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“ Fight Song Winner

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ualr soccer team adds 16 to roster Pg 22

Kingsman : the secret service review Pg 17

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who will be the next homecoming queen?

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Opinions

February 18 - March 3, 2015

STAFF Executive Editor KenDrell Collins Advisor Sonny Rhodes Operations Manager/ Art Director Byron Buslig News/Campus Life Editor Victoria Hickey Features Editor Abigail Marshall Entertainment Editor Grant Fox Sports Editor Maggie Rogers Business Manager Laura Rodriquez Graphic Designers Tori Temple Chris Helliwell Distribution Manager Jordan Anderson

IN THIS ISSUE

Photo Editor Brady Jackson

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Brian Gregory Sashank Avvaru Carmien Penny Morgan Drish Ruth Houston Tanner Newton Jayme Goad Zach Martin Paige Mason Zachary Tallent Rachel Wright Lela-Tamara Fluker Hillary Perkins Natalie Doris

he Forum is the official student newspaper at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Forum is funded in part by the student activity fee; members of the UALR community are allowed one copy per edition. The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UALR. 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.

AN OPENING WORD We’re all immigrants

By KenDrell Collins Executive Editor editor@UALR.edu

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ualr.edu/forum

Wrestler Vince McMahon needs to retire Tanner Newton Staff Writer tgnewton@ualr.edu

he United States is among the world’s leading destinations for immigrants. That’s not surprising, given that the country was founded by immigrants fleeing persecution.

In 2010, nearly one million of the 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants in America were under the age of 18. The wave of child migrants without parental accompaniment in 2014 has further underscored the need to address the nation’s immigration system. Children come seeking refuge from some of the world’s most dangerous and impoverished countries, namely Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

A total of 46,932 unaccompanied children were brought into custody from October to May of 2014. They come to the country via the land bridge that connects the United States and Mexico.

Unaccompanied minors have no right to a public defender, leaving many children no support in court as they make their plea not to be deported. Compared to many adult immigrants who come, these children stand a greater chance of staying.

A study by the Vera Institute for Justice found that about 40 percent of children who enter the Office of Refugee

Resettlement are eligible for some “form of legal relief from removal,” which means they could qualify for asylum, a visa for human trafficking victims or special juvenile status. They could rightfully stay if they were able to make a convincing argument, but those chances decrease without help from an attorney.

This leaves many minors without any chance for safety, opportunity for education or a shot at the American dream.

There are two primary reasons why there needs to be a permanent policy that allows, under certain restrictions, the opportunity for a pathway to citizenship for these minors. One, we have a value system in America that prevents us from turning a blind eye when those in our neighboring countries who are violated come to us for refuge, especially when the victims are children. Two, the notion that permitting unauthorized immigrants citizenship places a burden on society is false. They pay taxes like all Americans. In New Mexico, a high immigrant destination, it is estimated that the state collects nearly 69 million annually in “individual income, property, and sales taxes from unauthorized immigrants,” according to the Congressional Budget Office.

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 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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or this opinion piece, I originally intended to simply express my displeasure with Roman Reigns winning the 2015 Royal Rumble. However, after watching NXT Takeover: Rival, I have realized that the real problem with WWE is that Vince McMahon is an old man who needs to retire. As much as I dislike Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Triple H), his NXT is better than McMahon’s current WWE. Vince has long been known to prefer giant muscled up freaks of nature. The type who look like they could rip your head off if they wanted to, like Andre the Giant and the Ultimate Warrior. In other words, really slow moving people who put on boring matches. Roman Reigns fits that bill. He looks the part, but he gets winded five minutes into every match that he wrestles. He also has no skill at delivering promos. In contrast, the NXT stars are all small agile workhorses that can put on a good show for over an hour if they had to.

In the last few years Vince has derailed CM Punk’s momentum to the point that he quit and left for UFC. He tried to derail Daniel Bryan’s momentum and put the WWE Championship on a guy who only wrestles occasionally. Therefore, he also devalued the WWE title, and he ended the Undertaker’s 21-0 Wrestlemania record. With NXT, Triple H has proven that wrestling is still entertaining, small guys are popular, women can be great wrestlers and the championships are not just props.

Hideo Itami, Tyler Breeze, Finn Balor, Adrian Neville, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Charlotte, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are the future of wrestling according to many people. Each of them is tearing down the NXT roof night after night. Unless Vince retires, each and every one of them will be buried. Don’t believe me? Look at what he did to Bo Dallas and Brotus Clay.

Opinions

ualr.edu/forum

February 18 - March 3, 2015

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Marshawn Lynch gives media the silent treatment Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

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very journalist knows that the most important thing for your sports article is quotes.

Think about it, what are the two main things you look for? The first thing is the score, which is placed high in the story. Then, you want to see what the player or coach had to say about the topic.

How Marshawn Lynch handles his interviews is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. This isn’t his first rodeo, he should know by now how to handle himself among the press. It’s their job to ask him those questions. Journalists aren’t trying to hurt his feelings, embarrass him, or humiliate him.

So, do I think the media has a right to be a little irritated? Absolutely! If a journalist doesn’t do their job the way they’re supposed to, it looks bad on them. When Greg Monroe, who plays for the Detroit Pistons, was poked in the nose by a microphone, I applauded that reporter.

I hope that sent a message to all professional athletes who are currently showing out to reporters. To be quite frank, those reporters are sick of the attitude they’re receiving from all athletes. It’s obviously not just Lynch acting out.

Another job for reporters is to report the truth. So, if an athlete is doing something illegal, the public wants to know all about it. Some may argue, “but that’s their private

The Thinking Man: Why we don’t need queens

By Shashank Avvaru Staff Writer SXAvvaru@ualr.edu

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e interrupt this regularly featured article to bring you a highly unconventional but nonetheless a pure and artless opinion from our presses.

Of course by “we,” I mean me.

I am the only who is writing this article and the following words encompass my opinion about Homecoming beauty pageants.

life, you don’t have a right to budge in their life” and so on. I have the pin that will pop that bubble, are you ready? They are in the public eye, which means we have a right to find out what’s going on. Any professional athlete has to understand that.

But, that’s just an extreme point I realize. I used it to show that these athletes have been around long enough to fully realize what journalists are around for. Some say they’re trying to make some point, whether it’s political or some injustice that’s occurred. Maybe I’m the idiot, but athletes have so much power and influence in our society, that’s undeniable. If they’re mad, upset, sad, or whatever emotion they’re feeling about something, why don’t they just talk about it?

The journalists will report that and maybe athletes like Lynch might have a positive change? Am I the only person that thinks this?

Lynch doesn’t answer questions unless he feels like it. Okay, so when one of my professors asks me a question, can I just ignore that question? There’s this thing called respect, and it’s clear as day that Marshawn Lynch has no clue what that is.

I have no hate on him as an athlete, he is extremely talented and one of the best in the NFL. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with how he treats the media. As a future sports journalist, it worries me that my stories in the future won’t be filled with the quotes needed to attract readers. Those

readers are the reason I’ll have a the reporters stop asking him for receiving any attention? I bet he job. His silence raised these ques- interviews, I wonder how high and wouldn’t have a “silent treatment” tions in my mind. I’d love to see mighty he’d act then when he isn’t then.

We don’t need them.

To me, homecoming competitions, beauty pageants, physical competitions and any competitive events in which someone "wins" and everyone else "loses" mainly because his or her looks are the worst possible use of money, energy and time.

I stand as a confused and disappointed college student in a cheerful crowd and watch a girl stand victorious over the broken hearts and bruised egos of all her competitors. I watch her wave and smile and I am amazed at how just because she is apparently more beautiful or more popular, she is officially crowned as a Queen and unofficially a Miss (insert-university-name). My amazement is

not because of her attributes, it is because I realize that we live in a society in which such superficial factors are not only appreciated on such a prestigious stage, they are rewarded and celebrated.

On a much larger perspective, my stand against such events transcends to the Mr. and Ms. States and Countries pageants hosted every year. The events can be dolled up and dramatized as much as possible but, at the end of the day, it is nothing more than picking the fattest chicken from the brood.

The birds try to breathe while struggling to fly their own artificially induced weight up and you are asked to pick one for the barbecue. Which one do you choose? The healthiest looking of course.

Illustration by Byron Buslig

The rest are not worth your money.

Almost every student I have talked to confessed that he or she chooses a candidate because she “looks cute in the flyer” or “has sent me so many emails and messages, I am doing this to get her off my back.” The rest have matter-of-factly stated they don’t care enough to get involved with these traditions, and I can’t say I don’t see where they are coming from.

But the greatest reason why I detest a Mr. UALR or a Ms. UALR is because I think each and every student here equally deserves that title as much as the next person. You brave the sultry summer mornings and attend classes. You pull yourself through the freezing winter

wind and leave school to go do homework every night. You pour your blood, sweat and tears to keep up your scholarship or pay your STUDENT LOANS. You risk rejection, failure, disappointment and intellectual turmoil every day just to earn that coveted degree you have dreamed of.

