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New SGA resolution to provide new bicycle racks BRYN YOUNG News Editor | bjy001@ latech.edu
Photos courtesy of Donna Hood
Upon his arrival to Louisiana Tech campus, Bill Bucklew was greeted by university president Les Guice and nursing department faculty, staff and students.
Bucklew walks across America Bill Bucklew documents his journey across the United States and his efforts to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease STARLA GATSON Editor-in-Chief | sjg021@ latech.edu
M
any say in order to see life from another’s point-of-view, one must walk a mile in his shoes. To relate to Bill Bucklew, however, one would have to walk 2,500 miles. On Nov. 24, Bucklew, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, set out to walk across the United States — from Tybee Island, Georgia, to San Diego, California — to raise awareness for the disease and funds for Parkinson’s research. “I had been a runner my whole life, and now, because of Parkinson’s, I can’t really run very well,” he said. “But I can still walk pretty well. I’d done all these fundraisers with the same kind of friends and neighbors for years, and everybody’s getting a little donor-fatigue, so I had to do something big.” All of the money raised by Bucklew and his team will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and as of Jan. 4, he has raised over $75,000 for the cause. Bucklew and his team have documented his trek across the country through blog posts on his website, Uncorked Adventures, and he said he plans to write a book about
the experience at the end of the journey. “The disease affects so many different aged people — different ethnicities, different cultural elements — and the U.S. is so culturally diverse, I wanted to highlight the way the disease affected people across the U.S. and write a short book about that,” he said. Bucklew said the most rewarding part of his journey has been the connections he’s made with people across the nation. “I’m not really prone to emotion, but I’ve been in tears at least five or six times on this trip because of people I’ve met,” he said. “The generosity of people, it’s been amazing.” On Dec. 14, Bucklew’s path led him through Ruston. Tara Haskins, an assistant professor of nursing, heard of Bucklew’s story through a connection at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and arranged for him to visit Louisiana Tech’s campus where he was greeted by nursing department faculty, staff and students, as well as participants and coaches of Rock Steady Boxing, a program for Parkinson’s patients. “I thought it would be a great opportunity for students, faculty and the Rock Steady team to meet someone that is doing what some would see as impossible to increase awareness and raise money for Parkinson’s research,” she said. “His inspiration is memorable. It’s important also to see someone with Parkinson’s that is fighting through adversity to make a difference.” Haskins said Bucklew’s walk across the country has not only
been effective in raising funds for Parkinson’s research, but has also begun conversations about the disease at grassroots level in towns across the country. She said his personal connection will be a catalyst for someone who is quiet about their own diagnosis. “In order to improve the care of people with Parkinson’s, we have to be able to have frank conversations about the disease to understand it better,” she said. “No one knows better the challenges than one that lives with them; we have to listen to their stories.”
Bucklew shared stories of his travels with nursing students and staff members.
Parking on campus can be quite the hassle sometimes. But those Louisiana Tech students who cycle will find parking a little easier following the Student Government Association’s resolution to install new bicycle racks around campus. On the night of Dec. 5, the SGA unanimously passed resolution #17-18.3 which states that “currently stored bicycle racks be utilized and funds will be allocated in the future to purchase and install bicycle racks in locations approved by the SGA, the Physical Plant and the Aesthetics Committee.” SGA president Ben Rice said that the decision comes on the back of an October survey sent out alongside a Monday email that showed students desired more racks to secure their bikes. “I rely heavily on things like that survey because they give SGA a more thorough understanding of what students actually want to see,” Rice said. “Students from all colleges and classifications requested bike racks so that they would not have to search for parking or purchase a sticker.” He hopes that this resolution can help resolve some of the issues with parking around campus while also bringing new life to the center of campus by giving students more options in how they can choose to get around. Rice said that this is an outlet to ease the influx of displaced parking around new construction areas as well. “I think we need to push for more bike racks because it’ll take a burden off of
parking,” Rice says. “There are plenty of students who live within biking range of campus but choose to drive their car instead because there are not sufficient spots for them to lock up their bikes. If we can get more of those students to bike, parking will become less of an issue, and it will put some more energy into the center of our campus.” James Davison, author of the resolution, said he agrees with Rice’s assessment of the resolution’s benefits and hopes it will be an inexpensive way to prevent students from securing their bikes to places that they should not, such as handrails. “Installing new bike racks should provide more proper places for students to station their bike,” Davison says. “Many times bike racks are full or too far away from students’ destinations, therefore they resort to chaining up the bike to a handrail or telephone pole.” Davison said that talks are underway for placement of the bike racks and that student cyclists can expect racks to be placed near residence areas and busy buildings. “As far as the process for installation goes, SGA members, the Physical Plant and the Aesthetics committee need to meet and discuss exactly where these bike racks need to be installed, considering that many of the bike racks in storage are immobile once installed,” Davison said. “Where the existing bike racks in storage will be installed is still pending, but from what has been discussed, between GTM and Hale is a possibility, Nethken and in dorm areas near Cottingham.”
