The Tech Talk 1.20.17

Louisiana Tech students react to the election of PAGE 7 the 45th president of the U.S. – Donald J. Trump

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Tech Talk THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

JANUARY 20, 2017

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VOLUME 91 • ISSUE 11

College of business introduces hybrid program

SGA’s Q&A with President Guice brings responses to student concerns

STARLA GATSON News Editor | sjg021@latech.edu

Photos by Jonathan Shaul

President Les Guice speaks with Tech students about upcoming campus improvements and plans during SGA’s Q&A session held Jan. 10.

KACIE KAUFMAN News Editor | kjk019@latech.edu Wyly Auditorium was filled with students seeking answers during Student Government Association’s second Q&A with Tech’s president on Jan. 10. “It’s basically Les Guice, university presi- so the student dent, gave a body can comshort presenta- municate with tion detailing some of the Dr. Guice with university’s cur- any questions rent projects and plans. A forum or concerns that for student ques- they have. They tions opened af- can sit face to ter the presentation, and topics face with him from diversity, and basically housing, parking and campus discuss anything security were di- they want to. It’s rectly addressed very open.” by the president.

A l y s s a Campbell, a ALYSSA CAMPBELL sophomore biol- sophomore biology major ogy major, said the purpose of the SGA event was to create a way for students to express their thoughts on university matters to Guice.

“It’s basically so the student body can communicate with Dr. Guice with any questions or concerns that they have,” said Campbell, a student worker in SGA. “They can sit face to face with him and basically

Mckenna Jenkins, a junior elementary education major, talks with President Guice after the Q&A session. discuss anything they want to. It’s very open.”

Campbell said the chance to meet in person was a valuable experience for those in attendance.

“Some of the benefits are just, I guess, that you can easily communicate back and forth and get every point across,” she

said. “And unlike social media — things get skewed on social media and over the internet — face to face, I feel like you can come to a conclusion, and it’s in a group setting.”

Campbell said the Q&A was an opportunity for clarification between students

> see Q&A page 6

For many business professionals, the opportunity to return to college to obtain a master’s degree is hindered by work schedules. But with the introduction of Louisiana Tech College of Business’s hybrid program, employees will be able to earn a degree while maintaining their current jobs.

Doug Amyx, the interim associate dean of graduate programs, said the hybrid program, which will be offered in the spring, is a combination of live and online classes for computer information specialists.

“There’s a five–class sequence of computer information systems assurance of information systems coursework out of the college, and those are done live,” he said.

“Then online we have our MBA courses, so these students will be working toward the completion of their MBA with this focus in information assurance.”

The College of Business will partner with the newly opened Shreveport branch of CSRA, an information technology company, for the program.

Amyx said CSRA came to North Louisiana largely because of Tech and its reputation, and each of the live classes will be held on-site at the company’s facility.

“They came to this region partly because of a desire to have a relationship with Tech and because of our expertise in technology,” he said.

“They’re very interested in the computer information science courses because it ties in with what their employees do.”

Ana Deloach, a junior marketing major, said she thinks the hybrid program will be well received, and would consider participating in one in the future.

“I feel that it provides me with another option,” she said.

“It would allow me the opportunity to continue my education and get my degree while continuing to work and learn

> see HYBRID page 6

2 • The Tech Talk • January 20, 2017

NEWS

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Dogs With A Cause: bringing athletes to Lincoln Parish classrooms MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@latech.edu Louisiana Tech’s athletics and College of Education are teaming up to visit elementary school students throughout Lincoln Parish.

Dogs With A Cause (DWAC) is a collaboration between Tech’s athletic teams and the Teacher Educators and Mentors (TEAM) Model Clinical Residency Program. DWAC brings athletes to the classrooms of third grade through fifth grade classes to help build skills in education.

Amy Vessel, director of Tech’s Clinical Residency Center, said the organization is an addition to the TEAM Model that is different from any project they have done before.

“It’s the main service project for the Clinical Residency Program,” she said.

“The elementary education seniors are coteaching right beside the athletes. These education students are sharing with Tech’s athletes how to read a book to specific grade levels, how to engage in purposeful conversations on key issues, how to serve as a role model and how to work together in a team teaching experience.”

Vessel said DWAC began this school year as a test trial and is expected to be expanded in the future.

“The 2016-17 academic year was a pilot with the men’s basketball team,” she said.

“With Tech’s 16 teams, the plan is to add two athletic teams each year to an adopted TEAM Model Clinical Residency school.”

Vessel said the athletes gain experience and enjoy the program as much as the elementary school students.

“These athletes have the opportunity to walk in a teacher’s shoes,” she said. “It is an eye-opening experience for them, and the impact these athletes have on the elementary students cannot be measured. Time in the classroom as a role model is priceless.”

Kristen Seal, president of the Clinical

Louisiana Tech basketball player Joniah White reads to a classroom of third and fourth graders for Dogs With A Cause.

Residency Program, said the athletes participate in the program by reading a book to the class and then, with some help from the education majors they are partnered with, talk about the book with the children.

“The curriculum consists of award-winning children’s books and a questionnaire to engage the students with the athletes on what they learned from the book,” she said.

“These athletes show the kids what hard work and determination gives you.”

