The Tech Talk 4.6.17

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VOLUME 91 • ISSUE 18

Math Club hosts Geek Week MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@ latech.edu Louisiana Tech students had the chance to let out their “inner geek” March 2731 by participating in Geek Week, a week-long celebration hosted by Tech’s Math Club.

Geek Week consisted of several events throughout the week, held by various on-campus organizations for students to attend.

Sarah Pazos, a junior physics major and Math Club vice president, said Geek Week was first thought of as a fun alternative to Greek Week, an event for students who are members of the Panhellenic organizations on campus.

Photos by Jonathan Shaul “The idea was thought up by our Math Club presiThe day’s events included an organizational browse to showcase Tech’s on-campus clubs to future students and parents. dent, Devin Baize,” Pazos said. “He thought it would be fun to have a week for the ‘geekier’ and ‘nerdier’ clubs on campus.”

Pazos said she loved the idea of Geek Week and sees the event as a chance for “We have over 150 JONATHAN SHAUL students to have fun while students who have tried Staff Reporter | jds103@ latech.edu meeting others who enjoy out, been interviewed the same subjects. ech’s campus was filled with and selected to repre“We hope people have prospective students and sent us as tour guides fun at the events by just betheir families April 1 for the throughout all of our ing themselves,” she said. bi-annual event known as Time admissions activities,” “We want to celebrate geekOut for Tech. he said. “To see all of iness, and it is all about letAndy Cline, director of orienta- them out here just showting your inner geek out.” tion and assistant director of ad- cases how strong our Pazos said many peomissions, said this Time Out for campus student populaple attended the events Tech was one of the larger spring tion is, and we hope the throughout the week, and events with about 1,000 partici- prospective students will she hopes to see more inpants. feed off of this excitevolvement in the future “One of the things we’re doing ment.”

Geek Weeks to come. differently Time Out for Tech this Aerial Stanford, a “The turnout has been year as opposed to previous years freshman elementary pretty good for being such is we’re really trying to create a lot education major, said a new group of events,” she of energy and a lot of buzz,” said she was hired earlier in said. “We certainly hope it Cline. “We’ve used a lot of social the spring so this was will be a yearly thing and media platforms to try to connect her first Time Out for draw in larger crowds. This Student recruiters were present to answer questions and give information about with prospective students and get Tech. year we had events held them to come to campus.”

“At the beginning I the university to propective students and their parents throughout the day.

by Math Club, Astronomy He said they hired a local band was really nervous, but Club, Debate Team, the made entirely of Tech students as soon as I got my famher pride, loyalty and love for Tech learn new things about Tech and Medieval Combat Club and to perform at the organizational ily I just got into the routine of giv- with the potential students and when we share the traditions and many other organizations. browse to help add excitement. ing a tour,” Stanford said. “I love their families who came to visit the the legends that we have here,” Cline said another interesting thing Tech so much and I just want other campus.

Stanford said. about this Time Out for Tech was people to love it.”

“My favorite part of tours is see> see GEEK WEEK page 6 > see TIME OUT page 6 is the number of student recruiters.

She said she wanted to share ing the families light up when they

Tech welcomes future Bulldogs

T

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2 • The Tech Talk • April 6, 2017

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Tech Planetarium to undergo transformation KACIE KAUFMAN News Editor| kjk019@latech.edu

The Louisiana Tech Planetarium was built in 1967 and since its inception, it has provided a range of educational opportunities for the Ruston community. The space will soon be remodeled and repurposed, however, and will serve as an area of expansion of classroom space for the A.E. Phillips Laboratory School.

Joanne Hood, director of the A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, said the school is under a consent decree from the Department of Justice, which requires the school to have a population that more accurately reflects that of Lincoln Parish. In an effort to comply with these standards, Hood said the school planned to eventually build four new classrooms — two of which will be housed in what is currently the planetarium.

“So, as we were trying to decide the best place to put those classes, and the best way to build or renovate, the decision was made with the dean, that’s Don Schillinger, and Lindsey KeithVincent, that two classrooms could be placed in the planetarium area,” she said. “So, after school gets out, toward the end of May, construction will start and the planetarium will be transformed into two classrooms for next year.”

Hood said the planned expansion and transformation would be a highly beneficial change for the school.

“It’s always exciting when you get to add on or renovate or have new construction at a school,” she said. “I know it’ll probably be somewhat stressful for the teachers who are moving in there while we start the construction, because they want to get in there and get the rooms prepared for next fall, but Louisiana Tech has always done a great job of getting our projects done and ready before school has started. So, we’re just really looking forward to having some updated classroom spaces for our boys and girls to learn in.”

A before photo of the planetarium shows the area that will soon be remodeled into classroom space.

Lindsey Keith-Vincent, director of the Science and Technology Education Center, said the official announcement for the closure of the planetarium was made at the state of the college address in March.

“That space makes the most sense as far as proximity to the lab school and it provides another space there for the growing population of students,” she said.

Keith-Vincent said those involved with the planetarium were happy the space would help A.E. Phillips continue developing.

Photo by Kacie Kaufman

“We’re definitely excited about the opportunity to support the growing lab school,” Keith-Vincent said.

Although there are no formal plans in place concerning a relocation, she said the eventual hope was for the planetarium to find a new space in the community in order to continue the scientific programming it currently provides.

“We are keeping the equipment, and our ultimate goal is to relocate it in a space where we can continue to serve the community and inspire the youth to engage in STEM,” she said.

