Issuu

February 14, 2017 Volume 88, Issue 19

’ THE LION S ROAR S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y

A Student Publication

Campus Life Page 2

Opinions Page 3

Arts & Entertainment Page 4

Sports Page 6

News Page 8

LionsRoarNews.com

Softball opens season with 3 wins Two university students By Nikisun Shrestha Staff Reporter

The Lady Lions softball team began their season with three wins and a loss in the 2017 Lion Classic I tournament. The tournament held from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12 saw some impressive performance from the team in North Oak Park. The Lady Lions started their campaign against Army University with a 7-4 victory on day two of the tournament. They also played University of Nevada on the same day, where they lost the game 3-1. “Yesterday, I thought we had a good win over Army and played well for the opener,” said Head Coach Rick Fremin. “In the Nevada game, we ran up against a great pitcher. She stayed in there all seven innings, had a bunch of strike outs. We really couldn’t catch up with her.” On the final day of the tournament, the Lady Lions won both their games against Mississippi Valley State 11-5 and Coppin State 6-1. “Today, we did a good job of competing and being resilient against Valley to come back in that game,” said Fremin. “In the nightcap, I thought our pitching staff did well and kept the runs to a minimum for the other team, and we did what we needed to do in the late game with runners and scoring positions. So, to end the weekend 3-1, opening

weekend, I’m happy right now. We just gotta keep them healthy. We got to just look to the next one and keep working. I really like our team, so I’m impressed.” Junior outfield player Kinsey Nichols believes the team have jelled together and are playing well as a unit. “The chemistry is there this year,” said Nichols. “Everyone supports each other, there’s no selfishness. I think we’ll go far this year as well.” Fremin believes the team has improved since pre-season. “I think our pitching staff is really working together as a unit,” said Fremin. “We kinda have some starters, middle relievers and closers, and they’re doing a really good job. Offensively, our short game is our strength, how we kind of run the bases and our aggressiveness. That’s gonna be some things that will carry us along the way into the season.” Fremin and Nichols both feel there are still areas that the team can improve. “I would say maybe in our short game,” said Nichols. “Like I said, all around, I think we’re a pretty solid team. We have a good defense behind the pitchers, we have good pitching this year. The bats are hot. I think we could just work on our short game.” Fremin believes the team can improve on being consistent throughout the game.

impacted by Trump’s ban By Nikisun Shrestha Staff Reporter

United States President Donald Trump enforced a travel ban on travellers from seven Muslimmajority countries last month. The signing of the executive order spread chaos in most parts of America. Two of the university’s students have been affected by this action as well. “We currently only have two students who are from the countries listed in the executive order,” said Amber Silessi, Director of International Services. “So, that’s the only affect it’s had right now.” The university has advised the students to stay away from traveling in this uncertain environment. “Right now, we’re advising the students who are affected not to travel until everything’s run through the court system and a final decision is made so we know how to best advise them,” said Silessi. Trump’s decision has created an unpredictable environment for many international students who Nikisun Shrestha / The Lion’s Roar are in the United States, and it is Junior outfielder Maddie Edmonston, above, averaged .250 and had four hits also expected to affect the aspiring and three runs in the Lion Classic I tournament, which the Lady Lions finished students planning to continue their 3-1. higher education in the states. “We do not have any “Being plugged in for the momentum going throughout applications from students from seven innings, for the entire the entire game and there not any of those listed countries,” said game and just continuing to be lulls throughout the game.” Silessi. “As the applications are be aggressive,” said Fremin. The Lady Lions resume coming, that’s one of the things “When a run’s starting their season at home on Friday I’m checking to make sure, so I can advise them separately than to happen, we keep that Feb. 17 in Lion Classic II.

I would a student from any other country that is not affected.” The ban is implemented on people from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. Travellers from those countries are at a risk of getting their visas cancelled. “The only detail right now is to inform students not to travel,” said Silessi. “That’s the only thing we can do. Beyond that, we advise them to seek professional immigration attorneys because they’re better able to advise beyond what we can.” The university has also tried communicating with the students affected. “We have reached out to them as resources, but they haven’t reached back out to us,” said Dr. Pam Rault, Director for Student Engagement. “For us, it’s to provide them with good advice and to also just be a support system for them during this time.” Rault’s advice to the students is to keep their traveling to a minimum. “Students are going to have to be more mindful,” said Rault. “For the individuals who are affected, whether or not, if they had any trips planned home, it’s probably in their best interest to stay here.” Trump’s administration believe the ban has been set to prevent the threat of potential terrorists from entering the United States. However, this “extreme vetting” has been challenged in courts and a decision is still to be made.

