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T ech T alk
THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG JANUARY 16, 2014 VOLUME 88 ISSUE 11

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APARTMENTS DESTROYED IN BLAZE

Budget troubles in university system

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter

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building of the Drew Apartment complex at 620 Henderson Street was destroyed by a fire last Thursday. The fire resulted in more than a dozen residents being displaced, including nine international students from Louisiana Tech. The source of the fire has yet to be determined. The International

Student Office is seeking donations in the form of Walmart gift cards to help those international students who lost everything in the fire. Those wishing to donate gift cards can take them by the International Student Office in Tolliver Hall or call 318-257-4321 for more information.

The University of Louisiana System could experience a potential budget crisis in the next few months, according to a report presented to the ULS board by Robbie Robinson, vice president for business and nance of the ULS. The report, presented to the board at their December meeting, said Louisiana colleges and universities could run out of money if certain steps are not taken to ensure a balanced budget. Tech Comptroller Lisa Cole said the ULS usually receives the majority of its funding from the states general fund, but this year it will receive funding from a different source. This year, some of the budget is coming from the general fund and the over-collections fund, Cole said. She said the over-collections fund collects money from various stateowned properties that have been leased out by the state as well as one-time payments and settlements to the state. This encompasses state hospitals and ofce buildings leased by private companies, court settlements with the state and other collections. Cole said she does not think Tech will go without funding this year. We have January funding, but we are cautiously optimistic, Cole said. Cole said the situation is being monitored closely.

> see BUDGETpage 6

Tech ranked 13th in state in online affordability

PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter A recent ranking of colleges and universities with the most affordable online degree programs in Louisiana puts Louisiana Tech University at no. 13. The system was based strictly on price with Southern University as the no. 1 school. The affordability comes from not being on campus, said Christie Strebeck, coordinator of general studies and its online degree program. The difference in price between no. 1 and no. 13 is almost $2,000. Strebeck said she believes there is nothing shameful about Tech coming in at no. COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Source: Louisiana Tech Comptroller

full-time tuition

$2,238

university annual fee

$30

$5/credit hour
technology fee

$5 - $40
college fee

13 on this list. There is not much difference in price between one and 13, Strebeck said. We pride ourselves on being affordable. Strebeck said the tuition price is the same for online students as it is for tradi-

tional students. The number of online students at Tech is growing constantly, Strebeck said. And regardless of price, they want their degree from Louisiana Tech, Taylor Francois, a senior political sci-

ence major living in Washington, D.C., has never set foot on Techs campus. I was immediately offered a job opportunity in my eld of study, Francois said. I did not want to lose the opportunity to nd work. Francois said Techs online degree program has allowed her to continually advance in her career while getting an education. It has provided me with the exibility and autonomy of my educational experience that have allowed me to pursue my

> see AFFORDABILITYpage 6

2 The T ech T alk January 16, 2014

NEWS

Campus
Go green, join the movement, recycle
Household Hazardous Materials monthly collection is held on the second Saturday of each month. Residents and businesses can recycle all paper products along with uorescent light bulbs, tires, batteries and white goods. The ity of Ruston and Lincoln Parish will sponsor this free event at the Public Works Complex from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Public Works Complex is located at 701 East Tennessee Avenue. For more information, contact Environmental Services at 318-251-8641, 318242-7703 or email publicworks@ruston.org.

New year, new resolutions

Cheer on the Lady Techsters Jan. 23

Louisiana Tech Basketball takes on the 49ers of Charlotte in a Conference USA matchup on Jan. 23. Pizza will be offered to students who bring their Tech ID. This event will be held in the Thomas Assembly Center at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact the ticket ofce call 318-257-3631 or email techtickets@latech.edu.

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

A crowd of people soak in the new year with hugs and pictures under a rain down of confetti in New York City on Dec. 31, 2013. ALLISON EAST News Editor said she didnt make a resolution for that reason. I didnt make any New Years resolutions because I dont like to lie to myself, and I would break all of them, she said. Its a personal thing. If youre the whole new year, new me person, thats great, but from 11:59 to 12:01, Im the exact same person. To assure that he is moving toward achieving his resolutions, Stephens has put plans in place to help with progress. Along with students, administrators also sometimes make New Years resolutions, and Les Guice, university president, posted a few resolutions for Tech on his blog Jan. 4. We have been heavily involved in planning and development, and with continued vigilance, should see some very positive things happen during 2014, he wrote. Guices resolutions covered many aspects of the university, including students, faculty, athletics, alumni and others. His hope for the growth of the student body was addressed rst. Growth of our student body, particularly full-time undergraduate and graduate students, will continue to be our top focus, he wrote. We are hoping to have a bigger and

