Vol 93 issue 07

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A R K A N S A S T E C H U N I V E R S I T Y / / T H U R S D A Y, O C T. 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 • V O L . 9 3 N O . 0 7

Pop Up El Paso KAREN RICKETTS

Staff Writer

Uncommon Communities of Pope and Yell Counties hosted a Pop Up El Paso event on Saturday, Oct. 22 to show the Russellville community the possibilities of cultural and economic growth along El Paso Avenue and link Arkansas Tech University to downtown Russellville.

Pop Up El Paso festivities included live music, food trucks, a dog park, a mobile library, face painting and more.

Arkansas Tech University and Miller Boskus Lack Architects, P.A. collaborated on planning PopUp El Paso as a means to gather public opinions on how the community would like to see El Paso develop.

Tabitha Duvall, communication director at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, said that an information station would be available at the event so people could leave their ideas. Members of the community were also encouraged to post photos

ELECTION INFO - PAGE 8

HANNAH COSTER/THE ARKA TECH Artists performed at the Brother Down Sound stage during Pop Up El Paso on Saturday. of their ideas on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ExperienceElPaso.

“We try to pay attention to the hashtag #experienceelpaso to see what people want to have,” Duvall said.

The lineup of music included local artists, such as Jamie Lou Connolly, William Blackart, Phil Higdon, Cole Birmingham, John Severs, Robb McCormick and Matthew Fatty Richie.

Duvall said the event

was a good opportunity for people to see what El Paso Avenue could potentially be.

“We’ve really begun to build that relationship, but to really have that physical connection, to have that direct corridor from Arkansas Tech to downtown, to have that connection strengthened is exciting,” said Duvall.

Attractions at Pop Up El Paso also included a farmers market, chalk mural, a mobile bank, games,

and a selfie scavenger hunt.

Students in Arkansas Tech’s basic photography class provided artwork for an outdoor art gallery.

Along with the art gallery, local businesses set up shop to help the community visualize the potential of El Paso Avenue.

“We’ve already gotten a start with a few great, fun little businesses on El Paso, but we want to see it continue to grow,” Duvall said.

Loan debt: knowing the battle is half the fight AMBER QUAID

Managing Editor

The average Class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in student loan debt according to usnews.

So before most students own their first home they are $40,000 in debt. Let’s not forget the interest. That means in the 10 years that a student has to pay off their loan their average monthly payment will be $420. This realization for many students after they graduate comes as a shock but here are some tips and resources to ease that pain.

Let’s start off with some tips. Before you graduate, leave school or enroll in less than half time (think twice about dropping that class) here are some things to know about loans.

First, complete the exit counseling because this allows a student to get information on how to manage their loan, options in paying back the loan and gives a student a chance to ask questions. Ask questions.

Next, taking a good look at a student’s loan borrowing history gives the student an idea of how

much their interest rate is as this varies from loan to loan, semester to semester and shows the overall amount owed.

Third, a student should get familiar with their loan types.

Depending on which loan type a student has will determine factors such as rate, payment plans and grace period for repayment.

Also knowing when to make the first payment is essential, starting out late causes problems from the start. Looking into the grace period for a loan let’s a person know if they have 30 days or 90 days to start paying on a loan.

Knowing how and to whom to pay a loan too can help ease any issues.

Basically a student should know how much their loan is, what the rate of their loan is and ask questions.

Go to StudentAid.gov/repayment-estimator to calculate how much and how long a loan will take to repay.

Before a student’s repayment begins they should also have selected a repayment plan. There are three types: standard, graduated and extended.

The standard repayment plan gives a student 10 years to pay; minimum of $50 per month, but this is usually if a student owes very little because the interest rate would bury the student if they only paid $50; and this has the least amount of interest to be paid by the student.

The graduated repayment plan gives a student 10 years to pay; the payments start out low and every two years increase in price, lowest payment is based on monthly interest due; more interest is paid on this than the standard plan.

The extended repayment plan gives a student 25 years to pay (they could own a house by now), has a fixed payment amount or they can opt for the gradual increase every two years allowing lower payments; this plan has the most interest added to the total.

Basically a student’s best bet is to plan ahead, go with the standard repayment plan and pay more than the minimum (even if it is a dollar because after 10 years it adds up).

(LOAN page 5)

FOOD REVIEW - PAGE 6

News in brief “MISS JULIE” AT TECHIONERY THEATRE Arkansas Tech University Theatre will present four performances of the late 19th century drama “Miss Julie” at the Techionery Theatre this week.

Showings will begin at 8 p.m. nightly from Wednesday, Oct. 26, through Saturday, Oct. 29, at 1502 North El Paso Ave. in Russellville. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students. They will be available at the door and will not be sold in advance.

Jenava Harris, technical arts supervisor for Arkansas Tech Theatre and student in the university’s master of liberal arts degree program, is directing the production and designing its scenery.

Harris described “Miss Julie” as a “story of three people who are seeking to eradicate the oppression that they face in their lives, with some violent consequences.”

Cast members include Shaylen Davis of Clarksville, Jaylissa Hampton of Little Rock, Taylor Paulk of Little Rock, Diana Morris of London, JaMarcus Walker of Lufkin, Texas, and Holly Willmon of Bauxite.

Paulk, Morris and Willmon will perform on the first and third nights of the

production, while Davis, Hampton and Walker will take the stage on the second and fourth nights.

“By having two casts, the theatre program is able to give more opportunities to students,” said Anthony Caton, head of the Arkansas Tech Department of Communication and Journalism. “It also enables audience members to go on two separate nights for two separate experiences.”

Jacob Singleton of Gravette and Glen Poole of Fort Smith are serving as student assistant directors for the production. Carson Hawkins of Clarksville (stage manager), Sawyer Rentfro of Russellville (technical director), Christina Williams of Cabot (costume design), Robert Warner of Little Rock (lighting design) and Steffany Rhame of Farmington (sound design) are also providing leadership for “Miss Julie.”

