The UALR Forum: October 22 Edition

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GONE SINCE THE 80’S SPORTS CLUB MAKES A COMEBACK

EBOLA AWARENESS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

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October 22 - November 4, 2014

Opinions

ualr.edu/forum

AN OPENING WORD

Executive Editor KenDrell Collins Advisor Sonny Rhodes Operations Manager Art Director Byron Buslig Features Editor Alexis Williams Entertainment Editor Abigail Marshall Distribution Manager Jordan Anderson Photo Editor Brady Jackson News Editor Victoria Hickey Sports Editor Maggie Rogers Business Manager Laura Rodriquez Graphic Designer Tori Temple Graphic Designer Chris Helliwell Staff Lela-Tamara Fluker Grant Fox Brian Gregory Ryen Staggers Alyssa Causey Shashank Avvaru Natalie Doris Jayme Goad

Pauline Mothu Caleb Mitchell Tanner Newton Logan Sturgill Paige Mason Zachary Tallent Carmien Penny

The 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. Students enrolled in Journalism 3320 and other reporting classes are contributing writers for The Forum. 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.

Your voice, your vote

By KenDrell Collins Executive Editor KDCollins@UALR.edu

P

ryor. Cotton. Hutchinson. Ross.

These are only a few names of Arkansas politicians we’ve heard on the radio or seen on our television screens lately. With election season in full effect, there’s been no shortage of debates, rallies or commercials of candidates asking for a vote.

No matter your political position, it can be easy to become irked by the incessant bickering between politicians. For some, the environment can lead to a complete rejection of politics and, by default, of voting.

While volunteering for LULAC this summer, I had the chance to register citizens to vote. I came across multiple people my age that said they do not vote. One stated that all politicians are the same. Antoher said one vote doesn’t matter anyway. Unfortunately, these sentiments are all too common. The idea of politics has become a turnoff to young voters and years of seeing government inefficiency has discouraged older ones.

The best analogy I have for voting

is this: You’ve just graduated and your parents agree to pass down the family car. You would much rather drive a new Mustang or Mercedes Benz. The old family car is a little rusty, the breaks squeak, and it has an ugly green paint job. You don’t throw it away or run it off of a bridge though. Why not? Well, it’s all you have. It’s your only reliable means of transportation, not to mention you’re parents worked hard for it and didn’t have to give it to you.

Voting is similar. Sure, we have to deal with a bunch of candidates who squall and fight. Sometimes we may not even have one we feel is worth casting a ballot for. Our right to vote, however, is worth tolerating any amount of petty disagreements between candidates. I would be more worried if they actually agreed on everything anyway.

Hundreds fought and suffered for the sake of our suffrage. Let’s not allow their efforts to have been in vain. As November approaches, take time to learn the positions of those running for office and exercise your right.

Opinions

ualr.edu/forum

The Thinking Man: Democracy: Ideally real or really ideal

By Shashank Avvaru Staff Writer SXAvvaru@ualr.edu

T

he recent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong feel all too familiar to be alarmed or excited for. China has been known to condemn democracy before using brute force and violence if necessary.

This is not the first time there has been an outcry for democracy in China, and this certainly won’t be the last.

But this domino effect of revolutions and mass protests begs the question: why isn’t democracy just handed to these nations on a platter? When a political change becomes so essential people are ready to give up their lives for it, this change needs to be in place for better or for worse.

Maybe that is not the question we should be asking. Maybe we should be asking whether democracy is really what they should aspire for.

It is the most common form of government and yet, when it comes to its efficiency, there is significant intelligent criticism that makes us question whether it is still the same government our ancestors fabricated it to be.

Democracy is beautiful.

There is no denying that. It is the truest definition of freedom and expression of everything human. There have been times

when democracy was challenged but, in the end, it stood tall. It continues to stand tall but not without unlikely allies.

Democracies are falling prey to unjust bureaucracy every day.

Governments continue to be influenced by private organizations and I would be lying if I tell you that major political decisions today do not have an agenda favoring the rich and the powerful.

This is not just true of the United States. The UK, France, India, Germany are all relevant examples. Modern democratic nations have been gradually transformed from standalone political powerhouses to confluences of the public and private sectors.

Does this mean democracy should not be the ideal to aspire for?

When compared to governments that legitimize arrest without cause, anti-homosexuality, limitations of freedom of speech online and offline, democracies are a godsend. But that is not enough, at least not enough for true change.

Therein lies the answer to our question. It is not modern democracy that will serve as a solution.

It is real democracy that Hong Kong or nations in the Middle East should be aspiring for. A democracy that provides freedom and justice without being influenced by the unjust is what our forefathers envisioned.

This is the democracy that will give us happiness. More importantly, this is the democracy that will give us everlasting peace.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the forum!

October 22 - November 4, 2014

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

By Jeremy Kuang-Nguyen

G

erms! Germs! Germs! No more soap in West Hall!

A few days ago I got word that the bathrooms in West Hall at the University of Arkansas At Little Rock will not be restocked with new soap.

After hearing this I’ve become extremely mad. Just think about the millions of germs on your hands after using the restroom. Now think about the hand and the millions of germs on that hand touching the door handle and all the elevator buttons.

If prisons could get soap for free, why can’t the thousands of dollars of tuition and housing that we paid for cover the cost of a bottle of hand soap? UALR, restock the soap, not the germs!

By Tiffany Stephens

H

ave you been offended by the phone app “Yik-Yak?” Because I and many others have. If you don’t know what Yik-Yak is, it’s a website where you can anonymously post your thoughts on and people in the same geographic area can see your “Yaks.”

I had personally never heard of it until I started to college at UALR, but it seems like most of the students on this campus are obsessed with what is being posted to this app. I even read an article in The Forum this week advising students to be more responsible when posting to Yik-Yak and to not “slander” other students because IP addresses can be traced back to the person who posted it.

Why was that PSA necessary in the first place? This is college are we not all adults? Isn’t it time to leave the petty gossip and jealousy behind in high school? Sure it’s easy to be a keyboard warrior and post cruel things about people when your identity is concealed, but would you or could you say the same thing to the person’s face? Think before you post.

By Seth Arlington

E

ducation is the most important issue facing our world today. I humbly request that your publication spend more time highlighting the important contributions that Arkansans make to our state’s education everyday. Allow readers an insight into its shortcomings, and provide us with valuable information from experts on how we may improve it.

While this informed reader understands correlation is not causation, I wondered how a state’s ranking in education compared to its obesity rate. Massachusetts ranked first in education, and had the fourth lowest adult obesity rate. By comparison, Arkansas ranked 45th in education, and had the third highest adult obesity rate. West Virginia, which ranked last in education, also ranked first in obesity.

Studies have shown that people who are educated live healthier, more productive lives. Important factors in a state where Arkansas currently holds the number eight spot for most-incarcerated population. Victor Hugo, the author of Les Miserable, wrote, “He who opens a school door closes a prison.”

I say to all of my fellow Arkansans: let’s open some doors together. We can begin by holding our elected officials accountable for their policies, by promoting education in the media, and volunteering for those in need.

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

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News

October 22 - November 4, 2014

ualr.edu/forum

A costume ball to celebrate the 2014 issue of Equinox Pauline Mothu the diverse student body through from the English department

Police Beat Jayme Goad Suspicious persons at University A man was approached by a female and two other males while walking towards his car at the University Village apartments. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the man said a woman approached him and asked for a ride around 6:20 a.m. When he declined her request, one of the other males accompanying her allegedly stood next his car. The complainant said he yelled for the man to move out of the way. The complainant also said he believed that one of the men was holding a tool that could have possibly been a screwdriver. As the complainant was waiting for the exit gate to open, one of the men began beating the hood the car, according to the report. He said he asked the man to move out of the way again.

It was at that point the complainant drove around the man and pulled up to the light at Asher Avenue. The man approached his car again and the complainant continued to turn onto Asher and left the scene, according to the report. No arrests were made.

The complainant said other details were unclear regarding the suspects due to the “frosted over” windows on his vehicle.

Jeep spare tire theft becoming a trend The spare tire from the back of a Jeep Wrangler was stolen in Lot 5, according to a police report filed at UALR’s Department of Public Safety. It was reported on Monday, Oct. 13 that after a man returned to his Jeep to Lot 5 around 3:30 p.m., he noticed his spare missing. The report also said two lug nuts, a wheel and leather cover were missing. Detective Sharon Houlette of UALR’s Department of Public Safety said, “This is becoming a trend.”

Houlette’s advice for preventing this theft is to park vehicles along a tree line or back closely against something that would complicate criminal’s access to the tires. DPS also said they are working closely with the Little Rock Police Department to connect some of the recent thefts of spare tires. There have been a total of four “jeep-related spare tire thefts” over the last month on campus, according to reports.

Theft at University Plaza lot A spare tire was stolen off the back of a Jeep Liberty parked in the University Plaza parking lot. According to a report filed with DPS, a woman approached her car around 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. She realized her spare tire was missing off the rear of her jeep. The woman also said she saw two lug nuts lying on the ground next to her vehicle. The Jeep was parked from approximately 8:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the west side of the lot next to Big Lots, the report said. No additional merchandise was believed to have been missing from the vehicle.

Staff Writer pxmothu@ualr.edu

E

quinox Literary Magazine is celebrating the publication of the 2014 issue with a launch party at South on Main (in the annex space, 1304 South Main Street in Little Rock) on Friday, October 24 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. According to Nickole Brown, professor in the English department and faculty adviser, the event will feature poetry and fiction readings by contributors to the Equinox Literary Magazine 2014 issue, as well as music and refreshments.

“The event is representative of the collaboration between students from both visual art and creative writing,” she said. “In addition to the reading, we plan on showing artwork from artists of this edition.”

The celebration is also a costume ball, so guests are encouraged to wear their best disguise-prizes will be given out for the best literary costume, creative costume, and scariest costume.

Equinox is a student-run journal of contemporary art and literature at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Through it, the UALR community can discover and nurture the unique voices of

compiling an annual selection of visual art, poetry, fiction, and drama representing the Arkansas art community. Equinox has been providing this venue for the expression of the UALR student body since the 70’s and continues to improve and flourish.