Winter classes begin at Lambright Center

As the quarter resumes, the Lambright Intramural Center prepares to offer up its winter quarter class lineup. Numerous choices are available. Classes include body sculpting, yoga, Zumba, Aqua Zumba and kickboxing, among others. For more information about each individual class and time, contact the Lambright by phone at 318-2574634 or check out its Facebook page.

ew year, new me. This mantra, referring to the many New Years resolutions made each year, took social media sites like Twitter and Facebook by storm with the turn of a new year a few weeks ago. But what does the new year have in store for Tech students? My New Years resolutions are to devote more time to myself, others and school, said Kyle Stephens, a sophomore clinical kinesiology major. I dont put enough effort into making connections with other people because I put so much time into me and vice versa. My reasons for devoting more time to school are obvious. Stephens said he has tried resolutions before but he has always chosen cheesy ones. Theyve been things like Im going to lose 30 pounds before this date or stuff like that, he said. Resolutions shouldnt be something you decide on once a year. It shouldnt be Dec. 31 or Jan. 1 Im going to start doing this. It should just be okay, Im going to do this. Sara Beth Jacob, a junior biology major,

stronger freshman class this fall, eclipsing last falls record increase in size and entry scores. Guice also mentioned continuing the growth in excellence in research and learning experiences, improving success in athletics and student athlete recognition and developing plans for future facilities. When asked, Guice said that while the blog focuses on his own resolution for Tech, it is consistent with the univeristys strategic Tech 2020 plan. One of my reasons for including that as a blog post was to reinforce the importance of all of us including faculty, staff, students and alumni to be resolved to achieve those things for Tech, he said. The entire text of his blog can be accessed through the Tech website. Guice said he closed it with words he hopes will bring the university community together in 2014: Louisiana Tech has always looked forward, set ambitious goals, and planned for success. Your continued involvement and contributions will play a signicant role in Techs success in 2014.

Email comments to ace007@latech.edu.

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January 14, 2014 The T ech T alk 3

Tech students debate way to India

AUSTIN VINING Contributing Editor Two Louisiana Tech students found themselves nearly 10,000 miles away from home over winter break by arguing. The Tech debate team sent Ben Markway and Sam Hathorn to Chennai, India, to participate in the World Championship of Debate. The competition was held in India this year where some of the best debaters in the world come together to compete, said Shane Puckett, Tech debate coach and speech communication instructor. All of the debates are held in English, and theres anywhere from 400-700 teams from universities all around the world. Tech was allowed to send two debate members to the tournament as a result of the teams continued success over the past few years, he said. The topics range from philosophical principles to current events, he said. Markway, a senior accounting major and concurrent business administration graduate student, said they were the rst team from Louisiana to go in the 34-year history of the tournament. It says a lot about Louisiana Tech debate, he said. Hathorn, a sophomore education major, said they had to change their practice regimens in order to prepare for the tournament. We got together twice a week after debate practice and did everything from reading newspapers to practicing actual rounds, he said. In this style of debate, you get the topic 15 minutes before the round and the topic could be on anything. During practices you can watch nals from previous tournaments. Hathorn said they had to do a lot of fundraising to get to India. We sold a couple thousand chocolate bars and got donations from various sponsors, he said. Puckett said the two students passion for debate is incredible. Some of the trip itself came out of their own pockets, he said. That was a testa-

Submitted photo

Ben Markway and Sam Hathorn traveled to Chennai, India, to compete in the World Championship of Debate tournament over break. ment to not only their argument tenacity, but also their pursuit for academic excellence. Markway said going to India was the trip of a lifetime. It was great to be involved in cultural exchange, he said. It was good to meet people from universities from all around the world. Hathorn said debate has really helped him grow and has given him a feeling of belonging. You have to know a lot, you have to be able to speak, and you have to travel, and those are three very beautiful things in life, he said.

Email comments to acv001@latech.edu.

For more information about the debate team, contact Shane Puckett at 318-2572064 or spuckett@latech.edu.

