Executive Editor
Victoria Hickey
Adviser
Sonny Rhodes
Operations Manager/
Art Director
Byron Buslig
News/Campus Life Editor
Lela-Tamara Fluker
Features Editor
Morgan Drish
Entertainment Editor
Grant Fox/Ruth Houston
Sports Editor
Brian Gregory
Business Manager
John Arnold
Graphic Designer
Caitlyn Sample
Distribution Manager
Dakota Thompson
Photo Editor/
Web Designer
Brady Jackson
Shelby Shelton
Brittany Wright
Alexandria Barnes
Lauren Lockhart
Jayme Goad
Lauren Humphrey
Gabrielle Phifer
Josh Watkins
Joni Everett
Natalie Doris
Kendra Montgomery
Jasmine Blunt
Tanner Newton
Edward Taylor
Shaun Williams
Chris Gilette
Zachary Tallent
Chris Graham
he Forum is the official student newspaper at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Forum is funded in part by the student activity fee; members of the UALR community are allowed one copy per edition. The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UALR. Advertising inquiries should be referred to The Forum’s advertising office and can be reached by calling 501-569-3319. The Forum is published 7 times in each of the fall and spring semesters. The Forum editor can be reached at 501-569-3265. All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted.
‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’
By Victoria Hickey Executive Editor editor@ualr.edu
We are in the final months of the year 2015 and with that the holiday season is upon us. In just a couple weeks, I’ll be sitting down with my family for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, turkey and lots more. My mom will probably try a new recipe like she does almost every year and, like always, it will be good but we will still gravitate toward our traditional favorites. Waking up on Thanksgiving Day, we will most likely eat breakfast while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Then during the day, if it’s cold enough, we will have a fire burning and TBS’s Thanksgiving marathon of “A Christmas Story” playing in the background, as it is one of my dad’s favorite movies. Although we won’t be celebrating with our grandparents or cousins in person, as everyone is at least a 12-hour drive away, there will be phone calls and Facetiming going on throughout the day.
After the Thanksgiving celebration is over, we will be just a few weeks away from the end of the semester and winter break. I think what I’m most looking forward to in the upcoming month is the free time that I can use to spend time
with family. Even though my mom, dad and brother only live about 20 minutes away, with everyone’s busy schedules it is hard to visit for more than a couple hours every one to two weeks.
Although I’ve always known that I have a great support system in my family, I think this semester has really shown just how lucky I am. My mom and dad, who I know I have given a lot of crap throughout my life, have done so much for me. My dad spent one of his few days off work to help me decorate my office because I wasn’t too sure about how to use a drill and hammer. My mom has always been a phone call away when I’m stressed about something or I just want to talk her ear off because I’m bored. Along with these small things that have meant so much, they have done even bigger things to make sure that I’m OK.
I can’t wait for this holiday season because I will get to spend time with my amazing family. I hope that everyone has a joyful holiday season and a great end of the semester. We’d love to hear about your holiday traditions and your plans for this holiday season. Email your stories to editor@ualr.edu; they could be featured in The Forum or on our website!
The Forum welcomes letters to the editor on any subject as well as comments on our news coverage and editorial position.
•Letters must include the author’s name, classification, major or position and a contact telephone number for confirmation.
•Letters are subject to editing to meet space limitations.
•Please limit letter to 500 words or less.
•The staff will not alter the meaning of the letter, but will correct spelling and punctuation and edit to conform to Associated Press and news style.
•All letters are subject to publication. The editor has the right to reject any letter especially those letters that are libelous, obscene or incoherent.
Letters should be emailed to editor@ualr.edu or sent to: The Forum University of Arkansas at Little Rock 201J Donaghey Student Center 2801 S. University Ave. Little Rock, Ark. 72204
Jayme Goad Staff Writer jmgoad@ualr.edu
Body cameras are not anything new for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Public Safety Department. In fact, officers have been wearing body cameras for about the last four years. There is just one problem… technology has advanced dramatically since the department purchased the body cams. To upgrade, it would approximately cost the police department about $20,000. That is $20,000 in funds that the campus police just does not have right now.
With recent police scrutiny in the nation, many police departments including universities have made the switch to arming their officers with body cams. “They protect the public and the police.
It’s much easier for us to justify. Maybe we stepped up the level of force because of what the other individual was doing,” UALR Sgt. Jennifer Lusk said.
Officers switch on their cameras, typically worn next to their radio on their uniform, when they go out on calls on the UALR campus or surrounding areas. Lusk said officers definitely want that audio and video documented and “on record,” especially calls such as domestic disputes and traffic stops. She said you never know what you’re walking into, so it’s always best to have the camera for video evidence.
UALR Chief of Police Regina Wade-Carter said they need this upgrade because the problem with the current camera system is that the memory fills up so quickly, the body cams and storage device are outdated and then there are battery issues. “We’ve got to have it honestly. It is not a federal mandate yet, but it is coming,” the chief said in regards to the upgrade.
The new upgrade would allow more storage capacity, better video quality and audio and would also allow officers to record all the time. “Now, we are not recording everything that we need to be recording because of the limited storage,” the chief said.
UALR’s Cpt. Rommel Benjamin said they are not even testing at this point, only doing research and seeing what other departments have and what is working for them. Although, it seems all police departments are facing the same issue when it comes to costs. They are able to afford the body cams, which are generally cost-efficient. The issue at hand is the data storage, where the audio and video are retracted from and kept after being recorded. That is the expensive part of the investment for any department looking into purchasing new cameras and data storage. Currently, the campus police department has 26 uniformed officers, all of which are equipped with a body camera. The officers
have to physically push a button to begin recording immediately when they respond to a call. Lusk said not only does the video justify when officers make contact with individuals but also helps, “To prove we are not biased. We are not profiling. We are being polite and respectful.”
Students interviewed about the body cams were asked how they felt about police wearing them and most said they feel safe on campus and didn’t recall any circumstances they knew off the top of their head, where a body camera could have been used.
“We do have a policy that specifies some specific use statements in the policy. Not so often have we had to use data recorded for evidence. The few times have been for DWI cases,” said Chief Carter.
A first-year freshman, majoring in chemistry said she feels that, “Nothing really goes on, on campus for them to have body cameras on. So, I feel like it’s a waste of money.” She said overall she feels
really safe on campus, no matter what time of the day. She added that another reason she feels safe, she knows there is always a police escort available if she needs one to walk her back to her dorm after dark.
Criminal Justice major and junior, Maria Oates said she has always felt safe on campus but now being aware officers are wearing cameras, she feels even better. With recent events going on nationally, “It is important that we try to tackle the problem before it becomes a problem. Doing what it takes to prevent things at all costs,” she said.
A sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous, said when it comes to student privacy, “it’s kind of weird because they’re just watching you.” He also said now that he knows about the officers wearing the cameras, after a while it [students] will become more comfortable.
In response to some student’s feeling uncomfortable about the upgrade and the constant recording of their every move, the police chief wanted to encourage them and tell them, “It’s about safety. I can’t just harp on that enough. It’s about that third pair of eyes for liability purposes.”
So when will the university see changes? That is still up in the air but the department hopes for after the first of the year to see the switch. “A proposal will be drafted for a budget review to see about covering the costs of the body cams,” Chief Carter said.
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is going on their second week of wearing new body cameras. Cpt. Greg Foster with the U of A campus police said, “So far, they’re great. Everyone who wears a uniform wears a body cam.”
Chief Johnny Campbell with Henderson State University police said their department is still in the testing process.
Sgt. Bradley, public information officer for the University of Central Arkansas police department, said they have eight body cameras and are hoping to expand in the near future.
Shelby Shelton Staff Writer scshelton@ualr.edu
On Oct. 22, an officer responded to a report of a missing cell phone in the DSC kitchen area. The victim stated that her iPhone 6 plus had been stolen from a shelf. Two Sodexo employees were questioned, but neither of them said they had even seen the phone.
Officers received a complaint of a male wearing dark colored clothing knocking on windows and doors in University Village on Oct. 24. Officers arrived and did not see anyone, but searched on foot. Seeing that the Coleman Sports Complex gate from University Village was open, they entered to find a person matching the descriptors dancing in the dark on the track. When questioning the man, he became increasingly agitated. He stated that he did not know the complex was closed and refused to show his student ID or give his date of birth. After it was confirmed that he was a student through dispatch, he took out his phone and began recording and stated, “I’m about to get shot out here.” He was told that if he did not leave the complex, he would be arrested for criminal trespass. Once he left, the Dean of Students was notified of his behavior.