The hidden importance of language JOHN STACK Staff Reporter| jes062@latech.edu

Though not requisite for many departments here at Louisiana Tech, the college of Liberal Arts requires a minimum of three foreign language classes to graduate. There is a population explosion going on and some here at Tech believe in properly equipping students with the necessary tools to communicate with a global community.

Anne Reynolds-Case, an assistant professor of modern languages, specializes in this field and sees the immediate impacts of being fluent in more than just one language.

“Studying a second language is vital to any liberal arts major not just because you may actually learn how to communicate with others in a different language, but you become more culturally competent as well,” Case said. “Although I believe all the classes in liberal arts are valuable,

the modern language classes might be the most complementary to other disciplines.”

She said learning Spanish or French allows journalists to understand current events in the Spanish or French speaking worlds better and could even open doors to interviews with Spanish or French speakers.

“The history major can understand cultural differences that have resulted in important historical events, English majors can read some literary greats such as Cervantes and Borges in their native language, and music and art majors can understand the language and culture behind Frida Kahlo, Picasso, and great French and Spanish composers and musicians,” Case said.

“Those are just some of the advantages for liberal arts majors, but learning Spanish or French can be extremely beneficial for business and engineering too, especially when considering all the international companies students might find themselves working for or with in the future.”

She said there is no doubt those studying education will come in contact with Spanish-speaking students as much as the future nurses that graduate from Tech will have Spanish speaking patients. The advantages of learning a second language are truly limitless, she said.

Don Kaczvinsky, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, also firmly believes in the efficacy of having the ability to communicate to whomever in whatever situation students find themselves in.

“The college sees it as essential for a welleducated person to have familiarity with several languages,” Kaczvinsky said. “Although the goal is to learn the language, the study of another language teaches you a great deal about the English language (say, the importance of word order over word ending).”

He said by doing this, one also learns a great deal about how our language shapes our understanding of the world and your own identity.

“Moreover, since the best way to understand

how people think is to understand the language they use, this is a way of developing a greater familiarity with a global community,” Kaczvinsky said. “It is also a courtesy, especially if you travel, to learn the language of the country you are visiting.”

He said he took two years of Italian before studying in Italy when he was an undergraduate, and also had French and learned some German.

“I am currently learning Spanish through Rosetta Stone,” Kaczvinsky said. “Of course, with an American culture that is increasingly bilingual, Spanish has a highly practical and professional benefit, especially if you are thinking of working in Texas.”

He said these are just some of the obvious reasons for the language studies. “If the curricula would support it, I would like to see all the colleges in the university have a language requirement.,” Kaczvinsky said.

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

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April 6, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 3

Sigma Kappa, Beta Upsilon Chi host bachelor auction STARLA GATSON Managing Editor| sjg021 @latech.edu

Howard Auditorium was filled with women eager to bid on Louisiana Tech’s most eligible bachelors during the second annual Guys in Ties date auction.

The event, held March 30, was hosted by Sigma Kappa and Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX).

Anna Blake, Sigma Kappa’s executive vice president of philanthropic services, said all proceeds from the auction will go to the sorority’s philanthropy, the Ultraviolet Campaign.

“The Ultraviolet Campaign is kind of like a pod of money that goes to all five of our different philanthropies,” Blake said.

“Sigma Kappa has the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inherit the Earth, Maine Sea Coast Missions, Gerontology and Alzheimer’s research.”

The highest bidders were awarded a date with the bachelor of her choice sponsored by local businesses, including The Depot coffee shop, Texas Roadhouse, Beau Vines and Monroe’s Southern Escape Room.

Blake, a junior kinesiology major, said the planning of this year’s event was a collaborative effort between Beta Upsilon Chi members, Joseph Meltz and Chris Turner, and herself. She said since it was the second time the event was held, the planning process ran efficiently and allowed the event to expand.

“This year was a lot bigger, and we already knew the ins and outs of how it works and

what works and what doesn’t,” she said. “So we were able to take that and grow, and we were able to have more PR for it. It was just a lot easier to get more people involved.”

Rachel Smelley, a junior education major, said this was her second time attending the event and said this year’s auction was better than the last.

“I think this year it went a little bit more smoothly,” she said. “The boys, I think, did very well.”

Smelley said though she enjoyed the entire fundraiser, she was most entertained by the event’s opening number: a choreographed dance routine featuring all 32 of the “guys in ties.”

“I just think it’s really funny whenever they get together and dance like that,” she said.

Jake Bennett, president of Beta Upsilon Chi, was the highest sold bachelor of the evening, and said the fundraiser was a night of laughter and entertainment for all involved.

“I love this event,” Bennett said. “Guys and Ties is such a fun and lively night for not only the bachelors who are participating, but the audience as well.”

Bennett, a senior business economics major, said because many of the bachelors were members of various on-campus organizations, a larger portion of Tech’s student body was represented at the auction.

“This year we had a larger number of guys show interest in being bachelors,” he said. “So not only were there more par-

Photo by Danny Do

Above: The audience looks on as eligible bachelors compete in Sigma Kappa and Beta Upsilon Chi’s second annual Guys In Ties Bachelor Auction to raise money for the Ultra-Violet Campaign.

Below: Two contestants put on a performance to win the favor of the crowd who later voted on the winner.

ticipants, but we had a more diverse group. We were also blessed to have more sponsorships than last year’s auction.”

