms that students at two universities in California and New Jersey experienced when a strain of meningitis labeled B infected them. As of Dec. 4, the Center for Disease Control conrmed eight cases at Princeton and four more cases at the University of California, Santa Barbara. One of them, lacrosse player Aaron Loy from UCSB, lost both of his feet to amputation because of the disease. Meningitis is the inammation of the meninges, which are protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The cause of the recent outbreaks is bacterial, the most severe type. Though no cases have been reported in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals did send out a message to universities about ways to prevent an outbreak. Paige Pickett, the Student Health Center director, said Tech has not seen any suspect cases in recent years, but there is still a risk. At any college campus, there is a risk due to close living quarters and sharing of personal items such as drinking cups and utensils, Pickett said. Vanessa Jones Johnson, an assistant professor and program coordinator in medical technology, said having college students vaccinated is a great way to reduce risk, but there is no way to reduce the risk to zero. Louisiana law requiring vaccination against meningitis began in fall 2006, Johnson said. As with any vaccination, they are not 100 percent effective.

Campus holiday celebration

Will Dinnat, a freshman kinesiology major, and Kristen Seal, a freshman elementary education major, stuff bulldogs at the Build a Bulldog booth during the Tech the Halls event December 10. WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter en with Santa and Buddy the Elf while drinking hot chocolate. Some students also had a caricature artist draw them while listening to Alive By Sunrise play. Others got to customize their own ornaments, then receive a free meal. If attendees brought an unopened toy

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

> see MENINGITISpage 3

he Holiday season is here, which means students are itching to celebrate the season. Students were able to build their own bulldog and have their picture tak-

they were entered to win gift cards. Kaitlin Robinson, a sophomore family and child studies major and member of Union Board, said she really enjoyed Tech the Halls this year because students were not the only ones involved

> see HOLIDAYSpage 3

2 The T ech T alk December 19, 2013

NEWS

Campus

Limo causes campus disruption

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter When Tech students received an alert warning them of a black limousine giving free rides, college students reminisced about the childhood warning about not getting into cars with strangers. The limousine was driven by Gerald New, one of the owners of the Textbook Corner located on Tech Drive. The event was referred to on their Facebook page as Textbook Corner FREE LIMO rides to CHEAPER BOOKS. Sophomores Ronnie Huckaby, a mechanical engineering major, and Morgan Bollich, a chemical engineering major, were already going to Textbook Corner when they encountered the black limousine. We were heading to the car and then we saw the limo with a sign that said Free rides to Textbook Corner, Huckaby said. The guy came out and opened the door for us. Bollich said she was excited to be the rst in the limousine. Free drinks and everything, she said. Colt Funderburg, manager of the Textbook Corner, described the incident as Good intentions, bad results while displaying a Facebook picture of New driving the limousine. Our intention was to give access to people without vehicles, Funderburg said. Funderburg said the store was trying to let people know they had another option. It was fun until they got pulled over, he said. Assistant Chief Bill Davis of

Graduation deadline is tomorrow for seniors

Tomorrow is the last day for students to submit their applications for the Winter 2013-2014 graduation. The application can be found on the Louisiana Tech Registrar website. After students ll out their application, it needs to be returned to the Registrars ofce. The graduating students academic dean will review the application and the students plan of study and contact the student if there is a problem with the application. If students miss the deadline, they should contact their academic dean to determine if they can be added to the graduation list. Absence commencement request forms can also be found online. For more information, please contact the Registrars Ofce by phone at 318-2572176 or by email at registrar@latech.edu.

From left to right: Colt Funderburg, manager, Olivia Alaniz, a sophomore medical technology major and Clinton McAdams, a senior kinesiology major, offered students free limo rides to their bookstore. the Louisiana Tech Police Department was one of the rst ofcials to notice the black limousine and its driver giving rides to students. Driving through was one thing, but getting out and talking was too far, Davis said. The best part of our job is to bring safety to peoples minds. Davis immediately informed Chief Randall Hermes of the Louisiana Tech Police Department. I sent the Tech Alert, Hermes said. We didnt like the idea of somebody coming on campus and getting people to ride with them. Hermes said he knew it was legitimate, but safety was their main focus. Dickie Crawford, dean of Student Life/Auxiliary Services, said the Textbook Corner was in violation of campus rules and regulations. We need to approve these things before, Crawford said. It was also a violation of the contract we have with Barnes & No-

Photo by Derek J. Amaya

Santa Claus to appear downtown

Winterfest 2013 is a chance to get the family out and where kids can participate in holiday events by telling Santa Claus what they wish for this Christmas. On Saturday, Santa Claus will be in Railroad Park to wrap up the eight-day event. It starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. This will be Santas last appearance in Railroad Park this holiday season. Kids can enjoy the holiday fun and get their picture taken with Santa Claus and his elf. For more information, please contact Ruston Main Street at mainstreet@ruston.org.

ble. Crawford cited section 6.04:31 of the 2013-2014 Student Handbook that reads, No person may solicit, advertise, sell, or distribute material of any nature on University-owned or University-controlled property without approval. Maybe we can work out something, but safety was our main concern, Crawford said.

Email comments to pdd010@latech.edu.

Class implements tenets of Tech

AUSTIN VINING Senior Reporter Walking into the Lambright Recreation Center, students, alumni and guests were met with an array of furniture designed by the Interior Design 451 class. Six students completed individual assignments to create functional pieces of furniture inspired by the tenets of Tech. Senior interior design major Anna Klappenbach said their professor, Miguel Lasala, is new and trying to get more involved in the school. I think he did a really good job picking this project because I dont think the tenets get enough attention, she said. Theyre mentioned when you go to freshman convocation and they talk about how important they are to the school, but then they kind of disappear. So its really nice were getting involved with the school in that way. Senior interior design major Rachel Cargle said, We had to nd a piece of ugly furniture that wasnt designed well, and we had to take it apart and redesign it in a way that it was not originally meant to be used. Cargle said she drew the tenet condence and started out with three old wooden chairs that were shaky and rickety, which was symbolic of them not having condence at all. I wanted to take them and completely change them and use them in the way that they did show condence, she said. The chair legs come into play as spacers and in the base of the new chair, Cargle said.

Cake decorating class offered in January

In case you have ever had a passion for baking, and want to learn elaborate cake decorating skills to give your creations more style, the intermediate-level Continuing Education cake decorating class will begin on Jan. 9. Participants will learn to create numerous cake-top owers. The skills you learn in this course will allow you to work with different types of materials, such as fondant and royal icing. Students will need to pay a $75 sign-up charge, as well as an additional $30 supply charge. This course is the second in a series of three, so taking the rst course is recommended before enrolling, as you will be building off of the basics you learned in course one. For more information, please contact instructor DeNeise Barlow by phone at 318-243-7556.