On Nov. 1, UALR PD received a call stating that two males were lighting a pile of shoes on fire in Lot 12. When the officer arrived, he used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. When the two suspects were asked about their actions, they simply stated that they were bored. They were both cited to the Dean of Students.
Reports of a verbal altercation at the corner of University Avenue and University Drive were attended to on Nov. 2. A man, who was walking his dogs, approached a protester and asked him to please stop yelling. When interviewed, the protester said that the man had threatened to release his dogs on him if he did not stop his peaceful protest. However, the man said that he did threaten to use his dogs, but only after the protester picked up a golf club and held it in the air. A report was taken on the incident.
Lauren Humphrey Staff Writer lehumphrey@ualr.edu
Offering prospective students a chance to explore the campus, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock hosted its fourth annual Discover UALR event on Oct. 30. High school students and parents got the opportunity to tour, apply for admissions and learn about various opportunities that UALR offers.
“The goal was to show prospective students a fun, welcoming environment and the family community UALR has,” director of admissions, Katie Young, said.
The event started in the Jack Stephens Center where prospective students checked in and talked with student organizations and entered to win a scholarship drawing. After announcements were made about UALR and the event, students were guided by volunteers to the college of their choice to learn more about their specific degree plan. Each college department explained to students about the degrees offered and what classes they would potentially take to earn a degree in that field.
After learning about the academic opportunities, prospective students got to walk around and visit booths and tents that clubs had set up. Each organization gave students information about how to get involved at UALR. Maroon Mob explained how their app works and the rewards that students could get when they attend events. Student Government Association (SGA) also had a tent to promote school pride. Greek Life promoted their fraternities and sororities by talking with prospective students about their specific chapters.
“We have tried to take advantage of every possible opportunity to increase our visibility with students, whether they are prospective, new or current. As representatives for the entire student body, we have an obligation to promote the welfare of all students at UALR,” SGA president, Jacob Laan, said.
Throughout the day, prospec-
tive students had several opportunities that were not normally offered to them on normal tours. The application fee was waived to encourage students to take steps toward being accepted to UALR.
Also, prospective students were encouraged to enter a creative photo challenge on Instagram for the chance to win several scholarships.
“During the whole day, the goal was to show prospective students the real connections and relationship the UALR family has to offer.
All the volunteers and staff greeted them with a warm smile and I hope that is what they will take away from this day,” Young said.
Many organizations volunteered with the event to help staff make the day run smoothly.
Chancellor’s Leadership Corps provided student volunteers to set up, guide tour groups and help clean up after. The housing staff in West Hall worked to give tours every 15 minutes.
Future opportunities for prospective students include, Experience UALR which is a small scale version of Discover UALR and focused more towards the day in the life of a Trojan. Those who attend will get to attend a class and go to a Trojan basketball game.
“As we prepare for future events, I think the biggest thing we need to do is prepare to accommodate bigger crowds, but still provide the same quality. As we scale up we still need to keep the personal connections that are being made,” Young said.
November 18, 2015 visit menchie’s between 5-7pm. mention the Ualr forum at checkout. take a selfie with your treat to post on instagram (tag @theualrforum). be entered to win a gift card! promenade at chenal 17801 chenal parkway, suite b little rock, ar 72201
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Victoria Hickey Executive Editor vxhickey@ualr.edu
The UALR Sustainability Committee works constantly to improve the sustainability on campus. One goal that they are constantly working on is reducing our carbon footprint.
Brittany Wright Staff Writer bwright@ualr.edu
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is gearing up to host its annual International Celebration Week from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19.
“The overall goal is the sharing of culture and perspective,” said Sara Parrott, assistant director of International Studies. “It gives Americans an idea of who their classmates are, where they’re coming from, what they believe and what they represent, while it gives international students a chance to share their perspectives and represent their communities.”
The International Celebration Week committee is comprised of students and faculty who represent various campus departments including, International Services, Mass Communication, International Studies, Middle
Eastern Studies, Housing, Campus Life, Study Abroad and Chancellor’s Leadership Corps.
“I’ve worked at other universities where all of celebration week was the responsibility of the International Student Services or Study Abroad,” explained Parrott, “but what I love about the way it's hosted at UALR is that it comes from a fun, diverse and academic perspective even at the committee planning level, which gives it depth and makes it a richer experience for everyone.”
The week is set to take off with an International Law Panel Discussion on Monday in DSC Ledbetter Room C from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests from the community will speak with students to share their stories and viewpoints on life and answer questions presented by the audience.
Tuesday’s event will highlight International Celebration Day in DSC Ledbetter Rooms A, B and C from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“International students are invited to have a booth or table and
decorate it with different artifacts, food or special information about their countries and share that with students,” Parrott said.
Countries will be uniquely represented throughout the event with special performances which will include dancing, singing and poetry.
Two separate events will take place on Wednesday, the first being the Study Abroad Fair-Passport to the World, which will be located in the DSC Upper Concourse from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students will be able to enjoy an ice cream social while exploring their options of becoming international students in foreign countries. Visitors of the fair will be given a passport that can be stamped from each of the countries represented. Faculty members will speak about opportunities and funding for students who have an interest in studying abroad.
The second event will be the Thanksgiving Celebration hosted in the DSC Ledbetter Rooms A, B and C from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“This is a chance for international students to enjoy some American culture,” Parrott said.
The Thanksgiving dinner will provide students with a nice meal and an opportunity to meet and connect with students from all walks of life.
Tickets for the Thanksgiving Celebration are free and available in the Office of Campus Life.
International Celebration Week will conclude with an Interfaith Dialogue on Thursday in the DSC Leadership Lounge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The purpose of this event is to gather students from diverse perspectives to enjoy lunch and speak with one another about cultural misconceptions, misunderstandings and stereotypes.
International Celebration Week is a nationwide event, also known as International Education Week. UALR is one of many universities engaging and encouraging local and international students to come together and explore their opportunities.
A carbon footprint, defined by google.com, is “the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.”
One way to lessen your carbon footprint is to reduce the amount of plastic you use.
The Sustainability Committee has put together a few small steps that everyone can take to help preserve the environment.
“First, buy a reusable shopping bag. They’re just $1!,” according to the committee, “Or you can make one for free by cutting the sleeves off of a t-shirt and sewing the bottom together, it is very simple. Next, use reusable water bottles instead of the disposable bottles,”.
These two changes to your daily routine will greatly help reduce your carbon footprint. The Sustainability Campus has refill stations across campus that make it easy to fill up your reuseable bottles.
Another way to help is, “using paper plates and cups instead of Styrofoam or plastic. It takes a lot longer for plastic to break down than it takes for paper to break down. Sodexo has stopped using Styrofoam plates in light of our new wash station for actual plates. We appreciate them working with the Sustainability Committee to get that done.”
By taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we are taking steps to make the world a better place to live in.
Gabrielle Phifer Staff Writer gcphifer@ualr.edu
Presidents of various campus organizations met Oct. 28 to collaborate with each other as well as with UALR administrators and representatives to discuss concerns of initiatives that affect all UALR students.
Among the guests of the meeting were representatives from the offices of housing, scholarships and financial aid, and a representative from the dean of students.
Rikki Turner, interim director of housing, was the first speaker. One of the biggest concerns that she has received from students is about the poor Wi-Fi connection in the residence halls.
“It’s consistently rated the poorest out of everything that we get,” she said.
Housing has been getting new switchers and new experiments which will greatly enhance Wi-Fi signals. They hope to have a fully upgraded system by this January. UALR housing also saw an increase in students this year and is looking at possibly adding more housing facilities to the campus.
“This is the first year that we have 100 percent occupancy in a long time,” Turner said. “Back before we had west hall and university village we had a waiting list. Since then, we have not been 100 percent full and this year we were.”
Housing had about 50 students on the waiting list the opening day. She told the council that her staff is looking to create a feasibility study to see if another hall can be built.
“One thing we need to do is family housing. We do not have anywhere for students with families to stay.”
Housing has turned away 150 students looking for this type of housing. They have been doing some research on the issue, and Turner hopes to include this in the feasibility plan that her and her staff will present in May.
Dr. Brad Patterson, interim vice provost for student affairs, spoke on behalf of the Dean of Students Office. He listed several concerns
that he would like to address, from aging buildings on campus to adding additional space to university housing to changing some of the dining options that are available to students. His biggest concern is updating recreational activities on campus.
“We do need more spaces for students to get together and study and hang out and do different things together,” Patterson said.