Bennett said Beta Upsilon Chi was honored to be a part of the event again and said the event was successful because both organizations were able to come together for a worthy cause.

“Of course this event was a huge success,” he said. “Any night where $3,000 is raised for an amazing charity, such as the Ultraviolet Campaign, is always a success.”

School of Agricultural and Forestry hosts career development event ing to always be hard to beat in this event, and the other schools know that. But then there’s sometimes when you get some schools that come out of nowhere and do Many junior high and high school students really well.”

The Future Farmers of America organiparticipated in the hands-on experience of the Future Farmers of America Career De- zation is a prosperous component of agricultural sciences and forestry, specializing velopment Event Friday, March 24.

The event was hosted by Louisiana Tech’s in finding and developing leaders.

“FFA is a great way for students to start School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry. thinking agriculturally,” According to Paul JackJackson said. “It’s an allson, assistant professor of ag- “It’s wonderful, I grew around good organizariculture, it’s essential to the up competing in some tion to build leaders in department as a whole to aid the community and in in providing young students of the CDE’s and LDE’s in certain careers.” with experiences like this to high school. It’s always Jackson is also hopebegin their career paths. rewarding to be on the ful that the experience “Our motivation in hostgives the students a posiing (the CDE) is to give the other side of that and to tive image of Tech and students in high school and help put on the contest its campus going forsome in middle school an and make sure that evward. opportunity to showcase and “We hope that from compete individually and as erything runs smoothly. them being on campus, a team,” Jackson said. “They We hope they got the they remember and entry to showcase what they’ve best experience posjoy their time here and learned from their agriculturmaybe come here as a al teachers at the high school sible.” student,” Jackson said. level.”

“So, that’s a motivator.”

Some career-developing Ashley Keith Ashley Keith, an asactivities included in the Assistant Professor sistant professor in anievent were welding, poultry mal science elaborated evaluations, small engine ason the success of the sembling, electricity circuits, nursery plant landscaping, dairy food evalua- event.

“I thought it went very smoothly,” Keith tions, meat science and vet science.

“It’s a culmination of several months of said. “We always love having kids come out hard work (for the students),” Jackson said. to our campus.”

Keith said that her experiences in similar “It’s a lot of time to see how (the students) perform against their peers from other events as a student correlates with her interest and enjoyment of the event now. schools.”

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “I grew up Jackson also spoke about the expected contenders from the schools that attend the competing in some of the Cancer Developevent and the Cinderella stories that surprise ment Events and Leadership Development Events in high school. It’s always rewarding everyone.

“By in large, it was what we tend to ex- to be on the other side of that and to help pect from what we know of these schools,” put on the contest and make sure that evhe said. “Sometimes you have the teams that, erything runs smoothly. We hope they got every year, come out and do well. They’re go- the best experience possible.”

ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@latech.edu

Photo by Danny Do

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4 • The Tech Talk • April 6, 2017

The

TechTalk

TALKS WITH TIFFANY

Learning the new housing system

MANAGEMENT MANAGING EDITOR Starla Gatson

NEWS EDITOR

Amber Harrington Kacie Kaufman

PHOTO EDITOR

Brian Blakely

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Michael McKnight

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Colin Fontenot Jonathan Shaul Ashley Kober Danny Do

ADVISERS

T. Scott Boatright Dr. Judith Roberts

ADVERTISING ADVISER Michael LeBlanc

PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc

TIFFANY WILKINS Staff Reporter | tmw048@latech.edu With everything becoming technologically accessible, Louisiana Tech’s new system StarRez has helped to not only save trees but to also help students have a fresh start for the school year.

We will no longer stand in long lines at 9 a.m. with our roommates to renew our apartments/dorms for the fall if we are not graduating in the spring.

This system requires you to pay online for your reservations; however, you are not guaranteed the same room you are currently living in unless you manually choose it yourself.

I have had a recent issue with the system because I was not fully aware that I had to re-select my room for the fall of 2017 to the spring of 2018. Starting a new quarter and already worried about the future assignments that are to come, it is our responsibility to remember when to pay and when to select the rooms. The time period for students to have paid for their rooms was from March 1-8. On March 13, you were required to select the room of

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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 and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. View­ points should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 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 com­ mitted 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 oper­ ates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http:// www.latech.edu/administration/ policies­and­procedures/1445. shtml.

worker.

Even with finding another room in a different apartment, being in the one I currently live in gives me comfort and access to the gym and classes quickly. I have made fond memories in this apartment and leaving it is like moving away from my family again. Most times moving to new areas or environments could be the best thing to ever happen to you. Situations like these could help bring yourself out of the homebound shell you are comfortable living in.

Making new friends can be difficult in college, but nonetheless, I have had great luck in keeping in contact and a great friendship with those I have shared a space with.

Who knows? Maybe this new set of roommates, along with my new apartment could become the greatest move of all. So if you have experienced the same situation I am in, do not be discouraged. Always expect the unexpected and make the best of it you can.

Tiffany Wilkins is a senior communications major from Shreveport who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.

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your choosing. Although I paid my dues on time, I was not aware that I was obligated to choose my room by that date and therefore I lost my current room.

This experience has taught me to read the reminding notices thoroughly and to mark the dates down, but I also felt that it was not right for me to lose my room. If you have stayed in the same dorm or apartment for the past two to three years, I feel that there should be a seniority standard where you are guaranteed your room regardless of the deadline.

Of course that would be of a fantasylike negotiation but let us be honest, the real world has no fair points or “loopholes” in what is to come.