Eric Konkol, men’s head basketball coach at Tech, said he loved the idea of DWAC, and the team always looks forward to making their school visits.

“I think anytime there is a chance to take our team out into the community and meet the people that support us so much, it is a very positive thing,” he said. “The opportunity for our players to visit with young people, be role models for them, is a great benefit for us and for the young people in

Tech’s STEAM program introduces a six-week after school academy MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@latech.edu

through the academy classes,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation. The children become more interested in sciences and math, and This spring quarter at Louisiana Tech, our students gain teaching experience and the College of Education’s STEAM pro- also learn to love and enjoy science.”

McCoy said the academy courses will gram is introducing its after school academy. This six-week academy will begin as include several projects that will serve as solutions to problems given to the stua pilot study at A.E. Phillips and will furdents. ther expand to other Lincoln Parish “One of the more complex schools by next school year. projects for the students will Julie Holmes, director of be to construct a pet wash,” STEAM, said the purpose of McCoy said. “It has to be a the academy is to get chilworking wash that will effecdren to enjoy their school tively wash a pet, and it must subjects and become more also be able to filter and reinvolved in them. use the water.”

“We want these young stuDon Schillinger, dean of dents to become more excited College of Education, said he in things like math, science, enbelieves the academy will be sucgineering and arts,” Holmes said. cessful in its plans and the students will “This academy will help with subjects across the board, not just science. We keep enjoy the program.

“The STEAM after school academy journals, we make sketches for products, so has a large grasp on using hands-on and things like English and the arts are used.”

Holmes said the academy’s first session brains-on learning,” Schillinger said. “The experiments and projects that in the spring quarter will deterthe classes will participate in mine how the program will be “It’s a win win are what the children will enimplemented into other Lincoln situation. The joy, and they will make them Parish schools.

“We are hoping to make children become appreciate math and science.

It is also fun for our education the academy available for any more interested majors because they get to gain Lincoln Parish elementary stuexperience while doing these dents,” she said. “Once we get in sciences and activities with the children.” to that point, we want to focus math, and our Schillinger said he looks foron targeting people who are not students gain ward to seeing the academy in usually represented in science. teaching its first trial as well as seeing it We want more girls involved expand to something more. in science and a more diverse experience...”

“This program is not just group of ethnicities.” for the children the education Holmes said the academy JULIE HOLMES majors are working with now, will take place in Tech’s SciTEC director of STEAM but also for their students when classroom located in Woodard they become certified teachHall. ers,” he said. “This academy is Bryan McCoy, a department chair in the College of Education, said the something that will teach our education academy is beneficial for Tech’s education students to enjoy and love teaching scimajors as well as the elementary students. ence, and will also give them the confi“Our education students will have the dence to communicate that to their future chance to practice their teaching skills students.”

WE ARE

Photo by Amy Vessel

our community.”

Amy Brister, Ruston Elementary School principal, said she appreciates the DWAC program and her school’s students always look forward to the sport team’s visits.

“The program is a great way to connect with the community, and the kids love to see the team,” she said. “I think having the team here gives them the opportunity to see others who wanted to go to college, get experience and love to read.”

NEWS

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January 20, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 3

SGA hosts Operation Shoebox banquet KACIE KAUFMAN News Editor | kjk019@latech.edu

who are deployed overseas,” she said. “Many of these soldiers join the military at the same On the evening of Jan. 11 time that we start college, and so in the Davison Athletic Center, I feel like we can relate a lot to Louisiana Tech’s SGA hosted a them, and it’s very important for banquet to thank the winners of us to give back to them because we are able to go to Louisiana the Operation Shoebox drive.

The evening included a din- Tech because they give up their ner and a tour of the DAC for the time and sometimes their lives organizations that collected the for our safety.”

Kastner said the efforts of the most items during Homecoming drive were successful, and mulWeek.

Operation Shoebox is a pro- tiple organizations had been ingram through which items such vited to the banquet. She said Pi as socks, handwritten cards and Kappa Alpha won the fraternity food items are sent to soldiers. category, while the American Louisiana Tech was one of a Society of Mechanical Enginumber of universities that par- neers collected the most items for the 50-100 category. She ticipated in the program.

Brittany Kastner, the director said the 0-50 category was won of internal affairs for SGA, said by Lambda Sigma, and the sothe banquet was a way to honor rority that donated the greatest amount was Sigma the organizations Kappa. that participated in “It’s very imporSydney Womack, the drive. this year’s home“We know that it tant for us to give coming chair for takes a lot of time back to these Sigma Kappa, said and it takes a lot of soldiers because a benefit of the money to raise the program was that it items that they do- they give up their went beyond sendnated, so this was time and someing just food and just a nice way to times their lives other goods to soltell them thank you,” for our safety.” diers. she said.

“We also did Kastner, a junior secondary educa- BRITTANY KASTNER cards, too, and I think just getting tion major, said SGA director everybody involved Operation Shoebox of internal affairs with the cards was served an important good,” she said. “It was super purpose at Tech and beyond.

“Operation Shoebox is just a cool that they (soldiers) were acgreat way for Louisiana Tech and tually going to get that and read the other schools in our region that.”

Womack, a senior finance that now participate in the UL System to give back to soldiers major, said the work was worth

Tech President Les Guice addresses the Operation Shoebox winners at the banquet in their honor hosted by the Student Government Association.

the result.