“I am very glad to have Ms. Harris directing this important play,” said Dr. David J. Eshelman, associate professor of communication and director of Arkansas Tech Theatre.

“It includes challenging roles that will help our students become better performers.”

Contact the Arkansas Tech Department of Communication and Journalism at (479) 964-0890 for more information.

McMillian defines Tech campus safety SIERRA MURPHY

requires universities to publicly report crime statistics and also outlines SAM HOISINGTON other policies related to Online Editor campus safety.

The act leaves some Arkansas Tech Uni- room for interpretation versity is a leader in cer- when it comes to reporttain areas of crime when ing the required data. The compared to other public approach to responding universities in the state. to the Clery Act can differ Those figures, though, from university to univercan be influenced by the sity, Chief of Public Safety approach individual uni- Joshua McMillian said. versities take to reporting Some universities only crime data. publish a spreadsheet with The Clery Act, a fed- the statistics, but Tech’s eral law passed in 1990, annual report (dubbed the

Managing Editor

Campus Security and Fire Safety Report) gives recent and historical crime figures; outlines University policy on sexual assault and hate crimes; defines scope of patrol; and defines crime categories, among other things.

Tech’s report is so comprehensive because Department of Public Safety wants its annual report to “provide real information to faculty, students and staff and use this as a comprehensive approach to campus safe-

ty,” McMillian said.

The following crimes are required to be reported under the Clery Act: murder and non-negligent manslaughter; negligent manslaughter; forcible sex offenses; non-forcible sex offenses; robbery; aggravated assault; arson; domestic violence, dating violence, stalking; and other crimes as determined necessary.

The definitions of the above crimes are standardized in the Clery Act text.

“These crimes are more than likely to be indicative of a larger crime on your university,” McMillian said.

In other words, these crimes can lead to other crimes.

To ensure crime is properly reported, McMillian encourages the Tech community to not be afraid to report crime, whether it happened to you or someone else.

The same figures are then forwarded to both state and federal agencies,

Josh McMillian like the Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

PAGE 2 | Opinion

Karen Ricketts Staff Writer

Issue 6 & 7: Comparing the medical marijuana bills This seven-part series will examine the seven issues on the Arkansas state ballot for the general election on Nov. 8.

The objective of the series is to provide voters with information about each individual issue on the ballot before Election Day. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment and the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act, also known and issues six and seven, are both ballot issues that would legalize medical marijuana use. However, as both would legalize medical marijuana, there are several significant differences in the issues.

A “yes” vote for issue six would legalize medical marijuana for 17 qualifying conditions, would create a Medical Marijuana Commission, would allocate tax revenue to technical institutes, vocational school, workforce training and a general fund.

A “yes” vote for issue seven would support the legalizing medical marijuana for 56 qualifying conditions, putting Arkansas Department of Health in charge of implementing the program and allocate tax revenue to provide lowincome patients with medical marijuana.

A “no” vote for either issue opposes the amendments to legalize medical marijuana.

Issue seven would allow for the establishment and regulation of not-for-profit marijuana dispensaries while issue six would allow for-profit dispensaries and

cultivation facilities. For issue seven, the Arkansas Department of Health would oversee the program, labs would test cannabis quality and the state and local taxes would be applied to the medical marijuana. Revenue from these taxes would be allocated to providing low-income patients with medical cannabis. A significant difference between issue six and seven is that issue seven would permit patients that live 20 miles from the nearest dispensary to grow their own cannabis plants for personal use.

State and local taxes on sales would also be applied to medical marijuana in issue six, with the differences being how the tax revenue is used. For issue six, revenue from taxes would be allocated to cover administration cost; 50 percent would go to the Vocational and Technical Training Special Revenue Fund; 30 percent would go to the General Fund; 10 percent to work force training programs; five percent to the Department of Health; four percent would go to the Alcoholic Beverage Control administrative and enforcement divisions; and one percent would go to the Medical Marijuana Commission.

In issue six, voters would be permitted to ban marijuana dispensaries in their city. While Arkansas Legislature would be allowed to amend sections of issue six by a two thirds vote, the Arkansas Legislature could not make medical marijuana illegal again without voter approval.

Which for issue seven, Arkansas Legislature would be permitted to make medical marijuana illegal again with two-thirds supermajority vote in each legislative chamber.

For more details regarding the specifics of issues six and seven on the November ballot, visit ballotpedia.com.

Vote, America, vote “Why should I vote?” is a question that gets asked numerous times at every election. This year alone has revealed apathy and unbelief to be strong, especially in millennial voters. Deciding a candidate, when the running theme seems to be we’d be choosing between the lesser of two evils, hasn’t been easy. But no matter the circumstances, we encourage the students of Tech to vote in this year’s election. Why? The United States was founded by men who decided to break away from ideals they didn’t agree with. Upon denying oppression and finding new land, their land, they created the United States of America and upheld democracy and the ability for their voice to be heard as supreme.

Equality, individuality and independence are also rooted in the founding of the United States of America. This reason alone should inspire a person to vote because that person voices what they want to be heard: equality, individuality and independence.

And we can see the country wrestle with this sense of newfound independence. Graphics produced by the website Metrocosm show that for almost 100 years, the country itself had states voting for parties from Southern Democrat to Whig to Federalist. While the names (and ideals the party supported) may differ, the platforms that were refined into the two most recognized parties, what’s known today as the Democrats and the Republicans, really didn’t find their footing until 1864.

In other words, what states that did make up the country at this time weren’t consistently voting within these two parties until 1864. And it isn’t until 1960 that we see the entire United States participate in presidential elections. That means the whole United States has made their voice for change in only 14 elections. It’s obvious change takes time, but it also takes votes.

But the whole country voting wouldn’t have been possible if the people that made up that country

Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al

[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest.

weren’t taking measures into their own hands and fighting for their right to vote.

An example of this is the 19th amendment, which provided men and women with equal voting rights.

