OBU Signal - Oct. 4, 2012

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JOEY LICKLIDER FEATURES, P. 4 Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012

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Volume 121, Issue 5

www.obusignal.com

Tiger Tunes 2012

Hosts/Hostesses p. 2 • Tunes Effects on Clubs p. 3 • Tunescast 2012 p. 3 • Joey Licklider p. 4 Nicole McPhate photo.

Muggin’ to feature 2,100 bottles, live music

By TANNER WARD Editor-in-Chief

Every year since 2000, Eta Alpha Omega has sponsored Muggin’, an event meant to provide a safer alternative to off-campus partying after Tiger Tunes. This year will be the biggest yet, with 2,100 bottles of IBC Root Beer being served in the center of campus following the final Saturday performance.

“Muggin’ was started because a group of guys wanted a fun alternative to drinking alcohol after Tiger Tunes,” said Michael Crowe, a junior finance and business management major and the vice president of Eta Alpha Omega.

“We also believe that Muggin’ builds a great sense of com-

James Wood z Archive BOTTLES OF IBC Root Beer sit in the back of a truck in Grant Plaza during last year’s Muggin’, sponsored by Eta Alpha Omega.

munity on campus.”

The beginnings of Muggin’ can be traced back to the year 2000.

“One of our alumni was bored and brought a boombox

along with an ice chest of IBC to the gazebo and invited all of his friends,” said Alex Nelson, a junior finance and business management major and the secretary/treasurer of Eta

Alpha Omega.

The event has expanded every year since, and is now one of the most well-known events of Homecoming week.

This year, Sean Michel, a Ouachita alumnus from Bryant who appeared on “American Idol” several years ago, will perform live along with his band. Nelson said the club also has several other activities planned.

Crowe said the group traditionally serves IBC root beer because of the reason the company was founded.

“Interestingly enough, IBC was founded in 1919 as an alternative to alcohol consumption during prohibition,” he said. “We chose IBC root beer

Staff Writer

Homecoming. It is a time for students to enjoy the traditions of Ouachita through a variety of activities while welcoming new events such as a campus-wide street festival.

“One big difference this year is that between the Saturday Tunes shows, there will be a street festival between JPAC and Jones Science Center,” said Devan Malone, senior speech communication major and member of the Homecom-

ing steering committee. “Sodexo will be serving dinner, and the street will be blocked completely. It’s really exciting because of the atmosphere it will create on campus.”

The Homecoming street festival will try to encourage an energetic atmosphere, as well as give students and alumni a convenient place to eat.

On top of the street festival, there will be even more changes to eating arrangements this year, even to the point of closing out all other food outlets

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

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on campus aside from the Homecoming festivities.

“The picnic we normally have will be at the tailgating area down by the football field,” said Jon Merryman, director of alumni. “Students are encouraged to go down for a big barbecue lunch. All other food venues on campus will be closed to encourage people to go to the football game.”

Homecoming week provides constant activity and entertainment from the various clubs and organizations.

By SAM CUSHMAN News Editor

“There is almost always something going on,” said Bradley Lindsey, senior music major and member of the Homecoming steering committee. “Clubs and organizations this year are going to be having events on campus every day. There will always be something to do, which is new, and allows for the students to start getting pumped about Tiger Tunes and the Homecoming football game.”

The Downtown Arkadelphia program will host its kickoff event — a ribbon cutting to symbolize the focused movement toward downtown revitalization — at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9 in front of Southern Bancorp on Main Street.

“Many students have expressed to the community that there is nothing for them to do in Arkadelphia,” said Nicole Porchia, the student success coordinator at Ouachita and a member of the Downtown Arkadelphia board. “This is an event for all students to come out and enjoy the Arkadelphia downtown area and even receive discounts at most restaurants and retailers.”

Porchia also said that the Downtown Arkadelphia board’s main focus is to revitalize the downtown area while offering activities and entertainment for local families and college students.

From 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., a number of local retailers will offer promotions for shoppers and participants. Restaurants Slim & Shorty’s, Dino’s and the Honeycomb are offering 25 percent discounts off of

see HOMECOMING z 2

see DOWNTOWN z 3

see MUGGIN’ z 2

Campus prepares for Homecoming weekend events

By NOAH HUTCHINSON

Ribbon-cutting features sales, promotions downtown

THIS WEEK AT OBUSIGNAL.COM

Tunescast 2012 Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

CONNECT WITH THE SIGNAL

2 n news campus & community Thursday, October 4, 2012

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Phobias

Pogonophobia.

Fear of beards.

Consecotaleophobia.

Fear of chopsticks.

Kathisophobia.

Fear of sitting down.

Sesquipedalophobia.

Fear of long words.

Phobophobia.

Fear of phobias.

Heather Ellis photo.

The Refuge Band leads worship in JPAC.

this week zCALENDAR TIGER TUNES will be held tonight and tomorrow from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. in JPAC. Saturday’s shows will be held at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in JPAC REFUGE will take place in the Village Circle tonight from 10- 11 p.m. For more information, contact: James Taylor at taylorja@obu.edu KAPPA CHI COOKOUT will be Friday night after Tiger Tunes in the gazebo at Speer Pavilion. Come for a great time night of music and food for everyone.

HOMECOMING z Continued from Page 1

“The Homecoming steering committee is made up of students from every club, Student Senate and residence life,” Merryman said. “They’ve been meeting since last spring.

They were the ones who recommended moving the food down by the football field to draw people to the game.”

The committee encourages students to attend as many activities as possible and enjoy their Saturday meals with the guests on campus.

“Homecoming is important for several reasons,” Malone said. “For one, it is a great

chance for prospective students and alumni to come on campus and experience the current Ouachita culture, as well as the traditions that remain strong. Another reason it’s so important is because it brings so many organizations on campus together to make the entire week an exciting time.”

