PAGE 5

See what military leaders think about Obamas budget plan

PAGE 3 PAGE 7
Find out the dos and donts of interacting with the visually impaired

OUR
P R E D I C T I O N S

MORE TALK

Memphis artist posters displayed

tor of the School of Art, said the school has organized more than seven art events, which are designed to enhance the students ability to understand art in broader terms. Our goal is to bring outside artists and designers from all around the community, he said. By bringing guest speakers, artists and designers to Tech, students will learn every aspects of the art. Donehoo said an art event like this gives students an opportunity to see famous artists work and meet them personally which will help them realize that art work requires a lot of dedication. He also said students will learn anybody who is dedicated to their art can become a successful artist, regardless of the geographic regions. You dont have to be in New York or California, you can do it here, Ruston, he said. Sherraden, manager, chief designer and archivist at Hatch Show Print said most people who want to be artists are scared of the uncertainty in this field. Fear dominates lots of peoples lives, he said. Most people dont think strongly enough to become artist because they think, making a living with creative art is harder path. Sherraden said anybody who desires to be an artist can do so if they really want to pursue their goal of success. I am going to suggest the people because I am a good example of it, he said. If I can raise myself up by living with creative art, why not you. Sherraden also said while understanding art, students should be familiar about the history of art such as letterpress

Volume 86

T ech T alk
February 16, 2012 www.thetechtalk.org

The

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

PAID

The student voice of Louisiana Tech University

Number 16

AMRIT AWAL Staff Reporter

Tech students and faculty gathered at F. Jay Taylor Visual Arts Center on Feb. 7 for the opening of an artist talk show, which featured Jim Sherraden of Memphis Hatch Show Print. Sherraden displayed letterpress designs, such as concert posters and album covers, dating back as far as 1879. Hatch has also created designs for companies such as Nike and Pixar. Throughout the week, Sherraden presented a series of lectures on the history of the letterpress. Following the opening of the exhibition, numerous posters created by Hatch Show Print will remain on display in the main gallery of the Visual Arts Center until March 20. Jonathan Donehoo, direc-

Photo by Dacia Idom

> see ARTIST page 2

Jim Sherraden stands behind a sea of letterpress posters produced at Hatch Show Print in Nashville. During his visit to Techs School of Art, the artist, printer and curator discussed the renowned print shops history and the importance of letterpress in todays society.

African American history celebrated

AMRIT AWAL Staff Reporter February doesnt only have cold and wet weather but also a brief moment to remember and reflect on African American history. In honor of national Black History Month, students and faculty members from Tech and Grambling State University and people from various walks of life gathered to celebrate and attend a discussion, Yes, Lord: African-American Religious Resistance During Slavery on Feb. 9 at Lincoln Parish Library. The event, which was hosted by Techs department of history along with the Lambda-Rho Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta and McGinty Trust, featured Cheryl Mango-Ambrose, a masters candidate in history who discussed the main two ways that African American leaders in-

All photos by Sumeet Shrestha

Bulldog remembered

Defensive end Kendrick James, a junior sociology major, spoke in honor of his departed teammate during a memorial service held Feb. 10 at the Thomas Assembly Center

terpreted Christianity in their attempts to gain freedom and equality in antebellum America. David Anderson, an assistant professor of history, said Black History Month will remind all of us that some parts of African-American history has been missing and need to be covered. Black History month provide the reminder that conventional American history didnt cover the full and complete history of United States, he said. We have an incomplete version of history. Some students, such as Robert Davis, said Black History Month gives Americans the opportunity to see the social and political change that African Americans have made during American history. I think it is an important moment in American history so

> see HISTORY page 2

A celebration of life memorial for Bulldog running back Tyrone Duplessis was held Feb. 10 at the Thomas Assembly Center. Approximately 1,000 members of the Louisiana Tech and Ruston community attended the memorial. Along with Tech President Dan Reneau, player Kendrick James, running backs coach Pierre Ingram and head coach Sonny Dykes spoke in remembrance of Duplessis. Despite his passing Duplessis memory lives on and he will forever be a part of the Tech Family.

D.A.R.T battles domestic violence

MOLLY BOWMAN Staff Reporter The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill Feb. 2 to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act to help combat the issue of domestic violence in America. The bill will go through the Senate and then the House of Representatives for a vote before it is reauthorized. Since Bill Clinton first passed the bill in 1994, it has reduced domestic violence rates by 50 percent, according to the National Association for Attorneys General. Debra Faircloth, community advocate for the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team in Ruston, said she was glad this act is in the process of reauthorization. She said it gives DART the tools it needs to work with, including money that creates funding for domestic violence agencies. The mere fact that it was

Sam Speed, assistant dean of student life, was among the many attendees who signed a banner in memory of Duplessis

Attendees bow their heads for prayer during the memorial for Duplessis.

passed advanced our movement considerably, she said. The violence against women movement comes out of the civil rights era, but it was just a philosophy until the VAWA gave it some realty. Domestic violence is not just a national problem; it exists in the Ruston community as well. Faircloth said it is typical for people to say that it does not happen in Ruston and dating violence does not happen at their school. Every nine seconds a woman in the United States is beaten or assaulted, according to the Olson Center for Womens Health. Faircloth said she has conducted domestic violence work for 12 years and that statistic still remains the same. Its the most common crime in the country, she said, but its the least reported. Its a truly appalling thing, she said. Im marveled that

> see DART page 6

2 The T T ech alk February 16, 2012

>

HISTORY from pg. 1

People gather at the Enterprise Center for the Art from the G.U.T. show. Works by Grambling University , University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Louisiana Tech students are featured in the exhibition.

Photo by Jessica Van Alstyne

Students win Art from the G.U.T.

LISA PLAISANCE Staff Reporter Tech students took home first, second and third places at the Art from the G.U.T. opening reception Friday night in a competition against the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Grambling State University Jenny Burnham, curator of education and public programs at the Masur Museum of Art, served as the shows jurors. Out of more than 200 pieces submitted, Burnham selected 60 pieces to display at the show. I looked for art that spoke to me, Burnham said. If they had a good message, if they took some risk, if they chose something out of the box. I also chose some traditional pieces where I looked more for good technique. First place went to Ashley Feagin, a photography graduate student, for a piece titled Shift and Ache. Feagin said the piece relates to a diagnosis she received a few years ago that may make her unable to have children. This piece represents the constant emotional and psychological tension that exists from this knowledge, Feagin said. Shift and Ache was composed of a piece of white linen 20 yards long, draped from two rods, suspended 7 feet in the air, hanging from the ceiling. The fabric was knotted in the middle and hung down into a white wooden basin filled with red liquid that soaked the knot and began to travel up both sides of the fabric. The shift part is from the visual tension that the fabric could fall down at any moment from the weight of the liquid traveling up the fabric, Feagin said. For me, it is symbolizing this fear of some day, when I am ready to start a family, that this option may not be possible. Ache comes from the literal pain I experience with endometriosis. Ariel Hoggart, a sophomore communication design major, said Feagins work was one of her favorites. I like it because of what it signifies, she said. She is willing to come out with that and deal with it artistically. Second place went to Whitney Caskey for her series of six portraits. Feagin earned her bachelors in studio art in the spring and is now working toward her bachelors in photography, . The piece, titled Family Tree, is six black and white photographs of Caskey and her husband made to look like people of different ages who were painted over. I named this piece Family Tree because it shows six people at very different ages that all look similar, Caskey said. It comes across as one dysfunctional family, instead of two people in different costumes. Caskey said she usually tries to make her work hint towards a story, but this work was slightly different. This work just shows the characters and allows the viewer to create their own narratives with them, she said. We tried to let each of the characters have their own personality, so that at first glance, someone might mistake them as different people. Tiffany Craw, a junior photography major, said she liked that Caskeys work seemed to be different people. I really liked Whitney Caskeys because it showed her and her husband three different ways, she said. Gary Guinigundo, a junior photography major, said Caskeys piece was his favorite. It was my favorite because I found it really unique-looking, he said. Third place went to Erin Hollis for her inkwork titled A Different Language. The grand prize awarded to Feagin was a business or postcard designed by Donnie Bell Designs. I was really excited that Shift and Ache was accepted, Feagin said. It was my first true venture to show non-image based work. Winning was unexpected.