Equinox is currently taking submissions for the upcoming edition. All students, particularly writers and artists are encouraged to submit visual art, poetry, fiction, or drama. The deadline for all literary submissions -poetry, fiction, or drama, is November 1, and the deadline for visual art is December 1. All submissions need to be emailed to equinox@ualr.edu. Interested students can find all the guidelines on the Equinox webpage at http://ualr.edu/english/index. php/home/programs/equinox/.

Nicole Wilkinson, an officer at Equinox, mentioned that Equinox is published every fall semester, and the UALR community is welcomed to go pick up a copy at the English department in Stabler Hall 501.

“Students often ask me where they can get a copy and how much it is,” she said. “It is free.

Equinox receives money from the university so students do not have to pay to get a copy.”

Equinox is run by students

who are passionate about writing and who are looking to gain experience by using their educational skills, before graduating college.

Becoming part of the Equinox staff is a wonderful opportunity for students to contribute to the literary tradition on campus and in Arkansas. By being part of Equinox, students learn and gain experience about the publishing industry, and are able to add this to their resume.

Every semester, the English department offers students the opportunity to intern at Equinox.

Applicants should be prepared to work the internship for the two semesters of the academic year.

Although students can start their internship in the spring semester, it is preferable for them to start in the fall semester. Indeed, by starting in the fall, interns get the full experience from conception to completion. In addition to the experience and learning, students also earn course credit for interning at Equinox. English majors can earn up to six credit hours for the internship but space is limited. The Equinox staff also welcomes volunteers.

Anyone interested in joining the staff should contact Professor Nickole Brown in the English Department at lnbrown@ualr.edu.

News

ualr.edu/forum

October 22 - November 4, 2014

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Asa Hutchinson: A governor for Arkansas’s future Brian Gregory School of Law. He was appoint- campaigns as a man dedicated ence classes in every Arkansas Staff Writer bjgregory@ualr.edu

W

ho will be the right person to replace Gov. Mike Beebe this election season? The political match-up is between Republican candidate Asa Hutchinson and Democratic candidate Mike Ross. With Election Day two weeks away, take a look at Republican candidate Asa Hutchinson and see if he is the help Arkansas needs.

Asa Hutchinson is a 63-yearold Bentonville, Ark. native.

He is a graduate of Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C and the University of Arkansas

ed U.S. Attorney General of the United States Western District of Arkansas in 1981 by Ronald Reagan and was the youngest U.S. Attorney General in the nation.

Hutchinson lost the 1986 Senate race against Dale Bumpers and the 1990 Attorney General race against Winston Bryant. He won in 1996 U.S. House Representative 3rd District seat against Democrat Ann Henry. After being elected to his third term as representative, he was appointed in 2001 to Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration by President George Bush. In 2006, he ran against former Attorney General and current governor, Mike Beebe and lost. Hutchinson

towards the future of Arkansas.

He wants to help out the struggling middle class of Arkansas, with a very specific plan on economic development. He plans to reduce income taxes on those making $20,400-$75,000. Hutchinson also wants to increase the Arkansas minimum wage of $6.25 to the current federal minimum wage of $7.25. He is not in favor of the Affordable Healthcare Act put in place by President Obama, as he says it kills jobs and fatally flawed. This also means that he is opposed to the private option.

When asked about his plan to keep Arkansas graduates in Arkansas, Hutchinson said, “I want to put computer sci-

high school in the next 4 years.”

Arkansas is one of the 43 states in the country that does not require computer science as a requirement for graduation.

Hutchinson believes that every student in Arkansas, no matter what his or her field is, should know how to write computer software. In turn, Mr. Hutchinson believes that this will make Arkansas students more attractive to businesses across the state and across the country. This will in turn hopefully bring more businesses to call this state home because Arkansas has made advancements in the technology training of its students.

He also plans on instituting

Mike Ross and Asa Hutchinson came to UALR to tell voters why they deserve to be the next Arkansas Governor

the PREPARE plan which will help increase manufacturing job creation and manufacturing job employment in Arkansas. Not only is this with manufacturing but with other skilled professions as well. This will hopefully again attract businesses to come with jobs that will put Arkansans with college degrees to work.

Asa Hutchinson is a strong personality who is a consistent conservative. He has had success in leadership positions in both the government and the private sector. Hutchinson has a unique set of problem solving skills that will benefit the state and a passion for this state that he believes will make him the right person as governor of the state of Arkansas.

Photo by KenDrell Collins

Mike Ross: The economic and education governor Brian Gregory in Texarkana, Ark. However,

Staff Writer bjgregory@ualr.edu

E

lection season is here in Arkansas, and there are many important races across the state. One of the most important if not the most important race is one that will determine the next governor. The race puts Republican candidate Asa Hutchinson against Democratic candidate Mike Ross. They both are looking to replace the overwhelmingly popular Gov. Mike Beebe. With Election Day two weeks away, here is a look at Democratic candidate Mike Ross.

Mike Ross is a fifth-generation Arkansan that was born

he was raised 48 miles away in Prescott, Ark. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock while working as a local radio announcer. At age 20, he was former Arkansas governor and U.S. President Bill Clinton’s driver. In college, Ross was the vice-president of Young Democrats of Arkansas. He served as Chief of Staff to Lt. Gov. Winston Bryant from 1985-1989.

Mr. Ross was elected in 1990 to the Arkansas State Senate and worked along Mike Beebe to pass the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship program. He served for 10 years and was for a period the youngest elected member of the Arkansas legislature. Mike Ross was then elected to the U.S. Representatives for Arkansas 4th

District Congressional District.

Ross chose not to seek re-election for his seventh term but instead chose to run for governor.

Mike Ross is a successful businessman who has plans to be the biggest economic ambassador for the state of Arkansas. He was tired of the partisan bickering in Washington and just wants to help the state of Arkansas. Ross has a record of bringing people together. He plans to cut taxes for all working Arkansans. According to Ross, the income tax code has not been changed since 1971.

He also plans to rid the state of its sales and use tax on manufacturers in the state of Arkansas.

While also being the biggest economic ambassador for the state he want to be the “Education Governor”. This means having

Pre-K for every child in Arkansas regardless of zip code/income.

Ross is also in favor of increasing the minimum wage as well, but above the federal minimum wage.

When asked how he plans to make college more affordable for Arkansas students Ross said, “We have to make that higher education does not cut. K-12 education generally gets $.60 of every dollar that goes to education. The $.40 is then divided up between higher education and Pre-K education. We need more money towards Pell grants and to make sure that the lottery and the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship stays fully funded”.

He believes that the children of Arkansas should know that college is within reach for

them. He believes that in order to keep Arkansas graduates here “we must let the country and the world know that Arkansas is ready for business. This means improving an education system that is ranked 49th in the country.”

Mike Ross wants to bring goodpaying jobs to Arkansas because he wants Arkansas’s best and brightest to stay here.

Ross believes that he should have your vote because he believes in Arkansas and its abilities as a state. He wants Arkansas to be a place of fair pay for women, great education, and a place where citizens have a future. Endorsed by Gov. Mike Beebe, he also wants you to vote for him as the next Governor of Arkansas.

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News

October 22 - November 4, 2014

ualr.edu/forum

Event creates safe environment for LGBTQ community on campus Hillary Perkins Staff Writer hdperkins@ualr.edu

U

Courtesy of UALR

ALR is sponsoring a Safe Zone training event on Oct.30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Donaghey Student Center in room D. The purpose of the Safe Zone program is to inform the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community that there are people who care about their safety. The Safe Zone program will provide a Safe Zone where those affected by homophobia can safely seek assistance.

Catherine Crisp,an assistant professor in the Social Work department mentioned that t 20 people have signed up for train-

ing. She also mentioned that UAMS pulled enough faculty members to put the Safe Zone event together at UALR. The Safe Zone program is nationwide program and is popular at large universities.

“As a community, we all have a responsibility to make sure any environment we are a part of is safe,” said Tara DeJohn, an assistant professor of social work.

The Safe Zone committee consists of students, faculty and staff who are committed to provide training on campus. The Safe Zone symbol will be placed on office doors, desks and backpacks to signify a safe place to talk about any issues that impact the LGTBQ community. The Safe Zone training event will consist

of a lecture, a panel and a Q & A. According to the UALR website, participants are aware that UALR is a diverse campus which the LGBTQ community is also a part of. They are also aware of the LGBTQ community and are willing to interact with them respectfully to discuss the issues that homosexuals, lesbians and bisexuals face in everyday life.

The discussions are confidential.

Also, according to the UALR website, individuals who would like to join the Safe Zone program will attend two to three workshops per semester. They must register on the UALR website to join the training event. They also have the option to sign a contract as a way to commit to the program.

Sustainability Day offers greener options Carmien Penny is fast growing and sustainable.

Staff Writer cdpenny2@ualr.edu

S

ustainability Day for UALR was held on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Multiple activities took place across campus in recognition of the event. A recycling drop off station was located in Parking Lot 15. There was also a Vintage & ReUse fashion show hosted by a local vintage design group, the Arkansas Cherry Dames. Other booths present included Heifer International and the UALR Sustainability Committee, who also had information on Recycle Bikes for Kids. Both stations had excellent opportunities for students who wish to volunteer their time.

For those interested in volunteering, Heifer International is an organization working in over thirty countries. They are committed to ending hunger and poverty around the world.

The headquarters are located in downtown Little Rock. Their website states “All of the materials used in the building were sourced within 500 miles of Little Rock. Except for the bamboo.

Heifer chose bamboo because it

Heifer [also] uses gray water, rainwater captured in a collection tower, to supply non-consumable water. In 2007, Heifer’s headquarters achieved the highest “Green Building” rating possible, The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certification.”

The UALR Sustainability Committee is “committed to promoting healthy environments, economies, and societies, starting with our campus.” They have many initiatives, including the Coleman Creek Greenway Project, and Take Back the Tap. Take Back the Tap is part of an effort to reduce the use of bottled water, and instead move towards using reusable water bottles. The committee also is responsible for Campus Earth Day, which is held in the spring semester.

Another opportunity for volunteer time,or if you’re just looking to get rid of an old bike, is with Recycle Bikes for Kids, located in downtown Little Rock.

They take donated bikes, repair them, and deliver them to children and adults who need them.