The Homecoming steering committee believes that Homecoming will be a great time for both students and alumni alike. “We have games, food, and just so much attraction that it would be silly to miss out on this year’s Homecoming,” said Hein Hillmer, Homecoming Steering Committee member.

“It’s going to be awesome.” n

ETA ALPHA OMEGA MUGGIN’ will be held Saturday night from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Grant Plaza. Come for a great theme filled with root beer and live music performed by artist Sean Michel and his band.

HOMECOMING COURT presentation and coronation of the 2012 Homecoming Queen will take place Saturday from 12:30- 1 p.m. at A.U. Williams HOMECOMING FOOTBALL game kickoff will take place at 1 p.m. at A.U. Williams Field. Come help cheer the Tigers to victory against Southwest Oklahoma.

MUGGIN’

z Continued from Page 1 because of this direct stance.

The principle that you don’t need to drink alcohol to have a great time is where it all began.”

Crowe said planning Muggin’ takes a great deal of time.

“Each year, we try to bring new ideas to the event to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved,” he said. “Once the funds have been raised to cover the costs of the root bear, smaller details and logistics are handled to make sure everything runs smoothly; then comes marketing.”

For Nelson, the best part of Muggin’ is seeing so much of campus gathered in one place.

“I love interacting with other students, faculty and alumni,” he said. “It is a huge event and attracts a large portion of the campus.”

Crowe said he enjoys being able to serve the campus.

“It’s a great experience to serve after everyone has put in so much hard work and effort into Homecoming week,” he said. “We truly get just as much joy and satisfaction hosting the event as each of the students who attend the event do.

“As a club, it is the event we all look forward to the most.”

Muggin’ will begin after the conclusion and presenta-

tion of awards at the 8:30 Tiger Tunes performance on Saturday night. The event is free of charge.

For more information, contact Crowe or Nelson. n

It’s a great experience to serve after everyone has put in so much hard work into Homecoming ... and as a club, it is the event we all look forward to the most.

— Michael Crowe

Hosts, Hostesses prepare for ‘dream come true’

By MATTIE BOGOSLAVSKY Staff Writer

The 34th annual Tiger Tunes is just around the corner — a time of laughter, singing and choreography. Every year, groups from all over campus come together to perform their show in hopes of winning the grand prize. A highlight of Tiger Tunes is the between show sets presented by the hosts and hostesses.

“Ever since I saw Tiger Tunes for the first time, I have wanted to be a hostess,” said Nicole Mattson, junior musi-

cal theatre major and hostess for this year’s Tiger Tunes. “I know probably everyone says that, but it’s true.”

Mattson appreciates the fact that the money people spend to buy tickets to this event goes toward scholarships to keep students at Ouachita. She is extremely excited to be a part of this team.

“Performing is a passion of mine, so this was a perfect opportunity to get to perform, and also it’s for such a great cause,” she said.

During the show, the hosts and hostesses act as emcees for

the event. They introduce each group before they perform and they also perform in between the competing groups. The hosts and hostesses all moved in early before the school year started and have been practicing ever since.

“When I came and saw my first Tunes show I was a senior in high school,” said Jake Coffman, junior music major and Tiger Tunes host. “I was blown away by the talent the hosts had that year. I’ve always loved performing and when I saw Tunes, I knew it was something I wanted to do

when I got to Ouachita. It just fit my performing style exactly,” said Jake Coffman, junior music major.

Coffman tried out with the song “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo. “When I found out, I was with a few of my friends,” he said. “I think they freaked more than I did. I couldn’t believe it. It was literally a dream come true.”

This year’s hosts and hostesses include Garet West, Kate Cody, Rachel Shrader, Carli Sasser, Coffman, Stephen Curry, Kyle Fischer, and Mattson.

Auditions are held in the spring prior to the fall production. Students can be any classification, and they must be enrolled in at least 12 hours at Ouachita and meet GPA requirements. They are required to sing a song no longer than two minutes that demonstrates their range and personality to the judges. Students also learn and perform a short dance number as well as a small section of a song A Capella. Students will be notified through email and announcements regarding auditions for the 35th annual Tiger Tunes. n

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Space boat may one day cruise methane lakes of Titan

By SAM CUSHMAN News Editor

Scientists are planning to explore other planetary bodies and their natural satellites within our solar system are now looking to using vehicles other than wheeled rovers for surface exploration use. These scientists are proposing a new mission to Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, using a boat rover to cruise the moon’s largest methane lake, Ligeia Mare, located near the moon’s north pole.

Titan is one of the largest

moons in our solar system, second only to Ganymede, Jupiter’s largest, and is bigger than the planet Mercury in size.

Titan is covered in seas, lakes and rivers of liquid methane giving it a topography very similar to some areas of Earth.

This, and the fact that Titan has an extremely thick atmosphere make it one of the most Earthlike bodies in our solar system.

For many years, scientists have wondered if the existence of life was possible on Titan.

Some believe that with temperatures as low as minus 289 degrees Fahrenheit as reported

by NASA, life there is not possible. Others believe that the atmosphere and significant sources of liquids could make the planet viable for microbial life. Previously the European Space Agency Huygens probe touched down on land and transmitted a few hours’ worth of data before going dark in 2005. Titan was also the subject of NASA’s Cassini mission.

The data the Huygens probe collected confirmed that there were lakes, rivers and seas made of liquid hydrocarbons on Titan. The scientists at SENER are proposing a mission

called Titan Lake In-situ Sampling Propelled Explorer, or TALISE. This mission would land a small floating rover that would be propelled by wheels, paddles or screws and would spend about six months to a year on the surface of the lake as it makes its way towards the nearest shoreline.