Explore diversities in agriculture by visiting the HRS Camellia Garden Stroll By Regina Pergola Staff Reporter

Over 500 types of camellia flowers will be available for guests to view at the Camellia Garden’s Stroll through the W.F. “Hody” Wilson Garden. The stroll has been an annual event since the early 2000s, because of the efforts of W. F. “Hody” Wilson Jr., who was superintendent of the Hammond Research Center from the mid1930s until 1975. Wilson was known for his breeding of camellias internationally. The Garden Stroll will take place on Feb. 19 from 1-4 p.m. Assistant Extension Agent Whitney Wallace extended the invitations to the general public and asks that only service animals be brought to the garden. “Please enjoy the rare beauty of this garden,” said Wallace. “If you want to bring the beauty of a camellia home, there are many plants of different colors and varieties that will be for sale in the lab building We welcome the public to walk the forest path, view glorious blooms, one-of-a-kind varieties of camellias and speak with experts and enthusiast from all over the region.” The W.F. “ Hody” Wilson Garden is now listed as one of the Founding Gardens by the American Camellia Society as part of their American Camellia Trail, which lists all the camellia collections of interest.

The physics of video games

Yan Chen/LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station

The general public is invited by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the Hammond Research Station to visit the W. F. “Hody” Wilson Garden and view their collection of camellias. There will be a Camellia Garden’s Stroll held on Feb.19 from 1-4 p.m. for patrons to view over 500 different varieties of camellias planted by the now deceased Wilson. The Camellia Garden will now continue at the Hammond Research Station because of an effort to provide educational and research support for the growing commercial landscape industry in Florida Parish. The LSU AgCenter and the Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardener Association teamed up to take care of the Camellias that faced several struggles, such as neglect, snow and hurricanes, which resulted in the loss of entire Camellia breeds. “Damage from hurricanes Katrina and Gustav as well as

an unexpected 8-10 inches of snow broke the branches and even the trunks of many of these exceptional plants, but many are coming back while others will not,” said Wallace. The Hammond Research Center, and the LSU AgCenter support the agricultural industries, improve the environment and the community by engaging community members to be a part of their 4-H youth programs as well as their family and consumer sciences. The Camellia Stroll is one of their community development

By Nathaniel Callaway Staff Reporter

Science on Tap was an event started a few years ago as a way for members of both the student body of the university and the surrounding community to come, eat some food, have some drinks and learn about science. The session was

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programs. Students and other guests can donate their time to the Camellia Gardens to help prevent the loss of more specific breeds. Wallace expanded on what the gardens need help with the most. “Volunteer time to help with parking, load vehicles with camellias and clean up and take down,” said Wallace. “Our Master Gardeners could use the help of community volunteers such as Boys Scouts, non-profit organizations or anyone willing to donate their time.” Wilson bred several selections of camellias, in

different environments to produce more tolerant varieties from the 1930s to the 1950s. “Hody loved camellias and was interested in improving camellias that could be grown and sold by LA nurseries,” said Wallace. “In fact, he donated 4000 of his own seedlings to get the project started.” The hybrids were diverse enough that not all were named. This resulted in some of the tags on the camellias being labeled “XX.” However, due to a lack of financial aid and labor in the 1990s, the garden was left neglected.

originally inspired by the Roman Catholic Church group “Theology on Tap,” which was the same thing except about theology instead of science. Dr. Brian Crother, a biology professor on campus, was invited to one and decided to do something similar but with different kinds of sciences, with each week having a different kind of topic. Held on the first Tuesday of every month, this month’s

Weather Tuesday H 77 L 50

The HRS was focused more on produce than the flowers Wilson dedicated his career to. In 1999, the Tangipahoa Master Gardeners began cleaning and maintaining the garden. Experts named the surviving plants, but some were not named and others were unable to be salvaged. There were a couple varieties lost which were later found in Alabama, with the option that they might be able to be returned to the Camellia Gardens lost were found in a garden in AL and can be propagated and returned to their birthplace.

Science on Tap was held on Feb. 7 at Tope lá restaurant in downtown Hammond at 7 p.m. Its topic of discussion was “The Science of Video Games,” where a physics professor, Rhett Allain, dissected different games and explained how one would go about understanding the physics used in these see

SCIENCE ON TAP pg. 4

Reminders Wednesday H 61 L 37

No graduation applications will be accepted after Feb. 15, 2017.

