Tech and World War II

Lone Survivor
lives to see another day
PAGE 5

See what one student discovered in her research

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THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG JANUARY 24, 2014 VOLUME 88 ISSUE 12
IAN EDWARDS Staff Reporter

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Local teachers honored by hall of fame inductions

Kevin Reddic, a senior photography major, looks through Megan Singletons work on display.

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Artist nds inspiration in swamp

WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter

eagan Singleton is not from Louisiana, but she appreciates the unique nature that the state offers. Singleton is an artist whose work is currently on display at the Visual Arts Center and gave a lecture Tuesday about her artwork. Singleton said that getting out and exploring the nature of Louisiana really changed her work both out in the eld and in her scholarly research. Singleton has been an artist and paper maker for more than 10 years. I like Meagan Singletons work a lot, said Frank Hamrick, an associate professor of

photography and book art at invasive aquatic plants. Tech. I crossed paths with her Singleton said she was ina couple of years ago in North terested in learning about difCarolina where she was basi- ferent aquatic plants and their cally a co-teacher uses for making pafor me instead of per. a studio assistant. One of the main She went to places that Singlegraduate school ton did her research in Louisiana from was the Manchac 2009-2012. swamp, which is an I fell in love area by Lake Ponwith the Louisiana tchartrain. landscape during The place graduate school; where I went to get that is where the my plants was only idea for this show about one hour came from, Sinaway from where I HAMRICK gleton said. was living so it was The show is inconvenient for me, terpretations of the Louisiana Singleton said. landscape in conjunction with Singleton said she contribresearching the materiality utes a lot of her success to her and the destructive beauty of husband and all that he does

for her and her business. He is a great help to me, he paddles the boat for me when I go out collecting plants, is my studio assistant and I could not do any of this without him, Singleton said. She said that learning about the history of the location was one of her ambitions. Singleton said that Manchac swamp was a prehistoric cypress grove that was logged out in the turn of the 20th century and never had the chance to grow back. Singleton said that the two plants that she worked with were alligator weed and the water hyacinth. I wanted to do something with the water hyacinth, a

The Retired Teachers Hall of Fame held its second annual gathering Jan. 5 to honor teachers from the pre-segregation era for outstanding contributions to education in the North Louisiana region. Lizzie B. White, a former Tech English professor, said there is a selection process involved in becoming an inductee. The criteria one must meet to become an inductee are you must be 80 years old or older, from the parishes of Lincoln, Union, Jackson or Ouachita; and you need to have taught in the elementary or secondary school system prior to the national mandate for public school integration, said White, a member of Lincoln Parishs selection committee. White said seeking inductees is fairly easy, as people know plenty of teachers who meet the criteria for selection. An article is published in the ofcial newspaper for each parish, asking the public to submit nominations, she said. Also, announcements are sent to area churches and posted on the website of our biggest afliate church, Jerusalem Baptist of Calhoun. This year, we had 23 inductees, 10 of whom are Lincoln Parish residents. White said the idea for the event came from the churchs pastor, the Rev. Don White. He sought out committee members from each parish, members who were not necessarily a member of Jerusalem, she said. I agreed to help as a retired teacher, myself and his mother. Pastor Don White said the idea came from when he honored a former teacher of his. The idea for the event came to me when I gave a plaque of recognition to my kindergarten teacher and saw her eyes light up, he said. She was so appreciative and she told me black teachers from that era had never been recognized for their contributions in the difcult times of separate, but equal schools. Id been incubating this idea for years, and this particular instance drove me to act.

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Szymanski speaks at coaches conference

WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter The strength and conditioning coach from the Louisiana Tech baseball team gave a lecture on his eld of expertise. Dr. David Szymanski spoke Jan. 11 at the National Strength and Conditioning Associations (NSCA) 2014 Coaches Conference in Indianapolis, Ind. The presentation was titled Essential Components to a Baseball Resistance Training Program. Szymanski, a former college baseball player, is an associate professor of kinesiology at Louisiana Tech. Szymanski talked about what he thinks the necessary components of resistance training for baseball players are. Once I did that, I showed them exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and the surrounding muscles, Szymanski said. I also showed them stretches to improve on internal rotation or torque on the inside of the cuff. Szymanski discussed the strain that the sport of baseball puts on the rotator cuff and scapula and of the injuries associated with it. Szymanski noted that athletes have greater external rotation or pressure on the outside of the shoulder than the average person and less internal rotation. Szymanski also deThose are the muscles in- scribed the adjustments side the rotator cuff that ef- to make for those athletes fect that an athletes throw- who can not perform cering motion through the tain exercises in the weight years can have. room. With tests After that, I that have gone talked about the on in the physical tier system used therapy world, by Joe Kenn, we have been Szymanski addlooking at the ed. asymmetries of Kenn is the players between strength and their dominant conditioning and non-domicoach for the nant side, SzyCarolina Panmanski said. thers and is also SZYMANSKI That is the a member of the difference in NSCA. strength from their domiSzymanski discussed nant arm and their non- how he has modied the dominant arm. Kenn system to t baseball players instead of football players. He said he changed the bench press and the power clean routines to make them less stressful on the shoulders and muscles around it. I explained how to arrange the exercises of the system in order to get the most out of the workout, Szymanski said. Szymanski said he explained to the coaches and trainers how to break up the seasons into three the offseason, preseason and in-season. He said he explained the difference in the novice workouts for the torso and the workouts that experts