people need to go back and look at it, Davis, a sophomore, said. The South has way more plantations than the North, so it is more relevant to us. It was a big issue before civil war. They fought back from a position where they were being oppressed. However other students such as Tyler Brown said it doesnt make any sense to have a Black History Month. I really dont think there should be a specific month for black history, Brown, a sophomore, said. A whole month seems overdone to me. Brown said all Americans should be treated equally regardless of their race, color, religion or national origin. He added, it just makes AfricanAmericans seem that they are more important than everyone else. We were brought here as slaves, but we are Americans. We have gotten our citizenship, he said. If we have a special month, it makes sense

for other demographics to have a month. Mango-Ambrose said history books undermined the history of African Americans and caused others to forget that it was the foundation of our civilization. We should learn more about black history than just being slaves and focus on the civil march during the Civil Rights Movement. She said. Anderson also said Black History Month should not be an isolated month of the year for just African Americans, but as a time where Americans are reminded to not forget the diversity of their history. It is a reminder that in all month and all times, we must tell a full and complete history of the United States, without leaving anyone out, he said. Particularly, the AfricanAmerican experience is a essential to being an American. There has been a lot of great work in our social and political history.

Email comments to aaw024@latech.edu.

>

ARTIST from pg. 1

design and print because it will give them better perspective in the process of creating art and being successful in life. History is relevant to everything whether you are a bricklayer or volcano inspector, he said. It is important in every aspects of each step we take in life. Students such as Tennille Paden, a communication design graduate student, said most of people are unfamiliar with letterpress today. I think it is a great presentation along with exhibition, she said. I have never seen letterpress before and look original letterpress printing in my life. Paden, who is also a graphic designer, said she got an opportunity to participate in

an art workshop a day before the exhibition and learned how to use letterpress printing. It is the old-fashioned way of how the printings were done in the past, she said. Now, everything is done by computers digitally. Jes Schrom, an assistant professor of photography, said she is happy to see the students participation and hope that will be useful for their career. Students get the feel for the level of quality of work they need to make a living in a career field, she said. Students get excited about their work and view the art in different perspectives which help re-invent new avenues and explore the art.

Email comments to aaw024@latech.edu.

Email comments to lrp014@latech.edu.

WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG

Henderson Financial

Undergraduate Student Special

$45.00 UP FRONT CASH
(with W-2 & current school ID)
We will direct deposit your refund or have it mailed to your address
Debit & Credit Cards are Accepted

3BR 3BA 4BR 4BA UNITS AVAILABLE

Washer & Dryer Microwave Dishwasher Refrigerator w/ Icemaker Self-Cleaning Oven
FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

Central Air & Heating

Individual Security Systems

Pet Friendly
24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

Cable TV Availability Walking distance to campus & downtown Ruston

412 S. Trenton St. Ruston, La. 71270 (318) 251-2516 or 251-2506

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

Arts&Entertainment
Who will take home the

February 16, 2012 The T T ech alk 3

W hat an interesting year for movies. This awards season in parPATRICK BOYD ticular has News Editor welcomed more inn ov a t i o n and originality than prior years, with everything from an entirely silent film to Martin Scorsese tackling a childrens movie. Michelle Williams and Meryl Streep,took on major roles playing Marilyn Monroe and Margaret Thatcher respectively, and through playing these icons, they are cementing their status as icons of their own right. George Clooney and Brad Pitt both had an amazing year, with Clooney having two critically acclaimed films, and Brad Pitt displaying his acting powers in some of the years most Extremely Loud The Help The Artist The Hugo The Tree Moneyball Midnight in noteworthy films. & Incredibly With all this taken Descendants of Life Paris into consideration, it Close leads us into the 84th My PickTHE ARTIST Academy Awards, a The most critically acclaimed film of this year and a throwback to the classic silent movie era should be a safe bet for this years best picture award. golden gilded night Even though the film has faced some controversy over its sampling of other movies for its score, that should in no way hinder it from winning. where actors and actresses vie for the biggest prize one can get. Certainly not diminishing the good coming from this years slew My PickBRAD PITT of gems, some overPitts role in Moneyball proved that he is one sights were painful of the best actors of our time. If George Clooney to see as they did doesnt shut Pitt out of this race, the statuette not make the list. Kirsten Dunsts should be his for the taking. terrific turn in Melancholia, (a film deserving a Best Picture nomination itself) was asBrad Pitt Demian Bichir Gary Oldman George Clooney Jean Dujardin tonishing and powMoneyball A Better Life Tinker Tailor The Descendants The Artist erful and is a crime Soldier Spy it was left out. There is also Ryan Goslings much underrated film My PickVIOLA DAVIS Drive, Davis wowed audiences this summer which should with her commanding performance have garnered not in The Help. Streep and Williams only a nominaare probably going to be the two main tion for him, but contenders in this race, but it is Davis one for Carey Mulligan, and the film as well. who transformed The Help from a Spielberg was also snubbed of a Best Director feel-good movie into art. nomination for War Horse, one of my favorites of the year and maybe one of his best. Glen Close Meryl Streep Michelle Rooney Mara Viola Davis I was happy to see The Tree of Life nomiAlbert Nobbs The Iorn Lady Williams The Girl With The Help nated for three academy awards, a film I felt sure My Week With the Dragon Tattoo would not make the cut, with its heavy metaphysical themes and what is almost as silent as The Marilyn Artist. How Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close got a nomination for Best Picture still perplexes me, and makes it hard for me to take the Academy Awards seriously. My PickCHRISTOPHER PLUMMER I still wonder if its nomination was a mistake or Beginners is a very good film, barean accident. ly receiving any other nominations, so The awards should still be exciting nonetheless, deit is by sheer luck that Plummer got spite the fact some of the nominations may not be justified. a much-deserved nomination for his The 84th Academy Awards will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 on ABC. role as a gay man dying of cancer.

BEST PICTURE

BEST ACTOR

BEST ACTRESS

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Email comments to lrp014@latech.edu.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Max Von Sydow

Christopher Plummer
Beginners

Moneyball

Jonah Hill

My Week With Marilyn

Kenneth Branagh

Nick Nolte
Warrior

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

My PickOCTAVIA SPENCER Spencer was magnetic in her performance in The Help as Minnie, a housemaid with equal amounts of attitude and sass. Spencer was the standout in the film and in this years supporting actress race.

Berenice Bejo
The Artist

Janet McTeer
Albert Nobbs

The Help

Jessica Chastain

Bridesmaids

Melissa McCarthy

The Help

Octavia Spencer

BEST DIRECTOR
My PickMARTIN SCORSESE Scorcese shook things up with not only his first childrens movie, but also his first foray into 3D. Scorcese may be remembered for his gritty crime dramas, but Hugo may earn him his second Oscar for best director.