Page 2 February 14, 2017

Campus Life

The Lion’s Roar

Empowering our women, empowering our future By Nathaniel Callaway Staff Reporter

The National Pan-Hellenic Council’s sororities held “Put That Woman FirstEmpowering Our Women” on campus this past week. The event, hosted on Wednesday Feb. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Pennington Room 107 was exactly what the name implied. The night was meant to be an empowerment session for the women that were in attendance. The idea was to make it so that they could be confident in themselves, and to even help each other out in the process. The night began with the presidents of each of the sororities present, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta, introducing the ice breaker where they all split up into groups and shared some of the negative things that are said about them. They

Nathaniel Callaway / The Lion’s Roar

Students involved in the three sororities that attended and hosted the “Put That Woman First” event got the chance to share some of their own positive and negative experiences involving their own empowerment. Angela James, the guest speaker for the night, gave a talk to the girls encouraging to not only be inspired, but to inspire each other.

then shared those things with the rest of the groups and were asked to turn those negatives into positives. Angela James, the Assistant Director of UCCDisability Services and the guest speaker of the night, helped to inspire the girls by playing off this activity to be “Petty with a Purpose,” with her point being, that it was okay to be petty as long as you used it for a good cause. James is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Counseling Education at the University of New Orleans. “Even if we are in a different group, we are still bound by this idea that we are black women who believe in excellence,” said James. “We are black women who are trying to achieve the highest ideals of ourselves. So, with that in mind, I would like for your petty from now on to have a purpose. I’m not telling you not to be petty. Be

as petty as you like, but help each other out. We are going to work on our petty having a purpose. Because at the end of the day when all our colors are stripped away, we are still black women.” Mattie Hawkins, President of Delta Sigma Theta and a senior in sports management, also shared the reasons why she wants to do what she does for the university. “We’re helping build campus leaders,” said Hawkins. “It’s a mentor and mentee pairing where you’re helping your sister come up. We are helping each other up and that’s really what I get out of it. I got involved on campus my freshman year fall ‘13, I wasn’t too involved my freshman year, but then my sophomore year, I became a mentor. Then I got in Delta Sigma Theta, and ever since then, I’ve just been upfront as a leader on campus.”

NAACP hosts talent showcase for Black History Month By Annie Goodman Staff Reporter

In honor of Black History Month, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People hosted a talent showcase called Concrete Jungle. On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m., people gathered in the Student Union Theater to watch students and alumni of various ethnicity, age and gender perform. The performers sang, rapped and performed poetry. Some did original songs while others did covers. “One of the singers sang one of my favorite songs I listen to almost every day,” said Brielle Garner, a junior communication major. “It’s called ‘Bad Blood.’ I just wanted to see. I don’t stay on campus on Thursdays, so I just wanted to see the events and know what’s going on.” Participants had to audition for the showcase. “I felt really great about

my performance,” said Andrea Kaigler, a junior industrial technology major who performed under the stage name Drea. “It was pretty good. The crowd vibed with me really well. I liked it. Everything was good. A few friends of mine told me about the show, so I decided to go and try and audition for it.” Kaigler draws on her past for inspiration for her music. “What inspires my music is a lot of things I go through, past relationships, past trials and tribulations, just a lot of things I go through in life,” said Kaigler. “My music is more realistic than a lot of people’s, I have to say.” DohDollars and Chamille, who hosted the event, hyped the crowd throughout the show. “I really did enjoy it,” said Chamille Muse, a junior criminal justice major. “I liked all the performers. They were really nice. I can’t remember her name. I want to say her name was Darrionne. Her poem, I loved her poem. Her

poem was very touching, and I loved what Jessica sung. I loved her singing as well. I’m a member of the NAACP organization, so I decided to host it. I’m on the committee.” The last performer of the night, Papawill, interacted with the crowd as he walked through the theater. “I felt good about my performance,” said Willie Williams, or Papawill, an alumnus of the university. “The audience was engaged. They were singing my songs before I finished them, and that’s always a good sign. My music is a little different than what the average college kid is listening to, but I work hard on my music to make sure it’s diverse and eclectic and relatable to everybody.” Williams’ music is formed from his many inspirations. “Life, the people that do like me, the people that don’t like me, being challenged to impress people inspires me, nature, struggle, happiness,

Annie Goodman / The Lion’s Roar

Eflow, top left, rapped as the first performer at Concrete Jungle, a talent showcase hosted by the NAACP. Christian, top right, sang for the showcase receiving positive feedback from the audience. Seynabou, bottom, rapped and sang after the intermission. The NAACP hosted this event in honor of Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. The event showcased a variety of rappers, singers and poets. Many of the performers were signed to record see CONCRETE JUNGLES pg. 5 labels and used this as an opportunity to promote their music.

Kahoot challenges students to a night of quiz bowl By Breshon Foster Staff Reporter

Breshon Foster / The Lion’s Roar

Three students sit in the front of the room to analyze black history questions for a chance to be a winner of a gift basket or three restaurant gift cards at the Omicron Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Kahoot Quiz Bowl Tournament. Organizational News is due on the Friday before publication by 10 a.m., with a limit of 150 words.