Photo by Devin Dronett

I showed condence in the way that when you look at my chair you think, how is that going to hold me up, she said. Its kind of scary, but when you actually sit in it, its really comfortable and you realize youre not going to fall out of it and it really has a lot of condence. Cargle said the design changed a lot over the quarter when she realized she could not use the chair legs the way she wanted to so she was forced to rethink, and redesign. Bobby Dowling, director of recreational activity, said he enjoyed having students projects displayed in Lambright. Fifteen hundred to 2,000 people a day come through these doors so its great exposure for these students, he said. I encouraged these students to display their projects here. The projects have gotten a lot of feedback from people who would not normally have been able to see them, Dowling said. A lot of alumni have asked questions, and the members of the senior citizens classes have been talking and asking questions about the projects, he said. Klappenbach said she hopes this helps change the image of the interior design program because she thinks it is misunderstood. I dont know what people think were doing up in Hale Hall, she said. But were not just picking out pillows and selecting colors; were actually out at the shop building things.

Megan McFarland adds support while Rachel Cargle puts the finishing touches on her chair.

Email comments to acv001@latech.edu.

NEWS

December 19, 2013 The T ech T alk 3

Prevention Protocol
Keep our campus healthy with these tips from the Lousiaiana Department of Health and Hospitals Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid sharing utensils, water bottles or other items contaminated by saliva or respiratory secretions. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Eat healthy foods and get plenty of rest. Remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease. If sick, stay home from school or work to prevent the spread of the sickness.

>

MENINGITISfrom pg. 1

With suspected signs and symptoms, please visit the Louisiana Tech Student Health Center in South Hall.

Heath Center hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, go to Northern Louisiana Medical Center emergency room.

In the recent outbreaks, the vaccines available did not cover the strain of bacteria causing the infections, she said. This is what universities like Princeton have been dealing with, Johnson said. Causative agents of meningitis are fairly well known, therefore the vaccinations have been very effective, but with the evolution of diseases, variations will exist. Abiding by Louisiana law, Tech does require its students to be vaccinated for meningitis, but some students are able to sign an exemption form. Pickett said if students do not turn in proof of immunization, they sign a form saying they are aware that if there is an outbreak, they are not allowed on campus or to make up their work. We strongly suggest students receive the vaccine, as this will protect them from the most common type of meningitis, she said. We do not recommend signing the exemption. Sarah Moosa, a junior environmental science major, said she sees the value of mandatory vaccines. It helps prevent diseases like meningitis from going rampant in areas with high population densities such as a university classroom, she said. They are for the good of the whole so that students and faculty can remain healthy. Johnson said Tech is in line with Louisianas state requirements when it comes to ensuring medical safety of the students, but prevention is a collaborative effort. The students must also actively avoid situations that increase the chance of infection. The recent outbreaks do worry me a little, but worry wont get us anywhere unless there is action behind it, Moosa said. As long as students are made aware of the symptoms and preventative measures are taken by the university, there isnt much else we can do.

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Caricature artist Cory Carlson draws two children at the Tech The Halls event organized by Union Board.
>

HOLIDAYSfrom pg. 1

Email comments to hms017@latech.edu.

in the event. I really enjoy events like this because you can come with all your friends and dress up, Robinson said. The theme is always unique and fun, and Union Board always does a great job setting it up. Robinson also said she loves the season and how this event gives back to the community. Union Board Vice President Taylor Haynie said Tech the Halls is one of Union Boards biggest events and it takes a lot of planning. It is a big, long process

to plan it that starts a month into school, Haynie said. It is a lot of work, like decorations and a layout plan to t everything where it needs to be. We set up three days in advance of the event, and a lot of tedious work goes into it making it as festive as possible while also making it functional. It is important to give back to the community, and we started Toys for Tots last year, but this year we got some of the Marines out here to help with it, which is a big deal. Some nontraditional students who might have families at home, like Kyle Tullos, also enjoy this event. Tullos is from Shreveport

and goes to school at Tech every day before heading home to a wife and two kids. I read about this event in an email and my wife and I are always looking for things to do with our family to bring them on campus and let them see the campus, Tullos said. It is a good opportunity for students like me that have families to get them more involved in my school life. Union Board estimated that more than 1,200 people attended Tech the Halls, making it a fun and festive night for everyone.

Email comments to bwt008@latech.edu.

Phi Mu Alpha Lambda Chapter

Happy Holiday
from our newly elected 2013-2014 Executive Council!
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)

Hannah Spence Sisterhood Lauren Davis Panhellenic PR Morgan McDonald Scholarship Chair Courtney Albritton Secretary Haylee Thornhill Panhellenic Delegate Amy Keel Treasurer Alyssa Simon Philanthropy Chair Calette Corcoran President Emily Philpot VP of Chapter Development Lauren Spillers New Member Educator Ali Beasley Risk Mgmt/Social Chair Sarah McCorkle VP of Committees Claire Causey Panhellenic VP and Casey Chaudoir Membership Director

Insight
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MANAGEMENT
Hannah Schilling

4 The T ech T alk December 19, 2013

The

MANAGING EDITOR
Allison East

Kaleb Causey

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Check out your charities

KALEB CAUSEY Editor-in-Chief

FROMTHEEDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Chad Merritt Raney Johnson Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay Devin Dronett Derek J. Amaya Derek J. Amaya

SPORTS EDITORS PHOTO EDITOR

Cody Sexton

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ADVERTISING MANAGER ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

Kaitlyn Gallegos Dr. Judith Roberts T. Scott Boatright Dr. Reginald Owens

ADVISERS

ADVERTISING ADVISER
Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc

PRODUCTION MANAGER

uring the holiday season, it is really easy to give your spare change to whatever charity representative may be sitting outside of your local grocery or department store. Charitable giving is something I promote for everyone, especially during the holidays. It is important that we help out those in need when they are unable to help themselves. However, blindly donating to a charity just because they ask you for money and you want to make yourself feel better is not beneting anyone. In our Internet-centric time, giving money to a charity that you know nothing about is inexcusable. There are several websites that allow for investigation into charities, my personal favorite being

CharityNavigator.org. These websites give you charities annual income, how the money is spent and ranks them based on several factors. Also, simply using a search engine to nd out more information about your favorite charities would sufce. There are multiple factors to look at when investigating these organizations. For example, the Salvation Army has fallen under scrutiny for allegedly saying members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community should be put to death, according to a NBC News story; and the New York Times reported that the Salvation Army has a history of refusing to use their resources to help out LGBT people. Tampa Bay Times reports that over the last 10 years, Kids Wish Network, a grant a child a wish organization, raised over $18 mil-

lion. However, they only spent an average of 2.5 percent of that on direct aid per year. An alternative would be to nd a local charity that you know does good work. However, do not use that as an excuse to not give to a charity such as Make-a-Wish Foundation or Habitat for Humanity. The moral of the story is to investigate where you donate your money. I do not want my money going to an organization that spends their money on salaries and excessive overhead fees or who decides who they should give aid to based on their own personal prejudices. I want my money to make a difference, just as you should. 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.