Woody Allen
Midnight In Paris

The Tree of Life The Descendants

Terrence Malick

Alexander Payne

Martin Scorsese
Hugo

Michel Hazanavicius
The Artist

Insight
MARY TIMMONS Editor-in-Chief

4 The T T ech alk February 16, 2012

FROM THE EDITOR

Goodbyes are easy, leaving is hard
When I came to the Tech Talk last fall, I never imagined how much my life would be influenced and changed. To many I seemed like a slacker, someone who wasnt willing to put the necessary time into being a reporter let alone an editor. After a first week of tough criticism, I found my way. Once I realized that journalism was more than just a job to me, it was reflected in my work. The Tech Talk was no longer just a class I needed to graduate; it was my life. I have finally found something that I am truly passionate about and no one can make me feel otherwise. I came to college not only to further my education but also to figure out who I was as an individual. The Tech Talk was among many elements that helped me find my way. It made me feel as if I have a purpose and that others actually cared about what I had to say. As editor for The Tech Talk, the stress is unimaginable for anyone who is not familiar with the title. Even after days of editing, I still found it difficult to sleep the night before print. The thought of something being wrong petrified me until I saw the final product on Thursday. I would then get a days worth of rest before the vicious cycle started again. Only those who work in the newsroom are able to fully understand the relationship you develop with the staff of the paper. There are times when I wanted to scream at my former editorin-chiefs or curse my managing editors. There are moments when it felt as if we were trapped in Keeney Hall for hours at a time, and there was no way out. The only way we could escape was with a smoke break or a quick walk to Tolliver Hall to grab coffee. It gets beyond hectic when deadlines are not met and you have to make arrangements for last minute interviews and edits. Its extremely frustrating when you know youll be working on newspaper-related task until midnight and you wonder how you will ever find time to study for your Spanish exam the next day. Its times like these that make me realize that this paper is about more than just me. I would be lost without my staff. They put just as many hours into the Tech Talk as I do and giving them no credit for what weve created would be selfish. Its more than just being classmates; you must trust them enough so that they become somewhat of a family. Family members may drive me close to insanity and there will be some I prefer over others, but at the end of the day they are still family. I would be willing to stand behind a family member regardless of the circumstances. The Tech Talk has done much more than test my sanity. Ive met students and faculty on this campus who have inspired and enlightened me. I would have never come across these individuals if it wasnt for working with the newspaper. I look forward to my future and believe that my opportunities are much broader because on the experience Ive gained from The Tech Talk. In my last week as editor all I can think about is the fact that I might actually get sleep next quarter. This newspaper has pushed me far too close to the edge of insanity, but I love it. Im addicted to working for the Tech Talk. I cant remember how my life was without it. Like any addiction it will be something that is hard for me to break away from, but I realize it is time for someone else to take the top position. She might be nervous and there is no doubt that she will be stressed, but I leave to her knowing that she is capable of carrying on. Ill stand in the back for support if it is ever needed. Mary Timmons is a senior journalism major from Logansport who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to mnt005@latech. edu.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RHONDA BOYD, INSTRUCTOR Department of Kinesiology

I am writing this in response to Justin Forts column in The Tech Talk on Feb. 9, 2012. I appreciate Justins frustration that he has some teachers who rely solely on Power Point presentations as their form of teaching. However, I do not appreciate being lumped into a generalized category of teachers wastes students time. If I were to follow Justins thought and make a generalization of Tech students, it would go something like this: Students dont buy the textbooks, much less read them, they dont take notes, they want to be spoonfed the information for class, constantly asking if this is going to be on the test, they sleep in class, they dont know anything about current events unless it is posted on someones Facebook status, and they are so important that they must check their text messages in class. It is ludicrous to say all Tech students fit this category just as it is ludicrous to say all Tech teachers dont teach. I can only speak for myself as a teacher. I constantly look for ways to engage students whether is its through discussion, games, field trips, hands on activities or service learning projects. I know my colleagues also have their students actively engaged in the community in learning situations whether it is at the local elementary, junior high or high school, nursing homes, physical therapy/occupational therapy clinics, or other appropriate community sites. I personally believe that we do have the best of the best students. I am saddened that Justin feels that he has spent three years at Tech and has learned little. It may be time for Justin and other students to take some responsibility for their own education. Learning is an active process and students need to become active in their own preparation for class.

C. SMILEY REEVES, INSTRUCTOR Department of Kinesiology

I DONT GIVE A CENSORED

Racism lives on
AMIE ROLLAND News Editor Surprisingly, American constitutional law has turned out to be my favorite class this quarter. Not only have I brushed up on my knowledge of the Constitution and taken an in-depth look at decisions that changed America, but I have also come to realize that the government has been making foolish decisions since the courts were established. The case of Scott v. Sandford (1857) has been the most eyeopening case brief I have had to read. In a nutshell, this case came to court to decide whether or not Dred Scott, a slave, should be freed and become part of the political and economic community. The Supreme Court quickly decided Scott had no standing to be heard in court because he was a slave and the Constitution never intended slaves to be included as citizens of the United States. Basically, Scott could never be in consideration to be a citizen because he was born into slavery, and the Constitution did not, nor did it ever intend to recognize slaves as anything more than property. Here is where my pride as an American sank. Justices determined Scott did not have standing for a case, but they still went on to decide the second issue of this case, whether or not the Missouri Compromise, an act that prohibited citizens from owning slaves in specific territories, was constitutional. And this is when my embarrassment as an American set in. The Fifth Amendment states, no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property. The Court found the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional because it stripped slave owners of property [slaves]. Yes, slaves were defined as property. Well, there is your history lesson. Now Ill get to the point. Racism will never die. Ever. I know Im stating the obvious, but there are hundreds of races and thousands of ethnicities and hundreds of countries. The possibility of prejudices will always exist. If it is not one race or ethnicity, there will always be another receiving some specified, unnecessary hatred from another. Racism is an ongoing process. The hate builds off one religion onto one ethnicity and from one ethnicity to another, etc. It is a domino effect. I realize America has made great advancements to unity since the United States Constitution was signed in 1787. Six years after the Dred Scott case, the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all persons held as slaves, was signed. However, it was not until 100 years later, in 1964 that African Americans truly found freedom with the Civil Rights Act. What kind of nation makes their citizens struggle for equality for more than 100 years? A nation whose Constitution was framed to never include them as citizens. Being raised in the South, I believe racism is something that resonates with everyone. History shows that the South is the least susceptive to unity, integration and togetherness. The thing I find most unfathomable about racism is no one chooses to be African-American, or Asian or Caucasian. How can you hate others so passionately for the way they were born? What if you were black instead of white? Female instead of male? If you hate people so passionately based on their race, gender or ethnicity, maybe at the end of the day when you are counting your blessings you should just be thankful you are not them. Realize how lucky you are to be so arrogant that you never have to deal with the inflictions of hatred like the ones you cast upon them. Amie Rolland is a senior journalism major from Shreveport who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to asr017@latech.edu.

As I read the Insight article written by Justin Fort in the Tech Talk dated Feb. 9, 2012, I was impressed by his comments. I was impressed that Mr. Fort seems to have already achieved the Self-Actualization that takes most people a lifetime of experience to achieve. His article covered most of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological needs such as his need to exercise, eat and sleep. His need for love and belonging by visiting with family. Maslows theory concluded that successful people such as Abraham Lincoln, Henry David Thoreau, Albert Einstein and others had achieved self-actualization; he thought they had reached their human potential. Self-actualized people see the world as it is and not as they demand it to be. They are realistic, accepting and other-directed. Mr. Forts statement that he has other things he likes to do that are hindered by class and that teachers get paid to waste their time are far from an adult identity that enhances self-esteem, communication and autonomy. A teachers main objective is to deliver information in a manner that appeals to a variety of learning styles and to offer assistance in that effort to individuals who choose to learn. Mr. Fort has apparentley reached a point in his education where he no longer needs the educational process available to him at La. Tech. To that I say, Bravo, Mr. Fort. You are now ready for the world or law school. As you go through life I hope you will gain the insight needed to treat others with respect, love and understanding so that you can reach your full human potential.