Alpha Psi Omega

Congrats to all the APO members who were casted and are also working on the SLU Theatre production of “Why Are You Nowhere?” We wish you all to break a leg and enjoy an exciting run. Be sure to come visit APO in the Student Union for our upcoming bake sale this week and snag a treat for your sweetheart or your sweet tooth.

Delta Alpha

Omega

Delta Omega Alpha is a preprofessional honors society on Southeastern’s campus designed to aid

students with preparation towards a career in health care. The organization brings in representatives from a number of fields and graduate schools to provide information on pursuing a graduate level degree, including, but not limited to medical, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Physical or Occupational Therapy, Anesthesiology, Pharmacy, Dental, Veterinary, Pathology, Ophthalmology or Optometry and Public Health, Medical Technician, Scribe or Volunteer. We meet every other Monday at 5 p.m. in Meade Hall, Room 112. Meetings last approximately one hour, and food is provided. Total dues are $15 a semester, which includes T-shirt, food, raffle prizes, etc. and are due at the second meeting of each term.

If you are interested in joining Delta Omega Alpha for the Spring 2017 term, or would like additional information, please feel free to e-mail us at: doaselu@gmail.com https://doaselu. wordpress.com/ http://doaselu.org/

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The Omicron Nu Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. reached out to students by hosting a Kahoot Black History Month Quiz Bowl. The Kahoot Quiz Bowl took place on Monday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Room 2216. “The goal of this event is to spread knowledge and give people something to do throughout the day,” said President of The Omicron Nu Chapter of The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Datron Matthews, a junior engineering technology major. “I hope they saw how they can come out and interact with each other and participate having a good time learning about their history.” Kahoot is a website that lets you create questions and conduct all of them into a survey which allows people to answer them by using any technology device.

“This is our first time actually using Kahoot,” said Matthews. “It’s a pretty easy made set up. You could just have people bring their phones, log in and take a survey.” Matthews goes on to state the overall goal of hosting this event. “The goal of this event is to spread knowledge,” said Matthews. “Giving people something to do throughout the day since they say nothing really happens on campus.” There were 29 students competing for the prizes. There were three gift cards given out and one grand prize basket. Rashawna Palmer, a junior education major, won the grand prize basket. “I definitely would attend this event again,” said Palmer. “I’ve learned a lot of black history facts that I didn’t know, especially things like the dates and the first black HBCU.” Although she did not know the answers, Palmer gave insight on her strategy to winning.

“My strategies to winning was process of elimination,” said Palmer. After the quiz bowl, soul food was served including fried chicken, potato salad, jambalaya, baked macaroni and cheese, red beans, king cake and a drink of iced tea to top it off. Matthews talks about why soul food was an important aspect to this event. “Everybody has to have a little soul food,” said Matthews. “I mean, you can’t have Black History Month without soul food.” Matthew later describes what Black History Month means to him and how he uses the month for not only self-reflection but as a reflection of the African American culture. “To me, Black History Month is a chance to reflect on everything we have done in society,” said Matthews. “How far we’ve come, and how we are constantly progressing. It’s just everything that makes me proud to be an African American.”

Opinions

The Lion’s Roar

February 14, 2017 Page 3

The great debate: Do you have more than one soulmate?

Tiffany Nesbit Staff Reporter

Popular culture describes the definition of a soulmate to not only be your significant other, but the one who is intended to help complete yourself and give positive support to you as a whole. Some readers may think that having a soulmate is just having a quick connection with another so that they can help you with an obstacle in your life and then move on. Others like myself, believe that a soulmate is your true significant other.

The one that you can share your time with and express your personality with 100 percent and you still love each other even during your time apart, long or short. Your soulmate is the person who can discover the little details about you and appreciate them enough to want to help you grow and flourish into your full potential. Even after time apart, your soulmate will always come back when you need help growing. There is a difference between soul connections and soulmates. I believe that there is only one soulmate designed for people who are meant to have one. Your soulmate is the one person who will always be on your level and understand concepts the way

you do. Even if there are some little differences, you will still understand the flaws and move past them to help each other. Soul connections, however, are those who come into your life to help you for an obstacle or two, and then they move on and leave out of your life. They too will help you grow and develop into a stronger person but they will not stay to see you as the finished product. They are good friends in life while they see your good but run away when they see your flaws. Your soulmate is not the person from a failed relationship that helped you learn one or two life lessons. Just because

