September 21 2016

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Newspaper

Sept 2016 21 also IN THIS ISSUE

Art and Design

PAGE 3

Trojan Soccer shows out on Senior Night PAGE 12

Recycling PAGE 9

EAT BEAT PAGE 11

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opinions

September 21, 2016

STAFF

Executive Editor Lauren Humphrey Adviser Sonny Rhodes Art Director Bethany Hoover

News Editor Tanner Newton Features Editor Victoria Mugambi Entertainment Editor Whitney Bryson Sports Editor Jack A. Webb Operations Manager Victoria Hickey Distribution Manager Rachel Chatwood 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. 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.

Letters to the Editor

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

opening word

by Lauren Humphrey As mentioned before, I went to Africa over the summer and learned that Africa could change me more than I ever thought that I could change Africa. And honestly, Africa is still changing me.

I often think about a particular woman in a village of Zambia. She was over 90 years old and had been a farmer her entire life, and still worked in the field every single day. Farming was all she had. That was how she could provide for her entire family.

One day, when we were talking with church leaders, she joined in after coming from a day’s worth of farming. She had to have been so tired, but she was so interested in hearing what we were saying. She put her ax and crop down and came to listen.

After hearing about Jesus, she immediately wanted to trade her ax, that she used everyday for food, to get a Bible.

“Why did it take this woman her entire life to realize that she needed to live for Jesus,” I thought. “If she could have known Him sooner, then her impact could have been so much greater.” I was consumed

“It is so much more encouraging to know that the God who created everything cares enough to have this moment in his hands.” with doubt because I thought a different way was better.

But that was quickly squashed when I heard the Lord say that timing doesn’t mean anything. She is another person saved, and I should rejoice. Entering the kingdom of God has nothing to do with when someone decided to start follow Him. Today, I keep thinking of this woman. I want everything to happen right now, and I am incredibly impatient. I don’t know why things take time, but I know that the Lord does. There is a reason everything isn’t fall-

ing into place right now.

So, when I am frustrated when things don’t fall into place, I have to remember that I’m not in control at all. Having control means that I only trust myself, and honestly, that’s a daunting place to be in.

It is so much more encouraging to know that the God who created everything cares enough to have this moment in His hands.

There is nothing that I can do to force time to quicken, but I will rest in simply following after God with everything that I have.

OPINIONS

by Brian Gregory There are so many things going on in this country today that occupy the media.

It’s the election, antics of candidates and their surrogates on TV, comments on Colin Kaepernick, violence in communities, etc.

All of these issues are extremely important.

We expect the media to report on the issues that matter to us. Whether it’s a mother suing Obama for his supposed lack of effort on climate change or who is going to win the next big college football game. There are so many issues occurring here that we can often lose sight of another world out there; a world that we are forgetting.

Over in Syria, especially in Aleppo, our fellow human beings are dying daily. Yet we don’t see #PrayersforSyria. We as Americans have condemned them as another nation who is bound to have turmoil because their politics and form of government were not what they was supposed to be.

Some people want us to go in there, get rid of ISIS, take out Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and all will be well. It won’t be. These people will have to rebuild their cities, and try and form some type

“There are so many issues occurring here that we can often lose sight of another world out there; a world that we are forgetting.” of national identity. After this civil war is over we can’t expect them to have a perfect government.

I would then like to turn your attention to South Sudan. A country that was just created from a civil war with Sudan, is now at war with itself. This is a tragedy we have on our hands and yet the media is barely talking about it.

I have not heard or seen any of those running for presidential office talking about it. I haven’t seen the networks talk about it.

But yet thousands of people are dying, and what’s worse is that the leaders of the coun-

try are profiting off of it. The bank accounts that the presidents, vice presidents, and generals have over in other countries are in the tens of millions of dollars. Yet there is not one cry of outrage over these issues.

I am not without fault, but I aim to do better. Not because I am self-righteous, but because I want to pursue justice. The people over in Syria and South Sudan need my help and all of our help. Not in a paternalistic way, but in a friendship way. We share a common humanity with them. If they fail, it is because we have failed them.

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September 21, 2016

New FAFSA deadline announced

by Elton Tevebaugh Even though the fall semester has just begun, students will soon be able to plan ahead for their financial aid for next school year.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be widening its deadline for the 2017 – 2018 school year, which will give students more time to pursue financial aid.

As a college student, financial aid is often important for enrollment. Grants, work-study funds

and student loans all fall under this category.

According to the FAFSA website, the FAFSA helps to offer over $150 billion annually and helps millions of students pay for higher education. The website also states that Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of student financial aid in the United States.

The deadline for financial aid applying to the 2017-18 school year will be extended. This will aid

by Alexandria Barnes Through a gift from the Windgate Foundation construction is now underway for UALR Art & Design’s new building. The Windgate Foundation dedicates itself to arts and art education and has donated to UALR for this much-needed facility.

The 64,000 sq. ft. structure is set to be open for classes in Spring 2018 to house UALR’s art and design programs, including 3D and applied design (which includes ceramics, furniture design, metal smithing and jewelry). After construction of the Windgate building, it is expected that the Music department will take over the Fine Arts building once it has been renovated.

“This building will consolidated the art and design programs in the same building in lieu of multiple locations across campus,” said Eric Fritschie of UALR Facilities Managment.

“It gives them more stateof-the-art facilities,” Fritschie added

“Total occupancy for the building is 826 including students, faculty and staff,” he added.