“I loved organizing and gathering everything together, and it was good to see the final product,” she said.

Calvin Combs, president of the Student Veterans Organization, which partnered with SGA for the event, said SVO hoped to expand their role in the event in

the next years.

“We started in 2015, and we were part of the Operation Shoebox last year in very small dosage, and this year we kind of really got more involved,” he said. “Hopefully next year and in years to come we work side by side with SGA rather than just being a helping hand of it.”

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Combs, a senior political science major, said the event offered an opportunity for the group to help SGA make a difference.

“I think what we are doing is a really good thing for our troops overseas — it’s just really humbling to be a part of that experience,” he said.

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4 • The Tech Talk • January 20, 2017

The

TechTalk

STARLA’S STANDPOINT

MANAGEMENT Caleb Daniel Starla Gatson Amber Harrington Kacie Kaufman

PHOTO EDITOR

Brian Blakely

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STARLA GATSON News Editor | sjg021@latech.edu

T

he sad truth is, the degradation of women is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society.

The phrase “like a girl” is added to verbs to create insults, insinuating that weak, ineffective actions are characteristic to females. Comments about the intelligence and work ethic of women are often made, implying that women are not smart or hard-working enough to do a job simply because of gender.

In both the political world and in the entertainment industry, the focus is often put on a female public figure’s physical appearance or clothing choices and comments about women’s weight and physical attributes are constantly made, even in situations where those factors have no real relevance.

While the comments themselves are simply horrifying, what is worse are the excuses and explanations given for them.

Recently, I heard two boys who could not have been older than 12 years old, making rude and inappropriate comments about the physical appearances of both a teenage girl and an adult woman.

Their words were dismissed and excused with the phrase “boys will be boys.”

Even when a video surfaced of president-elect Donald Trump’s lewd comments about women in October of 2016, his words were dismissed as “locker room tal,” though his words clearly promoted sexual assault.

“Boys will be boys” can no longer be an acceptable excuse for disrespect, and a change has to be passed on from this generation to the next.

Young girls should be taught that they are more than their outward appearance or their clothing, and young boys should be taught that women are not lesser creatures and should be respected.

Our society claims to promote equality for all, but as long as these comments are made, true equality among males and females cannot exist.

It is time for us to move forward and realize there is no superior gender. Women deserve the opportunity to be gauged by intellect, talent and ability rather than physical appearance. Acting “like a girl” should no longer be an insult.

We are women, and we deserve respect.

Starla Gatson is a junior journalism major from Farmerville who serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk.

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The talk about Trump

Respect the women

NEWS EDITORS

The week I gave up social media SARAH-KATHERINE SEMON Staff Reporter | sks033@latech.edu It all started on a rainy Monday night, when my roommates and I made a pact to get rid of social media for one whole week. Easy, I thought as I deleted my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Pinterest apps.

Within minutes I had the urge to Tweet about the pact we made, only to realize I couldn’t. About 30 minutes later I fought the need to check Instagram, then Snapchat and then Facebook. I thought the first night was bad; boy, was I wrong.

The first few days were extremely difficult. It was almost default for me to get on social media whenever I had a moment to spare.

I found myself opening my phone and just staring at my home screen.

In those first few days, every time I wanted to check Twitter or Instagram I would read a book. I ended up reading half of the book in two days. Whenever I felt the

urge to look at Snapchat or Pinterest I would work on note cards for my classes. Needless to say, I was more productive during my week without social media than any other week with it.

About four days into my seven-day pact, I was desperate for anything to do on my phone. I refreshed my email, constantly hoping dining services would send me an email just so I would have something to do.

When emails gave me nothing, I turned to news apps. I would sit and read news article after news article about topics I was interested in and topics that bored me to tears.

Despite how boring it may sound, I became more connected with things going on in the world.

With Twitter being my normal source of news, reading fullfledged articles instead of 140 character blurbs was liberating.

As the week went on it became easier to just put the phone down and live in the moment. The tough-

est part of the social media detox was fighting off the FOMO (fear of missing out).

I had this illegitimate fear that one of my high school friends would get engaged and I would miss the Facebook post or Kim Kardashian would break the Internet and I would miss the tweet.

Our generation is so connected to our phones and what is happening with everyone else that we forget to live in the here and now, and as cliché as that might sound, it could not be more true.

As difficult as my week without social media was I think it was most definitely worth it. I learned how to not be dependent on my phone and became more connected with what was going on around me. I will probably still use social media in my daily life but I won’t be using it as much as I once did.

Sarah-Katherine Semon is a sophomore journalism major from Shreveport who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.

GUEST COLUMN

Moving Ruston forward RONNY WALKER Mayor of Ruston

A

s we embark on a new year, the city of Ruston hopes to continue the efforts of transforming Ruston into a college town.

Ruston is at a pivotal point in our history; new events, new programs and new outdoor venues for recreation are all in progress. We have seen the need for active transportation routes throughout our city, linking campus to downtown, residents to their place of work and students to their activities. The result has been the development of the Rock Island Greenway, or the RIG, which broke ground on Nov. 29, 2016.