2 The T ech T alk January 24, 2014

NEWS

know to be more effective. Szymanski said the exercises that are the most effective are those with a medicine ball that involve explosion. There were about 90 slides and I had about 50 minutes to go through and had certain points of emphasis that I elaborated on and other points I did not, Szymanski said. Szymanski said he teaches what he knows to the students who help him with the baseball team but is open to having seminars here at Tech if enough interest is generated.

Email comments to bwt008@latech.edu.

Graduate student researches Tech in the WWII era

IAN EDWARDS Staff Reporter While people may know the general statistics of World War II, such as the number of casualties, chances are they do not know just how close to Tech the wars aftermath was. According to award-winning research by Brittany Cofnbargar, a second-year history graduate student, Techs enrollment, like that at many other schools, increased dramatically once the Servicemens Readjustment Act, also known as the G.I. Bill, was passed in 1944. Cofnbargars study received rst place in the 2013 Graduate Division of the North Louisiana Historical Associations annual Overdyke Prize competition for the best research paper on North Louisiana history. Over a thousand new students enrolled in the fall of 1946, Cofnbargar said. Techs administration then had to begin construction on new housing and learning facilities since enrollment more than doubled. This contributed greatly to the look of the campus modern-day layout. Cofnbargar said she has always had a passion for this specic period of time and was eager to bring it close to home. With this paper, I wanted to think locally, she said. I wanted to explore the ways in which Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, now Louisiana Tech University, was affected by the conclusion of World War II and the implementation of the G.I. Bill. Cofnbargar said the research period took over two months of consulting various sources of information. I analyzed numerous primary and secondary sources, from university records, to old Tech Talk printings, she said. I also consulted the staff members of the archive department. They were an invaluable help to my research. Dr. Jeffrey Hankins, an associate professor of history, said the department was very pleased with Cofnbargars paper and research methods. The history department is proud that Brittany Cofnbargars prize-winning article was researched using sources at Louisiana Tech University, Hankins said. To my knowledge, this period of historys effects on Tech has not been thoroughly researched before. Hankins said the history department instructs their students to make breakthroughs in their eld and Cofnbargar has done just that. What Ms. Cofnbargar has achieved is exactly what the history department at Louisiana Tech trains its students to do: original research that furthers our understanding of the past and present, he said. Stephen Webre, a professor of history and interim associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said he feels the project reects positively on all parties involved. I had the privilege of directing Brittanys research project when she was a student in my graduate seminar last winter, Webre said. When a student does a really

good job, wins a prize and has her work published, that reects well on her, of course, but also on the quality of the work we do in the history department and at Louisiana Tech University in general. Webre said he felt the information learned from this period could be used to benet todays students, also. Brittanys paper adds an important dimension to our knowledge of the history of Louisiana Tech, which is something all members of our community (students, faculty, townspeople) should nd worth knowing, he said. Were always eager to hear new ideas and aspects of Techs stories that can be recovered and told.

Email comments to ije001@latech.edu.

Congratulations
TO OUR 2014 ORIENTATION STUDENT LEADERS!

Cami Haden Mary Peyton Payne & Taylor Guillot

to brother WILL LORIO for being selected to be a prestigious new Orientation Student Leader. Will has been active since first coming to LA Tech as he has held or currently holds the positions of External Vice Present and Assistant Treasurer of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, IFC representative, Union Board member, and a member of the CES. Just a sophomore, Will has displayed tremendous leadership potential while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a true example of a scholar, leader, athlete, and gentleman.

ongratulations

KAPPA DELTA
LOVE,

New orientation staff selected

PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter Around 75 eager Louisiana Tech students vied for the opportunity to become 2014 Orientation Student Leaders. Eighteen of those students were selected to represent Tech. The selection, which was announced Thursday, created quite a stir on social media. Andy Cline, director of orientation and special programs, said everyone who was elected was ecstatic. Facebook and Instagram were blowing up today with excited new student leaders, said Cline, the day after the names were announced. Courtney Geroux, a freshman mechanical engineer major, was one of the students selected, and she said she looks forward to the opportunity. I attended orientation this past summer and I absolutely loved seeing how the orientation leaders were a family and how they loved Tech with the school spirit they presented, Geroux said. I really wanted to give back to the university that has already given me so much in only one year. Andrew Lewis, a junior medical technology major, was also selected to serve as a new orientation leader. Its an awesome opportunity to be one of the rst faces that the students will see here, Lewis said. You have a lot of inuence on making sure they have a great time at Tech, but its also a great responsibility because you have to make sure they are intrigued by Tech. Cline said orientation is designed to help students transition from high school to college. Students come and take part in a three-day orientation that allows them to learn all about the universitys policies and procedures, Cline said. We also educate them on organizations and activities they can get plugged into as well as form lasting relationships with their orientation leaders. Geroux said she is from Mississippi so she knows what it is like to come to a place where there are no familiar faces. I want to let the incoming freshman know its okay to leave home and come to school to have a college experience, Geroux said. Im eager to connect with them on that level. Cline said orientation leaders will have multiple responsibilities throughout the year. Some of the duties theyll ll is helping out with any special programs that might come up such