They have also worked alongside other organizations, including

UALR Children International.

The children who participated in the program learned not only about bicycle safety, but how to take apart and put back together a bike.

While there are ample opportunities for students who want to get involved on campus and/ or in their community, there are also ways to make a change on an individual level. From recycling and educating yourself on the do’s and don’ts recycling) to shopping local, there are countless simple ways to help improve the future sustainability of Little Rock. Another way to contribute is by taking advantage of alternative forms of transportation instead of driving. This can include joining a carpool, walking, riding a bike, or using public transportation.

Dylan Yarbrough, who is a senior at UALR majoring in Photography, recently got rid of his car.

He now relies solely on his bike, public transportation, walking, and occasionally good friends.

He offers his perspective on why he made the move.

“I wanted a different pace in life. It’s easy to romanticize the idea of not having a car, but the

Illustration by Carmien Penny

reality is much different. Living sibilities to those around me. I this way requires you to be more have made a more intimate conmindful of time and resources. nection with my community.”

Your perspective changes on a lot of things. Convenience is no longer convenient, so the motivation to go somewhere comes from seeking a certain quality. Overall, my life has changed positively.

It’s made me more conscious of my health, finances, and respon-

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The CIA is seeking motivated individuals with a sense of service for an exciting and rewarding yet challenging experience. Do you have that drive inside of you?

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ROCKET_University_of_Arkansas_at_Little_Rock_10x10-43.indd 1

10/1/14 8:29 AM

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October 22 - November 4, 2014

Campus Life

ualr.edu/forum

Staff Spotlight: Benny Scroggin for a little over 15 years as a student development specialist. He Editor is in charge of making many of vxhickey@ualr.edu the advertisements for the school and helps out with designs for various groups- including the tudents see a variety of posters and advertisements University Programs Council and for different events here The UALR Forum.

Scroggin said he got the job on campus. Benny Scroggin, a graphic designer for the office just like most others, through of campus life, is responsible for networking. He greatly enjoys many of those exciting and eye working for the university and he thinks the people he works catching designs.

He was born and raised in with are wonderful and he enFairplay, Arkansas, which is right joys meeting the new students by the Hot Springs and Saline that come to UALR each year.

Scroggin is well liked by many county line. After high school, he attended the University of Arkan- here on campus. He is always insas at Fayetteville, where he stud- credibly helpful and he definitely knows what he is doing. When ied photography and studio art.

Scroggin has worked at UALR asked how his friends would de-

Victoria Hickey

S

scribe him, he says, “I think they might say I have a good sense of humor and that I’m a generally nice person. I hope so anyway.”

Those who know Benny know that he works out on a daily basis. When asked why he does it, he answered, “I exercise for one reason - to hopefully live longer.

That’s all I can say about that.”

His hobbies also include spending time with his wife and his two daughters when he isn’t working. He said that his family keeps quite busy with many exciting adventures.

The most exciting thing that Scroggin has done was going skydiving when he was in his early 20s.

“It was quite a rush, but once

Benny Scroggin, graphic designer for the Office of Campus Life, says what he likes most about UALR is “The people I work with and the students I get to meet every year.” is enough.”

He also traveled in the 90s as a photographer’s assistant.

“Tokyo was the most exciting place I think I’ve been - simply because it was so different than most places I’d seen.” Scroggin

Courtesy of Benny Scroggin

hopes that one day he can travel to Australia so he can cross it off his bucket list.

Scroggin is a very dedicated staff member of UALR and contributes to making it such a wonderful campus.

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Campus Life

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Major Spotlight:

Criminal Justice Carmien Penny

Staff Writer cdpenny2@ualr.edu

O

ne of the many majors offered at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is criminal justice.

“Created in 1972, the Department of Criminal Justice at The University of Arkansas, Little Rock is the flagship criminal justice program in the state,” said Karen Wisdom who is the coordinator of academic advising and recruitment and retention for the criminal justice department.

“Our programs prepare students for work in law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice, as well as high level research positions and advanced scholarship.”

The criminal justice major requires 30 hours and the department offers a variety of levels of education: associates, bachelor’s masters, and Ph.D. degrees. A few job options for someone majoring in criminal justice include a position as a forensic scientist or a position in local or state law enforcement.

“The department houses three centers dedicated to specific types of research and service,” Wisdom said. “The Center for the Study of Environmental Criminology (neighborhoods and crime) works closely with the University District to better understand crime and quality of life issues in Little Rock, as well as the study of crime and the environment in general.”

“The Juvenile Justice Center

Illustration by Carmien Penny

takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of juvenile delinquency and related risk or protective factors. The Senior Justice Center is actively engaged in understanding crime against the elderly, with particular attention to health care fraud.”

Marquise Jones, a sophomore and a criminal justice major had a few things to say about what he enjoys most about his major.

“I enjoy how engaged the instructors are when dealing with their classes and students. The instructors are very diligent when replying to their emails to make sure students receive the right amount of attention in a short amount of time. The courses do, for the most part, require a lot of reading but the instructors make the topics fun and engaging. The atmosphere in the classroom (online or physical) always feels welcoming and friendly.”

Jones also mentioned that planning for his future career was not an easy task.

“The hardest obstacle I believe I’ve had to face within this field of study would have to be determining what I would do with the major by itself. I am currently a double major in criminal justice and chemistry, so I feel having the Criminal Justice discipline along with chemistry will give me the education and experience I need to pursue a career in forensics.”

October 22 - November 4, 2014

9

UPC WEEK 2014 Lela-Tamara Fluker Staff Writer ldfluker@ualr.edu

Illustration by Logan Sturgill

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t’s October and all the fun things are happening; scary movie marathons, Boo at the Zoo, costume parties, and best of all UPC Week. This years’ UPC week will be held the 27 through 31 and each day there will be different activities taking place throughout the Donaghey Student Center, all being provided free of charge to the UALR campus community.

There will be a Black Light Extravaganza on the 27 in DSC Ledbetter Hall. It’s a chance to get your glow on and help kick off UPC Week 2014. The next evening will be Music Night in Ledbetter Hall. Hip-Hop Violinist Josh Vietti will perform an ensemble of his most famous music covers. Vietti has performed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, at Dodger Staduim, and been featured in an NBA ALL-Star Game Commercial.

Check out his YouTube channel to see videos of his wonderful talent.

On the 29, the UPC Carnival will be held in the DSC Fitness Center. Come out to enjoy a zip line, obstacle course, caricature artist and many more fun activities. The UPC Headliner will be actor/comedian Brandon T. Jackson from films such as Roll Bounce (2005), Lottery Ticket (2010), and Tropic Thunder (2008). He will

host comedy night on October 30.

On the final day UPC will be serving Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream in the DSC Upper Concourse.

UPC Week is organized to give UALR students a chance to have fun free of charge. The events have been scheduled throughout the day to give students a chance to come and view the enjoy the amenities. “We also want to spread the word about UPC and inform students about how they can get involved.” says Movies and Public Relations Chair, Victoria Hickey. Since the week is being held right after midterms, it is a great opportunity for students to relieve stress from testing before the stress of finals starts to kick in.

Last year’s UPC Week was an incredible success and students

responded to the events wonderfully. Events featured a Black Light Party, comedian Gina Brillon, and the 2013 supernatural thriller The Conjuring.

After the events, the University Program Council will use evaluations and watch for the feedback from social media responses in order to measure the success of the activities. Attendance, participation and reactions help to make each year a bigger success. The more students participate and encourage their friends to come out, the better UPC can plan events that appeal to the likes and preferences of the UALR community.

University Program Council has high hopes and expectations for the week and things are going to be exciting.

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October 22 - November 4, 2014

Features

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Prospective students discover UALR Lela-Tamara Fluker Staff Writer ldfluker@ualr.edu

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ith all the great things the fall time brings, college tours are some of the best. On October 24, the university will be hosting Discover UALR 2014 for prospective students and their families to come

Courtesy of Valerie Breashears

Beauty Shot taken near the Jack Stephens Center where the opening session for Discover will be held. Photo submitted in last years’ contest.

and explore all the great assets the university has to offer.

Visitors will be able to see residence halls, choose an academic area to explore, and even have the chance to win a scholarship for taking a selfie! This year the selfie winner will receive a $500 scholarship and the overall winner will receive $1000. All others will receive a $250 scholarship.

They will also be able to look into majors, talk with current students, explore even more scholarship opportunities, and see what the typical day in college is like.

The event will take place in the Jack Stephens Center and span campus-wide form there. This year the energy has been risen to a higher level with a more enthusing opening session and additional activities added.

“UALR will also be awarding scholarships and prizes during Discover Day,” said sophomore Madeline McGee Discover Day is aimed towards high school juniors and seniors, as well as transfer students. This group of students would benefit the most from attending the open house.

“Discover UALR is essential to showing students all that they have to gain from going to our university,” according to McGee. So much hard work and dedication is put into the work done at Discover that it would hard

Have a problem?

Need assistance from law enforcement?

You can contact the UALR Department of Public Safety at

501.569.3400

their family can have at UALR is a benefit to enrollment,” according to Communications Coordinator Valerie Breashears.

The experience will be recorded through evaluations done by prospective students and their parents expressing how they felt about the Discover UALR events.

All comments are used to help make the next event bigger, better and more informative. At the end of the day, satisfaction is guaranteed. Students will have left with a “great impression” of the UALR campus, and will help to rise enrollment for the next year.

“I came Discover UALR on two occasions throughout high school and the event played a big part in my decision to enroll here. It’s a privilege to help provide incoming freshman a preview of all that UALR has offered me so they can have the opportunity to share the same amazing experience that Courtesy of Valerie Breashears I’ve had here.” said McGee. Discover UALR helps to benefit This photo submitted by Discover us all as a campus; as a family.

UALR 2013 attendee won the scholProspective students are invited arship for most creative photo. to learn about our campus, meet us as students, and speak with EIT, Donaghey Scholars Program instructors that have taught us and student organizations/clubs over the semesters. We as a school such as the Forum, The Alliance, get to potentially add to our famUniversity Program Council, and ily atmosphere and give students, who are also new to adulthood, a intramural sports.