“That would be part of the proposal for this building.”
A commuter and law school graduate student who attended would like to see the dining options open for students who arrive to campus after 5 p.m.
“Half of these places close by the time I can actually get here. That’s my biggest gripe. If that’s something we are going to use our money to do anything with, it needs to be more open for graduate students who come here at night. It needs to be open a little bit later, so that we can still get something in here.”
Besides physical meeting places, virtual meeting places were also an issue student leaders wanted to address.
Issues most clubs have had problems with are finding a common ground where organizations can get in touch with everybody besides email and Facebook.
Students would like for there to be a website where organizations can get in touch with other students on campus and post events for everybody to go to and check once a week.
The conversation about this online resource has been in the air for about a year and has not yet been implemented but there is a meeting in place to discuss it.
Student leaders who attended the meeting favored this proposal and hope that this is something the university approves.
Among other topics discussed at the meeting was an opportunity for an internship, discussion about financial aid issues, and different resources for students in the UALR bookstore.
Carlia Smith, Director of Financial Aid, expressed her concerns about students who come to their office with issues about their aid. Office of Financial Aid works with a lot of agencies, and they find
it a bit confusing just as they feel students do as well.
“When we are working with so many different agencies, we don’t really make the rules. We are here to help facilitate, but we can’t always change it.”
Smith just wants everybody to understand that they do want to help students with their aids, and as early as possible.
“August is crazy,” Smith said. Without question, you outnumber us and that’s not what we want to do. In order for that to be a better process, we’ve got to begin the process earlier.”
There were also a record number of low applicants for non-traditional scholarships, according to Smith. Seeing this, she wants to be more proactive in helping students understand all the avenues that are there to help them, along with improving communication between students.
She also discussed issues students might have with the BOSS account and would like to make this simpler for students. She and her team are investigating a way for students to sign documents electronically. As well as looking to add more scholarships to help all students instead of the “exceptional” student.
The last speaker was Brenda Thomas, UALR Bookstore Manager. “We are your campus bookstore, we work for you all,” she opened up.
There are many things that the students can take part of. Some of the things they offer in the bookstore is buying books online and having them shipped to you the next day. They also have an app for the bookstore and there is a 25 percent off coupon if a student registers for the app.
There is also a book grant award in the amount of $10,000. Promo versity is also an option for students and organizations. Organizations can buy anything from tablecloths, pens, backpacks, shirts and so much more. There is no tax at all, just the cost of the item and the shipping fee.
There is another President’s Council meeting scheduled for next month, and if there is an issue that you feel like should be brought up in this meeting, contact your student organization leader.
ics degree, but we also try to give students a chance to see where physics fits in with more applied areas,” says Dr. Alan Thomas, assistant professor.
Illustration by Brady Jackson
tical thermodynamics and modern physics. There is also a track through UALRteach that prepares physics majors for teaching high school students.
Since the university’s central location is very convenient for students. Students also have greater access research opportunities in the city.
“It’s the only research university within driving distance,” says junior John Siratt. “I live around Malvern, and Henderson [State University] is right down the road. They have a physics program, but they’re a teaching college. I wouldn’t get to play with all the ‘cool toys’ if I [had] went down there.”
Joni Everett Staff Writer jeeverett@ualr.edu
University Program Council hosted their annual UPC week from Oct. 26 to Oct. 30 celebrating with five different events: Black Light Extravaganza, Wild N’ Out, UPC Carnival, Bubble Soccer and Dodgeball, and Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream.
The first event was the Black Light Extravaganza. That Drummer That DJ, a musical act, performed with enthusiastic energy. Everyone was welcomed to the dance floor as That Drummer That DJ played popular songs.
For the second event, comedians Doboy and Karlous from the television show Wild N’ Out came and performed standup comedy. Doboy told jokes about his personal life, politics and everything under the sun. He then went on to sing to a parody he created of Drake’s song ‘Hotline Bling’. He then introduced Karlous. He also told jokes but he made it about the crowd. Karlous jokingly teased Dynastee Lewis, a freshman at UALR.
“My favorite part of this event was most definitely being picked on the entire time by Karlous, and when Doboy took off his shirt while singing his own personal remix of ‘Hotline Bling’ by Drake!” she says. This event was all laughs for everyone.
ing.” Then a person on stage picks on audience member to make a catchy rap about. The winners of the game got a $25 Visa gift card.
For Wednesday, UPC hosted a carnival in the Donaghey Student Fitness Center. In the carnival they had several blow up items such as a boxing ring and a pedestal joust battle. They also had free oldschool arcade games. There were professionals who specialized in body paint, animal balloons, caricatures and Asian name printing. Food was also served at this event.
“My favorite part would have to have been the Polaroid pictures they were taking and the bouncy houses. So much fun!” says sophomore Verenice Perez.
On Thursday, bubble soccer and dodgeball was in the DSC Fitness Center. Bubble soccer is just like regular soccer, but with people wearing blow up, bubble vests around their upper body. It makes it difficult to see and play the game, which is why it is so fun!
“The games were set up and put together very nicely,” says student Ege Ayan.
They also had this huge blowup balls that a person could get inside of and race around, much like a hamster in a ball.
For the final event, UPC had liquid nitrogen ice cream for everyone to eat. They used liquid nitrogen to freeze the cream mixture. “The ice cream was amazing,” says freshman Audrey Fleming, “The liquid nitrogen ice cream was such a cool idea.”
Alexandria Barnes Staff Writer ambarnes@ualr.edu
The physics program contains a mix of traditional and nontraditional students. Upon completion of calculus, students begin taking courses in physics, typically during sophomore year.
“[In] the major and program here, we try to give a balance between offering what you would find at any school as far as a phys-
All physics students do applied research, rather than theoretical or fundamental, to see how physics relates to areas such as engineering, technology, or equipment. Having this background gives students a broad understanding that allows them to choose a career path in almost any field.
“I’m probably going to go to school for mechanical engineering for my master’s,” says junior Matt Kusper.
Some of the classes within the major are introductory courses, laboratory courses, math methods, quantum mechanics, statis-
There is also a minor in astronomy offered within the department, along with a minor in physics. Senior Caprice Phillips plans on using her degree to pursue more research opportunities in astronomy after graduation. Though she is one of few women in a maledominated field, she doesn’t get caught up in being the minority within her classes.
“Don’t get discouraged to the point where you want to quit,” Phillips advises. “Find a mentor in someone that will understand your viewpoint and that you may be different from the student they’re used to working with.”
As the event ended, some of the audience members were able to get on stage and play a popular Wild N’ Out game called Family Reunion. This game starts with a catchy tune that goes like this: “At the family reunion! Who we introducing, who we introduc-
UPC did a great job with their week this year. “I have really enjoyed the events of this week. I’m really looking forwards to attending many more UPC events and UPC weeks throughout the rest of my college career here at UALR!” says freshman Dynastee Lewis.
Alexandria Barnes Staff Writer ambarnes@ualr.edu
Professional and technical writing is a world of its own within the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s rhetoric and writing department. Cynthia “Cindy” Nahrwold has been a part of that world since she came to the university in 2000. She serves as an assistant professor and graduate program coordinator.
“I found my niche. It’s the edit-
ing and linguistics language theory that I teach,” she remarks.
Nahrwold teaches courses in editing and technical style at the undergraduate and graduate level.
As a “farm kid” from Indiana, she completed her B.A. in English at Ball State University. She later obtained her master’s from Arizona State University and her Ph.D. from New Mexico State University.
Nahrwold’s passion comes from being able to teach what she learned in the workplace. It was on the job at Sperry, a manufacturing company, that she learned the editing techniques that she still
uses today – multi-pass editing, level of edit, and style sheets. She calls that job “the best class she ever had” because of the knowledge and experience she received.
Last year, Nahrwold created a lengthy style sheet for a British civil war memoir. A style sheet is a document used by editors to maintain the writer’s style throughout a text.
“It’s a great way for me to do what I love to do, but it’s also a way for me to show [people] how my teaching and my scholarship go together,” she adds. “That way I can also show my students, ‘Hey, this is what I’m working on.’”
Nahrwold also presents at conferences and serves on several committees. She is now working on a “triage” book for people teaching non-academic writing for the first time.
When she isn’t obsessing over style sheets and multi-pass editing, Nahrwold enjoys yardwork, antique shopping and reading crime dramas.
“[In] anything I read, I see the errors and dog-ear the pages,” she explains.