T T ech alk
The student voice of Louisiana Tech University

The

MANAGEMENT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITORS Mary Timmons Rebecca Spence Sherelle Black Naomi Allison Patrick Boyd Justin Fort Amie Rolland Anna Claire Thomas Reina Kempt Dacia Idom Dacia Idom Jessica Van Alstyne Sumeet Shrestha Raven Thissel Dr. Elizabeth Christian Judith Roberts Dr. Reginald Owens Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc Dr. Reginald Owens

THE REEL RUNNER

Films provide insight on society
PATRICK BOYD News Editor What movies do you like? a friend asked me this past week, and even though he asked the question jokingly, after reading my The Woman in Black movie review, it got me thinking. What movies do I like? More importantly, why do I like a certain movie? When I watch a movie, I feel like I get to know myself better. I start to understand what is important to me, and it gives me a platform to evaluate the world around me. When I go to a movie, I try not to let any outside interference factor into my opinion or judgment of a movie, whether that is award nominations a movie may receive or if it is a box office bomb. If I am going to take two hours out of my day to watch a movie, I dont want to be engaged with it in a passive way, but rather provoked to feel something. The average American moviegoer, I am afraid, has subjected himself to a form of passivity when it comes to evaluating anything these days. With so much money going into the Hollywood machine, it surprises me that people would rather expose themselves to anything Hollywood puts on a screen than question a movie and its validity. With the presidential party primaries going on right now, what would happen if no one questioned the candidates? Would we just give power to someone without being critical of them and what they stand for? Dont answer that question. I feel the same goes for movies though. After all, movies represent us. This also goes for any type of art whether it be music, books or dance. There is a wedge driven between art and an audiences expectations. People settling for saying a movie is good or bad, and refuse to look deeper. If escapism is the only goal for seeing a movie, that also bothers me, because if people need to escape for hours at a time, this transforms movies from art into a type of medication. Movies should function as a type of catalyst for the mind-not Valium for the senses. If movies are total garbage, it is only because we have allowed them to get that way. Some may argue that movies are only for entertainment, but what good is entertainment if it dulls the mind? This year movies like War Horse, Melancholia, Moneyball and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo all swept me away, not just because they were entertaining, but because they flexed my intellectual abilities as well. While I think Transformers and Breaking Dawn are nothing better than kindling for a fire, there are benefits to horrible movies like Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and The Woman in Black, primarily because some of the best conversations I have had recently were about these movies. By seeing other peoples reactions to these films, I got to know them better and how they view movies and what is acceptable to them. Good and bad movies can be a cure for passivity, depending on how active you want to be with your thoughts. I watch movies because I want to understand my society and myself better. Movies offer a visual blueprint of just that. Partick Boyd is a senior journalism and English major from Choudrant who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to gpb009@ latech.edu.

SPORTS EDITOR ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ADVERTISING MANAGER ADVISERS ADVERTISING ADVISER PRODUCTION MANAGER ADVERTISING PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT HEAD

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscriptions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.

PUBLICATION
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 146.

POSTAL
Second-class postage paid at Ruston, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272-0045.

WRITE TO US
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. E mails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/lettertotheeditor/.

CONTACT US

NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 ADVERTISING 318.257.4949

February 16, 2012 The T T ech alk 5

World&Nation
Military leaders support Obamas budget plan
ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) Brushing aside congressional opposition, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and the nations top military leader insisted on Tuesday that President Barack Obamas trimmer, $614 billion defense budget will ensure the U.S. advantage worldwide with acceptable risks to the force and missions. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, defended the blueprint that would slash the size of the Army and Marine Corps, cut back on shipbuilding and delay the purchase of some fighter jets and weapons systems. Overall, the budget for 2013 would provide $525.4 billion in base spending and another $88.5 billion for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The total is nearly $32 billion less than this years budget, a reflection of the drawdown in the two conflicts, a decade since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the clamor to reduce the nations deficit. Dempsey acknowledged the inherent risks of a smaller budget, but told the Senate Armed Services Committee, were very confident, because weve worked this collaboratively, that we can mitigate risks by adapting lessons from the last 10 years of war, new emerging capabilities. In the first of three days of congressional testimony for the Pentagon leaders, Panetta said the leadership of the Defense Department military and civilian was unified behind a revised strategy to shift the focus from the long wars to future challenges in Asia, the Mideast and cyberspace and the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The show of unity from the political appointee and the senior officer was meant to deflect criticism from some in Congress, especially Republicans, that a Democratic commander in chief was hollowing out the force. Still, Republicans and Democrats on the panel challenged the administrations call for another round of domestic base closures and raised parochial concerns about the fate of labs, ships and submarines that mean thousands of jobs back home. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the panel, said the Pentagon should look at shutting bases in Europe and overseas before targeting installations in the United States The panels top Republican, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, said the proposed budget continues the administrations habit of putting short-term political considerations over our longterm national security interests. The overall spending was dictated by the budget agreement that Obama and congressional Republicans reached last August that calls for defense cuts of $487 billion over a decade. More troubling to Panetta and lawmakers is the likelihood that automatic, across-theboard cuts will kick in in January unless Congress can come up with at least $1.2 trillion in savings. The Pentagon would face an additional $492 billion in cuts. Panetta called the so-called sequestration a mindless formula. This is why Congress must do everything possible to make sure that we avoid sequestration, he said. We are more than prepared to work with the

AP Photo

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, right, accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Pentagons budget plan. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Congress to try to develop an approach that will de-trigger sequestration. This approach would subject the department to another $500 billion in additional cuts that would be required to take place in a meatax approach. The proposed budget would cut war spending. Money for Iraq and Afghanistan will drop from $115 billion this year to $88.5 billion, with less than $3 billion spent for security in Iraq. It also cuts in half the amount spent on training and equipping Afghanistans security forces a key element to the U.S. effort to gradually withdraw forces and transfer security responsibility to the Afghans. While military personnel still would get a 1.7 percent pay

raise, retirees would get hit with challenging President Bashar have been made on such a rea series of increases in health Assad. He said the United lease. care fees, co-pays and deduct- States is working in the intelliDempsey said he pleaded ibles. The impact would be gence community to develop a with Egypts ruling generals to greater on those who are under better understanding. resolve the crisis with Wash65 and are likely to have anothThe Free Syrian Army, ington over the crackdown on er job, as well as on those who which is, generally speaking, the American nonprofit groups make more money. centerpiece of the opposition, that promote democracy in the The cuts, Dempsey said, is for the most part domestic, Middle East, warning that the will not lead to a military in although we also know that oth- simmering dispute threatens decline. Rather, this budget will er regional actors are providing billions in U.S. aid and the remaintain our militarys decisive support. That complicates the lationship between the two naedge and help sustain Ameri- situation, Dempsey said. tions. He stopped short of saycas global leadership. McCain and a few other sen- ing whether his appeals during During four hours-plus ators have called for arming the a recent trip to Egypt swayed of testimony, Panetta and Syrian rebels. the generals to drop charges Dempsey addressed questions Panetta said he will not against pro-democracy workabout the worlds hotspots approve the release of any Tali- ers. Iran, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Af- ban from the Guantanamo Bay, Panetta said he does not ghanistan. Cuba, military prison as part of think Israel has made a decision On Syria, Dempsey said Afghan peace talks unless hes to launch a military strike on the Pentagon does not have a sure they wont return to the Iran to thwart its nuclear ambiclear picture of the opposition battlefield. He said no decisions tions. PM Page 1 Photographers Wanted 2012:Lagniappe Photographers 2/15/12 2:28