Merry Christmas Laws: Naughty or nice?

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Dr. Reginald Owens

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

LETS GET ONE THING STRAIGHT

Its OK to say Happy Holidays

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor

PUBLICATION

POSTAL

CONTACT US
NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 ADVERTISING 318.257.4949 EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT
318.257.4427

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

erry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Blessings of the Solstice in short, Happy Holidays. A lot of stigma surrounds that innocent and cheery greeting. To me, it is a simple summation of all the holidays celebrated at the end of the year. To others, it is a surere way to start a debate I have less time for than trying to guess which of the thousands of religions he or she belongs to. Living in a small southern town that just recently allowed its residents to purchase alcohol in restaurants on Sundays, it would be safe to say the go-to holiday greeting would be Merry Christmas. However, that is not the case. After being verbally accosted by a woman under the impression I was an atheist because I wished

her Happy Holidays instead of psychicly knowing she was a Christian, I decided to start gambling with Merry Christmas, guring the odds would be in my favor. Soon, my good luck had ran out and I wished a Merry Christmas to a woman who was Jewish. I apologized as she smiled and said she was in no way offended. Since then, I have employed the term Happy Holidays to ensure when I extend a holiday greeting it is not biased. But why even make such a fuss about a phrase we say year after year simply because social convention dictates we say it? The word holiday comes from an Old English word meaning holy day. The phrase literally means Happy Holy Day; happy day that you believe to be holy. All of this stems from the belief that people who say Happy Holidays are trying to take the Christ

out of Christmas. Each year I remind people there is little of Christ in what people celebrate as Christmas. There is no record of Jesus Christ being born on Dec. 25; there are even theories he was born in summer or early fall. Many favorite Christmas traditions came from other religions predating the birth of Christ, like stocking stuffers, holly, tinsel, Yule logs, etc. Christians saw pagans celebrating with these things and incorporated them into the celebration of the birth of their savior. Im not unreasonable. If presented with a specic holiday greeting, I will return it in kind. So to everyone at Louisiana Tech, may I wish you all the happiest of holidays. Cody Sexton is a senior journalism major from Bossier City who serves as entertainment editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

Little runner boy

ALLISON EAST News Editor

EAST BOUND AND DOWN

ve been fortunate enough to have had some great Christmases. My parents have never made a ton of money, but theyve made enough. Theyve given everything theyve had to make sure my little sister and I had whatever we wanted. But one Christmas we got a little less. I was in seventh grade, and I ran cross country. I was terrible like most of our teambut our guys captain was one of the fastest runners Id ever seen. He was also one of the sweetest and most genuine guys I had ever met. James placed in the top ve at our state competition, so he received a bid to nationals. It was in Hawaii that year, and he was pumped to go. But Hawaii was really expensive, and James came from a family, like many in Vicksburg, that couldnt afford to send their kid on a trip like that. He found out right around Christmas. There are many people in Rus-

ton and around Tech who live a life like James. They work hard. They do right. But their circumstances are different, and they cant get the luxuries many of us have. Its a really sad system. As early as Jan. 1, many of us start making our Christmas lists. No, theyre not ofcial, but in our heads, we think about it. Thats the way weve grown up. But there are others around us who just ask for the basics. A few weeks ago, I saw a Domestic Abuse Resistance Team angel on Facebook. The angels represent children around the community who probably will not get Christmas presents this year in hopes that community members will step in and help. The angel I saw asked for a $20 Walmart gift card for food. For food. We are often too busy worrying about getting a Michael Korrs watch or an Xbox One for Christmas to notice that those around us are not getting anything. And thats not what the season is about. To this day, I dont know how

much my parents gave to James, but I know he went to Hawaii. He competed at cross country nationals, where Im sure college scouts saw him run. Im not sure what happened to him, but I know he had a great opportunity, and Im sure he made the best of it. I dont remember what I got for Christmas that year or what my family did to celebrate, but I do remember the look on my moms face when we left James apartment, and I do remember the look on his face when my mom gave him the envelope. Those are things I can never forget. We changed James life for a moment. My parents gave a hardworking kid who never asked for anything but an opportunity he deserved. And that not name-brand handbags and video games is what the season is about. Allison East is a senior history and journalism major from Vicksburg, Miss. who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ace007@latech.

edu.

ecently, a parent volunteer at an elementary school in Frisco, Texas, sent out an email about the students upcoming winter party that included incorrect information this email raised issues regarding the Texas Merry Christmas law. What is the Merry Christmas law? The legislation passed in June, allows students and faculty to offer Christmas, Hanukkah or other holiday greetings and to display symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations. In the email sent out, it was implied that students were banned from making Christmas references and wearing the colors red and green. Althought the ban cited in the email turned out to be erroneous, the incident poses the question about holiday names during this season: Have we gone too far? Texas State Rep. Pat Fallon said one teacher was scared to do Elf on the Shelf in her classroom because she did not want to get punished. He is rather displeased with how low society has begun to sink. Some of the Tech Talk editorial staff members agree while others disagree with Fallon. One staff member said the Merry Christmas law is ne, as long as it respects the holiday traditions of all people, so long as those traditions do not break any other laws. It is important that no communities are left out in this type of legislation. Another staff member said there does not seem to be anything wrong with the Merry Christmas law. The law states that one has to be accepting of and acknowledge other religions. Some people might argue that school is a place for learning and not worship but it is typical for Christmas to be celebrated in schools because the children like the decorations and the prospect of presents. This staff member said Christmas has little to do with religion these days anyway because it has become so commercialized. After being put in the national spotlight, Nichols Elementary School volunteers were able to defend the school and the situation. The parent volunteer who sent out the original email imposing the ban was only following past procedures. Turns out, it was not a ban at all. A letter was sent out later explaining that it was going to be called a winter party so all holidays celebrated during this time of year could be acknowledged. The schools principal said they wanted all holidays represented so the children could be free to use Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza or any other traditional holiday phrases. So considering the full story, do you think the Merry Christmas law should be on the naughty or nice list?

World
W&NBRIEFS
WORLDNEWS
Macedonia warns of air pollution
SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) Macedonias government has imposed emergency measures in four cities, including Skopje, the capital, to address heavy air pollution caused by trafc and wood- and oil-burning heating systems. For the past six days, airborne particle concentrations in the cities have exceeded the highest permissible levels during freezing winter weather.