“The main innovation in TALISE is the propulsion system,” Igone Urdampilleta of Spain-based private engineering firm SENER, a member of the TALISE team, said in a statement according to space. com. “This allows the probe

to move, under control, from the landing site in the lake, to the closest shore. The displacement capability would achieve the obtaining of liquid and solid samples from several scientific interesting locations on Titan’s surface such as the landing place, along the route towards the shore and finally at the shoreline.”

TALISE is a project of SENER and the Centro de Astrobiología in Spain. Scientists presented the proposal last week on Sept. 27 at the European Planetary Science Congress in Madrid. n

NEWS BRIEFS n Thirty second recaps of the biggest stories of the week.

HEALTH ― Scientists in New Zea-

land have genetically engineered a dairy cow that produced the world’s first hypoallergenic milk. The cow completely lacks the milk protein beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), which is known to cause allergic reactions associated with lactose-intolerance; the cow also lacked a tail. The team of scientists used RNA interference to prevent the expression of certain genes that code for the production of BLG. They first experimented on mice before moving on to engineer a cow’s egg cell’s nucleus to express the same micro-RNA’s to shut down BLG production. The team of scientists believe that the cow’s missing tail is unrelated to its transgenic change. They are waiting until the cow gets older to study this mutation. n

SCIENCE ― Scientists looking for

patterns in reading from microbial algae samples collected in the western English Channel transformed their measurements into musical notes, creating different musical compositions to represent different aspects of their data readings.

For example, one song, “Bloom,” illustrated how some algae species bloom occasionally, becoming much more abundant for short periods of time. Another song, “Blues for Elle,” highlighted seasonal changes in the algae population, mapping notes to parameters such as temperature and concentrations of chemicals that affect population size and abundance.

This project is not the first of its kind.

Scientists created music from star data collected by NASA’s Kepler telescope. n

WORLD ― Taiwanese citizens will

be allowed to visit the U.S. without being required to apply for and receive a travel visa after Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that the country would be involved in the U.S. visa waiver program beginning Nov. 1. Under the program, low-risk, pre-approved travelers from Taiwan and other countries can come to the U.S. for tourism or business reasons and stay up to 90 days without a visa.

The visa waiver program started to help ease travelling and customs restraints for travelers coming to America. Homeland Security said the risks this poses to national security are minimal. Taiwan the 37th member of the program and the 5th Asian participant after Brunei, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. n

NATIONAL ― After being struck

by a vehicle traveling 50 mph a female poodle mix survived an 11mile drive down a Massachusetts highway while wedged inside the grill of a car before being rescued by animal control on Sept. 20. After slamming on the breaks the driver said he continued on his way when he saw no sign of the dog. It wasn’t until another driver stopped him in East Providence, R.I. that he realized the dog was stuck in his car. The driver immediately went to the local police station where East Providence Animal Control carefully freed the dog. She was then taken to Bay State Emergency Clinic where she was treated for a concussion and possible ruptured bladder. The dog has almost made a full recovery and has suffered no complications. n

Compiled by Sam Cushman. Sources: tautongazette.com, nydailytimes.com, popsci.com, msnbc.com and online.wsj.com.

Tunescast Live 2012: New format, features

By TANNER WARD Editor-in-Chief

The Signal‘s annual Tunescast will be broadcast on Saturday, Oct. 6, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The entire Tiger Tunes show, including the awards presentation, will air live on obusignal. com.

Among the new features this year is the ability to watch from Facebook, Twitter, iPad and iPhone through the LiveStream app, and chat live.

To watch the Tunescast, simply log on to The Signal‘s website Saturday before the show starts and load the broadcast.

Viewers are free to leave and join the broadcast at any point throughout. Below the live feed will be bonus features compiled by The Signal‘s staff,

DOWNTOWN z Continued from Page 1

vantage of these discounts, students will need to bring their student I.D. to the Downtown Arkadelphia booth on Main Street and pick up a ticket for the night. Students can also collect signatures from store owners on their ticket and enter their names once for every signature to win a cash prize of $500 dollars or a gift basket valued at $600 dollars.

Ouachita’s director of career services Lauren Land, has been involved with the formation of this program. Brooke Zimny, assistant director of communications, and Rene Zimny, assistant director and grant coordinator of international recruiting, designed the Downtown Arkadelphia logo and Rebecca Jones, assistant professor of communications, will have one of her spring classes design a promotional campaign for the Downtown Arkadelphia program.

“We want to find out what students are looking for in terms of retail and restaurants,” Land said. “What would make Arkadelphia feel more like a ‘college town,’ what would

including videos, slideshows and links to text articles, all of which can be accessed at any point before, during or after the live broadcast.

Last year, the Tunescast was watched on almost 2,000 computers on six continents.

For the first time, The Signal is using the company LiveStream for the Tunescast, which offers many features that were not available for previous year’s broadcasts.

For updates, follow The Signal on Facebook and Twitter. To receive a reminder about the Tunescast, visit new. livestream.com/obu and register by clicking on the “Follow” button. An email reminder will be sent before the event begins.

For more information, contact online advisor Tiffany Eurich at euricht@obu.edu. n keep them in town [as opposed to] driving to Hot Springs for the night.”

Land said that the Downtown Arkadelphia program wants college students to feel at home in Arkadelphia and be proud to live here and to invested in the community.

“The purpose of this initiative is to spur downtown revitalization and bring attention to our existing and future retailers and restaurants,” Porchia said. “Being [a Ouachita] alumnus, I am glad to be serving on a board that is focused on revitalizing the downtown area for local families and college students to enjoy during their time of leisure.”

Downtown Arkadelphia also plans to host and lead quarterly events in the downtown area in the future. These include, but are not limited to, art walks, movie showings on Main Street, extended hours for retailers and restaurants as well as holiday open house events.

For more information on Downtown Arkadelphia, contact Land at landl@obu.edu.