Enrollment is also a big fac- serious insight into the college life tor in this day as well. “Every that they will take on after high positive experience a student and school graduation. not to notice. Coordinators have committed themselves to making this event one that attracts the attention and academic desires of prospective students, because without the student, the faculty has no job. The goal is to appeal to the student.

Prospective students will be able to learn more about the Chancellor Leadership Corps,

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Features

October 22 - November 4, 2014

French Pressed

LGBT history to be celebrated all month

By Pauline Mothu Staff Writer pxmothu@ualr.edu

French Pressed: unemployment policy Illustration by Paige Mason

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very country is different, events on campus to entertain Out Day- October 11. and every country has its On October 12, 1998, teenager students and give the opportuown law on citizens’ rights Staff Writer nity to make new friends from Matthew Shepard died due to and benefits. It is particularly ldfluker@ualr.edu all different lifestyle. The Alliance true between France and the celebrated National Coming Out United States when it comes to uring the month of Day on campus this year. The unemployment benefits.

October, those who identify Alliance will be hosting a game France is a socialist country, as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or night, movie night, as well as, and the government provides transgender and allies of the com- the LGBT & Ally Student/Faculty financial support for many munity work to make social and Luncheon.

French, including the unemlegal movements throughout the Senior Zack Baker, President ployed. The unemployment rate country. of The Alliance, voiced interest in France is 10.2 percent, which Many issues are fought in a course on LGBT issues and means around six million French and taught during this month. changes for the UALR staff. people are looking for a job. What “Faculty and staff still don’t are the French government’s polihave domestic partner benefits, cies to help them? that’s something I would love to Unemployed can receive an see change. I’d love it if we could unemployment insurance called have a course on LGBT issues Courtesy of the Alliance allocation chômage; this insurhere on campus, maybe within Victim of hate crime that took place ance has been introduced in 1958 gender studies, sociology, or even in 1998, Matthew Shepard. Shepard

by Charles De Gaulle, and prohistory I think that would be cool. was targeted for being gay. vides a protection against a loss Maybe in the future we’ll eventuof income during an involuntary ally get to that point.” unemployed period. However, injuries sustained from an attack LGBT History Month was first not everyone is eligible to receive celebrated in 1994 and founded that occurred a few days before this aid, unemployed must meet that.

Shepard was beaten, torby Rodney Wilson, a high school several requirements. history teacher in Missouri. tured, and tied to a fence where In order to receive unemployWilson came out to his class that he was left to die near Laramie, ment insurance, the unemployed Photo by Ryen Staggers year and began to teach them Wyoming. During the trial of must have had worked for at least UALR students and members of the about how things would have one of his killers it was reported four months in the past twelve that Shepard had been targeted been if he’d lived during periods Alliance stand outside of “the closet” months, must be physically capaand use sign to identify themselves as such as the Holocaust. He could because he was gay. His death ble of work, must be actively lookbrought national attention to the have been killed for being gay. a part of the LGBT community. ing for a job, must be registered as Back in 2012, Wilson was issue of hate crimes. In 2009, the a job seeker with Pôle Emploi -the recognized as “Icon of the Day” U.S. Congress passed the Matthew Violence, equal rights, marriage for the Huffington Post. Wilson Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate French agency that helps unemequality and workplace discrimi- founded it as an informative and Crimes Prevention Act and it was ployed to find a job, and must not have left the job voluntarily. nation are just a few of the big celebratory month in honor of signed into legislation.

In the United States, those matters that concern the LGBT teaching LGBT history. He was Ways to get involved include who are unemployed can receive community. supported by numerous groups attending the Little Rock Pride The Alliance group, UALR Gay- including the Gay & Lesbian Parade, participating when the unemployment insurance if they Straight Connection, was formed Alliance Against Defamation, the debate on same-sex marriage is meet some conditions. According to create a safe zone and family- National Education Association, brought back up in the courts and to the Arkansas Department of like environment where students and the Human Rights Campaign. writing letters to representatives Workforce Services, people can can feel free of judgement while The month of October was chosen expressing your opinion. This receive the unemployment assurexpressing themselves and the because it corresponded with the year at LR Pride, several churches ance if they are involuntarily unemployed, have worked for the lifestyle they live. They also hold celebration of National Coming participated. past twelve or eighteen months, are able and available to work, and are actively looking for a job.

Moreover, like France, the benefit is based on the pay received during the previous twelve months. In the U.S., unemployed people can receive the unemployment insurance during six months whereas in France,

Lela-Tamara Fluker

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11

unemployed people can receive it during twenty-four months or thirty-six months if they are over fifty years old.

The benefit duration is not the only difference between the French and the American unemployment insurance system; how much unemployed get paid differs from both countries as well.

In the U.S., unemployed people receive between forty and fifty percent of their previous pay whereas in France, they receive between fifty-seven and seventyfive percent of their previous pay.

Compared to the U.S., the unemployed people in France receive more benefits and for a longer period than American unemployed, but the U.S has a lower rate than France. Indeed, it is 6.1 percent in the U.S. and 10.2 percent in France. Moreover, I read recently in the news that the French economy minister would like to change the policy due to its cost. Currently, the French unemployment benefit system has a deficit of 4 billion euros, but the rest of the government replied it was too early to discuss measures for a future reform. I would think that being unemployed in France is more beneficial than in the U.S., but no matter how much benefits you get, unemployment is not pleasant and can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

A bientot pour de nouvelles aventures! (See you later for other adventures!)

12

October 22 - November 4, 2014

Features

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UALR Study Abroad hosts first Trojan Travel photo contest Pauline Mothu said that around eighty students are encouraged to submit photos Israsena mentioned. “It can be a Staff Writer pxmothu@ualr.edu

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ALR students have

the opport u n i t y to travel a b r o a d d u r i n g their college education to learn about other cultures, but many are not aware of this opportunity. In order to inform students and promote studying abroad, UALR Study Abroad will launch its first ‘Trojan Travel’ Photo Contest during the Study Abroad Fair, an event part of the International Celebration Week, on November 19, 2014.

With this event, Porntip Israsena, Director of UALR Study Abroad,

study abroad each year but the from their trips to show the UALR UALR community does not get the community where they have been, and to encourage chance to see their pictures. other students to go “Many Study study abroad as well,” she added.

Every students can submit their pictures, it is not only open to students who had been studying abroad and international students.

“We hope that our Study Abroad students and international students will submit their pictures,” Israsena said, “but we know that other UALR students travel too. This is why we decided to not have categories and call it “Trojan Travel’.”

M o r e o v e r, students can submit pictures from anywhere in the world, Abroad students whether it is a country partnered send us their photos from their with UALR or not. study abroad experience through “So far, we have had photos of Instagram, but not everyone gets students with their classmates to see them,” she said. “Students but the photo can be anything,”

picture with a beach, m o n u ment, to n a m e a few ideas.”

All photos will be displayed in the D C S

the student in it, a

three winners will be announced and receive their prizes will be held in the Leadership Lounge after the contest. For more information

and registration, s t u dents can go on the UALR Study Abroad webpage at http:// ualr.edu/ s t u d y abroad/ photo/.

They have until October 31 to submit their photos.

U p p e r Concourse on November 19 where everyone can vote for their favorite photos. An ice cream social event where the Photos courtesy of Porntip Israsena

Located in Chiang Mia, Thailand, the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple (pictured above) is the most cherished temple in the country. Study Abroad Director Porntip Israsena visited Thailand in 2013.

William H. Bowen School of Law: Open House is to provide prospective applicants with information that will Staff Writer be useful in preparing an applicaefhenson@ualr.edu tion for admission to the William H. Bowen School of Law,” says Jenifer Finney, the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Scholarships he UALR, William H. Bowen of Bowen.

“It is also an opportunity for School of Law will hold a Pre-Law Open House on prospective applicants to get a November 11, 2014 from 5p.m.- feel for the Bowen community by spending an evening inside of our 9:25p.m. ““The purpose of Open House building interacting with current

Ericka Henson

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students, faculty members, staff and administration”, Finney said.

Although William H. Bowen School of Law is a branch of UALR, the open house is open to the public and anyone may attend. An admissions advice panel made up of past and present Admissions Committee members will be present at the open house, which is a new addition this year.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with check-in, which will transition into mingling with the Bowen staff, faculty, alumni, and students. As the evening progresses the Dean will give a welcome and discuss just why pre-law students should choose Bowen to further their education.

Professional and technical writing major Christine Stuckey studied in France during spring 2014. She visited Disneyland Paris during her time abroad.

The panelists will then have the floor of persuasion, to describe “why Bowen is an excellent legal education community.” After the panel discussion, application advice will be given and past/present members of the Bowen Admissions Committee “will share their individual views on what makes an application for admissions strong, mediocre, or weak.”

An optional observation of evening division tort law class will be offered at the end of the open house, which you are not required to stay for the entire observation and can leave at the break of the division tort law class.

The mission statement says, “The UALR William H. Bowen School of Law provides a high quality legal education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical concepts to not only function as competent attorneys, public officials, business persons, and other professionals, but also to think critically about the efficacy of the law and legal institutions and to work for their improvement.”

If you plan to attend, please e-mail lawadmissions@ualr.edu so that they may have an accurate count for refreshments. If you need more information or have any questions, you can contact Dean Finney: jvfinney@ualr.edu

We’re celebrating YOU this week!

Monday, November 3

Open House in the DSC Office of Campus Life 216G from 9:00-11:00 Stop by for donuts, swag, information to help you succeed and to meet the staff of the Non-Traditional Student Programs.

Kick Off Contest: What is the best advice you have for the next nontraditional student? (This can be a short statement or poem.) 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a $25 gift card and swag. Email submissions to ntsp@ualr.edu by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7. Be sure to put ‘NTSP Contest’ in subject line! Winners will be notified on Monday, November 10.

Tuesday, November 4

Scholarship Workshop in DSC Ledbetter C from 2:00 to 4:00 This session will cover the scholarship application process, as well as where to look for non-traditional student scholarships for both undergraduates and graduates. You will leave with a timeline, scholarship worksheet and many other materials you will need to succeed in finding that scholarship. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to bring your lunch and your laptop (all forms are electronic). This workshop is co-sponsored by UALR Private Scholarships.