Nation
two weeks ago over a 39-second video on noradsanta.org called NORAD Tracks Santa Trailer Video 2013. A 5-second segment of the video shows two ghter jets anking Santa. The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood said the video brings violence and militarism to a beloved tradition. Others had similar criticism. Blogs and Twitter lit up with volleys from both sides. Josh Golin, the coalitions associate director, reiterated his criticism in an interview but he called the brouhaha a mediamanufactured controversy. The coalition hadnt known about the ghter jet video until reporters called, he said. Nobody in my organization was out there protesting, he said. U.S. Navy Capt. Jeff Da-

December 19, 2013 The T ech T alk 5

Santa trackers meet critics

ASSOCIATED PRESS The U.S. and Canadian military will entertain millions of kids again this Christmas Eve with second-by-second updates on Santas global whereabouts. But theres something new this year: public criticism. A childrens advocacy group says an animated video on the NORAD Tracks Santa website injects militarism into Christmas by showing ghter jets escorting Santas sleigh. Its a rare swipe at the popular program, which last year attracted a record 22.3 million unique visitors from around the world to its website. The North American Aerospace Defense Command defends the video as nonthreatening and safe for kids. The kerfufe erupted

Hundreds dead in South Sudan

UNITED NATIONS (AP) U.N. diplomats say hundreds of people are estimated dead in violence in South Sudan. Diplomats said Tuesday they were told that local sources in the countrys capital put the death toll at 400 to 500, but that gure could not be veried. The South Sudan president has blamed the violence on a coup attempt by soldiers loyal to his former deputy.

Last Christmas Eve, volunteer Katherine Beaupre helped children track Santa. vis, a NORAD spokesman, that is safe and non-threatDavis said the ghter said he understands the ening, and not something escort is nothing new. critics point of view but that would negatively im- NORAD began depicting pact children, he said. In jets accompanying Santa disagrees. We really do feel fact, we think that its a lot and his reindeer in the strongly that its something of fun. 1960s, he said.

AP Photo

NSA collection may be unconstitutional

ASSOCIATED PRESS In a ruling with potentially farreaching consequences, a federal judge declared Monday that the National Security Agencys bulk collection of millions of Americans telephone records likely violates the U.S. Constitutions ban on unreasonable search. The ruling, lled with criticism of the Obama administrations arguments, is the rst of its kind on the controversial program. Even if NSAs metadata collection of records should pass constitutional muster, the judge said, there is little evidence it has ever prevented a terrorist attack. The collection program was disclosed by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden, provoking a national and international debate. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction against the collecting of

STATENEWS
Escaped inmate loose in Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (AP) Orleans Parish sheriff s deputies are searching for an inmate who scaled the razor-wire fence at the parish jail and escaped. Authorities say 46-yearold Sean Andry escaped Tuesday during the inmates exercise period. Evidence indicates that Andry suffered injuries from the razor wire. The sheriff s ofce says Andry was being held on charges of theft of $500, possession of stolen property over $500 and resisting an ofcer. Bond was set at $15,000. Ofcials say an internal investigation is being conducted into the actions of the deputy and supervisor on duty at the time of the incident.

AP Photo

White house press secretary Jay Carney rules out amnesty for Snowden. the phone records of two men who appeal, which may end up at the had challenged the program and Supreme Court. said any such records for the men The injunction applies only to should be destroyed. But he put en- the two individual plaintiffs, but the forcement of that decision on hold ruling is likely to open the door to pending a near-certain government much broader challenges to the re-

cords collection and storage. The plaintiffs are Larry Klayman, a conservative lawyer, and Charles Strange, who is the father of a cryptologist technician who was killed in Afghanistan when his helicopter was shot down in 2011. The son worked with the NSA and Navy Seals. Leon, an appointee of President George W. Bush, ruled that the two men have a substantial likelihood of showing that their privacy interests outweigh the governments interest in collecting the data and therefore the NSAs bulk collection program is indeed an unreasonable search under the Constitutions Fourth Amendment. I have little doubt that the author of our Constitution, James Madison, who cautioned us to beware the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power, would be aghast, he declared.

Contested holy site unnerves authorities

ASSOCIATED PRESS For decades, the religious Jews who bucked a rabbinic ban and visited a Muslim holy site in Jerusalem where the ancient Jewish temple once stood were seen by many as a fanatic fringe. But their cause is gaining support among both mainstream religious Jews and Israels government. Jewish visits to the politically-sensitive compound are on the rise, and key Israeli lawmakers are lobbying to end a ban on Jewish prayer there. The matter reached the highest of ofcial levels this month when Israel asked Jordan, which administers Muslim religious affairs at the site, to consider allowing limited Jewish worship there, according to a Jordanian ofcial. The visits have unnerved Muslim authorities, who fear that Israel is quietly trying to upset a fragile status quo and encroach upon the site. Similar tensions in the past have boiled over into deadly violence. The site is so holy that Jews If this happens, there will be lot have traditionally refrained from of bloodshed, said Azzam Khatib, praying on the hilltop, congregatdirector general of the Waqf, Jor- ing instead at the adjacent Western dans Islamic authority Wall. In recent weeks, that manages the JerusaIsraels chief rabbis, as lem holy site, about the well as the rabbi of the possibility of organized Western Wall, have isJewish prayers there. sued directives urging The site, known to people not to ascend Muslims as the Noble the Temple Mount, arSanctuary and to Jews guing that the temples as the Temple Mount, is former location on the ground zero in the territomount is unclear and rial and religious conict that Jews at the site between Israel and its could inadvertently Arab neighbors. enter the holiest area Revered as Islams of the once-standing KHATIB third holiest spot, the temple, where it was sites iconic gold-topped Dome of forbidden to tread. the Rock enshrines the rock where Attitudes among Orthodox Muslims believe the Prophet Mo- Jews have been evolving, however, hammad ascended to heaven. as archaeologists have weighed in Jews believe the rock may be about the precise location of the where the holiest part of the two ancient temples -- and of places ancient temples stood about 2,000 where Jews would be allowed to years ago, and where religious Jews tread. pray a third temple will one day be According to gures the Israeli built. newspaper Makor Rishon said it

Forum on Civil War planned

NEW ORLEANS (AP) The Historic New Orleans Collection is planning a daylong forum on the Civil War in Louisiana. The sessions will be presented Jan. 25 in connection with the collections annual Williams Research Symposium. The collection is currently showcasing two related exhibits. The event will be held at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter and will include presentations.

obtained from the police, Jewish visits to the holy site have jumped from about 5,700 in 2009 to some 8,300 in 2011. Last year, the number dropped slightly to about 7,800 and this year rose to nearly 8,000. The Temple Institute, an organization that has led efforts to allow Jewish prayer at the site, attributes the drop in 2012 and this year to police closures during religious holidays when many Jews usually visit. There was no immediate comment from the police to conrm the statistics. In one of the strangest security measures in the Holy Land, visitors identied as Jews receive police escorts and are banned from praying. Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute, a group that has for years been advocating for Jewish prayer at the holy site, said police often harass and remove Jews who ascend the mount and recite prayers. He called for Jewish religious freedom at the site. Im asking for the right to move my lips, Richman said.