NEWS

January 24, 2014 The T ech T alk 3

Submitted photo

The 18 orientation student leaders attended a retreat the weekend after being selected to get to know each other.

as Time Out for Tech and Legacy Days, Cline said. Theyll also take part in a three credit hour course, Counseling 201, taught by myself. Cline said the leaders will also assist in instructing the university seminar courses to the freshmen. They will also lead

three-day orientations that concentrate on freshmen and a one-day orientation that concentrates on transfer students, Cline said. Geroux said she is eager to ll her duty as a new orientation leader. I know its going to be a great year with all 18 of us on staff and well all

be able to impact a lot of freshmens lives in a positive manner, Geroux said. Cline said he looks forward to working with the new staff and seeing the impact they will have on their freshmen. I get to see these students come in kind of raw and I get to polish and

develop their leadership ability and communication skills and Im very proud of each and every one that Ive worked with so far, Cline said. Im sure this new staff is going to make me proud as well.

Email cmments to phh007@latech.edu.

Courtney Geroux
Congratulations to

on being selected a 2014 Orientation Student Leader!

We are so proud of you. Love, your Alpha Chi Omega sisters

Madison Blackwell
Phi Mu

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

2014 ORIENTATION STUDENT LEADER

L,

Insight
T echT alk
MANAGEMENT
Hannah Schilling Austin Vining

4 The T ech T alk January 24, 2014

The

MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR

Allison East

Kaleb Causey

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Walk a mile in their shoes

KALEB CAUSEY Editor-in-Chief

FROMTHEEDITOR

Guest Column

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magine for a second that you are a poor young mother or father living in Nueva Italia, Mexico. This city has recently been taken over by the drug cartel. Cartel members and vigilantes trying to stop them are running amok in the street getting into gunghts, setting vehicles on re and causing extremely unsafe conditions for everyone. You are scared for your safety. Most importantly, you are scared for your childs safety. What do you do? This is the situation facing so many people in Mexico and other countries today. Their only response is to try to move to a new place where they feel safe. For most of those people, it means becoming illegal residents of the United States of America.

According to the Immigration Policy Center, 11 million illegal immigrants live in the United States. In a survey, 98 percent of people said they would become legal residents if they had the chance. Heres the problem: the number of green cards the government gives out per year is extremely limited. Most immigrants do not have the necessary family ties to qualify for those that are given out. If immigrants are able to qualify and go through the lengthy and expensive application process, it takes them years, sometimes even decades, to get their visa if they are from a country that is currently oversubscribed, such as Mexico, meaning there are more immigrants than visas. This is why we need immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship. These people just want to live their lives happily and safely. If

you were in their situation and had to do whatever it took to protect your family, you would do the exact same thing. Congress has debated immigration reform for several years now. President Obama supports it. The Democrats support it, and even quite a few Republicans support it. However, nothing has happened. I wish I could tell you why nothing is getting done on this issue, but I do not know. What I do know is there are people who want to be Americans. They love this country and want to live free from danger. Why not give them a chance? After all, that is the reason most of us are here in the rst place. Kaleb Causey is a senior political science and journalism major from Jonesboro who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

NICHOLAS WAGNER Guest Columnist

Finding truth in media

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DEPARTMENT HEAD

Internships 101
KELSY KERSHAW Futures Editor

EVERYONES ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINION

dents who have had an internship on their resume are are more likely to land a full-time position upon graduation. Internships have become key in todays economy, she said. Other than gaining experience, internship benets include chances to network, test driving a career, establishing relationships with mentors and possible college credit, but the list goes on. Yes, vacation during the summer is fun while it lasts, but would it not be more fullling to sacrice one week of fun for a lifetime of success? How do you acquire an internship? Utilize your resources. Talk to your advisers, do online research, or you can do what I did and ask a friend whos been there, done that. Companies are designed to assist you in your internship needs. One of these companies is called the University of Dreams, or Dream Careers. Raven Garcie, an alumnus of the program who lives and works in New York, said the internship program truly changed her life. My internship made such a difference in my overall decision in my career path, Garcie said. Garcie is from Zwolle, a town probably a quarter of the size of Ruston, and she is living her dream in New York, all because of her internship she completed one summer in college. My dream is currently in the making. I have recently applied and been accepted to Dream Careers and I am currently working with my Internship Coordinator to prepare for the summer. So, join me and thousands of the other dreamers of success in the internship journey to become one step closer to your dream career. Kelsy is a journalism and merchandising and consumer studies major from Jennings who serves as Futures Editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.