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Medieval Combat Club battles for Tolliver HANNAH JONES Reporter | hej006@latech.edu
The Battle for Tolliver’s Deep commenced in the early winter on Dec. 14. A battle for medieval combat victory, any and all were invited to join the Medieval Combat Club in their quest for comradery, sportsmanship and fun. The battle was to encompass the reenactment of three pivotal scenes in the Battle for Helm’s Deep, a major battle scene from the film Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The Medieval Combat Club reenacts these battles incorporating the rules of Dagorhir Battle Games, a live-action roleplaying game of medieval combat. “The only requirement is that you sign up for it and know that you fight at your own risk,” said Cameron Surratt, a senior business management entrepreneurship major known as “Dragon” by his compatriots. The battleground, the yard just to the east side of Tolliver, was filling up with
students as the club members were asked by curious and interested onlookers if they could join in. After signing a waiver, the new fighters were given their own handmade sword and a red or blue bandana to distinguish the team they would be joining. “For round one, we are emulating the drawbridge fight,” Surratt said, pointing out the narrowly laid ropes along the ground, marking the boundaries. “Whichever team has a person touch the cone set on the opposite side first wins.” The rules are stated at the beginning of each game to inform the new fighters and establish the boundaries. Surratt acted as herald for the first game, calling for the combatants to lift their weapons and then giving the signal for the charge. The two teams then rushed at each other, some waving their weapons wildly, while the more trained and practiced used skilled maneuvers to duel the enemy. “We all enjoy the combat
and it provides the environment where we can fight safely and reenact the medieval combat that everyone likes, like Lord of the Rings,” Aminah Smith, a senior biomedical engineering major and long-time Medieval Combat Club veteran, said. The battle scenes intensified as they transitioned into the “Blow the wall” scene, followed by “Take the Keep” and ending with the victory scene “Reinforcements Arrive.” However, despite the increased difficulty and the decreased energy after an hour of sparring, the design of the weapons prevents major injury, ensuring a safer environment with the enjoyment of skilled combat. “Our main goal is to form a sense of honorability in all of our members and just to have fun,” Sarah Daigle, a freshman medical technologies major, said. “No one’s going to tell you that, ‘Oh, I hit your arm.’ Especially in a big fight where you can’t really tell what’s going on. You have to admit, ‘Hey, I got hit in the arm. I lost that arm,’ or
Photos by Hannah Jones
Students from the Medieval Combat Club engaged in battle on Dec. 14 in one of three scene recreations from Lord of the Rings. ‘Hey, you killed me.’” The chaos that ensued in the battle makes this honorability of members calling
: n o i t n , S e R E t , N S t G R I a DES APHE
all involved as combatants cycled on and off of the battleground. The evening ended in victory for everyone.
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T Tec h Talk he
FEBRUARY 18,
THE STUD ENT VOIC E OF LOU ISIAN
2016
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RG
Gov. John Bel Edwards addresses a joint state session on Feb. 14 about education budget concerns and beginning the new special legislative session.
OF TOPS Patrick Dennis
/ The Advocate
Louisiana Tech and for the future other state universities address, discuss of higher educati ELLIE MOSLAND a plan on during financia Editor-in-Chief | emo012@ ER what exactly l crisis latech.edu to do with
TOPS. “The recent dents will not As Louisiana announcem actually be directly gan registration Tech students be- lated to TOPS had to do ents re- impacted. Instead the university last week, the for spring quarter expected shortfall of statewith the be receiving approximately the most impact will future of the higher education $28 million, funds, this change. states were from funds became necessary that huge concern. “It should have a the remainder to fund TOPS for no effect on dents at this point,” On Feb. 11, of this year,” Les Guice, the Louisiana he said. “We stufice of Student Tech president. said pect it to have Of- governor exFinancial Assistance a budgetary “The of $1.5 clarified that (LAFSA) announced impact million to $2 the suspension to support the TOPS those funds university million on the of TOPS and fund would be this absorbed by for 24 hours many dents and faculty the universities. us to reduce year which will cause stusome services wondering how members were left ed to let our students know I want- other adjustments or make that as . We to attend school they would be able soon as possible so that they would faced with other budget are also not have to worry in the cuts for this year.” The Taylor or have a job. for Students Opportunity Program studies and registration.” midst of With these in Although many new changes, Louisiana (TOPS) has played a said some Guice students, and assisting huge part in funding ulty members and Louisiana fac- with these of his main concerns dents have been many student’s changes are tion; but Louisiana the chaleducaawaiting newsresi- lenges they may higher education how this change may cause the univerof sity at the is faced with effect current end of the year a crucial decision– students, future because universities, Guicestudents and their of spent funs and prior obligations. said current stu-
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Student organ ization hosts secon d line event for Mardi Gras holidays PAYTON