My office has set a goal of becoming the “healthy active lifestyle capital of North Louisiana,” in part by constructing dedicated active

transportation facilities that are directly connected to more than 50 percent of the households in the city by 2020. This means that within the next four years at least 11,000 people will live within half a mile (a two-minute bike ride or ten-minute walk) of a healthy, fun and intuitive way of getting around town and exercising — a dramatic turnaround from the status quo.

This six-mile rail trail will dramatically improve community health by establishing unprecedented opportunities for physical activity. It will establish direct connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, businesses and parks and greatly improve access to healthcare, jobs, social programs and recreation.

Furthermore, it will pass directly through some of the city’s most under served neighborhoods, in which

a substantial share of residents are reliant on walking and biking for transportation and where opportunities for physical activity and recreation are especially limited.

The city has seen an increase in the need for safe and efficient transportation routes for college students both on bike and foot as they travel to and from campus and throughout our city. Our hope is that the RIG satisfies this need for our growing student population.

I encourage you to be part of this exciting time of change in our community by embracing all that Ruston has to offer. Though your time here may be brief, you are just as much a part of our city as our lifelong residents. My hope is that you will be involved and communicate your needs and wants as we move Ruston forward.

B

uckle up, America – love him or hate him, you’ve got him for the next four years.

Today, only two months after winning the presidential election, Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States of America. This inauguration’s theme: Make America Great Again.

“The theme is very simple,” Trump inauguration Chairman Tom Barrack said in a statement earlier this month. “The idea is to have a crosscut of harmony of America and normal Americans that reflects on them, not on the power and prestige of this man.”

Harmony, however, is far from what Donald Trump’s candidacy has brought to the table thus far. This 2016 election has been rough and unprecedented, to say the least, for both Democrats and Republicans. From Hilary Clinton’s 30,000 deleted emails and multiple FBI investigations to Trump’s daily racist, sexist and degrading remarks and suspicious tax returns, voters have been completely engulfed in the dramatic saga of our political election.

Because no other presidential candidate has ever received the same amount of media coverage Trump has, it comes as no surprise that some students at Louisiana Tech have intense and unwavering opinions, excitement and concerns, about the country’s new leader.

At the forefront of these concerns is Trump’s seemingly childlike temperament.

Time and time again — especially over social media sites like Twitter — he reminds us that his hot temper (which he deemed as a “winning temperament”) is easily baited by a condescending comment. For example, during a single debate, Trump was said to have rudely interrupted Secretary of State Clinton a total of 51 times during her Q&A segments. As if this wasn’t bad enough, he proceeded to take his famous “crooked Hillary” comments to Twitter, where he put the candidate on blast for a multitude of things.

Anti-Trump voters are not the only ones to have taken notice of his edgy disposition, though. A New York Times/CBS News poll taken late last year showed only 31 percent of registered voters say Trump has the “right kind of temperament and personality to be a good president.” Fully 64 percent said he did not. That’s almost two-thirds of the electorate.

There has also been questions about Trump’s patience expressed toward the actions of Russia and Vladimir Putin. Openly, the president-elect has defended Putin’s seizure of Crimea while also offering no criticism on Russia’s alleged role in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee.

Obviously, many Trump supporters find through all of this he will make a reasonably decent president. Reason being, Trump has been the only politician who gave voice to the concerns of the working middle class.

They want good jobs, punishment for illegal immigration, fair taxes, affordable healthcare and most importantly — a president who keeps the promises he makes.

Furthermore, many argue that Trump has successfully started “Making America Great Again” by refusing the widespread idea of being political correctness. As seen throughout his campaign, Trump is not afraid to say what’s on his mind, even if he loses popularity with the press.

This shows that, unlike those before him, he’s not a career politician who says whatever he thinks the people want to hear. He’s running for office to make actual difference in the lives of Americans.

In the end, whether you’ll be celebrating or mourning Trump’s inauguration this morning, it is critical to respect political opinions of others even if you do not agree with them.

www.thetechtalk.org

January 20, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 5

Tech Professor Awarded Artist Residency Joey Slaughter chosen among 300 applicants KAILEE COURTS Staff Reporter | kec029@latech.edu A local Ruston artist and Louisiana Tech professor was awarded an artist residency in upstate New York.

Joey Slaughter, an associate professor of art, has been chosen by The Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts for an artist residency.

Slaughter, who was chosen along with 18 others, said an artist residency provides a work environment for him to produce art.

The Golden Foundation has provided space for artists to come and work solely on their art.

“We will be staying in a barn they converted to work space in New York,” he said. “We will work with technicians at the Golden Factory, too.”

Slaughter leaves in May and will spend the month with three other artists.

The Golden Company produces acrylic paint, the same type he likes to use when working.

“I really like their products, so this is going to be

Photos by Mike Leblanc

Joey and Jessica Slaughter speak to attendees of his gallery showing entitled “Voices Carry,” held last December.

cool to work with them,” he said. “The whole thing is such an honor, though.”

Slaughter said he is excited to go, but it will be tough to leave home.

“It will be hard leaving my wife and kids, but they have been very supportive of me,” he said. “It will be good for me as an artist and as a teacher of art.”

Slaughter has been teaching at Tech for nine years and said he enjoys working with the students.

“I love being able to see

student artists find their way of working,” he said.

“Being able to see my students become confident is amazing.”