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

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ave the beach and fun in the sun for spring break and utilize your summer wisely. Apply for an internship. Thats what I did. Now I will be spending eight weeks in New York this summer working toward my dream. One day I plan to be in the midst of the fashion industry, whether it is public relations or editorial writing, it will be what I love and what Ive always wanted to do. Employment after college graduation is getting harder to attain without previous work experience. The rate at which technology is advancing and companies are growing requires new employees to be properly equipped for the industry they are entering. Employers are not willing to take risks on inexperienced graduates. In a CNN article, Melissa Benca, director of career services at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, said graduating stu-

s John Mayer says in Waiting on the World to Change, when they own the information, they can bend it all they want. This is the truth in the 24/7 electronic world that we live in. To be fair, media bias is nothing new in this country. If individuals only read one newspaper, they only hear one version of the news. One cannot hope to watch only CNN, only FOX or only MSNBC and truly hear the whole story. The Affordable Healthcare Act is a newsworthy story that has been highly covered in the mainstream media. However, it is a highly complicated piece of legislation that is sometimes hard to comprehend and easy to misinterpret. Hufngton Post reported on an episode of Hannity that caught Sean Hannitys guests in a lie on FOX News when explaining how Obamacare was going to hurt their small business. The guests refused to respond to MSNBCs allegations. Not only did they misrepresent the facts, they blatantly lied on TV. The need for 24/7 available media has brought many undesirable qualities out of these news companies. That is not to say they are all bad; much of the time they do a ne job. But, when the comments made by Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson get more news time than a bipartisan budget deal reached by a Congress that recently went through a government shutdown, the news media, as well as the viewers, need to re-examine their priorities. We must remember, when viewing a story from TV, the Internet or newspapers to do our best to separate important from unimportant and fact from ction. Nicholas Wagner is a junior architecture major from Bossier City. He is featured as a guest columnist for the Tech Talk. Email comments to new007@latech.edu.

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, 139 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

Just say no
ALLISON EAST News Editor

EAST BOUND

am the daughter of a rape victim. Eleven years before I was born, my mom and another girl were kidnapped from her dads gas station, thrown in the back of a car, taken to the middle of nowhere and raped. She was 15 and scared for her life. Obviously, she lived, but she lives with the pain every day and she ghts off the seizures cause by post traumatic stress. Rape is real, and it is around us. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, between 20 to 25 percent of women will experience a rape or attempted rape during their college careers. More than half of those victims will never report their rape. To break that down, one in four (or ve) of the women around you will be victims of rape during their college career. If you have two friends who are raped, chances are you will only nd out about one. The other one will experience it and live with it herself without ever having justice and without ever having

a shoulder to cry on. We need to change that. We need to let victims know that being raped should not be an embarrassment. It is not their fault. And men need to know that no no matter how drunk, how high, how late, how quiet means no. It means do not put your penis there. It means stop. My mom spoke out. At 15 and embarrassed in front of her parents and a small-town community, she testied in a trial that put her rapist away (until backwoods Mississippi laws let him out without notifying her but that is another column). My mom and I may ght, and I may not completely understand how she can still have post-traumatic stress disorder 32 years later, but in that act, she showed more strength than I hope I ever have to. If she could testify at 15, every woman at Tech can too. Help give meaning to the word no. Help put an end to college rape. Allison East is a senior history and journalism major from Vicksburg, Miss., who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ace007@latech.edu.

Letter to the Editor

The Jan. 16, 2014, edition of the Tech Talk contained an article by John Sadler titled Freedom of the Market. In this article, Sadler corrected the ignorance of the belief that Phil Robertsons (nowretracted) dismissal from Duck Dynasty was a violation of the First Amendment. I totally agree with Sadler and support his interpretation of the First Amendment. I would, however; like to suggest that while the First Amendment remained intact, A&E may have infringed upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It states that: It shall be unlawfulto fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individualbecause of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Despite the current debate within Christian circles, some groups still believe homosexuality to be marked by God as sinful. Lifeway Christian Resources, a prominent Christian authority, has released research that states 37 percent of Americans still hold the belief that homosexuality is immoral. This minority population still maintains the rights allotted them in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In this situation, religious views about the morality of a social issue is protected against discrimination in employment from both the government and private sector. This response is made for the sole purpose of discussing the legal implications of this case, and is totally independent of my personal views of morality. The government has had controls such as these placed on the market for some time. Market restrictions have actually increased recently with the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. While you may make an argument for these limitations in the name of liberty, they leave the market a little less than free. Robert Price, senior psychology major

Arts Entertainment
PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter Based on the book by former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor is not the average Hollywood war movie. Luttrell, played by Mark Wahlberg, is the last surviving member of his four-man Navy SEAL team after the hunt for a Taliban leader deep in the mountains of Afghanistan leads to an ambush. Full of action and great back story, Lone Survivor immerses viewers into the world of Naval Special Warfare with a sense of urgency and realistic effects. The movie initially prepares viewers with background of Navy SEAL training as well as an inside look into their lifestyle. Good character development made the movie worth watching as I immediately started to relate to the team members and get a sense of what they were thinking and feeling. The characters were noble and easy to become acquainted with, which invoked sadness when a character died. I felt like I was with the team the entire time and involved in the dialogue. The bond between the main characters was strong, and I got a great sense of the brotherhood that they had. The action scenes were especially nerve racking but exciting and easy to follow. It had scenes that left you on the edge of your seat rooting for the good guys even though you knew the fate of some of the characters. Although I do not know real life combat rst hand, I believe Lone Survivor is as close as they could