Slip-ups like these can test how well you conduct yourself in unknown situations.

We can either act rationally and come to an understandable agreement. Or we can resort to a childlike manner and “act our shoe size” without hearing what authority has to say about this situation.

The way I handled mine was to send an email to the assistant director of housing and to ask what the common alternative was, even after speaking to a student

Railroad Fest coming to Ruston DEREK AMAYA As spring brings warm weather to Louisiana Tech University, Ruston is gearing up for a new and exciting festival that not only promises to deliver some of the best local music and makers, but is also a new event that is sure to make Tech students thrilled.

The Seratones, of Shreveport, and Louisiana Soul Revival featuring Doug Duffey, of Monroe, will headline the inaugural Railroad Makers and Music Festival Saturday in Ruston’s historic downtown district. The festival will also feature the bands J.A.M. Brass Band, of New Orleans; Montague, of New Orleans; Supernaturals, of Monroe; Goofy Boots, of Greenville, Mississippi, and more than 100 regional makers as well as several food trucks.

The festival is comprised of two main components.

The Makers Fair, which is free admission, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Historic Fire Station parking lot. The makers’ work range from woodworking, artwork and jewelry.

Music at Railroad Park is $5 at the gate and will run from 3-10 p.m. at Railroad

Park. Music ranges from alternative, rock ‘n’ roll and soul.

Devine Wine and Spirits will be on hand to sell beer and wine during Music at Railroad Park marking the first time the city of Ruston will allow open container alcohol for an event in downtown Ruston.

In addition to the festival, several downtown businesses will be open for Railroad Fest specials that will make any Millennial happy. Sundown Tavern will host Zydeco Band Ric and Doc during a brunch slated from 9-11 a.m. that will see the restaurant serve mimosas. Local favorite Ponchatoulas will also host a crawfish boil throughout the festival as well.

The festival kicks off with the Railroad Festival 5K: The Chug at Lincoln Parish Park. Race day packet pick up and late registration is from 7-7:45 a.m. with the race starting at 8 a.m. Registration for the race is $30 on-site with all proceeds going toward the Ruston High School Cross Country Team.

Festival attendees will also get the chance to see the live painting of a new mural in downtown Ruston featuring local artists Nicholas Bustamante and Whitney

Causey — further displaying the growing arts community at Tech and Ruston.

This is an exciting day for young college students wanting to try something different in Ruston.

With the help of Tech students, festival organizers will be able to show both public officials and community stakeholders how much Tech students would like a festival of this nature grow into something bigger.

The way to that is to show up Saturday and keep the conversation going on social media. Our social sites include Facebook: facebook.com/railroadfest, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter: @RailroadFest and using our hashtag #RailroadFest. Readers wanting to join the conversation now can let organizers know they are interested or planning on going through our Facebook event page: 2017 Railroad Festival.

With Tech students help, this festival’s potential is limitless.

We hope to see a large crowd of Tech students come to this new festival that promises to be fun for everyone.

Derek J. Amaya is the public relations director for Railroad Festival.

GUEST COLUMN

We teach and lead, but mostly we learn STACY GILBERT stacyc@latech.edu When I was asked to write this guest column, I almost declined. In no way did I miss my calling as a writer or a journalist. I am envious of anyone who actually enjoys writing. I would likely be further along with my dissertation for my doctorate if I were!

The reason I agreed to write this column is because I knew exactly what I wanted to write about — so here it goes.

Students allow us as faculty, staff and administrators the opportunity to teach them. We teach a variety of content: biology, math, English, communication, history, arts, education, political science, psychology, chemistry, foreign languages, economics, accounting … and that barely scratches the surface of the expertise on this campus. For the record … I have expertise in none and teach none of those topics. I do have the opportunity to teach about student development and leadership. I also believe my colleagues and I teach many other aspects of human/student development, business etiquette and

citizenry both inside and outside the classroom environment.

I believe we get the opportunity to lead both formally (leading classes, organizations and the professions in which we are members) and informally (interactions, professionalism and through acts of service). We have amazing faculty to who lead their disciplines not only locally but nationally and internationally. Just a quick perusal of “News at Tech” will give you a glimpse into some of those contributions.

I have the opportunity to both teach and lead but most of all, I learn. I learn from students, as well as colleagues. I learn teaching strategies from our faculty and leadership strategies from our administrative team, just to name a few. I not only learn from my peers but I also learn from our students. Admittedly, there are things that I wish I could unlearn — usually the things I look up on Urban Dictionary. Note to self, delete the Urban Dictionary app; ignorance is bliss. However, mostly I learn great lessons from students. Louisiana Tech students are service minded. More than 1,750 students woke up early on a

Saturday to participate in The Big Event a few weeks ago. One of the groups I have the pleasure of working with, Tech Leadership Council, proposed a service project to work with the elderly. This past Saturday, at Time Out for Tech, our student leaders were out large numbers welcoming prospective students to campus. The number of service hours reported each year are astounding. Louisiana Tech students are also leaders. Students lead through campus organizations, academic research and compassionate citizenry. I am inspired daily by students, both by act of kindness and genuine compassion. I believe, like every generation, the current generation could learn a few things from previous generations and their experiences. I also believe previous generations could stand to learn a few things from today’s millennial generation. As an industry, we espouse learning is lifelong. I am fortunate that I get to participate in an unparalleled learning environment every day.

Stacy Gilbert is the assistant dean of student development at Tech.