For her, editing is more than just a subject she teaches – it has become a part of her life, and you can see that in her teaching approach and how she cares about her students’ work.
how your ancestors immigrated to the United States and [how] the obstacles they faced were very similar to how it is today.”
Born and raised in Florida, Rollberg has a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in journalism. She first became acquainted with Little Rock when she was a student at the University of Missouri. She had a roommate from Arkansas while working on her master’s. Rollberg visited Little Rock a few times and liked it.
Joshua Watkins Staff Writer jwatkins@ualr.edu
Washington state, Arizona and California “before we were able to put the complex family story together.”
We all have a little bit of everything inside of us. Different heritages, different genes, different backgrounds.
In the case of UALR’s Jeanne Rollberg, an associate professor of journalism, a curiosity about her family’s Swedish background has turned into not only a serious hobby but a way to help others.
The curiosity was piqued when Rollberg’s mother had a lot of questions about their Swedish ancestry that neither of them had answers to. So Rollberg began to research her family and started finding out more and more about their genealogy.
“I started doing it for my mom and I didn’t plan on it becoming a hobby, but it became a hobby, and now I’ve been doing it for about eight years,” Rollberg said.
Not only has she found out more about her own family, Rollberg has helped other people find information about their ancestors as well. The most memorable case was a 97-year-old woman who had been adopted when she was 2 and never knew anything about her parents. Her daughter posted on a Facebook page for genealogy and Rollberg decided to help the family.
“She finally got her parents’ names from the adoptions agency but she didn’t know anything about them except that they were Swedish,” Rollberg said.
Rollberg said she began a public record search. This included records North Dakota, Minnesota,
She added, “Once we got far enough in the records, I was able to use social media to help locate living family members who might have information and pictures. That led to a couple of family reunions so far.”
Rollberg continued: “She now sees that the stability and love she found in her adopted home likely exceeded anything that her own parents had either the economical or emotional wherewithal to provide. She also now knows her own parents’ stories in some detail. She has seen photos of her half-siblings, her father, and her mother, who both married other people. She has met a halfsibling’s children and grandchildren.”
“It is beyond gratifying,” Rollberg added, “when a woman who’s almost 100 years old and her children can finally grasp why her parents gave her up for adoption and how ultimately lucky she was that they did, in this particular case.”
Over the past eight years, Rollberg has found out many things and helped others like this woman find out about their history. And, along the way, Rollberg’s research has changed her in at least one way.
“It has shaped my views on immigration,” Rollberg said. “When you find out
Later, while she was teaching at Texas A&M University, she got a call from UALR’s Journalism Department chair, Dr. Manny Paraschos. It was 1983 and Paraschos invited her to interview for a teaching position. She visited UALR and enjoyed it, accepted the job, took a leap of faith and it paid off.
Being a university professor involves research skills that have aided Rollberg in her genealogical research. This, in turn, has translated into an even greater appreciation of not only her past but this nation’s past.
“The country is still being built, but knowing how your ancestors helped really makes you appreciate them, as well as the ancestors of others,” Rollberg said.
Senate Meeting of SGA: Oct. 28, 2015
As the Fall 2015 semester creeps to a close, the Student Government Association continues to work diligently to provide for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. During the Oct. 28 meeting, the groups appointed two new senators. Sharice Hollister, sophomore and Mass Communications major, was elected as a senator for the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences. Shayna Underwood, freshman and environmental engineering major was elected as a senator for the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology (EIT).
The group also prepped for events including Discover UALR, homecoming and SGA senator elections, and the President's Council Meeting. These were all very important points on the agenda that Student Government Association got to check off as the month of October came to a close.
Individual senators and other members also discussed campus initiatives including work with campus social spots. There was also announcement from senator Noah Asher that the Biology and Anthropology clubs will be assisting with the student pantry sponsored by the Community Connection Center.
Lela-Tamara Fluker
News/Campus Life Editor ldfluker@ualr.edu
Senate Meeting of SGA: Nov. 4, 2015
In an effort to boost networking and canvassing skills, members of Student Government Association attended a communication workshop led by professor Kristen McIntyre and graduate student, Winston Meyer. This workshop focused on tips to make the canvassing experiences more successful. SGA members worked in small groups to practice the OPENINVESTIGATE-CLOSE method to engage students on campus.
The purpose of this was to demonstrate how to make the people that you are talking to feel more comfortable and express their concerns. Through the #SGAWorksForYou campaign and other obligations of the group, the workshop modeled a professional and more involved way in which to grab audience attention.
Kendra Montgomery Staff Writer knmontgomery@ualr.edu
Things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes opportunities come where we would least expect them. When Junior Shatorya Shepard took a work study position she was just trying to make some extra money, but found a job that she loved.
While working as a work study student on campus, Shepard heard the job opening for peer educators from her coworkers but she didn’t give the job much thought. Her supervisor, seeing how hard-working Shepard was, sat her down and convinced her to apply for the job.
Shepard works in the Health Promotion Programs Education Office at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Peer Educators are similar to counselors.
“We interact with our peers here on campus and try to make them feel as comfortable as possible. If they are having problems with anything academically or personally we would like for them to come talk to us because we are here to help,” says Shepard.
Being a Peer Educator is help-
ing prepare Shepard for her future.
She will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2017. Her resume does not end there.
On top of her job as a peer educator Shepard is also a part of the Chancellor's Leadership Corps.
Part of being in CLC is doing volunteer work which Shatorya enjoys.
She estimates that she has logged close to 200 service hours. One of her most memorable serviced experiences is with Miracle League.
“We work with special needs kids, we play baseball with them. We are their buddy.”
Receiving the CLC scholarship played a big role in Shepard’s decision to come here, but Discover UALR is what really won her over.
The beautiful campus, the metropolitan area and the diversity made her fall in love.
“Being on this campus is like a big family. You don’t feel out of place. It feels like home,” says Shepard.
Shepard credits her planner with being able to stay on top of everything. She admitted to being a procrastinator in the past but said that was way too stressful. Anything that she needs to do gets written down in her planner with all the details and that helps her to stay on top.
Morgan Drish Features Editor madrish@ualr.edu
On Halloween weekend, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Theatre and Dance department had a unique guest artist come and teach its students in a masterclass and perform an original show. Bill Bowers, an actor, educator and mime, left New York City to come teach students in Arkansas about how to build an imaginary world when performing as a mime.
Bowers, originally from a small town in Montana, has performed
on and off Broadway and has been seen in film. He was able to study with the world’s most well-known mime artist, who miming is modeled after today, Marcel Marceau.
On Oct.31, he led a master class with about 20 Theatre and Dance students as well as a few students from Parkview high school. He taught the students how to harness energy and move in throughout their body, how to trust their instincts on stage and they learned how to mime a variety of different activities.
Bowers’ one man show was performed for the public in the University Theatre on Nov. 2. "It Goes Without Saying", is based on his life story. The show answers questions he has been frequent-
ly asked: ‘How did you become a mime?’ and ‘How did you become a mime in Montana?’
He tells and mimes the story of his journey to discovery and his growth in this imagination fueled art form, his life growing up in a small town in Montana and navigating through New York City in the 1980’s during the aids epidemic. His show can relate to audience members of any age. There were laughs laughed and tears shed. The show wraps up quite nicely with a metaphor that ties his life together into a neat little bow by connecting it to one of his opening stories. It leaves the audience with a sense of resolution as well as fills us with our own child-like joy found in the world of imagination.
Natalie Doris Staff Writer nmdoris@ualr.edu
For the past two and a half months, I have been living in a country well known for its lush, green forests, wildlife, and for its green environmental policies which place it as a forerunner in green culture. Costa Rica has proven to truly be a green paradise.
I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to stay in a permaculture farm for a few days out of my time here to learn about permaculture and other forms of sustainable living. The first night I arrived to the farm, which is isolated in the rainforest next to the ocean, I fell asleep in an open hut under mosquito netting to the sound of the ocean, only to be awoken by wild howler monkeys at 6 a.m. Living within nature itself instead of in a protective bubble that us humans have built with our advancements.
Permaculture itself means adapting our modern human way of life to become one that is more consistent with nature, making permaculture a highly sustainable way of living. What that meant in the context of my stay at the permaculture farm on the coast of Costa Rica, was using composting toilets that created nutrients for the plants that we helped to cultivate for every meal. Everything that we needed came straight from the forest. Our huts were made from salvaged wood of fallen trees and our alarm clock was the sun.