January 24, 2014 The T ech T alk 5

Lone Survivor inspires thrills

It was clear that the production staff made a valiant effort to make this movie on the Saving Private Ryan level of reallife combat authenticity. Luttrell makes a few cameo appearances throughout the movie, which gave me condence in the movies authenticity. I am sure Luttrell was on the scene making sure Navy SEALs were portrayed honestly and the integrity of the characters was not lost. With the exception of Wahlberg, the actors chosen to play the other three Navy SEALs were strikingly accurate.

Lone Survivor HHHHI

Ignition Print

have got to real combat scenes in the theatrical world.

Regardless of the facts and the accuracy, the movie seemed impressive on a visual level. The movie, based on a true story, is a nice bonus if you are into stuff like that. Watching the movie can really turn you into a patriot and cause you to appreciate people in all branches of the military. Overall, Lone Survivor was an excellent tribute to the fallen SEALs, as well as the other military personnel who died during the incident.

Email comments to pdd010@latech.edu.

Society pressures students and stars

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor No matter how many self-help articles are published or anthems are released by pop artists, the pressure placed on young women to be societys version of beautiful is alive. With actresses like Rebel Wilson and Melissa McCarthy, whose full-gured bodies go against the norms of what Hollywood calls beautiful, it would seem to some society is evolving to be more accepting of actresses who are not thin as a pin. That is not the case. Recently, pop star Ke$ha (who was born Kesha Rose Sebert) checked herself into the Timberline Knolls rehab center for an eating disorder. I am a crusader for being yourself and loving She said she even disyourself but Ive found it agrees with what is often hard to practice, Ke$ha considered to be a plusposted on her Facebook ac- sized model. count. You see some of those This came as a shock to models and theyre usually some of her fans, too small for the due to the artists clothes they are constant mesadvertising, she sage of self-love said. and her hit single The pressures We R Who We of having an R, which talks ideal body do not about accepfall only on womtance. en. Men also ofVallerie Duchten feel subjectarme, a junior aced to scrutiny if counting major, they do not have said the media is an ideal body. KE$HA partly to blame Tommy Bozfor self-image iseman, a senior sues. computer science major, A lot of it stems from said he too has felt self-conwhat you see in magazines scious about his body. like Vogue and you can feel When I was a freshman like its projected on to you, in high school, I was on the Ducharme said. baseball team, he said. I looked at my body in the locker room and my body wasnt as dened as the other guys on my team. Bozeman also said he has not just felt self-conscious about being too skinny. When I got into a relationship my senior year, I started to eat more regularly, he said. Then I realized if I didnt stop Id have to start working out a lot more. The desire to be thin and t is often driven by either societal pressure or a personal goal. Amanda Krueger, a senior biology major, said she rst started working out because she felt pressured to look a certain way. I want to be t and look good but I also feel good from working out, she said. Krueger said it is difcult to nd a happy medium that meets societys approval. They say some men like curves instead of bones, Krueger said. Girls are either too skinny or not skinny enough so its hard to make everyone happy.

Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

SIGMA NU
Brandon Bruce Drew Jimmerson
on making the 2014 OSL staff congratulates brothers

&

JESSI

SABRA

LAUREN

Sigma Kappa congratulates Lauren Janway, who has been selected to be a 2014 Orientation Student Leader.
Lauren is pictured with sisters Jessi Fitts and Sabra Norris, who were part of the 2013 OSL staff.