Regina Pergola Staff Reporter

I firmly believe that everyone has not only one soulmate, but multiple soulmates. My theory is based on the changes of human nature and on the idea that we are meant for someone. As a Catholic, I do believe that we have free will, so we have an ever-changing destiny. Everchanging destiny may seem like an oxymoron, but my thoughts on the matter pertain to the fact that as humans, we have free will. Every human on this planet see ONE SOULMATE pg. 8 has free will. Their choices

may be limited, they may be coerced into doing something or situations may arise where they feel like they do not have a choice. But, there is always free will. Therefore, there are no fated lives but only lives that can change with one’s choices. I believe that if someone has a soulmate, they have the choice to be or not to be in a relationship, of any kind, with them. To define a soulmate is nearly impossible, but there are clear aspects. A soulmate is someone who doesn’t complete you, but rather allows you to reach your full potential. A person by themselves is not broken or in need of being “made whole” as people may describe them. A soulmate is a complement to the

one. But the theory of multiple soulmates, for me, is based off the fact that people change. The traits that make me the person I am today are different than the traits I had as a 10-year-old and will be different than the traits I will have when I am a 50-yearold. The point I am trying to make is, that humans change through traumas, natural growth or simple personality changes. Someone who is the soulmate of a person rarely remains their soulmate forever as both people will change eventually. Sometimes a soulmate will need a different push than their soulmate can give, and therefore will need somebody different see SOULMATES pg. 8

To be or not to be in love with love? Annie Goodman Staff Reporter

What is Valentine’s Day? Like many other “Christian” holidays, Valentine’s Day began as a Roman festival. The Roman festival, known as Lupercalia, was a fertility festival celebrated annually on Feb. 15. The name was later changed to Valentine’s Day in honor of Catholic priest Saint Valentine who was persecuted for marrying young couples which went against the commands of Emperor Claudius II, and the date was changed to Feb. 14. Who cares about all of that though? Now, Valentine’s Day is regarded as a celebration of love through the giving of gifts such as chocolates, flowers, cards and more to one’s significant other. Naturally, this does not go down so well with some. Many people deem Valentine’s Day as an over sensationalized “Hallmark Holiday” and believe it should not be

celebrated at all. Why? What is wrong with feeding the economy every February through mass gift giving? What is wrong with celebrating your romance? What is wrong with romanticizing love? As a perpetual single, I love Valentine’s Day. I do not have to have someone special in my life to appreciate this holiday. I just love love. Love is a wonderful, beautiful thing, which in my opinion, deserves to be celebrated. Of course, you should celebrate and appreciate your relationship everyday, not just on a holiday. You should also love and appreciate your mom on more than just Mother’s Day. Should we also not celebrate that then? Why? What is wrong with celebrating these outstanding women who do so much for us? As a motherless individual, I love Mother’s Day. I do not have to have my mom in my life to appreciate what she has done for me. I still love my mom. Mothers are wonderful, beautiful people, which in my opinion, deserve to be celebrated. See, to me, these holidays are very similar. Valentine’s Day, like Mother’s Day, is a day to remind us of the blessings

we have in everyday life. There are glimpses of heaven in every day. You just have to open your eyes to see them. Love is beautiful. Familial love, companionate love, romantic love, all forms of love are beautiful, and everyone deserves to know that. Sadly, this is something many people realize too little, too late. That is why I feel Valentine’s Day is so important. Valentine’s Day is a day to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the magical thing we call love. I know I’m a hopeless romantic and that, that doesn’t really fit with my personality. It can get pretty lonely at times, but I don’t allow that to deter me. Even when I feel completely alone in the world, I am happy just seeing other people in love. I think everyone should celebrate Valentine’s Day. Even if you celebrate it alone. Because, you know what? You deserve to be loved. Buy yourself some chocolate or flowers or whatever, and do something that makes you happy. Love your significant other, love yourself, love love and celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Do you think a person has more than one soulmate and why? I think that whether or not there’s more than one soulmate depends upon where you are in your life. Daniel Gruner Management, Senior

Yes, because there are people that come into your life that you grow up and grow into loving somebody else. Ani Jenkins Communication Science and Disorders, Freshman

No, because mate is just one thing. It’s not a pronoun, and it’s two souls together. It’s your soul mate, so no, I don’t think so. Aimee Garrett Nursing, Freshman

Yes, because a soulmate is not somebody you marry. It’s somebody you were meant to learn a lesson from and meet in your lifetime. Chandler Green Marketing, Sophomore

No, because they’re not really your soulmate if there’s multiple people. Nicholas Johnson Nursing, Senior

The Lion ’s Roar - Staff

Policies and Procedures The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited.

Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization. All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University. A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents

in the Old Student Union 1303 (Student Union West 1303). Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, associated Web sites and CD/DVD versions are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

Editor in Chief Morgan Ledet A&E Editor Larshell Green Distribution Jesse Salminen II Advertising Assistant Brandon Hebert

Coordinator Lorraine F. Peppo Director Lee E. Lind

Contact General Offices Old Student Union 1303 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402 E-mail lionsroar@selu.edu Telephone Numbers 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3748 (advertising) 985-549-3731 (Student Publications) www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar

Page 4 February 14, 2017

Arts & Entertainment

The Lion’s Roar

HRAC spins Carnival and cocktail party

Larshell Green/ The Lion’s Roar

The Hammond Regional Arts Center hosted its first Art of the Cocktail Event. Patrons were given doubloons, which was used to vote for the best cocktail from eleven local businesses. Aerialist Jamie Ray, eft, performed three times. Kookie Baker, right, was the master of ceremonies and performed drag/cabaret style routines during the event. Long time Crescent Bar employee Claude Hooks, center, represented the local business in the competition, winning first place with a King Cake Martini.

By Larshell Green A&E Editor

Patrons were donned with Mardi Gras beads and doubloons, or coins, as they were welcomed into a Carnival style celebration of cocktails. The Hammond Regional Arts Center hosted Art of the Cocktail for the first time on Friday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests had the opportunity to pay for tickets prior to the event and to taste eleven cocktails from local businesses. While enjoying cocktails, guests could use three doubloons to vote for their favorite cocktails. Media Coordinator for HRAC Tara Bennett was thrilled with the first time event’s success. “The overwhelming response to our first cocktail event was fantastic and just goes to show the increased interest in discovering what the city of Hammond has to offer,” said Bennett. “I was over the moon because someone very positively said to me, ‘I can’t believe I’m in Hammond.’” Participating businesses were Red White & Brew, Tope Lá, the Blackened Brew, the Crescent Bar, Cate Street Seafood Station, Tommy’s on Thomas, La Carreta, Your Mom’s, Cate Street Pub and Benny’s Place. The first place winner was

The Crescent Bar with their King Cake Martini. Second place went to Mariner’s with their creation of Herbal G&T. Cate Street Seafood Station won third place with Thai, Oh My! Owner of the Crescent Bar Rickie Brocato admits that he was excited and flattered to win the competition. The Crescent Bar supports HRAC year round and considers the event as another success by them. Crescent Bar employee Claude Hooks served as the representative for the bar during Art of the Cocktail. The cocktail included King Cake Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, Cream Liqueur, strawberry syrup and cinnamon. “He thought the martini selection fit the time of the year with Mardi Gras right around the corner,” said Brocato. “He was both excited and aggressive in planning and serving for the event. Congratulations to all of our fellow bartenders and their establishments for their selections. The patrons of the event had many fine choices.” Bonnie Thibodaux and her husband Wayne are members of HRAC. The two appreciated the unity that HRAC provided for the community. “I think with all the bars coming together and being in one space, we get the best that they have in one place,” said

Bonnie Thibodaux. “It’s fun and different. HRAC rocks. Rock the arts. It’s important to have events like this.” When deciding what aesthetic aspects Art of the Cocktail would have, tradition, environment and experience were highly considered. “With Mardi Gras right around the corner, it felt natural to go with a Carnival theme especially since there’s the belief that the cocktail was invented in New Orleans,” said Bennett. “Since we were partying Carnival style, we decided to bring a different flavor to Hammond in the forms of the fabulous Kookie Baker and the talented Jamie Ray of Airseekers.” The Airseekers, a Baton Rouge based company that was created by aerialist Ray, was contacted by Bennett to perform and agreed to make its contribution to the local art community. Ray choreographs her own routines and performed three times throughout the night. “I think community, in any aspect, is important no matter what your community is,” said Ray. “Whether it’s the arts, or the movement community, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have events like this without community, so when I’m asked to contribute in some way, I always do.” Baker served as master of ceremonies for the event,

but also performed multiple times. Baker performed drag, cabaret style entertainment after HRAC contacted Baker looking for a different type of entertainment and saw the importance of HRAC showcasing artists. “It gives them a venue where they can come in and showcase their work that may otherwise not get a chance to be seen by anyone,” said Baker. “It’s always fun because you never know what you’re gonna deal with when you show up to these gigs, but it’s been fun. Just going around, meeting and greeting people and seeing the love and terror in their eyes really just makes my heart warm and melty.” Bennett admitted that due to the high level of interest for the event, people had to be turned away after HRAC met the limit with ticket sales. “Due to fire codes, we can only hold so many people inside the building at once,” said Bennett. “So it gives us something to consider for next year as to whether we should host it inside or outside.” Bennett has hopes for Art of the Cocktail to become an annual event following the success of it. “I found it to be a great opportunity for our local bartenders to show off their skills,” said Bennett. “We’re so grateful for their time and expertise.”