For updates, promotions and other benefits, follow Downtown Arkadelphia on Twitter at @downtowndelph. n

Nicole McPhate z The Signal TIGER TUNES hosts and hostesses and social club members sing and perform during the Mega-Mix.

Tunes ‘brings clubs, campus together’

By KELSEY LAMB Staff Writer

Tiger Tunes is an event on campus that involves all of the social clubs, Campus Ministries and the Campus Activities Board. It has been around for 34 years and is still one of the most loved events by current students and alumni. The event consists of four shows that take place during Homecoming week.

Tiger Tunes allows the clubs to come together individually and to support the school and each other in their long days and nights.

Each club or organization is allowed 12 hours each week to practice and spends that entire time working together and making their show the best it can be.

Because the clubs spend so much time together, they end up growing closer together and developing a stronger bond.

“I think it’s helped us grow as a pledge class and as sisters, we’ve had to stay up late together, work through our performances,” said Ellen Flint, sophomore history major and

member of Tri Chi. Each club spends the majority of their time together singing and dancing and they are also able to lean on each other during these stressful times.

“We have to spend so much time together that it automatically unifies everybody,” said Lauren McElyea, a junior music major and member of Chi Rho Phi, about her favorite part of preparing for Tiger Tunes.

As each group goes through the four hard weeks of practicing and bonding with each other, they also begin to bond with members of the other clubs and organizations that are also participating in Tiger Tunes.

“It has given us a common sense of excitement,” said Shelby Davis with the Campus Activities Board.

Throughout the weeks of Tiger Tunes practice, and dress rehearsals and all nighters, students on campus are constantly supporting each other. Students participating in Tunes reach out not only to the members of their show but also to their competitors.

“We root each other on, ev-

eryone that’s friends with every other club always asks how is your Tiger Tunes show going,” said Hein Hillmer, junior mass communications major and member of Rho Sigma.

Many of the participants put their stresses aside and work hard to put on the best Tiger Tunes show they can with their club or organization.

“During Tiger Tunes, it becomes more competitive. We take great pride on our Tiger Tunes show,” said Austin Sarabia, junior business major and member of Kappa Chi. Students participating in Tiger Tunes help to raise money for scholarships through the Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF). Last year, OSF raised thousands of dollars for students from ticket sales and People’s Choice Awards.

“We bring these shows together and it’s for us, it’s for our peers and for scholarships.

I think it unifies us as a campus,” said Zach Smith, junior Christian studies major and member of Eta Alpha Omega.

“Everybody comes together and grows closer because everybody involved has a common goal.” n

4 n features Thursday, October 4, 2012

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Heather Ellis z The Signal JOEY LICKLIDER manages every JPAC performance, including Tiger Tunes, with the help of his JPAC crew and OSF members.

Heather Ellis z The Signal LICKLIDER WORKS backstage in JPAC.

Nicole McPhate z The Signal HOSTS & HOSTESSES perform during Tiger Tunes dress rehearsal.

Joey the JPAC Man Licklider juggles Tunes preparations, sleep, getting a pilot’s license

lighting and setting up for whatever needs to be done. Working with the Features Editor director if the show has a different Lights. Sound. Costumes. Makeup. director. Working with other designers.

Tunes faces. Action.

Coordinating the production,” he said.

Tiger Tunes season is in full swing During the peak of his busy season, all across campus, beginning with also known as Homecoming week, he last night’s dress rehearsal and spends at least 12 to 15 hours a day in continuing today with more than 300 JPAC. GROW students and parents and “It will get to be a little bit easier once alumni flocking to Jones Performing the show starts. We’re just running Arts Center (JPAC) to watch the 34th the show. It’s got a lot of prep work annual Tiger Tunes performance. Many and rehearsals and fixing things and people are involved in the production that’s what takes so long right now,” of Ouachita’s most famed musical Licklider said. event, including Ouachita Student However, he can see a light at the end Foundation members and the JPAC of the darkened Tiger Tunes tunnel. crew. However, one of the biggest, most “Once we get through Wednesday overlooked driving factors in Tunes is night, it gets easy. There will be a few Joey Licklider, the production manager changes to make because it’s rehearsal. for JPAC. But Thursday, Friday and Saturday Licklider is in his 15th year working are just relaxing and preparing for the in JPAC. His first four years were as a show,” he said. “Emotionally, mentally member of the JPAC crew for work- and physically, it takes a lot to get study during his time as a student at through a show. It never stops.”

Ouachita.

Once the end of Tunes is finally just “I never left,” Licklider said. “I just within his reach, Licklider plans to get loved it so much, when the director left some much needed rest and relaxation. right before I graduated, there ended “On Saturday, I will sleep late,” he up being a job opening and I decided said. “There’s all the Homecoming to take it.” activities, but I’ll still get to sleep a little In his 15 years working in JPAC, late. We do two shows on Saturday, so Licklider has that takes a lot. perfected all of two shows I’ve always been running Doing his duties of the in a row is really sound for the show. I don’t tough. Especially building.

“As the close they want to be on stage. I can’t how production are. There’s a manager for the sing, I can’t dance. I let the few things to building, I have reset between the good people do that. to schedule lots of shows just to make things. There’s the sure we’re ready — Joey Licklider to do it again. calendar and lots of paperwork. I do And the club’s the budget for the building. I manage order changes each night, so there are the crew workers, managing their work- changes that have to be made.” study pay and schedules and assigning For the big show changes that cannot them to the show. Then there’s running be made for this year’s show, Licklider the show. Designing the show and has already begun thinking about next

By EMILY TERRY

ONLINE | EXCLUSIVE Only at www.obusignal.com.

VIDEO: Rapid Fire with Joey Licklider year’s show.