Located on the corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive East, the new building will be a focal point for the Northeast corner of campus. The building is also expected to help increase student enrollment at the university and within the 3D and applied design programs.“Total occupancy for the building is 826 including students, faculty and staff,” Fritschie said.

“The U of A Fort Smith just finished their art and design [building], which did not include 3D disciplines, but they’ve already seen an increase in their program enrollment. So we’re hoping to see the same effects here,” Fritschie said.

Construction has begun and will be completed November 2017. Overall cost of construction and design is around $21 million, which is covered

students by giving them more time to plan for the following school year earlier than previously available.

Instead of students having to wait until January 2017 to file the form, students will be able to submit the form as early as Oct. 1, 2016. According to the Federal Student aid website, the early submission date will be a permanent change.

Another change is being made

starting with the 2017 – 2018 FAFSA. Students will be required to submit tax information from an earlier year. For the 2017 – 2018 FAFSA, students will report tax information from 2015 instead of 2016.

By requiring older tax and income information, the need to estimate tax information and update one’s FAFSA at a later time will no longer be an issue.

If a student is still claimed

news

by their parents as a dependent for tax purposes, the parents’ tax information will be required.

This tax information is available through an IRS retrieval tool on the FAFSA website.

Staff members are available on campus to help students with the FAFSA at the financial aid department in the student center.

The FAFSA is available at: http://fafsa.ed.gov/.

Art and Design Department to get new building

Overall cost of construction and design is around $21 million, which is covered by the Windgate Foundation’s gift.

UALR virtual tour photos Witsell Evans Rasco Architects

by the Windgate Foundation’s “The art and design program gift. Some of the major players in has continued to experience this project are WER architects, growth. The new facility will aid TME Engineering group, and Nab- inpromotingthedepartmentand holz Construction in partnership continue with positive group for with Doyne Construction. the programs,” Fritschie said.

The Windgate Foundation is a privatefamilycharitablefoundation based out of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

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Student leaders unite in Hot Springs to discuss change September 21, 2016

SGA Student Government Association

SGA Discusses a Digital Campus, Town Halls and Football

by Adrian Miller

Hugh Benfer addresses the crowd at the hot springs leadership retreat

by Renea Goddard it would be open and inviting to Many of UALR’s student leaders students from all over campus. convened on Aug. 26 to 28 in Hot “Just because I say differing Springs in order to discuss broad community issues affecting UALR as opinions, it doesn’t mean any opinwell as to set specific goals for their ion was wrong,” Dicus said. “Every organizations. Hosted by the Student single opinion at the retreat was a step closer to creating a better Government Association (SGA), the Hot Springs retreat brought together UALR,” he added.

Leaders also discussed options students from a variety of social for communicating with students in circles and organizations to foster more efficient ways. Right now indialogue and change in the UALR formation spreads around UALR pricommunity. marily through flyers, emails, some Students from campus organizasocial media and, of course, word of tions, as well as Greek Life, spoke mouth. Developing a more open and out on topics including increasing inclusiveness at UALR, future build- inclusive community means communication is key, especially since ing projects and introducing more SGA and other organizations are community service opportunities to also working toward creating a more UALR students. community service oriented campus.

“One of the goals of this retreat With more and more students was to create a more inclusive seeking opportunities for community UALR,” says SGA member and retreat attendee Larry Dicus. He added service and activism, it becomes even more crucial to spread informathat the goal of the retreat was, tion about these opportunities and “to reduce the amount of cliques at about community service related orUALR, or rather to have cliques colganizations, such as the Alliance, an laborate on future events.” organization that seeks to empower Homecoming, one of these future and support LGBT students, and events, requires a multitude of perspectives in order to ensure that AWARE, an inter-sectional social jus-

Submitted photo tice organization that provides a safe space to discuss social injustice as it relates to race, sexuality, gender and class, among other identities.

In addition, the SGA proposed the idea of implementing monthly events at UALR called Town Halls.

SGA plans to open these meetings up to every UALR student in order to foster a space where students can propose suggestions and questions to their student government representatives. At the end of each meeting, the students decide on a topic to discuss for the next meeting.

SGA plans to empower UALR students and encourage involvement in student government. Pres.

Connor Donovan of the SGA urged the leaders to take more action than just attending an annual retreat, and invited the leaders who attended the retreat to the President’s Council, which will be held on Sept. 20. The President’s Council involves both student leaders and administration and will focus on concerns that affect all UALR students, such as housing concerns and online resources.

The campus’s digital connectivity was the main topic of discussion at a recent Student Government Association (SGA) meeting. UALR Chief Information Officer (CIO) John Rathje addressed his agenda to digitally connect the UALR campus. Rathje, who became CIO in July 2015, said of his first time experiencing the network difficulties, “My computers broke, someone needs to come fix it, and no, they said, ‘that’s just how it is” Rathje added that this problem will last, “not for long.”

Rathje spoke on the improvements that have already been made on the UALR campus regarding the abject network connectivity. “I went over to the residence hall last year around this same time and the connectivity was in really bad shape… pathetic.

Students were going out into the hall just to try to find a signal… Now the connectivity is better in three of the four halls,” said Rathje.

Other improvements included the speed of the network. The wireless connectivity and the addition of the Orgsync program in the College of Business, free Microsoft Office 365 to all UALR students, and ease for students to now access their financial aid balance from the bookstore.