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POTTER Staff Reporter | jpp017@ latech.edu A number of African American comed the Mardi organizations wela New Orleans Gras season to Louisiana tradition known Tech with The celebration as of traditional second lining. United Afrikan dance, last Wednesday American Men (UAAM), hosted by According outside the student center.took place is defined as to FrenchQuarter.com, the a group of dancing second low a main parade, celebrants who line foldance with parasols,such as a Mardi Gras parade, and UAAM president banners or handkerchief s. Anthony Parker, gy major, said a junior sociolothe celebration the participants’ ancestors. was intended to honor “It means of all, I’m fromeverything to me,” Parker New said. “First time to give thanks Orleans. We wanted to use this to everybody give thanks to from New Orleans; paving the wayall our ancestors before us, and also for for all us black campus. We wanted kids to make sure on Louisiana Tech were seen, and we were make Parker said the sure we have a good heard, we time.” second line from a New Orleans tradition is derived funeral tradition. “We used day,” he said. to second line for funerals back in the Mardi Gras or “But now, we do it at celebrations song comes on,birthdays or whatever. Whenever for Parker said everyone knows how to second the line.” with the Black the second line celebration Student Union’s “We chose Black Culture aligned needs to know this day to pump everything Week. about our black everyone BSU vice president culture,” Siana ShepherdParker said since Mardi Gras marks the beginning noted that second line celebration was a last hurrahof Lent, the “Mardi Gras ple start fasting,is fun,” she said. “It’s right for many. before peobefore you do so it’s a rejuvenation. Have what fun right Shepherd said you’ve got to do.” the second line as a way to bring celebration served together the African ganizations on American orcampus.
>> see SECOND
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PRINCESS WARREN Staff Reporter | pcw005@ latech.edu part of it. KXKZ, Z107.5 “Not only it hosted its 35th of Ruston made a annual Radiothon difference as every year ,butdo I have to do it raise money in order I get to do it every for St. Jude’s year; t’s challenging was raised, and Hospital. More to help all proceeds $60,000 a rewarding thing but certainly Jude’s. went directly to do,” McKento St. ney said. The Radiothon was held He said the radio to all to donate or volunteer. Feb. 1-2 and was open station does not set a monetary Z107.5 broadcasted is no disappointm goal, so there from Super 1 where volunteers MCKENNEY selves or others. ent to themof money raised updated listeners on Foods store the amount and encouraged “The goal is to make pledges or donate in person.people to call in to bring Jude’s,” McKenney hope as we can to the as much Matt McKenney, kids of St. the program said the station He said the radiosaid. has been doing director at KXKZ, Radiothon station plans more than 30 the to keep having Radiothon each years. year and they He said for from when he are always thinkingthe was younger he remembers the event ways to make it bigger and of so now it is cool better. to be a >> see RADIOTHO Patrick Hall, a Tech alumnus, N page 6 Radiothon Photo by Ashley answers phones Kober to raise money for St. Jude Children’sduring KXKZ’s 35th annual Hospital.
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bering Gary Zumwalt
Remem
A tribute to the late geology
professor of over 35 years
how to geology or kayak-making or study,” Diane said. Marta Sramkova, a junior finance major, shared some of her memories of Zumwalt. and “He was a great professor loved amazing person,” she said. “He thing that Photo by Avery Bryan his job with all his heart. One you is very strong in my mind when audiology lab located in the when I An ear on display at the new ask me about Dr. Zumwalt is, today? asked him, ‘How are you doing Rawle Enterprise Center. He always said: surviving.’” was a Even though Dr. Zumwalt passion true his geology professor, his share was woodworking. He had but his of rock and fossil collections, most many completed projects were impressive. enDuring my first office hours proudly counter with him, I noticed his wooddisplayed pictures of two about stripped kayaks. After I inquired you the pictures he asked me, “Would own?” be interested in building yourboth kayPhoto provided by Diane Zumwalt CALEB DANIEL He and his wife had built yard. Staff Reporter | csd020@ latech.edu he built. aks in the wood shop in his back geology professor, with a kayak Little did I know, this new friendship Gary Zumwalt, a Louisiana Tech and Hearing Center rebuildThe Louisiana Tech Speech would teach me more than boattools, I and clinics, and its his guidance and cently added an additional location upgrades. vironmental remediation. said ing. With long hours in his shop durPAUL DAUTERIVE His widow, Diane Zumwalt, new site came with some important clinic in Rawle Enbeloved spent many own Former Staff Reporter | pd010@ latech.edu These sites include an audiology he was an inspiring and muchthe long ing my off days working on my other facilities set up in for terprise Center, along with two augmentative commuwood -stripped kayak. Tech teacher who was known Gary Zumwalt, a Louisianapassed lectures that he gave without notes for Robinson Hall; including a new He was a teacher inside and outside During that time I geology professor since 1980, nication lab. himself. to be able to bring this his of the classroom. away on Dec. 21, 2015. “I’m very proud and privileged also to provide wona lot about woodworking and She said he would always keep memand about learned about life through his interHe was a long time faculty type of service to our center to our graduate students classes entertained with stories lot more a Sciences to