6 The T ech T alk December 19, 2013

Moments of the year

2013 was lled with some inspiring, shocking and even upsetting stories. This is a collaboration of the biggest news stories of the year, in no particular order, nationally and for Louisiana Tech.
1. Tech XXI was introduced to Louisiana Tech. 2. A boy stands outside of a shutdown zoo, as a result of the 16-day government shutdown in October. 3. The Quest for Excellence, a project to improve athletic facilities, beginning construction date and renderings were announced. 4. People rush to get away as two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon that killed three and injured 284 people. 5. Former Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau greets newly named Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice. 6. Survivors witness the remnants of a factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed 1,129 and injured 2,515 people. 7. Two men embrace after the Supreme Court of the United States strikes down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act. 8. Tommy McClelland is named Louisiana Techs new athletics director. 9. Jorge Bergoglio is named the 266th pope and takes on the name of Pope Francis.

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Rendering by TBA Studios

6 7

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Tech

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

December 19, 2013 The T ech T alk 7

2
Photo courtesy of SuperBonnie/Reddit

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Photo courtesy of Media Relations

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Arts Entertainment

8 The T ech T alk December 19, 2013

Beyonc:
CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor The year 2013 was a mediocre purgatory of a time for pop music. Katy Perrys PRISM seemed promising with its popular single ROAR, but turned out to be a bore, and Lady Gagas ARTPOP stands to lose her record label $25 million in failed promotion. If she really lives for the applause, I will write her obituary next. Britney Jean was a complete disappointment Britney Spears blames on lack of promotion, but I that blame solely on the albums over-rated producer, will.i.am. And nally, Ke$ha continues to make music with Pitbull while I weep. Yes, these were dark times for pop music. Then, like an angel from heaven, Beyonc delivered unto the world her new self-titled visual album. The 14-track album comes complete with 17 music videos and salvation for all those who lost faith in the singer, because she has not released an album in two years, The album is the fastest selling album in iTunes history, selling 828,773 copies in three days. With no promotional singles, or promotion of any kind for that matter, the album sits at No. 1 on iTunes after fans blindly bought what is well on its way to being Album of the Year. The album is appropriately named after the artist, because its an album about her. Beyonc tells a story with its music videos of the life of the artist, including home videos of the singer throughout her rise to fame. The album is full of feminist power, prominently displayed in the tracks Pretty Hurts which criticizes societys views on outer beauty and looks at the sacrices to perfection.
Photo courtesy of Columbia Records

a vision more than an album

Featured on the track Flawless is Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, reading from her We Should All be Feminists. The song also employs lyrics from her previously released song Bow Down, which was not a real success. Album highlights also include the catchy Blow, which is reminiscent of the roller disco era, and Mine featuring Drake, which switches between a fast-paced dance beat and soothing melodic tones. The album was a family project as it features Beyoncs husband, Jay-Z, and her 15-month-old daughter, Blue Ivy, on the tracks Drunk In Love and Blue, respectively. While the tracks on Beyonc are not full of complex or overly creative lyrics, Beyoncs vocal talents more than Columbia Records compensate for it. Beyonc The best thing Beyonc about this album is it is age-approHHHHI priate for the star. The songs still have the same Beyonc are we have come to expect from her, but she has grown as an artist and a woman and her music reects that. It is safe to say Beyonc is not all hype from the surprise release soon to burn out, but a genuine work of art. Kanye Wests blasphemous reference to himself as Yeezus had better watch out for the true diety: Beyzus.

Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

Black Panties is a goodbye letter to all things subtle

JOHN SADLER Features Editor I was going to start this review with how much innuendo is in R. Kellys new album, Black Panties. Innuendo would imply subtlety, however. I was going to give an example of some of the ridiculous lyrics present on the album, but I could not nd any t to print. Two of the albums tracks have similarly unprintable titles. One of them entails R. Kellys marriage proposal to a certain part of his female companions anatomy. In short, this is not a family album, nor is it one easily reviewed in a family newspaper. It is, however, an enjoyable listen, if an inconsistent one. To like the album, you will have to be pretty entrenched in the R. Kelly camp and have a love for his over-the-top, borderline obscene lyrics. If you are deep-seated in the aforementioned camp, this album is essential listening, as it takes a departure from the more serious tone of his past two albums for a throwback to the 90s R. Kelly everybody loved (or loved to hate). Cookie is my favorite track on the album. Like most songs on Jeezy, who each deliver perfectly ne, but entirely forgettable verses that stick to the albums prevailing subject matter. Kelly Rowland, former member of Destinys Child, also makes an appearance on the track All The Way. In the song, which appears halfway through the album, she (somewhat prophetically) croons,were past the limit and there aint no turning back now. These features do not add very much to the album. The performers seem to be kept on a very short leash in order to t with R. Kellys nymphomaniac vision for his album. As a whole, the album is a fairly mixed affair combining 90s classic R&B production with R. Kellys trademark risqu lyrics. The lyrics, while certainly attention-grabbing, are the albums main shortcoming. The danger of making an album that focuses on one theme, especially when that theme is ultimately asinine, is that it gets boring. The 18 songs on the album are all so similar in construct and content that they could just be one long track. R. Kelly seems to have rmly, and without any reservations, jumped on board with the joke. Only time will tell if this makes the joke funnier, or ruins it.

Jive Records

Black Panties R. Kelly HHIII Black Panties, it is R. Kellys ode to a one-night stand. Like most songs on the album, the track is metaphor laden. We are talking about R. Kelly, so the metaphors are thinner than a sheet of paper. One of the few times that R. Kelly stops his onslaught of verses that seem to all be crafted toward more explicit proclamations toward women is on the song Shut Up. Shut Up is a trash-talking track that serves as a blow to R. Kellys doubters. Referencing the throat surgery he went through in 2011, he thanks his fans for not forgetting him during his rougher times and bashes those who he said brought a tsunami of rumors that could wash my career away. Featured on the album are rappers 2 Chainz, Ludacris and Young

Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.

Photo courtesy of Jive Records

A&E

December 19, 2013 The T ech T alk 9

Tech theater prepares to bring Agrabah to Howard

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor genie who grants him great wealth and the love of the Sultans daughter while an The students of Louisi- evil magician plots against ana Techs theater depart- him. ment are wasting no time This is not the rst time this winter quarter readying the theater department has themselves for enlisted the help their next proof local school duction. children to put But unlike on a production. most of their We did the previous persame thing with formances, they the play Robin are getting a Hood in the little help from winter of 2012, the children of Crooks said. Lincoln Parish He also said schools. this year the The theaters number of stuproduction of dents wanting to CROOK Aladdin and attend the play the Wonderhas increased ful Lamp is set to debut from roughly 1,300 stuJan. 31 and will not only dents to about 2,000. include Tech stuWe took dents, but also what we learned students from lofrom Robin cal schools from Hood and built second grade on that, he said. and up. We gured There is no we were doing true local childs something right. theater, said The producPaul Crook, dition includes 68 rector of the participants, 40 play. We saw of whom are an opportunity students from to provide it and Lincoln Parish SCIRO were happy to do schools. so. With so many The play is not based on children involved, Crook the popular Disney version, has four associate directors but the similar original chil- to help manage them all. drens story included in the Each associate director has Arabian Nights collection. been assigned a group of When Aladdin nds a students to direct. magic lamp, he summons a Many of our students