Wednesday, November 5

Student Resource Fair in DSC Upper Concourse from 11:00 - 1:00 Stop by and find out about graduate school and all the resources we have on campus to help you be successful now and after you graduate.

Refreshments will be provided. Co-sponsored by the Graduate School Association. Scheduled particpants include: Alumni Association Health Promotion, Programs and Education UALR Writing Center Financial Aid/Scholarships College of Business Non-Traditional Student Programs TRIO Graduate School Association COOP Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County Library Campus Recreation

Thursday, November 6

Open House in the Office of Campus Life DSC 216G from 9:00-11:00 Stop by for swag, information to help you succeed and to meet the staff of the Non-Traditional Student Programs.

Take a Faculty/Staff Member to Lunch - Lunch is on me! Invite your favorite faculty or staff member to lunch in the Diamond Café, bring me proof and pick up your voucher! Limited to the first 10 students!

Friday, November 7

Movie Night: Tyler Perry’s The Single Mom’s Club in the DSC Room 201 Leadership Lounge at 6:00 p.m. When five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group, they find inspiration and laughter in their new sisterhood, and help each other overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. Refreshments and popcorn will be available.

This event is co-sponsored by the Power of Women Program.

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October 22 - November 4, 2014

Features

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Women in the Weight Room is simple as that. Working out is healthy and that is ultimately our goal.

Alyssa Causey Staff Writer arcausey@ualr.edu

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he struggle is real for women in the weight room.

your preferred elliptical in the gym. Women are just as interested in this muscular movement as men are. Their presence in the weight room is not near as prevalent though. My own experiences lifting weights in the weight room have got me thinking and speculating about five struggles that women face in the weight room.

In the past several years, weight training has exponentially increased in popularity. Gone are the days of running endless miles 1. The goal of on the treadmill and fighting over every woman in the gym who is working out is not to lose weight. People make biased assumptions about why we’re there in the first place. We are not taken seriously. Sometimes we go to the gym just for the sake of exercising and being healthy. It

2. I’m not perfect and I can’t recall having ever met someone who is.

However, all judgment aside, it is beyond my level of comprehension as to why some other women get done up to come to the gym. A full face of make and a nice hairdo will not improve your workout. It won’t improve your form and it won’t make you lift more.

It seems like such a waste of time and resources to do your makeup and hair, only to sweat it off. Sure, some women come to the gym all done up after work or school.

But if you do your hair and makeup for the sole purpose of going to the gym, you have some serious priority issues. After all, who are you coming to the gym for?

Hopefully yourself.

3. This third struggle addresses the elephant in the room. Lifting heavy things and sitting them back down entails awkward bend-

Illustrations by Paige Mason

ing down and necessary accentuation of certain areas of the body.

It is inevitable that at some point we’ll accidentally wear ill-fitting clothes. Sometimes cleavage finds its way near the top of our shirts. Sometimes our butts are accentuated when we do squats.

It happens. Please be aware that we aren’t doing these things on purpose. Please be courteous and do not stare.

4. This is my disclaimer: I’m not full of myself. I swear I’m not. But I don’t go to the gym to get hit on. This is true for most people and most girls. We go to the gym to

Physician sheds light on spread of Ebola Grant Fox Staff Writer tgfox@ualr.edu

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n the wake of the recent Ebola virus scares in America, it seems necessary that awareness of this terrifying disease be raised.

Questions like “How do you get it?” and “Is it terminal?” are just a few that have been asked.

The roots of the Ebola virus are similar to that of AIDS. It is suspected that apes and some bats are the original carriers of the disease. The virus causes a hemorrhaging fever, diarrhea and vomiting.

Dr. Bob Bradsher, an expert on infectious diseases at UAMS, said that we shouldn’t be panicked

however.

“Sixty percent of people between the ages of 10 and 40 die in West Africa when they are diagnosed with Ebola. The reason people in the U.S. shouldn’t be quite as worried, is that we have so many more resources and much better level of care available than is available in Africa.”

Under the proper watch and care, the disease can be effectively dealt with. As of now there

is no cure. Helping the patient re-hydrate as much as possible is the best solution, while waiting for them to outlast the virus.

One of the reasons that the virus spreads throughout Africa is because some tribes have a burial ritual wherein the fraternal aunt washes the body, and all those in attendance will touch the head of the deceased as a sign of good will. Afterwards, each member washes his or her hands in a com-

exercise. We don’t go to flirt or exchange phone numbers or get a date. We go to do the same thing as you – to lift.

5. Our last struggle is pretty obvious. This may also sound pretentious, but bear with me. Though my form is not perfect, I don’t want you to correct it. If I want to improve my form or make sure that it is correct, believe me, I will find a way that does not involve a sweaty stranger invading my personal space. I might watch some YouTube videos or maybe even hire a personal trainer.

The next time you see us in the weight room, please consider these struggles.

Illustration by Logan Sturgill

munal bowl.

Dr. Bradsher says that this ritual is an ideal way for the virus to spread.

“Outside of a host, the virus can only survive a few hours.

The disease cannot be passed from one host to another without symptoms of the disease being present. That is what separates this disease from the threats that the measles, and influenza of 1918 posed.”

Entertainment

ualr.edu/forum

College Cla s Zach Martin

Staff Writer sxavvaru@ualr.edu

Staff Writer zrmartin@ualr.edu

ne of our goals as College Classics writers is to enlighten the readers about little-known movies that nevertheless present an accurate, entertaining, and inspiring portrayal of college life and a journey through the fictional days of fellow scholars. Movies that set your nostalgia running from memories of high school, motivate you tremendously in college, and give you a source of understanding for what exactly it may feel like to be a college student. We believe that this next movie does this very thing, and much more.

One such buried gem is Starter For 10. Written by David Nicholls who based the movie on a novel of the same name, this 2006 comingof-age dramedy is a movie that isn’t just fun to watch, it is culturally relevant and a fitting metaphor for college dreams that students see and reality checks that

crash upon us-- irrespective of whether we deserve them or not.

Every student that has recently coped with the fright of trying to get into the best school for them, and is now being churned up in the melting pot that is a college atmosphere will be able to relate almost instantaneously with this brilliant British film.

In 1985, Brian Jackson (James McAvoy), a freshman at the University of Bristol, runs into a little pamphlet that changes his life. The opportunity to compete in University Challenge, an intercollege quiz show, comes knocking and Brian, a fan of the game ever since he could remember, grabs it with glee and excitement.

This chance comes with chains attached though in the form of their control-freak team leader Patrick (Benedict Cumberbatch) who he cannot stand and a beautiful team member Alice (Alice

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Gotham: Why I Am Annoyed At An Entertaining Show Tanner Newton Staff Writer tgnewton@ualr.edu

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am a Batman fan and my idea of what a pre-Batman Gotham should be is very different from this show. A Gotham before the Batman should also be a Gotham before James Gordon.

Frank Miller’s great comic Batman: Year One shows that’s the two men start their careers at the same time and Miller’s even better comic The Dark Knight Returns shows that the two men retire at the same time. Batman without Gordon doesn’t work and vice versa.

In my mind this show should have been about the gang wars between the Falcone and Maroni families. Four episodes in and

s

Shashank Avvaru

sic

October 22 - November 4, 2014

Starter for 10

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Eve) who he cannot help but fall for head over heels. Another interesting distraction in this equation comes in the form of Rebecca (Rebecca Hall), a friend who Brian runs to for help and advice.

But all of this falls along the sidelines when the day of the competition arrives. With minutes left before the show begins, Brian chances upon a tempting albeit illegal way for a sure-shot victory in the competition, and he takes it.

One of the many interesting things about this great movie is its immensely star-studded cast.

With Katherine Tate (The Office) as Brian’s mother, Rebecca Hall (The Town) as a friend, and Alice Eve and Benedict Cumberbatch who are both rising stars in the recent Star Trek movie. If that doesn’t impress you then let me add that Charles Dance (Game

of Thrones), who is well known as Tywin Lannister, plays a commanding role as Alice’s father.

Another very beautiful trait of this cinematic wonder, one that is a recurring theme for College Classics, is its brilliant ability to put every viewer right into the world of the film with the trials and tribulations of teen life.

Taking all of us back to our college days, Starter for 10 addresses the departure of childhood friends and the growing apart from them we all experience.

This movie explores the struggle between growing as a person through knowledge and new experiences, and the alienation that comes from this growth.

Yet, between all the separation of home, it shows us the wonder of meeting new friends and being apart of something that we love. Now throughout its very serious notes there are many

quirky hijinks that lighten the mood and send us reeling as we reminisce. Such as the dilemma we all face with romantic relationships, and how we always end up falling for the person that isn’t exactly good for us as another might be. This production has a vast amount to offer is entertainment and pure enjoyment, and we strongly believe that it should be an addition to your long collection of classic favorites.

Movies set our minds going and we find a little understanding within them all. Classics earn this title due to their uncanny ability to reach almost everyone that experiences them. Whether it be love or comedy or even drama, we all find the desire within us to sit down and figure out a little about life reel by reel.

both characters have been introduced and are feuding but so far they are in the background.

Instead we have a generic cop show about a good cop in a corrupt town. I also don’t like that this show has already established characters like Penguin, Riddler, Poison Ivy, Catwoman and... well I think that was Joker in the pilot.

Batman is a lunatic. He is crazy.

Before the Batman, Gotham was full of gangsters. A freak ran them out of town but in the process he attracted more freaks like himself. A good case can be made that the city of Gotham was actually safer before the Bat arrived.

That the freaks are already in

town ruins one of the best parts of the Batman mythos.

All that aside, this is an entertaining show. The stars of the show do a good job. Ben McKenzie does a fine job as James Gordon.

Sean Pertwee is the best version of Alfred Pennyworth that has ever been filmed. However the show’s real standout is Grounded for Life star Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock. I’ve always found Bullock to be a boring character but not here. His wicked ways are fascinating and I look forward to seeing where his character goes from here.

The villains of the show are not at the same caliber as the

heroes. For example, in the second episode there is a kidnapper that is very over the top and not in a good way. Fish Mooney, a creation of the show, is also pretty bad. Penguin I am mixed on. I need to see more of him before I can decide if I like or dislike him.