That’s why you, O' Reader, are a Mr. UALR and a Ms. UALR. There can be traditions and competitions and battles, but they are nothing compared to the struggle you go through to start, survive and finish college.

We don’t need a queen or a king. We are our own kings and we are our own servants.

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News

February 18 - March 3, 2015

ualr.edu/forum

Sustainability Corner Police Beat Jayme Goad

Ways to Conserve Energy

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he University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Sustainability Committee works year round to promote conversation and the preservation of the environment.

"Our goal is to decrease the carbon footprint and to increase sustainability actions in the community and on campus," said Seth Cook, freshman intern for the committee.

Below are a few tips that will help you to conserve energy and decrease your carbon footprint.

“Shoot Me In The Head!”

On Saturday, Feb. 7, after a basketball game at the Jack Stephens Center, a Pulaski TECHNICAL COLLEGE student was arrested, taken to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for treatment and transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center. At approximately 6:30 p.m., a campus police officer observed a male that was crying and approached him outside the event center. As other officers arrived on the scene, PTC student Preston Smith became belligerent and said he had been to jail before yelling at an officer saying, “Shoot me in the head,” according to a police report.

At that time, officers tried to place Smith in handcuffs and detain him for terroristic threatening and disorderly conduct. As officers were trying to handcuff Smith, he jerked away, attempted to run, lost his balance and ran into a patrol car causing damage to the right rear wheel, the report stated. Smith was then controlled by officers and was asked repeatedly to “stop resisting” but did not comply. Later it was determined Smith was trying to speak with his ex-girlfriend who was at the game and had a restraining order against him. Smith was taken to UAMS, released and transported to the detention center. Smith’s charges include: fleeing, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and violation of a court order.

Mystery Mirror IT’S A MYSTERY...an officer responded to the Field House after receiving a call about a possible vandalism in the dressing room of the men’s track team on Thursday, Feb. 5. Coach Charles Richard Turner said he found the men’s dressing room mirror shattered on the floor, according to a report obtained from the Department of Public Safety. Turner said he last entered the dressing room the day before around 9 a.m. but didn’t notice the damage until returning the next day at approximately 8:15 a.m. Turner stated he was unsure whether the shattered mirror was an intentional act or if the adhesive failed and the mirror fell to the floor. However it happened, the mystery remains unsolved.

The Case Of The Missing Classroom Projector In Ross Hall, room 310, between the time of Wednesday, Feb. 11 and Thursday, Feb 12, a classroom projector was taken, a police report indicated. A professor noticed the projector missing when she tried to connect her computer at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Thursday.

The serial and property numbers were retrieved from Technical Support and given to the police department.

Illustrations by Brady Jackson

• • • • •

Turn off lights when you leave a room.

Close the blinds to reduce the amount of heat or cold air that enters through the window.

Set your thermostat down two degrees in the winter and up two degrees in the summer.

Unplug appliances when not in use such as hair dryers, computers, cell phone chargers, and TVs. Go outside and study under natural light versus artificial light!

SOCIAL MEDIA BLURB facebook.com/TheUALRForum

What did you do during the snow days?

Samone Vail I used the last two days to catch up on my Grant Writing course and RELAX! Lydia Perry

Spent 2 full days working on my thesis!

David Wright Used the last 2 days to catch up on my course reading and finish my Foundations 3 research paper.. Grad school keeps me very busy. Most days 24 hours is not enough.

Alia Moore I’ve been organizing music files on my new MacBook. I’ve been happily indulging my Obsessive Compulsive Personality.

Maija Jones Sleep and Valentine’s Day Candy have consumed me. Lol Sydney Dildy Sadie Spann had an exciting day today...XD

News

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February 18 - March 3, 2015

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Songwriter and athlete Markus Pearson wins fight song competition Carmien Penny Staff Writer cdpenny2@ualr.edu

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arkus Pearson, recent graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, won the fight song contest. The contest was held by the Trojan Spirit Committee and the submission deadline was the last week of January.

There were 16 submissions were received for the contest. A voting committee chose the final lyrics and students then voted for their favorite. Student voting took place between Feb. 4-6.

Pearson’s lyrics received the most votes, and he accepted his award at the Trojan men and women’s basketball games on Saturday, Feb 7. Chancellor Joel Anderson, presented the award, a check in the amount of $500.

Even though Pearson is a songwriter and performer, he wasn’t aware of the contest at first. It wasn’t until his track coach encouraged him to participate that he decided to give it a go.

Pearson is not a stranger to music though. He grew up in musician friendly household where his mother played piano at their church. Even his father had played guitar.

“He’d play music from every genre, from Aerosmith to Kenny Chesney and Sheryl Crow to Bob Welch. My sister sings as well. One of my earliest memories is of me playing Dwight Yoakam’s Fast as You when I was three on a plastic guitar. My dad showed me my first guitar chords when I was little and I started taking lessons when I was ten," Pearson said on his website.

In 2013, Pearson released a debut album titled One of A Kind, composed entirely of original songs. He’s currently in the process

of releasing another, which he says will be available late 2015. He can be found playing regularly at venues around Central Arkansas, primarily in Conway and Little Rock.

On performing, Pearson said, “I’ve never been a good public speaker or at telling people how I feel. But when I perform, I feel like I can be honest with people and they’re better able to get what I’m trying to say.”

Although he enjoys performing, songwriting is his specialty.

While one of his biggest influences is country music singer-songwriter Eric Church, Pearson finds inspiration everywhere. Concerning his music tastes, he said, “I love country and rock, but I also enjoy punk and alternative. Honestly, I like all kinds of music.”

He would love the opportunity to collaborate by writing songs for other singers/musicians. When asked about the inspiration for his fight song entry, he says it surprisingly stemmed from his background as an athlete.

Pearson majored in criminal justice, but he minored in health and exercise science. Originally from Conway, he attended and graduated from UALR on a full athletic scholarship for track and country. Running has been a part of Pearson’s life as long as playing guitar has.

When developing the lyrics for the fight song, Pearson said, “I thought about what I would want to hear before an event or a game.

I also thought about what students would not only want to hear, but what they would be able to remember.”

What is Markus doing with the $500? Well, it comes as no surprise that Pearson said, "I'll probably put it towards a new guitar or recording time in the studio."

For more information on Markus’s music, you can visit him at www.markuspearson.com

Photo courtesy of UALR Athletics

Winner, Markus Pearson, receives his award at the Jack Stephens Center.

We are the UALR Trojans We're here to win the fight In our colors maroon and silver We'll stand with all our might (Fight fight fight) Well rise up to the test To prove that were the best We are the UALR Trojans We're better then the rest U--A--L--R U-A-L-R UALR Go Trojans Go! - Markus Pearson’s winning Fight Song Lyrics

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Campus Life

February 18 - March 3, 2015

Taking the plunge to raise funds Victoria Hickey Break trip in March.

Editor vxhickey@ualr.edu

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he University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s West Hall Council will be sponsoring a ‘Polar Plunge’ Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.

The purpose of the event is to raise money for the Alternative Spring

The students and faculty who are taking the plunge have jars set up in the West Hall lobby to raise money. There are almost 40 people participating and each hopes to raise at least $100.

The event will be held on TROJAN Lane with the participants getting dunked. There will be drinks, snacks and music.

Nick Steele, Rikki Turner and Brad Patterson are just a few of the staff, faculty and administrators that will be participating in the event along with the students.

“I will be participating to help raise money for Ms. Leanna’s spring break program. She’s working very hard to get this program going,” said Ruth Houston, a UALR freshman and participant.

ualr.edu/forum

Student Organization Spotlight: African Student Association Onochie tells us one of his favorite memories from a community serStaff Writer vice project they did. rxhouston@ualr.edu “We had a drive to buy mosquito nets we raised a little bit of money, student organization that is seeking a revival on cam- it was about 50 cents to get mospus is the African Student quito nets so everyone in the group Association. The ASA was started put money in,” Onochie said.

This club is available for anyone three years ago and the three pri-

Ruth Houston

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“The African culture is so rich and a beautiful culture, I feel like it’s something everyone should know about.”

-Emmanuel Onochie mary goals are to educate, build a community, and service.

“We want the campus to know there is an African culture here and this is what Africa is about,” President Falilatu Garuba said. “We want to build a group of students who are from Africa and who want to know more about Africa.”

Out of 77 people who showed interest in the club, about a fourth of those students were from African descent. The ASA is very passionate about what they do. The organization wants to teach those about African culture and help it at the same time. Co-President Emmanuel

Photo courtesy of West Hall Council “The Polar Bear Plunge was created as a way to raise money for West Hall Council’s Alternative Spring Break.”

interested in the African culture. A meeting usually talks about how to promote the fashion, food, and music from Africa. For the next meeting, they plan to brainstorm ideas of what they can do this semester. Fali and Emmanuel are very passionate and excited about the culture. If you are interested contact Fali Garuba (figaruba@ ualr.edu) or Emmanuel Onochie (enonochie@ualr.edu).