Biological used of ber the School derful training and experiences said Daphne Washinghis many experiences. “HeColorado, esting stories and life experiences. get to trips to teaching courses for both environmenwho participate in the program,” Unfortunately, Gary will not I have cam- take his students on Louisiana,” Diane in residence. tal sciences and geology across ton, a speech-pathology professional Arkansas and South see my completed kayak, but student, said the Hay, an audiology graduate original. pus. to finish it. Ashton intention said. every condeep a to the dehonor He was known to have Tech used to have a geologyEnginew clinic is a vast improvement This is the best way for me tomonuthem his “With newer equipof a cern for his students, making “It’s 10 times better,” Hay said. partment under the College him and his memory because quickly and serve more top priority, myself included. the Col- neering and Science. Zumwalt would ment bigger than Wyly Tower would ment, we can test patients more on field trips and not be enough. As a faculty member of people.” Sciences, take his students at his home. graduate students lege of Applied and Natural The clinic, operated by audiology have crawfish boils Rest in peace, Gary Zumwalt. a variety of services init was Zumwalt taught geology, oceanogra“He loved to teach, whether and faculty supervisors, offers aid evaluations, hearing and enphy, mineralogy, paleontology cluding hearing tests, hearing for balance, earaid sales and fittings and evaluations ringing and auditory processing. the School of CommuBrenda Heiman, director of dual purpose: providing a nication, said the clinic serves as services to patients. well as experience to students facility for the students,” “This is essentially a training sciences and resisupervises the students as Green is a professor of agricultural Heiman said. “The faculty will now serve as interim KEIERA BELL dent veterinarian at Tech. He Agricultural Sciences and they interact with the client.” Bryan, an associate proStaff Reporter| klb072@ latech.edu director of the new School of between One such supervisor is Matt services. order to help facilitate the transition of agricultural Forestry in fessor and director of audiological improved equipment, two complex units. As of Dec. 10, 2015 the department new to Tech beBryan said in addition to the have merged togeth- the the clinGreen said merging is not something sciences and the School of Forestry have is simply a better space to provide Arts called site have new Liberal the of faculty what College in the departments in er to create one department ic’s services. South Campus a larger cause together as well. very cumbersome bemerged an effort to give Louisiana Tech’s “Our setup in Robinson was College of Applied and actually in Woodard Hall,” Gary Kennedy, dean of the there have been some and more unified presence. up of the two previously cause the testing booth was patients from the office in Sciences, explains how This new school is made Bryan said. “We had to walkthem tested. Now they have of agricultural sciences Natural in the process of planning the merger. problems separate units of the department Robinson to Woodard to get why it took so long to “I honestly feel that saying I believe the budget cuts and School of Forestry. much easier access.” unusual the two units merge the two units is hard, but William Green thinks it is a bit the process of had to deal with slowed down have been separate here at Tech. of agricultural that we’ve said. department mergers,” Kennedy page 6 “At other universities, the department were already together, the > see SPEECH AND HEARING page 6 sciences and School of Forestry departments is not some> see DEPARTMENT MERGER but having mergers between said. Green us,” to thing new
The Louisiana Tech Speech and Hearing Center opens new center, facilities
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FROM THE EDITOR
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Unplugged and unbothered
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Starla Gatson
MANAGING EDITOR
STARLA GATSON Editor-In-Chief | sjg021@latech.edu
Morgan Bernard
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I
t was a Wednesday, and the day began the same as any other: I was on my phone when, without warning, the screen went black. Just like that, it was over. After three long years of cracked screens, ignored updates and a multitude of falls, my beloved iPhone 5S bit the dust. For a few days, while I waited for a replacement, I had to make due with a simple, older phone. No apps, no internet access, and worst of all, no Twitter. How was I supposed to communicate with the outside world? How was I supposed to stay up-to-date on important current events, like whether or not Kylie Jenner is actually pregnant? It was during those days, as I was disconnected from most of my social media, that I realized how truly disconnected I had become.
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Starla Gatson is a senior journalism major from Farmerville who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk.
Quarrel with the quarter system
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There are adventures to be had and stories to be told, and we often miss them because our eyes are fixed on a screen. This year, in 2018, I’ve resolved to spend more time unplugged. I want to seek adventures and explore the world around me in person rather than through a screen. I aim to spend more quality time with the people right in front of me. I want to be more present for life’s special occasions. I challenge you to do the same. Of course, I’m not implying that you should swear off the Internet entirely; I’m merely suggesting that you make time to unplug for a bit. Put the phone down and take a look around. Who knows what you might find?