“I’m already working on next year’s Tiger Tunes. Just things that we can’t change right now, but can be used in next years’ show,” he said. “Bigger and better. It’s the 35th anniversary of Tiger Tunes next year. We’re going to pull out a lot of stops for the show.”

During the year-long process of Tunes preparations, Licklider forms strong bonds with the hosts and hostesses.

“We pick hosts and hostesses in February so they start right away working on music ideas and getting the show formed,” he said. “We have a lot of fun. Getting to work with them from February, we work with them through the semester. Then they move back in a week early to start learning choreography and music for the show.

We’re pretty much together four or five days a week all the way through the end of the show. I probably could do their songs with them.”

Although he claims to know the songs, Licklider won’t be appearing on stage any time soon.

“I can’t sing, but I know all the words,” Licklider said. “I’ve always been running sound for the show. I don’t want to be on stage. I can’t sing, I can’t dance. I let the good people do that.”

He has been letting the “good people” do just that for 15 years now. Never a singing and dancing participant of Tiger Tunes during his days as a Ouachita student, Licklider has always been on the production end of the show.

“I knew I wanted to do this kind of work, working in theatre of some sort on production and doing production

work. I had applied at a few places before I graduated and then it just worked out that Ouachita was going to be able to hire me after graduation,” Licklider said.

After graduation, he turned around and found himself, along with one other person, managing the building.

“At first it was different going from a student to a management position,” he said. “It was different at first, but now it’s a lot of fun. I get to work with the teachers that I used to have class with, and it’s a nice connection with them.”

Licklider cherishes the connection he has with the school and the people of Ouachita, especially since working in JPAC is the only real job he has ever had.

“This is the only job I’ve ever had,” Licklider said.

In addition to his only job, Licklider has picked up a hobby with half of a pilot’s license — only half because of the busyness of Tunes season — with hopes to complete his training by the end of the year.

“I’ve always been interested in flying airplanes and I even applied to be an astronaut once. But, I got rejected.

Quite a few people have their private pilot’s license. I can rent a plane and fly home to south Texas in a couple hours.

It would take about 8 hours to drive, but flying takes about 2,” Licklider said.

“And I don’t even have to go through security checkpoints.”

For his time spent on the ground out of the air, Licklider prefers his home inside Jones Performing Arts Center at Ouachita.

The place he’s helped transform for hundreds of events, affecting thousands of students has also impacted his life in a big way.

“I love working at Ouachita,” he said. “It’s a great place to work. I have a lot of fun in here and get to do a lot of fun stuff. It’s great.” n

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Day without a cell phone: Staff takes challenge TANNER WARD Editor-in-Chief

On the average day, I’ll send and receive at least 100 texts. I’ll get 75 to 100 emails in the five accounts I have synced to my iPhone. Add in Twitter notifications from the six Twitter accounts I control from my phone, Facebook notifications from my own account and from The Signal’s page and push notifications from a million other apps like Instagram, AP Mobile, CNN and USA Today and it’s a wonder my phone hasn’t vibrated itself to death.

Long-evolved from the days of simply being able to call people, we can now use our cell phones for practically anything — playing games, video chatting, shopping, banking, reading a book, taking a quiz. I can even control the entire live broadcast of Tiger Tunes on Saturday night from an app on my iPhone.

It seems as if our lives now revolve around our cell phones. Think about it: have you ever forgotten your cell phone in your room one morning? Did you not feel naked and out of touch with the world until you went back to get it?

At least two of every three people I pass on the bridge or on the sidewalk on the way to class are using their phones in one way or another. I can’t even count the couples I’ve seen on a date at restaurants who are buried in their phones so much that there is zero conversation going on. And don’t even get me started on the irresponsible people who feel it necessary to text and drive.

These reasons and more are why I decided to try an experiment at The Signal: some of our staff and I were going to turn our cell phones off for 24 hours and see what life was like.

I must admit — I was a little nervous about turning my phone off. My usage averages at least 8 hours a day — a third of my day spent doing something on my phone. But I was looking forward

to being able to sit in class without my pocket buzzing 426 times.

I decided to start at 10 in the morning this past Tuesday — I turned it off when chapel started — and left it off until 10 on Wednesday morning.

It was sweet bliss.

Not one buzz through chapel or my real estate class. While I was in The Signal office Tuesday afternoon, my entire attention was on the other people who stopped in. When Tarah Elliott, our Opinions Editor who also went without her phone, and I went to dinner at Cracker Barrel, we spent the whole time talking to each other and carrying on (a little too loudly; we kind of annoyed the waitress), neither one having to worry about responding to this text and that email. While I was studying and doing my homework on Tuesday night, there were no interruptions and I got finished much faster than usual.

Sure, I had to figure out how to work my alarm clock. I had to rely on checking my email on my iMac in the office. I had to listen to the radio instead of my music on my way home. But I survived.

Going a day without my cell phone made me appreciate having my iPhone and all its capabilities. But it also made me appreciate having a break from my iPhone sometimes.

Taking a step back, you really realize how much we are truly dependent on and addicted to our cell phones.

You realize just how ridiculous it is the amount of time you spend on it every day. You start paying more attention to the people and happenings around you. You live more in the moment rather than always anticipating what’s next.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying I think cell phones are evil or anything — I got on Twitter four times while writing this article. But a break every once in a while is nice.

So go on, try it for yourself. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll enjoy it. n

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Reactions from Other Staff Members

TARAH ELLIOTT: DAY WITHOUT A CELL PHONE

LAUREN SNOW: DAY WITHOUT A CELL PHONE

While some of my fellow writers at The Signal were worried about their ability to go an entire 24 hours without their phone (ahem, Sam Cushman), I was more than confident with my ability to put aside my iPhone for a single day. As it turned out, I was grossly underestimating my reliance on my smart phone.