For this show to get better the villain of the week format needs to stop. I believe more focus on the Maroni vs. Falcone gangs is the answer to saving this show. Gordon and Bullock have to remain the show’s center but they should be in the middle of a gang-war. As the show stands, it’s decent but it could have been great.

Entertainment

ualr.edu/forum

Pop star’s latest effort offers less risk, more reward

Scoopshot app review

16

October 22 - November 4, 2014

Caleb Mitchell “Sweet Talker,” one of the album’s Staff Writer cfmitchell@ualr.edu

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ritish singer-songwriter Jessie J has captured pop lovers’ attention since her 2011 debut album “Who You Are.” With her constantly changing visual and musical style, J has proven to be a bonafide chart topper with hits like “Price Tag” and “Domino.” Sadly, however, the U.S. has been largely lacking in new material from the singer, whose second album, “Alive,” never saw a stateside release due to lackluster sales numbers. Fortunately, that has now changed with the release of J’s long-anticipated new album, “Sweet Talker.”

Featuring a mix of Top 40 pop creations and soaring ballads, “Sweet Talker” is overall a more cohesive album than “Who You Are,” though fans of the hip-hop, rap, and electronic elements that appeared in that album may be disappointed to find these relatively lacking in “Sweet Talker.”

The album opens strong with “Ain’t Been Done,” one of the few songs this go round to feature hip-hop elements. The song starts off with J rapping at breakneck pace, showing off the singer’s impressive rapping skills or some music producer’s impressive vocal manipulation skills; at any rate, it sets the tone for the rest of the song and the first half of the album, which is predominantly made up of similarly fast-paced, club-ready pop songs.

The next song on the album, “Burnin’ Up,” happens to be the second single, so if you haven’t heard this insanely catchy number featuring 2 Chainz yet, rest assured: it’ll be overplayed on your favorite radio station soon enough. Next up is the titular

tempo songs like “Fire,” “Loud,” “Personal,” and “Get Away” with varied results. While the latter two are great songs where J’s powerful vocals shine, the former two are highly repetitive.

“Loud,” in particular, featuring YouTube-violinist-turnedsuperstar Lindsey Stirling, is so repetitive it hinges on unbearable, essentially just four and a half minutes of the word “loud” sung ad nauseam.

Sadly, after 12 songs, the standard edition of “Sweet Talker” ends, and unless you purchase the deluxe edition, you’re missing out on a couple of the best tracks on the album.

“Your Loss I’m Found,” and “Strip” are two great songs that shouldn’t be missed out on; the final bonus song, “You Don’t Really Know Me” is a pretty vanilla slow pop ballad that doesn’t really add much to the overall album, but for a mere $2 more for the bonus edition of “Sweet Talker,” two out of three is alright in my book.

Courtesy of Lava Records Overall, Jessie J’s third album “Bang Bang” another go. It’s a may not be as daring or explorgreat chance for J to really show atory as her debut, but it’s arguwhat she can do, and her roar- ably a better album with beting Aguilera-esque vocals help ter payoff. Even if it doesn’t go elevate the song to another level down in music history as one of entirely; all three singers sound the best pop albums of all time, good enough on their own, but there’s enough here to ensure put them together like this, and that you’ll be slapping the replay you have an undeniably catchy button and getting these songs song that brings memories of stuck in your head for months “Lady Marmalade” to mind. to come. Hardcore fans may Other standout tracks include be disappointed that J chose the “Masterpiece,” and “Seal Me better safe than sorry route with With A Kiss,” featuring hip-hop “Sweet Talker,” but when safe trio De La Soul. These are inter- still sounds this good, it’s hard to spersed with ballads and slower argue with the results. highlights in which J assures her man, “you ain’t gotta look like a movie star,” as long as he keeps sweet talking her all night long.

A good blend of sweet and sultry and upbeat and slow paced, this is sure to be a favorite.

“Sweet Talker” is followed by the album’s lead single “Bang Bang,” and if you haven’t grown sick of hearing this collaborative smash hit with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj yet after its months of radio airtime, then you’ll probably love this song.

Actually, even if you have grown tired of it, it’s still worth giving

CJ Waters that allow you to discover what

pictures are trending; follow task Staff Writer creator; receive specific tasks; cwwaters@ualr.edu profile enhancement; discover which brands are purchasing or anyone who likes to take images; browse through millions pictures and make videos, of photos; start discussions on this is the app for you. The any image; and share photos to best thing about it is that users different social media channels.

One thing the user should be can now sell their pictures and videos to several brands around aware of-- and avoid, is posting inappropriate content because it the world.

The Scoopshot application is can be reported.

Some people who’ve used becoming the trend for Apple iPhone devices. It’s a fun app for the app are so far enjoying it. people to share their experience According to Sincerely Mindy, a blogger the app was quick with other people worldwide.

Scoopshot was updated this and easy to set up and navigate month on Oct. 10 by P2S Media because it’s an app that’s not Group, Incorporated, which is overly complicated to work with.

The estimated worth for the known to be one of the largest application is $20,520, which is a companies in the U.S. It comes with four features good start for a new app.

Scoopshot is compatible with including a task page, profile page, activity feed, and photo only Apple iPhone products browser. The features allow app and requires an iOS 7.0 or later users to vote on the best pictures update.

As much attention as I give to or videos, see what people and friends are doing, share your my phone, I would like to give photos with the world and dis- this application a try to see what cover what is happening around it’s like and see if it’s an interesting alternative to Instagram and you.

Other than those four fea- Flickr. tures, there are several others

F

Entertainment

ualr.edu/forum

October 22 - November 4, 2014

17

Bikes, beer, and community at Biketoberfest Treyvon Herron

Staff Writer tkherron@ualr.edu

B

icycle enthusiasts, BMX bikers, and joy riders alike came out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to take part in the second annual Biketoberfest.

The event was sponsored by many of the local Arkansas bike shops and proceeds went to Recycle Bikes for Kids. Recycle Bikes for Kids is a local Arkansas business that takes old or discarded bikes, repairs them, and then distributes them to some of the less fortunate kids in the area. The afternoon’s activities included a BMX stunt show, the

Rat Rod Build-off and Race, and the Adult Trike races.

The stunts from the Southern BMX stunt show did not disappoint. Backflips, 360’s, Indy airs, you name it, they did it.

The tricks flowed like water for an hour until the main event started: the Rat Rod Build-off and Race. The Rat Rods were marvels to behold, ranging from seven-seater bicycles to double suspension rigged bikes.

The adult tricycle races were hilarious to say the least. It was just as you would expect a bunch of grown men and women riding children’s bikes as fast as they can down a lane to look like. The Rat Rod Races were a sight to see as well. Four of the finalists from the Rat Rod Build-

off faced off for a grand prize. It was unbelievable to see some of the zany designs for these rods barrel down a lane to the finish line.

Between the jokes from the charismatic (and maybe slightly drunk) announcer and wild designs of the rat rods, there was no shortage of good times and laughter at Biketoberfest and it all went to a good cause. Biketoberfest showcased the good of Little Rock and the bicyclists that live here. So be on the lookout next year for Biketoberfest and prep yourself for some great fun.

Photo by Treyvon Herron

Southern BMX show stuntman catches big air on his bicycle at Biketoberfest.

The Good Earth Garden’s annual “Pooches and Pumpkins” Jayme Goad

nized,” founder of the rescue organization, Carrie Kessler said. The organization is ran by volunteers that remove animals from poor living conditions and place them in foster homes until they find their permanent owners. “Some of our dogs go on to become service dogs,” Kessler concluded.

Rock City Rescue, a rescue foster organization, also made their first-year appearance at the event.

Being a rescue organization for two years, president Casey Carter said they came to the event to “get

more people to foster and adopt.”

The rescue focuses on pulling animals off the streets, taking in those whose owners can no longer care for them, saving strays as well as provide homes for animals from the high-kill shelters. “The more fosters we have the more pets we can save,” she said.

The “Pooches and Pumpkins” event is held on either the second or third Saturday in October each year. The event is always free to the public.

A few of the caninines pose their photo in thier bride and fairy costumes. This bride (left) gets some alone time with her owners after playing hard with her new friends. These two dogs in tutus (right) are on their way to the next booth for some tasty treats.

Photos by Jayme Goad

E

Staff Writer jmgoad@ualr.edu

quipped with dogs, cats, raccoons, monkeys and chickens in their Halloween costumes and also featuring a fainting goat named Barbara Jean, The Good Earth Garden’s annual “Pooches and Pumpkins” event attracted families from all over central Arkansas.

The event was held Saturday,

Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Good Earth Garden off Cantrell in West Little Rock which also included a pet costume contest. With passing out at least 900 free hot dogs to patrons, owner of the Good Earth Garden, Gregg Curtis, said his fourth year of hosting the event was a success.

“Every time we do these types of events, they are always free to the public,” Curtis said.

The event was very popular with the children this year. There were several bouncy houses as

well as a swingset. Most children came dressed in their Halloween costumes as well. Princess Elsa from the hit Disney movie Frozen also made an appearance and posed for pictures with the kids.

Last Chance Arkansas, a nonprofit charity rescue from Little Rock, had a booth set up and passed out cotton candy at the event. Last Chance Arkansas’ mission is rescuing animals and providing them with forever homes.

“We mainly focus on rescuing dogs that may otherwise be eutha-

18

October 22 - November 4, 2014

Entertainment

DRACULA Untold

ualr.edu/forum

movie Review Illustration by Byron Buslig

Grant Fox Staff Writer tgfox@ualr.edu

W

hen most people think of Dracula, they think of a crucifix, the sun, bats, a silver stake, holy water, the Catholic church battling Satan’s spawn, maybe even the occasional terrorizing scream from a doomed woman. Everyone knows Dracula is a bad guy. He sold his soul in order to live forever and terrorizes the people of Transylvania.

Eat Beat:

Fall Food Festivals

By Alyssa Causey Staff Writer arcausey@ualr.edu

I

n the last Eat Beat, I shared my opinions about some of my favorite restaurants in Little Rock. This time, I wanted to hear about some of UALR students’ favorite places to eat.

Jonathan Bradshaw, 24, is double majoring in philosophy and math.

What are you favorite restaurants?

When the world is dark versus light, Dracula epitomizes the dark.

Now rethink your notions of Dracula. Picture him as a human.