Paul Crook directs the many children who will perform in the play which will run from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2. are wanting to go off and become directors, he said. This will be able to give them experience with helping people move through space. Cherrie Sciro, the productions producer, said she wants to promote the arts in the students. We want to bring the theater in particular to the community in the school children age [group], she said. We want to give the students the opportunity to have a variety. The play will run at 7:30 p.m. from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 in Howard Auditorium. Following the matinee on Feb. 2, guests who have purchased the Adventures With Aladdin tickets will be able to stay after the play and have a meet-andgreet with cast of the play. Owners of the special pass will also be able to tour the stage, where members of the cast will help the students make their own craft project. Students will have the opportunity to design ei-

Photo by Devin Dronett

ther a magic lamp or sword. Those interested in the play can follow the productions progress on the theater departments theater Facebook page, where short videos of the cast will be posted featuring the children involved in the play.

Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

Its been a banner year for KA! We are finishing 2013 with a 3.0 chapter GPA, the 2nd highest among campus fraternities, and we look forward to even greater success in 2014!
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST INITIATES: David Alexander, Chris Hassell, Hampton Roane, Nathan Roberts, Carson Day, Will Johnston, Peyton Rucker, Patrick Ferrell, Austin Hazel, Jacob Davis, Peter Wrzenski, Cord Simmons, Austin Bowden, and Chase Seuffert KAPPA ALPHA 2014 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: Damon Smith (President) Dylan Brunson (Vice President) Garrett Anderson (Recording Secretary) Chris Hassell (Corresponding Secretary/Rush Chairman) Matt Navarro (Historian) Ben Camp (Treasurer) David Alexander (Parliamentarian) Peyton Rucker (Sergeant-At-Arms) Marshall John (Marshal)

Merry Christmas &Happy New Year

The Gamma Alpha Chapter of KAPPA ALPHA ORDER would like to wish everyone a

Distractions
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 April 19 Point your aggressiveness in the right direction today. That shouldnt be too hard since you know and understand the meaning of a job well done and whats required to get things accomplished. Youre anxious to get the ball rolling on certain projects. Youve done the organization and planning. Trust that you know exactly how to proceed. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Today isnt a day to lounge around. Theres a very important practical matter that must be dealt with before you can engage in any lighthearted activities. The nights events will be fun and rewarding as long as you complete the duties of the day, leaving your mind free of obligations. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Try to keep your emotions in check today. Its possible that you could become extremely angry and do some damage to yourself and others around you. Its important to maintain certain modesty and humility at all times. Youll build good character that earns the respect of others, including your superiors. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 You may feel like someone is trying to rain on your parade. Its important not to forget who you are now. Dont be surprised if you feel a negative pull from someone or something. If so, step away from the situation. Its not your responsibility to make everyone happy. Dont bring yourself down as you try to bring others up. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Today is a terrific day for you. Youre able to accomplish a lot during the day, leaving the night open for excitement with others. Once you take care of the necessary things, feel free to grab a big helping of fun. Youve earned the right to break loose and party. Theres confidence in your step, so strut your stuff. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Promote balance and harmony today by letting off a bit of steam before you try to engage with others and their dramas. Secure yourself in a stable environment where you can vent your concerns, punch pillows, or jog around the block. Once you get that out, youll have a fresh, new attitude with which to participate in the adventures of the day. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Theres aggressiveness to you today, but this feeling can be useful to you and what you have going on. Theres a practical force helping you stay grounded and realistic about certain issues. Dont make promises that you know you cant keep. Dont be the salesman who promises the world and then fails to deliver anything. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Theres increased emotional tension today. You may be at the forefront of the action as you take things higher and farther. Have a map handy or you could wind up alone in the middle of nowhere. Other people will be looking for something practical in your approach so they have something solid to lean on during this time. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Dont hold back today. Youre the right person for the job in about every situation you encounter. Youll have the instincts required to move on a project, see what needs to be done, gather the resources, and get the ball rolling. Theres an aggressiveness to you thats urging you to make a grand conquest, paving the way for a huge celebration of feast and fun. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You should try to hold your tongue today. Although you think you have all the answers, you might not have taken all the pieces of the puzzle into account. There is an emotional aggression to the day that may have a strong effect on everyone, especially you. Consider being more of a listener than a talker. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Dont worry so much about others today. Your job is to have fun. Keep things balanced by not delving too deeply into one specific topic or project. The aspects indicate variety, so spend some time on many things. You may discover an untapped talent or a new interest. Enjoy the exploration. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Pull yourself together, and figure out what it is your heart desires. Theres an aggressive force tugging at your heartstrings today. Unless you have it firmly in your mind what it is you want and feel, youll be easily pulled off track. Stay grounded and you should be OK.

10 The T ech T alk December 19, 2013

CROSSWORDPUZZLE
Across 1. Diplomacy 5. Artist Matisse 10. Floor coverings 14. Dept. of Labor division 15. Crazy as ___ 16. Buck follower 17. Arguing 18. Fabric hand-dyeing technique 19. Actress Rowlands 20. Dogmatic 22. Big name at Indy 23. Chat room chuckle 24. Small bill 25. Add sugar 29. Black and white 33. Equals 34. Able was ___... 36. Cries of discovery 37. Organ of hearing 38. Behaved 39. Court fig. 40. Alamo rival 42. Nerd 43. Concur 45. Go in again 47. Sorrow 49. Nassers org. 50. Highest mountain in Crete 51. Burn slightly 54. Where you find teachers and pupils 60. Adult male deer 61. Verticil 62. Annika Sorenstams org. 63. Labor 64. Please, in Potsdam 65. ...___ saw Elba 66. Open infection, painful 67. Pays to play 68. Colored Down 1. Tailless amphibian 2. About 3. Trendy 4. Narc 5. Dexterous 6. Brio 7. ___ chance! 8. Stir up 9. Writing fluid 10. Electric generator 11. Ancient Athenss Temple of ___ 12. Sound quality 13. Fly 21. Decomposes 22. Colorful card game 24. Was indebted to 25. Chucked weapon 26. Interlace 27. Causing goose bumps 28. More pleasant 29. Tough trips 30. Chicago hub 31. Short letters 32. Adlais running mate 35. Hot time in Paris 38. Teen follower 41. Cuddle 43. Puts two and two together 44. Twisted 46. ___ kwon do 48. Bridal paths 51. Fast fliers 52. Langston Hughes poem 53. Neet rival 54. Lower jaw

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55. Trent of the Senate 56. Commedia dell___ 57. Grand Ole ___ 58. Arch type 59. Female servant 61. Ring org.