I began the experiment at a little after 11 a.m., and the first few hours were a breeze. As a matter of fact, it was freeing. I didn’t have to constantly check my phone for missed calls and text messages, and it was nice to be without the distractions that come with owning (and being addicted to) a cellphone.

But then, some odd number of hours later, I began to realize that I didn’t just feel strange or off without my phone; I felt lost. I didn’t have a watch to check the time, I couldn’t check my email

When the idea of giving up my phone for 24 hours was mentioned, I tried to avoid eye contact at all costs. I thought not having my phone for a mere day would be the end of the world. Instantly I thought of the worst possible outcomes.

My first thought was, “I am going to miss out on inside jokes and knowing where to meet my friends for meals for the day,” which ended up being slightly true. Another issue I thought of was not being able to talk to my boyfriend and family whenever I wanted to. But, academically, what was going to wake me up in the morning for class, naps or tell me when my laundry was done?

With this experience, I realized a lot of my life is consumed with technology and there really is a way to change that.

When I began this experiment it was

when I was away from the computer, and I couldn’t even get a hold of Tanner Ward, our Editor-in-Chief who asked us to take on this experiment, to follow through with dinner plans. I actually had to track him down and have a face-to-face conversation about our plans. Heaven forbid!

Sadly, I failed the experiment. Just after midnight, I gave into the urge and turned my cell phone on. I cannot even begin to explain the rush of relief that washed over me as I answered my texts and called my nearest and dearest.

Perhaps I didn’t finish the experiment, but I did learn a lot about myself and about my reliance on a cell phone.

It is almost silly to think about how my life is centered around this one piece of technology. What if I spent the extra time I wasted checking my phone doing something productive, like studying?

Am I going to stop using my phone?

Of course not, but it’s certainly something to think about. n

more difficult than I thought. The first few hours were the most difficult for me. I stopped using my phone a few minutes before I went to bed. Usually before I fall asleep I check Twitter, Facebook and my email, but I can’t do this when my phone is put away. This was the reason why it was difficult the first few hours; it was breaking one of my habits.

Throughout the day I saw the benefits that came out of what I thought would be the end of the world for me.

Without my phone being a constant distraction, I finished my homework at a reasonable time.

Not having my phone I did miss out on a few insiders and I was slightly late to a few events but it really made me focus on looking at an actual clock and not my phone.

Although this short experiment without my phone caused me to be lost a few times, I accomplished all my work and realized that my life is unfortunately completely enveloped by a 5 inch phone. n

theSignal Media creates unrealistic goals Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center E-Mail: signal@obu.edu Phone: 870.245.5210

Tanner Ward z EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sam Cushman z NEWS EDITOR

Emily Terry

z FEATURES/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Tarah Elliott

z OPINIONS EDITOR

Chelsea Byers z SPORTS EDITOR

Daniel Aylett z ONLINE EDITOR

Nicole McPhate z PHOTO EDITOR

Abbey Fowler

z ADVERTISING MANAGER

Dr. Jeff Root z ADVISER

Dr. Deborah Root z ADVISER

Ms. Tiffany Eurich z ONLINE ADVISER

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Thursday during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university.

The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Hope Star.

Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number. Letters must be less than 500 words.

The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via e-mail to signal@ obu.edu.

affect women. How the pressure to live up reality, no one can achieve. to this certain, nearly unobtainable stan- And it’s not just women that society dard of beauty is placed before us. I know; scrutinizes. We don’t talk about as much, KATHLEEN SUIT I have even written a few said arguments but I know that men feel the burdens to Staff Writer on the subject myself. There is no disput- be what our culture dubs as good-looking ing it. But it leads me to the question: what and acceptable as well. is beauty? For some it may be the fresh The world tells guys that if they are not new flower buds blossoming in spring, the tall, dark and handsome, with a strong jaw soft innocence of an infant’s first laugh, or and chiseled features, they won’t get at As I read the opinions section in last even the beauty of dreaming or creating tention from women—or at least they will week’s Signal edition, I couldn’t help but something new and inhave to work to notice the hovering essence of man that spiring. Possibly, for you, ubër hard to not I found there. Now, don’t get me wrong, the thought of beauty is The most beautiful person be forever stuck I of all people can appreciate a good Star not aesthetic at all, but Friend Zone is the person who isn’t striv- in Wars or Borderlands 2 discussion, but for makes you shutter unLand with them. the sake of my less-than-manly comrades der the weight of your ing to be beautiful. It’s the Oh, and as a boand all of my fellow estrogen-bearers, let own insecurity. The heart gentleman, one who is completely com- nus, me spare you. This week, I say we switch of this insecurity lies you also have to things up a bit. with us not feeling like fortable with themselves. be smart, make I bet when you woke up this morning, we could ever possibly good money and your day probably went a little something amount to what society — Kathleen Suit exude charm all like the following. tells us is beautiful, atat the same time.

The snooze went off for the third time in tractive, or charming.

The only proba row and you half-heartily made the deci- Who decides the value of beauty? Who lem is that it isn’t possible. Even the most sion to roll out of your glorious twin-sized decides what’s pretty, and what’s not? successful, head on their shoulders kind dorm room bed and start the day. De- Even the people society views as beauti- of person has issues with media scrutiny. pending on whom you are, or the amount ful, unstoppable, perfect women, find This worldwide bully can make even the of sweet tea you inhaled before you went themselves captured by the pressure to strongest individual feel pressured to be to bed that night, your first stop may be more -- more than what they are, and something they are not and feel like they differ (but it’s probably the bathroom). more of what people want them to be. The are not deserving even simple forms of But I can be almost certain of one thing: media is like an inconspicuous genocide praise. There is a lot of stress for people whether a girl or slowly but surely tak- to look a certain way, dress a certain way a guy, you didn’t ing over and creating and be a certain way that is not who they leave your room They compel women with its own race of perfect, really are. Who are we really pleasing in without looking “the perfect life;” how to toned, tanned, airhead striving for this? in the mirror first.

