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THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG MAY 1, 2014 VOLUME 88 ISSUE 20
CODY TICK MCELROY Staff Reporter

The

PAID

ECO-CAR TEAM EMANATES EXCELLENCE

mechanical engineering, said he discovered the competition through an email seven years ago. Tech has competed ever since. riving around Houston, Texas, is Tims said experience through teamwork not necessarily the best way to test is important to participation. a cars gas mileage. But thats exMy favorite part is to see, through leadactly what Louisiana Techs Eco Car ership and cooperation, everyteam did Saturday in a competition one grow as a team, Tims said. against more than 100 teams from It reaches people beyond the other schools. classroom. Engineering students traveled to He said faculty with experHouston last weekend for the annual tise work with those on the Shell Eco-Marathon. They placed team, but the students are largesecond in the gas division, third in ly self-supportive, advising and the diesel and won rst in the design helping each other. category. Its more like an apprenticeNathaniel Pruden, a junior indusship, he said. trial engineering major, said Tech Tims said winning is nice, placed in the gas and diesel divisions and Tech has won the design TIMS by creating vehicles with terric gas category four out of ve years. mileage. The teams gasoline car, The category is based on pracnamed XX, nished with an average tical marketable appeal. more than 380 miles per gallon. The design He also said Tech has placed in the top category is based on aesthetics. three in the urban category for six straight But Pruden said getting good gas mileage years, winning three. The urban category isnt the only goal of the competition. holds the gas and diesel divisions and is the Its not just building, its selling a car, one Tech competes in. Pruden said. The team is open to any major. What I am most proud of when I look We need all disciplines involved. back over the seven years, is the experience He also stressed the value in experience the students gained, Tims said. Learning gained when working on the team. experience is the best part by far. Its the closest to an actual job other Pruden said joining is easy and anyone than an actual job, he said. We build the can come by the Eco-Car room in the basecar from scratch, from the ground up. ment of Bogard Hall in the summer or fall. Pruden said this was his third year to Its really just showing up and working, compete, and he would denitely return to Pruden said. You dont need to have any participate. prior knowledge. Photo by Ben Smith If I could do this for the rest of my life, I Email comments to Nathaniel Pruden, a junior industrial engineering major, drives XX during the absolutely would, Pruden said. Heath Tims, an associate professor of cjm048@latech.edu. 2014 Shell Eco-Marathon competition in Houston this past weekend.

Freshmen quantity, quality continue to rise

JARED KING Staff Reporter Though the grass is not always greener on the other side, it is greener at Louisiana Tech. Or at least that is what a potentially record-setting number of incoming freshman for the 2014 school year have discovered. Tech could see its highest total of incoming freshman since it raised its admissions requirements signicantly in 2012, according to statistics compiled by Techs admissions ofce. That fall, rst-time freshman enrollment fell from 1,632 students in 2011 to 1,307 students. The number rose to 1,552 freshmen in 2013. This year, Tech has already admitted more than 3,500 students. Techs dean of enrollment, Pamela Ford, said the number of students applying is not the most impressive part. What is signicant about the number of potential enrollees isnt the sheer number, Ford said. It is the improvement of the quality of the academic backgrounds of the students who are enrolling. Using standardized test scores as an example of quality, Techs admissions ofce determined the average ACT score of a high school freshman enrolling at Tech has risen from 22.5 in 2004 to 24.5 in 2014. Ford said these gures are impressive because this was accomplished during a time in which Louisiana had fallen behind much of the nation in terms of population growth and during a time when access to community colleges was signicantly expanded in the state. Currently, there are more than 5,000 applicants for fall admission, up from slightly more than 4,000 this time last year. Joan Edinger, interim director of admissions, believes the increase in interest is the result of several factors. Obviously Techs Tier One ranking in the U.S. News & World Reports 2014 Best Colleges list has helped, Edinger said. Our great athletic program has gained national attention, which attracts students. But on top of those things, we provide a personal touch. Tech President Les Guice and others around campus have initiated a campuswide campaign to attract students by encouraging handwritten letters. The personal touch of a

Photo by Devin Dronett

> see ADMISSIONSpage 3

High school students and their families took to Techs campus over the weekend to meet with faculty, explore campus and get tours from current students during Time Out for Tech.

2 The T ech T alk May 1, 2014

NEWS

Campus gets cleaner, greener

BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter park, students had a variety of options to explore. After playing hard and building up an appeEarth Day: an annual event tite, everyone was provided free April 22 where humans try hot dogs, while Ponchatoulas to atone for their sins against restaurant donated pasta. Mother Nature through a myriad Markin and her organizers of conventions, hoping to make also wanted to bring music for the planet cleaner. the people participating so they Kayla Markin, junior business booked local musician Cameron entrepreneur major, Merrell. set up a recycling Sydni Wilt, a junior station in Techs elementary education Hideaway Park with major, enjoyed relaxing the intent of sparkat the park and has also ing students inearned a new respect terest in recycling for the well being of her around campus. To planet. achieve this, Markin I feel grateful to and her crew crehave this event here ated an atmosphere with other people that for students to relax appreciate the earth, outdoors and spend Wilt said. time enjoying MothMarkin operated MARKIN er Nature. through her business, I wanted to do Shoshoni, which has something for Earth Day be- been around for two years and cause this kind of event hasnt helps raise money for the conhappened at Louisiana Tech servation of land and nature in yet, Markin said. The goal is Louisiana. encouraging simplicity, getting At the recycling station, stupeople outside instead of in dents could turn in plastic botfront of a TV. tles and other recyclable materiSunshine, good vibes and a als. Turning in 25 plastic bottles common cause brought plenty earned students a free thermos. of students to participate in the Also, rafe tickets were sold for event. Students were encour- $1 and were drawn later in the aged to bring any hammock or evening for separate prizes inlawn chair they owned to the cluding a framed ower painting park. Those who brought ham- donated by a student, a brand mocks could often be seen shar- new Eno hammock, a $100 gift ing them with up to two or three card for Pattons Western Wear, friends at a time. a Shoshoni branded hat, a LinWhether they preferred to lie coln Parish Park season pass out in their hammocks and enjoy and a panini press which came nature or get active with games with cook books. like ladder ball and Frisbee toss Its really cool that we can to bike rides together around the do all of this without being a