Another example is the 15th amendment, which guaranteed African Americans the right to vote. Arguably the most powerful example, for college aged students, is the 26th amendment, which changed the voting age to 18 from 21.

Amendments 11 through 27 were also added as time changed and people fought for their rights. In fact, rights to vote were the most added amendments (this includes amendments 15, 19, 26). And the reason is

change -- voices were being heard through voting over time and people were fighting for equality and independence. We can see our country, and its people, wrestling with things like equality and independence, all the while trying to find their voice in the midst of a country that has been primarily divided between two dominant parties since the early 1900s.

That struggle, though, is arguably indicative of what’s going on in our country today, and should be all the inspiration needed to utilize your voice in this year’s election. Because you aren’t just voting for a presidential candidate; you’re changing the course of the future of the United States of America.

Internet, entertainment industry - now the same thing RYAN HARMON

Entertainment Writer We've heard about it for years -- the internet will soon replace physical products for entertainment. Though it seemed like it would take a long time to see it happen, I believe it's already happening.

Last week, Amazon announced an exclusive agreement with Garth Brooks. Brooks, who kept his music off of digital outlets for years, had previously launched his own service called GhostTunes, where

artists could control how their music was sold, which has long been Brooks' biggest complaint with the digital model.

This agreement will result in Amazon's new music service, Amazon Music Unlimited, being the only place to purchase or stream Brooks's music digitally.

With Brooks being the highestselling solo artist in music history, this agreement gives Amazon an advantage over its competitors.

But did Amazon get a late start at this?

These exclusive deals are

nothing new, though the Garth Brooks agreement has been getting a large amount of attention.

Other digital music services, such as Apple and Spotify, have already been getting these exclusive deals. Spotify has been making deals with artists to do exclusive "Spotify Sessions" for years, where the artist does a short live performance that's only available on the streaming service. And Apple Music has already made exclusive agreements with artists such as Charles Esten, known for his role as Deacon Claybourne on

CMT's "Nashville." And who can forget the iTunes exclusive with U2's "Songs of Innocence" album that prompted tutorials on how to remove the free surprise album from your library?

This trend of exclusive content hasn't been limited to music services. Video platforms, such as Hulu and Netflix, have been recruiting big names in Hollywood to create original movies and series. Netflix proved to be a great example of this by making the sequel to the cult classic "Joe Dirt" a reality. The film was big enough

to create a demand for physical copies of the film, as well as television airings. Pick up a copy of the "Joe Dirt 2" DVD and you'll see the Netflix logo on the back.

Regardless of how you watch it, Netflix gets money from it.

Many popular comedians like Bill Burr and Jim Gaffigan have also opted for these online exclusives for their standup specials, as opposed to going down the traditional avenues.

These deals could very well be

(MUSIC page 4)

Social issues via social media: Importance on fact checking Sierra Murphy Managing Editor

In my profession, my credibility is everything. If I misquote someone, I’ve failed to do my job. If I don’t accurately report a fact, I’ve failed to do my job.

That standard, which should be upheld by my part to the highest degree, is something I measure against every article, photo, newsource and the like I come across. I don’t watch certain television channels simply because I don’t like the news station. I ignore certain social

media sites because I know they’re promoting a platform that is more focused on itself and its mission than it is about reporting accurate information in the context it was taken in.

Tech community I urge you to do the same. Take out your measuring stick and closely examine the kind of media you are consuming this election season. Where are you getting your facts?

Where are your sources getting their facts? Are your sources’ sources reliable?

Are they trustworthy? Who has an agenda; what is it; and how are they promoting it?

I know – the process is tedious and time consuming, but oh so worth it. As a member of a society that’s

looking to feed an informed electorate, I can’t stress the responsibility of that electorate. It’s up to you, reader, to consume information, think about the information and then regurgitate the information accurately, timely and to your own audiences.

An idea, no matter how small, can be vicious, poisonous, great and so much more.

It can spread like wild fire or stop a corporation from functioning at all. But it’s up to us to contribute to the fight, the fire and the freeze.

So think before you share that post. Pause before you retweet. Take out your measuring stick and closely examine the kind of media you are consuming this election season.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Karen Ricketts Staff Writer

As the number of days until Election Day tick down like a inevitable looming calamity, my social media newsfeed looks like a feeding frenzy as political parties, media outlets and voters try to pitch the best argument for their chosen candidate before the Nov. 8 election. Under the circumstances, I would like to give a friendly reminder, a PSA if you will, and say that you can’t believe everything you read on the Internet.

I know we all know this, but it’s easy to get all caught up in the moment and want to share some link that you are passionate about, but is obviously not credible. I see people share links to blogs and

religious or politically affiliated websites, and it drives me crazy that people believe what they read without checking to see if the author has provided credible sources.

I don’t know if it’s me, who as a journalist is in the habit of checking sources, but I feel like checking sources should be common knowledge.

Which leads me to my next point; fact checking and checking the credibility of sources for this election is crucial. There is so much controversy and hypocrisy flying around it is imperative that we, as voters, know what is being said to us is either a lie or the truth. When you read blogs and website articles, see who the author is and what their background of expertise is in.

Check to see if the author included hyperlinks, attribution, or cited their sources. If there is a lack of cited material, the article is probably more like an opinion piece.

Which is fine; I just want to stress that we can’t afford for people to only be informed by opinions when so much is at stake.

Campus | PAGE 3

MAN ON THE STREET WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOMECOMING TRADITION?

“Homecoming is always around Halloween and they always do Halloween themes.”

Michael Hatton Marketing Management Little Rock

“It’s a tough one between the pep rally and the end result and everyone celebrating.”

Karli Matlock Pre-Veterinary Medicine Alpena

“Tailgating because you get to hang out with lots of people and eat good food.”