Celebrity opinions: a solid foundation for our views?

In this ever-changing world there are always opinions, whether it be in favor of or not in favor of, people always share their thoughts.

With outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, it is easier than ever to connect with people throughout the world and share views. Through this mix of conflicting and biased views, there are some voices heard louder than others.

Today, it seems that we are flooded with more and more opinions about the political world from people outside of the government.

Whether it be a tweet from Katy Perry or an Emmy acceptance speech, we are constantly bombarded with the opinions of uninformed celebrities who believe their views are the only views.

Should we really be listening to celebrities when it comes to political opinions?

In the recent election, celebrities made their stands on many political points very clear, even when most were only interested in promoting themselves. Many celebrities have massive followings of impressionable young people who listen to and believe whatever they say.

One example of celebrities overstepping their knowledge and putting their blatantly disrespectful opinions into the world was Madonna’s speech at the Women’s March in January, where she admitted to repeatedly thinking of “blowing up the White House,” to which fans rallied and cheered her on instead of questioning her judgment and harsh words.

Celebrities today live in the Hollywood bubble. They don’t see what goes on in the everyday life of the average American. Celebrities focus their opinions to social issues when many Americans are just worried about when their next check will come.

Because of the spew of celebrity opinions, there has been a sort of political norm set within Hollywood. Those who do not fit the criteria are shunned and are looked down upon, when others who proudly boast of causing harm to the president or moving out of the country are glorified by both the media and fans.

In The Tech Talk’s opinion, we believe people should form their own opinions before listening to the opinions of uniformed individuals. Watch the news, read a newspaper and, find credible sources to provide you the information you need to make educated opinions.

While Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat are great platforms for sharing ideas and opinions, they should not be your only source. Celebrities are good sources for what skincare item you want to purchase but not for the next President of the United States.

April 6, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 5

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‘Power Rangers’ movie adds depth to characters, unlike original BRYN YOUNG Staff Reporter | bjy001@latech.edu Though met with mixed reviews on release, “Power Rangers” does well bringing a new look to the classic children’s show c h a ra c t e rs through reimagined Rangers, a wonderful cast and cinematography to rival other superhero blockbusters.

The new movie forsakes the old low-budget look and two-dimensional character development for Rangers with depth behind the masks and some jaw-dropping effects. The shiny reboot maintains most of the cheesy humor and childishness that made the series such a hit, even with its new attempts at a darker take.

“Power Rangers” follows the tale of five misfit teens in the town of Angel Grove who come together as friends and team to fight the evil forces of Rita Repulsa, played by Elizabeth Banks.

The film starts with Red Ranger Jason Scott, played

by Dacre Montgomery, being kicked off of the football team after a failed prank and an off-color joke involving a bull that many probably wouldn’t have expected from a film based on

Lionsgate Films and Temple Hill Entertainment

Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Naomi Scott, Ludi Lin and Becky G portray the Power Rangers in Lionsgate’s new movie. a children’s show. That joke, however, seemed to show that while this was a more serious take on the beloved characters, it was not going to take itself too seriously.

The film progresses with a much more character-focused plot than the original show was known for, seeming a bit drawn out at times

and forcing viewers to wait what seems an eternity to see the team morph into those gorgeous armored suits. This eternity is worth it, though,when we get an origins story that makes the teens with attitude more than cardboard cutouts.

Each of the teens has his or her own backstory that

gives them some relatability to views of all walks; even Zordon (Bryan Cranston), Alpha-5 (Bill Hader), and Rita Repulsa are more than just exposition machines as they carry their own diverse backstories and struggles.

The other four Rangers each bring a new set of dynamics to the team,

The Netflix original movie “Burning Sands” showcases the gruesome insights on what goes on when hazing has reached its peak.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 24, 2017, before being released by Netflix March 10.

The brothers of Lambda Lambda Phi are a fraternity organization that focuses on brotherhood, loyalty, compassion and scholarship.

Although that sounds perfect and the go-to fraternity, the process can either Netflix make you a Lambda brothBefore being accepted into the Lambda Lambda Phi fraternity, new members must survive er or break your character.

In this fraternity, sup- grotesque and inhumane hazing known as Hell Week in the movie “Burning Sands.” posedly if you survive Hell Week and push through the certain tasks in order to gain accepYou make new brothers or sisters abuse, you will become a real man and tance endangered every student who who are going to be there for you can encounter anything thrown at you. entered the process. for a lifetime and will have your back The gut-wrenching acts of hazing The guys endured spits to the face, through any situation. in this movie include bruised ribs, un- being placed in a hot shower, making Hazing should not be a part of anywanted sexual acts performed and be- early morning food runs using their one’s mindset when wanting to accept ing forced to eat dog food. own money and so much more. new members to become their big As a female, and a person who is Yet in the end all of the hazing and brother or sister. not Greek, I could not properly watch mistreatment of these soon-to-be Although this was solely based on the movie without cringing or express neophytes, only one could not make it how these certain men conduct their my disdain to the actions being por- through due to dying from a seizure. processes, it is also apparent that trayed.

This scene in particular brought sometimes women as well mistreat Putting students through brutal acts rage, hurt, sadness and concern to my their own to test their faith, strength just to become a part of a generational heart because it made me think: who and loyalty to their sisters. organization defies what a true frater- else has suffered like this for some letBrotherhood and sisterhood should nity stands for: brotherhood and ser- ters? come naturally through understandvice to their community.