Photo by Devin Dronett

Katherine Alch, right, a senior elementary education major, and Kelli Keyes, a senior speech communication major, check out the raffle prizes donated by various Ruston businesses. part of any campus organization, Markin said, feeling humbled by the success of her event and amount of recycled goods and money donated. In total, Markin counted 1,070 plastic bottles turned in for recycling and $360 in purchased rafe tickets and donations, which Shoshoni donated to the Nature Conservancy Organization in the state of Louisiana. Markin said the NCO has the resources available to protect land, waters and other natural occurrences throughout the state. M.P . Payne, an industrial engineering sophomore, pointed out the connection Markins event had with another signicant one held by the Student Government Association on campus in April. Really cool deal, she said of the event. It helps build enthusiasm and is a way to help kick off Techs new SGA recycling program held in the Centennial Plaza called Dont Refuse to Reuse. Markins event this April proved that Tech students not only cared about making their campus a little cleaner but a little greener as well.

Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.

Recycling program begins on campus

KAAMILYA SALAAM Staff Reporter With the start of a new recycling program on campus April 17, Louisiana Tech became the rst university in north central Louisiana to start setting up permanent recycling bins on its campus, according to the owner of Handshake Recycling. Steve Jones, the owner of the company located in Farmerville, said he was eager to help Tech make the next step to becoming ecofriendly. As an alumnus, I believe Tech needed to set the example as one of the leaders in the recycling movement in north central Louisiana, he said. Juliana Pettiette, a senior family and child studies major, initiated the recycling effort. Pettiette, who also serves as Student Government As- Aramark cafeteria. sociation director of enviThe location of the bin ronmental action, said the was chosen through the project was needed on cam- joint effort of Barnes and pus because it is crucial to Nobles and Aramark, Pettithe environment. ette said. They each agreed Landlls are overcrowd- to recycle items such as ed, and we as students are book packaging, boxes and one of the largfood product. est consum- I believe Tech In addition, ers, she said. Pettiette said Tech also has needed to set the the process to a lot of stuff example as one place the bins that should be of the leaders on campus was recycled. a timely one. P e t t i e t t e in the recycling I have been also said stu- movement in meeting with dents wanted Barnes and to recycle north central Nobles, Araitems, but they Louisiana. mark and Steve just did not Jones since last have the re- STEVE JONES October, she sources to do Handshake Recycling said. so. Handshake The three Recycling bins, one permanent and picks up the recyclables two temporary, are located three times a week, free of in the rear of Barnes and charge. Jones said his comNoble bookstore and the pany does not charge the university anything because he does not gain a prot until after he disposes of the items. Kaleb Santos, a junior chemistry major, said he hopes to see recycling become a habit amongst students. I think it is a good idea, he said. Hopefully it will lead to more students making recycling a natural habit and not consume as much. Pettiette said she believes more students will be willing to recycle, which could lead to more bins. Once this trial run is a success we can place bins around campus, she said. Until then Ill set up a temporary spot once a week between noon and 2 p.m. in the plaza for students to drop their items off to.

Juliana Pettiette, a senior family and child studies major, initiated the recycling movement at Tech.

Photo by Colin Fontenot

Email comments to kms042@latech.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY
Last day to drop classes with a W grade A teatime talk will be held on Renju, a japanese board game, in GTM, Room 317 from 3:304 p.m.

SATURDAY
The annual alumni rugby game will be held in the intramural upper field from 3-4:30 p.m. A workshop on Rhino 3D modeling software will be held in University Hall from 1-5 p.m. The FASP Out of the Darkness campus walk will start at 8 a.m. at Argent Pavilion.

SUNDAY
No calendar

MONDAY
BOSS registration begins for honors and graduate students

TUESDAY
BOSS registration begins for seniors A workshop on 3D printing will be held in University Hall from 5-7 p.m. A workshop on SolidWorks 3D software will be held in University Hall from 5-8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
Two seminars on the CIA will be held, one in University Hall, Room 134 at 12:30 p.m. and the other in the Lincoln Parish Library at 6 p.m.