Barbies. They compel Everyone wants to witness beauty, and Maybe you were look good, feel good and women with “the per- everyone wants to display beauty. But a pleased with what get what you want. fect life;” how to look majority of the time, we don’t realize the you saw, maybe good, feel good and true beauty that is in every one of us, the you weren’t. Mayget what you want. beauty that makes each person unique.

— Kathleen Suit However, there is one Our society and the media try to define be you didn’t care, or maybe that’s all but simple catch: and outline for people specific characterisjust what you told you must turn into the tics that will bring approval, when in realyourself as you slipped off to class hop- woman they say you should be. ity, it is not those characteristics that make ing that the world would see something Entertainment and advertisements you beautiful— you already are. different in you than that reflective piece place in front of us this portrait of the ideal The most beautiful person is the person of glass did. However you were feeling in woman, one with a flawless complexion, who isn’t striving to be beautiful. It’s the that moment, something told you to feel voluminous flowing hair, a perfect 0.6 one who is completely comfortable with that way. waist-to-hip ratio, all while dancing on themselves and who God made them to Everyone has heard and read their fair their heads and staying completely sane be. Don’t listen to anything else that tries share of strongly worded arguments on at the same time. This image is forced into to tell you otherwise. n how horribly our society and the media our heads as the epitome of woman that in

6 n sports

Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.obusignal.com

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy SAM HENLEY storms the field with the Tigers on Saturday before the game against Arkansas Tech University. The Tigers came back in the second half to to clinch the game against the Tech Wonder Boys, 31-24, claiming their third win of the season.

Tigers continue climbing polls following Tech win

By JOSH FINK

Sports Information Director Despite nine injuries and a negative four turnover margin in the game, the Tigers were able to defeat the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys by a score of 31-24. The Tigers’ perseverance has been rewarded this week by the AFCA Coaches Poll, which ranks the Tigers at No. 12 in the country after they were ranked No. 13 last week.

The Tigers surpassed Washburn University, who was bumped from No. 9 to No. 20 after a 35-30 loss to Central Oklahoma. The No. 12 ranking marks the second straight week the Tigers have received a new program-best ranking since their move to

NCAA Division II. Ouachita is one of two Great American Conference teams in the AFCA Top 25 right now, as cross-street rival Henderson State jumped from No. 24 last week to its current position as No. 17.

The Tigers travel to Durant, Oklahoma, on Saturday for the second straight year.

The last time the Tigers faced Southeastern Oklahoma State, they clinched the inaugural Great American Conference Championship.

The contest is scheduled for a 2 p.m. kick-off. Southeastern enters with a 1-2 record, including an 0-2 record in conference play. The Savage Storm suffered a 56-20 loss to Henderson State in their last contest. n

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy TIGER TAILGATERS gather on Saturday before the big game to enjoy food, friends and fun.

Nicole McPhate z The Signal Nicole McPhate z The Signal BENSON JORDAN prepares to throw a pass MATTHEW COOK and Ben Thomas cheer in the stands to a receiver for another touchdown against the during the football game against Arkansas Tech.

Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys.

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy Tripp the Tiger stands in the tunnel before the game against Arkansas Tech. Ouachita pushed through in the second half to win the game 31-24 over the Tech Wonder Boys.

sports n 7

www.obusignal.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Women in NFL:

Coming to a team near you?

By CHELSEA BYERS Sports Editor

Kristen Barnard z The Signal MORGAN PITCHFORD goes for the goal to claim another point against the opposing team. Ouachita played Texas College on Sept. 14, winning the game 6-0.

Fresh starts, positive attitudes define Ouachita’s soccer teams

By MOLLY TURNER Staff Writer

There is a new attitude on the soccer fields at Ouachita that brings a fresh start to this year’s soccer season.

Ouachita’s new head soccer coach Kevin Wright has brought about a positive change on the fields for both the women’s and the men’s teams.

“The new coach is great and has brought a lot to the team,” said senior women’s player Taylor Gay. “Every practice has a purpose, every drill has a purpose, and he criticizes constructively to make everyone better.”

Senior Mary Whisenhunt said Wright brought in a completely new coaching style.

“He knows the game well therefore he has been able to coach us in it well,” she said.

This new coaching style is also reflected on the men’s team, where junior Jared Carlin describes him as having “a ferocity for winning.”

Senior J.T. Goodrum said the coach expects perfection.

“Because his expectations are so high, practically unattainable, it gives him and the team a goal to work towards,” Goodrum said. “Even if the goal doesn’t seem possible, it

still helps them to work harder and work as a team to improve.”

The women’s record for this season is 6-1, which, according to Mary Whisenhunt, “is definitely an improvement from where we have been in the past. Over the years our record has continued to improve which is exciting.”

She said a goal of theirs for this year is to “win the conference tournament and possibly go further.”

The men’s soccer team has a different outlook on this season. There are not enough men’s teams in this division to make up a conference, and because of this, the men’s team is playing significantly tougher teams to get them ranked in order to play at the national tournament.

Carlin said that this rough competition “brings us together because we know we have to come together to beat bigger teams.”

“Without a conference we don’t have little goals to reach but instead a bigger goal in mind,” he said.

The national tournament has been the team’s goal this season, but Carlin says they constantly have to remind themselves to play one game at a time.

“We play some really tough teams which makes it discouraging,” Carlin said.

Because of this, the team has learned to rely on each other and that they have to realize that regardless of the outcome, they have to be mentally and physically prepared for the next.

Carlin describes the team as a family and he says that “after a loss you come together and you know you’ve got 20 guys who have your back.

“There’s always another day,” he said. “The friendships you make through the sport are ten times more important than any wins or losses.”