Bruce Thomas Computer Science Little Rock

Feral Garden exhibit open at Norman Hall JOLI DUPY

Staff Writer

During October, the Norman Art Building has been home to “Feral Garden II” by Davis Scott Smith. The exhibit was titled by the definition of the word feral: “especially of an animal, in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication,” or “resembling a wild animal.”

Upon viewing Smith’s exhibit, I felt an eerie feeling that I was being watched by each figure. Made from translucent porcelain and stoneware as well as mixed media, the piece titled, Family had their eyes on me during the duration of my visit. This “Big Brother” feeling led to a certain amount of anxiety as I felt I was being watched as I circled through the exhibit, examining and gasping at each piece.

“Feral Garden is a body of work that has culminated from separate (but related) avenues of thought; love of my family, observations on our changing environment and a concern over how industry has changed the way we live,” Smith stated in an explanation of his creations and the exhibit. Using various textures and media to create such works as “Toy Troll,” the “Poison Flowers” series and the “Reject GMO’s”, Smith said, “my work relies heavily on objects and textures that inspire my fascinations, and these are usually found in nature or combined with natural elements.”

The “Reject GMO’s” are an experience that I highly recommend. A one of a kind creation, these creatures are chilling and thought provoking, to put it simply. “The ‘Reject GMO’s’ are my version of GMO organisms engineered and grown in the laboratory, in the fervent corporate quest to produce new and exciting food and products,” Smith stated.

Working as the assistant professor in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Smith is able to use his skills in ceramics and his passion for art to teach young minds his love of, “exploring ideas of excess and consumption, but also beauty, which I believe can be found in abundance, even in the tragedy of our global predicament.”

PHOTOS BY JOLI DUPY/THE ARKA TECH ABOVE: "Reject GMO's" show the feral attribute to the textures Davis Scott Smith incorporated.

BELOW: "Toy Troll" explores the ideas of excess and consumption, but also beauty, which I believe can be found in abundance, even in the tragedy of our global predicament.”

“The pep rallies.”

Ta’naja Humphrey Nursing Little Rock

“Playing at half time in the band.”

Billy Brown Music Education Rogers

“I think buying shirts with class name and school and getting to celebrate.”

Jayla Mitchell Rehab Science Jonesboro

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

PAGE 4 | News

Van Buren haunted house

GABBI CALABRESE

Contributing Writer

October is my favorite month because it is home to all things spooky, including haunted houses. This October I lucked out and found the incredible Haunted Prison and Trail of Terrors at 3138 Dora Road in Van Buren, Arkansas. When I first saw the admission prices, I was a bit skeptical ($15 for the haunted prison, $15 for the trail of terrors and $25 for the combo ticket), but it turned out to be completely worth it! The costumes were creepy and believable and the atmosphere was eerie. I have experienced a lot of haunted houses in my life, and this one is definitely an excellent one.

I purchased a combo ticket, and I started with the Haunted Prison. I am more partial to this half than the Trail of Terrors. The Haunted Prison contained features I have never seen in a haunted house before, including a bubble tunnel and a glow room that requires 3D glasses. Every room in the Prison was different, and I never quite knew what to expect. I like that there was a variety of spooks. It was more than just people in costumes jumping out at me. Of course, there are live actors, but there are also mechanical surprises and spectacular setting details that make the Prison utterly creepy.

What really makes the Haunted Prison such a good experience, though, is the length. As one room led into another and my fear grew, I began to wonder if

FONDOSGRATIS.COM

I was ever going to escape the Prison— and I mean that in the best possible way!

It was long enough to feel as if I got my money's worth, but it never got boring.

I was thoroughly scared throughout the entire prison and exiting it felt like a victory of some sort.

However, my victory was short-lived as I entered the Trail of Terrors almost immediately after surviving the Haunted Prison. Whereas the Prison is enclosed

Homecoming 2016 AMBER APPLEBY

Assistant Online Editor Tech has been gearing up for the Homecoming game, this Saturday at 2 p.m., by having campuswide events all week.

The events started with the pep rally at Thone Stadium on Monday. Homecoming court was announced and the residence halls competed for the coveted spirit stick.

Tech students were also invited to help cheer the Golden Suns volleyball team on as they went up against Lyon College on Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday evening, students watched contestants compete in Tech Idol.

On Wednesday, Tech students got to enjoy free food, music, play games and had opportunities to win giveaways at Party at the Tower.

Thursday students are invited to come out to Play Unified at the Bell Tower.

Students are given the opportunity to play games with Special Olympic athletes. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m.

Thursday night, SAB is hosting their annual Big Money Bingo! game in Tucker Coliseum. Prizes will range from gift cards, TVs and iPads. Big Money Bingo! starts at 8 p.m.

Tech Idol will come to an end on Friday night at 8 p.m. in Tucker Coliseum.

One of the final contestants will be named as Tech Idol 2016.

Game day will begin with a ribbon cutting for a new “paperless classroom suite” in Crabaugh. The ribbon cutting begins at

12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

After the ribbon cutting, the celebration will move to Centennial Plaza for cake and fellowship before the game.

Another event scheduled before the game for Tech students is another Party at the Plaza. Students are invited to head out to Centennial plaza before the game to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere at 12 p.m.

The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys will be playing Northwestern Oklahoma University. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Thone Stadium. A homecoming celebration is scheduled for halftime of the game.

The Arka Tech

GENERAL POLICY

Editor-in-Chief: CLAUDIA YOUNG

News stories printed in The Arka Tech must be accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. Any mistakes in fact found in an issue of The Arka Tech will be corrected in the first possible issue. Opinions expressed in The Arka Tech are not necessarily the opinions of Arkansas Tech University or its students. Individual copies of The Arka Tech are free to members of the Tech community.

Contact the adviser for pricing of multiple copies.