THURSDAY
BOSS registration begins for juniors

events

NEWS

May 1, 2014 The T ech T alk 3

Book club targets preschoolers

CODY TICK MCELROY Staff Reporter By 1 p.m. at the Louisiana Tech University Early Childhood Education Center, preschoolers are interacting and learning with each other and their instructors, students from Techs School of Human Ecology. The Tech students are participating in the Bulldog Book Club, a research grant funded by the Lincoln Health Foundation. Dr. Julie Rutledge, an assistant professor of family and child studies, said approximately 550 children participate in the program parish-wide, which started in August and nishes at the school years end. Its actually one of my favorite research projects Ive done, Rutledge said. If a kid comes to you with a book and is excited, its hard to ignore it. Rutledge said the primary objectives are to increase the access to books for preschoolers and to determine if that increases their reading comprehension. She also said the secondary objectives are encouraging childrens interest in books and encouraging parents participation with their childrens reading. Its so easy to not buy books for children, Rut-

Photo by Derek Amaya

Eden Dawsey, 4, participates in the Bulldog Book Club at the Louisiana Tech Early Childhood Education Center. ledge said. She stressed readings importance for children. Literacy teaches us so much social skills, learning. Rutledge said the program covers the three nonprot, non-afliated preschool programs in Lincoln Parish: Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center, Head Start and the Louisiana Tech University Early Childhood Education Center. Rutledge said pre- and post-assessments are done as part of the program. The pre-assessment includes measuring the childrens receptive vocabulary, or that which they can understand, and their expressive vocabulary, or that which they use in speech. These studies will be done again in the post-assessment at the end of the program to determine its effectiveness. Each month, the children are sent home with packages including the months book, a yer based on the theme of the book for parents, a sticker for their book chart, and an extra Bulldog Book Club gift like crayons,

pencil, eraser or a keychain. We chose books with themes that we think are important for preschoolage-children, Rutledge said. Social and health-related themes Friendship, bullying, alphabet, fruits and vegetables, diversity. Some Tech students like Rebekah Carter, a senior family and child studies major, participate by recording and entering the data and by preparing the packages. She said she has the children point at vocabulary words in order to assess them, and she has gone to all three of the schools at some point. You try to build rapport with them, Carter said. I hope it encourages them to read. I hope they nd it enjoyable. Eden Dawsey, a -yearold Ruston resident who attends the Tech Early Childhood Education Center, participates in the Bulldog Book Club. She said she enjoys the books. We read them every night, Dawsey said. Some of them are funny. As for the program helping the children learn to read, Dawsey said that the program pushes her to read. I always try, Dawsey said.

Email comments to cjm048@latech.edu.

>

ADMISSIONSfrom pg. 1

handwritten letter has increased private campus visits this year, Edinger said. Campus visits are an excellent opportunity to share all the things that set Tech apart, Edinger said. When prospective students visit, more often than not, they return because being on campus lls them with a strong sense of community and love for the university. While these numbers are improvements

on the past, Guice and admissions are looking to increase the overall enrollment by the year 2020, Ford said. A larger student body will help provide the economies of scale that are essential to Tech to be able to continue to attract national prominent faculty and staff as well as high caliber students, Ford said. Dr. Guice has a goal of increasing overall enrollment to 15,000 and rst-time freshman enrollment to 2,000 by the year 2020.

Email comments to jki008@latech.edu.

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4 The T ech T alk May 1, 2014

The

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Who are the real patriots?

KALEB CAUSEY Editor-in-Chief

CAUSEY SAID SO...

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ver the course of this weekend, the Republican Party of Wisconsin will be voting on whether or not they should add seceding from the United States to their ofcial platform, an idea pushed forward by the Tea Party. Unless you are from Wisconsin, you are probably wondering why this matters (other than the fact that the Saints play the Vikings in week three this season). You may remember in late 2012 the storm that took over petitions.whitehouse.gov after someone from Louisiana posted a petition to allow Louisiana to secede. Within a matter of days, all 50 states had these petitions on the website with 675,000 signatures within 30 days. It spread like wildre and a quick scan of comments on the Tea Partys ofcial website shows

it was widely supported by Tea Party members. The Tea Party itself has a sort of infectious aspect to it. The movement that originated the grassroots organization grew tremendously fast. According to their website, it is a grassroots movement that believes in protecting true American values that are set up by the Constitution. The problem here is that the Tea Party claims such high regard of the United States, yet so many of their supporters advocate destructive and extremist ideas such as secession. Sharon Angle, a former Tea Party candidate for Senate in Nevada, is a Tea Party member supporting extreme ideas. In a radio show interview with Lars Larson in January 2010, she spoke about revolutions and mentioned she thinks a violent overthrow of the government may be coming. I hope thats not where were

going, Angle said. But, you know, if this Congress keeps going the way it is, people are really looking toward those Second Amendment remedies. Given the rabid spread of the Tea Party and their ideals, it would not surprise me if Wisconsin was not the only state to have to deal with these types of issues in the coming months. In all honesty, it surprises me that this situation did not start in the Deep South. Instead of focusing on how to x the problems, the Tea Party wants to just walk away from them. The movement claims to be the true patriots of America, but theyre not. Instead of supporting the country, they are giving up on it. Kaleb Causey is a senior journalism and political science major from Jonesboro who serves as editor-inchief for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