Newly revived Monroe speedway gets NASCAR

ASSOCIATED PRESS MONROE, La. (AP) A revived auto racing track in Monroe has reclaimed a NASCAR affiliation. Now known as Revolution Park, the concrete oval at the 55-acre, 4,000-seat complex is the only NASCAR-affiliated track in Louisiana. The NewsStar (http://tnsne.ws/xUH1nS) reported that racing begins April 21 with a grand opening event scheduled for May 5. Drivers will compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Monroe businessman Gus Campbell bought the idle track then known as the Monroe Motor Speedway in November. It was built for about $6.3 million in 2008 but was plagued early by rain-outs and later by management turnover. Its last race was in June 2010. The NASCAR affiliation was announced Monday by Campbell and NASCARs Bob Duval. Weekly racing is the foundation of NASCARs business, Duval said. When you look at the sprint car stars on Sundays, youre looking at drivers who started racing somewhere like this. Monroe is a great market for NASCAR to bin and we look forward to being affiliated with Revolution Park. Campbell also plans to diversify the entertainment at the track, scheduling concerts and other events on non-racing weekends or weeknights. Campbell said he has already invested in capital improvements like draining, road and gravel work and the addition of a 150-seat bleacher section for drivers teams. I feel passionate about this project, Campbell said. Its too nice of a facility not to share it with the community. Were going to set the bar high and when we crank it up its going to be the premier racing venue for this part of the country.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

WANTED
for the Lagniappe
2013 yearbook

&T echT alk

The

Must have a digital SLR camera and an interest in covering Tech activities. Great practical experience for photography majors. OPEN TO ALL MAJORS!
FOR LAGNIAPPE INQUIRES: Email sample work and inquiries to dsi004@latech.edu. FOR TECH TALK INQUIRES: Contact Michael LeBlanc, production mgr. at 318-257-3201. Email samples to mleblanc@latech.edu.

APARTMENT
rentals
1 & 2 BR/1 BA apts. 2br/2.5 ba Condos W/D, wifi, sec. sys.

318-242-0003

Wesleys
Computer REPAIR
Virus Scan/Removal Windows Recovery Dual Boot Laptop Screen Repair Hard Drive Recovery Home Networking

Act Now! First 10 computers LABOR FREE!

CALL 985.855.9373
Find us on FACEBOOK

LETS BE FRIENDS!
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

T T ech alk

The

Distractions
SUDOKUPUZZLE
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. Difficulty Medium www.sudoku-puzzles.net
Go back | Print | Help

6 The T T ech alk February 16, 2012

BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for July 15, 2011

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CROSSWORDPUZZLE

www.sudoku-puzzles.net
10 11 12 13

LAST EDITIONS SOLUTION

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
Aries March 21 April 19 Rumors may be circulating today, Aries, which could cause a certain panic. Some of your friends and colleagues could be calling you at home to discuss the matter. However, these rumors are probably based on little more than gossip, so dont take them seriously. Someone could have an axe to grind and tend to blow things all out of proportion. Try not to engage in this gossip. Stay calm and let your callers know that, for you, the best strategy seems to be to wait for the situation to grow clearer. That should get you through. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Bizarre news that comes to you from far away, possibly via email or the Internet, could be spreading like wildfire among the people you know and causing a lot of excitement, Taurus. Take care that you dont get too excited, since this is very likely to be misinformation that some rather weird minds have garbled. Consider it interesting, think about it, but dont take it seriously unless reliable sources confirm it. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Some rather disturbing news about trends in the world economy could have you and everyone around you worrying about your financial future. Have faith, Gemini. What youre hearing may be total misinformation. The future is probably going to shape up to be far different than the picture you draw from the news. In fact, you might find that your own personal finances take a definite turn for the better. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Get-togethers with friends today could prove a bit unsettling, Cancer, as someone who attends them could throw out an opinion or possibility that seems rather shocking. This opinion, however, is likely to be based on rumor, gossip, and other misinformation, so it would be a good idea to suggest that these concepts be explored in order to ascertain the facts. Theyll probably turn out to be far more positive than you hear today. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Someone close to you could develop some strange symptoms that cause this person to panic. It never hurts to consult a doctor, but when this person does, he or she is likely to find that these problems are probably nothing more than stress, too much work, or overindulgence in food or drink. Therefore, dont you panic, too! You might find yourself making phone calls or running errands to enable your friend to get some rest. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Group activities might prove a little unsettling for you today, Virgo. Animated discussions could turn into angry quarrels and this could offend your desire for harmony. A lot of misinformation could be exchanged today and cause confusion and short tempers. Stay home if you can, but if you must go out, dont be afraid to leave at the first sign of arguments. They arent likely to accomplish much after that anyway. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 A member of your household is likely to be in a very strange mood today, Libra. This person has heard some news that is confusing and probably untrue and therefore is wondering what effect this would have on their situation. If he or she discusses it with you, the best advice you could give would be to not panic until theres a chance to check the facts. The truth is probably a lot different from what youve all heard. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Attempts to contact others in different states or foreign countries today could go awry, Scorpio, as technology that we tend to take for granted, such as telephones and the Internet, could malfunction, perhaps due to solar flares. There isnt much point in making yourself crazy, as this is beyond human control. The only thing you can do is wait! In the meantime, do something else that you love.

www.horoscopes.com.net
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Machines involved in financial transactions, such as ATMs, phone systems, or banking websites could malfunction today, Sagittarius, so you might have to resort to dealing with money in the old fashioned way: by going into the bank or writing checks. Electrical storms or solar flares could be interfering with satellite signals, so there isnt much you can do. Needless to say, this isnt a good day to make any major financial transactions. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 This might be a good day to take some time for yourself, Capricorn. Contact with others, no matter how much you love them, isnt likely to go well, as most people are probably restless and in uncertain moods. This is a good day to catch up on your reading or web surfing and work on projects of your own that you may have been neglecting for a while. You can always contact your friends tomorrow! Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Today you might be trying to learn about a new form of modern technology, perhaps computer related, Aquarius, and you could find it too confusing for words. Your brain could be going into overload, so its probably best to take it one step at a time! Its also important to remember to take breaks and clear your head. Too much information all at once could result in your not being able to absorb any of it. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Weirdness is the keyword for today, Pisces. You could be flooded with information from newspapers or the Internet that seems very strange to you. Theres a reason for this. Its very likely to be misinformation! Dont be afraid to take it with a grain of salt, even though others take it very seriously. Hang on to your skepticism, and dont pass the information on unless you preface it with your honest opinion.