Both the women’s and the men’s teams are expecting great things for this season.

The new coach has been very beneficial in forming new habits and mindsets but at the same time, they have to learn to adjust to this new mentality, which takes time and precision.

Ouachita should be on the lookout for upcoming games for these teams.

The soccer teams are always looking for support and according to Goodrum, “always play better when there are people in the stands cheering them on.” n

I listened in to a talk show the other morning where the topic was brought up concerning the woman, Shannon Eastin, who made history as the first woman to officiate an NFL game. Eastin was a line judge in the Packers vs. Chargers preseason game.

This radio broadcaster could not understand why a woman would want to even do such a thing, or how she would even be qualified to do it. (Side note: the NFL would not have let her officiate if she was not qualified to do it!)

He then went on to say how sports, especially football, are not meant for women. They are male-dominated and women should not be allowed to be a part of them.

He added how women did not have the knowledge or the right to be included in the sports industry, namely football.

He stated, “Why do women even want to be a part of

I am not saying that I know more about sports than every man, but I can say, I do know more about sports than many men do. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but that does not mean I should not be there.

— Chelsea Byers

Tennis prepares for season, tournament

By NOAH HUTCHINSON Staff Writer

Kristin Barnard z The Signal AUDREY RODRIGUEZ sprints past an opponent as she takes the ball down the field for another goal against Texas College. The Lady Tigers claimed another victory, winning the game 6-0.

Meet the Coaches: Soccer Head Coach Kevin Wright What brought you to Ouachita?

I felt it was a good opportunity. I had been at the University that I came to OBU from for 6 years and really just felt like it was time for something else.

Where are you from?

Originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas How did you get started in soccer?

I played everything growing up just as most people did, but soccer was it for me. I think it challenged me more than anything else. We had a great soccer community at that time in my hometown and several friends from that time have gone on to have successful playing/coaching careers.

How is OBU different from the other places you’ve coached?

I came from a University that in philosophy isn’t that much different from OBU. I have been very pleased with how helpful and accepting the OBU community has been. We have felt very supported.

What is your favorite pro soccer team?

I am a big Liverpool fan.

What is your favorite thing about coaching at OBU? There are a lot of good things about OBU. I have the privilege of spending time with some very high character student/athletes as well be a part of a great athletic staff. In saying that, as a coach I am very much intrigued at the potential and what the OBU soccer program could eventually turn into.

Who inspires you?

My family. I think seeing your kids and hearing them day to day really makes me want to be someone they are proud of. Not so much on the field but off the field it definitely makes me want to be a better person.

Why coaching?

Just always knew that was what I would be doing. When I was young I never really thought of anything else.

this? Is it some sort of means for attention? I think that women should cover women’s sports, and men cover men’s sports.

“Women have no business in men’s sports. Is that bigoted? Is that sexist? Is that biased? Yes! But it’s true!”

Oh, I almost called in to that show. Let’s get something straight here – I am not a feminist, by any means.

Men have been created differently from women, thus making them more apt and able to do certain jobs and occupations. I am a sports enthusiast. I have been for a while. Everyone has their own interests and passions, and sports are mine – football being my favorite.

I am in no way trying to take jobs away from men, excluding Kirk Herbstreit. My career goal is to one day land a position on ESPN, hopefully as a sports analyst.

I am not saying that I know more about sports than every man, but I can say, I do know more about sports than many men do. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but that does not mean I should not be there.

Whoever gets the coveted spot on ESPN will have earned it by being the best at their trade.

That is what I plan to do; be the best at what I do. If the next guy is better, so be it. He earned it, and rightfully so.

I just don’t want men, like the above mentioned, refusing to allow women into their “sacred pastime” because of their own belief that we as women are not capable of having the same, if not a better, knowledge and understanding of the sports broadcasted across the nation, as well as lacking the passion and love for the game that they possess. n

Sports are not always going full throttle. Practice makes perfect, and according to women’s tennis coach Betsy Danner, taking time to work on the basics is essential.

The women’s tennis team will be competing in individuals tournaments as well as scrimmages this fall semester, but most importantly, will be sharpening their skills for the spring.

“Practices are going well,” said Danner. “We don’t really have any big event in the fall, we’re just working on the fundamentals right now. We aren’t working on serves yet, but we’ll get to it eventually.”

There may be something to be said for knowledge and experience earned in matches, but practicing the fundamentals is an important part of the game.

This may not seem as exciting as the spring semester, where they will be busy with matches, but the players agree that it does wonders for their performance.

“Getting to hit on a daily basis always helps me make some progress,” said junior Samantha Street. “There is always room for improvement.”

Aside from practice, the team will be playing in an individual tournament at Arkansas Tech this October.

Arkansas Tech won the tournament last year, and is expected to come back strong this year as well.

“There will be seven teams at the tournament this year, and there will be some pretty good teams this year,” Danner said.

“In the past we’ve won some matches in the backside of the bracket. It’s good to get to see our competition though.”

That may not seem like a very optimistic outlook on the game, but the tournament is not so much a real competition for the team as it is a chance for the team to size up it’s competition.

“The tournament is in two weeks from now, and will be a good warm up for all of us,” said Street. “It will also let us see how the competition will be for our spring season. I never know how the other teams will be coming into a new year until the fall tournaments.”

The team currently consists of six girls, some returning from last year as well as one new player, and they are planning to bring two more in this January. With a total of eight players, the spring season looks good.

“Everyone is playing well right now,” Danner said. “The spring season looks promising this year, and we’re excited to be having two new players.”

As with all athletic teams on campus, tennis has changed conferences, and although the teams they face this year will still be challenging, it will be easier than what they were up against last year.

Combined with the hard work they’re putting in right now, the spring season should be interesting. n

8 n backpage Thursday, October 4, 2012

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