Announcing his “Digital Everything” campaign, Rathje said how the IT department is working to connect the campus digitally. Wireless registration was at the top of the CIO’s “Digital Everything” agenda, stating, “We are testing the idea that if I enter my credentials once, I don’t have to enter them again.” Basically having the capability to register our wireless devices only once on the UALR network instead of the repetitive process we currently have.

Senator Brian Gregory asked about the possibility of two or more devices being registered on the network. Mr. Rathje responded, “When I say Digital Everything, that doesn’t mean Digital One-thing, that means as many devices a student has.”

Continued online.

news

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news

September 21 2016

Breaking the ground on eStem

BEAT

by Sydney Bradshaw Suspicious Person On Sept. 2 at around 9:32 a.m., an officer searched the Parking Deck in regards to a report about a suspicious person. Another officer went to the Donaghey Student Center Information Desk to speak with the woman that was concerned about the person. She told the officer that a Hispanic man wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a beige hat with trees on it had come up to and tried to talk to her. She then got into her car, locked the doors and told the man that she felt uncomfortable. The suspect was later identified.

On Sept. 2, later in the day, an officer arrived at the Kappa Sigma gravel lot in regards to a call about a suspicious vehicle. The caller said that they thought the driver might be selling drugs. When they arrived, they found the same man wearing the beige hat with trees on it who had been in the Parking Deck. When asked what he was doing, he said that he was studying in his car. The officer didn’t see any illegal substances in the car. They ran the driver through the NCIC/ACIC Criminal Information System and he came back with a warrant from New Mexico with no extradition (the police can’t send him back to New Mexico).

They told him that he was criminally trespassing, he needed to leave and he will be arrested if he returns.

The driver told the officer that he comes to colleges to “soak up knowledge” until he’s asked to leave.

Argument in North Hall On Sept. 4, officers arrived at North Hall in response to a call about theft from one of the E-phones.

Upon arrival, they met with a woman who claimed that she and a female friend had been hanging out with a man who lived in the North Hall dorm when her friend and the man got into a fight about some money.

She told the officers that her sister had driven her from Conway to hang out with her female friend and that they came over to the UALR dorms to hang out with the man.

Continued online.

UALR and eStem leaders join together for ground breaking ceremony

by Jack A. Webb Construction officially began Sept.

14 on an innovative partnership between UALR and eStem Public Charter Schools, Inc. A groundbreaking ceremony was held to further release details about the joint effort to establish a tuition-free high school on the campus of UALR. This kind of project will be the first of its kind in the state.

The high school partnership, which was announced last August, has now begun the strenuous task of renovating the 15,547-square-foot Larson Hall, one of UALR’s original buildings.

The renovation will also include an 32,453 feet expansion to Larson Hall.

Original plans were to include construction of a new building on 28th Street with smaller-scale renovations to Larson Hall. Those plans have been put on hold to focus on the Larson Hall project.

The leaders behind this collaboration are motivated by the possibilities that can present themselves when you build a bridge between high school and higher education. This is especially motivating when you consider that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is one of the fastest-growing sections of the American economy.

“Universities across the country talk about ‘seamless K-12 through college’ education, but almost nobody really succeeds at it,” Joel E. Anderson, UALR’s chancellor at the time of

the partnership announcement, said.

“Having a strong high school with a STEM emphasis on campus will make it easier to collaborate in planning, coordinating, and offering a seamless curriculum in each discipline.”

For the students that get to enroll in the eStem High Public Charter School when it opens next fall, they will get an opportunity that most students in the state will not. In conjunction with their high school classes, these students will have the opportunity to take college courses and potentially earn an associate degree, along with their high school diploma.

“Since we opened our doors, eStem has provided a unique learning environment that encourages innovation -- both inside and outside the classroom -- and our students have thrived,” said John Bacon, CEO of eStem, in a press release. “Now, through this strategic partnership, we will be able to expand this opportunity to more students.”

Jarron Gray, sophomore with the eStem Public School, is excited about the new partnership and opportunity to take college-level classes on the new eStem campus at UALR. “eStem is not your typical high school...and this new expansion will allow for to step out of our comfort zone and make new connections with the community around us,” Gray said.

An undertaking like this doesn’t come cheap. A no-interest loan of

Jack A. Webb photo $11.4 million, provided by the Walton Family Foundation, will finance the renovation and construction, which was designed by the Little Rock firm of Witsell Evans & Rasco ArchitectsPlanners. The 30-year lease will see an annual payment of $1 to UALR. Concerns from current UALR students about the additional bodies on campus, combined with the already congested traffic of University Avenue and surrounding streets, seemed to be outweighed with the benefits that this high school can offer.

Connor Donovan, President of the Student Government Association at UALR, said, “I believe the eStem/ UALR partnership will bring about positive growth for eStem, for UALR, and for the city of Little Rock...This partnership will revitalize a neglected area of campus, adding to the aesthetic value of the area. Construction has been and will continue to occur in an area of campus that is known for less student foot traffic, so the building of the school itself should provide little to no inconvenience to current students.”

When the eStem High School finally opens next year, UALR will see an increase of as many as 450 students for the news school, adding to the more than 11,000 students currently enrolled at UALR. Future plans for eStem at UALR are to expand and utilize classrooms in Ross Hall by the 2021-22 school year.

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September 21, 2016

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features

September 21, 2016

by Brian Gregory

me.