The process of joining an organi- ing one another’s strengths and weakThe director did a tremendous job zation is to help build a connection nesses, not through abuse and terrified in capturing his audience’s attention to with those who are pledging with you actions. how dangerous it is to haze students. as well as those who are already curIf you have to forcefully demand it, He emphasized how performing rently active in the organization. then it is not meant for you.

THE TECH TALK

TIFFANY WILKINS Staff Reporter | tmw048@latech.edu

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

‘Burning Sands’ exposes dangers of hazing

the smart and lovable Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston (RJ Cyler), the aloof Pink Ranger, Kimberly Hart (Naomi Scott), the boisterous and funny Black Ranger Zack Taylor (Ludi Lin), and the quiet and tough Yellow Ranger Trini Kwan (Becky G).

The film also keeps up

the series’ tradition of diversity with a multiracial cast, but makes strides in its own way with both Billy, who is autistic, and Trini, who is gay, making this one of the most diverse teams in the series’ history. This isn’t diversity for sake of it as the two characters hold their own and even outshine the others on the team instead of taking the backseat in the team’s quest.

Dean Israelite brings the story together well but misses the mark occasionally throughout. Some scenes come off as forced and Rita’s henchmen appear to be merely filler compared to Banks’ spine-chilling portrayal of the villain.

This is made up for slightly in the atmosphere presented through both music and cinematography. The carefully curated soundtrack perfectly backs up the action on screen, going so far as playing the original theme song as the Zords take their first strides together in a scene that will bring tears to the eye of any longtime fan.

Overall, “Power Rangers” does its job rebooting a beloved series. It contains enough charm to maintain the show’s childish feel while giving it a new depth and, even better, a new appearance. It is truly a trip for both nostalgia and emotions that is worth a watch.

6 • The Tech Talk • April 6, 2017

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net

Aries March 21 – April 19 To turn Finally Aries/ram the excitement of last month are pleased to you to know that things should start to bottom now to agree. It is an opportunity for promotion and boys should be something extremely positive stock news also expected. Romance can be tricky!

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Taurus success should be your sounding slogan this month, while he finally within your reach.

Your social life may suffer, but it is worth it in the end. A friend tried and you and it may be necessary off your foot, at least until the last week of September below.

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Gemini, You have more this month a little beyond.

Work or school is good and you should take a break from the pressures Register. Margin looks good as friendship groups, so a trip away with your group of miners just the tonic means that you need now!

Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Cancer You have some important milestones in your life so far this year and now is the time when you with some satisfaction can sit back and look at all that you have achieved. Spend time with your family and recharge your batteries new, during a busy autumn ahead are ready!

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Leo, reflection is not your favorite activity than you, the much prefer to be active. However, you must spend some time thinking in particular in the direction of a relationship. They believe little, towards the end of the month is exhausted, it would be a good idea to have more time to Sozialisieren to give.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Virgo, you still feel something on a height after last month’s successes. This is a risky time, as you may be inclined to unwise to invest or someone to trust your best interests at heart

may not have. Treat this month as a time to focus on everyday tasks and concentrate all major decisions should be avoided.

Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Libra, Venus is back this month, although now the emphasis much more on your love life rather than friendships. Single Librans may well meet someone, by the middle of the month and is specifically attached Librans recalls, it was about her partner, the first called.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Scorpio practicing your natural caution this month, they gave all sorts of business opportunities. However, you may caution to the wind in the affairs of the heart throw. Abnormally feel about your innermost feelings with someone special this month comfortable.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Thanks to your shooter natural optimism, you are always ready to change and new ideas.

You have the chance to be a leader this month, while the less you to benefit from a new concept convinced. Emotional grow in sensitivity and understanding of this month.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Capricorn Taking the risk of creating major tensions within a relationship, if you continue your work agenda before the main life. A reliable friend has some wise advice about your uncertainty in regard to some close-held ambition. Try and open up a little more and all are good.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Aquarious, You have a naturally Ruhelosigkeitsstreifen and this is to the front at the moment fetched. They are sharp, new challenges to learn and if you steer this constructively, it could be an opportunity for greater recognition at work or school. Love feels towards the end of the month particularly satisfied.

CROSSWORDPUZZLE Across 1. Like old friends 6. Paint crudely 10. Pro ___ 14. Let up 15. ___ mater 16. Paradise 17. Viscounts’ superiors 18. Tears 19. Tidy 20. Achievement 23. Slangy denial 24. Battery size 25. Sense of self 26. Ques. response 27. Large punch bowl 32. Per 35. Freedom from war 36. Agnus ___ 37. Direct 41. Driver’s aid 42. Approaches 43. That’s ___!

44. Almond-flavored liqueur 46. Part of UNLV 48. Best 49. Fall back 50. Apt. divisions 53. Mathematical operation 58. Blackbird 59. Musical composition for two 60. Apportion 61. Bread spread 62. Writer Sarah ___ Jewett 63. Have a feeling about 64. Org. 65. Cordelia’s father 66. Bury Down

www.bestcrosswords.com 1. Song of joy 2. Fiber obtained from a banana plant 3. Durable wood 4. WWII battle site 5. Toady 6. “Our Gang” girl 7. Et ____ (and other men) 8. Strike callers 9. Beat up 10. Go back on one’s word 11. Glandular 12. Milk source 13. Hill dweller 21. Dance step 22. Unit just above a yard 26. Bingo!

