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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Newspaper

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AND THE WINNER IS AQA-VIA “QUAY” ALLEN-SMITH Inclement Pg. 4 weather

Lady Trojans’ Homecoming Pg. 20 Win

Interview with the Queen Videogame Review: Evolve

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Opinions

March 5 - March 17, 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.

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AN OPENING WORD How much is too much?

By KenDrell Collins Executive Editor editor@UALR.edu

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very morning I get a news update sent to my phone from Yahoo.

Periodically, The New York Times and the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette will send a notification too.

When I crawl out of bed and stumble to the bathroom to brush my teeth while checking Facebook like any normal 21st century youth, I can count on my newsfeed being cluttered with stories about which celebrity couple was seen out the night before. Without fail, I’ll scroll across a title that reads “LeBron James is taking sad mirror photos after losing to Rockets” or “Taylor Swift Explains Why She’ll Still Be Single At 30.”

It’s easy to get so engulfed in the lives of athletes, politicians and performers that we ignore our own humanity, or worse, the humanity of others. But why is it we are so prone to preoccupy ourselves with what color dress Kim Kardashian wore at the awards or whether Drake and Chris Brown are arguing again?

Maybe it’s the drama. Maybe we just admire their talent. Or, maybe we envy how glamorous and exciting their lives are juxtaposed against our mundane ones. Our hypersensitivity to their daily

routines could just be our way of living vicariously through them.

If that’s true, then I see a serious problem.

TMZ and People Magazine, MTV and Fortune all make a living off following the lives of other people. We drive up demand for their product with every click, every post and every Instagram photo “like.”

The danger lies in the fact that because we become so distracted by the lives of the rich and famous, we neglect the immeasurable value of everyday people.

It’s easy to sit on our couch and stare at a screen, but is that what life is about?

I’m inclined to believe that just as much adventure and drama can be found in our own day-to-day journeys. And if excitement seems all but burdened under the weight of the monotony of homework, paperwork or other chores, then we owe it to ourselves to create our own excitement.

I leave you dear reader with the same question Mary Oliver posed to her listeners, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

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

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Opinions

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Take responsibility

March 5 - March 17, 2015

not about racism. Well actually, it is about all those things and so much more but not in the way you would expect.

There is one overarching problem that touches so many parts of our lives and is so engrained in our society that we don’t seem to identify it as one of our biggest problems. So what is this terrible, unforeseen problem? It’s quite simple, and many who read this will not like it: We do not take responsibility for our decisions.

We do not raise children in this country to take responsibility for their actions. We want to blame

others for our failures. I’m not talking about failures as a country but as individuals.

I’ve heard it plenty of times in class. “Sorry I was late. I got stuck in traffic.” “I never got that email” (even though everyone else in the class did). “I was sick…oh I have to get a doctor’s note?” “I would have gotten an A if it weren’t for my professor not letting me turn in my paper late.”

Why is it so hard for us to admit when we make a poor decision or make a mistake? Why is it that we look to blame others or our circumstances for our failures?

But this is trivial. Let’s look at the bigger picture. Take the educational system as an example. It has been said over and over again that the education system in the United States is insufficient. Our government has failed to provide our children with a substantial educational system. Maybe it isn’t the best in the world but the finger once again is being pointed in the wrong direction.

Schools are meant to educate students. However, if the entire educational process of a child comes from a classroom, then that child is destined to fail. Education begins at home with parents teaching their children the way to behave, what't right, what's wrong and how to prioritize. How you treat others, respect and the

eral views, was murdered in cold blood leaving behind a dedicated Is Russia becoming group of followers heartbroken and the glorious chair of future presiUSSR again? dency empty.

Why, that is not like Russia at all.

By Shashank Avvaru But that stinks of USSR. Staff Writer Until her dissolution in 1991, SXAvvaru@ualr.edu USSR (the Soviet Union) was the mother country of Russia. Primarily remembered for her leadership of the Warsaw Pact and strong communist views, USSR played a prominent role in the birth of current communist nations such as he recent assassination of Cuba.

Since becoming a democracy, Russia’s opposition leader Boris Nemtsov is, just like Russia has shown the world a difmost events in Russia’s history, ferent side of her, a side the world shrouded in mystery and contro- has grown to love. A country whose versy. A charismatic, well appre- president was nominated for the ciated figure known around the Nobel Peace Prize thanks to his world for his anti-Putin and lib- mediation and diplomacy in the

Syrian crisis, Russia has come a long way from the USSR known for instigating the Cold War. But in the last two years Russia has been acting very USSR-like.

Very slim freedom is given to members of the LGBT community by the administration. Rallies and protests have taken place. Strong voices have been unleashed both online and offline but that has done little to change Russia’s point of view. The community members do not enjoy the same freedoms and protections that the rest of Russians do, and the government constantly and conveniently pushes issues related to these laws to the sideline. It is essential to note that communism is notorious for condemning homosexuality.