Distractions
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 April 19 Usually you prefer to approach events with a practical and scientific attitude, Aries, but today youre feeling especially intuitive and more aware of the other worlds, so it might be difficult to hang on to your usual mindset. Some uncomfortable feelings youve had about events in the news could prove to be accurate, which might be a bit disconcerting. Remember that there is so much in the Universe that cant be explained through logic or science! Taurus Apr 20 . May 20 If youve been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get started, Taurus. Scientific adherence to facts and rules combines with enhanced telepathic abilities to bring about a burgeoning skill in such fields. Look up some friends who share your interest and arrange to attend a class or workshop on whatever subject appeals to you the most. At days end your mind could be spinning! Gemini May 21 . Jun 20 Some rather intense and vivid dreams could inspire you to embark on some in.depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Gemini. This could involve the arts, philosophy, or metaphysics. Travel plans to one of the worlds great spiritual centers, such as Jerusalem, Glastonbury or Vrindavana, might be on your mind as a result. Your level of intuition is very high today, so whatever you dream of doing, give it some serious thought. It might be just what you need! Cancer Jun 21 . Jul 22 Romantic relationships take on a fairytale aura, Cancer, bringing up the kind of desire, passion, and sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere. Therefore, this should be a wonderful day to schedule an intimate evening with a romantic partner. You could feel so much in tune with your friend that you may come with the same words at the same time. Enjoy this wonderful feeling, but dont lose sight of reality. Leo Jul 23 . Aug 22 Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event involving spiritual or metaphysical matters. Your sense of intuition is very high, Leo, and your level of understanding is especially acute. Therefore, concepts that could be confusing at other times could seem as clear as a bell today. You might form strong bonds with others who are also present, and you might make plans to meet with them again in the future. Enjoy! Virgo Aug 23 . Sep 22 Intellectual or artistic work could take up a lot of your time today, Virgo. Your level of inspiration is high, and youre apt to be full of ideas that others would find beneficial. Youre also likely to sense the thoughts and feelings of those around you before they themselves are consciously aware of them. This not only increases your career standing, it can help you in the love department. Enjoy your day! Libra Sep 23 . Oct 22 Study of religion and spiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you today, Libra. Youre likely to discuss your knowledge and beliefs regarding such matters with a close friend, which could prove rather enlightening for both of you. Whatever you learn will prove to be artistically inspiring, so dont be surprised if you find yourself spending some time writing down your thoughts or turning them into pictures. Dont limit yourself! Scorpio Oct 23 . Nov 21 Today communication with others is more likely to be on a subtle rather than verbal level, Scorpio. When the phone rings, you might already know whos on the other end of the line before you pick it up. You could also pick up telepathically on the thoughts of others. Books and articles about people who have had similar experiences could increase your understanding of them. Dont fight it! Go with the flow. Sagittarius Nov 22 . Dec 21 Inspiration drawn from recent religious or spiritual occurrences could have you writing down accounts of your experiences, Sagittarius, perhaps with the idea of someday publishing them. Your concentration could well be intense, as writing for you today may not be only creative but therapeutic as well. It will also help to attend classes or workshops or simply to discuss the subject with a friend. Knowledge is essential. Capricorn Dec 22 . Jan 19 You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Capricorn. The drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to get the endorphins going and thus give you a natural high, which could lead to an increased level of inspiration and intuition. After you finish, it might be a good idea to sit in a park, preferably near water, to allow yourself to come down. Meditate and take a close look at your inner state. Aquarius Jan 20 . Feb 18 Today, Aquarius, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from you. A telephone call might reveal that this person has just received some good news, and that they were just thinking of calling you! This probably wont be the only ESP experience you have today. Your level of intuition is very high, so be prepared for some unusually strong psychic messages. Pisces Feb 19 . Mar 20 Creative inspiration flows freely today, Pisces, enabling you to channel it in more than one way. An opportunity to earn a sizable fee doing something artistic could come your way. Spiritual or metaphysical studies may be involved. This might represent the attainment of a long. term goal youve been striving to reach, and therefore youre apt to be rather excited about it. Tonight, go out and celebrate your success with your friends.

6 The T ech T alk January 24, 2014

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plant that has become such a hindrance to the wildlife and the boaters, Singleton said. Singleton explains the process that it takes to turn these plants that she collects into the paper that she uses for her art. She said that she took some of the plants and put them in water and discovered that little dragonies and crawsh started hatching from these plants. I have a whole new appreciation for these plants, even though they are invasive, they also house all these other ecologies for the ecosystem, Singleton said. Singleton said that observing those plants changed her way of thinking from getting rid of the plants completely to honoring them and their role in the ecology of life. I think her work is very good and she did a lot of hard work on her study. But it is a little creepy to me because I never think that deeply of the plants, said Nicole Graham, a sophomore secondary math education major.

White said a member of the church who wishes to remain anonymous gives most of the funding for the event. The church members give donations, but there is a silent donor who makes up the majority of our funds, he said. White said the inductees are thrilled to be receiving recognition now, as many of them did not believe they would ever be noticed. They will tell you in no uncertain terms what impact this special recognition made in their lives, she said. Their spirits were lifted and their lives changed when they realized somebody really cared about them and what they had done for generations of young African. American kids.

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More Talk

January 24, 2014 The T ech T alk 7

A look inside the fan base of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Brony
My Little
Photo by Derek Amaya

JOHN SADLER Feature Editor t is a fandom that inspires music, fan-ction, comic books, paintings, sculptures, fanmade action gures, fan-made plushies and YouTube videos. What kind of series could create such a devoted following? Star Trek? Star Wars? Harry Potter? How about My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic? Bronies are all fans of My Little Pony in the most general sense, but we all love the show for varying reasons, said James Ortis, a junior biomedical engineering major. Ortis said a brony is any fan of My Little Pony that would fall outside of the shows original target demographic. Some people describe a brony as any teenage or adult male fan of the show, Ortis said. I think its anyone outside the target audience that likes the show. Ortis said the fandom of the show helps people to not feel judged for enjoying a show some people would claim is strictly for young girls. When people are repeatedly told that they have a weird hobby and people think theyre weird for it, they tend to shun that reasoning when theyre around each other, he said. Ortis said in some circumstances, however, there are rifts in the brony community. Some bronies think that the term brony should only apply to male fans, and female fans should be called pegasisters, he said. I think thats honestly contradictory to the acceptance that the fandom advocates. Gray Taylor, a junior communication design major, said the shows fans all like it for different reasons. The previous My Little Pony shows were all made to sell toys, he said. This show actually has thought put into the writing. The characters have distinct personalities. They arent shallow. Taylor said he and a few other students ran Bronies of Louisiana Tech, an organization for bronies to meet up and hang out. He said the organization has been dwindling in the past year.