Jiggle test causes cheerleader controversy

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

nother day, another conservative folk hero. In 1993, the Bureau of Land Management passed laws requiring payment for the use of public land for cattle grazing in Clark County, Nev. For Cliven Bundy, that was a breach of his God-given rights that was completely inexcusable. So for 20 years, he refused to pay the fees, resulting in $1 million in unpaid fees and nes and a lengthy legal battle. The situation came to a head when the BLM tried to seize Bundys cattle, which resulted in a standoff between armed protestors supporting Bundy and the unarmed BLM. The BLM backed down in order to avoid any injuries, a decision that Bundy and the talking heads at Fox News are touting as a victory over the long-reaching

arm of the federal government Bundy has taken the stance that he does not recognize the legitimacy of the federal government, choosing only to recognize the authority of the state of Nevada. This is ironic, considering Article 1, Section 2 of the Nevada state constitution pledges allegiance to the federal government. Bundy has attracted a crowd of supporters who, like our esteemed freedom ghter himself, seem not to listen when they speak. Heres a statement made by former Arizona Sheriff Richard Mack, a supporter who was interviewed at the standoff with the BLM: (Were) strategizing to put all the women up at the front. If they are going to start shooting, its going to be women that are going to be televised all across the world getting shot by these rogue federal ofcers.

How patriotic. These breaches of United States law took a backseat recently, however, as Bundy publicly wondered whether or not the Negro was better off in slavery, claimed that if people were offended by his statements then Martin Luther King Jr. did not nish his job and compared himself to Rosa Parks. His ridiculousness would almost make me laugh if he had not led an armed group of protestors against federal law enforcement. One can only hope a crackdown comes soon because this man does not deserve the freedom of which he (and a few misguided others) considers himself such a champion. John Sadler is a sophomore journalism and English major from Extension who serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.

Get your hands dirty

ALLISON EAST News Editor

EASTBOUND AND DOWN

few weeks ago, Kaleb Causey, our editor-inchief, wrote a column about SGA elections. He said the glittery slogans of the candidates had no substance behind them and SGA had accomplished very little with a long-lasting inuence during his four years at Tech. Since the column ran, several people have asked me if it offended me, and my answer has been the same every time. No, it did not. Kaleb is right. Our SGA will continue to do the same things every year Big Event, Homecoming Week, Dog Haul. They will pass a few bills for benches, tables or whatever else is brought to their attention by a faculty or staff member around campus.

But that is the problem. I have heard from countless professors, faculty members and administrators asking for feasible things, but in my four years on SGA, I have had only one group of students come in the ofce and ask for a change they wanted to see on campus that SGA could actually provide. One group of two students. SGA has held meet-andgreets, advertised on social media and had lunch together in the student center all so students could come voice their opinions. Maybe 10 students responded to their outreach. But 1,300 made it to the polls. Voting numbers this year were the highest in a long time, which is great, but where are students year round? They are not giving SGA their ideas, and based on the low number of people running for or applying for posi-

tions, they are not trying to get involved. Basically, if students want the slogans to mean anything, and they want SGA to accomplish something, they have to get involved by talking to SGA members, attending meetings or trying to become a member. Kaleb tried it out and decided not to do it again, so I respect that. He tried, so he has a right to call it what it is. If we want long-lasting impacts, we cannot rely on 50 people to do it for us. To make a big difference, the 12,000 of us have to work together for our school. Get your hands dirty or keep your mouth shut. Allison East is a senior journalism major from Vicksburg, Miss. who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ace007@ latech.edu.

waitress at Applebees makes more per shift than an NFL cheerleader, according to an article on Celebrity Networth. The average NFL cheerleader makes between $500 and $750 per season. This is only one of the causes of the recent lawsuit led by ve former Buffalo Jills (the cheerleading squad for the Buffalo Bills) in New York. In a recent article on People.com, the cheerleaders said they do not get paid for games, practices or most public appearances, and they are not reimbursed for their $650 uniforms and travel expenses. As if being overworked and underpaid is not enough, these women have to undergo regular jiggle tests, according to People.com. One of the former cheerleaders explained the process of this jiggle test in an article by HuffPost Live. She said one week before every game, they are required to dress in their uniforms and stand before their coach, who has them face forward and backward and do jumping jacks while she writes down which body parts jiggle. Following this bodily interrogation, the women receive emails with checkmarks indicating whether or not she is eld ready or if she will even be able to perform at the next game. Basically, these women are expected to work for hundreds of hours for little pay and even less clothing while their every aw is magnied and they are being sexually objectied. You would sue too, wouldnt you? These women are people, with feelings and self-esteem. Why are people tearing that down? Some think it is wrong, but not surprising. Cheerleaders tend to be known for being objectied, but then again, no one strong-armed them into joining the squad. Then others nd it can contribute to the thought process that there is only one type of beauty and if you have any imperfections then you are not beautiful. Not only that, but it is demeaning to treat female athletes like sex objects, which is what is happening. On the contrary, some do not see a problem with it. Cheerleaders need to be t, just like in any other sport because it is physically demanding. Gymnasts face the same interrogation. When any athlete is going to perform they need to be at the top of their game and it is the coaches job to get them there. So, if you cannot take the heat, get out of the kitchen. No one is making you be a cheerleader. Regardless of jiggly body parts, these women are professional athletes, not porn stars, so the sexual objectivity and scantily clad uniforms could use re-evaluation.