Time after time again, as I learned to leave large spiders hanging over my pillow alone because they work as natural insect repellant, and I was told to simply avoid the dangerous creatures that crossed my path as I walked barefoot through the jungle, I was reminded that humans were made to be animals as well. From the mosquitoes that feed the toads that feed the hawks to the trees that provide us with shade and food,
we were all a part of some greater picture.
This permaculture-oriented way of thinking is an ideology that has been infused into Costa Rican life. Their recycling programs, conservation policies, and overall attitude towards the nature that they are surrounded by. People here in Costa Rica are far more in-tune with the seasons and the behavior of the animals around them. Their efforts are often put into alternative energy, reducing waste, reusing what they have, and recycling. This is so much a part of their cultural and political atmosphere, that they have been able to create a thriving tourism industry out of it.
Coming from “The Natural State”, I can identify with a lot of what Costa Ricans believe in when it comes to human interaction with nature. However, the amount of love and energy that I have witnessed being used to fix the problems that humans have caused on this planet here in Costa Rica has deeply affected me. We are fortu-
Lauren Lockhart-Lindsey Staff Writer
lalockhartl@ualr.edu
Leavanah Thomas has found the perfect career, mixing her Senior Marketing major and a Studio Design minor, she hopes to one day work for a big fashion company.
“Believe it or not, I like to sew. About 3 years ago, I got my first sewing machine for Christmas and I fell in love with it. I taught myself the basics of sewing but I still have some learning to do. So far I have sewn a few simple canvas bags, two dresses, and two skirts. That’s not a lot for three years but there is plenty of trial and error that goes into it for me because I try to mix different pattern pieces to make totally new garments. I try to do really hard techniques and dive head first into the hard stuff because I want to learn quickly when it comes to this. One day, I hope to take courses to hone my skills.”
Outside of school Thomas not only works, but also has an internship.
“My internship is with Chandler Advisors, a financial strategy consulting firm. My main job is to reach out to potential prospects via email, letter, or phone to set appointments with our managing director so we are able to give those prospects the information they need to retain and grow their wealth.”
It is common for many students to become so involved with school, work, family, and all of the extra curricular activities that come along with an active schedule, that many don’t get a chance to indulge themselves in something fun that they truly enjoy. Leavanah is one of the few who found a passion for something that makes her happy.
After college, Leavanah plans on finding a marketing job to get experience. While doing that she says that she may attend Arkansas School of Fashion headed by Jamileh Kamran to improve sewing skills and her knowledge of fashion. In the next five years Leavanah wants to already be into her career.
“I see myself working for a big fashion company, trying to work my way up, if I’m not running my
nate enough, as Arkansans, to live in a state with clean drinking water, lakes that we can actually swim in, and forest trails that are not lined with trash. That makes us part of
a privileged group of individuals, which is something that we should not soon forget. That is a lesson that we should not have to visit Costa Rica to realize.
own business. But regardless, I see myself happy and continually growing into a better person.”
"I'm thankful for my friends and family because of all the support they give me."
- Darius Johnson, freshman
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with all the students in West Hall and all my coworkers I get to work with. I'm also thankful for my cat."
-Michelle Zengilis, West Hall Director
"I am thankful for good health, my boyfriend, and my family and friends."
-Sydney Snyder, senior
"I'm thankful that I finally graduate in May. I'm excited to have my masters."
-Chelsea Young, Library Operations Assistant
By
Lauren Humphrey Staff Writer lehumphrey@ualr.edu
"I'm thankful to work in the University Writing Center because I have greatest boss, Dr. Holland. We work in a special environment of creating something great and I'm just thankful to be working with the wonder people."
-John Canfield, non-traditional student
"I'm thankful for my family because they are extremely supportive and they go through everything with me."
-T'Neria Ransom, junior
"I'm thankful for my mom. She is cute and adorable even though she doesn't say 'eyebrows on fleek'."
-Ayjah Johnson, freshman
"I'm thankful for my life and my kids, all three of them."
-Tiffany Johnson, Sodexo employee
"I'm thankful for having internet connection. It's a major part of my life with all the KPOP and Anime I can watch. To be serious, I'm thankful for being able to wake up each day because I still have so many things to do and many people to see."
-Nalee Vang, sophomore
"I'm thankful for literature because it carries the mind of the writer."
-Phillip Gray, senior
Natalie Doris Staff Writer nmdoris@ualr.edu
First, when you are a child, you discover that you are not from any place in particular. When you are in the United States people consider you the “German” friend, or the Russian, Guatemalan, Mexican, “that one Irish girl.” However, as soon as you step foot onto the soil of the place where your parents were or you moved away from, you transform into “The American cousin.” Following this transformation, you are expected to answer a deluge of questions about whether or not the US is like in The Simpsons. Secondly, explaining to people that you can be 100% from more than one place. This struggle is
particularly prevalent when both of your parents come from the same place, but you are US born. When you are little, you may mistakenly tell people that you are 50% American. The truth is, you are a perfect mixture of where you came from and where you live now. Add more blood lines into the mix, throw in Cantonese parents who grew up in Canada, and the equations grow more and more complicated. You learn to embrace the hyphen.
“I can be more than one thing,” you explain, “I am MexicanAmerican/Ethiopian-CanadianAmerican/German-American. And yes. I am proud of every one of my nationalities.”
Third, answering the question “Where are you from?” can be problematic. Where was I born? Where did I grow up? Where do I identify with the most? Where do I consider home? Where have I lived
the longest? Wait, can I give more than one answer? Start over, ask me again.
Fourthly, you are often expected by people everywhere to be able to fully articulate your opinions on political events that may or may not have happened even before you were born. Whether it is explaining Obama’s health care policy to your uncle in Kenya or elaborating on the Cuban communist revolution to a curious history professor who wants to understand what your stance is. You take every opportunity to learn about the history of your cultures so you are ready for such occasions, and also so you can feel closer to where you came from. Sometimes, hearing someone acknowledging a major event in your culture that you grew up hearing about from your parents brings tears to your eyes.
Finally, you know that no matter where you go your heart will miss some far away place that you also call home. You would give anything to bring grandma’s curry to the small town in Arkansas that you grew up in, or to find a genuine fish and chip shop like the one that you used to run down the street to with your cousins in Ireland.
Little by little, you find things wherever you go that bring home closer to you. Starting with mastering abuela’s recipes, you move on to look for the scent of a small town in the alps in the spring breeze of Ohio. You see the craziness of the place next to your uncle’s house in a market in New York. You infuse flavors, sounds, music, language, and art from where you came from into the place that you now call home.
Morgan Drish Features Editor madrish@ualr.edu
The young students hold nothing back in this cutthroat hilarious spelling bee competition. With the acceptance of a family on the line or proving that you are smarter than everyone thinks you are, these students have a lot of fun in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Arkansas’ only professional theatre, The Arkansas Repertory Theatre. This musical comedy ran from Oct. 16-Nov. 8. The show takes place in mod-
ernday, Putnam County, New Jersey which allowed the show to make pop culture references and jokes that were related to today like the Arkansas Razorbacks losing another game or Target’s premature countdown to Christmas.
It was directed by Nicole Capris, who runs the Summer Musical Theatre Intensive at the Rep every summer. Just like she teaches her students, as a director she insists that in musical theatre bigger is always better. The bigness of some of the characters was too over top, and took the audience out of the show. At times it wasn’t a believable performance.
The actors, dressed in full cos-
tume but not always in character, greeted the audience members in the lobby and persuaded them to sign up for the chance to be called up on stage to join their spelling bee, four audience members joined the actors and added another layer of hilarity. The audience responded well to the show and laughed at nearly every dirty, and offensive joke or pun that was made.
The bee took place in a school gym. The set design brought the show to life. It had locker rooms, basketballs, flyers for events happening around the school, etc.
Like in the Rep’s last show, Macbeth, they tried to again used multimedia and project words
across the stage. And just like in Macbeth, it was not successful and came off as too much and distracting when trying to watch Olive’s performance. With the set being as full as it was there was no room to see or appreciate this overlay.
Although the Rep’s version of the show needed some fine tuning, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is packed with hilarious songs and moments that will remind you of what it was like growing up. It takes us back to a time when we would do anything to impress our parents or when we didn’t take anything seriously or maybe took everything too seriously.
Chris Gillette Staff Writer cagillette@aualr.edu
Touchstone Pictures Bridge of Spies bridges the talented acting skills of Tom Hanks and the screenwriting excellence of Steven Spielberg to produce a spectacular espionage thriller. The film tells the story of a prisoner exchange between a captured American “U2” pilot and a Soviet spy at the height of the Cold War.