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We’ve become so distracted by 6-inch screens or facial identification technology that we sometimes miss out on what’s right in front of us. We would rather talk to our friends through text messages or Snapchat than catch up in person. Instead of enjoying special events, like weddings or graduations, we spend time trying to document the perfect photo of the occasion to post on Facebook. Instead of enjoying concerts, we document the show in its entirety to show our Snapchat friends what they’re missing. Don’t get me wrong, I love social media and the technology we have. The fact that we can interact with people on the other side of the world with just a simple click or tap of a finger will probably always amaze me. The world created on our smartphones can be wonderful, but there’s nothing like the world around us.
MORGAN BERNARD Managing Editor | mrb056@latech.edu
N
ow that the holiday celebrations are over, it’s time to get back in the swing of things. There is nothing like the exhilaration of cramming all of your school work in this week because you “forgot” to do it over break. As much as I have enjoyed the quarter system here at Louisiana Tech, winter quarter always makes me wonder why it is even a thing. The worst part about winter is that once you’re finally back in the groove of things at school, another holiday pops up and derails the train of productivity. In a few weeks we will have Mardi Gras break and Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The winter quarter is always chopped into segments, and that doesn’t count the days where weather becomes an issue. In Louisiana, if there is ice on the ground it is considered snow and no one can drive, therefore, class be-
comes cancelled. What a shame. Yes, all of these do mean you have no classes to get up for, but they also mean messing up an entire schedule. As much as I love my holidays and time spent at home with my family, I hate getting off track and having to start all over again. The semester system’s winter break is included in its semester break, so when beginning a new year, they also begin a new semester. It also usually coincides with elementary and high school breaks, so people may get to spend more time with their siblings or other family during the holidays that we may not necessarily get. Not to mention that the college Snapchat stories are almost always useful only to semester universities. It does hurt a little to not feel included in their finals week and spring break stories. We go through the same struggles; Tech deserves its moment in the spotlight. However, the pros of the quarter system, in my opinion, outweigh
the cons. Winter quarter is really the only time I have to complain about the system. I love that we aren’t in classes for as long as universities with semesters. Could you imagine being in that dreadful math class longer than three months? I couldn’t. There is truly no way I could go any longer. I also love that our summer ends a little later than other universities. Yes, that means the break starts later, but it feels great seeing other people returning to college when you still have some time off. This is one of the few times where we have redemption for not being included in the semester college clique. Although I have this love-hate relationship with the quarter system, it has become something I have grown to favor. Morgan Bernard is a junior journalism major from Echo who serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk.
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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. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publi cation. 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 provid ing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http://www.latech. edu/administration/policiesand procedures/1445.shtml.
A resolution revolution BRYN YOUNG News Editor | bjy001@latech.edu
H
appy New Year, Louisiana Tech. The time has come for fresh starts, new adventures, high hopes and some failed resolutions. Well, hopefully not that last one. Personally, I do not believe in resolutions and never have. I am not against someone trying to better themselves, but I just don’t think resolutions are for me. However, I think that a new year should give people hope for change for both themselves and the world. According to Forbes, nearly 40 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions every year, but only about eight percent of those resolutioners actually end up keeping them. Failing to follow through with resolutions happens so often it has become a joke and cliche. Often times, people look at resolutions as enormous tasks they have to force themselves to complete. They will attempt it for a few days
or weeks and then give up simply because they cannot seem to get the result they desire as fast as they think they should. Remember, habits, both good and bad, take time to form. If you want to lose weight, you have to stick with it. But you can also make it easier on yourself. Break down your goals into more easily manageable chunks. Want to lose 25 pounds by 2019? Start by losing only a couple pounds a month. Setting small, achievable goals can make the difference between a broken resolution and a lifechanging 2018. Try to set easy personal goals that you can see in effect on a daily basis. Remember how awful and harsh 2017 was? Try to be kind daily. That can mean anything from opening the door for a stranger to complimenting a friend. Take time out of your day to be kind to yourself, especially. Although memes may still be self-deprecating, use this new year as a time to learn to love yourself. Every person has inherent value and
dignity, and that includes you. That notion should push everyone to be a little kinder to the world and themselves. Allow humans to be humans, and do not let that change your positivity for this year. I have never believed in resolutions but 2018 is a new year, and now is as good a time as any to change how we look at the world. Those personal goals can not only help you feel more accomplished but can also lead to positivity that we desperately need in the world. It can be discouraging to look at the year ahead and feel nothing will change. With a bit of planning and hope, however, that resolution can turn into the drastic changes you always dreamed of. So, have a revolutionary new year. If you get discouraged, keep in mind a year is a long time and you always have time to restart. Bryn Young is a sophomore journalism major from Mountain View, Arkansas who serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk.