Arts Entertainment
BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter

May 1, 2014 The T ech T alk 5

Tech celebrates the birth of The Bard

It is a shame that William Shakespeare could not attend his 2014 birthday bash at Louisiana Tech University held April 23. The long-dead poet would have been proud of the variety of festivities held in the inner courtyard of GTM. Sigma Tau Delta hosted the celebration, which included but was not limited to: a sword ghting performance from Techs theater department, a Shakespearean puppet show and a Shakespearethemed choral arrangement. Dr. John Petzet, Techs choir instructor, created and conducted the arrangement, which was performed by Techs choir. In between the scheduled events, students channeled their inner-thespian urges as they took turns reading many of the 150-plus sonnets that Shakespeare wrote during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It would be tough to perform a complete play, so the short, lyric sonnets provide a nice homage to The Bard, Scott Levin said. Levin, an English professor, was in charge of the event for the rst time. My goals as a rstyear organizer were simply enough not to screw anything up and try to continue the very impressive legacy that my predecessor, Dr. Dorothy Robbins, who is now in charge of the grad program in the English department, set the previous seven years. Students also had a chance to enter an original sonnet composition tournament. As the festivities came to a close, participants in the days activities some, including Levin, left GTM with a greater knowledge and newfound respect for the famous bard. Levin said he also

Photos by Brennen Lege

Above: Students gather to celebrate the 450th birthday of Shakespeare by reciting some of his works in the GTM courtyard. Right: A student recites her selected sonnet by the celebrated poet.

Left: Tech English professor Dorothy Robbins watches as the Louisiana Tech choir, conducted by John Petzet, performs a Shakespeare-themed choral arrangement. Robbins organized the first celebration in 2007.

learned quite a few things in his rst year organizing the celebration. Shakespeare is everywhere, Levin said. He truly might be the best representation of all of humanity: our aws, our emotions and our ability to connect to others, no matter how ephemeral and fragile human relations actually are. The nal scheduled event was a lecture given by Renaissance scholar Dr. Andrew Tumminia from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. Tumminia addressed the misconceptions about Shakespeares life and work in his presentation, Will. He.Was: Shakespearean Fact and Fiction. Our past, present and future are derived from the past, Tumminia said. Its hard to understand culture without knowing Shakespeare. Listeners learned a few key facts about the mysterious Bard of Avon, whose personal records are mostly destroyed. When was Shakespeare born? Did he need help writing his plays? Was the bard into smoking marijuana? Tumminia answered all of those questions and a few more in his slideshow, hoping to spark interest in Shakespeares works. He said Shakespeare should be taught for generations to come and stressed the signicance of the poets role in shaping modern English language. He said by teaching future generations Shakespeares works, people will have a deeper understanding of how many popular English phrases came to be and in turn share a connection with The Bard. For those who are wondering if Shakespeare did in fact smoke pot, Tumminia concluded that research points to a resounding no.

Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.

Iggy Azaleas The New Classic is not so classic

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor After Complex gave Australian rapper Iggy Azaleas debut album The New Classic a bad review striking her to wage war on all media via Twitter, I was concerned. As a fan of her mix tapes featuring erce songs like Work and Murda Bizness, expectations for Azaleas debut album were high. Especially with a bold statement like declaring herself as the new classic. The album is a new sound for the artist combining hardhitting hip-hop with just enough pop to make the it popular commercially. While the the sound might not be groundbreaking, it is still a great debut album. The albums latest single able and earns her nothing but respect. The albums opening track Walk The Line chronicles her story of coming from nothing to where she is now which is nothing new in the hip-hop world. The track Work made its way on the album from her mix tape and is her best true hip-hop song. It offers iconic lyrics like pledge allegiance to the struggle and her own meaning to the phrase head over heels but the song is nothing new. Black Widow features British singer Rita Ora and is a true pop song reminscent of Katy Perrys Dark Horse in its beats. I want so bad to love this album and praise it. However, unless Azalea meant for the New in The New Classic to stand for her new pop sound, there is really nothing new about it.

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The New Classic Iggy Azalea HHHII

Fancy is an album highlight. The track features singer Charli XCX and accentuates the extravagant lifestyle her mentor T.I. raps about in his music. The album is not bad so much as it is underwhelming considering how long she has worked on it at least for the moment. Azaleas condence and determination to strut her way into the male-dominated hip-hop world in her Louis Vuittons is commend-