Managing Editors: AMBER QUAID SIERRA MURPHY Online Editor: SAM HOISINGTON Assistant Online Editor: AMBER APPLEBY Sports Writer: MATTHEW EMERY Entertainment Writer: RYAN HARMON Staff Writers: RICCI LOGAN JOLI DUPY KAREN RICKETTS

CONTACT US Office: Energy Center 138 General email: arkatech@atu.edu Ads email: arkatech.ads@atu.edu

JAMES KNECHT Advertising Manager: AMBER QUAID Faculty Advisor: TOMMY MUMERT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

and more compacted, the Trail of Terrors is outdoors and it feels more real; it feels like anything could happen. The actors have space to chase people and they can hear people coming from several yards away. That is the creepiest part of the Trail of Terrors, in my opinion.

Unlike the Prison, it mostly consists of actors jumping out at people from behind trees, so it does not have the same creativity to it that the Prison had. That's

not to say I did not enjoy it or that it was not scary, because it was. There were several instances in which I veered from the trail because I was afraid to go inside a tent or a shed, and there were several instances in which I asked my friends if we should turn around. It was incredibly creepy, but if someone was only willing to pay for one of the features, I would choose the Haunted Prison over the Trail of Terrors.

LOAN From Page 1 The last tip to offer is to make the payments. Defaulting on a loan will cause trouble that could lead to a tax refund being held, more money coming out of a paycheck or other such forcible options. If a student thinks they can’t repay or life happens there is student loan forgiveness; go to StudentAid.gov/forgiveness to find out more.

Lastly, resolve any loan issues immediately, waiting does not help in this situation.

Basically, it’s time for students to put on their adult pants and face this head on because the consequences

could alter their future.

There is hope; there are many resources such as scholarships and grants available to students if they look. There are scholarships to put tires on your car and food on your table all while lowering your student loan debt. Business offer many scholarships to people going to school in their field, Arkansas Tech University offers scholarships (go online to https://www.atu.edu/scholarships/), and Tech student Amanda Condon offers many opportunities on her website, www.facebook.com/ groups/SMSHS/.

MUSIC From Page 2 similar to traditional record contracts as far as I know, but one thing I do know is that because the internet is not censored like radio and television, the artist gets a creative freedom that isn't always possible the old fashioned way. This means the art is truer to the artist and the fans will get more of what they really want.

I can't count the number of times I've heard people complain about not being able to listen to certain songs or watch certain shows on demand. These services provide consumers

with the entertainment they want, whenever they want and on whatever device they want. I've seen many of these services offer discovery options to users, where they can find more content that's similar to what they already like. This could be a much-needed boost for underground artists.

On the business side, it's a better way to stop piracy and encourage subscriptions to these services. If you want it, you have to go to the exclusive dealer to get it, but you also get much more for your subscription

than just one album or one movie. I believe it will generate more money for the entertainment industry, encourage more artists to join, and give fans more value for their money.

Will it phase-out physical products completely? No. Many people either don't like or don't know about these streaming services and prefer to have a physical product. But like what the DVD did to the VHS, I believe we'll see a steady conversion from physical to digital. Only time will tell how long it takes.

THE

ARKATECH

Features | PAGE 5

SIERRA MURPHY/THE ARKA TECH While in Los Angeles, Joshua Thomas wanted to go see a Dodgers game and his wife wanted to participate in the game show. He humored his wife, and to his luck, he walked away with more than memories.

Tech student wins car, reveals behind the scenes JAMES KNECHT

Staff Writer

With 20 seconds on the clock, he began throwing ping pong balls down a ski-ball like lane, toward a diamond formation of cups. Within three seconds, he makes the shot into a cup with a cash value of five hundred dollars; after 12 seconds, he makes another shot into another cup with a cash value five hundred dollars.

As time was ticking away, with about eight seconds left, he was still missing the shot. The shot that would win him the car.

After a brief pause to focus himself, he kept tossing ping pong balls down the lane aiming to make it in the center cup. Finally, with five seconds remaining, one landed, and stayed in the middle cup – he won the car.

While on a birthday trip with his wife, to Los Angeles for Labor Day weekend, Joshua Thomas, occupational therapy major from Van Buren, won a brand new Mazda 3 while participating on the game show “Let’s Make a Deal,” as seen on CBS on Oct. 6. Originally, Joshua and his wife had planned on making a trip to Toronto, Canada, but he insisted that a trip to Los Angeles would be cheaper.

While in Los Angeles, Joshua wanted to go see a Dodger’s game and his wife wanted to participate in the game show.

He humored his wife, and to his luck, he walked away with more than memories.

"Soon as we got off the plane, we went straight out there, got there a couple hours early and the whole process took about 7 hours from the start. From waiting, to going through the brief interview, to waiting in a waiting

5 NEWS

While on a birthday trip with his wife, to Los Angeles for Labor Day weekend, Joshua Thomas, occupational therapy major from Van Buren, won a brand new Mazda 3 while participating on the game show “Let’s Make a Deal,” as seen on CBS on Oct. 6. room, to the filming, to the signing off of the paper work for the car and everything,” Joshua said.

“It was a long day.”

Although he and his wife were interviewed, they weren’t sure they were going to be selected to participate in the game show.

"You don't know beforehand who they are going to select; you just hope you did well in the little brief interview process.

They ask basically your name, where you’re from and…a little bit about yourself,” Joshua said.

“You pretty much give them that information, try to be excitable about it…and present it in a way

that's...going to appeal to them and hope for the best."

After being selected to participate in the game, Joshua was told, off set, how to play the game. He didn’t know how much money the cups were worth or how they were laid out.

In order to win the car, Joshua had to play a game of car pong. There would be a diamond formation of cups and he had to land a ping pong ball in the center cup to win the car. The other cups had cash values in them.

Joshua started out with five seconds, but had the opportunity to earn additional time by giving the correct answers to a question

BRIANNA DAVIS

Contributing Writer

In the spring of 2015 Dr. MarTeze Hammonds, dean of Diversity and Inclusion, came to the Arkansas Tech University and soon instituted Tech Talks, a Diversity and Inclusion speaker series designed to give students the opportunity to discuss current topics with their peers.