Slaughter said he teaches his students the importance of hard work and networking.

“I tell my students to look at art as a business,” he said. “Sometimes it is hard to sell a piece that you have worked hard on, but that is how they will make money to continue to make art.”

Slaughter said he wants his students to know that making art can be demanding.

“You do a lot of questioning and soul searching,” he said. “I tell my students they have to work every day if they want to succeed.”

He said teaching has taught him as an artist, too, because he is able to learn with the students.

“Teaching allows me to help and be a part of the students’ growth,” he said.

“It has helped me grow, too” Slaughter said it is great to see students who go all the way with their art.

“It is beautiful and rewarding to see students willing to put in the work,” he said. “The journey along the way is great.”

Slaughter said he is honored and grateful to have been chosen for the residency.

“I will be able to spend a month doing what I love,” he said. “Art makes our lives better and more interesting. I am excited to see what will come from it.”

Top: Slaughter’s “That’s where the gods are” hangs at the gallery showing entitled “Voiced Carry” last December.

Left: “This one’s done where to now” acryllic on MDF on panel.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ returns to FXX for twelfth season DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu

Some fans and critics have said the 11th season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” was filled with too many gimmicky episodes. The 12th season premiere deftly makes the case for these types of episodes, however, with clever music and a sense of satirical purpose that is sharper than ever.

“The Gang Turns Black” has Dennis, TELEVISION Dee, Frank, Mac and Charlie (The Gang), RATING being switched into black bodies after being electrocuted during a rainstorm while having a clueless discussion on living as an African American.

“Sunny” has touched on race issues before and mined plenty of laughs. They have also succeeded with musical numbers in several episodes as well, namely in season four’s “The Nightman Cometh,” so it only makes sense for the show to try to marry the two. This type of continued verve produces what seems like an instant classic.

All of the laughs from that episode were derived from each member’s inability to sing lyrics or take directions, so it’s nice to see that each member of the gang is imbued with inexplicable pizazz even as they bumble through their situation. Though the songs seem a bit too loosely constructed at times, they each have a point to make and are performed with maximum gusto as always.

Despite Dennis’ protests once they wake up, Mac is essentially correct in guessing they have woken up in a riff on the movie “The Wiz.” It alternatively helps them to learn more about their experience and why statements like “I don’t know why it took

Courtesy of FXX

them so long to realize their lives matter” miss the point.

The most important song in the episode seems to be “What are the Rules?,” which recurs throughout the episode and serves as an apt throughline for the gang to figure out the mystery at hand. Dennis, Mac and Charlie’s plot consists of them attempting to find their real bodies and slowly learning the rules each time they make racist assumptions or think they have their delicate situation figured out.

This plot contains several cogent discussions on appearance and unintentional racism which get the episode’s core message across while still providing plenty of “Sunny” style babbling and a great Charlie vocal showcase to boot.

Dee and Frank are tasked with splitting up and finding out what the exact nature of their situation is. This part of the episode allows some classic Frank racism as he sings a song about finally getting to freely use black slang. This part of the story is slight compared to the other, but it’s worth it for fanfavorite, wandering black guy, Z (Chad

Coleman), to show up and deliver an unexpected and very funny punchline which underscores the muddled point Frank tries to make about America’s sensitivity to African American dialect.

Z’s surprising appearance is only topped by Scott Bakula, star of ‘80s body-switching show “Quantum Leap,” who Dee and Frank find “researching a role” as a janitor at a hospital. His appearance is well-earned after being set up earlier in the episode, but “Sunny” goes even further with the joke and audaciously cedes the stage to Bakula (or Blacula as Frank mistakes him for).

His song, which bemoans his specific lot in life as a C-grade actor, still ties in with the rest of the story despite its utter outlandishness.

“Sunny” has had a vitality many sitcoms would be lucky to have last more than a couple seasons and the trend continues with this premiere.

In a time of complicated race relations in America and Donald Trump’s reign (here referenced by Mac as “the orange one”) it’s great to have The Gang’s brand of thoughtful awfulness back on television.

OUT NOW

6 • The Tech Talk • January 20, 2017

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net

Aries March 21 – April 19 There may be a rather confusing element to the day, Aries. You feel tempted to act, but some of the pieces seem to be missing. It could be hard to make a decision, since you don’t have the whole picture in front of you. You’re better off spending this day outside with a group of friends rather than trying to make any major life decisions or commitments.

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Be the star of your own movie and proud of the role you play, Taurus. You might find yourself taking on many different characters, depending on your mood of the hour. There’s a special gleam in your eye that you should share openly with others. Don’t feel rushed to get anywhere. You’ve already arrived. Enjoy yourself in the company of those you love.

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Take a break from your daily routine and get off the treadmill today, Gemini. The world will turn without you for one day, so tune out for a while. Remember that whatever path you take is the right one. Regret is a useless emotion. Don’t even bother with it. Enjoy the present day and all the small joys it has to offer. Communicate your dreams and bring things into balance.

Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Things are flowing your way, Cancer, and you should find a great deal of pleasure in the company of others.

There may be an element of fantasy about the day that causes you to lose track of time and space. Don’t bother connecting to reality if you don’t have to. Go to an art museum or attend a dance performance. See a movie and go out to your favorite restaurant.