“The African culture is so rich and a beautiful culture, I feel like it’s something everyone should know about,” Onochie said.

Campus Life

ualr.edu/forum

February 18 - March 3, 2015

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Professor Kinko Ito

Natalie Doris Staff Writer nmdoris@ualr.edu

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classes I teach.”

Ito’s travel experiences and her Japanese background have encouraged her in her field of sociology.

She has visited 80 countries and regularly visits Japan as many as three times a year. Keeping in touch with her roots and learning more about different countries and the sociology of differing groups of people is a passion for Ito. Ito has written several books and travel logs from her experiences, including titles such as, A Sociology of Japanese Lady’s Comics: images of the Life, Love and Sexual Fantasies of adult Japanese Women, watashi no Amerikan Raifu (My American life), and Boutique Designer Boobs and Zen: How I Survived Breast Cancer and Stay Happy in America, all under the pen name K.I. Peeler. These books are currently available on Amazon.com. At the moment, Ito is excited about her work on a documentary film on the indigenous people of Japan.

Ito’s hard work and fascination with Japanese popular culture combined with her enthusiasm for both sociology and her students make her an Photo courtsey of Kinko Ito excellent professor at Japanese Sociology Professor Kinko Ito specializes in Japanese comics and women’s roles in them.

UALR.

rofessor Kinko Ito teaches sociology courses at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Ito offers courses in the sociology of Japanese culture and society, organization of sociologies, and in classical sociological theory. When asked why she teaches classes in the different areas of sociology she listed, Ito quickly responded, “I love them. I love these fields because I am INTERESTED in them.

I love sociology and how it provides you with a totally new way of looking at the people, their culture, and their society.”

Originally from Japan, Ito likes to focus on Japanese culture, especially Japanese popular culture, including Japanese comics and animation, which have grown in popularity around the world.

“To a certain degree, Japanese popular culture is the same as it was when I was growing up, but in other ways it is different,” Ito said.

“Mostly because of the increase in

technology. For example, when I was growing up comics were only available on paper, now you can read Japanese comics on a cellphone or on your computer.”

Ito believes that is it very important to understand that everyone in Japan can read comics, “Although the technology is different, the joy of reading comics is the same.”

Ito has a very student-friendly teaching method as she believes whole-heartedly in the use of humor in learning. Some of her students, she remarked, have suggest-

stories and anecdotes so that her students can apply what they are learning to real world situations, and laugh a little along the way.

“I feel very honored and fortu-

ed that she apply for a job as a stand up comedian. It is Ito’s philosophy that laughter enhances learning.

“Laughing is very relaxing and also when you laugh you tend to retain more because you laughed at it. Humor is very important.”

Ito illustrates the different theories and concepts of sociology with

nate that I am able to teach the students here at UALR. Students here are serious about their studies and my students work very hard and study very hard. And I respect my students because many of them are doing their best in spite of the fact that they work full time and have families. I hope that they enjoy the

Department of Speech Communication Join theElementary Excellence!Science Fair Lorem Call 569-3158 http://ualr.edu/speechcomm/ Sunday, January 25, 2015 9am

www.example.com Award Winning Students!

Nominated for Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges 2015 Undergraduates Anneliese Armstrong Kacee Burrus John Canfield Sayra Crandall

Award Winning Faculty. Speech Communication Faculty have Won 4 college teaching awards 1 regional teaching award 2 University-wide teaching Awards 1 University-wide Research Award 2 Awards for Service

Department of Excellence!

Winner of the Department of Excellence Award at UALR 2000 Nominated for the Southern States Communication Association Minority Recruitment and Retention Award, 2015

Graduates Kristina Godfrey Catherine Jones Laurie Ann Ross Lauren Lee Allison Stank

Features

ualr.edu/forum

UALR Professor shares the gift of music with cancer patients cabinet filled with what he says are his compositions.

Staff Writer Boury recalls that about ten years nmdoris@ualr.edu ago he had his cancer removed by a surgeon, Julio Hockberg, at the iving life through bringing his Med Center. “As he continued to see passion to others, this is the me in the clinic,” Boury explains, story of Dr. Bob Boury, a pro- “we gradually became good friends. fessor at UALR who uses his love Julio’s dedication to patient care for piano to bring peace and hap- greatly influenced me and I started

Natalie Doris

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heartedly agrees with the importance of music to the healing process. According to Boury, “Music opens places in the heart, enabling healing and enhancing health.”

And it is for this reason Boury takes time out of his schedule to share his talents with others in hopes that music will impact them in the same way it has impacted him.

Photo courtesy of Brittany McDonald

piness to cancer patients at UAMS. “I started taking piano lessons at ten,” Boury explains before going on to describe how an interest sparked by his mother, an avid pianist herself, led to his takeover of the family piano, “my sister and I started piano around the same time and within a year I had chased her away from it,” Boury laughs, “even my mother took up needlework because I was there all the time.”

“My life is unimaginable without music playing in my mind,” Boury explains. His office room in the Fine Arts building on campus reflects this, as memorobilia from different operas he has directed and is currently directing lie scattered around a piano and a keyboard set near a

to come to his “Tear Free Clinic” at Children’s Hospital every Friday afternoon with my keyboard.”

About three years ago, Boury discovered the Cancer Research Institute. In the atrium of the Institute, he was excited to find a grand piano which, when played, could carry music to patients on all four floors as they recieve their chemotherapy. This program, known as Tuneful Tuesdays, is made possible by Haley Beard and the rest of the Volunteer Services at the Cancer research Institute who make sure that the piano is tuned and regulated so patients can enjoy the weekly music.

A lot of research has been done to demonstrate the healing nature of music and Dr. Boury whole-

Boury’s work has impacted many lives over the years. “A week does not go by at the Cancer Research Center that a staff member, a patient, or a family member does not tell me how much my music means to them,” Boury says,”often they have tears in their eyes. They are the best audience I have ever played for.”

“I think that the highest musicianship is listening,” Boury supplies, explaining that anyone who listens to music is in their own way a musician, whether their fingers run across a keyboard or not.

Boury is a person who hopes to inspire creativity in everyone who he meets. “People of all ages have made up songs for me. Everyone has a song in their heart.”

February 18 - March 3, 2015

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Sierra Club speaker promotes local environmental campaign Rachel Wright Staff Writer rswright@ualr.edu Sierra Club guest speaker, Glen Hooks director of the Arkansas chapter, talked to Dr. WilebelhausBram’s global issues class and other students about environmental issues in Arkansas and nationwide Wednesday, February 4. The Sierra Club, founded in 1892, is the nation’s oldest and largest environmental organization, with chapters across the United States and Canada that focus on air, water, land and health.

The main environmental issues Hooks spoke about is coal mining and the effects of burning of coal. “When we talk about why coal, there’s a lot of reasons why we should get the nation off of coal,” said Hooks. “Because it is an incredibly destructive fuel source. From the time it’s mined, to the time it’s burned, to the time you’re dealing with the waste that comes after you burn it.” There are five coal mines in Arkansas near Gentry, Newark, Redfield, Osceola, and the newest in Fulton. There are also 19 power plants. Arkansas produces 41 million tons of electric coal power.

Hooks said that people working in or living around coal plants have a greater increase of health risk such as heart or lung problems. 13,000 deaths annually are cause by coal.

The club has taken samples of hair and nails from people living around coal mining areas, and showed the chemicals there bodies absorb from the coal mines and the potential long term effects it can have.

“77 percent of our carbon-dioxide admissions come from coal.” said Hooks. Sierra Club has stopped 180 coal mines from being built, and shutdown over 500 mines.

In the presentation, Hooks said that by 2020 Los Angeles is

predicted to be entirely off coal.

Arkansas does not have as much solar or wind energy because of the coal industry. “To bring it to a local level, other than private residences,” Hooks said, “Arkansas does not generate any of its power from solar or wind energy.” The Sierra Club is working on a clean energy campaign for a proposed Clean Line Energy wind-generated transmission line. There are six hearings throughout Arkansas for citizens to testify about the proposed campaign. The next hearing is in Morrilton on February 19 (for more information see the Sierra Club website: http://www.sierraclub.org/arkansas). The hearings will also grant permits for the project. The decision will be made later this year. The line will run energy from Oklahoma through Arkansas to parts of Tennessee. Hooks said he hopes the project will be finished by 2018.

Hooks said that the technology today makes the price of coal power and wind energy the same.

“Wind energy is reaching a new record every month.” This creates new jobs in wind energy, but poses a problem for Arkansas residents that work in the coal industry.

“There is a little bit of a model we (Sierra Club) have been working on, and it has been successful in several states.... We try to bring the government in and work on making sure there is adjustment transition for the workers.” Hooks said they try to help find work for them or start training workers for new jobs. He said it worked really well in Washington state.