Martin Luther King service set for Monday

UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Adam Collins, coordinator of multicultural affairs at Tech. He said volunteers will walk door-toThe 12th annual Martin Luther King Day door in South Ruston communities distribNoon Ecumenical Observance will be held uting information packets about area colMonday, in the Ruston Civic Center. leges and vocational schools, nancial aid Nationally-renowned sucand standardized tests such as the cess coach and motivational SAT/ACT. speaker Steve Birdine will be Collins said the Walk for Educathe keynote speaker. Birdine tion begins at 9 a.m. with a free conwill address this years theme, tinental breakfast for participants Reafrming the Power of Acin Tolliver Hall on Techs campus. tion. The ofce of multiculCampus and community groups are tural affairs at Louisiana Tech invited to take part in this walk. sponsors the event. Collins said the walk will be from To exemplify the theme, 1011:30 a.m. Walk volunteers will this years event will be prethen proceed to the noon ecumeniceded by the service-learning cal service. project, A Walk for EducaA free jambalaya lunch will be tion, led by The National served. BIRDLINE Society of Black Engineers at Support for this event has grown Louisiana Tech. tremendously and grew out of our rst Since education played an important MLK Unity March in 1992, Collins said. In role in the civil rights movement, weve add- 2002, we started the ecumenical service. It ed the service-learning project, The Walk grows each year. We are getting both nanfor Education, to highlight Dr. Kings idea cial and in-kind support from several busithat education was also a civil right, said nesses and organizations.

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4 The T ech T alk January 16, 2014

The

MANAGING EDITOR
Allison East

Kaleb Causey

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

No age requirement for courage

KALEB CAUSEY Editor-in-Chief

FROMTHEEDITOR

Guest Column

NEWS EDITOR

SENIOR REPORTER ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Chad Merritt Raney Johnson Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay Devin Dronett Derek J. Amaya Derek J. Amaya Austin Vining Cody Sexton

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itazaz Hassan Bangash was a teenager thrown into a very real world situation. Malala Yousafzai is a girl who grew up under extreme conditions. However, both of their lives changed dramatically by facing these things with acts of courage. Bangash, 14, was on his way to school in Pakistan on Jan. 6 when something unexpected happened. A suicide bomber, who had asked Bangash where his school was earlier that day, walked into the Ibrahimzai School with the intent to kill hundreds of students and teachers. Bangash recognized what was going on and tackled the bomber, causing the bomber to panic and detonate the bomb. The bomber and Bangash both died and two more were injured, but most importantly, Bangash

saved hundreds of lives. Yousafzai, 16, is a Pakistani activist who has been in the spotlight since 2009, when she wrote a blog detailing her time spent living under rule of the Taliban. On Oct. 9, 2012, Taliban gunmen shot Yousafzai in the head in an assassination attempt. Following that incident, she became an international hero. She survived the assassination attempt and graced the cover of Time Magazines The 100 Most Inuential People in the World issue, spoke at Harvard University, met with President Barack Obama and gave a speech at the United Nations calling for worldwide access to education. Yousafzai was later nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest nominee in the history of the prize. Children like Bangash and Yousafzai are normal teenagers

who took a leap of courage. Stories like these come from all over the world. A California high school baseball team lifted a car to save a girl who was trapped under it. A 14-year-old in Michigan protected a rape victim from her assailant. These stories show just how easy it is for someones life to be changed, or even the world as a result. Sometimes, it just takes a step out of your comfort zone and the courage to make that difference. The old saying of children are the leaders of the future is true; however, children are also turning into the heroes of today, making them leaders in their own right. Kaleb Causey is a senior political science and journalism major from Jonesboro who serves as editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to ktc013@latech.edu.

HOPE ANDERSON Guest Columnist

Healthy and lean in 2014

DEPARTMENT HEAD

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

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CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

hough I am an obnoxiously loud and opinionated person, there are few things that really bother me in life. However, along with people who say homosexuality is a choice and girls who think tights are pants (they are not; Blair Waldorf said so in season two of Gossip Girl), as a server, bad tippers rank in the top ve. Unless a person has been through the exhausting experience of spending several hours running back and forth from table to table getting drinks, forks, ranch dressing and checking to see if there is any more Sweet and Low when we have already assured you we are out only to be stiffed at the end of the meal, you cannot imagine the frustration. I am not an unreasonable man. I know crummy servers exist in the industry. I have been guilty of not tipping my server on two occasions, but I can assure you it was not without good reason. However, if you waltz into a din-

ing establishment expecting topnotch service from your server, it is only polite to shell out a reasonable amount of monetary compensation when the meal has ended. Also, I am not one to generalize or stereotype a group of people; however I can say from experience that most servers do get apprehensive when serving a church group. Like a gambler betting their rent at the black jack table, servers have nothing but good old fashion optimism to get them through serving a Wednesday or Sunday crowd. I am not saying that all church-goers are bad tippers, but they have different ways of tipping. Prayer cards with an obscure Bible quote and a promise to keep me in your prayers is a lovely notion, however I cannot pay my bills with a prayer. Unless you have a direct line to our Heavenly Father and can guarantee me an extension on my phone bill, I will just take cash. And please do not leave the prayer cards that look like money in place of an actual tip. That is just cruel.