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Don’t try to nail down any answers today, Leo, because you will probably end up feeling frustrated. The less you try to force your will on others, the more you will find that things just automatically go your way.

Today isn’t about finding solutions to problems. It’s about enjoying what you’ve already learned and accomplished. Keep things light.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Let your childlike side come out and play today, Virgo.

Your dreams are in full force, so let them lead the way.

Enjoy lighthearted conversations with friends about the latest movies or novels. You might want to go shopping or get a haircut. This is a good day to improve your general appearance. You have a much keener eye for

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style on a day like this.

CROSSWORDPUZZLE

Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Take a break from the routine and get off the beaten path, Libra. This is a day to forge ahead with ideas and dreams rather than commitments and answers. Question things and debate the facts. Have fun whatever you do. This is the perfect day to go out and fly kites with your friends. All group activities are strongly favored. You can’t go wrong chatting about the latest events in your life.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Things may seem surreal today, Sagittarius, so don’t take other people’s chatter too seriously. This is a day to reach out and touch someone, so pick up the phone. It’s a good day to share your dreams, no matter how farfetched they sound. Others may look at you as if you have three heads, but as long as you’re being honest with yourself, there’s no reason to be shy about sharing.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You may find it hard to take a realistic approach to your emotions today, Capricorn. A sensitive issue may pull on you, leaving you feeling like you’re out in left field in the way you relate to others. You might want to consider letting someone else take the lead for once, allowing you to regain your equilibrium before the next decision needs to be made.

HIGH 74 LOW 57

SATURDAY

HIGH 72 LOW 52

Down 1. ___ Raton; 2. Sounds of disgust; 3. Ladies of Sp.; 4. Beliefs; 5. Fish eggs; 6. Notable period; 7. Bar bill; 8. Finally; 9. Witherspoon of “Legally Blonde”; 10. Cutting instrument for paper; 11. One of two equal parts; 12. Canadian gas brand; 13. Expensive; 18. Govt. property overseer; 22. Indonesian cigarette; 24. Software medium; 25. Numero ___; 26. Had dinner at home; 27. Decline; 28. Squeeze; 30. Thunder Bay’s prov.; 32. French composer Erik; 33. Anatomical passages; 34. Scruffs; 36. Tara family; 37. Twisted expression?; 39. Feudal lord; 40. ___ the ramparts we watched...; 42. Gal of song; 45. Erase; 46. “The Raven” maiden;

DAILY U

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Question the validity of anything you come in conflict with today, Aquarius. You might find that people act on incomplete information, and that they’re falsely accusing you of something you didn’t say or do. Work to bring harmony to the situation by getting to the truth and helping to make the real motivations known. Words may be charged with strong emotions, so be gentle.

48. Be a guest; 50. Former nuclear agcy.; 51. Peter Fonda title role; 52. Ripped; 53. Feminine ending; 55. Actor Epps; 56. Reside; 57. Breezes through; 60. Sleep stage; 61. Mischievous child; 62. CIA predecessor;

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

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

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Today is a great day for you. You should enjoy a great deal of playful conversation, Pisces. Fantasy is likely to play a big role in events, and you may daydream as you walk down the street. Don’t bother with reality if you don’t have to. You’re much better off keeping the tone light and playful. Enjoy your fantasy world and feel free to invite others into it.

WEEKLYWEATHER FRIDAY

dept.; 67. Office subs; 68. “___ Tu”: 1974 hit;

Across 1. Head and shoulders sculpture; 5. Pave over; 10. Storage shelter; 14. Barbarous person; 15. Use a soapbox; 16. Jewel ____; CD container; 17. Variable; 19. “Casablanca” role; 20. Beasts of burden; 21. Requests; 23. Tic___ toe; 25. Software buyers; 26. Nile nippers; 29. “___ you dare!”; 31. Red fluorescent dye; 35. Paving material; 36. Yes ___?; 37. Layers; 38. Range of vision; 40. Ragtime dance; 41. Pants measurement; 42. Go after; 43. Anger; 44. Polite denial; 45. Venture; 46. Discounted by; 47. Chairman’s hammer; 49. Actress Charlotte; 51. Kitchen vessel; 54. Name on a bomber; 58. Burt’s ex; 59. Partly serious and partly comic; 63. Cube maker Rubik; 64. Agenda entries; 65. Fourstar review; 66. Steven Chu’s cabinet

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 It may feel like something has suddenly clicked into place for you today, Scorpio, because you’ve found the missing piece of a puzzle you’ve been working on. The answers may be subtle, but they’re there. Fantasy and a playful attitude will lead you to them effortlessly.

Spread your ideas to the world, and encourage others to join in your daydreams.

www.bestcrosswords.com

www.accuweather.com SUNDAY

HIGH 63 LOW 42

MONDAY

HIGH 61 LOW 42

Photo by Jonathan Shaul

WEDNESDAY

HIGH 71 LOW 47

>

Dr. Jim King was also available to answer students’ questions during the Q&A session.

TUESDAY

HIGH 61 LOW 32

SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty HARD

THURSDAY

HIGH 50 LOW 30

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

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

Q&A from pg. 1

and the university.

“I know Dr. Guice likes to hear from all of his students and fulfill everyone’s needs,” she said.