Photo by Derek Amaya

Gray Taylor is pictured with his collection of My Little Pony memorabilia.

James Ortis enjoys decorating his apartment with My Little Pony merchandise.
Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

When a season ends, we kind of run out of things to base the meetings around, Taylor said. Im looking for someone to help me revive the group. Taylor said the brony community does suffer from a social stigma, but it is an unfounded one. People tend to think that bronies are all social outcasts, he said. But all of the bronies I have met have been normal, cool people. Taylor said the fandom tends to attract artistic and creative individuals. We have artists and musicians in the community that base their works around My Little Pony, he said. There is actually an entire fan-ction series combing the Fallout video game series and My Little Pony. Caleb Richardson, a sophomore cyber engineering major, said the show eventually just becomes another hobby to its fans. I was really into it at rst, he said. But now its just another thing on my list of interests. Most fans just arent crazed about it. Richardson said he has no experience with being judged for liking the show, since even his family members like it. I told my parents I liked the show, and they were like, Hell yeah, he said. My dad and sister watch the show with me, but I dont think most peoples parents are as cool with it. Richardson said the reason most people judge bronies is because of the tendency of the fandom to be very blatant about their love for the show. You can love this show, but think of it as a hobby, he said. Dont force it on anyone else. Its just a TV show. Ortis agrees. I imagine in a conservative sense, its pretty scary, he said. Its just not something I feel like I need to bring up to everyone. Its the same thing as bringing up an ideology. Ortis said he hopes the brony fandom will continue to spread. The fandom is a free card to like what you like with nobody judging you, he said. Dont be scared of the stigma.

Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.

Sports Talk
CHAD MERRITT Sports Editor

8 The T ech T alk January 24, 2014

Donor pipes in needed funds

to visit many other college towns, but he says are large donors. none of them stack up to Ruston. Because only 30 percent of the funding for Ruston is still my favorite college town, Allen Techs athletic department comes from the state, This is the rst entry of a series about the donors said. donors are important to keep the athletic prowho help fund Tech athletics. Whenever Allen is in town, there is nothing he grams competitive and running for Tech. would rather do than attend a Tech athletic event. Allen, among others, was directly involved in the The drive from Calhoun to Ruston is under 30 I attend as many games as I can, Allen said. recent renovations of the locker room and players minutes, which is short enough for John Allen to Mens and womens basketball, football, baseball, lounge at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. easily visit one of his favorite places. softball and track when its here. I enjoy I was involved in the process, and Allen is one of the many people who are do- all sports. any donor can be involved if they nors with the Louisiana Tech Athletic Club. The Even though baseball, his favorite would like to, Allen said. Being able donations put forward by memsport, is not yet in seato help with the actual projects is a bers of the LTAC go toward the son, Allen is enjoying great perk to being a donor. advancement of Techs athletics. watching the mens basInvolvement is still the end objecD Y N A M I C ketball team play their Allen grew up in West Montive for Allen. Even if someone cannot roe and attended Tech from inaugural season in afford to donate, he believes going to 1969-1973 on a track scholarConference USA. athletic events and cheering on Techs ship. He threw javelin for the You dont have to be athletes is equally important. 1973 Southland Conference an expert to like these Tech fans are connected to Tech, champion team and graduated in 1973 with a de- young men Coach Michael White has, Allen said. LSU fans are connected gree in business. Allen said. He has brought together a to an event and not the school. Tech Although Allen does not recall when he be- great group of guys. doesnt live with fair weather fans. ALLEN came a donor, he knows the importance of being Assembling a great group of players is The more Tech gets, in both donaa donor. not easy, and Allen said with the growing tions and participation, the better off Young people should look at it like this; If you competition in athletics today that Tech cannot the universitys athletics department will be. can give $10, give $10. If you can give $1,000, fall behind other schools. Allen believes that being a spectator at the give $1,000, Allen said. Selling our kids on Tech takes stuff, Allen said. sport of the season can be enjoyable for any fan. Moving to Houston after graduating, Allen be- Quest for Excellence and other projects will help He said, the next game, just think about who and came involved in pipeline construction. He trav- bring more quality kids to Tech. This is a prime ex- what it took for the show to go on. eled a lot while working, visiting Alaska, Canada ample of seeing what donations can bring to Tech. and much of the continental United States. Allen said that if everybody can give a little it Email comments to Having traveled so much, Allen has been able will take the dependency off those people who cam059@latech.edu.