I am one of those really weird people who loves politics. Because of this love for politics, I decidBethany Hoover Illustration ed that when I went to college I was going to When I tell people I meet that be a political science major in I’m a political science major, order to talk about the issues this is the first question out in depth with people who have of their mouth. My party affilthat same passion. However, iation is private, and I am defbecause of my major, my felinitely not going to tell somelow peers and I struggle with one I just met what I identify some really stupid questions with. Seriously, couldn’t you on a daily basis: ask something more original?

“Are you Republican or “Why did you choose Democrat?” that?”

This question always kills Some people are so against

politics that they blurt out this question in anger, as if I should have chosen something different. I would understand if you were really trying to figure out why I chose politics, in which case, you will probably find a thoughtful answer. But, how would it feel if you told me you were a marine biologist or an accountant and I asked you “Why did you choose that” and with a tone of disgust. You’d probably be just as offended as I am when you ask me that really dumb question.

“Are you going to run for office?”

This is the most unoriginal question that you can ever ask

REAL any political science major.

You are not even trying hard.

It’s like asking a biology or chemistry major whether they’re going to be a doctor.

There are so many professions you could choose within those majors but yet you boil them down to a doctor. Same with asking a political science major. I could start my own political organization, become a diplomat, activist, lobbyist, adviser, or even go work for the United Nations. This is an irritating question to answer, especially when you ask whether I want to be president. Just do better people.

“I know another political science student and he/she will be president.”

Say I tell you that I would like to run for president of the United States, the greatest office in the land. Do you really think I want to hear about some other random person that you say will be president?

Odds are that neither the person you are speaking of, nor I, will rise to this office. Even if I did rise to that office, how would you like to be the person that could’ve killed my dreams? Think about it.

Continued online.

Job opportunities on campus

by Alexandria Barnes The library is looking for work study students to fill the positions of Stacks Assistant, Interlibrary Loan Assistant and Assistant to the Director.

Students who wish to apply for current or future library nonwork study vacancies may submit an application online at ualr. edu/library/about/employment/.

Applications are kept on file for three months. For more information, contact J.B. Hill at jbhill@ ualr.edu.

To check out more avail-

able work study positions, visit http://ualr.edu/financialaid/ types/federal-work-study/positions/jobs/.

UALRworks is a program on campus that provides students with jobs that provide financial assistance and professional experience. The program has three job opportunities available.

Printing Services Printing Services has a job position open for a junior-senior level Graphic Designer. Duties include processing print jobs

from design to completion, and may include physical labor. For more information on this position, contact Bill Buddenberg at whbuddenberg@ualr.edu.

IT Services IT Services is looking for an IT Student Program Worker.

Applicants must be a sophomore or junior, be pursuing a degree in IT and have a willingness to learn. Job responsibilities include working with their IT mentor and attending meetings, developing a presentation for the

next semester and participating wherever needed. For more information about the position, contact Brian Keltch at bwkeltch@ualr.edu.

College of Social Sciences and Communication Finally, the College of Social Sciences and Communication is looking for a Learning Technology Assistant. Students who apply must be willing to assist the CSSC Learning Technology Coordinator, and complete other duties as needed.

For more information about the position, contact Larry Rhodes at ljrhodes@ualr.edu.

For more information about jobs available through UALRworks, along with links to turn in a UALRworks application and access FAQs, visit http:// ualr.edu/ualrworks/.

To see jobs available through UALRworks, visit http://ualr. edu/ualrworks/job-ads/.

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T

September 21, 2016

ROJANS’ RENDING OPICS

Trojans’ Trending Topics: What is your favorite thing about the fall semester?

by Mikayla Harris Leah Akins Photos

Mercedes Vaughn Senior Major: Health Promotion and Wellness “I have all online classes. So I don’t have as much stress as I usually do. It also gives me time to maintain my work ethic and work on my procrastination.”

James Sellers Junior Major: Chemistry “My favorite thing about the fall semester is watching all the freshmen coming into college and getting to know them…seeing them find themselves and getting connected through organizations, clubs, and greek life and watching them blossom into the awesome college students that they are.”

Nick Moore Sophomore Major: Biology “So far the fall semester has been great. There has been lots of activities so far to take part in such as the Trojan Wars.”

Leandra Cates Faculty Teaches: First Year Experience Instructor “My favorite thing about the fall semester is the new students who are brand new to college. (They are) full of possibility with new backpacks and excited about learning.”

The scoop on recycling at UALR

Features

by Mikayla Harris Walking around campus last semester, one would notice the new Trojan themed recycling bins. The bins, added by the UALR Sustainability committee, are making sure that our school is doing their part to help keep the Earth green.

These recycling bins allow businesses to place advertisements on the side of the bins.

Currently, the money made by advertisements on these bins goes to the Sustainability Committee Zachary Tallent Illustration to help continue the work that they have started.

Not only does the Sustainability Committee have these spirited recycling bins, but they have a community garden in the works and they consistently help keep Coleman Creek clean and debris free.

Recycling not only helps keep the Earth clean, but it can also save money in the long run. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the benefits of recycling include reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, saving energy and preventing pollution by decreasing the need to collect new raw materials.

Recycling things such as used car oil can help greatly as well. According to the EPA’s website, it takes 42 gallons of crude oil to produce 2.5 quarts of new motor oil, but only one gallon of used oil.