Jacob Finley, a freshman mechanical engineering major, said he had many reasons for attending the event. “(I’m here) just to get information straight from the president instead of having to read it online,” he said.

“That and maybe answer some questions that everyone is speculating on.”

Finley said a few questions seemed to be on a lot of students’ minds.

“Everybody is wondering what’s going to happen,” he said. “What are the plans for the next couple years?”

Guice said plans for Tech

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> were already being put into action, and more were being made. He said areas such as expansion of housing options and opportunities for students were key pieces to the blueprints for improvements.

Joshua Jackson, a sophomore music education major, said the presentation gave a better idea of the campus plans involving the Tech 2020 plan and beyond.

“I like how we are trying to innovate our campus and make it look nicer,” he said.

Jackson said enhancing campus security is one of his main concerns as a Tech student. In the presentation, Guice said plans were in place to improve security through measures such as better lighting on campus.

HYBRID from pg. 1

more real world and life skills in the job setting.”

Morgan Echols, a junior business management major, said she believes the College of Business’s growth, new programs and updated courses will be beneficial to all of its students, not just MBA candidates.

“As a student, I believe a growing program allows for more opportunities, more degrees and more jobs,” she said. “I think many students will love these programs because they’ll be able to grow in their jobs and education all at once.”

Amyx said the hybrid program is just one of many additions to the

College of Business, including a variety of new marketing concentrations, digital and content marketing courses and the development of a course in which students can manage money and gain experience with investing.

He said the College of Business has been active in updating its programs so each course will be current and relevant for the students.

“These are all initiatives that are keeping us on the cutting edge,” he said. “We try to get feedback from our students, alumni and executives out in industry to offer what they want our graduates to know.”

January 20, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 7

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More Talk

Illustration by Zach Hannibal

TRUMP’S TIMELINE June 14, 1946: born in Queens, New York 1959: leaves for New York military academy 1966: transfers to Penn’s Wharton School of Business and almost immediately begins buying properties

Tech students share their thoughts on Trump’s inauguration DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu fter a heavily contentious election and several efforts from outside sources to ignore or nullify the results of the election, Donald J. Trump will finally be inaugurated today .

Louisiana Tech students shared their opinions and predictions concerning the inauguration.

Cameron Vauclin, a freshman physics major, said he believes the inauguration will largely go on without incident.

“Yes, there’s been controversy and people don’t like him, but it’s going to go off as usual,” he said. “Other presidents who lost the popular vote have had a normal inauguration, and this will be no different.”

Vauclin said he hopes Donald Trump is smart enough to realize that his inauguration means he needs to tone down his outrageous behavior. He said Trump’s past comments were not the smartest or most mature, and Trump desperately needs to realize this.

“Knowing Trump, he probably will manage to make people uneasy, but hopefully he will grow up a little and make people feel more secure with him being president,” he said. “This could be a good first step towards bringing the country together.”

Monica Buller, a freshman architecture student and Trump supporter, said she believes there will be some sort of trouble at the inauguration.

“He’s not debating any more or campaigning — I think he will begin to try and address the people’s need and the country as a whole,” she said. “I’m kind of scared there will be something bad like a riot going down though, so I hope people will keep their heads about them.”

Luke Mondello, a sophomore construction engineering major, said he wholeheartedly supports Trump and admires his policies and financial savviness.

“Trump is not perfect, but I don’t think he will do a terrible job,” he said. “He knows how to generate money, I think he’s a great speaker and I think he will make America safer with his border con-

trol policies.”

Mondello said he believes protests during the inauguration will be counterproductive and divide the country further than it already is.

“Trump has said before that we need to come together and focus,” he said.

“The election is over, and we need to quit complaining about him winning.

Carl Perez, a junior cyber engineering major, said he believes the inauguration will surely be a failure. He said the things Trump has unabashedly said in the past should be a good indicator he will not be up to the task of becoming president and enacting actual change.

“Every single group I can think of is staging some kind of demonstration,” he said. “It won’t be unifying at all unless Trump says something incredible, which he won’t.”

Perez said he will miss President Obama’s level-headed, compassionate leadership once he leaves office.

“I’ll miss having a decent human being in the White House, which is what he was,” he said. “I’m not a fan of a lot of what he did, I don’t think the Affordable Care Act was strong enough and the civil wars in Yemen and Syria are horrifying, but I’ll miss a steady hand there.”

Janay Major, a sophomore political science major, said she will miss President Obama’s hands-on approach to governing. She said she will miss how much Obama really seemed to care about underprivileged people and thinks Trump will not be able to fill his shoes.

“He’s filled with too much negativity,” she said. “There’s so much racial sensitivity going on in the world right now and I just don’t see it getting much better with him running things.”

Major said she she believes Trump does not understand women’s rights or immigrants’ issues.

“He needs to let those people, who are finding it difficult to come to terms with his presidency, know that he stands with them,” she said. “He can make all the promises and assure people all he wants, but I think the only real way for him to get through to them would be to sincerely apologize and lay out a plan for moving forward.”