Across Across 14 15 16 1- Diamond protectors; 6- Of 1. Diamond protectors 6. Of high grade General ___ high grade; 1018 19 10. General ___ chicken 15- "___ 17 chicken; 14- Farewell; 14. Farewell 16- Lhasa ___; 17Brockovich"; 21 22 23 15. ___ Brockovich Biblical spy; 18- Fabric ridge; 19- 20 16. Lhasa ___ Capone's nemesis; 20- Boring 24 25 26 17. BiblicalPalace of a sultan; 24tool; 22- spy 18. Fabric ridgeSlender; 27Bottle lid; 2627 28 29 30 31 19. Capones nemesis Freckle; 31- 100 square meters; 20. Boring Wrigley Field's walls; 32- Like tool 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 22. Palacea toad; 36- Half a fly; 33- Like of a sultan 24. Bottle lid 39- Open ___ night; 4039 40 41 26. Slender Crusoe's creator; 41- Leak 27. Freckle Cheer for Manolete; 42 43 44 slowly; 4231. 100 square meters 43- Arranges in groups; 4432. Like Wrigley FieldsKane" studio; 45 46 47 Sham; 45- "Citizen walls 33. Like a toadrubber; 48- Scoffs; 46- Inelastic 48 49 50 51 36. Half a fly 52- Implies; 5451- Hit sign; 39. Open 59- night ___; 60- Travel Finally; ___ Dies 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 40. Crusoes creator 62from place to place; 41. Leak slowly Drops from the Hazardous; 6359 60 61 62 42. Cheer for Manolete 65- Like sky; 64- Gutter locale; 43. Arranges in groups 67- School Cheerios; 66- Ammo; 63 64 65 44. Sham Commerce; orgs.; 6845. Citizen Kane studio 66 67 68 46. Inelastic rubber Down 48. Scoffs 1- Diplomacy; 2- Purim month; 351. Hit sign Quick look; 5- Slightly sour; 6- Not many; 7- Some nest eggs; 8- Frasier's brother; 9Anger; 4Davis 52. 52. Implies10- Snarl; 11- European12. Actor12- Actor Davis; 13- Fair; 21-Letter opener Ethereal; 25Weaken; wheat; Badger; 2313. Fair 53. Capital of Fiji 54. Finally 27- Prom wheels; 28- "The ___ Dead", classic horror movie; 29- Greek goddess of Strength; 21. Badger 55. Make-up artist? 59. Dies ___ Driver's aid; 34- P.m.; 35- Thorny flowers; 36- Actress Garr; 37- Denomination; 38victory; 3023. Ethereal 56. Dog star 60. Travel blade; 40- to place Blunted from place Threshold; 41- 25. Strengthhonorific; 43- ___-Ball; 57. Timetable, for short sheep; Japanese 44- Hoof infection of 62. Hazardous 47- Bikini top; 48- Twilled fabric of silk; 49- Marsh of mystery; 50- Brown ermine; 45- Governor; 27. Prom wheels 58. Actress Daly 63. Drops from the sky Capital of Fiji; 55- Make-up artist?; 56- Dog star; 57- Timetable, for short; 52- Letter opener; 5328. The ___ Dead, classic 61. Hi-___ 64. Gutter locale 61- Hi-___; 58- Actress Daly; horror movie 65. Like Cheerios 29. Greek goddess of victory 66. Ammo 30. Drivers aid LAST EDITIONS SOLUTION 67. School orgs. 34. P.m. BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for July 14, 2011 68. Commerce A C T I N S I P S S C A D 35. Thorny flowers Across 1- Join the cast of; 6- Drinks R E U S E C R E E T A P E slowly; 10- Great quantity; 1436. Actress Garr Employ again; 15- Manitoba Down Record with a VCR; 37. Denomination native; 16-woven wall hanging; A R R A S H A G S E S S E 17- Hand 1. Diplomacy L O N G T I M E S K A T E R 18- Crones; 38. Blunted blade videri" (North19- "___ quam Carolina's motto); O L E O S I A M E S E 2. Purim month 20- Longstanding; 22- Hockey 40. Threshold player, e.g.; 24- Bread spread; L A R G E R A T O P 3. Anger 25cats; 26- More 41. Japanese honorificLike someLooking down O N E I E M B O N P O I N T massive; 294. Quick look from; 30- Dedicated to the ___ N I E C E Y O N A P N E A 43. ___-Ball Love; 31- Stoutness; 37- Bridget Fonda, to Jane; 39- Hither's 5. Slightly sour partner; 40disorder; 44. Hoof infection of sheep Sleepeagles; 45-41- I L L S T A R R E D E R N S Unlucky; 44- Sea 6. Not many H U R T A G R E E S Injure; 46- Concurs; 4845. Governor Abdomen; 52- Bric-a-___; 537. Some nest eggs B R A C Occupant; 54- Extraordinary; 58- S T O M A C H 47. Bikini top Mine finds; 59- Rapper born T E N A N T S I N G U L A R 8. Frasiers brother Tracy Marrow; 48. Twilled fabric of silk ___!; 63-61- Sphere; 62- I O R E S I C E T G L O B E smell Writer Sarah ___ 9. Weaken Jewett; 64- Clear; 65- Makes 49. Marsh of mysterylace; 66- Kernels; 67- Gives off; A R A T O R N E L U C I D 10. Snarl T A T S N U T S E M I T S 50. Brown ermine Down sea; 2- Atlantic 1- Asian 11. European wheat mackerel; 3- Rotate; 4- Introductory studies; 5- Snuggle; 6- Jerk; 7- Dies ___; 8- Fastener; 9Go back | Print | Help
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16 19 11 12 13 14 17 20 15 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 37 41 27 28 29 31 32 39 33 34 35 36 38 40 42 43 46 44 45 47 48 53 58 62 65 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 59 63 66 60 61 64 67

Official sitting; 10- Water vapor; 11- Brahmin, e.g.; 12- Church areas; 13- Caterpillar rival; 21Able was ___...; 23- Tenth letter of the Greek alphabet; 25- Rock; 26- Actress Anderson; 27Indigo; 28- Film spool; 29- Cancel; 32- Incense gum; 33- Covering flap on a seed vessel; 34- As to; 35- Branta sandvicensis; 36- Soviet news service; 38- Actor Hawke; 42- Public sale; 43Mend with rows of stitches; 47- Flock of geese; 48- Brown ermine; 49- Earth; 50- ___ a time; 51Poles for sails; 52- Seizes with teeth; 54- Dispatched; 55- Centers of activity; 56- Slightly; 57Cincinnati club; 60- French vineyard;

WEEKLYWEATHER
TODAY
HIGH 68 LOW 43

www.accuweather.com
SATURDAY
HIGH 53 LOW 34 SUNDAY HIGH 58 LOW 34

DAILY U

Email feedback to dwyer@latech.edu

FRIDAY
HIGH 64 LOW 46

MONDAY HIGH 64 LOW 51

TUESDAY HIGH 65 LOW 42

WEDNESDAY HIGH 66 LOW 45

>

DART from pg. 1

while domestic violence makes up such a large portion of our entertainment, people just arent all that interested in learning about local domestic violence. Its very disheartening to hear those statistics havent changed. Some Tech students like Ann Odom, a sophomore elementary education major, said she had no idea the statistic was so high. You dont see it that often around campus and when people tell you that its hard to believe, she said. DART is an organization that assists victims of family violence. Faircloth said it also empowers women, fosters independence and educates them on their rights so they can make an informed decision about

what they want to do with their lives. Faircloth said DART serves people in North Central Louisiana, including a Ruston office in Lincoln Parish. She said they assisted more than 700 people last year. Odom said she believes domestic abuse is a big issue on a national scale because she sees it often on television but its not so much of an issue on a local scale. You dont really think about it until you see it or it happens to someone you know, she said. Faircloth said there is an increase in danger in the collegeage range. Women ages 16-24 are more likely to be victims of dating violence. Jared Simoneaux, a sophomore wildlife management major, said people might not notice domestic violence because they

may be trying to hide the abuse. Its kind of embarrassing when you think about it, he said. They are hurting a member of their own family. Faircloth said being a victim of abuse is similar to being a prisoner of war. She said that batterers have an innate knowledge of the techniques of psychological torturers. Women are so stressed out and so tortured that in severely abusive relationships just surviving from day to day becomes the priority, she said. DART has a 12-bed shelter at a confidential location to serve as a safe place for victims who need it, Faircloth said. We have a staff there 24/7 and a crisis line that rings in the shelter 24/7, she said. Help is just a phone call away.

Skip Russell s

Campus Washateria
Just East of Tech Campus
Next to University Apartments behind Wesley Foundation

Email comments to mmb041@latech.edu.

Wesley

Wyly Tower

Keeny Hall

Strawberry Skydive

TM

744 Celebrity Dr. Ruston, LA 7127 (318) 251 - 2600

t Butter Galaxy Peanu

TM

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965 YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US

Chocolate 2 the X treme

TM

B Better

atter Boogie Board

TM

ADVERTISE WITH THE TECH TALK TODAY!

Gain exposure to a campus of over 11,000 students, faculty and staff. What are you waiting for? Call 318.257.4949 to speak to an ad representative. Or email us at techtalkads@latech.edu.

*Recipient of the National Ice Cream Retailers Association Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence

Alabama

Campus Washateria

Louisiana Ave.

Texas

The Best Ice Cream in America!*

Open 24 hours / 7 days a week Cleanest in town New machines Air Conditioned
Homer St.

More Talk

February 16, 2012 The T T ech alk 7

Emily Weidner, a student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, is a visiting student at Tech this quarter.