With UALR being the large campus that it is, students can help out greatly by doing their part to recycle. Students living on campus can use the recycling bins located in the residence halls to dispose of the recyclable items the campus collects.

Along with recycling items while on campus, students can recycle household items as well. The Regional Recycling & Waste Reduction District lists locations and times that recyclables can be dropped off in Pulaski County. Their website is www.regionalrecycling. org.

Students in other counties, such as Saline County, can typically find recycling information on the county landfill website or by doing a simple Google search. The EPA has two websites listed on theirs to help find places to recycle specific items.

Listed below are some guidelines to help students and faculty get started or continue recycling: Designate a basket or bin to keep recyclable items in.

Rinse out bottles and aluminum cans before recycling.

Break down cardboard boxes to save storage space.

Here are some tips to improve your recycling habits: When shopping, look to buy products that are made from recycled items.

Know what you can and cannot recycle.

Encourage an artist to use recyclable materials.

UALR continues to be a big leader in the community around us. By setting a good example of recycling, others will follow and help keep our planet beautiful for generations to come. To learn more about recycling, visit UALR’s Sustainability website, the UALR Sustainability Facebook page, and check out the EPA’s website.

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entertainment

September 21, 2016

M.I.A. sends strong message with fifth studio album

pitchfork.com photo

Epic Retro Glam 2016

Sept. 24

by Brittany Owens On Sept. 9, English recording artist “M.I.A.” released her fifth studio album titled ‘AIM.’ The album combines elements of hiphop, alternative, and world music to create a unique sound.

M.I.A. gives her album substance with frequent references to politics and refugees in her lyrics. She also shows listeners that she pays attention to what is going on all over the world, whether it is as serious as ISIS or as trivial as a funny viral video.

M.I.A. has released several singles from “AIM” already.

“Borders” was released as a single in November 2015. The song addresses various issues occurring worldwide like police shooting unarmed civilians or videographers kicking and tripping migrants as they seek refuge in countries close to theirs.

Throughout the song, M.I.A. follows each issue she calls out with the question, “What’s up with that?” At first the lyrics were hard to understand but on

by Whitney Bryson Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Well you’re in luck! The ultimate hair and fashion show will be hosted at the Maumelle Event Center located on 10910 Maumelle Blvd, North Little Rock.

This event will feature some of Little Rock’s most talented barbers and hairstylists, as well as fashion designers and various shopping boutiques.

Performances and local vendors include High Voltage Dance Team, Sweet Charlotte designs by Designer Stephanie Thomas of Little Rock, fashions from Suga Boutique and Ald Designs by Alycea of Little Rock.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m.

The admission ranges from $15 to $25.

For more information contact Alana Morris at (501) 349-4121 or email morrisa982@gmail.com.

the second listen, while paying very close attention, the message became clear.

The latest single was “Freedun.” It was released in September and features ZAYN, former One Direction band member.

This track has more of a hiphop and dance feel than some of the other songs. The beat, produced by Polow Da Don, is reminiscent of the song “Runaway” from Kanye West’s 2010 album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”

In the sixth track titled “Foreign Friend,” M.I.A. sings a snippet of the “Go Best Friend” Vine that went viral last summer. The song talks about a close friendship that cannot be easily broken.

Towards the end of the song she raps, “I said as a refugee, you know...Where we come from, we get out our tent then we climb over the fence,” another reference to borders. The singer makes mention of things best friends do

together and for each other when she says, “Break bread, watch Breaking Bad...Always there when I break up bad.”

There is one song on the album that was not as clear, even on the third listen. “Jump In”, the fourth track, did not send a clear message. M.I.A. raps about how her concentration cannot be broken because she is focused.

However, she throws in lines that have nothing to do with being focused. For example, “Thank that maker and get your life” and “When I see the border I gon gross the line.” The song also sounds annoying. Staying true to her unique sound, M.I.A. repeats syllables of certain words to make it sound like she is stuttering. It seems like a cool and interesting idea but it sounds like a scratched CD and it is not very pleasant.

Overall, the album “AIM” has a unique sound with strong messages and is worth listening to.

Peace Fest

Sept. 24

Little Rock’s Peace Fest brings a celebration to remember.

The Peace Fest will be located at Bernice Garden, 1401 Main St., Little Rock.

This event will feature speeches promoting peace and justice in Arkansas, and music from local musicians: Six-Mile Creek, Ann & Rick Owen, Isaac PirkleThomson & Chris Thomson and Kit & Kaboodle [Margot Cameron and Chris Thomson).

The event will also have activities for both children and adults: face painting, art and ecology, reports from organizations and Peace Week events and booths where Non- Profit Organizations will share information about pro-

moting peace and justice in Arkansas.

Peace Fest is a free event and will start at 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information, visit https://arkansaspeaceweek.com/PeaceFest/.

11

entertainment

September 21, 2016

‘Hell or High Water’ is a slow burn masterpiece

IMDb.com photo

by Tanner Newton There is an excellent new film out now called “Hell or High Water.”

The film follows two dirt-poor Texans who are robbing banks, and the Texas Rangers who are tracking them.

I really appreciate that director David Mackenzie takes his time tell-

ing this story. For a long time, we do not know why these two guys are robbing banks. The brothers are Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster). Naturally, the two brothers are polar opposites. Toby is a clever man who has always kept his nose clean and Tanner is an ex-con who likes to drink and start fights. Side

note: why are characters named Tanner always jerks?