27. Paris subway 28. Lummoxes 29. Cpl., e.g.

30. Actress Hatcher 31. Conceal 32. This, in Tijuana 33. Up and ___!

34. Living things 35. Excellent, slangily 38. All thumbs 39. Obtain 40. Used to be 45. Deodorant type 46. Fond du ___ 47. 1992 Wimbledon champ 49. Unit of volume 50. Laughing 51. Code name 52. Villain’s look 53. “Alice” diner 54. Object of devotion 55. Free from contamination 56. Singer Horne

DAILY U

57. Not now 58. Extinct bird

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

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

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 As the oldest pisces in the zodiac sign, you have a for-permission to respect natural. However, this month you can you at least have little to rebel when you achieve your goals. You can surprise you on how much you can be somebody and he

WEEKLYWEATHER

www.accuweather.com

TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

HIGH 62 LOW 38

HIGH 63 LOW 42

HIGH 69 LOW 48

HIGH 72 LOW 50

HIGH 72 LOW 49

HIGH 69 LOW 45

HIGH 62 LOW 52

> GEEK WEEK from page 1 If this becomes an annual event, we hope to include more non-COES clubs in the lineup as well.”

Emma Robinson, a sophomore biomedical engineering major, attended some of the week’s events and said she enjoyed the activities and meeting new people.

“Geek Week served as a great opportunity to meet other students who have the same interests as me,” Robinson said.

“I had a lot of fun at the trivia and game nights. I hope we get more events like this on campus for everyone to join in on.”

Baize said he believed students had fun at the daily events of Geek Week.

“We had an awesome week of events hosted by the differ-

ent clubs on campus,” Baize said. “There was a scavenger hunt, movie night, video and board game night, debate booth and a trivia night. We had some nice crowds show up, and everyone had a great time.”

Baize said he was proud of the accomplishments of the event and hopes to add even more to the next Geek Week.

“We wanted to have a fun week for students who are not affiliated with Greek life and I think we achieved that goal,” he said. “I hope that Geek Week becomes bigger and more popular among students as we continue it. It is always great to see Tech students coming together at events and enjoying their time here.”

> TIME OUT from page 1

SUDOKUPUZZLE

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

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

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

Sudoku Puzzle - Easy

Sudoku Solution - Easy

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www.sudoku-puzzles.net

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“I like them seeing that we’re a family and I love them seeing that this is a home and this is a place I can find myself being at home.”

She said she also loves showing prospective students and their families the Lady of the Mist, the seal, the Spirit of ’88 statue and all of the other things that make Tech what it is. Stanford said one of the hardest parts about training Photo by Jonathan Shaul to be a student recruiter was learning Student recruiters guided guests around all of the facts about Tech they had to campus throughout the day. know.

“There was a bunch of information “I think the student recruiters are that we needed to learn,” Stanford said.

“I wouldn’t say it was my least favorite friendly,” Matlock said. “They’re actualbecause I learned so much but that ly trying to help you out, they’re not just was the most stressful thing because I doing it because they’re asked to do it.”

He said he’s excited about coming wanted to make sure that I knew everyhere because his father and sister are thing.”

Victor Matlock, a junior at Evangel both graduates of Tech.

“I want to come here; I actually like Christian Academy, was one of the poit here,” said Matlock. “I think it’s amaztential students who attended the event. ing.”

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April 6, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 7

Christiane Olinga, a senior medical technologies major (left) and Mary Simal, a junior mathmatics major, sell lunch boxes to raise money for Spreading Hope.

SPREADING HOPE ONE MEAL AT A TIME W

AMBER HARRINGTON News Editor | anh038@latech.edu

hen people consider a college student, the first few things that come to mind may be: raging fraternity parties, copious amounts of ramen noodle soup, coffee-filled all-nighters and eager spring breakers.

In light of this, starting nonprofit organizations probably would not be on the list of things many expect from a college student.

However, whether expected or not, one Louisiana Tech student accomplished just that.

Christiane Olinga, a senior medical technology major, started a nonprofit charity organization called Spreading Hope in efforts to help those who are less fortunate here in the city of Ruston and overseas.

OLINGA Olinga, who is also a Cameroonian native, said she has desired to open a nonprofit organization for a few years now after working with a charity in Dakar, Senegal. However, after being met with much pessimism from friends and acquaintances, she decided to temporarily give up on the dream.

“I was told it was stupid to open a new organization when there are already so many on campus,” Olinga said. “And that since I wanted to work with children, I could join the organizations on campus that raise money to support children. But I didn’t just want to support children, I already did that monthly. I wanted to give them more than financial support: something that would let them know that I cared about them, whoever they might be.”

Although she has a big heart for children and others in need, Olinga said above all, Spreading Hope was inspired by her first hand experience in suffering.

“I know what it is to be hungry — not just a few hours — but truly hungry, starving,” Olinga said. “I’m lucky that my dad always favored our education, my siblings and I, and that his financial situation improved so that today we all enjoy a comfortable life, with proper schooling. But I know people my age who were not as fortunate as me.”

The organization has already held a couple fundraisers on campus and hopes to hold many more, Olinga said. The most recent was an $8 lunchbox fundraiser which partnered with Baye Medical Assistance (BAM) in Dakar, Senegal. BAM Photos by Ashley Kober is a nonprofit organization consisting of physi- Olinga’s most recent fundraising effort raised money by selling $8 lunches on cians from diverse med- campus. ical specialities, nurses and volunteers that help around the country to provide free medical care to lages.”