Reluctant insurance lawyer Robert Donovan (Hanks) is tasked by the U.S. government with the prosecution of captured U.S.S.R. spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance).
Donovan fails to win his client’s case but manages to save his life by advocating for his use as a poten-
tial bargaining chip in future U.S.Soviet relations.
The introduction of downed U.S. reconnaissance pilot Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) and American economics student Frederic Pryor, captured in East Germany during construction of the Berlin Wall, set the stage for a climactic exchange at the end of the movie.
Bridge of Spies, based on a true story, contains the same kind of gritty historical realism that Hanks and Spielberg have managed to pull off so well in the past. The detail of the film in its portrayal of the post-WWII American Cold War social landscape, in conjunction with the presentation of a divided Berlin, brings back the authenticity of their other films including Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, and The Pacific. You just get the feeling
you’re traveling through history.
The film also touches upon several key concepts like the rule of law, the nature of civil liberties in wartime, and the fundamental beliefs of American citizens as they apply to humanity as a whole. Donovan’s unpopular defense of Rudolf Abel, amidst the hysteria of the Cold War, doesn’t compare to the sheer drama of a Schindler’s List, but it comes close.
Bridge of Spies is an old-school spy thriller that slowly builds suspense through an authentic journey in the Cold War era, a feat that has earned the movie near-perfect reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and Cinema Score. Viewing this film would be a great exchange for your time and money.
Nadeau Furniture plans Grand Opening
Nov. 15
Little Rock has expanded its variety of stores that sell unique and handcrafted furniture with the grand opening of “Nadeau Furniture with a Soul,” set for 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.
It is in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, No. 610.
Owner Tom Nadeau welcomes guests to celebrate the opening with snacks and refreshments from 1-4 p.m. Individuals can also view the store’s selection of furniture while celebrating.
Nadeua’s collection offers nicely designed furniture that is affordable and not mass produced. It all started in 1991, when Nadeua imported furniture that he saw while exploring the world. After more than a decade he expanded his business and sold directly to the public on random weekends.
Eventually, his ideas became a business when people showed a great interest in his products.
He transformed Nadeau to an immense establishment by supplying classic pieces handcrafted from authentic wood.
He travels the globe regularly for items that customers can be proud to have in their homes. For more information, contact Tresa Rabchuk at littlerock@furntiurewithasoul.com.
Edward Taylor Staff Writer etaylor@ualr.edu
In remembrance of NativeAmerican veterans, who served this country at its most historic times, MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will host a free screening of the film “Way of the Warrior.”
This event will take place Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on 503 E. Ninth St.
The documentary illustrates the basic features of war and the courageous Native-American veterans who fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
It also pays homage to a Medal of Honor recipient and a member of the Red Stick Warrior Society, which is a rare Indian tribe.
Their stories show what it means to be ogichidaa, “one who protects and follows the way of the warrior.”
Popcorn and beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Rachel Miller at 501-376-4602.
Brady Jackson Staff Writer bajackson4@ualr.edu
HUDWAY Glass is a new technology created by the company HUDWAY that recently got funded on Kickstarter to turn your smartphone into a head-up display.
It is a HUD, (head-up display), that is a transparent display that presents data without requesting the user to look away from the direction they need to be looking at.
The HUDWAY Glass assists you while you drive instead of you having to look away from the wheel to look at your phone.
The HUDWAY Glass allows you to use any HUD app on any of your mobile devices both in poor visibility or during a clear day.
For example, one of the HUD apps that you can yous is HUDWAY- GPS Navigation, Awesome HUD, or Speedometer to help you while driving.
The device takes your normal HUD apps and reflects the image from your phone onto the transparent screen. The HUDWAY Glass needs to have your smartphone screen image reversed which most HUD apps offer.
To order this little nifty device you can pre-order it now for $49 at hudwayglass.com/en.
Jasmine Blunt Staff Writer jmblunt@ualr.edu
Start, grow and innovate your business with the SmartUp app. SmartUP is the startup app built for future and current entrepreneurs and innovators to receive professional advice, improve their business skills and to expand their knowledge in business.
The app allows the users to create a profile by answering questions similar to what an investor or mentor would ask if they were being advised. According to the Founders Forum, their aim is to deliver insights and advice to help the user make better business decisions.
The SmartUp app includes more 35,000 founders as mentors and many other features such as quizzes, case studies, and simulations on Financing, Trends, Product Development, Marketing, Sales,
Growth and much more. Users can also receive points based on the knowledge they have gained to earn 1-on-1 mentoring from members of Founders Forum.
In addition to learning more, the user can start or join a community for his or her business, city, accelerator, or organization to connect, share and collaborate with entrepreneurs and innovators around the world. According to Apple, SmartUp is rated 4 out of 5 by its users, chosen as the Best App of June, and Top New App in 64 countries. The app is currently available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. To find out further information go to, http://smartup.io/.
SShaun Williams Staff Writer swilliams@ualr.edu
tar Wars Battlefront has become the game that everyone wants to get their hands on as soon as it comes out.
The beta for Battlefront raged on from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13 and to every one’s surprise included several features that were rumored to not be in the upcoming edition to the Battlefront series. Features such as Jedi and Sith gameplay where you could play as either Luke Skywalker when you were on the rebel team and Darth Vader when you were on the empire team. During my time playing the beta I found that there were possibilities to pilot fighters and At-St’s, which was a huge plus considering EA was thinking of not including any type of vehicles.
The modes in the beta are-the classic single player and co-op horde mode, where you could go through waves of enemies that would consistently get harder as you progressed from round-
to-round. As every type of horde gameplay is you will find that the beginning will be quite easy, but you will eventually you’ll face AT-STs, Sand troopers with jet packs and shields, and a few snipers all at once.
Even though the horde mode was quite fun to play, I found that all of the excitement came from the multiplayer gameplay. Since it was a beta there were only two maps you could choose from, Drop Zone on Sullust and and Walker Assault on Hoth. When choosing between the two game modes you would be recommended to play Drop Zone first, so you could get used to the new combat style.
When I started my first match I was outfitted with the basic gun until I was able to attain enough credits for a new one and also three basic player cards that were the specialty items. The items consisted of a grenade, a jetpack boost, and a free card to pick an item on while playing for an extra advantage on the battlefield.
During my first couple matches while playing Drop Zone, a game play that consisted of the players
capturing and protecting escape pods from the opposing team, I was able to pick up the fundamentals of the game. When I thought I had crafted my skills enough to be able to take on Walker Assault, I soon found myself in the midst of a forty man battle dying over and over. Gameplay consisted of the players either trying to destroy the two AT-AT on the rebel team or suppressing the rebels on the empire team.
I found myself enthralled by the snow glistening underfoot, TIE Fighters and X-Wings soaring overhead and AT-ATs trudging defiantly towards me. And, of course, the sounds of that pew-pew laser noise that’s so synonymous with Star Wars.
I even got a rush of joy and fear when I spotted Darth Vader whipping out his light saber midbattle and got super-excited when I finally get to fly something.
I am looking forward to the release of Star Wars Battlefront on Nov. 17, 2015, so I can see if EA was able to make a Battlefront game that could live up to its former editions.
‘A
origin story that doesn’t disappoint
Tanner Newton Staff Writer
tgnewton@ualr.edu
After four long years, the next chapter of George R. R. Martin’s acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire, aka Game of Thrones, has arrived. However, it is not the long-delayed The Winds of Winter but instead a prequel called A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Set about 100 years before A Game of Thrones, the books share no characters. Instead, we meet Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Prince Aegon Targaryen. This book tells three adventures that the duo experienced.
The first tale is the obligatory origin story that explains how a nobody knight ended up with a prince for a squire. The second is a thrilling action story about feuding neighbors. The third is about the
heroes attending a wedding.
This book has been eagerly awaited for many years, as these stories are not new. Martin published the first story, The Hedge Knight, in an anthology called Legend in 1998. The Sworn Sword was released in Legends II in 2003 and The Mystery Knight was released in 2010 in an anthology called Warriors. The two Legends books have long since gone out of print, making this the first time that many among the massive fan base of the series will be able to read these stories.
This prequel trilogy is the rare prequel that does not disappoint. Everybody who saw Star Wars knew that Obi Wan and Dark Vader were going to survive Episode II and those who read Lonesome Dove knew the Texas Rangers would survive Dead Man’s Walk. As a result, prequels have a habit of failing to provide suspense. Martin’s deci-
sion to set these tales decades before almost every character in the main series is even born is what makes this book a success.