Oct. 6, 1973: The U.S. Justice Department sues the Trump Organization,charging that it frequently violated the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against black potential voters July 1982: celebrates the completion of Trump Tower in Manhattan 1987: publishes “The Art of the Deal” which spent 51 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list Jan. 1989: first appears on cover of Time magazine 1990: removed from Forbes 400 list 1991: files for bankruptcy for the first time 1996: buys Miss Universe organization March 2000: “The Simpsons” airs “Bart to the Future” episode where Trump becomes president June 2003: files suit against Native American tribe and rival developer Eastern Pequots Jan. 8, 2004: “The Apprentice” premieres 2005: opens Trump University, which is eventually shut down amid lawsuits from students and the New York attorney general Alleging it was a scam Jan. 6, 2007: receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame Oct 2012: offered Barack Obama $5 million to charity of his choice in exchange for the president releasing his birth certificate 2014: sues Trump Entertainment and resorts to remove his name from the Trump Taj Mahal and trump plaza casinos,saying they were not up to his standards June 16, 2015: announces bid for the US presidency in a speech that included remarks about Mexican immigrants being “racist” and drug dealers June 29, 2015: NBC cut business ties with Trump following his immigration remarks July 15, 2016: announces Mike Pence as his running mate July 21, 2016: accepts the Republican party’s nomination Oct 7, 2016: recording surfaces of trump boasting in 2005 of how his celebrity allows him to grope women Nov 8, 2016: elected president of the United States Jan. 20, 2017: sworn in as president Sources: The Rolling Stone and Reuters

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8 • The Tech Talk • January 20, 2017

Sloan named All-American ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu The quarter system is like a warlord.

It is ruthless, cutthroat and takes no prisoners.

Unlike the semester system, there is no margin for error, if you miss class and mistreat it you will be in a deep hole and it will mistreat you. Handling the quarter system is no easy feat, even for full-time students.

How hard it is for both full-time students and athletes seems monumental. However, Kathryn Sloan, a senior forward for the Louisiana Tech women’s soccer team, had no issue whatsoever.

In an announcement made by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), Sloan was selected as the 2016 Academic All-Ameri- “Katie Sloan can of the Year for Division I Women’s Soccer. A com- has exemplified munication arts and design what we want major with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, Sloan our studentbecame the first student- athletes to be athlete in Tech history during her four to receive this esteemed honor. She was also a third years at Louisiteam CoSIDA Academic ana Tech.”

All-America selection last year. Sloan, a native of Kan- TOMMY sas City, Missouri, is also a McCLELLAND three-time recipient of the Tech athletics director Commissioner’s Academic Medal as well as a threetime C-USA All Academic First Team honoree.

“Katie Sloan has exemplified what we want our student-athletes to be during her four years at Louisiana Tech,” said Tommy McClelland, athletics director at Tech. “She is one of 14 student-athletes in Louisiana Tech history to be named an academic All-American and just the third to earn the honor multiple times. That’s impressive enough in its own right. However, to be named the 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year for Division I women’s soccer is an unbelievable honor. We are so proud of Katie and all of her incredible accomplishments on and off the field.”

Sloan’s coaches expected nothing less.

“What an amazing achievement and well deserved,” said Kevin Sherry, the head coach. “The amount of determination, focus, sacrifice and hard work needed to become one of the best in your ‘field’ are so high that most people shy away from even attempting to be the best. Katie is a great example to others that good things do happen if you are willing to put the work in and make the sacrifices needed.”

Her excellence on and off the field greatly impressed her teachers.

“Being a great college athlete and a great student takes an immense amount of effort,” said Tom Futrell, an assistant professor of design and Sloan’s academic adviser. “It’s not often you see someone who has the ability and desire to succeed in both.

Everyone knows that on the field Katie is an all-conference powerhouse; however, in the classroom she’s even better. During her time at the School of Design, Katie has never missed a class, never complained about a deadline and never caved under pressure.

Katie is the consummate student-athlete. I know the future is bright for her.”

The future for Sloan is not bright; it is blinding.

Someone with such intellect and athleticism who triumphed the dreaded quarter system should have no problem conquering the real world.

Photos courtesy of LATechSportsPix.com.

In her time at Tech, Sloan has earned a number of academic honors.

Dunkin’ Dogs Bracey honored as C-USA Player of the Week TECH ATHLETICS COMMENTARY

Photo courtesy of Tom Morris / LATechSportsPix.com.

Bracey shows his talent as his career continues.

After helping lead Louisiana Tech to a road conference sweep in week 10, point guard DaQuan Bracey was voted as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Week and the Conference USA Freshman of the Week.

Bracey averaged 17.5 points, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game in the victories at Charlotte and Old Dominion, marking only the second time Tech has won back-to-back league games in a road weekend since joining C-USA. The Baltimore, Maryland, native tied his career high with 14 points in the 79-73 win over the 49ers this past Thursday night.

The nation’s top freshman in assist-turnover ratio only

had one turnover in 28 minutes against Charlotte who came in ranked in the top 35 in the country in turnovers forced.

Bracey proved unstoppable two days later against the Monarchs who were fourth in the nation in scoring defense, going 7-of-8 from the field including two 3-pointers to record a new career high of 21 points.

In the 75-63 victory, he also registered eight assists which was the seventh time this season he has recorded eight-plus assists in a single game. The eight assists put Bracey over the century mark through just 18 games.

He ended up shooting 62 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc in the two contests.

This marked the second time this season Bracey has been named C-USA Freshman of the week. His first time came in week one.