Deciding who governs the governing
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s young adults in college, we generally think of social media as a pleasurable escape from our daily routine to keep up with the latest trends, peer at the profiles of friends and family and stay in the loop. It also can be used for professional matters including business, reporting, etc. However, a certain political figure in the White House has averted America’s attention away from the innocent side of social media and exposed its alter egos: instigation and arrogance. Former president Barack Obama was actually the first president to consistently use social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to convey his feelings about certain topics, promote events and genuinely try to keep his audience socially and politically aware. He did not, however, use social media as a platform to ridicule, threaten and demean people like our current and 45th president, Donald Trump. It doesn’t even seem necessary to list out all of Trump’s questionable tweets considering how they break news nearly every day. His latest blunder was his tweet involving North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, seemingly attempting to provoke one of the most dangerous threats to America in recent memory by referencing Kim Jong Un’s nuclear button and that his “actually works.” This is only the most recent example of a politician making a questionable comment on social media. However, when it has occurred, there hasn’t been a system of checks and balances to consistently keep our leaders and lawmakers in check. Back in September, an ESPN broadcaster by the name of Jemele Hill posted a tweet displaying her disapproval of Trump, calling him a “white supremacist.” Hill was promptly suspended for two weeks by ESPN for doing so while employed by them. This makes one wonder why political figures aren’t held accountable for their social media accounts, like most other American employees are. Sure, they are affected by the voter’s reactions to their posts while running for office, but what if they’re already in office? At The Tech Talk, we believe social media can be a productive platform for politicians to reach constituents and directly communicate with people, due to the prevalence of social media in today’s society. Although, a politician’s post or tweet can become the talk of the nation in a split-second if they convey the wrong sentiments. Therefore, their use of this platform should be done with caution, to say the least, considering their importance to our nation’s well-being. If it is not done with caution, we are left with a universal question: who governs the governing?
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Star Wars continues to excite fans with Episode VIII Star Wars: The Last Jedi HHHHI HANNAH JONES Staff Reporter | hej006@latech.edu On Dec. 14, the second episode in the third installment of one of the most beloved sagas in cinematic history came out in cinemas nationwide. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” otherwise known as Episode VIII, continues where the previous episode left off. The two-and-a-half hour film weaves together the story lines of various characters in the same fashion as the previous midpoint films, Episode II and Episode V. The Resistance continues their hold out against the First Order while Rey develops her understanding of and skill with the Force, including many subplots and new characters introduced throughout. We have the introduction of new characters (and old) such as Rose, a member of the Resistance and possible new love interest, and the long awaited return of Luke Skywalker, the (supposedly) Last Jedi. One interesting new development in this sequel
Photo from EW
Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the newest film of the Star War series. is the thematic element introduced regarding the universal aspect of the Force. The prequels, as well as the original Star Wars trilogy ,continuously emphasize the idea that the Force is what binds everything and everyone together. Yet in these precursors and even in the “awakening” of the
Force, comes the implication that the Force can only be manipulated by a select few, the elite or chosen of the universe. This perception of the Force as inheritable and a part of particular creatures’ destinies is opposed with the big revealing of Rey’s parents. The build up of
“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” fell flat on Rey’s face as Kylo Ren informs her what almost no one expected to hear: her parents were nobodies— mere junk traders who sold her to pay off debts and died unheroic deaths. How’s that for a plot twist? The saga is all about
parallels and anti-parallels (which is often where the plot twists come in). With this thematic development, the parallels are drawn back to “A New Hope” where a young “nobody” ends up saving the galaxy and then “The Phantom Menace” where a really young nobody ends up almost destroying
the galaxy. In this way, the old and new fanatics of the Star Wars Saga can be appeased with this new sequel. It is difficult to accurately determine a rating for “The Last Jedi.” As a sequel maintaining the substance of the original Star Wars trilogy, it would receive closer to a three out of five stars based on the lack of an actual lightsaber duel or the addition of completely new Force capabilities such as the telepathy and lightning produced by ghost Yoda. As a sequel to the first installment of the new trilogy, the film definitely deserves a five out of five in its massive plot development, including character and thematic, as well as adding more subplots that leave the viewer utterly at a loss to predict the events of the final film (and thus causing the anticipation to rise). So with two perspectives to acknowledge in rating “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” perhaps the only compromise is to meet in the middle with four out of five stars for fantastic action and drive weaving together multiple subplots in the network of the overall plot, including salutes to its precursors, but taking on a destiny of its own.