A Class in Etiquette
REBECCA SPENCE ASSOCIATE EDITOR More than a dozen visually impaired students are enrolled or visiting in classes at Tech this quarter and more than 30 can be seen roaming the campus either in training or just strolling. In Ruston this is normal for most students, but before enrolling at Tech many students have not been exposed to blind or visually impaired people on a daily basis. Some students such as Barbara Baldwin, a junior kinesology and health promotion major, did not have any visually impaired student in their high school. I came from a very small school, Baldwin said. I dont think I ever interacted with a visually impaired student before coming to Tech. The transition from a high school with only sighted people, to a university with a growing blind population could be confusing in the interaction. It is hard to know when to help because you want to help someone if they seem to be in need, Baldwin said. However, it is a tricky situation because you do not want to embarrass or offend an individual if they do not need help. Stacy Lolley, coordinator of disability services, agreed that the blind students who come to the testing center do not need very much help aside from the programs they offer that aide in reading the exams. Lolley said the homework and class material is worked out with their professors so that the visually impaired students can learn the information with the same opportunities of a sighted person. The students come here to take exams by using screen reader programs, listening to the exams or getting the exams font enlarged, Lolley said. We provide a way for the students to complete their schoolwork, and then they can take it over from there. Visually impaired students are on the same grading scale as sighted students and have the same entrance requirements for gaining admittance to Tech. The Institute on Blindness also offers a Masters program for visually impaired students, Lolley said. There are also classes that train visually impaired students to become mobility instructors. Roland Allen, a cane instructor at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, is what the Institute on Blindness trains individuals to become. Allen said this program teaches visually impaired or blind people how to navigate around Ruston and on campus by using canes. You may see some people around campus in that (mobility instructor) program because it takes two to learn how to do that, Allen said. There are quite a few blind people around campus right now. Allen also said that blind people sometimes lose focus or get a little disoriented if they are new in their training, and that this is the time that you can offer, but never force help upon these students. It is OK if you go up to them and offer them some assistance, but if they say no, it is important for you to leave, Allen said. If this tactic does not seem like enough help in your own mind, Allen said to still respect the persons space and trust him, because most of the time if he is just directed in the right area, he will know how to travel there. To verify, I may repeat the directions back to you and point in the directions of the places, Allen said. If I have them right, then thats it, and Ill be on my way. I dont need any more help after that. There are certain techniques used, such as shore lining, for when blind people are walking on streets without sidewalks. Shore lining is when a blind person and his cane stay as close to the curb as possible. Allen said if you see people shore lining, you should not be startled or worried because they know what they are doing. He said sometimes peoples minds wander or they become unfocused, and this is when it is vital to help. When you see a blind person in the middle of the street, it is ok to say to them, you are in the middle of the street, you may want to go to the right, Allen said. Even if they say they dont need help, it is never OK for people to be in the middle of the street. Allen also said the manner in which you direct a blind person is important. Blind students are just like every other student, except they cannot see and Allen wants Tech to be aware of that. A blind person doesnt want to be touched just as much as a sighted person doesnt want to be touched, Allen said. Grabbing me by the shoulders and turning me in the direction of a place is unacceptable. There have been cases where people have grabbed Allens cane and tried to drag him toward his destination. He said this is distasteful and even dangerous for the person with the cane. Tree branches, bikes parked in odd places and uneven sidewalks are some of the things that aid in disorientation. Lolley said Tech tries to prevent potentially dangerous situations as well. If these things are in the way, it can just make it a little bit harder on them getting where they need to go, Lolley said. If a bike is parked on the stairs, it could be hazardous and cause a student to fall down the steps. Tech and Ruston both have been working on making the campus and downtown area more pedestrian friendly, which, in turn, will make it easier for visually impaired or blind individuals as well. Tech is working on putting Braille signs in all of the new buildings that are being built on-campus, as well as curb cuts. Curb cuts are the yellow square pads at the end of sidewalks with raised bumps in them so that blind people will know the sidewalk is ending. Things that are beneficial to pedestrians as a whole, sighted or blind are good investments, but Allen said changes specifically for blind students are looked down upon by most blind people. We dont want any modifications to the campus or to the street; we dont want any modifications at all, Allen said.We dont want the world to adjust to us; we want to adjust to the world. Allen said if money is going to be spent on something for blind people, it should be something substantial, for life after graduation from the Center for the Blind or Tech. If money is going to be spent, we want it to be spent on training for jobs, so people can be employed when they leave here, he said. Here at the Center we train people to travel without using those things. Because many blind people are so independent it is easy for sighted people to be amazed at their daily accomplishments. But Allen said the largest hope for blind or visually impaired people is that they will not be treated differently from anyone else. He hopes that students at Tech will not stereotype, because they are just as diverse as sighted students. We like sports, we like watching football, baseball, we go on trips, we talk about politics, we are just like anybody else, Allen said. Blind people are not amazing, we are just out there doing what is necessary to live our lives.

Appropriate ways to interact with blind students at Tech

Photo by Sumeet Shoestha

If you see a blind student:

Do
Say hello when you pass by. Ask if assistance is needed. If help is declined, walk away. Park your bike on the bike rack. Report hanging branches to Tech Police.

Dont
Grab shoulders to direct. Continue to help after help is declined. Ignore completely. Be startled if you see a blind person Shore lining.

Email comments to res022@latech.edu.

Sports Talk
ANNA CLAIRE THOMAS Sports Editor REINA KEMPT Associate Sports Editor Its quickly approaching springtime in Ruston which can only mean one thing: the return of Bulldog baseball and Lady Techster softball to keep us busy. The Bulldogs are ready to slide into the 2012 campaign, starting with a three-game home series against UT-Arlington Friday through Sunday at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. The Dogs are coming off a season that saw them go 34-27 and return some key components to last years squad despite losing a few of their star players in last years Major League Baseball Draft. Junior pitcher Jeb Stefan will no doubt shine on the mound for Tech after posting an earned run average of 4.52 last season and notching seven wins on the year. Head coach Wade Simoneaux said his team will feed off the leadership of his upperclassmen, his two seniors, first basemen Alex Williams and outfielder Justin Gordey in particular. They lead by the examples they set, he said. Theyre not really the vocal type. They set good examples for our guys on and off the field. Theyve stepped up as leaders and we have a good group of juniors as well. Simoneaux spoke of the importance of having good chemistry within the team, which he thinks has been top notch so far this spring. Its the best since Ive been here, he said. They like each other a lot and they play hard together. Hopefully well start this season the way we finished last year. While the Bulldog baseball team has yet to begin their campaign, the Lady Techster softball team is in full swing, with the team playing in last weekends LSU tournament that saw them leave Baton Rouge with a 1-3 record on the year. After matching up with tough competition last weekend, the Lady Techster softball team look to impress in the UL-Lafayette Tournament Friday through Sunday as they will play five games in a span of three days. They will meet up with notably good teams like North Carolina, Northwestern and the host team ULL in the tournament. The Techsters have already experienced some hardships this early in the season with losses against teams like LSU and two nail-biters to Michigan last weekend as they competed in the LSU Tournament. With a preseason Western Athletic Conference ranking of six out of eight teams, head coach Sarah Dawson said the team has to stay focused. We just have to focus on ourselves, Dawson said. We have a lot of figuring out to do and we will come into every game striving to get better. Dawson said she is looking forward to her squad showing their focus with a difficult schedule in store. More importantly, she looks for her upperclassmen like senior catcher Allie Geisler and senior outfielder Kendra Harmon to keep the five freshman they have on the squad level headed. Dawson said while she can guarantee that a few of the freshmen will be put to the test early, she expects them to step up and play hard this season. Also, with their main pitcher from last year graduated, Dawson is still trying to find a perfect fit to fill that position. Geisler is seen as the most vocal Techster on the squad and she said being the veteran leader on the field is something she feels she needs to do. Im someone people can turn to when they have a question, Geisler said. I know about this game so Im able to help them out. The freshmen make it easy because they want to listen and learn. Both teams are set to take to the diamond this weekend in their respective contests.