With a heart. Married to the beautiful Mirena (Sarah Gadon) with a son whom he dearly loves. This is the picture that is painted of the fearsome Dracula (Luke Evans) within fifteen minutes of the start of the movie.

The story opens with Dracula’s son (Art Parkinson) telling his father’s story. Dracula, originally known as Vlad Tepes, was a feared warrior known as “Vlad the Impailer”. The peace-seeking prince of Transylvania is in the

middle of an Easter celebration when Turkish representatives barge in on the festivities and demand 1,000 young boys for the Turkish army, including Vlad’s son. Vlad refuses, keeping a promise he made to his wife.

The Turks respond with a show of force, and Vlad reaches out to a mysterious creature hidden away in a cave. That creature turns out to be a vampire and Vlad’s life is changed forever.

After returning to his land and destroying an entire Turkish squad by himself, Vlad leads his people to the refuge of a monastery. There he and his troops prepare to battle the bulk of the

Turkish forces, led by Turkish prince Mehmed (Dominic Cooper).

The ensuing battle takes its toll as Mirena is killed, and Vlad’s son is taken by the Turks. Driven by his anger, Vlad turns on the few survivors of the monastery and wipes out the remaining Turks, freeing his son. After the battle, he parts the clouds to kill off all the remaining vampires, himself included.

This is where the movie takes an interesting twist. The seemingly perfect ending to a man who sought only to protect his family does not die. Rather flash forward to modern day, and a Mirena dop-

plegänger appears front and center. Vlad, now known as Dracula, approaches and introduces himself. The two exchange friendly banter and walk together as the movie comes to an end.

Dracula Untold is a refreshing story told from a romantic/action point of view separating itself from the traditional terror dependent tale. Luke Evans does a fantastic job of portraying Dracula as a man’s man while still appealing to a woman’s perspective. This is definitely a movie worth seeing if you enjoy a romance story, supernatural beings, or even just a good ole fashioned action movie.

Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro downtown I like because I like the food. They usually have a couple craft beer options-- local ones of course. I like to try stuff I’ve never had. The owner there is really cool, she makes a point to come to your table and say “Hi.” I think that says a lot. South on Main definitely has the best fish. Good catfish entrée for dinner that is amazing. I like the atmosphere.

The chairs are comfortable and there are a lot of great details.

I also really like The Pantry. I go there for the cheesecake. It’s the best I’ve ever had.

My favorite new place is Newk’s, they have an amazing sandwich called Newk’s-Q. It’s got white BBQ sauce and it’s pretty amazing. Cheddar’s is the best

affordable sit down meal. So I like to go there for dinner a lot with friends. BJ’s is great because it’s open so late on the weekends.

Where do you go the most?

I go to Cheddar’s and BJ’s the most.

If you have to recommend one, which would it be? Either Dizzy’s or The Pantry.

What is your favorite food to eat out at? My favorite type of food is Indian, Italian and Chinese food.

Elizabeth Wilson is a senior majoring in Professional and Technical Writing.

What are you favorite restaurants?

The Oyster Bar is number one.

She tells me how to fix up oysters on the half shell-- you want to

squeeze lemon on it and a few drops of Tobasco sauce and a hefty scoop of horseradish.

Taqueria El Palenque is awesome. Their chile poblano is the best, and their salsa is amazing.

I also enjoy Reno’s Argenta.

They have great portabella mushroom burgers and gyros.

Mr. Chen’s is a store and a restaunt. Their kung-pow shrimp is unbeatable and their hot and sour soup is the best I’ve ever had.

Pizza D’s. Their best pizza is called The Greek. It’s got feta, kalamata olives, parsley, and mozzarella. And you’ve got to try their hot wings!

White Water is a good late night spot for the best burger in town.

Where do you go the most?

The restaurant I go to the most is U.S. Pizza. I like their stuffy sticks. The best thing they serve is their salad supreme with the house dressing.

If you have to recommend one, which would it be? Oyster Bar, hands down.

Favorite food to eat out at?

Seafood.

The one thing that’s almost as great as eating food is talking about it with other like-minded foodies. Sharing favorite restaurants, food and recipes broadens our culinary horizons. I encourage you to give these UALR students’ favorite Little Rock restaurants a try when you’re looking for someone where new.

ualr.edu/forum

Sports

October 22 - November 4, 2014

19

Lady Trojans extend winning streak against Arkansas State Brian Gregory the rally-scoring era that the Lady out the rest of the match. The

Trojans had held the Red Wolves Staff Writer to less than 12 points. The first set bjgregory@ualr.edu was also the fourth most lopsided set of the entire season and the biggest set win ever against the he UALR volleyball team Red Wolves. Sonja Milanovic had extended their winning eight of her 14 kills in the first set. streak to ten with a 3-set Things got more interesting in sweep of their rival, the Arkansas the second set as UALR jumped State Lady Red Wolves. The Lady out to an early 8-4 lead that was Trojans came in with a 14-4 record capped off by a service ace by overall, 8-0 record in conference. Edina Selimovic. Several errors The Red Wolves had an 11-5 lead to a timeout by UALR head record overall and a 6-1 record coach Van Compton at the score in conference. That all changed of 9-8. After the timeout, the Lady when the Lady Trojans execut- Red Wolves held their only lead of ed their game plan to perfection the set at 10-9. After an 18-13 lead with a 25-8, 25-23, and 25-15 vic- by UALR, the score was tied at tory over the Red Wolves.

21-21. During another timeout by At the beginning of the first the Lady Trojans, the true rivalry set, both teams traded points and came out in a very contentious were tied 5-5. While there was a moment. After several UALR timeout by Arkansas State at 8-6, fans were playfully heckling the the Lady Trojans dominated with Arkansas State team and head a 20-3 run to close out the first set. coach, one fan yelled “Are you A timeout at 16-7 was supposed to ready?” This lead to the Arkansas stop the bleeding. However, the State head coach David Rehr to big solo block by Adisa Hodzic scream across the gym “we’re kept both the team and the crowd ready.” This lead to a warning to motivated towards winning that both fans and coach, as well as first set. This was the first time in further chants of “Dave” through-

T

Don’t ruck with the UALR rugby club

Maggie Rogers passed. Captain Zachary Martin is

teaming up with some individuals Editor involved with the rugby commumjrogers1@ualr.edu nity to bring it back to life.

“A few patriarchs of our very or those unfamiliar with own rugby community here in rugby and can only associate Little Rock, brought it to the UALR the sport with football, there Administration as an idea and are some differences between the they liked it so we had an intertwo sports. Rugby is played with est meeting over the summer and an oval ball that can be passed here we are,” Martin said. from hand to hand, carried or Martin and others worked hard kicked during game play. Points to make sure all of this was going are scored when players get the to succeed; so far everything is ball on or over the goal line or going to plan. “try zone.” A “try” happens when Currently, there are about 16 a players grounds the ball in the guys that attend the practices. opposition’s in goal area. A play- Martin said that he and others er can kick the ball between the would like to see the program uprights and over the cross bar flourish even further in the future. in various situations to get points.

“We are trying for a seven’s The goal of the game is to try and rugby team that has seven players score as much as possible to defeat on the field at one time,” Martin the opponent. A “ruck” is when said. “But we want to continue a mass of players gather around on and build towards a fifteen’s a ball dropped by a tackled ball which of course would have 15 carrier to try and gain possession players.” of the ball by kicking it to a teamAt team practices, they’re focusmate. ing on drills that will improve The UALR Rugby Club started in their abilities as rugby players. the mid 1980s but died out as time “Practices are full of passing

F

Lady Trojans ended up winning this set 25-23.

In the third set there was more of the same back and forth action between both teams. After a 10-10 tie, the Lady Trojans won 15 of the last 20 points to close out the match. The Arkansas State Coach was yellow-carded during the third set for gestures made towards the head referee.

Coach Compton was very pleased with performance overall.

“We only lost focus a couple of times in the second set and those mental errors were stopped with timeouts,” Compton said.

In terms of execution Compton said, “We executed our game plan as well as we have all year.”

Compton and her team both knew that this was a tight game, but they played together to pull out a tough rivalry game. Sonja Milanovic led the team with 14 kills and also had 11 kills. This gave her a seventh double double on the season. Edina Begic recorded 12 kills, and Carolee Dillard had seven kills. Megan drills aimed toward enhancing our handling skills and other field drills that incorporate beneficial habits in the game, as well as contact drills with pads and also without,” Martin said.

Since the rugby program is still very new, they currently have one game scheduled for the fall season. They will be competing at a tournament in Jonesboro, Ark. on Nov. 22. There, they will face Arkansas State University’s seven’s team who are back-to-back national champions. Martin says with the determination the team has, they will only continue to improve and expand. They have started team workouts in the mornings and everyone is at practice every week and on time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We can only grow from such a strong base and we are looking forward to more guys coming out and adding to our team,” Martin said.

The team’s volunteer coach is Julie McCoy. She is involved with the rugby community. Martin says that she coached numerous men and women’s teams who had victorious seasons under her leader-

Sophomore Megan Mathis gets ready to attack the ball against Arkansas State.

Photo by Maggie Rogers

Mathis recorded her highest total of assists in a three set match with 36 assists and had nine digs which were her highest against a conference opponent. The Lady Trojans also recorded four service aces including three by

Edina Selimovic.

The Lady Trojans will play against both Texas State and Appalachian State on Oct. 23 and Oct. 25 at the Jack Stephens Center at 7 p.m.

ship.

Even though this is the team’s first season together, the players seem to already have a great connection with each other. Martin said they do various activities together, like working out and get-

ting a bite to eat after practices.

“It is really amazing how well we fit together, despite the short time we have all known each other,” Martin said.

The UALR rugby team warms up with some routines at the start of practices

Photo by Maggie Rogers

20

October 22 - November 4, 2014

Sports

ualr.edu/forum

Intramurals gives students a league of their own Maggie Rogers

Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

I

f UALR students want to show their athletic skills and their competitive edges, they can sign up to be apart of the Intramural Sports Program. To sign up, students can go use the online system, imleague.com. The person who oversees the Intramural leagues is the Coordinator of Intramural Sports Grant Watts.