So the good son gets dragged down with the bad son, right? Nope.

The first scene establishes that the crimes are being planned by Toby.

Again, the movie takes its time revealing why Toby is running into banks with guns. The mystery of why this guy, who has no criminal record, is robbing banks is very intriguing.

A movie like this has to feature a lawman, probably an old man trying to survive his last assignment before retirement. Texas Rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham) are the law men on the case. While Hamilton is close to retirement, he feels that he is not too old for this s***.

Writer Taylor Sheridan takes several clichéd characters and setups, and flips them, creating something both creative and original. The movie doesn’t do anything that you expect. For example, most movies would make a spectacle of the bank

robberies. “Hell or High Water’s” bank robberies, for the most part, are very low key. If you want pulse pounding action, look elsewhere. The story and the characters are the reasons to watch this movie.

Another thing that I loved about “Hell or High Water” is how honest it felt. I’ve watch a lot of movies, and almost every movie has characters who do stupid things for no reason, other than the writer couldn’t figure out how to create drama naturally. There is almost none of that in this movie. All the characters feel real. Once you figure out why the brothers are robbing banks, you believe every action they make.

The same goes with the Rangers.

However, there is one scene that I did not like. The Rangers meet a waitress who seems to have walked into the movie from a sitcom. While the “Rattlesnake of a waitress,” as one of the Rangers calls her, is funny, she immediately took me right out of the film.

Visually, the movie is beautiful.

The cinematographer makes New

Mexico (despite taking place all over Texas, it was filmed one state over) look breathtaking. The camera work is also commendable. From the nice tracking shot that opens the movie to the way that the getaways are filmed, everything looks great.

To top it all off, the actors are great. Bridges gives a fine performance as a man who does not look forward to the rocking chair. Second side note, Bridges spends several minutes in Archer City, which is where “The Last Picture Show”-- the movie that made Bridges famous-took place.

As good as Bridges is, Pine is even better. He makes this character, a desperate bank robber, into a likeable guy that you wind up rooting for. This is the type of movie you hate to see end, because you know somebody has to lose, and it’s unlikely that all four of the main characters will survive.

I can’t recommend this movie highly enough.

E T BE T

Interesting take on sushi in West Little Rock Elton Tevebaugh photo

by Elton Tevebaugh UALR students who are open to trying sushi at different places should try Sky Modern Japanese.

While searching for a good sushi restaurant in the area with a coworker, I stumbled upon: Sky Modern Japanese. The restaurant has both a hibachi and a sushi bar, in which we embraced the sushi bar.

Commonly, when I go to a sushi restaurant, I order Miso soup to start. It’s a tasty brothy soup, which typically has soy cubes and seaweed

floating around. The miso soup at this restaurant was up to par with many other sushi restaurants I’ve visited.

They had quite an extensive sushi menu, which included Nigiri, Sashimi, house rolls, and specialty rolls. Nigiri is thin cuts of fish on an individual bed of rice and is sometimes wrapped in seaweed. Sashimi is simply thin cuts of mostly raw fish.

Second, I decided to look over the Nigiri. I ordered fresh water eel and

spicy tuna nigiri.

Eel is probably my favorite fish in any sort of sushi, and neither the eel nor the spicy tuna left me disappointed.

Next, I decided to pursue some specialty rolls which included The New York Strip roll and the Red Dragon roll.

The New York Strip roll consisted of steak, avocado, crab salad, and asparagus on the inside and green onion, sesame seeds, eel sauce and Korean barbeque sauce, and was topped with seared sliced New York strip steak.

This fusion roll may be the best roll I have ever eaten. And it was a treat to watch the chef sear the steak in front of me with a handheld blowtorch!

The Red Dragon roll consisted of: tempura shrimp, avocado, and

asparagus on the inside and tuna and spicy mayo on the outside.

The plating of this roll actually made it look like a dragon! Not only was it tasty, but it was presented quite nicely.

In addition to the tasty food, the chef behind the sushi bar was very social and nice. We had a funny conversation since his first name is strangely similar to mine.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit so much that I am planning to return and try some different specialty rolls in the near future.

Sky Modern Japanese is located at 11525 Cantrell Road in Little Rock. The menu, hours, and more information is available at their website: www.skylittlerock. com .

12

sports

September 21, 2016

Trojan Soccer shows out on Senior Night

by Talia Winkler

September

The Little Rock Trojan soccer team took on Mississippi Valley State on Friday, Sept. 9 at the Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex. It was Senior night, and turned out to be a victorious one for the ladies as they won 2-0.

Thirty-two minutes into the game, senior Kayla Turner had the first goal of the night, taking her shot from way back, with the assist from Jaclyn Purine. It was Turners’ first goal since her freshman season in 2013.

Senior goalkeepers Shara Robbins and Sara Cavanagh split duties for the night and succeeded in shutting out MSVU. This was Robbins first career start.

Junior Quin Wilkes guaranteed the win with a shot that made it past Mississippi Valleys goalie Rita Gyasi, in the 86th minute of the match. Gyasi made 15 saves for the night but it was not enough to stop the Trojans. Little Rock outshot MSVU 38-0, 17 of those shots on the goal.

Defensive midfielder Mikayla Uyokpeyi is one of the seniors playing for the Trojans this season, she has played for the

23rd Women's Soccer vs.

ULM @ Monroe, LA 4:00 PM

Women's Volleyball vs.