Furthermore, compliments, though always welcome and encouraging, are not good enough substitutes for a tip. Im the best server you have had in a while? Why, thank you! Prove it. Finally, if you insist on bringing your offspring into a dining establishment, please take into consideration who will be cleaning the mess when you leave a tip. On more than one occasion, I have had customers come in with their children and then proceed to ignore them as the children run amok while the parent talks to a friend or plays on his or her phone. This is why the child leash was invented. For those who have received terrible service in the past and have a vendetta against all the others, you have my apologies, but as you do not like for opinions do be formed based on what group of people you fall into, neither do we. Cody Sexton is a senior journalism major from Bossier City who serves as entertainment editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.

Freedom of the market

JOHN SADLER Features Editor

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

few weeks ago, Phil Robertson, star of the popular reality show Duck Dynasty, made disparaging remarks about the morality of gay people and criticized the view that AfricanAmericans were singing the blues during the Jim Crow era. As a result, A&E, the producer of his hit show, suspended Robertson indenitely from the program. He has since returned. I will not be touching on the topics Robertson spoke about. Let us just say I do not agree with his remarks. I will, however, take a moment to address the defenders of Robertson, many who claimed that his First Amendment rights were being violated by his removal from Duck Dynasty. Let us take a look at the First Amendment, shall we?

It reads, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. That is as straightforward as it could possibly be. Congress, as in the legislative branch of our government, cannot create laws that would infringe upon the publics right to express themselves. The key word there is Congress. Not corporations. Not A&E. Congress. Robertsons suspension from Duck Dynasty was not an issue of freedom of speech, as many (including our governor) have claimed. It was a business decision. Can the government punish Phil Robertson for making homophobic comments? No, but his employer can.

If an employee of a company put a blatantly racist comment online and was red by his or her employer, would anyone have cared? There is no difference between that situation and the Robertson asco. Employers have the right to reprimand employees for negative remarks. If Robertson bought his own recording equipment, studio and broadcasting rights and decided to use that platform to discuss homosexualitys morality, then that is his right. He is not, however, entitled to use A&Es platform for his views. A&E, as a business, can air what they want, when they want. Doesnt trying to tell A&E otherwise take away their freedom of speech? John Sadler is a sophomore journalism and English major from Extension who serves as features editor for The Tech Talk. Email comments to jts040@ latech.edu.

anuary is here, once again, bringing with it a host of resolutions for the New Year. Some people focus on budgeting their money more wisely, while others vow they will stop procrastinating on projects, but the number one thing Americans resolve to change is, you guessed it, their waistlines. Knowing what to eat in order to be healthy and lean by this years end can be challenging and confusing. First, adopt a slow and steady mindset toward eating healthy, and you will notice sustainable results. Losing one to two pounds per week is a recommended, healthy weight loss rate that will give your body enough time to adjust and make it sustainable. Healthy eating includes all of the macronutrients, carbohydrates, fat and protein and does so in the right proportions. When looking at your plate, half of it should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the other half should be split between a lean protein (about the size of a deck of cards) and a serving of whole grains. For proper bodily functioning, which involves a myriad of complex processes, our diets should consist of 45-65 percent carbohydrates, 20-35 percent fat and 1035 percent protein. No wonder why Carbophobic people seem so angry, we need carbs, and lots of them! We particularly need carbohydrates in our diet when we are trying to lose weight, because they act as a kindling for fat metabolism. For healthier options, consider swapping out rened grains, such as white bread and pasta, for more whole grains, like brown rice, oatmeal and vegetables. As often as fat gets a bad rap, it is absolutely necessary to have in the diet, as well. A certain amount of fat is needed to keep hormones in check, for adequate production of HDL (the good cholesterol), to build certain cellular structures, and to aid in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Heart-healthy fat options include avocados, olive oil, salmon, tuna and nut butters (opt for natural and free of hydrogenated-oils). The protein we consume serves an essential purpose of building and maintaining lean muscle tissue. Grilled sh and chicken, legumes, seafood, nuts, seeds, tofu and low-fat or fatfree dairy products are all great sources of protein that will help keep you satised and full, because they take longer for the body to process. If you can maintain this moderate approach to healthful eating and weight loss, remembering that you are already incredible just as you are, you have the ability to truly improve your health status and reap all the benets. Hope Anderson is a post-baccalaureate nutrition and dietetics major from Monroe who is featuring as a guest columnist for The Tech Talk. Email comments to mha032@latech.edu.