“The goal of Tech Talks Diversity and Inclusion Series is to bring the Tech community together in a safe and open-forum style to engage in meaningful discussions,” Dr. Hammonds said. “The purpose is to example how our Tech community may ‘agree to disagree’ in this educational learning environment, and still be civil.”

Tech Talks discuss topics of diversity, inclusion and social justice. This semester, the topics of discussion have been on the ideas

of building an American/Mexican wall and the general election.

“At first we introduce the topic and we explain that this is a safe space,” graduate assistant for Diversity and Inclusion Fabiana Monte said. “I like Tech Talks because it makes our students think about issues that sometimes they don’t want to discuss and that they can discuss when we offer that safe space.”

Students are welcomed to come and to share their opinion on the topic that is being discussed, or just to hear other student’s opinions.

“I hope each and every student, faculty and staff (member) that attends or participates in the Tech Talk series walk away with a new perspective,” Dr. Hammonds said. “I also hope that possibly they have learned something they didn’t know before.”

The next Tech Talk will be held on Nov. 10 at the Baswell Techionery from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

pense there for a while,” Joshua said. But then, "obviously the logical side comes in, the expenses.”

After taking into account state taxes, federal taxes and sales tax, “I'm thinking it’s probably going to be close to a third of the price of the winnings,” Joshua said.

If a contestant wins a prize, but doesn’t want to accept it, “you don’t have to take the prize.

It’s optional.”

In light of the recent win, travels, family and friends, “I’m a blessed guy,” Joshua said.

“God's provided a lot of things for me, so I'm happy about that.”

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prior to the ski-ball esque game.

The question asked which colors were found in a package of plain M&M’s.

"The colors were brown, red, yellow and purple. Everybody knows purples’ not an M&M,” Joshua said. “So, I selected the colors. And for each one I got right, I got an additional five seconds.”

With a total of 20 seconds to play with, all Joshua had to do was make ping pong balls into cups. He won a car, after 15 seconds, as well as three other cash prizes that totaled $1250.

“After you win it, your elated, your excited, your kind of in sus-

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PAGE 6 | Entertainment

SUMO Food Review PHOTOS BY SIERRA MURPHY/THE ARKA TECH Avacado roll, one of the many appetizers offers. Many meals also come with soup and a salad.

Sierra Murphy Managing Editor

When Amber suggested Sumo, I immediately shut it down. I personally didn’t think that a restaurant with as much prominence as it has would need the help of a food review. We all know it’s out there. And a large portion of us know that it’s good.

But this week, I just needed the prominence. I needed to feel like I was getting a treat. And Amber must have been feeling the same way; she immediately answered my text with no objection to my suggestion. So Sumo it was.

We met up before dinner rush and were seated in the private dining at a table set for four. For whatever reason, we decided against the hibachi grill. And now that I’m writing this, I wish we wouldn’t have. But anyway.

The music was great, our waiter was friendly and prompt and the food was great, once I finally decided on what I wanted.

I originally ordered Pad Thai, but over looked the fact it came with rice noodles. I don’t like rice noodles.

I think they’re chunky, gooey and gross. When I think of a noodle, that’s not what I think of. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t overlook the pale white, tentacle like mess that arrived at the table and ended up ordered my usual – chicken fried rice.

The hibachi usually comes with vegetables, and this did not. But with some yum yum sauce, a staple on my table and in my fridge, I was in

heaven. The rice was perfectly seasoned with soy sauce, so I didn’t feel the need to add more. The yum yum sauce gave the dish a good sweetness to balance out the salty of the soy sauce, and the chicken was garlicy and peppery. The dish itself is over all quite bland, and personally, I don’t mind that. When I’m making the meal at home I’ll add sweet and sour sauce or siracha for a bit of a kick. It just depends on whatever mood I’m in.

By the end of my meal, with a huge plate of food and two S;prites having been consumed, I was wishing some vegetables had gone with my meal and that Amber would offer to pick up my tab. But when I got my check, I was pleasantly surprised; the meal in its entirety (meal change and all) only ran me $14 and some change. With tip included, I spent $17. I don’t think that’s bad at all, considering I took home a whole other plate as leftovers.

If anything, the amount of food for that price should be repeated over and over. I praise Sumo for offering that kind of service and giving a college kid some bang for their buck!

Amber Appleby Assistant Online Editor

I love Japanese food. There is something so amazing about Japanese hibachi fried rice that I simply cannot resist. So when Sierra asked if we could go to Sumo, I immediately cancelled plans and agreed.

I had been to Sumo before, but generally only during lunch time. I normally just get the bento box and call it good, but when I went with Sierra, I decided I needed to branch out a little so I ended up with steak fried rice and Sierra got an avocado roll for us to share.

Sierra’s meal came with a soup and a salad. I ended up with her soup because she didn’t want it. I normally really enjoy the onion soup that Japanese restaurants bring out, but this one seemed a little lacking.

It just wasn’t as flavorful. That may have been because there was not as many little fried onion bits in the

Japanese hibachi steak fried rice.

soup as I am used to. It did have the mushrooms and green onion, but the taste of the broth was just lacking.

The avocado roll was pretty good. The avocado was fresh and basking in a cocoon of rice with seaweed wrapped securely all around.

I don’t really just love seaweed. It always tastes a little fishy to me, but this tasted fresh and not as fishy as most places, so I was happy with it.

I was very excited about my steak fried rice. I believe I have mentioned my love of rice before, so I had really high expectations. This rice did not disappoint. It was perfectly seasoned. I couldn’t tell you specifically what all it was seasoned with, but I could taste soy sauce, yum-yum sauce, pepper and sesame seeds, and, really, what more do you need? The sesame seeds crunched pleasantly and the rice was superbly tender, which created a nice balance.

I was scarfing it down within a few seconds of the waiter putting it in front of me.