John Green returns with his first novel since 2012 Turtles All The Way Down HHHII MORGAN BERNARD Managing Editor | mrb056@latech.edu “Turtles All The Way Down” was not one of John Green’s best works, but it also was not as overrated as others like “The Fault In Our Stars.” The story has excellent portrayal of mental illness in the main character, Aza, and also contains an interesting mystery story that keeps the reader interested until the very end. However, having these two totally different plotlines mashed together in one book causes some confusion. If this book could be split in two separate stories, each one could have had their own spotlight and make a great book on their own. “Turtles All The Way Down” also included the sarcastic humor and teen characters that are always used in Green’s novels. This is an obvious consistency within his writing, and it’s a major part of what makes
Photo from EW
his books so popular. Only one character in this novel did not live up to this standard in particular. The main character’s best friend, Daisy, is annoying in so many ways I can not even begin to describe her. She is a good friend to Aza and makes her realize that she needs to care more about the people around her, but other than that she is just a loud character that the story could have done without. The first few chapters start off a little slow and bland, as most of the characters are just being introduced with back story. The book starts to pick up a little as a billionaire who lives in the city becomes missing. Upon investigat-
ing this missing person, Aza reunites with an old friend who, of course, ends up being her love interest almost immediately as they make eye contact. This quick teen romance is also something that is always put into Green’s novels. This is a part of his work that is sometimes seen as corny and melodramatic, but it is part of what interests his audience. Sometimes the conversations can get a little too dramatic as they talk deeply about the stars and life, but all in all it’s bearable to read. The ending of this book is a little of a letdown because it leaves the reader still questioning things. I enjoy reading a book with some type of conclusion at the end. In “Turtles All The Way Down,” you are given some conclusions for some characters, but are still left with a mystery. All in all, Green is an experienced writer and it definitely shows in his works and their success. “Turtles All The Way Down” is no different, as it is a decent book with the usual scenarios you expect from Green. It has a few distasteful characters and boring moments, but it makes up for it in other welldeveloped characters and interesting plot twists.
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Photo by Starla Gatson
Rupert Lange, Reid Coie and Jackson Taylor, three members of Noreaster, play a set at Grandma’s House, a local house show venue.
Setting the Scene STARLA GATSON Editor-in-Chief | sjg021@ latech.edu
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hrough the years, Ruston citizens have bonded over many pastimes, from the summer’s annual Peach Festival to tailgating at Louisiana Tech football games. Now, the city’s residents are connecting through another outlet: music. Creating and performing music has become a popular activity in Ruston, particularly among college students. Small businesses, like Rumo’s Barber Shop, Parish Press and The Depot Coffee House, have catered to this interest in music by hosting open mic nights, and some students have even begun opening their homes to host house shows. Two of these students are Chance Allen and Rupert Lange, who started their house show, The Farm, with the intention of fostering a community. “What we said when we started it was it’s about the music, but it’s also about the people; we want a lot of different kinds of people to come together over that,” Allen, a senior marketing major, said. “We just want people to be a part of the community, and I think music’s a really good way to do that and bring people together.” Allen said their desire to create a solid music scene in Ruston was inspired by Grandma’s House, a now-defunct house show in Ruston, and the do-it-yourself ethics they picked up from other local musicians. “We’re kind of carrying over the DIY kind of things we learned from running merch and doing things with the hardcore scene in Monroe,” he said. “Those DIY ethics, that dates all the way back to like the early ‘80s punk scene, and I kind of feel like that’s what this is reflecting.” Clayton Horne, a co-founder of local house show Suzan’s Place, said he believes the city’s growing focus on live music has led to a sort of subculture movement. “Live music became a bigger focus in the past few years,” he said. “This year, they’ve been doing a lot in Railroad Park, and I think they’re starting to realize you don’t have to have big names to have good music.” He said he believes much of the interest in supporting a local music scene comes from students’ desire for a unique pastime. “When I first came to Tech, Ruston was a completely different town than it is now,” Horne, a junior sociology major, said. “The most interesting thing to do at the time, if not the house party or The Rev, was to leave Ruston. And there’s obviously a lot of events on-campus, but I think this gives it a third option.” Horne said he hopes to see Ruston’s music community continue to grow in the future and evolve into something larger than house shows and open mic nights. He said he believes it would not only benefit the area’s musicians, but also small businesses and the city as a whole. “Whenever we first started, I joked about wanting to do a three-day music festival at the end of the year at Railroad Park,” he said. “I just would love to see all of the local indus-
Ruston residents embrace local artists and create performance opportunities in hopes of establishing a strong local music scene tries, including the music industry, working together to build Ruston and elevate it. Ruston’s in sort of like a golden age, so to speak, and I think we need to capitalize on that and definitely not let it pass us by.” While Horne is excited to see the artists’ audiences grow, others are looking forward to developing more camaraderie among fellow musicians. Haidyn Long, vocalist and guitarist of Farmerville-based duo Whys of the Wise, said the musical community she has become a part of has pushed her in a new direction as an artist. “Having that support system pushes artists to be the best they can be,” she said. “And it makes you want to continue to do your music.” Long, a junior family and child studies major, said though Ruston is small in size, the town’s heart for the arts has made a difference in her life and in the lives of other local artists. “When you start to wonder if what you’re doing is legitimate or if it even matters, it makes you feel like it does, even though it’s a small town,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Haidyn Long
Local duo Whys of the Wise was one of four bands that performed at The Farm’s inaugural show in December.