Arts Entertainment
CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor JOHN SADLER Feature Editor God walks the Earth, and the newest chapter of the gospel arrived this year in the form of Kanye Wests Yeezus. This is Kanye Wests rst album since 2010 masterpiece My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, that embraced both minimalism and Wests egotistic personality in force. Yeezus is reminiscent in places of 808s and Heartbreak, Wests 2008 album that served as the eulogy for both the death of his mother and his engagement. The end of the album exposes an emotional West, lamenting the loss of his previously mentioned engagement whilst, in other songs, celebrating his newfound love in Kim Kardashian. Though some said his relationship with Kardashian would reect poorly on his talent, believing that, not unlike a succubus, she would strip him of his talent, Yeezus did not disappoint. The album begins on a rage-lled note as West employs aggressive lyricism in Black Skinhead by channeling Malcom Xs by any means speech. His aggression continues through the politically provocative New Slaves in which he bemoans young males obsession with designer clothes Yeezus and fashion laKanye West bels. The album then takes a temporarily composed tempo with a Justin Vernon and Chief Keef collaboration on the track Hold My Liquor, in which he raps about a destructive relationship. It can be guessed he is either rapping about his failed engagement with Alexis Phifer or his relationship with model Amber Rose. The album hits another high note with Blood on the Leaves, a track sampling the Billie Holiday song Strange Fruit, in which she sings about the widespread practice of lynching during her time. West plays this song behind a track that raps about a rich man impregnating his mistress,

January 16, 2014 The T ech T alk 5

Tech Talks Top Albums of 2013

The entertainment staff names their favorite albums of the year
and due to his religious beliefs is unable to convince her to have an abortion, and must therefore face his wife. It is a scathing view on the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The song ends on a high note with Bound 2, in which West raps about the stress placed on him by his relationship with Kardashian, a relationship which he considers his last. He is unaware of how to proceed with a woman he never wants to leave, having never dealt with the situation before. West has come to baptize nonbelievers in the gospel of Yeezus. The album is dissonant, discordant, political, emotional, ridiculous and sexual. Wests megalomaniacal personality is dissatised with one theme, and this album ts with his dissatisfaction with the state of hip-hop music as a whole. Yeezus just rose again.

Email comments to jts040@latech.edu or cls068@latech.edu.

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor

Lorde refuses to conform to the standards set by others who have New artists destined achieved fame. While to be great are like a they may have diagathering storm. They monds on their time work tirelessly on their piece or tigers on a debut album; writing lyrgold leash, Lorde asics, matching beats and sures us she will only perfecting notes to enbe Queen Bee in a fansure when their music tasy. The album is comhits us, we are helplessly prised of 10-tracks, Pure Heroine caught in a whirlwind of each better than the Lorde emotions and ecstasy we previous. Team dehave no choice but to scribes her discontent ride out. with pop music and being told to That said, I am demanding our throw her hands in the air (shout out next hurricane be named Hurricane to Miley) and how little people know Lorde. about New Zealand. What the 16-year-old New ZeaAlways one to favor the obscure land singer-songwriter lacks in age song never made in to a single, my pershe makes up for in a talent for poetic sonal favorite is Ribs, written about a simplicity. Pure Heroine is a minimal party she had when her parents music album that showcases Lordes left her home alone, realtalent as a genuine singer. Her izing their trust is a sign quiet teenage rebellion reects of her maturity and a in her singing style which desire to cling to youth. is hauntingly beautiful as The album title she does not scream to could not be more tget your attention, but ting. Pure Heroine croons quietly while is a drug, and I am you listen to what she a junkie. has to say. In the albums Email comments to lead single Royals, cls068@latech.edu.

JOHN SADLER Feature Editor

Big Bois verse on Banana Clipper being the standout guest contriKiller Mike and El-P , the two kings bution. of the underground rap game, banded However, his verse is their distinctly East Coast styles toquickly drowned out by gether this past year to form the rap the duos relentless versupergroup Run the Jewels. bal assault. It is not the rst time the two em This album feels cees have collaborated. Killer Mikes like the lesser-known 2012 album R.A.P . Music was comversion of Watch the pletely produced by El-P and was one Throne, with two wellRun the Jewels of the most well-received rap albums regarded and awardRun the Jewels of the year. winning emcees rapTheir collaborative abilities that ping about how they pushed R.A.P . Music to the best of the year are the best in the game. lists at the end of 2012 have been put on disMy only complaint with the album was its play again, with Run the Jewels free-to-down- length; 33 minutes was not enough for me to load, self-titled effort. get my ll of Run the Jewels. However, with The speedy album is lled with some of the recent announcement of Run the Jewels the best beats I have ever heard, pounding un- 2 for 2014, everybodys New Year is looking der the dark and dirty verses spit by the two a little brighter. emcees. Guest verses on the album are sparse, with Email comments to jts040@latech.edu.