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Distractions
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 April 19 A neighbor or relative might volunteer to help you with some chores around the house, Aries, but you could sense that his or her heart isnt in it. This person is probably thinking about things and just needs some kind words and a little advice. Just accept that even though you have help, youll probably end up doing most of the work yourself. Offer what support you can, and think of it as good karma. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Paperwork involving money could be a real drag for you today, Taurus. Youll have to get it done, but youd rather be elsewhere. It might also seem a little confusing. If you get to it early and concentrate, you should finish it quickly and then get on to what you want to do. After a morning of intense, tedious work, youll probably be ready for some entertainment like a movie or sports event. Have fun! Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 A contract of some kind, perhaps involving the home, might need some careful consideration today, Gemini. You could find it a little difficult to understand, as it could be full of fine print and legalese. Dont be afraid to ask someone with a little more savvy to explain what youre trying to read. Its important that you know all the ins and outs before signing anything, for your own peace of mind, if nothing else. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 You might pick up some rather disturbing thoughts from a friend, neighbor, or relative, Cancer. This person could be upset over something and not communicating his or her feelings. It isnt appropriate to try to coax this person into sharing with you now. They arent upset with you, but they might be if you push! Back off and let this person come to terms with the problem. Your friend will talk the time is right. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Some gossip about a friend could reach your ears today, Leo, and it might seem a bit shocking at first. Money could be involved. However, dont accept what you hear at face value. Whoever got the rumor going is apt to be less concerned with the truth than serving a personal agenda. Call your friend and try to learn the facts without prying. Theyre probably far less dire than the gossip implies. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Today you might find yourself the center of attention, Virgo. Friends could ask for some information they know you have. It might involve telling a story or giving practical advice. Whatever it is, you might find it difficult to explain without going into some pretty heavy detail. You can do it! Talk slowly and let what you have to say unfold on its own. Your audience will probably be rapt. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Today you might find yourself the center of attention, Virgo. Friends could ask for some information they know you have. It might involve telling a story or giving practical advice. Whatever it is, you might find it difficult to explain without going into some pretty heavy detail. You can do it! Talk slowly and let what you have to say unfold on its own. Your audience will probably be rapt. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 A friend might be in such a dour mood that you wonder if this is the same person you know and love, Scorpio. During the day you might be tempted to try to analyze whats going on, but this is apt to raise more questions than answers. Probably this is a case of too many problems hitting your friend at once. Dont pry, but make sure your friend knows youre there if needed. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 A friend or romantic partner might need your advice, Sagittarius, and want to discuss a few things that you dont really understand. This could concern this persons job, which involves a lot of technicalities with which youre unfamiliar. Dont be afraid to stop occasionally and ask for an explanation. If youre going to be of any help, you have to have some idea of what this person is talking about. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Today you might read a book on exercise or nutrition that seems a bit unsettling, Capricorn. According to the book, youre doing everything wrong! Remember that what the author is probably outlining is a certain practice that worked for him or her. Everyone is different. Dont change your habits for practices that dont feel right. Consult a professional if youre still concerned. Such a person is more than capable of discerning whats right for you. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Memories and emotions welling up from the past might excite your creative impulses today, Aquarius. You may not quite be able to understand what all of this means, but the pictures should keep coming to you nonetheless. It might be a good idea to take some notes, even though you might not comprehend all you write. This may be more a process of releasing ancient traumas than creating great masterpieces, but even so, its worth pursuing. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 A subject youre researching, perhaps for a class or workshop, might prove more difficult than you expected, Pisces. The resources you consult might be very scholarly and thus difficult to read. If you cant find anything comprehensible, try to rent or buy a video on the subject. Its more important to understand the material than force yourself to approach it in the accepted scholarly manner. Its also important that you enjoy it.

6 The T ech T alk May 1, 2014

CROSSWORDPUZZLE
Across 1. OPEC units 5. Solo in space 8. Separate by a sieve 12. Gauchos rope 14. New Rochelle college 15. Actress Petty 16. Kind of alcohol 17. Adverse fate 18. ___ even keel 19. Lycanthrope 21. Refluent 23. Feeling of being overwhelmed 24. Hold On Tight band 25. ___ Ventura was played by Jim Carrey 26. Night flight 30. Lovergirl singer ___ Marie 32. Lulus 33. Disloyalty 37. Beat it! 38. Novelist Joyce Carol ___ 39. Curses! 40. From now on 42. Jai alai basket 43. More secure 44. Female sibling 45. Horseless carriage 48. Skin color of Washington football players! 49. Young dog 50. Kitchen utensil 52. Language letters 57. Not tricked by 58. Mustve been something ___ 60. Form of lyrical poem 61. The Tower of Pisa does this 62. Workers rights org. 63. Ignited again 64. Stuffing herb 65. Actress Scala 66. Nerve network Down 1. Make beer 2. Sever with the teeth 3. Cowardly Lion portrayer 4. Eye problem 5. Foot of a horse 6. Year abroad 7. Anonymous 8. Oscar Madison, for one 9. Ancient Greek colony 10. Former French currency 11. Hint 13. Continuously 14. Doing nothing 20. Be in the hole 22. Marrow host 24. Conger catcher 26. ___ Hashanah 27. Suffix with exist 28. Letter opener 29. Some Art Deco works 30. Spud 31. Aconcaguas range 33. Destined 34. Formerly, formerly 35. Fill completely 36. The closest one to us is the sun 38. Part of a church service

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41. Berns river 42. Coded message 44. Eat dinner 45. Loses heat 46. Sleep issue 47. Label anew 49. Commoner 51. Zero 52. Gillette brand 53. Impersonator 54. Chadic language 55. Prepare for publication 56. Head of France

LASTISSUESSOLUTION

DAILY U

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WEEKLYWEATHER
TODAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY

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TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

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

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

HIGH 71 LOW 42

HIGH 74 LOW 47

HIGH 84 LOW 53

HIGH 86 LOW 56

HIGH 85 LOW 60

HIGH 83 LOW 59

HIGH 82 LOW 66

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Forestry Club wins several awards

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JARED KING Staff Reporter Students from The Louisiana Tech Forestry Club recently competed and won several awards in the 57th annual Association of Southern Forestry Clubs Conclave last month. This years event was hosted by Virginia Tech at Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin, Va. Tech nished third in technical events, fourth in physical events and third place overall. There were a total of 15 schools competing in this years events. The ASFC was formed in 1958 and Tech has been a member of the association and competed in its annual conclave since