Coastal Carolina @ Conway, S.C. 6:00 PM

great chemistry and that shows on the field. I wouldn’t want my last year to be with any other people.”

Hali spent her summer, as cocaptain of the Filipino National team. She missed preseason here in Little Rock, but was able to compete in three matches against Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

She really enjoyed her time there.

“It was a really great learning experience and I gained even more family in the Philippines.”

Long still is not sure about her plans after graduation. She is majoring in Health and human performance with an emphasis in promotion and minoring in Exercise science.

“I’m either going to go to grad school, or continue playing soccer Freshman Shanon Shields looks to pass the ball up field in the first half Lauren Humphrey photo as long as my body will let me!” of the game on Friday, Sept. 9.

Little Rock played Kansas State Trojans all four years she has professionally, whether it be for a Senior Hali Long, who plays on Sunday night at the Coleman attended UALR. The people are club in the United States, or one centerback, says it has not really Complex and won 2-1. The Trojans her favorite part about playing at overseas. But Mikayla has dreams set in yet that this will be her last will play again on Friday night UALR. outside of the world of soccer. season playing for Little Rock. against Texas State, the match “Any athlete can tell you that “I also want to go into the ”Out of everything I love about will take place in San Marcos, TX. they love they game they play, but marketing field and find a job that playing at Little Rock, I love the Their next home game will take it’s a bonus when you’re surround- allows me to help organizations team. We’ve had players come and place on Sunday, September 25th ed by people that will fight for you design their own brand so they go, but this group we have for my at 1:00 p.m. That will be Little and love you unconditionally.” can promote themselves effilast year here has been the best Rock Rangers Day at the Complex.

Her dream is to play soccer ciently.” yet. We’re already so close with

25th

Women's Volleyball vs.

Appalachian State @ Boone, N.C. 11:30 aM Women's Soccer vs.

South Alabama @ Little rock, ar 1:00 PM

26th

27th

men’s golf Memphis invitational @ memphis,tn (Colonial CC) all day

men’s golf Memphis invitational @ memphis,tn (Colonial CC) all day

30th

Women's swimming vs. north texas, houston, smu @ 4:00 pm

Women's Volleyball vs. louisiana @ Little rock, ar 6:30 PM

13

sports

September 21, 2016

Trojan soccer scores a narrow win

OCTOBER

Hayworth took advantage of a mistake made by a Kansas St. defender and blasted the ball past the Wildcats goalie, for the game clinching goal.

UALR was more aggressive than the Wildcats on offense with seven shots on goal compared to only three for the Wildcats. The Trojans showed more discipline also, only having one offside penalty called on them compared to six for the Wildcats. Senior goal keeper Sara Small picked up two more saves in the contest.

The victory gave the UALR Lauren Humphrey photo Jaclyn Purvine passes the ball in the final Women’s soccer team an overall minutes of the game against Kansas State on Sept. 11. record of 5-3, and 3-1 at home.

by Adrian Miller At the start of the second half Head coach Adrian Blewitt said, The UALR women’s soccer you can see the competition get“We did enough to win.” With pulled out a hard fought victory ting a little chippy with Kansas an eye on the remainder of the against Big 12 opponent Kansas State sophomore midfielder season he said, “Entering into State on Sept. 11. Kansas took Morgan Mauck picking up a conference play, we have to play an early 1-0 lead when their caution flag and ejection in the better. I know we can play better red-shirt sophomore and team 54th minute. UALR ended the than what we showed today, I’ve captain Haley Sutter scored only match with 13 fouls, which was 63 seconds into the game. UALR eight more than the five received seen them play better.”

The Trojans begin conference answered back when sophomore by the Wildcats. Ironically, the play on Sept. 16 against Texas midfielder Jaclyn Purvine scored Trojans attempted 13 shots to St. They will be playing on the in the 27th minute to bring five for the Wildcats, respectively. road for their next three games the score to 1-1. The goal was The defensive battle continof conference play. They will Purvine’s third of the season. ued into the 79th minute when return home Sept. 25 to face Sophomore midfielder Caitlyn Trojans red-shirt freshman one of the conferences more Eddy received the assist on the Harrison Hayworth scored the formidable competitors in South Purvine goal. The two teams game winning goal of the match.

Alabama. went into halftime in a 1-1 tie.

1ST

Men's/Women's Cross Country Chile Pepper Festival @ FAYETTEVILLE, AR 10:00 AM

Women's Volleyball vs.

ULM @ LITTLE ROCK, AR 6:30 PM

2ND Women's Soccer vs.

ARKANSAS State @ Little Rock, ar 1:00 PM

3RD

men’s golf OGIO UTAH INVITATIONAL @ PARK CITY, UTAH all day

Intramurals Division 1 Dodgeball/Co-rec

1. The Village People W/3 L/0 D/0 2. Dona Dodgeball W/0 L/3 D/0

Mens dodgeball

1. Pi Kappa Alpha W/6 L/0 D/0 2. Rush Pike W/7 L/2 D/0 3. Rush Pike 2 W/3 L/4 D/0

4th

men’s golf OGIO UTAH INVITATIONAL @ PARK CITY, UTAH all day

WOmen’s golf WOmen’s golf JOHNIE IMES INVITATIONAL JOHNIE IMES INVITATIONAL @ COLUMBIA, MO @ COLUMBIA, MO all day all day

mens 7v7 flag football 1. Pi Kappa Alpha W/4 L/0 D/0 2. The Law W/2 L/0 D/0 3. No Limit W/2 L/1 D/0

14

September 21, 2016

ads

15

sports

September 21, 2016

ye s, rs.