CODY SEXTON Entertainment Editor From the second the album starts, your mind is no longer your own. Listeners are lost in the Arctic Monkeys new psychedelic world, feeling emotions they did not even realize they had. My only complaint about this album is that it took me so long to listen to because each time I listened to a new song I had to go back and listen to it until I was sick of it. And since the rst track is my favorite, it took a while to get through. The passionate pain and hopeless longing in lead singer Alex Turners voice as he sings Do I Wanna Know? is masochism at its nest because while you sing along thinking about that unattainable person,

you will not turn it off. gender roles serves The albums rst as an anthem for single R U Mine? is any man who knows the rst part to Do I the pain of being Wanna Know? and a womans late Turner struggles to night booty call. gure out if his lover I was not a is his for the night or fan of the Arctic longer. Monkeys before The album strays this album, not from the bands preout of any disvious themes of alltaste for them, AM night parties and bad but from a lack decisions and Turner of interest. The Arctic Monkeys adopts the persona of H o w e v e r, a man who desires love but cannot these days I am enjoying them catch a break. almost as much as Ke$ha, Why Do You Only Call Me much to my hipster friends When Youre High further displays dismay. longing for a lover who is looking for more than a one-night stand. Email comments to The track displaying a reverse of cls068@latech.edu.

Distractions
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 April 19 A project initiated by a group with which youre affiliated could keep you very busy today, Aries. You might have to spend a lot of time on the phone or running around in the car to libraries and bookstores obtaining information. A close friend or love partner might choose to accompany you. Youre likely to be feeling very strongly about whatever youre doing, so expect a gratifying day. Spend the evening with someone close to you. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 New ideas and concepts regarding the way you make your living might come your way today, Taurus, which could cause a bit of a shakeup in your value system. You might decide to tackle an entirely new profession that youve never considered before. Books on the subject could prove supportive and encouraging, as could those closest to you. Its important to follow your heart at this time. Go for it! Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Group activities and social events excite your passions today, Gemini. Youll meet lots of new people, take on some interesting new projects, and, if you havent already, you might even fall in love. A number of fascinating ideas exchanged at these events might propel you into a new course of study. Partnerships of any kind formed today stand a powerful chance of succeeding. In the evening, go to dinner with your new friends. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Some projects requiring a lot of thought, which you may have been working on for a long time, could well be completed today. Your efforts are definitely going to be appreciated by those who matter, Cancer, and you might even receive public acknowledgment of some kind. A rise in income could be just over the horizon. Youve worked hard to be where you are and cant be blamed if you give yourself a pat on the back. Go to it! Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Inspiration stemming from other places and other cultures might direct your passions to a new creative project of some kind, Leo. Your mind is quick and resourceful and your energy high, so youll probably have a busy day. You could also be feeling especially romantic and sexy and desirous to share all youve been doing with a love partner. Arrange a hot date if you can, then make sure you look your best! Enjoy! Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Some images deriving from dreams or visions might provide inspiration for ideas to redecorate your house, Virgo. You might spend some time perusing books in order to find ways to put your ideas to work for you. Then youll embrace the task with a passion! Speaking of passion, sex and romance are also very much on your mind at this time. Get a lover to help you with your work. This could propel you to some rather pleasant consequences. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Plans for social events to take place in your neighborhood might have you spending a lot of time on the phone today, Libra. Or you might be running around in the car taking care of various errands. This could involve the healing profession in some way. Whatever it is, you feel especially strongly about it. A current or potential love partner might also be involved with your project. Invite this person to dinner. Youll probably like how the evening ends! Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 New information regarding opportunities for career, business, and personal expansion might shake up your value system today, Scorpio. This is a positive development, although it may be a bit disconcerting for you right now. Your life could well take a different turn, starting today. An immediate desire for pleasure could be satisfied by scheduling a romantic dinner with a lover. Forget the changes that are happening for a while and enjoy your evening! Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 New ideas that you have been studying over the past few days might have turned your mind in a different direction, Sagittarius. Thus, you are shifting away from the concepts that youve always accepted toward other ideas that you may have just learned. This could lead to projects of your own, perhaps involving writing or speaking. Open and honest communication with a lover might lead to an intimate evening together. Expect some intense conversation, among other things! Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Your logical mind might try to make rational sense of the strange metaphysical ideas that are popping in and out of your head today, Capricorn. Some of them might be conclusions drawn from books youve been reading, but others might actually be messages from the other side. Write down whatever insights come your way. They might not seem logical, but theyll make a difference to your life. In the evening, discuss these ideas with a love partner. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 A growing sense of intimacy with a close friend or love partner is likely to stem from mutual interests. The two of you might even discuss taking a long trip together, perhaps to a distant state or foreign country. This isnt the time to hold back or be too cautious, Aquarius. Your life is very much on track. If you want to get away with this person, go for it. In the evening, get together with a lover! Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 A powerful romantic attraction might lead to creative or artistic inspiration. You should be feeling especially passionate today, Pisces, and your passions are likely to spill over not only into your relationships but into your work as well. Whatever you produce creatively is likely to be so inspired it impresses even you. Work done on the job should attract favorable attention from superiors. Youre feeling especially sexy. Dress up and see what happens!