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 - Medium

HIGH 66 LOW 59

HIGH 73 LOW 65

HIGH 77 LOW 52

HIGH 63 LOW 35

HIGH 49 LOW 30

HIGH 55 LOW 31

HIGH 59 LOW 35

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Christmas charity becomes passion

More Puzzles: www.sudoku-puzzles.net

More Puzzles: www.sudoku-puzzles.net

IAN EDWARDS Staff Reporter As the holiday hits full stride, many people begin to feel the goodwill of the season. Charities across the community are in the middle of their annual holiday campaigns and drives. One of these groups is made up of the faithful women of the Junior Auxiliary of Ruston. They are currently in the middle of their 26th annual Christmas Clearinghouse program. Kristi Lumpkin, chair of the program, said the program was conceived to serve children across Lincoln Parish.

Its a program where we ask teachers within the elementary school system to nominate children they feel may need just a little extra help during the holiday season, Lumpkin said. We then nd individual sponsors throughout the community to provide for the families. We have a very, very generous community. Lumpkin said the needs of children differ from household to household. Their needs range from uniforms to socks and shoes to school supplies, she said. We also help households with multiple children whose ages can range from birth to 18.

Obviously, a baby has different needs than a highschooler. Lumpkin also said that the Junior Auxiliary partners with the United States Marine Corps to bring the children toys as well. Around this time the Marines begin their Toys for Tots program, she said. We share the same lists of families between our groups, and together, we can bring the children both their necessities and their fun toys. The sponsors usually decide how the goods are distributed. Some sponsors like to remain anonymous, Lumpkin said. Others will

go shopping with the families and personally make sure the items reach the recipients. Its their call, really. Lumpkin says the families that the program serves have declined this year. We have over 415 kids on the list this year, as opposed to the last two years where weve had over 600, she said. I would hope the decline in need for our help is a good sign. If so, it means that their families had a better year and things are looking up for them. For more information on the program, email cch@jaofruston.org. Lumpkin said from her

position, the sponsors should receive more recognition. Because of the anonymity of our position, the J.A. sisters dont really receive the amounts of gratitude as the sponsors, simply because we are the ones who do the matching of sponsor and family, she said. Occasionally, we will sponsor directly, but even in those situations, its not about the glory. Its about seeing the genuine appreciation from the parents and guardians, as well as the huge smiles on the faces of the children.

SPUDS
BARBERSHOP

WELCOME
TECH STUDENTS

Walk-ins Only
Tuesday- Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

116 S. Trenton St. Ruston, LA

Email comments to ije001@latech.edu.

255-1372

More Talk
in

December 19, 2013 The T ech T alk 11

Kylin Thomas, a sophomore business marketing major, was delighted that the Rotary Club Christmas parade passed by his window.

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

To view multimedia footage go to www.thetechtalk.org

The Cedar Creek Childrens Choir sang Christmas songs for a crowd assembled at the Ruston Civic Center last Friday. The choir was one of three that performed at the event.
PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter Christmas is in the air in downtown Ruston. Decorations, as well as festivities, crowd the streets this holiday season. Kristi Lumpkin, Rustons economic development administrator, said the Christmas spirit started in late November with North Central Louisiana Arts Councils annual Holiday Arts Tour. This event allowed the city of Ruston a chance to see what some local artists had to offer, Lumpkin said. In conjunction with the Arts Tour was the Ruston Main Street Christmas Open House, which many local merchants participated in. A number of Main Street merchants stayed open late, provided refreshments for the customers and offered special deals, Lumpkin said. Lumpkin said Ruston is a Main Street community through the Louisiana Main Street program, and each year they have a Remember November event where the main street in the central business district participates. The open house is how Ruston participated with the program through the state. All That Jazz was one store that was a part of the open house. We had a really great time; we stay opened late to allow our shoppers time and also served cookies to them, Betsy Sprunt, a sales associate at All That Jazz, said. We enjoyed seeing the families together in Railroad Park taking pictures with Santa right across the street. Rustons Community Theater put on their production of Christmas Belles on Dec. 5-8. The annual Rotary Club of Ruston Christmas Parade started at Joe Aillet Stadium and rolled through downtown last Thursday. The parade was a great experience because it passed right by my room on campus, said Kylin Thomas, a sophomore business marketing major. It allowed everyone around the Ruston community to come together and have something to do as one. Ruston resident Casey Madden said he remembers attending the parade when he was a child and is now able to watch his own son enjoy the same parade he did years before. I recall being here back in the 80s trying to catch candy from the oats, Madden said. As a parent now its a great feeling to just sit back and watch it and enjoy the atmosphere. Last Friday choirs from Cedar Creek, A.E. Phillips and Ruston High joined in the Civic Center to sing Christmas songs for those in attendance. Mary Anne Hill, an elementary music teacher at Cedar Creek, said her choir members prepared for eight weeks to sing at the event. We loved going out there because we get to hear music from the other schools and were part of the Ruston community, Hill said. We all get the opportunity to come together to celebrate Christmas here in Lincoln Parish. Santa Claus has also been in Railroad Park every Saturday of December, Lumpkin said. Families can come down and take family portraits in front of the decorations and sit on Santas lap and tell him what they want for Christmas, Lumpkin said. The portraits are free of charge but end on December 21. Lumpkin said she feels Ruston has a little bit of everything for the people here. We do have that small town charm but we also have some larger amenities that people can take advantage of, Lumpkin said. The community works together to try to bring everyone together, thats a really neat thing for the community of Ruston.

Photo by Derek J. Amaya

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

ABOVE: Participants try to stay warm during the Rotary Club of Ruston Christmas parade.

LEFT: In addition to hosting Santa Claus, Railroad Park was covered in Christmas decorations by the city of Ruston.

Email comments to phh007@latech.edu

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Sports Talk
Holidays a time for family and basketball
CHAD MERRITT Sports Editor Even though Tech ofcially begins its winter holiday at the conclusion of classes on Friday, some people must wait a little longer before they can enjoy their break. The players and coaches of the basketball teams know that the show must go on, so the time they have to enjoy their break is shortened. Michael White, head coach of the mens basketball team, knows how to juggle his time between leading the Bulldogs in basketball and enjoying time with his family. Though his break does not begin until Dec. 23, White said he will waste no time enjoying his break from beginning to end. Well be spending two days in Florida with the family, White said. Even though the actual drive to Florida is his least favorite part about the break, White relishes the opmal week during their break, with most of the team traveling from one place to another. White said that the team is pretty close with one another and that they denitely spend more time together during the break. The scheduling of college basketball has many teams playing at least one game during the time when most schools have their winter breaks. White said he is not fazed by the task of playing during the time which most people are given off. As coaches, we use our own discretion relative to scheduling, so theres no need to change the schedule, White said. With the team preparing for the next game, White said his biggest wish this Christmas happens to fall right in line with the team. He said all he wants for Christmas is, a win at University Louisiana-Monroe.