Hooks said students can get involved by joining the Sierra Club, and get involved by joining local campaigns. For more information visit www.sierraclub.org.

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February 18 - March 3, 2015

Features

ualr.edu/forum

Are black women going natural for good?

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Hillary Perkins Staff Writer hdperkins@ualr.edu

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here are trends in history, fashion and music that symbolize African American culture. One example is that many African American women are wearing an afro. That’s right; they are going natural.

According to blackamericaweb. com, a report from Chicago mentioned that relaxers sales dropped to about 26 percent in the last five years. Also according to this website, more than 70 percent of black women have gone natural in the last year.

In the article, “Hair Alteration amongst Black Women and the Assumption of Self-Hatred,” posted on the website steinhardt. nyu.edu, going natural is a way for African American women to embrace their African roots. Since the beginning of time, society supplied the world with the idea that wearing a “nappy ‘fro” was unacceptable. Black hair going

without chemicals or straightening was unacceptable. This idea originated from slavery. Slave masters favored slaves who had light skin and straight hair.

“The Dangers of Hair Relaxers,” posted by hairnaturel.co.uk, states relaxers result in more than chemical burns. There are two types of relaxers: lye relaxers and non-lye relaxers. Both of these relaxers contain sodium hydroxide, which is also used in detergents. Once a relaxer is applied to human hair, it breaks down the natural bonds that protect the hair. This can damage the hair follicles, resulting in alopecia.

Also according to the article “Dangers of Hair Relaxers,” when the relaxer is applied to the human hair, the sodium hydroxide also seeps through the brain. Then it seeps through the rest of the body and irritates the nose, throat and respiratory airways. It also causes swelling or spasms in the upper respiratory airways, leading to loss of pulse and lung damage.

Terika Edwards, a junior at UALR, has been natural for two years. She said that relaxers “ruined her hair.” She had so much new

growth that she could just pull the perm ends off her head. At one point she did not like her afro, but she learned to embrace her natural hair. She decided not to live by social standards.

“It actually became kind of like a learning process,” Edwards said.

“A growth process of learning how to be ok with who I am how I was born versus trying to fit a picture of straight hair.”

Kierra Porter, a junior at UALR, also said that relaxers have damaged her hair. She has been natural for two years. She is majoring in Speech Communications and minoring in Human Services. She said that she thinks that straight hair makes you look old while the “natural ‘fro” makes you look young.

While most African American women prefer the natural look because of hair damage from excessive use of hair relaxers, some women use relaxers once or twice a year, which makes them more familiar with the natural look in a way.

Fleta Watson, an administrative assistant at the School of Mass Communications at UALR,

has been natural for five years.

Previously, she would get a relaxer at least once or twice a year because she has fine hair.

“It was just an easy choice for me because of the type of hair that I have,” Watson said.

Not all black women think that the natural look is for all African American women.

“To me, black women look better with straight hair,” said Urcella Dunbar, a hairdresser in Little Rock. She has her own hair salon, known as Urcella’s, where she’s been working since 1980. Dunbar said she thinks that natural hair makes black women look old.

“I think people should do what they want to do,” Porter said. “I’m not going to judge you just because you got a perm.”

However, Terika Edwards said that if black hair was meant to be straight, African American women shouldn’t have to go through so much trouble to make it straight. “I think we should teach each other how to embrace our natural hair,” Edwards said. “You have to be confident about your ethnicity and your roots.”

“I just don’t like when people

pass judgment without knowledge,” said Leslie Williams, another hairdresser, who also has her own shop, True Serenity. “But, yes, you can maintain relaxed hair with proper care.” Williams has been a hairdresser for 33 years. She also has been natural for three years and four months. She said that she decided to go natural due to scalp sensitivity and hair thinning from using relaxers.

Who made the “natural ‘fro” a comeback? According to “The Afro’s comeback: Once a trend, natural hair is now a part of culture,” posted on nydailynews.com, it’s the celebrities such as singer Solange Knowles, Questlove and comedian Reggie Watts who are paving the way.

The “natural ‘fro” is not just about African Americans reconnecting with their African roots.

It’s also about living a healthy lifestyle, according to this article.

Cutting back on harmful chemicals and eating healthy. It’s all about African Americans keeping it natural and healthy living the right way in an eccentric way without being judged because of the way society is set up.

Features

ualr.edu/forum

February 18 - March 3, 2015

11

Travel Talks:

Overseas Edition

The life of a female sports fan W Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

B

eing a girl who loves sports is probably one of the most difficult things to go through in this world. There are a few things that every girl sports fan goes through but handles perfectly to prove that we women belong in this man-dominated universe. So take that, men.

Here’s the first thing that is the most irritating, when guys try explaining how the rules work or

what just happened in the game.

Guess what? When a girl says she’s a legitimate fan, she probably already understands what’s going on. She doesn’t need you to ask, “Do you get it?” When she says yes, do not ask her if again if she’s positive. If you do, proceed with caution.

Second, just because a girl likes sports does not mean she wants to wear a pink jersey.

What’s wrong with the regular jersey?

Are girls not good enough to wear a normal jersey so you feminize it

and put us in pink? Geez, enough already! Not every girl is in love with the color pink, believe it or not.

Sorry not sorry to all the guys out there, but this third point involves you all again. Do not quiz a girl on her favorite sports team. Since it is her favorite, she probably already knows the players, the team’s background and everything you know about that team. Newsflash, girls know that information, too!

This might be shocking, but let it sink in and it shouldn’t be such a surprise anymore.

Has anyone noticed how awkward the majority of guys act when girls watch the sporting event with them? They treat it like they’re looking at one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s not that big of a deal.

I think the best thing to do is treat it like the girls are one of the guys and comment here and there about a big play. Except girls aren’t actual guys I understand that, but hopefully the message comes across clearly. Girls probably get as excited, if not more excited as guys during a game.

So, go on and give it a chance! The outcome will be an INTERESTING one.

The final thing that needs major work is educating fellow girls about sports. This doesn’t come as a surprise, but girls

are mostly friends with girls. So, girls sports fans would like to talk to their girls that are friends about sports. Recently, it’s become an epidemic about the quantity of girls

that have this knowledge. Guess how that makes the girls sports fans feel? Very alone. We listen to the other problems, like having boy problems, having a bad hair day, one of your nails messed up; the list can go on and on. I think it’s fair to say that we should be able to talk about the significance of the recent Super Bowl controversy and the girl friend understanding what’s happening.

It’s clear that the struggle is real, and hopefully that this struggle will become easier as guys realize that girls are just as smart as them about sports. Maybe a couple of girls might understand the rules about sports and put up with the girls that are fans, a little humoring wouldn’t hurt.

Illustrations by Paige Mason

Ruth Houston Staff Writer rxhouston@ualr.edu

ith many student’s gearing up for traveling abroad this year there are a few things anyone who is about to go overseas should know. I thought it would be like flying across country but it is a completely different ball game.

You have a different set of rules and you’re about to experience a completely new way of life. It’s so easy to forget that our customs can be considered foreign to others.

Traveling starts before you get to the airport when we all have the same question of what to pack.

Packing can be one of the easiest and hardest things anyone can do, especially when you’re like me and can’t go a week without access to your whole shoe closet. Certain countries when you go out it is custom to wear something a little formal so always pack dress clothes and shoes. When you’re packing your checkedin luggage roll your clothes, contrary to popular belief rolling your clothes does not wrinkle them.

Never pack anything super valuable in that case, because sometimes the TSA likes to take things. Your carry on should be your most important bag, the TSA allows a carryon bag and a purse.

So if you carry a purse put all your electronics, chargers, pass-

port, and tickets in that, if you don’t carry a purse put all that in your carryon, and be sure to pack an extra pair of clothes, shoes, and a jacket in your carryon. You never know when your luggage will be lost. Also there is a TSA app you can download for free. Not only does it have the wait lines for security it also has flight information and a list of what you can and cannot take. That was my best friend in the airport.

Brush up on their customs, even though they may speak the same language as you it still is a different culture. They will have different type of etiquette. In England, it isn’t proper to eat by scooping food onto your fork. You use your utensils in opposite hands and you eat with the back of your fork.

Make sure you know the basics of the language, you never know when you’re going to need it. Take some sort of camera, you will want to take tons of photos.

Even though you may be in this country to study take time out of your schedule to do tourist stuff.

These countries have been around longer then the states, there is so much history to learn.

Be sure to meet people and just have a good time.

Most countries love Americans and they are interested in our culture as much as we are interested in theirs. Visit the country side, most of my fondest memories from England were outside on the coast. Be safe and have as many experiences you can and fair winds my friends.

Illustration by Brady Jackson

HOMECING 2015 Adams, Bethany Chi Omega

Written by Maggie Rogers

B

ethany Adams, a senior nursing major at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is one of the candidates for UALR Homecoming 2015.