6 The T ech T alk January 16, 2014

CROSSWORDPUZZLE
Across 1. Eritreas capital 7. Green prefix 10. Money 14. Sisters daughters 15. Attempt 16. Dept. of Labor division 17. Peace Nobelist Sakharov 18. Bee follower 19. Bok ___ 20. Confidential 23. Gentle ones 26. Electric fish 27. Female sovereign 28. Zenos home 29. Sedan, compact, or convertible, e.g. 30. Hung. neighbor 31. Seesaws 33. Hit the slopes 34. Occurrence 37. Aardvark morsel 38. Never, in Nuremberg 39. Singer Garfunkel 40. Menu words 41. French possessive 42. Apt. divisions 43. Faithfulness 45. Fail to tell the truth 46. Loud noise 47. Gin flavorer 48. Unemotional 51. Gun, as an engine 52. Unfettered 53. Sensitive to all visible colors 56. St. Louis landmark 57. Attorneys org. 58. Fly 62. Womanizer 63. The French word for no 64. Deceive 65. Type of gun 66. ___ be an honor 67. Slanted Down 1. Gasteyer of Saturday Night Live 2. Fall from grace 3. Kind of school 4. Performer of gymnastic feats 5. Sailing hazards 6. Clueless catchphrase 7. One engraving 8. Anglers basket 9. ___ and terminer 10. Spherical bacterium 11. ... who lived in ___ 12. Beach locale 13. Surprise Symphony composer 21. Tantalizes 22. Justice 23. Sic on 24. Coeur d___ 25. Confronts 29. Serious wrongdoing 30. Ohio city 32. Add vitamins to flour, e.g. 33. Mouth stuff 34. Shout of exultation 35. Choir members 36. Check endorser 44. Not sociable 45. Fungus 46. Claim as a right 48. Fights 49. Fortune-telling cards

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50. When prompted 51. Automaton 52. Resides 54. Title bestowed upon the wife of a raja 55. Currency unit in Western Samoa 59. Tumult 60. Outdo 61. Vane dir.

LAST ISSUES SOLUTION

DAILY U

Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu

WEEKLYWEATHER
TODAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY

www.accuweather.com
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

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

www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUES SOLUTION

y

HIGH 60 LOW 32

HIGH 47 LOW 29

HIGH 59 LOW 33

HIGH 60 LOW 40

HIGH 66 LOW 45

HIGH 62 LOW 31

HIGH 54 LOW 35

>

BUDGET from pg. 1

>

AFFORDABILITY from pg. 1

some students may miss out on the benets of interacting with their peers and professors. On campus you get to talk to other students and hear other peoples views, Medley said. You also get to ask your teachers questions. Medley said his experiences in classroom settings have prepared him for his future career. If youre going to pay for college, you need to get the full experience, Medley said.

Tech President Les Guice said people are concerned because the revenue is showing up slower than usual this year. It is a very complex set of funding, Guice said. The state administration is condent schools will receive their funding. He said he believes funding will not be an issue for Tech. Over the years we have had to get creative with our ways of saving money, Guice said. He said he does not lay awake at night thinking about it. We have made great progress and we attract great students and have a committed faculty, Guice said.

Email comments to pdd010@latech.edu.

career, Francois said. She said she has been consistently promoted on an upward trajectory in her eld and her studies at Tech have been an enhancement to her progression. I say the only way to make money is to spend money, its the only thing the bank cant take back, she said. Not everyone agrees about the benets of an online education. Marcel Medley, a junior political science major, said he thinks