Sierra eventually asked for some yum-yum sauce and the waiter brought me some too. I can normally stomach yum-yum sauce. I’m more of a fan of mustard sauce, but you take what you can get. I liked this yum-yum sauce fine, but I think they took all the fishiness from the seaweed and put it in the yum-yum sauce. Maybe part of their sauce recipe is eel sauce, which would make sense, but is a turn off for me.

I overstuffed myself on my rice, so I think it is safe to say I will be going back, but next time, I am skipping the yum-yum and switching my soup for salad.

Brooks releases new single, wins digital battle RYAN HARMON

Entertainment Writer When Garth Brooks releases new music, you can bet it'll be an event. That excitement continues with the release of his latest single, "Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance," from his upcoming album "Gunslinger."

The song is reminiscent of previous Brooks’ songs "Wrapped Up In You," from 2001's "Scarecrow" and "We Shall Be Free" from 1992's "The Chase."

Brooks said the song is one of three that were written/co-written by his late friend, Kim Williams.

Williams had a long history in country music, and especially with

Brooks, writing songs like "Ain't Going Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)," "Papa Loved Mama," and the Randy Travis classic "Three Wooden Crosses."

Brooks recently premiered another new song, "Pure Adrenaline," with an exclusive intro to be played before each SEC college football game of the week. Though this was technically the first taste of the new album, the song's lyrics vary based on each game, making "Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance" the first complete song released from "Gunslinger."

Even though the release of this single was enough of an event, new Garth Brooks music doesn't come without major news.

Brooks shocked the entire industry when he announced an exclusive agreement with Amazon that allows fans to stream his catalogue and purchase digital versions of his albums through the major online retailer. This, of course, means his music will disappear from GhostTunes, the digital music service he helped start.

More importantly, this deal means that he won. For years, Garth Brooks had been absent from digital retailers because of the way the system is structured. He wanted albums to be sold as a whole, rather than each individual song being available by itself. GhostTunes was created because of the industry's refusal to give artists that kind of

control over distribution.

When the service was launched, Brooks said that if the major retailers came around and agreed to let the artists have that control, it would be a win for the artists, and it certainly is. Brooks proved that he could handle his own tour promotion, music distribution and social media presence without the industry. Now the industry has realized that it needs him more than he needs it.

"Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance" is available for streaming on Amazon Music Unlimited and as a free download with speciallymarked bags of Fritos chips.

Visit www.garthbrooks.com for more information.

'The Last Five Years' musical offers fresh feel GABBI CALABRESE

Contributing Writer

I am incredibly fond of musicals, even more so when they do not feel cheesy or contrived. That is why I am newly obsessed with “The Last Five Years,” a film directed by Richard Lagravenese, based off Robert Jason Brown's musical of the same name. I became embarrassingly attached to the stunning musical score, the flawed characters and the artful way their story was delivered.

“The Last Five Years” chronicles the relationship between struggling actress Cathy Hiatt and successful writer Jamie Wellerstein. We get to see the fun early stages of their relationship, the rocky middle parts and the ultimate crumbling of their marriage. The premise sounds boring, like some-

thing that has been done several times, and it would most likely feel that way too if Brown and Lagravenese had not found a way to make it feel fresh.

What makes this film so poignant is that Cathy and Jamie's story is not presented linearly. Rather, the film zig-zags between the two characters, taking turns singing, giving both of them the chance to share their sides of the story. Cathy's side starts at the end of the relationship and moves toward the beginning, while Jamie's side starts at the beginning and moves toward the end. There is minimal dialogue and the two almost never sing a song together. This approach not only forces the audience to piece some things together on their own, but it also gives the entire movie a bittersweet tint, as we know from the opening scene that their relationship does not end well.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

This film is intimate and emotional and it is pure art. The musical numbers range from upbeat and comical to romantic to heartbreaking. Each song has beautiful, relatable and engrossing lyrics.

What really made this film resonate with me, though, is the ambiguous characterization. I have spent a lot of time contemplating whose side I should take in this film, and I still cannot decide.

That is what makes this musical so incredible. Both of the main characters make countless mistakes and contribute to the relationship's failure—and yet, I understand what led the characters to their decisions.

At its core, “The Last Five Years” is a film that shows how a simple story can be so complex. It shows a harsh reality of life and love. It is a film that swept me off my feet.

Amber Appleby Assistant Online Editor

Stephen King is a phenomenal writer. That much can be said without too much backlash. His stories grab you by the throat and drag you through without much regard for whether or not you want to keep reading. You can’t stop. This is what happened to me with King’s novel, “Gerald’s Game.” With this novel, King proved to me that he can be crude and still make me want to keep reading.

“Gerald’s Game” focuses on Jessie Burlingame and her husband, Gerald.

Gerald is a successful lawyer and Jessie is a stay-at-home wife. Their marriage hasn’t exactly been a happy one, but what marriage can be happy when your husband is controlling you? In the novel, the pair sneak off to their lakeside cabin for a midweek rendezvous with the hopes of spicing up their sex life.

Gerald has been into bondage, specifically handcuffs. Jessie has been fine with this, though she lost actual interest in it a long time ago, but today, she just wants to have a “normal” sexual experience. So, after Gerald handcuffs her to the bed, she tells him she’s not in the mood and wants to be let go. Gerald knows she is being serious, but he doesn’t exactly care.

As Gerald advances on Jessie, she decides she has completely had enough and kicks him off of her, which sets off a chain reaction that ends with Gerald having a heart attack and dying on the bedroom floor. Now there is just Jessie. Handcuffed to a bed; in the middle of nowhere; alone, except for the voices.

Jessie has heard these voices since she was a young girl. There’s Goody, who is the self-deprecating good wife; Nora, Jessie’s old psychiatrist; Ruth, who is Jessie’s old college roommate; and various other smaller voices that are not as prominent. Now that Jessie is alone, the voices are her only companions, and they may be the only things that can help her get out of this mess.