Her sorority, Chi Omega, nominated this White Hall, Arkansas native. Along with Chi Omega, she is also a member of the Chancellor's Leadership Corps.

In her free time, she says, "I like to do anything outdoors, play with my dogs, and go to Northwest Arkansas and spend time with my family."

Her dream is "to make a difference in someone's life."

After graduating, she hopes to continue her education to receive her BSN or MSN. While continuing her education she wants to work as an ER nurse or L&D nurse.

Allen-Smith, Quay Delta Sigma Theta & Delta Chi

A

Written by Ruth Houston

qa-via Allen-Smith, also known as Quay, is a business marketing major from Conway, Arkansas who was nominated by her sorority Delta Sigma Theta and the Delta Chi colony for UALR Homecoming Queen.

She enjoys working with Delta Sigma Theta to give back to the community, it brings her lots of joy to give back to the community. You can see Quay working as a Resident Assistant in West Hall, where she has been for the past two years.

In her spare time she enjoys playing intramural sports, especially volleyball and basketball. Quay usually creates her own intramural basketball team and plays for the hash-slinging slashers volleyball team.

She also loves to smile and do arts and crafts. She also enjoys hanging out with her residents as well as her friends. Her favorite color is black and her favorite flowers are roses because they represent love.

Her favorite quote is, “Great people talk about ideas, average people talk about things, small people talk about other people.”

Quay won the first ever Delta Chi Sweetheart pageant and also helped plan the Delta Sigma Theta fashion show where the proceeds went to the Our House Shelter. Allen-Smith said loves to have a good time with life and make every day awesome.

Bouzihay, Nora

Student Services Success Initiatives Written by Abigail Marshall

S

enior Nora Bouzihay was nominated for homecoming queen by the Student Services Success Initiative. She is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. Born in Washington D.C. but raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Bouzihay graduated from Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

She is extremely involved with campus life, she has been the president of UALR’s Muslim Student Association for three years, the President of the International Simulations Association, a UALR Orientation Leader and SGA Associate Justice. In addition, Bouzihay has participated as a member of the American Chemical Society, a mentor for African American Female Initiative, a Donaghey Scholar, a Science Scholar, an ARK-LSAMP Scholar, a member of the Donaghey Scholar Student Committee, and an Academic Grievance Committee Student Representative.

Her biggest accomplishment to date has been being the first female in her family to graduate high school and attend college to pursue higher degrees. At UALR she loves the diversity she has found, “I love seeing people from all kinds of cultural backgrounds.”

For her, the biggest motivation in her life is her mother, “the one person who inspires me each and every single day is my mother. Without her strength and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

In her free time Bouzihay enjoys playing soccer, shopping, traveling and trying new foods.

Ford, Shante Alpha Kappa Alpha

Written by Hillary Perkins

S

hante Ford is one of the chosen few nominated for homecoming queen of 2015. She is a nominee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ford is no stranger to homecoming.

She was on her high school homecoming court as well.

She is a senior with a major in speech pathology and a minor in sign language. Ford is a native of Dermot, Arkansas. Dermot is a small town in southeast Arkansas. She said she graduated in a class of only 40 people. Ford is a Resident Assistant for housing on campus.

“It’s an honor to be representing my sorority because I put a lot of hard work and dedication to my sorority,” Ford said.

She presides over AKA week, Founder’s Day Committee and National Pan-Hellenic Council chair committee. She is also the hostess for the AKA and the Green Dot advisory board. In the past, Ford has also been involved with University Program Council (UPC) and the African-American Female Initiative.

“Hopefully we will have a successful week for AKA week and Founder’s day as well,” Ford said. “I’m just looking forward to having a good time with the candidates.”

Hicks, Rickitha UALR Athletics

Written by Abigail Marshall

J

unior Rickitha Hicks was nominated for homecoming queen by the athletic department. She majors in criminal justice and is an active member of African American Female Initiative, Student Services Success Initiative Singers and an athlete on the track and field team.

Hicks is originally from El Dorado, Arkansas but loves living on campus at UALR. “It is truly a wonderful campus. I love the view of the campus and the vibe that the campus brings to my life.”

Her biggest accomplishment to date is attending college and fulfilling the difficult feat of being a student and an athlete. She sees her mother as her biggest inspiration and draws her sense of never giving up from her childhood.

“Watching my mother take care of my grandmother and I, inspires me to become successful under all circumstances,” Hicks said.

Hicks’ hobbies include singing, praise dance and running. She also enjoys spending time with her puppy, Lion, her family, friends and track teammates.

Jones, Maija

Kirtley, Brittany

CLC

Biology Club

Written by Lela-Tamara Fluker

Written by Carmien Penny

aija Jones is a Little Rock native and honor graduate of Central High School. She is a part of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, University Program Council and African-American Female Initiative.

Jones is looking forward to her future involvement in the McNair Scholars Program, as well as in the Honors Society. After obtaining her degree, Jones plans to either teach preschool for the Little Rock School District or work for the Department of Human Services’ Teen Parent and EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION program.

“I also wants to own my own child development center with focus on age and developmentally appropriate practices. I feel it is important for the children to discover how to learn in ways that cater to their individual needs,” said the CLC Sophomore Ambassador.

She enjoys the opportunity to mentor students though CLC, which helps to satisfy her passion before she graduates and pursues her career.

When in the work environment, Jones values a professional and fair system.

“Professionalism and a non-biased viewpoint are the most important qualities to possess in the workplace so that people have equal opportunity and that everything is graceful.”

If given one superpower, Jones said she would utilize the superpower of reading people’s minds in order to help better her community through education and child development.

“There is so much that people don’t say that could let us know how to figure out what to do for others. If I were to have such a superpower, I could use it to help people,” Jones said

ophomore Brittany Kirtley was nominated for homecoming queen by the Biology club. She is a double major in biology and interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis in chemistry, dance and international studies.

She is also a biology club historian and Chancellor’s Leadership Corps sophomore ambassador. Kirtley graduated high school in Bryant, Arkansas, where she is originally from.

Her decision to double major stems from her INTERESTS. She loves science, which led her to biology and chemistry.

“I grew up at Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary which I where I found my love of animals which influenced me to focus on science in my studies. My family there is my support system,” Kirtley said.

Alongside her love of science is a need to travel, which led her to international studies. Although she isn’t sure what she wants to do career-wise, she does know that she wants a job where she can travel the world.

Why dance?

“Dance is just for me because I love to move,” Kirtley said.

Outside of school, she loves to spend time with friends and family.

Kirtley isn’t afraid to admit she’s a bookworm who uses rainy days as an excuse to curl up on the couch with a good book.

McNeaill, Lauren

O’Neal, Tamara

M

Pi Kappa Alpha

S

University Programs Council

Written by Victoria Hickey

Written by Rachel Wright

auren McNeaill, a senior double majoring in business finance and psychology, is one of the eleven homecoming candidates for 2015.

McNeaill was nominated by the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

“Being selected, for me, would not only be a great honor, but also a confirmation from my fellow students that I have served well.”

As president of the Student Government Association in her second term, McNeaill is no stranger to responsibilities of representing her school. During her time at UALR, she has also been involved with the African American Female Initiative as a mentor.

In her free time, McNeaill enjoys salsa dancing. “If I could do it every day, I would!”

This Conway, Arkansas native says she works hard in her classes and already has job lined up for after she graduates this May.

amara O’Neal, a senior majoring in criminal justice with a minor in human services, is an active member in organizations around the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

She is nominated by the University Programming Council for Homecoming Queen. She is an advisory board member of the African American Female Initiative, as well as vice president of Ladies Who Launch.

O’Neal said the she lives by is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

O’Neal said she wants students to know she is always willing to help others.

“When you first meet me you’ll think I am just quiet, but as you get to know me, you’ll know I am very nice and always willing to help others.”

She said that is why she enjoys mentoring.

For fun she said, “I enjoy hanging out with my friends, doing community service, mentoring freshmen as they come in.

With her criminal justice degree, O’Neal said she would like to go into juvenile probation and possibly go on to law school. She is considering getting her GRADUATE DEGREE, but said not right after she graduates in the spring. “I am considering it, but probably not right after. Probably take a break and comeback in the spring.”

Rogers, Maggie

Treml, Alexa

L

The Forum

T

Kappa Delta

Written by Grant Fox

Written by Brian Gregory

aggie Rogers is a senior at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and majors in Mass Communications with an emphasis in print journalism.

Born in Little Rock and raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, she is accustomed to both city and country life. A member of Chi Omega as well as the editor of the sports section of the UALR Forum, Maggie is set to graduate in December of 2015.

Outside of the classroom and campus life, Maggie is also an avid sports fan. “I love all Chicago sports teams, except the White Sox,” she said. Maggie also enjoys spending time with her friends, playing Madden on her Xbox, and coming home to her two cats Picasso and Mona Lisa. In addition to all of these activities, she is a stringer for the Saline Courier.