“It gives them an outlet, I mean it’s a great aspect for somebody that either is competitive and looking for that niche in the sports world after high school or somebody that’s just wanting to get out there and have a leisure activity sort of speak within a team setting,” Watts said.

He says his everyday schedule “can be long, but it’s fun.”

“It’s more of an administrative role in setting schedules, coordinat-

ing with team sign ups, getting the rosters set and make sure they’re up to rules and regulations, training our student officials,” Watts said.

They have weekly meetings with the student staff, maybe sometimes twice a week just to make sure everyone knows what to do.

Last year, there were 684 participants in Intramural sports. A substantial amount of people checked in to games and played, according to Watts.

“We had over 2,000 actually check-in to a game and played,” Watts said.

The sports available this semester are on seven flag football, then 11 versus 11 soccer. The fall semester will end with the three-on-three-basketball league.

“Our main sports are flag football, basketball, soccer,” Watts said.

“This past year going into this year, we’ve added ultimate frisbee and then, starting last year, we offered singles table tennis, racquetball, and tennis in the fall semesters.”

During the fall 2014 Intramural

Trojans prepare for battle to win upcoming games Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

I

n Greek mythology, the Trojan Horse was strategically used against its opponent and it succeeded by winning the war. What the UALR men’s basketball team is preparing to do is no mythological tale. The Trojans had their first official practice for the 2014-15 season earlier this month to begin working on game plans to use against upcoming competitors.

Senior Ben Dillard said the team is working on improving their defense, getting towards the ball, and learning block out fundamentals.

“We’re a small team so we really got to focus on defensive rebounding as well as offensive rebounding,” Dillard said.

The Trojans have only been practicing for a few weeks, so it’s a little early to determine exact strengths and weaknesses. With the way practices have been going,

Dillard noted speed and scoring are the team’s current strengths.

“I think scoring is going to be something good for us, shooting in particular,” Dillard said. “We got a lot of guys that can really shoot the ball.”

For Dillard, one challenge he faces as a player are injuries. He has been dealing with a knee injury as well as a hip injury. He is figuring out how to work through them during the season. Some strengths Dillard has are beneficial offensively and defensively.

“I pride myself on getting towards the ball and helping teammates out,” Dillard said.

During the 2013-14 season, the men’s basketball team went 15-17 overall and 9-9 in conference. The team overall scored 71.5 points per game last season. For past couple of years the team has always been skilled, and Dillard is excited with the talent the team possesses this year.

“I think the last two years we’ve really been a skilled team but this year’s really talented, particularly in shooting the ball,” Dillard said.

season, students can participate in three versus three basketball, racquetball, 11 on 11 soccer, seven on seven flag football, battleship, table tennis and tennis. In the upcoming spring 2015 season, students can play five-on-five basketball, table tennis, indoor volleyball, racquetball, cardboard boat regatta, indoor soccer, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, and four-on-four flag football.

Watts said there are some athletic student athletes that participate in Intramurals. He also said that each season could get really competitive.

“We have some very talented student athletes,” Watts said.

This is Watt’s seventh year with Intramural sports so he has many special memories from doing this.

He still communicates with his former students.

“Just making those connections with the students that last after they graduate,” Watts said.

Watts is Facebook friends with some of his former students and he Two intramural teams competing against each has attended some of their weddings. other in a flag football game.

One of the team’s drawbacks right now is their size, according to Dillard. That’s why the team is focusing on improving their defensive strategies. In practices, they perform drills to help further their technique and overall skill.

“We do a lot of defensive slide drills,” Dillard said. “The majority of our practice is defense and boxing out.”

On Nov. 16, the Trojans will have their first conference game against the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils. With the way things are headed, Dillard is confident that the Trojans will be ready.

“I think we’re going to be pretty good,” Dillard said. “We’re a mature basketball team, I think we’ll have a pretty good year.”

The Trojans are a primarily mature team, featuring talented juniors and seniors along with Dillard. The team has a significant bond with one another that will prove to be an advantage going into the season.

“A lot of us have been together for two to three years,” Dillard said. “It’s a good chemistry with the team.”

The UALR men’s basketball

schedule is up to view the different teams the Trojans will compete against this season. The team that is on Dillard’s mind this early in the game is Georgia State.

“They might be the most talented team in our league, but it will be a good match up for us,” Dillard said.

Photo by Maggie Rogers

The “trojan horse” in this situation is the strong unity the team has continually shown each season. Let’s not forget the ongoing development offensively and defensively the team is currently practicing. This season should be action-packed with plays that will be used to defeat their rivals.

Senior Ben Dillard gives insight on what the team works on in practices.

Courtesy of UALR

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22

October 22 - November 4, 2014

Sports

ualr.edu/forum

Trojans run to victory at UALR Invitational Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

O

n Oct. 18, the annual UALR Invitational was held at the Rebsamen Golf Course where fans watched the men’s and women’s cross country teams compete against 14 different teams.

Both the men’s and women’s teams stood out at this competition. During the men’s 8K race, four Trojans were able to place in the top five. Junior John Vodacek finished first with a time of 24:42.2. For second place, junior George Gathuru finished with a time of 24:54.9. Freshman Jack Bruce finished third with a time of 25:09.7. In fourth place, senior Shaun Koehn crossed the finish line with a time of 25:22.3. The men’s team defeated Arkansas

State 19-40 and they also defeated UAPB 15-45. They finished with a team average of 25:20.34.

Senior Joseph Aguilar finished in 18th place with a total time of 26:32.8.

The women’s cross country team also created some excitement by finishing first in their division. Junior Emma Dahl crossed the finish line first with a time of 17:14.9.

Dahl said that she did pretty well in the competition and how the weather worked in her favor to help the running conditions.

“Coming in fourth place was senior Cheryl Nolan with a time of 17:48.1. The next UALR runner to finish was Adela Hernandez, who finished in 15th place with a time of 19:06.7. Freshman Kami Codner finished 20th in the race with a time of 19:17.2.

For 29th place, senior Tori Copeland finished with a time of 19:43.3. Senior Breanne Mitchell

finished 47th in the 5K with a time of 20:30.2. Freshman Rebeca Solis finished at 66th place with a time of 21:12.7.

The women’s team beat Arkansas State 15-46 at the meet.

UAPB fell to the Trojans with a final score of 15-50. The women’s team finished with a team average of 18:38.00.

“We did really well, a lot of us played hard and all of us ran really well so I’m excited about it,” Dahl said.

The UALR men’s and women’s cross country and distance head coach Aaron Batey is happy with how the teams performed at the UALR Invitational.

“I think we did real well today,” Batey said. “We ran well especially through four, can’t do much better, 1-2-3-4,” Batey said referring to the UALR men’s standings at the end of their 8K. On Nov. 2, both of the teams will compete in the Sun Belt

Conference Championship. Dahl says the team should continue to improve as they prepare for the championship.

“I think we just need to keep doing what we are doing because we have been improving every week,” Dahl said.

The UALR women’s cross country team poses together after the UALR Invitational.

Photo by Maggie Rogers

Let us root, root root for our Trojans Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

I

n preparation for next spring, the UALR baseball team hit the field in mid Sept. to begin regular team practices. Head coach Chris Curry said one of the things they have really focused on is learning how to play at a fast pace.

“I would say the number one thing that we have worked on is playing the game at a high rate of speed as it relates to pressuring on offense and being where we’re supposed to be on defense quickly,” Curry said.

Every day they do a dynamic warm up. The warm up helps

the team’s flexibility, agility, and footwork. The infielders work on fielding groundballs and throw short throws almost every day, Curry says. The catchers’ work on their skills and the pitchers do some flat groundwork.

“We always hit in the cages and do our drills off the tee,” Curry said.

Along with the team’s strong offensive lineup, Curry witnessed another positive attribute at their first Pro Day to add to the team’s list.

“At Pro Day, we had two or three guys that really showed well on the mound pitching,” Curry said. “I would say our strengths are an experienced older lineup offensively and good front line pitching.”

A few weaknesses that the

Trojans need to improve on involve pitching depth and the overall speed of the team, according to Curry.

“We need more raw speed,” Curry said. “I think we have quality arms, I would like to have more.”

To Curry, there are a couple of players that are standing out to him right now. On the mound, he brought up junior Sam Thoele who is a redshirt, sophomore Cory Malcom, and senior Cameron Allen.

“A freshman that’s one to keep our eye on is Preston Oberling,” Curry said. Oberling graduated from North Little Rock High School and played for the Charging Wildcats as a right-handed pitcher.

“Offensively I really like the way that Scheuler [Mitchell]

has played, Petr Sila has done a good job in the lead off spot, and freshman Kyle Barret has done a good job,” Curry said.

It’s tough to determine just exactly how the Trojans will fair against opponents with it still being early in the season, but Curry has no doubt that the team will excel in the Sun Belt Conference.

“It is our goal every year and I think it’s reasonable to think that we should be a tournament team,” Curry said.

The Trojans are going to face some pretty good competitors this season and Curry mentioned a few teams like Troy, South Alabama, University of Texas at Arlington, and Texas State. The one team is primarily concerned about is newcomer Georgia Southern.

“There in a recruiting hot bed and they’re bound to have good players,” Curry said.

Regardless of what the team has had to handle in the past, they haven’t let it affect the bond they have from what Curry has noticed.

“You know what, considering all they’ve been through in the past last year, pretty good,” Curry said referring to their unity as a team. “I am honored to coach you because of your resilience and they way you have stuck together through everything you’ve been through” was one of the first things Curry said to the team.

Curry and members of the team have done activities off of the field to get to know each other better as well.

SLACKERS

by Chris Helliwell

mundane magic

by Zachary Tallent

UALR GIRL

by Paige Mason

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Across Down Across Down The abbreviation for the association that 1 This group was created to give students, 1 The abbreviation for the association that 1 This group was created to give students, governs students. staff and faculty a chance to come together governs staff anddiscuss faculty a chance to come together The abbreviation for the students. club that plans in an informal manner and openly 2 forThe abbreviation for the club that plans incampus an informal free events all UALR students, including dynamics of disability and life. manner and openly discuss movie nights and 3 Abbreviation for scholarship programofwhich freecomedians. events for all UALR students, including dynamics disability and campus life. open to anyone interested in learning emphasizes community service and movie nights and comedians.

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