Artistic and musical freedom is limited in Russia as well. The

arrest of the band Pussy Riot is a cruel reminder of the tight grip that Russia’s government holds over art in the country.

Then there is Ukraine. Post World War II Germany was split into two: the West Germany under rule of the United States (a democracy) and NATO and East Germany under the rule of USSR and the Warsaw Pact. A majority of the East-German population detested the government and many lost their lives trying to jump the Berlin Wall, the dividing barrier between East and West Germany, in order to escape to West Germany. The breaking down of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of East Germany is generally regarded as the end of the Cold War with U.S. emerging victorious. It is hard to ignore the fact that the same nation

Grant Fox Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

America today is filled with problems. Read the paper. Watch the news. Heck, just get on Facebook and browse for a little while. No, this article is not talking about issues in the Middle East.

No, it’s not about the school system. No it’s not about taxes. No it’s

The Thinking Man:

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importance of investing in yourself through self-education should be ingrained at an early age. This is one of the biggest problems in the United States. Being uneducated leads to the United States having the highest rate of incarcerated citizens, a high level of unemployment and crime ever present.

The failures that are so prevalent within this country, although some can actually be attributed to failures by leadership, lie predominately in our failures and mistakes as individuals. Stop blaming everyone else for your mistakes and take responsibility. Mistakes are there for us to learn from and make better judgments in the future. They are not there to be placed on “someone else’s issue” trash pile and ignored.

that once held a nation under communism in spite of hatred from her people has now evolved to annex a part of another nation into herself using the same public opinion as one of the excuses.

I don’t believe communism is wrong. We live in an international community that coexists in spite of its member nations having different forms of government and different opinions on ethical issues. There is nothing wrong with having a different perspective. But when a nation born out of such disturbing roots does things that remind us of those burned and buried roots, it is unsettling.

Maybe Russia has changed.

No, Russia has most likely changed.

Or maybe old habits die hard.

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

News

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Inclement Weather Policy And Campus Alert System Break Down Jayme Goad the decision.

Staff Writer jmgoad@ualr.edu

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ver the last several weeks, students, faculty and administration received numerous alerts from the university alert system notifying the shutdown of University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s campus, causing syllabus changes for most classrooms.

“The decision to close campus is not taken lightly,” Bob Adams, Vice Chancellor for the Finance and Administration Department, said. Chancellor Joel Anderson makes the final call to close the school.

Director of Communications, Judy Williams, said there is a lot of "behind the scenes" work to reach

One key component the chancellor relies on is for “Facilities Management to go look at the roads and sidewalks leading into campus. Are the sidewalks clear? Is it safe,” Williams said.

If precipitation occurs overnight, university officials are in constant communication with public safety, closely monitoring weather reports and considering other closings in the area. During the early morning hours, officials will send someone out in a four-wheel drive automobile to drive roadways throughout Pulaski County before making a decision. The goal is to let students and faculty know around 5 a.m. but that sometimes is easier said than done, according to officials.

The UALR campus is not affiliated to any other school districts for closings. “There are differences when you have buses to run versus adults that are paying for a service that we hate not to deliver,” Adams

Police Beat Jayme Goad

Fight at East Hall; One Student Arrested and Charged A physical altercation took place at the east hall dormitory which resulted in the arrest of a student and she was charged with thirddegree battery.

Officers were conducting their safety checks at the housing dorms around approximately 11 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, when they responded to a disturbance between two female students.

According to a report obtained from the UALR Department of Public Safety, the two students were arguing over having the same boyfriend. One of the women was hit in the eye, causing bruising and scratches to her eye. The victim was not transported to the hospital but did receive treatment on site for her injuries, the report said.

The suspect was arrested, charged with third-degree battery and taken to the Pulaski County Detention Center where she was later released.

said.

Once a decision has been made, it is the communications department’s responsibility to alert students and faculty through each medium. Voice, text and email messages are sent out using the RAVE alert system. The department simultaneously works to inform all local news stations and newspapers, social media as well as posting the message to the marquee located on University Ave. outside the Jack Stephens Event Center. Also, the information is posted to the homepage on the campus website, Williams said.

With UALR being a non-traditional university, campus officials understand a vast majority of students live all over central Arkansas and may have trouble commuting during inclement weather.

Many students commuting from south of the metropolitan area last week experienced several inches of snow while north of the metro received no precipitation. By late Wednesday afternoon, the sun had melted most of the snow that had fallen in the Little Rock area. Some cities south of Little Rock though accumulated up to more than four inches of snow which did not melt as quickly.