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Key players shine in Tech’s 4th consecutive bowl win ANDREW BELL Sports Editor | agb022@ latech.edu
In a season previously marred by unlucky bounces in close games, Louisiana Tech concluded their fourth consecutive bowlwinning season by seemingly catching every break imaginable. In the first ever DXL Frisco Bowl, Tech utterly destroyed the SMU Mustangs by a score of 51-10 on Dec. 20. The same team that had a 1-4 record in games decided by one possession during the regular season forced six turnovers against an SMU offense that ranked 13th in the nation in total yards prior to the matchup. Head coach Skip Holtz and the Bulldogs were allowing 26.7 points per game defensively, before holding SMU’s high-octane offense to 10 points. “Defensively, I think we have gotten better (throughout) the entire year,” Holtz said. “And we’ve been able to get some people healthy. This is as healthy as we (have been) and I thought the defensive staff put together an incredible plan. And then I think the players really bought in.” Highlighting Tech’s dominant performance was the play of their 2017 All-Conference USA players, which included three players on the first team, three players on the second team and 10 honorable mentions. One of those players was Second Team All-Conference USA true freshman cornerback Amik Robertson, who totaled four tackles, one tackle for loss and a 45-yard pick six in the first quarter to widen the margin to 14-0. His impressive performance earned him the Defensive Player of the Game trophy. “I knew coming into this game (SMU) had those big names: Receivers Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn,” Robertson said. “So I knew that not only me but the defense we had a point to prove. I would say it was a statement game. Looking at ESPN, it kind of lit a fuel to us because we weren’t really mentioned that much. All we heard about was how SMU is a power offense. So this game was maybe a statement game that boosted our confidence up for next year.”
Photo by Tom Morris
Louisiana Tech’s L’Jarius Sneed (24), Amik Robertson (21) and Elliot Blankeship (49) celebrate after Robertson’s interception returned for a score against SMU in the DXL Frisco Bowl.
Two of Tech’s First Team AllConference USA players included junior defensive end Jaylen Ferguson and senior safety Scedrick Cooper. Ferguson immediately swung the momentum in Tech’s favor with a fumble recovery on the first play from scrimmage and also finished with a sack. Cooper finished
with five total tackles and an interception returned for 31 yards, which set up a scoring drive by Tech’s offense. A member of the C-USA Second Team was junior receiver Teddy Veal, who accounted for over half of Tech’s receiving yards against SMU, with five catches for 118 yards to go along with
two touchdown grabs. “When you look at this football team, (we) are very young,” Holtz said. “We started two seniors on offense and four seniors on defense, but they are competitive and they play together. I’ve just really been blessed to have some very special players.”
Bulldogs grab first conference win MICHAEL LOVETT Staff Reporter | mdl034@ latech.edu The Dunkin’ Dogs snapped their three game losing streak Jan. 6 with a 97-88 win over the UTEP Miners in the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs, who started conference play over the holiday break, came into the game in desperate need of a win. The team, which was without starting point guard DaQuan Bracey, was able to bounce back against UTEP with six players scoring in double digits led by junior guard Derric Jean, who had 20. “I’m just really proud of our guys for how they stick together you know, we’ve been through some adversity we’ve had some tough losses. I’m just really proud of how our guys came together, played for each other and were able to come through with a win,” said head coach Eric Konkol. Those tough losses coach Konkol referenced came at the hands of Western Kentucky, Marshall, and UTSA, with two of those being decided in the game’s final seconds. The Bulldogs had some very productive minutes from two of their true freshmen, guard Amorie
Photo by Donny Crowe
Junior guard Derric Jean, who poured in 20 points against the UTEP Miners, goes up for a contested floater in Tech’s third conference game of the year. Archibald and forward Anthony Duruji. “My mindset was to take care of the ball and get the team into the offense and just provide great
energy for my team and the crowd,” Archibald said. Konkol had high praise for his two of his young guys. “Well I just think those guys
are gaining such incredible experience, they really played some valuable minutes today, and made great contributions in a lot of different facets,” Konkol said.
Archibald, who took over much of the ball-handling duties due to Bracey’s absence, scored a career-high 15 points and tallied six assists. Duruji has been getting used to playing a bigger role in the lineup for some time now. “I think what has allowed us to become productive in the lineup as freshmen is that we’ve been consistent in practice. We’ve just been grinding and really trusting the process, and Coach has had faith in us and he trusts us so we’re just going with it,” Duruji said. The Bulldogs also received big performances from many of their upperclassmen, including junior forward Jy’lan Washington, who had 19 points off the bench, and senior guard Jacobi Boykins. The Bulldogs took 37 freethrow attempts, 20 more than the Miners, including 28 of those coming in the second half. “In the first half we settled a little too much.” Duruji said. “In the second half we made the adjustment of being more assertive and attacking the basket aggressively which helped us a lot and got us to the line.” The Bulldogs next travel to take on Middle Tennessee, which is number two in the conference standings.