1979. The conclave consistsedof nished rst place in the mens two competitions, technical bow saw event and second place and physical. Technical in the pole fell event. events are competitions He said he enjoyed in professional forestry the success. skills while physical It felt great events are competitions being able to get in lumberjack skills. up on the stage and Tech entered 16 particicompete in front of pants in total, including a crowd and repreeight female and eight sent Louisiana Tech, male. Moore said. EveryIn the technical comone had fun socialpetitions, Isaac Moore izing but I enjoyed nished in rst place in winning. PATTERSON the wood identication Austin Watkins nevent and Britney Duke ished third in the axe nished in rst place in the pho- throw competition. togrammetry event and many I was pretty nervous beforeothers nished in the top ten. hand, Watkins said. I really In the physical events, Moore wanted to set the standard high

and I managed to make the other competitors pretty nervous with my performance. William Patterson, professor of forestry, is the forestry club student advisor and he accompanied the students to this years conclave. We are very proud of our students and elated that they competed so well in both the technical and physical events, said William Patterson, professor of forestry and advisor to the forestry club. They put in a lot of practice time, and it took teamwork for them to learn those skills.

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More Talk

May 1, 2014 The T ech T alk 7

Cutting class could co$t

How much does skipping really cost?

ELLIE MOSLANDER Staff Reporter kipping class is a common occurrence and students do so for different reasons, but they may not realize the risks skipping class can have in the long run. Josh Chovanec, senior associate director of nancial aid, said that in addition to earning bad grades, students nancial aid can suffer. The main thing nancial aid looks at is last dates of attendance, Chovanec said. We still get attendance reports from teachers at the last part of the quarter. He said if students do not attend courses past the 60 percent mark of the quarter, his ofce has to recalculate and return portions of unearned nancial aid. The date was April 24 this year for the spring quarter. If youre going to class, passing your classes--youre going to be alright, Chovanec said. We wont be returning anything as long as you do your part. He said if students are failing, nancial aid is already reviewing the last class day. He said students can lose TOPS, scholarships, grants or loans and wont get them back until they pull CHOVANEC up their GPA. Students waste money by missing class. Tuition alone costs $1,648.12 for full time undergraduate students, in addition to other fees. There is a general fee for $30, technology enhancement fee for $5 per credit hour and an energy surcharge for $9 per credit hour. We do encourage students to come by our ofce, Chovanec said. This is not information we withhold from them by any means. Zach Williams, bursar in the comptrollers ofce, said skipping class will not immediately affect students nancially aside from harming their grades. The university does not charge per credit hour, Williams said. If the university did charge per credit hour, students would waste $24.50 per class for skipping a standard three credit-hour Monday, Wednesday and Friday class. For most college students, every penny counts, WILLIAMS and the more class students miss the more money they waste. Himgauri Naik has not missed class and does not plan to. Being an international student, I came here to study so Im not willing to miss the class, said Naik, a graduate molecular science and nanotechnology student from India. She said she would only miss class if she was sick or for an emergency. She said costs also affect her because if she could receive this kind of education in her home country, it would be unnecessary to spend the money here. I wanted to learn something, and to really learn something ,I think it is necessary to attend each class, Naik said. To maintain a good grade, attendance also matters. Naik said she does not want her GPA to suffer because of missing class. Skipping class is more about missing the learning experience more than anything else. Rebecca Frith, a senior business administration major, skips class occasionally and does not think of it terms of losing money. I certainly dont try to miss class, Frith said. Ill miss two NAIK or three classes a quarter. Frith said some quarters are worse than others and skipping depends on the kind of class and professor. Ill do it if I feel it wont affect my grade, Frith said. For me its more about the grade than losing the money or tuition.

Email comments to emo012@latech.edu.

FRITH

$73.50

$35

$24.50

Infographic by Austin Vining

If a student skips one of his or her three-credithour courses that meets once a week, that student is wasting about $73.50 of the total tuition and fees.

If a student skips one of his or her three-credithour courses that meets twice a week, that student is wasting about $35 of the total tuition and fees.

If a student skips one of his or her three-credithour courses that meets three times a week, that student is wasting about $24.50 of the total tuition and fees.

Sports Talk
Gotch leads C-USA; 11th in the world
JARED KING Staff Reporter Louisiana Tech track and eld star Jarvis Gotch has been with the program for only two months, but he already has his eyes set on the record books. Gotch came to Tech from South Plains Community College in Levelland, Texas, where he spent two seasons. In his time at South Plains, Gotch helped the mens team win two NJCAA Division I track and eld national championships while setting a school record, and personal best, long jump of 26 feet, 10 inches. When Gotch came to Tech, head track and eld coach Gary Stanley knew he was a special athlete. When Gotch came to practice for the rst time he looked like the real deal, Stanley said. He joined our team in March GOTCH and in April he jumped over 26 feet at a meet, and he hadnt jumped competitively since May 2013. I knew he was special at that point. Gotch currently ranks rst in long jump in Conference USA, tied for second nationally and 11th in the world with a distance of 26 feet, 0.25 inches a mark Gotch says he is capable of surpassing. Im at a pretty good distance right now but Im trying to improve on it because I want to win a national title, Gotch said. My goal this year is to jump 27 feet, 7 inches. That is a mark that would ensure a title and its a distance I could reach on any given day. Gotch has only been at Tech for a couple of months but that does not mean he hasnt taken a look at the record books. The record for mens long jump at Tech was set in 1974 by Wesley Smith who jumped 26 feet, 3 inches. Second on the list is Gotchs jump of 26 feet, 0.25 inches, which he set in April. I think about the record sometimes but Im not in a rush to get the school record, Gotch said. It will come. Ive looked at the record books and I know that its a 40-year-old record. Its been the record for that long so Im not in a hurry to break it but I will. Gotch does not allow his national and world rankings or his standings in the school record books to cloud his mind before a jump. I feel like being overcondent could mess me up, Gotch said. I always go into every track meet like Im in last place and I try to be patient. Patience is a huge key to long jumping. Associate head coach Calvin Robinson works specically with the jumpers and has worked with Gotch during his brief career at Tech. Robinson has been impressed with his work ethic despite being one of the best in the country at his sport. Usually its hard to get a guy who has been successful in the past to buy into what youre telling him, Robinson said. That hasnt been the case with Jarvis. He is very coachable and willing to learn, and his work ethic is outstanding. Techs track and eld teams will compete in the C-USA tournament in May before competing in the NCAA preliminary tournaments and the national tournament in June.