12 The T ech T alk December 19, 2013

FROMTHESPORTS DESK
with Chad Merritt

BCS busted the last time

Photo courtesy of Media Relations

Head coach Mike White leads his team from the sideline during a basketball game.
portunity to spend time with his family. Family is the most important thing to me, White said. Watching my kids open their presents is my favorite thing to do over Christmas. Just as quickly as White jumped into the holiday festivities with his family, he must head back to the ofce to prepare for his teams next game. The basketball teams rst practice after their holiday break is Dec. 26. We always try to give our players as much time as possible to get home and spend time with their families, White said. The team does not get the benet of having a nor-

Email comments to cam059@latech.edu.

Bowling team poised to strike in future

RANEY JOHNSON Sports Editor Many Tech students know about the successes of the mens basketball team, but few know about the recent success of the womens bowling team. The bowling team recently came in third place at the Hornet Classic tournament in Montgomery. I was actually really proud about the teams performance, said Kay Rawls, junior. This is the rst year since I have been at Tech that we have come out a team. It doesnt help if you cannot work as a team. Rawls said she was also happy with her performance. Coach Miles said he was proud of the team of three new freshman and two veteran players. The girls are doing extremely well especially seeing that there are ve girls on the team, Miles said. They are doing it learning experience with ve girls with denitely because a no substitutes. lot of the big teams He said most are going to be teams have seven there. to eight players on a Miles said he team. hopes for the team They are foto go on and win RAWLS cused and they are more tournaments. team players, Miles My goal is to said. eventually to try and Freshman Shelby have a team that Smith said the team goes to the NCAA did well considertournament, Miles ing they have three said. freshmen on the He said bowling team and only ve teams have to qualMILES girls. However, Smith ify for the NCAA said she does not tournament by the feel any pressure number of points having to play with for each game. a small team or as a It is kind of freshman. hard because some Smith said she is of the biggest unilooking forward to versities go to more the teams next tourtournaments than nament in Joneswe do, Miles said. WILSON boro, Ark. Miles said he is Its going to be anticipating their the biggest one we next tournament to have been to so far, she have 16 to 18 teams play. said. It is going to be a I am expecting to get in the top half of the tournament, he said. Senior Nichole Wilson said she does not expect anything less than the last tournament. We did very well at our last tournament, of 11 teams we made third, she said. Wilson said Coach Miles is one of biggest reasons for the teams success. He is the main reason this team has turned around, she said. Wilson said Miles has helped acquire new equipment for the team, x old equipment and nd sponsors for the team. He knows a lot about the sport and he has passed that on to us, Wilson said. Shelby said she likes the approach Coach Miles uses to make the team better. When ever we go to practice, he always tells us we are not doing something wrong. He tells us it is something we can tweak, she said. Rawls said Miles coaches each girl differently. If you have a question about why the ball did this, he can tell you, she said. He doesnt even have to blink to tell you what went wrong in that moment. Rawls said she thinks Tech should expect pretty great thing from this team because of the team nishing in the top percentage in the last tournament. When you are winning like that, people cant help but talk about it, Rawls said. Wilson said she hopes the team keeps getting more recognition. When I rst got to Tech, the bowling team wasnt very big, she said. Now in my fourth year, people know we have a team. I am glad that could happen in my fourth year.

Email comments to rcj008@latech.edu.

Dunkin Dawgs look to uproot in-state rival

WILL TRAHAN Sports Reporter As the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs look to continue the winning ways of this season, they travel down I-20 to Fant-Ewing Coliseum Dec. 22, to play the Warhawks of ULM. After a road trip to play LSU and Ole Miss, the Warhawks come home to face the Bulldogs who will be coming off a home game against McNeese State. This game sports two fan bases that have never been fond of the other. Kenny Speedy Smith, a junior guard for Tech, said that the bragging rights that go along with this game is more for the fans. We look more to making sure that we get better and strengthening up our weaknesses, Smith said. The score last year was not as close as it has been in the past and I think that they are looking at that game as a redemption game from last year. Smith said the Bulldogs goal is making their case that Tech is the best team in the state. I know we are the best team in the state, Smith said. We had a bad night against ULL so we look to do to every other in-state school what we should have done against ULL. When talking about his game, Smith said that he looks to do what he does best against the Warhawks when they play. Defense is the best part of my game and I look to bring that to this game and hopefully cause turnovers. Another key part of the Bulldog game is the bench. Mike Whites team relies heavily on not counting on one guy to carry the team as much as everyone producing. Kenyon McNeail is a senior guard that plays off the bench. McNeail has been a part of this back and forth between the Bulldogs and the Warhawks for a few years now and does not like losing period, but especially to an in-state school. I have a little more motivation going into games against Louisiana teams because we want to be the best in our home state, said McNeail. After we lost to ULL, we need to send a message to the state that we are still the best team in the state and we have stepped our game up. The Dunkin Dawgs are looking to send a message to the entire state that they are the best team. The rivalry has been there for a long time, but the players are focused on improving internally rather than focusing on the hype that the fans have provided for this game. White has his team on the right track and this game should be fun for the fans and competitive between the teams.

he 2013 college football season is nearing its end, and with it the end of an era. The Bowl Championship Series will showcase its nal round of games before it gets sacked for the new College Football Playoff. Widely criticized over the past years, the BCSs formula for determining the national championship teams with computers and polls was deemed ineffective and usually resulted in mass griping and complaining from large chunks of the nation. However, while many fans are praising the new playoff system to be implemented, how much of a difference will it make? First, it will add the aforementioned playoff format so desperately desired by many. In the process, it will allow two more teams the right to play into the national championship game. Both of these items have been on the wish list for college football fans for so long. What the new system does not clearly solve is the part where they decide just who gets that last playoff spot. With 125 teams competing for one of two spots in the BCS National Championship Game one of the biggest criticism was that the team sitting in third place, the team left out of the championship, probably deserved to go. So does that mean the fth place team next year will not be upset they did not get a chance to compete for the national championship, because at least they were not in third place and left out? The BCS had its aws, nobody will argue with that, but the BCS also gave way to some fantastic games. The 2007 Fiesta Bowl featured one of the greatest ending to a college football game ever when Boise State defeated Oklahoma. Utah defeated Alabama by 14 in the 2009 Sugar Bowl when Alabama was a 10 point favorite. One of the largest upsets in BCS history happened in last years Sugar Bowl when a 3rd ranked Florida that was 13 1/2 point favorites got upset by a 21st ranked Louisville. The BCS gave David a chance to ght Goliath. And more often than not, David won. Tech was hoping, and had a chance, to crash the BCS not too long ago believe it or not. Aspirations so high may have to wait a little while for Bulldog fans. It may take us a few years to produce a top four team with dreams of crashing the party. Chad Merritt is a senior journalism major from Livingston. Email comments to cam059@ latech.edu.

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