Both Dunk and Egg, as they call each other, have been mentioned multiple times in A Song of Ice and Fire but most readers will have forgotten those names by the end of those chapters. The books take place in the same world but the stories have so little to do with each other that the suspense is not lost.
This book would actually serve as a good introduction to the series, especially for teenagers. The Game of Thrones books and TV series are notorious for their depictions of violence and sex. This book is downright tame by comparison.
It is also infinitely easier to follow. The main books are full of dozens of characters with their own stories. All three of these stories focus solely on what Dunk and Egg are up too.
As for complaints about the books, I do have a few. First, there are no chapters in the stories. I read the book on a Kindle and it is annoying when the first thing you see upon starting the book is “3 hrs 10 mins left in chapter.” A book with 368 pages should have more than three chapters.
The only other thing that bothered me was how repetitive the ending to the tales became.
In the previous five books there have been three trials by combat. Three across five books works but all three of these stories come to a head with a trial by combat. More variety to the endings would have worked better.
That said, the next season of Game of Thrones won’t air until April or May and nobody knows when The Winds of Winter will come out, so this is the perfect book to hold fans over.
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Caitlyn Sample Staff Writer casample@ualr.edu
Goosebumps, starring Jack Black and Dylan Minnette, is filled with humor and nostalgia.
Zach (Minnette) moves to Madison, Delaware, next door to a suspicious man (Black) who he later finds out is R.L. Stine, a popular young adult horror author. Stine lives with his daughter Hannah (played by Odeya Rush). R.L. Stine would not allow Zach to cross the fence that separates their yards nor would he allow his daughter to leave the house.
One night, Hannah and Zach leave together to the abandoned theme park behind their homes.
When the teens return, R.L. Stine is furious and yells at his daughter to come back inside. The nights that follow, Zach hears Hannah screaming and her father yelling. In an attempt to save her from her father, Zach calls his new friend Champ (played by Ryan Lee) and together they break into Hannah’s house. While in the house, Champ finds old Goosebumps manuscripts that are locked shut. The boys decide to unlock one which releases the monster that was trapped inside. During the chaos that ensues as the boys and Hannah try to get the monster back into the book, another book becomes unlocked. This unleashes one of Goosebumps iconic characters, Slappy (voiced by Jack Black). Slappy then adds to the chaos by unlocking and burning the rest of the books, freeing all
of R.L. Stine’s monsters.
Now, R.L. Stine must find a way to rescue Madison, Delaware, from the monsters he has created. With the help of Zach, Champ and Hannah, they devise a plan to save the town.
I am a lover of all movies. Going to the movie theater is one of my favorite things to do. I saw the trailer for this movie back in July and I knew it was one I must go see! I wanted to see this movie mostly for nostalgia purposes. I grew up reading the Goosebumps books and watching the television show that aired from 1995 to 1998. I am also a fan of Jack Black and it has been a few years since he has been in anything big. When I found out that Black was going to play R.L. Stine, I was bit of a skeptic. I like Black for his goofy
and wild behavior. Playing Stine is a bit darker and more dramatic than the characters I am used to seeing Black portray.
However, after seeing his performance, I believe he played the part flawlessly. Black’s humor was still there. His wild behavior came out during some of the scenes where they were fighting the monsters. He was also dark and dramatic when he needed to be.
The movie itself did not disappoint. There were plenty of laughs and moments of nostalgia. One of my favorite aspects of the movie was recognizing the references to the books. Some parts of the movie may have been a little cheesy to appeal to a younger audience, but I did not mind. My only complaint is I wish they would have included more of Stine’s monsters. It seemed
that only a few of his monsters were repeated over and over again. Stine has written roughly 200 Goosebumps books, so there was plenty of material and no need to use the same few monsters repeatedly.
Overall, I would give the movie four out of five stars. Black’s performance exceeded my expectations. The movie made me laugh multiple times and I left with a feeling of nostalgia.
Goosebumps was released Oct. 16, 2015, in standard or 3D. Check your local theater for listings.
Lauren Lockhart-Lindsey
Staff Writer
lalockhartl@ualr.edu
The Little Rock Trojans men’s basketball team was picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt Conference by the coaches in the conference. Seniors Josh Hagins and Roger Woods were both selected as preseason All-Sun Belt players. Little Rock’s 2015-16 season starts Nov. 14 vs. Central Baptist at the Jack Stephens Center.
Senior forward Roger Woods, earned First Team All-Region 23 and First Team All-Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges honors in 2013-14 after averaging a team-high 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game before transferring to UALR almost two seasons ago. Woods helped Mississippi Gulf Coast to a 19-7 overall record and an 11-3 mark in conference play.
Last season Woods played in all 31 games with 26 starts in his first season with the Trojans. He was voted preseason Third Team All Sun Belt. He averaged 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26.4 minutes per game as a junior in 2014-15. Woods is a criminal justice major, but plans to further his career in basketball after college. He scored in double figures 20 times and grabbed double-figure rebounds a team-high six times last season; and his five doubledoubles all came against Sun Belt opponents.
Senior guard Josh Hagins, who has already made a point to take a leadership role in his senior season, feels as if his position on the team is to continue to make those around him better; including himself. Hagins was a Third Team All Sun Belt selection as a junior in 2014-15. He was voted Preseason Second Team All-Sun Belt and averaged a team-high 12.1 points to go along with 4.0 rebounds, 3.0
assists and 1.7 steals per contest. Hagins had numbers ranked him 14th in the Sun Belt in scoring, eighth in assists, third in free throw percentage, seventh in steals and fifth in assist-to-turnover. He says that there were times the team lacked the leadership that could’ve easily made them play better together… “as a unit.” The team as a whole is looking forward to opening the season with high hopes that rebranding of the team will bring out more fans from the community and the student body
Little Rock returns four who played and three players who redshirted last season. There are 10 newcomers to the roster for 201516 season. In addition to Hagins and Woods, Maurius Hill and Mareik Isom return as major contributors from last season’s team.
Prior to coming to Little Rock, Head Coach Chris Beard was the head coach at Angelo State with a winning record of 47-15 after just two seasons. Beard, who also
spent 10 years as an assistant coach under Bobby and Pat Knight at Texas Tech plans to grow with his team as a whole and put each and every day of hard work to use this season. Little Rock Athletics has taken a turn in quite the positive direction over the past year and only look forward to the continuance of great things from the department.
The league recently announced that both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will each have four of their upcoming 2015-16 games carried by ESPN3 through the Sun Belt Conference’s new expanded television package. The Trojans’ doubleheader vs. Georgia State on Saturday, Jan. 30 will be streamed live at the Jack Stephens Center as part of this package.
Lauren Lockhart-Lindsey
Staff Writer
lalockhartl@ualr.edu
Little Rock women’s basketball team was picked to finish third in the Sun Belt Conference this year by the coaches. Alexius Dawn and Shanity James were named to preseason All-Sun Belt teams in another poll voted on by the coaches of the league.
Senior guard Alexius Dawn was an All-Sun Belt Second team member last season. She set a Sun Belt Tournament record with 15 three-pointers during the tournament and was named to the AllTournament team. Dawn made 76 three-pointers during the season. This placed her second all-time in school history.
Dawn averaged 10.3 points and 3.44 assists per game. She is also highly skilled on the defensive end averaging 1.76 steals per game last season. Dawn was the only Trojan to start every game in 2014-15. Dawn came to UALR after starting
all 59 games and averaging 36 minutes per game over two years with South Plains College. Her decision to come to UALR was based on Coach Foley, his background and the success he’s had at the university.
“Coming here was definitely out of my comfort zone, I faced a lot of challenges that I wanted to overcome all for myself. Just getting here and being able to face my challenges was important,” Dawn said.
Senior forward Shanity James was the top rebounder for the defending Sun Belt champions. She led the Trojans with 6.9 rebounds per game in her junior campaign and finished second on the team with 10.7 points per game.
James had five double-doubles throughout the season and picked up 13 rebounds against Louisiana in the conference opener. Last season she scored double figures in 20 of 34 games while helping Little Rock to the best season in program history. James also led the team with 28 blocks. This season James says that she feels the need to step
up and be a leader.
“There are a lot of new players, both transfer and freshman that are now a part of the team and I took the time to invite them over and help get them adjusted to the program, I know that it can be hard being far from home,” says James.
James wants to bring the team together both on and off the court in hopes of building a team that is prepared to continue the great accomplishments of last season.