“My end goal is to be a sports reporter for a major publication. I’d like to be a reporter for the Chicago Cubs.”

lexa Treml is a junior biology and music performance student who is heavily involved in UALR activities.

The Kappa Delta president was born in Ohio but moved to Cabot, Arkansas when she was young. Her sorority Kappa Delta nominated Treml. This year will be the second time that she was nominated for homecoming. Last year, the Music Student Association nominated her. Treml was a junior mentor for Chancellors Leadership Corps, vice-president of the UALR Diamond Dolls and president of the Music Student Association.

Treml is on the Pre-Med track in biology. After finishing medical school, Treml wants to become a pediatric surgeon because she “loves children.” One of her favorite things to do is to volunteer. She plays her clarinet for the pep band and for various other gigs.

She also hopes to begin volunteering for Children’s Hospital again.

Treml is always listening to music and her favorite artist is Beyoncé.

However, one thing that Treml says defines her is that she is always about her TROJANS.

M

A

14

February 18 - March 3, 2015

mundane magic

by Zachary Tallent

UALR GIRL

by Paige Mason

#just filler things

by Byron Buslig

Comics

ualr.edu/forum

The Forum

CLASSIFIEDS

Students! Staff!

Advertise with us!

Your school newspaper will soon include a classifieds section!

Jobs? Post them here!

Only $4.00 to advertise here!

2” x 3”

Looking for a roommate?

Let students know about scholarships and opportunities!

Buy Sell Inform All in one spot!

Contact KenDrell Collins editor@ualr.edu

16

February 18 - March 3, 2015

Entertainment

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Dance around the caribbean at Juanita's Morgan Drish Staff Writer madrish@ualr.edu

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ance around the Caribbean from the comfort of Juanita’s Café and Bar in Downtown Little Rock. Every Tuesday and Friday night, Juanita’s Café and Bar offers people the opportunity to learn new dance styles. For new dancers, they offer a class on Friday that begins at 9 p.m. and then immediately after the class, more experienced dancers will join and dance the night away until 2 a.m. There are usually about 100 people in attendance and sometimes there are up to 300. Tuesday nights are not nearly as busy though. The class starts at 7:30 p.m. and then becomes open to anyone until 11 p.m. Attendees dance to styles from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Columbia and other countries around the Caribbean Sea. The dances include Zouk, Kizombo, Cumbia, Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa.

The Bachata and the Merengue both originated in the Dominican

Republic. The Bachata was founded in the early 20th century and is a dance that consists of a full eight count within a square. It is accompanied by music that is much like the blues in America.

The Kimzoba is a dance style from Angola. The music is usually sung in Portuguese with a slower, romantic tempo. Zouk is sometimes known as the “forbidden dance” or “dance of love” because of the close proximity of partners throughout the dance.

“You are learning a dance from another culture. And in order to do so, you have to immerse yourself in the steps and in the music.

[Each dance] has a specific sound to that culture. The music, counts and steps for each are different” said Rachel Chatwood, a UALR student and regular attendee at Juanita’s.

Going to Juanita’s could be more than just a night out of the house or a change up of routine. It could be an opportunity to grow cultural awareness and dance around the Caribbean Sea. For ticket prices visit www.littlerocksalsa.com.

Photo courtesy of amysaysyesplease.com

Book review: Yes Please by Amy Poehler Morgan Drish It reminds its audience what it’s Staff Writer madrish@ualr.edu

P

Photo courtesy of Little Rock Salsa

eople are their most beautiful when they are laughing, crying, dancing, playing, telling the truth, and being chased in a fun way” says Amy Poehler in her book Yes Please, when talking about her life in improvisation and sketch comedy.

The title of the book, Yes Please suggests being polite. As you read the book, the title is referenced may times. Poehler talks about how she grew up in Boston where yes please was the last thing that people would say, when she got into the theatre world she had to start fighting the urges to tell people what was really on her mind and leave it with a simple yes please instead, but in this book you get to read those unspoken thoughts and swear words.

like to be human.

The book is divided into three different parts; Part one: Say Whatever you want, Part two: Do Whatever you Want and Part three: Be Whoever you are. The different parts are organized in chronological order and start with a chapter about her acting career in each city she has lived in. She started with Boston, where she went to college. Chicago is next, where she met Tina Fey. Finally, she talks about New York City, where she joined the Saturday Night Live crew.

Yes Please is written informally with photos, letters and excerpts added throughout the pages, which make the book feel like a mystery because you never know what you will find on Illustration by Byron Buslig

the next page. It adds a personal touch as if you were reading her diary. After reading this book, I am fully convinced, like many others I’m sure, that I could be friends with Amy Poehler or rather she would make an awesome aunt, given the 30 years age difference.

This book is wonderful for anymore who is trying to figure out what to do with their life. You can read the story of someone who went from being an average college student in Boston, to a struggling actress living in a sketchy part of Chicago, to becoming one the most acclaimed female comedians of our time. I also suggest this book to anyone who could use a hilarious cheerleader and heartfelt adventurous stories that can make us all feel a little more human.

ualr.edu/forum

Entertainment

February 18 - March 3, 2015

17

Kingsman movie review

James Bond meets Comic Books to endure, being the man of the house for his mother and baby sister.

This film is action packed with all new combat schematics and a posh attire to boot. Kingsman takes elements from classic Bond movies (there are even James Bond references) and adds its own feel-good spin. Not only will this movie keep you on the edge of your seat, it will also crack you up with its classic British humor.

While newcomer Terry Egerton is decent Samuel L Jackson stands out with his sarcastic wit and a spot-on portrayal of onesecond-funny-the-next-secondinsane antagonist. Oscar winner Colin Firth impresses as well by abandoning his dramatic flair and acing an action role; proving all those The King’s Speech naysayers wrong.

Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class), director of Kingsman has created another page in the never-ending book of 21st century blockbuster formulaic films: visual effects, intense action and funny dialogue. Kingsman, however, does have its downs. At a little over 2 hours long the movie can feel tiresome and prolonged toward the end. There are a few moments where Kingsman stumbles upon itself making you feel like the whole affair is pointless.

It also does not offer anything truly compelling mainly because most of the plot themes, motifs and story arcs used in the movie have been used before and better.

To its credit Kingsman does not take itself seriously. If you are expecting a la Sean Connery “Hello Mr. Bond” situation then, to quote Kingsman, this ain’t that kind of a movie. If, however, you are looking to indulge in highly action-packed even if slightly illogical movie magic then Kingsman is made for you.

Zach Martin Staff Writer zrmartin@ualr.edu

Shashank Avvaru Staff Writer sxavvaru@ualr.edu

Y

ou can never go wrong with spy thrillers. Put a charming agent in the midst of a government conspiracy, add in car chases and slick action, and throw in a few supermodels... You have yourself a hit.

But a spy agency under a tailor shop run by aging men with old school views? Now that could go either way.

But Kingsman: The Secret Service manages to keep its head up with captivating visuals and interesting characters but most importantly it carves a new subgenre within the spy genre: a spy action comedy.

Eggsy Unwin (Terry Egerton), a young mischief maker escaping from the law through the narrow streets of London runs into Harry Hart (Colin Firth) and discovers that he is the son of Harry’s savior. After a heart-to-heart with Eggsy amid a noisy bar fight Harry reveals that he is a member of Kingsman – an elite spy agency composed of England’s finest secret agents. When Harry offers Eggsy a chance to join the agency the latter grabs it not knowing what lies ahead of them: a deathly competition, traitors within Kingsman and a billionare psychopath Richmond Valentine (Samuel L Jackson), to name a few.

Kingsman detours from the regular spy movie path in an attempt to offer an enjoyable, popcorn movie and it delivers.

One of the best aspects of the film is the modest and shattering upbringing in the underbelly of London that Eggsy is forced

Illustration Byron Buslig

18

February 18 - March 3, 2015

Entertainment

ualr.edu/forum

College Class i c s Accepted Shashank Avvaru Staff Writer sxavvaru@ualr.edu

Zach Martin Staff Writer zrmartin@ualr.edu

W

e, the writers of College Classics, are always looking for movies that portray lives of students accurately with heart and emotion. When we discovered Accepted, an underrated 2006 comedy about a group of college rejects who build a fake college, we knew we had found another valuable gem.

Bartleby Givens (Justin Long), a fresh high school graduate finds himself with an earth shattering dilemma - a rejection letter from every college he applies to.

Add to this everyone around him finding a seat in colleges around the country including his best friend Sherman Schrader (Jonah Hill), a technical wiz-kid. When pushed to a corner Bartleby desperately designs a fake college acceptance letter from the South Harmon Institute of Technology and proudly presents it to his parents. To safeguard his lie he along with Sherman builds a website for the college. To help a few friends he designs some more acceptance letters.