CO HO Bla R T me N no t E t th he o R e p wn la er

by Brian Gregory

Veronica Marin

by Kolton Rutherford Volleyball season is off and running! On Labor Day Weekend, the Trojan Volleyball team hosted the first ever Little Rock Invitational, a gathering of teams from around the region, including Oklahoma, UAPB, Mississippi State and the University of Tennessee-Martin.

At the invitational, Trojan athlete

Many people get angry at the fact that athletes, namely football and basketball players, get paid so much money to play a game. These critics are quick to point out that other professionals, like educators, garbage collectors and social workers, should be paid more.

There is an extremely funny and great social commentary by Key and Peele on what it would be like if we paid and covered teachers just like we do with athletes. From my personal perspective, I would gladly love to see all professionals like public educators get paid more.

But those who criticize athletes for being egotistical, pompous and greedy have their animosity pointed at the wrong people. The athletes are not to blame. Nobody really criticizes athletes in sports like soccer, tennis or baseball because those sports are predominantly individual and white. But that’s another topic we won’t discuss at this point.

The team owners are the ones who have made billions of dollars and they are the ones who have to pay the athletes. Owners take in hundreds of millions from ticket, jersey, and food sales, etc. If professional athletes are risking their bodies and their future health to play a game just to satisfy our insatiable desire for competition, shouldn’t they deserve to be paid more especially when they are the main attraction?

If it weren’t for collective bargaining agreements and unions, the athletes wouldn’t even be paid the hundreds of thousands of dollars they currently make. They would be sacrificing themselves and be in worse shape than before.

It is my belief that athletes are underpaid in both football and basketball because they are not properly valued. The owners don’t see the athletes as people. They see them as a commodity.

I feel the same way about teachers. Teachers aren’t valued. They are only seen as a commodity. You don’t get praised unless you are a superstar and you are criticized if your results don’t match up.

I am not trying to say that the social good created by athletes is equal to the social good created by teachers. I only ask that you really look at the issues. If you are really mad about athletes getting paid too much money, then get mad at the ones who pay them.

that comes with challenges, but also taught her responsibility.

“Being the captain for the national team was exciting but also hard,” Marin said. “I was chosen to be the captain by my teammates, not by the coaches, and that gave me confidence in my new position. However, I went through a couple hard moments because I had to deal with every issue in the team and report everything to the coaches. I really didn’t enjoy that.”

Marin’s play in Romania ualr.edu Photo attracted the attention of UALR assistant coaches Todd Bourdo and Veronica Marin shined.

Anita Bucur, who recruited her to Veronica, a 19-year-old sophojoin the Trojans. more, followed an interesting path Her adjustment to Little Rock was to Little Rock. She was born in smooth, with her coaches and teamTulcea, Romania, and began playing mates providing support. She was volleyball at the age of 5. As her concerned about her English, but her game improved, Marin moved to a teammates helped her along the way. larger city, Bucharest, to continue Trojan Volleyball Head Coach Van playing volleyball. She even had Compton praised her smooth transithe honor of captaining Romania’s tion and ability to adapt. junior volleyball team, a privilege Marin did not miss a beat in the

classroom. She holds a 3.8 GPA, an impressive achievement when you consider the environment change and team commitments.

She loves the people of Little Rock, citing their friendliness and willingness to help. She also loves the Natural State for its varied wildlife and environments. “I like the nature here and wish I could have time to explore all the beauties Arkansas can offer.” While Veronica has come to love many things about Arkansas, there’s one thing that cannot compare to her home of Romania. “I will definitely say that I miss the food from back home. No matter what place I eat at, I cannot compare it to the food at home.”

Regarding the current Trojan volleyball season, Veronica sees the team’s goal as making it into the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, where anything can happen.

She’s set a personal goal for this year too: making the All Sun Belt First Team.

Coach Compton also said of Marin, “...Veronica’s a very good student and has good character…

She’s very sociable, a great teammate who always tries to make her teammates better.” Compton also cited her versatility and coachability. Marin came to Little Rock as a middle blocker, but played on the right side last year.

This year, they converted her to another position, on the outside.

“She’s been a great addition to our team, both as a student and an athlete.”

When she’s not playing volleyball, she’s in the classroom. Marin majors in International Business and plans to pursue a master’s degree at UALR. In her limited free time, she likes to hang out with her teammates, go to movies and play beach volleyball. “I spend a lot of time with my teammates outside of volleyball. We are more than teammates, we are a big family,” she said.

16

September 21, 2016

BBQ @ BAILEYS

The yearly tradition of Burgers at Bailey’s took a spin this year. Barbeque from Whole Hog was served to students, alumni and friends. The annual event was set up to encourage students to gather with alumni and sign up to be apart of the Alumni Association for a discounted rate.

TOP: Sophomore, Sara Simons enjoys BBQ after her classes. LEFT: Many athletes spent their lunch break serving fellow students and alumni. Senior soccer player, Mikayla Uyokpeyi serves cookies from Community Bakery. RIGHT: President of Maroon Mob, Neden Yacine encouraged students to sign up to be apart of the organization. When students showed proof of check-in, they received a free T-Shirt.

Lauren Humphrey Photos

photo story