Olinga encourages other students interested in those in need who cannot afford it. starting an organization to take the initiative and “Many are not aware that in certain areas in Senegal, and in other countries in Africa, girls are not let others stop them.

“Starting an organization on campus is quite sent into marriage at an early age (around 12 years old) because the parents do not have the finance easy,” she said. “People’s opinions are not always to support for their school,” Olinga said. “Knowing encouraging. My advice to whoever wants to start that about $15 is enough to pay for the tuition in an organization is: if you know what you want and elementary and high school, the fund will allow us really want it, then go for it. It’s better to try than to cover a good number of girls, in different vil- wonder later how it might have turned out.”

www.thetechtalk.org

8 • The Tech Talk • April 6, 2017

Photo courtesy of LA Tech Athletics

Head coach Skip Holtz addresses the team at a practice prior to the upcoming spring game at noon Saturday at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Bulldogs prep for spring game DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu Louisiana Tech’s football team practiced last Monday in what was the ninth of 15 total sessions of the spring football season.

Coming off the team’s first scrimmage of Spring Ball last Friday, this practice was in preparation for the Bulldogs first spring game coming up at noon Saturday. Several new recruits will make their debut with this game including: Davan Dyer (P), Brady Farlow (K), Randy Hogan (LB) and Kennedy Madison.

Skip Holtz, head coach, was spirited about the upcoming game. He said he is feeling cautiously optimistic about how

well the team is doing so far.

“It is good to be back out here,” he said.

“It is a great day to come out here and work, and I love the retention, the attitude and the effort.”

Holtz said the team has several issues it needs to work out, but the players are eager to prove themselves. He said the young players will benefit from sharpening their idea of the core ideals and components of the game.

“We keep talking about the process of what it takes to get better and what it takes to be a good football team,” he said. “We are still a long way from there right now and have a lot of moving parts that need to be answered before we get there, but I

really like the work ethic, the attitude and the way things are starting to formulate out there.” . During spring workouts, the Bulldogs are working to patch up their defensive line after losing five starters this year.

Holtz said the remaining defensive players will need to keep up the pace they have set for training so far and continue to improve as a unit.

“I think we are getting better in some areas and putting a huge emphasis on being able to play fundamental football,” he said.

“We have to get to the point where we can play base football, and we are getting better at that.”

Holtz said the return of running back

Jaqwis Dancy after his fight against cancer has been a definite boon to the current lineup. He said it has been an inspiration to the other players so far.

“I think to get Jaqwis out here with everything he has been through was definitely an uplifting experience for our team to have him back out here,” he said.

Holtz said he and everyone else involved will need to be careful in re-training Dancy early on.

“He needs to come out here and be able to see the plays in full speed, but, at the same time, we have to get some weight back on him and get his feet completely underneath him before we really throw him into it full swing,” he said.

Kiva Gresham: former Lady Techster still in the game JOHN STACK Staff Writer | jes062@latech.edu

Kiva Gresham, soccer lover and Louisiana Tech alumni, returned two years after graduation to share her lifelong love of the game with a new generation of students.

“When I was four years old, people tried to make me switch from playing t-ball with the boys to playing softball with the girls,” Gresham said. “I refused, so the next year I signed up for soccer instead.”

In her very first game she scored four goals and fell in love with soccer.

She was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mex-

ico. Growing up, she played on the same team from the time she was five all the way until middle school. That was when she branched out and started to play competitive soccer for club teams.

As a result, Kiva started to gain a lot of interest from different colleges. Most were local, but she did turn down a scholarship offer to Texas Tech. Then one day, back home after playing in a tournament in Houston, she got a phone call.

“We were so bad in that tournament, but I guess I did something right as a striker because when I got home, (then) Louisiana Tech head coach Jennifer Soileau Burns called me up and in-

vited me to come to Tech,” to start, to play day one and Kiva said. “She told me about to make an immediate imthe program, her vision for pact on the program.” going forward to change She said her kind of socthe culture and cer fit perfectly thought I could with then-new be a key person coach Kevin Sherin that.” ry’s kind of soccer.

She said she “My first day gave her comat Louisiana Tech mitment to was also Coach Tech in NovemSherry’s first day ber of 2006. on the job in pre“My senior season in 2007,” year of high she said. “Ten years school was not later and we are even over bestill together and a Photo by Darrell James fore I found out lot of success has GRESHAM Coach Burns occurred in that was leaving the decade of time.” program but I never waSherry said he credits a vered,” Gresham said. “I was lot of that to the New Mexidetermined to come in and can forward.

“I have seen Kiva develop as a player and as a person over the 10 years into someone who truly reflects everything good about Louisiana Tech Soccer,” Sherry said.

He said when he took over the program, they built up the team, not only on the field but with the culture of the program away from the field.

“That first year for Kiva and me was much more about change than it was winning,” Sherry said. “Only players who fit the core values and the new vision of the program remained. It was about the process of creating a sound culture within the program.”

Gresham said she spends,

on average, about 25 hours a week on the pitch, and a good chunk of that is practices and spending extra time with the strikers.

“The rest is playing soccer by myself four to five times a week for two to three hours at a time,” Gresham said.

The still-undersized and underestimated striker, who accumulated 27 goals and 20 assists in her Lady Techster career and still owns the single-season record with 32 points, still has that incredible technique and decisionmaking, too.

Just ask the current team, who recently saw her score two goals on them in the annual spring alumni game.