February 16, 2012 The T T ech alk 8

Baseball, softball kick off seasons

FROM THE SPORTS DESK
with ANNA CLAIRE THOMAS

Spring season brings new interests

Archived Photos

Email comments to act013@latech.edu or rjk007@latech.edu.

Top: Senior outfielder Justin Gordey and the Bulldog baseball squad will kick off their 2012 season Friday as they begin a three-game series with UT-Arlington at J.C. Love Field. Bottom: Senior outfielder Kendra Harmin will try to keep the Lady Techster softball team in the win column Friday as they begin the UL-Lafayette Tournament.

Lady Techsters look to continue Bulldogs set for two-game winning streak at home non-conference
DEREK AMAYA Sports Reporter After almost being upset by the Idaho Vandals with a close score of 61-57 on Feb. 11, the Lady Techsters (13-11, 6-3 WAC) are trying to finish the regular season on a strong note as they take on San Jose State, Hawaii and New Mexico State in a threegame homestand. Senior forward Shantale Bramble-Donaldson has been the leader this team needs lately as she scored a career-high 25 points and snatched 14 rebounds against Idaho, earning her the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week award last week. Bramble-Donaldson said the next few games are going to be crucial for the Techsters if they want a chance to jump ahead in the WAC standings. These next couple of games are going to be really important, Bramble-Donaldson said. We have to do whatever we have to do to get the win. There will be times theyll have runs, but we need to have more. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said the teams they have played are talented and work hard, but continues to stress to the team to continue to play aggressive basketball in order for them to be successful. We are going in the direction we need to be going in right now, she said. It is funny how your team starts to peak at the right time. Our kids are doing much better in sharing the basketball and playing better. Senior guard Angie Felton finished the Idaho game with four points and six rebounds, helping her team pull out another tough win on the road despite the typical tiring of bodies this late in the season. Down the stretch our bodies get tired, but we come in and work to get better, she said. We got our fans behind us to give us energy and keep us motivated. San Jose State was on the down side, but they have a lot more talent and its going to be a hard competition. San Jose States last win came against Hawaii 67-58 and Hawaii has not played well toward the end of the season losing against several conference teams. We have told our kids the whole way that we must protect home, Weatherspoon said. Weve done great on the road, but we must take care of the house. San Jose State is a very good basketball team under a coach who has lifted up their spirits. She said San Jose State plays great pounding in the paint and defensively covers the paint to force teams to shoot the ball more. We have to take it a game at a time and possession at a time, Weatherspoon said. Once our kids understand the value of every possession, theyll understand what it takes to make a defensive stop or rebound. Donaldson said the team wants to prove to the other conference teams the Lady Techsters were predicted first in the WAC for a reason and they are prepared to accept the challenge. Going through the conference games, the game gets harder, she said. Every team wants to go the tournament and it is very important to keep up the intensity. The Lady Techsters play San Jose State in the Thomas Assembly Center at 6 p.m. tonight and Hawaii at 6 p.m. Saturday on their home court as well. For updates of the game, follow The Tech Talk sports page on Twitter at www.twitter. com/techtalksports. The game can also be heard on the LATech Sports Network on ESPN 97.7 FM with Malcolm Butler with the call for the Lady Techsters. REINA KEMPT Associate Sports Editor After a 3-7 start in conference play, the Bulldog basketball team is looking to work their way to a higher ranking in conference play in order to receive a higher seed in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. In order to do that, they will test themselves against North Dakota (11-12) and Central Arkansas (7-16) in two non-conference games to stay prepped for the tournament. Tech will host North Dakota at the Thomas Assembly Center tonight at 8 p.m. and Central Arkansas Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the annual Bracket Buster. Tech has been steadily improving on the offensive end where they have struggled throughout conference play, but the little things have kept them from finishing out close games. Freshman guard Kenneth Smith said losing two very close games to the undefeated Nevada and the hot-shooting New Mexico State gives them motivation to know that they can beat these squads. We go back and look at the film and see our mistakes and what we couldve done different to beat these teams, Smith said. We know we can do better and we can beat any team in the conference. Smith said there are some things they strive to get better at as a team, and there are also some individual things he needs to work on to contribute to the success of the team.

matchups at home
We dont box out and we dont get every rebound, Smith said. Its small mistakes. I have to work on my defense and my jump shot. Senior forward Romario Souza said that the little things like free throws and rebounding are going to make a big difference going into the WAC Tournament. The tournament is going to be three games in three days, which is going to take some stamina for the Bulldogs to pull through and stay competitive this late in the season. In preparation and in order to stay in shape, Tech has scheduled two non-conference games against North Dakota and Central Arkansas instead of taking a week and a half off during their down time in conference play. Conditioning is a big part of head coach Michael Whites game plan according to Souza and has helped him down the stretch. I lost 30 pounds since coach got here this year, Souza said. He always stress being in shape and its what we have to do to play our best. Tech has to come together and figure out what theyre missing before the WAC Tournament as they look to finish their season off strong and shock their conference opponents. Both games can be followed on Gametracker or fans can tune in to KXKZ 107.5 FM and KJVC 92.7 FM with Dave Nitz with the call for the Bulldogs in both contests.

e are starting to see a change in our sports interests as of late, with the addition of the spring sports on our calendars. While basketball, tennis, bowling and track are well into their spring seasons, the Bulldog baseball and Lady Techster softball teams are just getting into the swing of things and are poised for promising 2012 campaigns with big things in store for them this year. Every year we spend winter quarter in a sports frenzy over football championships and last minute buzzer beaters in basketball, but once Tech takes to the diamond come February, all those worries are replaced with the relaxing sounds of the crack of the bat on a sunny spring day. Both squads are set for promising seasons, despite losing several key members that made last years teams successful. The Bulldogs have welcomed 15 fresh faces to this years squad, but will look to the upperclassmen for leadership down the stretch this season. As for the Techsters, who have already begun their season, nine upperclassmen are expected to make big contributions to the squad. These improvements made will no doubt make for a great season for both squads on the diamond. Theres always been something about baseball and softball that seemed very calming. Maybe its the predictability, and at the same time unpredictability, that come with the sports. Or maybe its just because the focus that football and basketball requires is not quite as intense for baseball. After watching both teams religiously for the past four years, I can honestly say there is nothing more relaxing than sitting in the stands on a Sunday afternoon watching Tech take to the diamond. I cant help but feel the excitement of a kid when thinking of the prospect of those lazy weekends spent at the ballpark. Al Gallagher once said, There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family and baseball. The only problem--once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. I cant help but agree with Al-at least during the spring. Anna Claire Thomas is a senior journalism major from Monroe who serves as sports editor. Email comments to act013@latech.edu.

UPCOMING ATHLETICS

BULLDOG BASKETBALL

vs. North Dakota - 2/16 8 p.m. vs. Central Arkansas - 2/18 3:30 p.m.

LADY TECHSTER BASKETBALL

vs. San Jose State - 2/16 6 p.m. vs. New Mexico State - 2/18 6 p.m.

BULLDOG BASEBALL
vs. UT-Arlington 2/17 6 p.m. 2/18 3:30 p.m. 2/19 1 p.m.

Photo by Dacia Idom

Senior forward Shantale Bramble-Donaldson has been on fire as of late for Tech, and she and the Techsters return to action tonight at 6 p.m. to face San Jose State in the Thomas Assembly Center.

LADY TECHSTER SOFTBALL

Email comments to dja014@latech.edu.

Email comments to rjk007@latech.edu.

at UL-Lafayette Tournament 2/17-19