After two and a half snow days, classes resumed a full day on Thursday, Feb. 26, but with several inches or more of snow on the ground still south of Little Rock, some students weren’t able to commute. “If campus is open and someone has a very treacherous area they live in, sure we would expect them to use their own discretion. Our deans and provost encourage the faculty to be understanding if someone just can’t get there,” said Adams.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, university officials decided to close campus at 11 a.m. due to developing weather conditions. “Once the snow started coming down heavily and we started looking at the weather and saw it may get below freezing, we said we were at least able to get three hours in," Adams said.

Not only are classes cancelled when the university closes but there are many other repercussions of shutting down campus. “When you think of all of those events that have to be changed and communicating they aren’t going to have it. This time of the year the school

Photo by Zachary Tallent

UALR employees worked hard to make sure that the campus was safe for students after the winter weather. gets really, really busy. So if you’re trying to find a room… it may be a problem,” Williams said.

The university also faces financial struggles when closed due to inclement weather, according to Adams. For UALR employees, “It’s treated as administrative leave so you’ve got everyone getting paid for no work, again though we want people to be safe,” said Adams.

The most critical concern he expressed is the classrooms getting behind. “When we start missing day after day, it’s a burden on fac-

ulty and students to get through the semester and cover what they intend to cover and give students the opportunity to get the work done,” Adams said.

Adams and Williams both want to encourage students to sign up for campus alerts.

To sign up for the RAVE alert system, students can view their account in BOSS at https://boss. ualr.edu. Click on 'personal information' and then 'campus alert settings'.

News

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

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A queen has been crowned

Photo by Victoria Hickey

Aqa-via "Quay" Allen-Smith and her escort Davis Butterworth, President of Delta Chi Fraternity, are nothing but smiles after her crowning as UALR’s 2015 Homecoming Queen.

Carmien Penny Staff Writer cdpenny2@ualr.edu

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n February 25, during half time of the men’s basketball game, Aqavia "Quay" Allen-Smith was crowned University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 2015 Homecoming Queen. Allen-Smith is a Senior Business Marketing major. She is holds many roles at UALR as well. She is a Resident Assistant

and was voted best Female RA in the Best of UALR Edition of the UALR Forum. She's also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, African American Female Initiative and the Student Marketing Association.

In addition, she is involved in Intramural Sports and is the current National Pan‑Hellenic Council Vice President of Administration.

Allen-Smith believes campus involvement is important and gives students great opportunities for new experiences. "Being involved is a great way to build relationships and make you feel more "at home"

at your school because you are surrounded by familiar faces!"

Allen-Smith is honored to be a part of Delta Sigma Theta, not once doubting the hard work needed to be a part of what she says is not only an organization, but a movement.

"I ran for homecoming queen last year and made it to the top 5.

This year because I won the 1st Delta Chi Sweetheart Pageant, it was my duty as Queen to represent Delta Chi in homecoming. Delta Chi and Delta Sigma Theta thought that it would be a great idea to show

some Greek unity this year and come together for Homecoming,” Allen-Smith said, “I was honored to be the stand in person for this. We worked hard and these two organizations are AMAZING. I know how great my sorors are, and the gentlemen of Delta Chi were just that, gentlemen, and I could not have asked for a better group of guys. This year when I received the crown, I was so proud of all of the work that we did. We proved that when two organizations people see as "opposites" come together, we make things happen and end up

on top."

While Allen-Smith is flattered that people voted for her as the UALR 2015 Homecoming Queen, she gives thanks to Jesus Christ and the hard work of Delta Chi and Delta Sigma Theta. She also adds that her experience was made even better because her very own Soror, 2014 homecoming queen Sharhonda Kelly, crowned her.

After graduating in December of this year, Allen-Smith plans to move to Dallas where she will work for the Headquarters of the American Heart Association.

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

News

New eVersity program poses problems for UALR

ualr.edu/forum

SGA proposes a ratification to the constitution

Brian Gregory of the University of Arkansas at tem schools for students. You also

Little Rock, said, “if the UA System Staff Writer establishes a competing instibjgregory@ualr.edu tution that draws away students from one of its campuses, that has an effect on the campus." UALR has declined in enrollment over or nearly a year now the the past three years, and it fears University of Arkansas sys- that with the new eVersity that it tem has been gearing up to will lose more students. The Little add a new “campus” to it’s sys- Rock Board of Directors has also tem. It is a non-traditional cam- expressed concerns about the loss pus meant to garner non-tradi- of students and loss of revenue not tional students. The University only to the city. of Arkansas Board of Trustees When talking to UALR will establish the University of Chancellor Dr. Joel Anderson, he Arkansas eVersity. This campus believes that the online “campus” will be a 100% online campus that and online education in general will allow students who are not is here to stay. Students would be able to reach a traditional campus able to do everything that they to gain access to higher educa- can do at a normal university. “Dr. tion. While this might be good in Bobbitt wants to provide a college theory, to some of the higher-ups education that’s affordable and in the University of Arkansas sys- accessible for those not able to tem this might have adverse effects get it,” said Dr. Anderson. In genon some of the already existing eral, it would not only be for those campuses. in cities, but those in rural areas The vote to establish the online access who are not able to get the university was done is March of education that they so desire. The 2014. According to Arkansasonline. online university will compete with com Dr. Joel Anderson, Chancellor all the University of Arkansas sys-

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might have students that leave traditional universities for the online universities. These are both things that the chancellor agreed with as well.