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More Talk

January 16, 2014 The T ech T alk 7

On Track
the right
Dirt Slingers provides an outlet for riders in Ruston
WILL TRAHAN Staff Reporter Josh Branch said the life of a motocross racer requires having passion to stick with the sport. As a testament to that passion, Branch, a 32-yearold former motocross racer, opened his own track called Dirt Slingers to stay involved in the sport even after his retirement. It is an awesome way BRANCH for me to stay in the racing scene without having to compete, Branch said. Branch said the track started small and expanded into what it is today. It started as my practice facility and I opened it up to the public, Branch said. I have had over a thousand riders come through from ve states. Riders come from Louisiana, East Texas, Southern Arkansas, Western MissisALBRITTON sippi and Missouri to events at the track. Gary Albritton, a regular at Dirt Slingers, races competitively throughout the state but chooses Branchs track to train on because of the quality of the course. I love this track and this sport, and Josh is a great guy, Albritton said. Branch has no problem remembering the people who come through the BACA track. The motocross community is like a family, Branch said. Everyone knows each other and when things happen with riders, people pull together and help each other out. Branch held a charity fundraiser at his track to help one of the riders for his race team. The riders father died of a heart attack, and the event raised $7,000 for the family of the Photo by Devin Dronett rider. Josh Branch takes a jump on his way through the The track is not just a facility for racing, as track. Branch also offers lessons for beginners at his track with qualied teachers. We get to work with a lot of kids with our race team, which I really enjoy, Branch said. Branch said people who are passionate and involved in motocross are in for life. Once people get into this life, it is hard to just quit, Branch said. It is the ultimate adrenaline rush and it can not be replicated. Students at Tech who are not from around here are encouraged by Branch to come out and experience his track. I have had students before who rode for me that lived close by who came and trained here all the time, Branch said. Branch said a problem for students who live in Techs dorms is the lack of a place to adhyay store their bikes. Photo by Deepanjan Mukhop I have let students who didnt have anygers track. where to put their bikes leave them here to Josh Branch speeds through the Dirt Slin give them the opportunity to ride when they want to, Branch said. Michael Baca, a Shreveport high school student, is thinking about coming to Louisiana Tech but is worried about keeping up with his hobby. If I come to Tech and cannot store my bike, I think Josh will let me store it and I will get to train all the time, Baca said. Branch said that he has plans to make the tracks amenities bigger and better. Something that I have been thinking about doing is building a storage facility for riders to store their bikes if they have nowhere else, Branch said. Branch said the track is the culmination of his love for his sport, and anyone who wants to should come be part of the motocross family.

Email comments to bwt008@latech.edu.

Gary Albritton, Alex Baca, Michae l Baca and Josh Branch line up to race around the trac k.

Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

Sports Talk
WHITNEY FRAZIER Techster Basketball My goal is to become an honor student in the classroom and a leader on and off the court. I want to be the best player I can be. To give everything I have to get this team to the NCAA tournament for the first time in my career. MANOELA CHIACCHIO Techster Tennis I want to do well academically and continue to enjoy school and the American culture. To develop myself as a better athlete, a better tennis player and a better teammate. I hope the tennis team can get even more fans to cheer for us and have a great season.

8 The T ech T alk January 16, 2014

A Year in Preview
PHIL MATON Bulldog Baseball To finish off the spring quarter with a 3.5 GPA. I want to win Conference USA in our first year in it and have an ERA under 2.00. I am looking forward to a much more challenging conference schedule and for the weather to warm up so I can go fishing. NICHOLE WILSON Techster Bowling My personal goals for 2014 are to graduate from Tech with a 4.0 GPA and to find a graduate program I like. I would like to make the All-Tournament team for bowling. To spend more than a week with my family in New York this summer. HANNAH WRIGHT Techster Volleyball I want to maintain great grades throughout the course of the year and become mentally and physically stronger. I want to become a more durable athlete while I improve my onthe-court skills. I am looking forward to a fresh start. 2014 is a great opportunity for our volleyball team. RAHEEM APPLEBY Bulldog Basketball My personal goals are to stay healthy and continue my work in the classroom. Do whatever I can to help this team get to the NCAA Tournament. Im looking forward to playing in a new conference and not having to fly so much. ERIN KIPP Techster Softball I want to enjoy my free time before I leave for medical school in the fall. I am hoping to have a very successful year. I hope to continue to contribute offensively and defensively wherever the coaches need me. I am very excited to start medical school this fall. Ive wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl.

Tech athletes look forward to 2014 and share their goals on and off the field
CHAD MERRITT Sports Editor All photos courtesy of media relations

KIM FRANCIS Track and Field My personal goal is to graduate this upcoming spring. My athletic goals are to finish college as a first team All-American and to sign a professional contract. I am really looking forward to seeing my parents faces when I achieve my goals.

KATHRYN SLOAN Techster Soccer To maintain a 4.0 GPA, to keep building my art portfolio, and to be more active in soccer clinics for kids. I need to work on my physical fitness, strength off the ball, and passing and striking the ball. I want our team to be in the Conference USA tournament.

KENNETH DIXON Bulldog Football I want to get bigger, stronger and faster. I want to become a better leader for my teammates and a more mature person on and off the field. The goal this year is to win a championship, go to a bowl game and stay healthy. I am looking to become closer to God in everything I do.

JACK LEMPKE Bulldog Golf To graduate with a 3.95 GPA and to decide on graduate school or pursuing a career in golf. I hope to win my first college golf tournament and compile scores to attract investors to start a pro golf career. I am looking forward to seeing where my life takes me and one more year with my best friends, my teammates.