One move dominos into another and before long Bartleby and his friends find themselves in the middle of a newly renovated building running a student-filled college with a fake dean Ben Lewis (Lewis Black). To make the

experience the founders establish classes such as Getting Lost, Thinking about Stuff, Meditation, Doing Nothing etc.

All the while, right next door the administrators of Harmon College are watching and waiting to take Bartleby and his friends down. But Bartleby and his friends decide to work together to keep the college up even if it means dealing with their parents’ suspicions and legitimizing the college itself.

Accepted is pure fun simply because it takes outlandish characters, an outlandish plot in an outlandish setting and keeps things interesting. Justin Long and Jonah Hill, relatively unknown at the time this movie was made, shine throughout.

Lewis Black brings his comedic skills and every time he makes you laugh you cannot help but admire his acting.

The film’s originality and strength lies in its comedic arc: teenagers and a maverick old man running lectures about daily life for other teenagers, students tapping into their potential by experimenting with skateboarding and nude pottery. There are a few warm moments in the film as well with an honorable mention going out to Bartleby’s passionate speech about his view on education in colleges in a courtroom full of professors and students.

This college comedy is a hit for just about every student. This film has such great insight to college life because it shows the cut-up hi-jinks of South Harmon and the no nonsense workings of a proper college and all the trim- have fun and make memories of a close to heart film that makes mings. From fraternity hazing to a lifetime. This is a movie that is a fun of itself constantly. huge blowout parties, students huge gut buster although it is also Accepted is predominately

Illustration by Zachary Tallent

enjoyable for hilarious jokes, touching moments and Jonah Hill’s 5-second girly scream.

ualr.edu/forum

Bottoms Up:

Entertainment

February 18 - March 3, 2015

19

From Russia with a Touch of Autumn

Illustration by Zachary Tallent

Mel and Monty return to comedy Tanner Newton to comedic films. The show is enjoy Brooks bringing out his old

Illustration by Byron Buslig

The Autumn Russian is a tantalizing seasonal variation Editor of the famous White Russian. tgfox@ualr.edu With its festive aroma and soothing appearance, (think eggnog) it’s the perfect fall found myself on Valentine’s adult beverage. The ingrediweekend relaxing in a rural ents are fairly simple. All you countryside enjoying the need is vanilla flavored vodka, warmest day of the winter to Kahlua (coffee flavored rum), this point. Perfectly crisp air, pumpkin spice liqueur, and 70 degrees, and nothing but a light cream. backyard full of leaves rustling Fill a glass half full of in a gentle breeze. Light con- ice. Then add one ounce of versation was being held on vanilla vodka and one ounce the back porch of a small and of Kahlua. Then add half an comfortable home overlooking ounce of the pumpkin spice a quaint backyard with seem- liqueur and half an ounce of ingly infinite woods stretching light cream. as far as the eye could see. An Do to the smoothness of the old Vietnam War Veteran walked mixture, it would be easy to on the back porch and handed drink too much or too fast but me a glass with an unfamiliar be assured, this is not a drink mixture inside. to guzzle. If you get the chance “What is it?” I asked always and weather permits, try takcurious. ing a seat outside on a quiet “It’s kinda like a White afternoon or evening, and sip Russian,” he replied. “But it on an Autumn Russian. Only feels like fall so I made its thing that will make it better cousin. It’s called an Autumn is a piece of pumpkin pie on Russian.” the side.

Grant Fox

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very funny. Content wise, there Staff Writer is not much new here. Palin, tgnewton@ualr.edu Jones, Cleese, Idle and Gilliam play their hits. But watching the ouis CK, Jimmy Fallon, greatest comedy group of all time Patton Oswalt, Lewis Black play their hits is still watching all suck when they are com- the greatest comedy group play pared to Monty Python and Mel their hits. Honestly, the funniest Brooks. We truly live in a blessed moments are when the Pythons time because both of these greats lose their composure and bust have graced us with new material. out laughing.

The Pythons have a new DVD out, The British had Monty Python Monty Python Live (mostly): One and America’s answer to them Down, Five to Go, and Brooks has was Mel Brooks. Mel Brooks is, a new HBO standup special, Mel without question, one of the funBrooks Live at the Geffen. niest people who has ever lived.

Monty Python is exciting to The only reason that I was more many old fans and new alike. pumped about the Python’s was Live (mostly) is the first time because Mel does a new special that the Pythons have released ever year or two. For his new something of substantial length special he just stands on a stage since their 1983 film The and tells funny stories from his Meaning of Life. Monty Python’s life in show business. Like Live Flying Circus is at least top five (mostly), a lot of this stuff is when it comes to TV comedies. old. Half of the show is made Monty Python’s Holy Grail is at up of new material though. For least top five when it comes nostalgic reasons, old fans will

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partner Carl Reiner. Reiner only has a cameo and that is a shame.

But Mel Brooks by himself is still a hoot. Telling any anecdote from this special is gut bustlingly funny.

What amazes me is how coherent and funny these seven comedy legends, counting Reiner, are. Each of the Pythons are in their 70s. Brooks is in his 80s and Reiner is in his 90s. They each seem so energetic and fun though. Other than Terry Jones during the Crunchy Frog sketch, each of these elderly people remembers their lines and delivers punch lines like the old pros that they are.

Neither of these shows are going to be cultural iconic moments like Life of Brian or Blazing Saddles but they don’t need to be. They are just really funny shows put out for old fans.

What more could comedy fans ask for?

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February 18 - March 3, 2015

Sports

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Photo by Maggie Rogers

Junior Hayden Martin stepped up to the plate against Evansville.

Trojans lose opening series against Evansville Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

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he baseball team won opening day 6-3 Feb. 13 against the Evansville Purple Aces at Gary Hogan Field. Along with this win, it was also head coach’s Chris Curry’s first win as a Division I coach. Due to inclement weather possibilities Sunday, Feb. 15, the Trojans played in a double header against their opponent Saturday, Feb. 14 and lost the first game 7-2 and the second game 16-3.

The Purple Aces scored one run at the top of the first inning during the first game of the

series, but the Trojans turned it around and scored two runs during the bottom of the first inning.

After a scoreless second inning, Evansville took the lead during the top of the third inning, 3-2. At the bottom of the third inning, the Trojans were able to retake the lead and led 6-3 when the inning ended. Both teams were scoreless for the remainder of the game for the Trojans to pick up the victory, 6-3. Senior Cameron Allen got his ninth win as a pitcher after pitching five innings.

Junior Sam Thoele started as pitcher for the first game Feb. 14. After Evansville led 5-0 at the top of the third inning, soph-

omore Reed Willenborg was brought in to do some damage control. The Trojans put runs on the scoreboard at the bottom of the second inning that made the score 5-2. At the top of the eighth inning, the Purple Aces got two more runs that changed the score to 7-2. The Trojans tried to catch up to the Purple Aces during the final innings of the game, but weren’t able to and lost the game 7-2.

During the final game of the series, senior Stephen Chandler started the game, but help was brought in during the third inning from senior Chad Bradford after Evansville earned an impressive lead early in the

game. When the third inning ended, the Purple Aces led 8-0.

Evansville scored again at the top of the fourth inning and led by nine, while the Trojans remained scoreless. The Trojans looked determined at the bottom of the fourth. That determination paid off and they put three runs on the board that changed the score to 9-3. Evansville kept earning runs against the Trojans, getting one run in the fifth inning and earning six at the top of the sixth. Tensions started to run high between the two teams during the top of the sixth. After an earlier altercation, both of the teams received one warning after freshman Preston

Oberling hit an Evansville batter, senior Brett Synek. After this, an Evansville runner who was going from first to second base tripped UALR’s second basemen.

The runner was out, but Curry walked on the field looking to see the umpires were going to address that situation because it looked to be intentional, but nothing happened. At the end of the inning, Evansville led 16-3 against the Trojans. After the 10-1 rule took effect, the game ended after the seventh inning and the Trojans lost 16-3.

The Trojans play next on Friday, Feb. 20 against Iowa at Gary Hogan Field at 3 p.m.

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Diamond Dolls on the ball for baseball program Hillary Perkins Staff Writer hdperkins@ualr.edu

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ost sports have cheerleaders and dance squads to support them on the sideline. Whoever thought that any sport can have another organizationto represent them? Whoever thought that any sport could have an organizationfull of women who are coordinating events to support their team? That’s right! At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the baseball program has the Diamond Dolls organization as a sponsor to their needs.

The Diamond Dolls do not only show support, but they also have a marketing crew. They also sell tickets for their games, run the concession stand, and help with on-campus events.

“Their ability to be seen around campus and spread the word of Little Rock baseball has been of great importance and has helped us through the past few months,” said Shawn Redd.

Shawn Redd is the director of baseball operations. He prepares

for game days and looks over their apparel budget.

According to Emily Parker, the Diamond Dolls was created in 2012. She said that it all started with a conversation with a former coach and another girl who was a senior at the time. From there, they went on a hunt for girls who wanted to be a part of the organization.

Emily Parker is the president of the Diamond Dolls organization.