Director of Athletics, Chasse Conque, announced a new contract for head women’s basketball coach Joe Foley. Foley, who was recently a finalist for the head coaching position at Kansas, agreed to terms that include an improved financial package and will keep him as Little Rock’s women’s head coach through the 2023-24 season. Dawn says that this season will be fought for just as hard as the last season was.
“We play hard! We practice hard to give people who come to the games a chance to see what we do, how much Coach Foley puts his time into it and how much we
really mean to this school. We try to represent this school and this city,” says Conque.
Over the last nine years, Foley’s teams have eight 20-win seasons and seven postseason appearances. The Trojans have won three Sun Belt Tournament titles and six division titles over the same span. The women’s program won the Sun Belt
Conference regular-season and tournament titles this past season. Foley was named the league’s Coach of the Year for the third time in his 12 years in Little Rock.
The Women’s basketball team will open its season Nov. 13 at Tulane, and its first home game at the Jack Stephens Center will be Nov. 18 against LSU.
Veronica Marin goes up for one of seven kills in the win over Georgia Southern. She was one of five Trojans with multiple kills.
Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu
On Oct. 31, 2015, the Little Rock Trojans defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles in a tough four-set match. The Trojans with this victory clinched a spot in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Little Rock will not finish lower than eighth place in the conference with this victory against Georgia Southern. This game was not an easy one for the Trojans, who improved to 7-6 in Sun Belt play this season.
Georgia Southern style of play slowed the pace of the match down, and made it hard for the Trojans to institute their fast style of play. The Trojans improved to 4-0 against the Eagles and 9-1 alltime when playing on Halloween.
The first set was one of great difficulty for the Trojans. Georgia Southern grabbed an early 7-5 lead. The Eagles had the defense of the Trojans scrambling after a 4-0 start. Coach Compton called two timeouts, once at 14-9 and at
18-11 to calm her team down and to get them to understand that they need to play smarter. After those two timeouts, Little Rock with their blocks closed the lead and forced Georgia Southern to call a timeout. The set ended with Georgia Southern winning 25-22.
In the second set, Little Rock came out on firing. They held a 5-0 lead and a 14-6 lead. At these junctures of the game there were timeouts taken by the Eagles. However after the score was 23-10, then Eagles scored eight straight points to bring the Trojans lead down to five. During their only timeout of the set, Coach Compton implored her team, “Make a good pass and a crisp pass.”
The Trojans got the final two points that they needed to clinch the set 25-18. Georgia Southern’s Cathrine Murray going into the 3rd set break had 18 of her game-high 25 kills.
Little Rock in the third and fourth set the Trojans played better both offensively and defensively. They forced 16 of their 33 errors in the final two sets and brought Murray’s hitting percentage down
from .600 down to less .300. On the offensive end there was a lot of balance for the Trojans.
Edina Selimovic led the Trojans 13 kills. Miona Milovanovic had 10 kills and Marina Avram had nine kills and five digs. Taylor Lindberg led the team in assists with 40 and she also had 11 digs. This was her second career double-double.
Kelsey Leech led the team with 21 digs.
When asked about how important this win was for her team
Coach Compton said, “It was important for us to secure a spot in the conference tournament.”
Coach Compton was in love with her team’s balanced performance on offense.
“I really think we did a good job of having a balanced attack. If we have just one person doing everything it’s very easy for the defense,” said Compton.
The Trojans have three games left; two of them are on the road. Little Rock will have their final game against Appalachian State on Fri. Nov. 13, 2015 at the Jack Stephens Center.
Chi Alpha battles Donaghey scholars in soccer intramural semi-finals.
Lauren Humphrey Staff Writer
lehumphrey@ualr.edu
Ending the intramural soccer season on Oct. 22, Chi Alpha and Cannon placed first for the regular season for Co-Rec and Men’s divisions. Chi Alpha was undefeated (5-0) in the Co-Rec division and Cannon made it through the season without a loss (4-0-1).
In the Co-Rec playoffs, Chi Alpha, Donaghey, Greek Grass Kickers and Grass Kickers all battled on Nov. 3. Chi Alpha played Donaghey and after two halves Donaghey couldn’t score against Chi Alpha. The final score was 3-0.
The Greek Grass Kickers and the Grass Kickers faced off and the Grass Kickers did not score either. The Greek Grass Kickers won with a score of 2-0.
On Nov. 4, Chi Alpha and the
Greek Grass Kickers played in the final game of the playoffs. Both teams scored several points, but Chi Alpha could not keep up with the Greek Grass Kickers. The Greek Grass Kickers became the Co-Rec soccer playoff champions when they won 4-3.
In the Men’s division, Cannon, Delta Chi and Friends, Panther and Pike earned spots in the playoffs. Cannon faced Delta Chi and Friends in the first round and Cannon beat Delta Chi and Friends (2-1). Panther and Pike also faced off, but Panther was not able to score against Pike. Pike won with a final score of 1-0.
In the championship game of the playoffs, Cannon and Pike fought for a victory. Both teams battled hard the entire game, but Pike was not able to score against Cannon. Cannon won 1-0 and became the Men’s soccer playoff champions.
Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu
Well guys this is the final entry for this semester. We have seen some great stories going on in the world of sports. The Kansas City Royals winning the World Series. Daniel Murphy hit a home run in six straight playoff games. Murphy was tearing up pitchers in the playoffs, but that was until he played against the Royals. In the NFL there are three undefeated teams: Bengals, Panthers, and the Patriots. Tom Brady is still doing Tom Brady things, but the Sheriff; Peyton Manning is not performing up to his usual standards. The surprises are the play of Andy Dalton and Cam Newton both who are underrated MVP candidates. College football has just endured its first week of a treacherous November.
This month will definitely separate the contenders, from the pretenders. The NBA season is barely three weeks old, and we already know one thing. It’s Stephen Curry’s league and everyone else is just living in it.
So as we move into 2016 so much stuff is going to happen in between when you read this and the next time there will be another column for you to read. I have some predictions that you can keep and call me out when it turns out that most of these are wrong. I’ll call it the Hot Corner’s Ten Bold Predictions. We will go from ten all the way to one.
10. Wichita State will threaten to be in top five and Ron Baker will be the leading candidate for Player of the Year.
9. The Lakers will trade for Carmelo Anthony or there will be rumors for a trade to Carmelo Anthony.
8. The Giants will win the NFC East and the Carolina Panthers will win the NFC.
7. Avery Bradley will be traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies will trade for either Gordon Hayward or Joe Johnson.
6. Zach Grienke will go back to Kansas City Royals to replace Johnny Cueto and Ben Zobrist will stay with Royals as well.
5. The Pittsburgh Penguins will be the number one team in the NHL.
4. North Carolina will be out of the top 15 by the beginning of January.
3. The Rams, Cardinals, and the Seahawks will all be in the playoffs. So will the Raiders.
2. The Washington Wizards will have the best record in the East.
1. The New England Patriots will lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game in Foxborough, and will beat the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 50.
ACROSS
1 Advantage briefly is given to defence if one's lost ground (9)
6 God's ground (5)
9 Half-heartedly stagger back for joint (5)
10 Future son of God abandons earth to offer assistance to those with a faltering heart (9)
11 Bowled evenly, getting two rookie openers to yield ground (3,8)
14 Trial that may take place at 1ac, 6ac, 11, 13,22 & 20, and 23 (4)
15 Make reluctant skiing instructor direct beginners back to slope (10)
18 Picture representing heartthrob? (10)
19 Goal obtained after introduction of last sub (4)
21 A nerve is not affected by abnormal tipping of organ (11)
25 English general engages veteran in Vietnam to provide material (9)
26 Backward boy with little education displaying inventive skill (5)
27 Turner Prize finally is given after endless stick (5)
28 In that direction weather's poor always (9)
DOWN
1 Pupil to pupil: I said study diplomacy! (3,7)
2 To leave cauliflower first of all is a waste (4,6)
3 Director's informed about annoying computer programs (6)
4 Epitomising for your information in writing (9)
5 Chip pan a chore when out of trim? (5)
6 Male bats getting no runs – he's not much use (4,4)
7 Dissolute sort's inclination to scrape (4)
8 One prince turns up in Hindu dress (4)
12 Vile wine regularly made awkward problem for its producer (4-6)
13 Directing one's course to pasture ground (10)
16 A ball secures victory after batting previously (2,7)
17 Italian motorway (part of it) leading south east (8)
20 See 22
22,20 Ground reached by river crossing (5,6)
23 Eggs left in ground (4)
24 Stupid fellow is a lump (4)