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Tennis team starts year with new coach

PAUL HARRIS Staff Reporter The head coach position of the Lady Techster tennis team is no longer vacant. Former Wright States mens and womens associate head tennis coach, Chad Camper, has been hired to lead the Techsters into the upcoming spring season. To leave a program that I helped build was going to take something big and Louisiana Tech was that big step, so Im very enthused to be here, Camper said. Camper arrives with ambitious goals. I hope to get this team nationally ranked and to the top of Conference USA, Camper said. I really want to make Louisiana Tech a destination for everyone. Camper leaves his alma mater after playing and coaching there for a combined eight years. rizon League) Player of the Year For the past three years, Camp- as well as the Wright State Male er served as an assistant coach for Athlete of the Year as a junior for Wright State and was recently pro- leading his team to the conference moted to associate head coach. He championship in 2001. coached the mens team that won Following his collegiate career, the Horizon Conference regular Camper competed professionally season title in 2011-12. on the ATP Tour from He coached the 2002-2004. womens team that had I didnt make all the previously etched a 1-21 millions that I wanted to record to having three so I had to get a real job, consecutive successful Camper said. At age 30, seasons. I got into college coachAs a player from ing and just absolutely 1998-2002 at Wright loved it. I want to do it State, Camper still holds for the rest of my life. a number of school reCamper said he feels cords including: most that his coaching style is singles wins (98), second infectious. most doubles wins (77) I think for a player CAMPER and second most career to not thrive under my wins (175). coaching is a personal He was named the Midwestern choice they make as an individual Collegiate Conference (now Ho- because I feel the environment I create is very fun, but were working hard so you cant help but get caught up in it, Camper said. Sophomore Taly Merker said she has already noticed a change in the program with the minimal amount time Camper has been present. Everything we do is more goaloriented now, Merker said. We focus more on setting team goals rather than individual goals. Camper said every aspect of coaching at Tech has been better than he originally anticipated upon arrival. I got here to watch this team hit for the rst time and it was like a dream, Camper said. They are better than I thought they would be, they work harder than I thought, theyre funnier than I thought.

Email comments to phh007@latech.edu.

Operation Sellout seeks to ll TAC with fans

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter
The mens basketball team has won all but one game in Thomas Assembly Center this year, however, the 8,000-seat facility has many empty seats at each game. Louisiana Techs athletics department is trying to change this by lling the TAC with 2,000 students for the mens basketball teams game against Marshall on Saturday. We are counting on the student body to pack the TAC, said Jay Luksis, assistant athletic director for marketing. The effort by Tech Athletics called Operation Sellout is aimed at getting more students involved with Techs mens basketball team. Luksis said the department is not only hoping for a sellout among students, but also for 8,000 people to ll the TAC for Saturdays game. We always do free pizza for the rst 100 students, Luksis said. We will have T-shirts, towels and Union Board is hosting a chili cook-off. Luksis said he is hoping for the biggest turnout of the year because of the teams continued success. Kane McGuire, assistant media relations director and mens basketball sports information director, said Tech athletics is trying to grow the fan base among students with Operation Sellout. We have always done promotions, but this is our rst big event, McGuire said. McGuire said the arena has not been sold out since the mid-80s, in the days of Karl Malone. It would be nice to see it full because it gets pretty loud in here, McGuire said. McGuire said getting students to come watch the games is a big advantage. The players and coaches love it, he said. It makes them play better. He said the more people that come, the better.

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wagon. Well, I am going to stand up and say that I am and have always been a bandwagoner. I jumped on with the Miami Heat, the Boston Red Sox and the New Orleans Saints. It was actually by jumping on the bandwagon that I found my rst favorite NFL team, the St. Louis Rams when they won the Super Bowl in 2000. Since that Super Bowl I can shamelessly write I have jumped on board of the New England Patriots and Pittsburg Steelers bandwagons. Although I no longer support the Steelers or the Rams, I will never regret supporting them. Im sure come next weekend there will be many cries of bandwagon jumping and again I will be one of those people accused. However, this time I will be jumping aboard with both teams. This will be the rst Super Bowl in which I will support both teams. I dont understand how anyone could not get behind Peyton Manning after the amazing season hes had, plus I am a sucker for comeback stories. As for the Seahawks, I jumped aboard back in 2006 when they played the Steelers in the Super Bowl. It doesnt really make much sense to me why people dont like bandwagoners. These are the people who bring more popularity and money to sports teams. Many of the people who are real sports fans, or the I supported them from the start fans, dont know that many of these teams bandwagoners support are their rst sports team. It would have really hurt if someone would have told me I was just supporting the Rams because they made it to the Super Bowl so many years back. My sport spirit might have died that day, but it lives on to support another popular team. A friend of mine told me in sports an athlete cannot fake their performance. If that is the case, the teams who make it to the big games deserve all the people who ock to them because they are at the top of their games. So next time a person says you are jumping on the bandwagon, say, Why, yes I am.

ost people love to point out to supporters of successful teams that they are jumping on the band-

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Raney Johnson is a junior journalism major from Shreveport. Email comments to rcj008@ latech.edu.