Larshell Green/ The Lion’s Roar

University safety is APPealing for students By Annie Goodman Staff Reporter

In an effort to keep campus safe, the university has developed an app that can be located at selu.edu/safecampusapp and saved to your home screen. The app allows you to call the University Police Department directly from the home screen. The app also provides instructions on what to do in case of an emergency such as an active shooter or stabbing on campus, a bomb threat, a fire or explosion or an intruder/mental health emergency. “Of course the app alone can’t make our campus safer,” said Erin Cowser, Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs. “What it can do is provide people with the information and tools to use, should they ever encounter an emergency situation. In that way, it helps our faculty students and staff members SCIENCE ON TAP continued from pg. 1 games. Allain had previously worked on trying to understand the physics used in these types of entertainment before when he calculated what Luke Cage’s, the character from the Marvel Netflix series, mass was after the trailer was released and there was an image of him lifting up a man above his head. “Physics is just how I give back,” said Allain. “I love it a lot and I love these things a lot so it’s my way of participating. These particular topics I do, this

make smart decisions about their safety.” The app also includes procedures for lockdown, shelter in place, evacuation, physical injury, sexual assault, weapons on campus and weather emergencies. “While we hope there is never a need to utilize the information available on the app, we certainly want everyone to be prepared by having it downloaded just in case,” said Cowser. The app was designed with students in mind since students spend so much time on their phone, and the university allowed current students of the university to help design the app so as to increase it’s appeal to students. “The idea for the apps stand from conversations and discussions among members of the university’s emergency preparedness committee,” said Cowser. “I think one of the aspects that made it even more impressive is the fact that we enlisted the help of current students at the time who designed the back-

one along with the Luke Cage one and all those are really just what I do for fun. It really kind of started when I tried to calculate the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier from the movies, I wanted to see what kind of propellers they’d have to use and how much power it would take to fly something like that, and from there it was just a whole lot of fun.” Allain also shared what originally got him interested in these types of projects. “One day I was teaching a class and I had them calculate something similar to what I’m doing now, and they weren’t

end and helped us with the utility and design. That student perspective helped us make sure it was something students would use and consider helpful.” Recently, the university was ranked as having the safest campus in Louisiana and 15th safest in the nation. This is due to other safety measures already in place. Other safety measures include an emergency alert system that issues texts, voice calls and emails to students, faculty, staff and pre-set relatives in the event of an emergency or university closure, codeblue emergency phones located throughout campus that instantly alerts University Police to the exact location where help is needed, an outdoor PA system that broadcasts sirens or voice alerts in the event of a serious incident occurring on campus, security cameras monitored by University Police, extensive outdoor lighting throughout campus and University Police escort if students need to walk through campus alone at night.

doing so well so I came in and I really helped them all work out the problem,” said Allain. “Then I just liked it so much that I wanted to continue doing it, whether it was for my class or not.” Allain stated that doing activities such as these is really how he contributes to what is around him. “Some people are artists and such, so they might see this chair and say ‘I really like this chair, I’m gonna paint this chair’ and that’s how they get involved,” said Allain. “Well, physics is what I do, so if I see this chair and say I really love it I’m gonna sit down

and figure out the distribution of weight among all four of its legs, because that’s just what I do.” Allain spent most of the session discussing the physics of Angry Birds, and talking about how the different birds interact with the other objects in the game. However, he also talked about games such as “Bad Piggies,” “Super Mario Run” and “Fruit Ninja.” The next Science on Tap will be Mar. 7, entitled simply “TBA,” something Allain had a hand in creating and is kept a secret until the day.

Larshell Green / The Lion’s Roar

Arts & Entertainment

The Lion’s Roar

February 14, 2017 Page 5

DPP prepares to go to ACDA in March By Annie Goodman Staff Reporter

The dance program has selected two works to be presented to The American College Dance Association. Through an audition, student choreographer John Duplantier’s piece was chosen to represent the university. “My piece is titled ‘We,’” said Duplantier, a senior general studies major. “It is actually based on the first dance from ‘Bayourella,’ which I also choreographed. It is now entirely different because there’s no giant dock. So, there’s a lot of obstacles that are no longer there. It is about relationships between people. Not romantic relationships necessarily, but just how relationships with different people take on different phases. How they take on moments when people agree, moments when they disagree, moments when they clash within, those kinds of moments. It’s moments when they separate, moments when they’re together and then moments when they don’t know what they want and they know what they want. It’s a little vague, but the work is sort of poignantly posed at that kind of vague stuff in relationships and showing what that’s like without words.” Director of the Dance program Keith “Skip” Costa will also be presenting a piece. “The name of the work is untitled,”

said Costa. “Our concert this semester is untitled. I wanted to leave it open for your own interpretation. It’s a non-political, yet a political piece to some degree. It’s predominantly about the history, presence and symbolism of the American flag. That’s where it stems from and how readily it’s available if you’re looking for it, and if you forgot it was there, it’s always been there. I tried to cite throughout the work these little moments in time as a reference through text, there’s spoken word, and through dance. The song is instrumental.” The previous Director Martie Fellom’s legacy lives on in her students. “Our old department head, Martie Fellom, is one of my major inspirations in choreography and dance,” said Duplantier. “Dr. Fellom was the beginning of this idea that you could use ballet, which is a very formal kind of dance, to express things that are not formal. Like with the piece I was talking about earlier, with the vagaries in relationships and things that actually happen between people. You can’t just get up and do a rond de jambe and say, ‘Okay, that’s part of our relationship.’ It doesn’t work like that. The movement expresses and says stuff that you can never fully say if you’re bound by these boxes of how ballet is supposed to be done, how modern is supposed to be done, how contemporary is supposed to be done or whatever genre is supposed to be done.”