Jessie and the voices are desperate. Night is coming and so is dehydration. They must work fast before Jessie completely loses her mind.

But it may not be as simple as getting out of handcuffs.

Jessie isn’t the only one, or the only thing, beside this lake. And some of these entities have done worse things than accidently kill their husband.

“Gerald’s Game” is a little rude and crude and filled with sex in many different forms, including rape.

It may be a little too crude, but, in typical King fashion, it is just terrifying enough to make you want to know what happens.

I enjoyed the novel, and I am very excited for the movie. Read the book before you see the movie and join me in my anticipation.

Sports | PAGE 7

Wonder Boys set for final home game of 2016 RICCI LOGAN

Staff Writer

The Wonder Boys dropped a close contest against Southeastern Oklahoma last weekend, 36-31, pushing their record 4-4.

Justin Bailey, from Mayflower, rushed 111-yards. D'Vonta Derricott, from Richmond, Virginia, had a team-high of 15 tackles, while Seth Culp from Temple, Texas added 13 tackles of his own.

The Storm's first drive saw them move the ball 53 yards on four plays. The drive would be cut short when Nick Akins, from Mesquite, Texas, came through with an interception. Akins returned it 70 yards before getting tackled at the Storm four-yard line. Following the interception, Kristian Thompson, from Dardanelle, rushed into the end zone on a seven-yard run to give the Wonder Boys a 7-0 lead. The Storm would answer on the next drive pushing the ball down the field on 12 plays for 75 yards to tie the game 7-7.

In the second quarter, the Storm extended its lead on a 17yard juggling catch for a touchdown. Tech came back on its next drive pushing the ball down the field on nine plays for 75 yards.

Jabyes Cross, from Riveria Beach, Florida, hit Jackob Dean, from Norman, Oklahoma for a 17- yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14.

DILLON RABB/THE ARKA TECH The Wonder Boys will face off with Northwestern Oklahoma at the homecoming game on Saturday at 2 p.m.

But the Storm came back again and scored on a 10-yard shovel pass. The Storm missed the extra point attempt, wide left, but took the lead, 20-14. Tech took the lead back on a six-play, 63-yard drive.

Cross got into the end zone on a nine-yard run, making the score 21-20. The Storm tacked on a

field goal before halftime, pushing the score to 23-21 at the half.

After half-time, the Storm forced Tech to settle for a field goal after an eight-play, 73-yard drive. Tech got the ball back and extended its lead on a 13-yard touchdown by Braden Stringer, from Blanchard, Oklahoma. With

3:26 left in the third quarter, the Storm got into the end zone on a Devlon Wortham-one-yard run.

The Storm wouldn't stop there, as it drove down the field on a 14-play, 83-yard drive before punching it into the end-zone to take the lead.

The defense of the Storm

would stand tall the rest of the quarter to seal the game.

The Wonder Boys return home to face Northwestern Oklahoma for Homecoming in their final home game of the 2016 season on Saturday, Oct. 29. Kickoff from Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field is set for 2 p.m.

Golden Suns lose back-to-back GAC matches MATTHEW EMERY

Sports Writer

The Golden Suns volleyball team will look to get back on track at the Great American Conference this weekend as they take on Henderson State in Arkadelphia at 6 p.m.

Last week saw the Golden Suns lose back to back matches against conference foes, Oklahoma Baptist and Southern Nazarene, putting the Golden Suns on a three-game losing streak in GAC play.

The losing streak snaps a nine year streak of not losing back-to-back conference matchups for the Golden Suns since 2007.

The Golden Suns also saw their first place tie with Southern Nazarene drop to a three-way tie for fourth place with Southern Nazarene and Henderson State. Ouachita, Harding, and Oklahoma Baptist jumped over the two former leaders for a three-way tie for first place.

On Friday the Golden Suns fell to Oklahoma Baptist, 3-2.

The Golden Suns tied their season record with 14 service errors.

It was not all bad for the Golden Suns though, as Hunter Eshnaur, from Russellville, posted her 13th doubledouble of the season, tallying 19 kills and 17 digs.

Amanda Milnick, from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, also had a double-double in the game, registering 23 assists and 14 digs.

On Saturday the Golden Suns were able to push the game to the fifth set, but ultimately lost, 3-2, to Southern Nazarene.

Lauren Rodemers, from Plano, Texas, led the Golden Suns with eight blocks.

Milnick pitched in with a team high 25 kills.

The Golden Suns have five games remaining in the season, all against GAC opponents, leading up to the GAC 2016 Championship, which starts on Nov. 17.

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

McCall Wilkins, left, and Kenzie Dozier go for a block during the SNU game.

Golden Suns XC This week finish 7th in GAC in Tech sports MATTHEW EMERY

Sports Writer

Golden Suns Cross Country competed in the 2016 Great American Conference Championship last Saturday at the Silverado Golf Course in Durant, Oklahoma, and placed 7th out of eleven teams.

Cami Hedstrom, from Bentonville, finished first for the Golden Suns, finishing 36th and placing 28th, with a time of 20:05.4.

Finishing second for the Golden Suns was Megan Bradley, from Springdale, who posted a personal best at 20:16.2, finishing 43rd, and placing 32nd.

Shannon McLaughlin, from Convoy, Ireland, and Amy Riera, from Southlake, Texas, were the other Golden Suns to place in the top 40, placing

FRIDAY: Golden Suns Volleyball @ Henderson State in Arkadelphia. 6 p.m.

TUESDAY: Golden Suns Volleyball vs. Arkansas-Monticello at Tucker Coliseum. 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Wonder Boys Football vs. Northwestern Oklahoma at Buerkle Field. 2 p.m.

VS VS THURSDAY: Golden Suns Volleyball @ Southern Arkansas in Magnolia. 7 p.m.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Adrianna Simmons runs during a 2016 cross country meet. at 36th and 39th respectively.

The Golden Suns will take a break for a couple of weeks in preparation of the NCAA Central Region in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Nov. 5.

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