She is a junior who is a strategic communication major with a minor in marketing.

“Our main focus is to make the Little Rock baseball program a top tier program for the student athletes, staff, students, and community,” Parker said. “Since my freshman year here at UALR, I have run this program and been trying to help it grow so that I can leave with faith that it won’t fail without me here.”

According to the UALR website, the following womenare a part of the Diamond Dolls: Emily Parker, Alexa Treml, Lexus VanPelt, Emily Bruner, Maggie Rogers, Ashley Mizell, Diana Cardenas, and Bre

Ilkuf. Treml is the vice president of the Diamond Dolls.

“Their roles are not only needed, but are a life-blood of our PROGRAM ,” Redd said. “Without them, Little Rock baseball wouldn’t be able to truly function at a high level.”

Redd also said that he comes from Texas Christian University, where this organization is very popular. He also mentioned that the budget for concessions have been on the rise due to the diamond dolls fundraising efforts.

“As the diamond dolls CONTINUE to grow, so will their roles,” said Redd. “They do so much for us and we, as a team, are trying to give them a first class experience.”

“This program gives female students an opportunity to play a major role on a division onebaseball program,” said Parker.

With that being said, the diamond dolls, as well as the Little Rock baseball program, are still on the rise to spread the word around UALR. For more upcoming events, visit ualr.edu.

Photo courtesy of UALR Athletics

The UALR Diamon Dolls help with home baseball games and other events that benefit Little Rock’s Team.

February 18 - March 3, 2015

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Trojan sports, now.

In print or online.

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February 18 - March 3, 2015

Sports

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New players and rebuilding opportunities for soccer team Brian Gregory Staff Writer bjgregory@ualr.edu

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he UALR Trojans soccer team added 16 new players to their team on National Signing Day Feb 4. This is a very large recruiting class for head coach Adrian Blewitt as he looks to continue the rebuilding process in his third year with the team. The recruiting class includes nine players from Texas and Missouri. There are four students from Europe and two from England, Blewitt’s home country.

“I believe that we will improve from more competition, the squad will be larger,” said Blewitt.

He said that along with a larger team, this means that when they play two games in three days, the more experienced players will have

chances to rest and be ready for both games. Blewitt is not only excited about getting the new players, but he is also excited to build upon the success from last season. This past season the Trojans set a school record for wins, earning 11 wins. The team had the most consecutive wins, earning nine wins and earned the most wins to start out a season, with nine as well. The team also had the program’s first winning season ever and their second consecutive appearance in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.

“I was a little disappointed with the end of our season.

We lost a couple of games we shouldn’t have lost,” said Blewitt.

Overall, he was pleased with the progress that has been made with team, especially for a young team.

“Our goal next season is to improve upon our conference record and be able to get a high-

er seed,” said Blewitt. “ Since our focus is on our conThey will have games against ference schedule, playing against Oklahoma, the University of the bigger schools will hopeMississippi, and Texas. fully bring up our competitive-

The Trojan soccer team is poised to improve next season.

ness. This will in turn improve our play against our conference opponents.”

Photo courtesy of UALR Athletics

Hot Corner: NBA-Midseason Brian Gregory Staff Writer bjgregory@ualr.edu

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his NBA season started with so much promise, hope, and hype. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed LeBron in free agency, and traded the number one overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins for All-Star power forward Kevin Love. Carmelo Anthony decided against going to Chicago and sticking with the Knicks to trust Phil Jackson. The Los Angeles Lakers, my team, struck out for the third straight year on free agents. These were just some of the storylines heading into the season. I can’t remember an offseason that left me more intrigued and wanting to watch every single minute of it. However, the basketball I have watched has led to some intrigu-

ing storylines. You have the Hawks who were an eighth seed last year; jump to first in the east with a 43-11 record. The Hawks, there’s no way I would’ve ever guessed the Hawks. Also, what about the Thunder being a top three seed in the western conference lock for the past five years, struggling to get into the playoffs. They are the ninth seed in the west. Though due to injuries, I would’ve thought they could’ve kept afloat. But the west is just a juggernaut.

I am going to hand out some awards to reward the good, bad and obscure basketball that we have seen this year.

Most Valuable Player-Stephen Curry, with all due respect to James Harden and his great performances he has put on the past few weeks. There is no other player right now given all the PRODUCTION I would put above Stephen Curry. Curry’s shooting, passing, driving, and drib-

bling ability makes him the most potent offensive player this side of LeBron. The closest comparison to Curry is probably “Pistol” Pete Maravich from the 70’s. He’s one of the best players at stealing the ball, and he drives the best team in the west. No one in this league is better right now this season than Stephen Curry.

Most Exciting Player-Russell Westbrook.

LeBron used to have the title of the most athletic player in the league, and along with that title the most exciting. Russell Westbrook is the most exciting player in the league. When this man drives to the basket no combines size, speed, athleticism, ferocity, and aggression better than he does. He is the most feared player in the league in my opinion, and if there was anyone I would draft first it would be Mr. Westbrook. Best Team in the League-Atlanta Hawks with

19 wins in a row, the first starting five ever to be picked as conference player of the year, they beat the Cavs by 31 in Cleveland, and they’ve only lost twice to Western Conference opponents. Their resume speaks for itself.

Worst/Pitiful Team in the League-New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.

I could go with the Sixers, but we knew they would be bad. We also could go with the Lakers, but with an aging Kobe where would they go. The two New York teams are terrible. They play the most boring, uninspired, pitiful basketball I have ever seen in my entire life. They suck. I feel sorry their fans. I have to endure terrible basketball every night with my Lakers, but at least I can watch them. There is no draw to them right now. The Knicks and the Nets are a basketball mess that doesn’t look to be solved

anytime soon.

My Title Pick-Memphis Grizzlies.

I love a lot of teams this year: Warriors, Hawks, Bulls, Wizards, Blazers, etc. But there is no team I love more to make it to the Finals than the Memphis Grizzlies. Now they are prone to that occasional crazy loss, but that has happened with every team. Having Jeff Green gives them the outside threat they truly desire. A small forward who can actually take over the game with his scoring is something they have lacked for the past five or six years.

Unless you speed them up way out of their comfort zone, the Grizzlies can hang with almost any style you want to play. As I say this look out for all the teams I just mentioned. But I leave you with one thing, GO SPURS GO!!! Enough said.

Sports

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February 18 - March 3, 2015

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Women's basketball team still defeating their opponents Maggie Rogers ably the last five minutes of the throw percentage. UALR played win in a row against Texas State. their opponent and defeated

first half, we played like we’re Editor capable of playing,” Brasel said. mjrogers1@ualr.edu “Otherwise, I felt we’re kind of lethargic and lifeless, but we were fter a slow start against the able to bounce back.”

In the first half, the Trojans did University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks, the UALR bounce back after they adjusted to women’s basketball team took con- the Warhawks tempo, which they trol of the game and defeated their were able to do with about 12 minopponent 68-44 on Thursday, Feb. 5, utes remaining in the half. Senior Taylor Gault sunk a 3-pointer with at the Jack Stephens Center.

Head coach Joe Foley couldn’t seconds remaining that put the be interviewed after the game Trojans in the lead 37-26. Gault because he went to watch game scored 14 points in the half. UALR film with the team, so assistant earned 11 rebounds and earned coach Bobby Brasel took his place. five steals during the first half.

“I thought the last 10 minutes They had a 63 percent field goal of the second half and prob- percentage and 40 percent free

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with more energy during the second half. ULM never took the lead away from the Trojans in the final half of the game.

Two Trojans, Gault and junior Alexius Dawn, earned 19 points each. Following was sophomore Kaitlyn Pratt with 10 points.

Junior Shanity James scored seven points.

The women’s basketball team won their next three games following the win against ULM. They defeated Texas State, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern.

They defeated Texas State at the Jack Stephens Center 70-43.

This win was the Trojans third

Senior Taylor Gault scored 19 points against ULM that led the Trojans to victory.

Senior Taylor Gault ended up being the top scorer of this game with 19 points as well. Sophomore Keanna Keys scored 14 points and junior Shanity James scored nine for the Trojans.

The team then traveled and faced off against Appalachian State Thursday, Feb. 12 and won 63-49. The top scorer of this game was junior Shanity James with 17 points. Sophomore Keanna Keys, junior Alexius Dawn and senior Kiera Clark scored nine points.

On Valentine’s Day, the Trojans played against Georgia Southern at the Jack Stephens Center. The home team showed no love to

them 60-43.

Keys was the top scorer for the Trojans and earned 25 points. Following was James with nine points. Clark and senior Ka’Nesheia Cobbins scored eight points.

The Trojans now have 21 wins and three losses (21-3) and they have 14 wins and one loss in the Sun Belt Conference (14-1).

The team will play next on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m. against their rival, the Arkansas State Red Wolves, at the Jack Stephens Center.

Photo by Maggie Rogers

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