Costa has multiple inspirations as a dancer and choreographer. “What inspires me, personally, is that intimate moment of expressing yourself and connecting with another human being,” said Costa. “Sometimes we’re more emotional than others, a lot more emotional than others. It’s just the realness of who we are and to be able to express that, and for the audience or the students to really understand it and incorporate it in their own choreography or in what the they do in life, even if it’s outside of the dance studio. That’s inspiration to me. Another thing that inspires me is my family. I get a lot of inspiration from them. More specifically, my maw maw who passed away five years ago. She’s still constantly inspiring me, and she was the one who inspired me way back when.” The Dance Performance Project will be going to ACDA in March to present these two pieces in competition. “ACDA has been around for near 40 years and is based out of Maryland,” said Costa. “It’s a four day event in which students from all over in university dance programs can participate. You take classes in the mornings. You see concerts at night in which the judicatures give feedback usually the next day. It’s a time where you can see on stage what’s happening in other Annie Goodman/ The Lion’s Roar universities and what’s defining dance as an Haley Jordan, the soloist for Keith “Skip” Costa’s untitled piece, displays her academic field of study.” patriotic dance costume. The costume was designed by Rebecca Miller.

Agatha Christie comes to the Columbia By Regina Pergola Staff Reporter

The Columbia Theatre and the Aquila Theatre teamed up to bring Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” production to Hammond. The play will have a few variations from the original, but Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre Roy Blackwood believes that the changes will be received with positive feedback from the patrons. “I think that it will be delightful,” said Blackwood. “It’ll be highly entertaining and it will be of high artistic merit. On the other hand, it’s going to be quite humorous and people will enjoy that a lot. There will be twists and quirky things that will come up in ‘Murder on the Nile.’” The play will be open to the public on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The adventurous Aries won’t be disappointed with taking on a new challenge, despite some initial misgivings. Look for this move to open other opportunities down the line. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Let that beautiful Bovine smile not only put you at ease, but also show that you’re ready, willing and more than able to confound the naysayers around you. A new admirer has important news. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be careful how you handle a relationship that you’re hoping to save. You already have the facts on your side. Avoid weakening your position by embellishing it with unnecessary dramatics. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Taking definitive stands isn’t easy for the often-wavering Moon Child. But you not only need to stay with your decision, but also reassure others it was the right thing to do. LEO (July 23 to August 22) As a proud Lion, you’re right to be upset about those who might be lying about you to others. But the best revenge is proving them wrong by succeeding at what you set out to do. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Caution is still advised before making a financial commitment to a “promising” project. Look for the facts behind the fluff. Devote the weekend to loved ones.

Tickets are $40 for loge seats and $26 for balcony seats. Blackwood expanded on what audience members can expect from the Aquila Theatre. “They should expect a professional level of performance,” said Blackwood. “The Aquila Theatre is one that we have used here at the Columbia Theatre several years. They do familiar names and titles, but they always have a unique twist to the way they present the play.” Like previous plays, the Aquila Theatre offers unique twists to their performances. “One of the twists is that it’s being delivered as an old-time radio show,” said Blackwood. “In the original, Agatha Christie wrote as if a murder had occurred on the Nile River passenger vessel. So, now this is going to be approached in a different way as an old-time radio show.” The Columbia promises more LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A Taurus offers comfort and advice as you deal with an upsetting event. Use this as a learning experience that will help you avoid similar problems in the future. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A romantic situation creates some chaos for single Scorpions. But it’s well worth the effort to work things out. A trusted friend can offer some helpful advice. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Expect to make new friends as your social circle expands. Also, remember to tell that family member how proud you are of his or her achievements. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) New ventures continue to be favored. And with your self-confidence rising all the time, you’ll want to see how well you can do with a new challenge. So, go to it. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) This is a good time for the usually “serious-minded” Aquarian to let loose and enjoy some fun times. Expect to get good news about a workplace issue. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Changed plans might upset some people, but your needs should be respected. Offer explanations when necessary. But don’t let yourself be talked into changing your decisions. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for bringing people together. You would make a fine judge or counselor. (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.