8 The T ech T alk May 1, 2014

Summitt completes coaching staff

WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter

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Ford Mustang 15 feet

Killer whale 23 feet

JUST HOW FAR IS JARVIS GOTCHS JUMP?

Gotchs jump 26 feet, 0.25 inches

Infographic by Kaleb Causey

Hummer limousine 30 feet

Starkova, Britos named all-conference

NEWS SERVICES After helping lead the Louisiana Tech tennis team to its second consecutive 15win season and a program record 11-match winning streak, Alexandra Starkova and Jazmin Britos were 2014 all-conference selections made by the Conference USA head coaches. Starkova earned rst-team all-conference honors while Britos earned secondteam all-conference accolades. This is a great ending to the year with both players getting these awards, said head coach Chad Camper. This gives us a lot of motivation going into next season and I think it puts us on the map as a strong up-and-coming program in one of the top mid-major conferences in the country. This marked the second consecutive year Starkova has been a member of an all-conference team. Last season, she was selected to the rst team in doubles in the Western Athletic Conference. The sophomore nished the spring dual season with a 15-6 overall record in singles and a 3-1 mark in C-USA play, playing all but three matches at the No. 1 spot. The 15 singles wins was a team-high with four of those being clinchers. The Madrid, Spain, native recorded victories over Florida Atlantic, Connecticut, UT-Arlington, North Texas and SMU during the regular season. She was even more impressive in the C-USA Tournament where she registered a 6-4, 6-2 victory over UAB in the round of 16 and then a 2-6, 7-6, 6-2 come-frombehind victory versus Marshall in the quarternals. For Alexandra to get this honor as just a sophomore among all the other rst team players is a huge accomplishment, said Camper. She really matured toward the end of the season and became one of the best players in the conference. Britos had an equally impressive spring as the freshman nished with a team-best 14-3 record in singles while also going a perfect 3-0 in C-USA play. She spent most of the season at No. 3 but also saw action at the No. 2 and No. 4 spots. The Villarrica, Paraguay, native opened up the dual season with an 11-match winning streak with all of the victories coming by straight sets except for a key 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 win at McNeese State. She nearly notched victories at 24thranked Houston and 47th-ranked Arkansas by being up a set and a break in each match, but both went unnished. Along with Starkova, she recorded one of the points in the C-USA Tournament quarternals against Marshall with a decisive 6-3, 6-1 win. Jazmin has been a huge part of this team from the beginning, said Camper. We really depended on her most matches and she would always come through. I expect big things from her in the future as a leader on and off the court.

Photo by Donny Crowe/university photographer

Alexandra Starkova earned first-team all-conference honors while Jazmin Britos (pictured above) earned secondteam honors.

As the a new era in Louisiana Tech womens basketball begins, new coaches look to start to make their mark on Lady Techster basketball. Head Coach Tyler Summitt recently announced the hiring of Bernitha Johnson and Amber Smith to his coaching staff. Summitt announced that Mickie DeMoss would be his associate head coach when he was introduced as head coach and these later hirings round out his coaching staff. DeMoss has been either a head coach or a coach in some facet for 35 years and was in the room when Tyler was born according to the new Techsters head coach. People ask what can she bring to the table as an assistant and I tell them one word: everything, Summitt said. Summitt said that DeMoss will have the ultimate freedom as they try to rebuild a program that is historically great but has been down the past few years. Bernitha Johnson, or B, was a manager at Tennessee for Pat Summitt and then was as a college assistant coach for nine years in New York. I have had the privilege of knowing Tyler for many years, and it is an honor to work with him toward creating a championship culture here at Louisiana Tech, Johnson said. Johnson is from Mississippi, and Summitt recalls her getting three players from her home state to come play in New York. If she can get three kids from her home state to play that far north, I am excited to see what she can do coaching in the South, Summitt said. Smith recently completed a year as a graduate assistant at Tennessee where she helped in many areas, including recruiting. Smith will be part of the best recruiting duo in the nation and they have already been great, Summitt said. Smith played at Kentucky before taking the position as graduate assistant at Tennessee. I am excited to be working with Coach Summitt and the rest of the staff and I am grateful to be working at a program with such great history, Smith said. Summitt said that recruiting is the lifeblood of his program, and they are going to be the most hard working and efcient staff in the nation in recruiting. I am excited about the kids we already have, the coaching staff that has been brought together and the pieces that we are going to have all coming together, Summitt said.

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