The eVersity will include faculty members and staff from all the UA system schools. “The eVersity will hire faculty from the U of A campuses while still working at their respective campuses,” Anderson said. Their home institution as well as the eVersity will pay the faculty members. According to UALRpublicradio.org, former director of financial aid at UALR Tammy Harrison was hired as one of the first three employees hired by the eVersity. She is now the Director of Student On-Boarding and Records. Two other employees Harriet Watkins and Linda Wilson were hired as well. They are from Texas. The eVersity hopes to generate more revenue to be shared by the schools, but that seems so far away schools couldn’t possibly hope for that. Classes are expected to start at the beginning of the 2015 fall semester.

Illustration by Brady Jackson

Victoria Hickey Editor vxhickey@ualr.edu

On Thursday, March 6 students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will have the chance to vote on passing a ratified version of the Student Government Association Constitution. This has not been done in almost 20 years.

Currently, SGA is operating under a constitution that was ratified in 1997. According to representatives of SGA, “The purpose of this new ratification is to update and revise the verbiage, content, and guidance of the SGA’s governing document in keeping with current academic and organizational imperatives.”

There were approximately 50 minor revisions that were made in terms of grammar and sentence structure that do not substantially alter the purpose of the constitution. It was decided by SGA members that the constitution needed an update to increase readability.

Any questions about the ratification can be directed to the members of SGA.

SCAN

THIS CODE TO SEE A LIST OF ALL THE CHANGES TO THE SGA CONSTITUTION

News

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

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Sustainability Corner: plastic water bottles

Illustration by Brady Jackson

Victoria Hickey Editor vxhickey@ualr.edu

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ach and every day people stop by the store to pick up a bottle of water or soda to keep them hydrated throughout the day. But what happens to those bottles after they are empty?

According to the Container Recycling Institute, about 60 million plastic bottles are used each day and 86% of those bottles are put in the trash instead of the recycle. Add that up and that is close to 19 billion plastic bottles a year that are sitting in the trash dump, waiting over 700 years to biodegrade.

All of those plastic bottles required nearly 15 million barrels of oil, enough to fuel 100,000

cars for a year, to produce. So why not take steps to reduce your use of plastic? The Sustainability Committee will be hosting a Take Back the Tap initiative where we will provide aluminum water bottles to those who commit to banishing plastic water bottles from their lives forever.

These aluminum water bottles can be filled up at water fountains across campus or at the hydra-

tion stations located between the Diamond CafĂŠ and the food court, in the gym and in the library.

According to the Sustainability Committee, another problem with plastic is that it is manufactured from byproducts of oil refining processes. A certain chemical, Biphenyl A (BPA), is added to plastic to make it more rigid. BPA is what gives CD's and DVD's such a sold structure. However, BPA has

been shown to cause sex changes in babies. It has also been linked to a low sperm count in males due to low amounts of testosterone.

The best way to avoid BPA is by purchasing glass bottles because glass is more biodegradable than plastic, and glass isn't toxic to the environment.

Just remember that a bunch of small steps add up to a bunch of large steps!

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

Campus Life

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Student Services Success Initiative

to host Etiquette Express event Hillary Perkins Program Leader, said, “this event

will teach students how to use the Staff Writer right eating utensils, how to pass hdperkins@ualr.edu the salt and pepper and how the servers give and take food away.”

“It’s always a very good learning experience and it’s very interactive n Wednesday, March 11 hands on. So it allows you to learn from 6 p.m. to 9 pm., the a lot really quickly,” Kalan Horton, Student Service Success the President of AAMI, said.

“The goal is to decrease intimiInitiative (SSSI), also known as the African American Male Initiative dation when students enter pro(AAMI) will be hosting Etiquette fessional situations, elegant dinExpress in the Donaghey Student ing events or other social engagements,” Amber Smith, former Center Ledbetter A, B and C. This event consists of formal leader of AAFI, said, “Students sit down dinner teaching students have expressed great interest in the about etiquette when eating at a program and have a greater conformal dinner, with food being fidence when faced with different served by Sodexo. “This event kinds social situations.”

For more information, visit ualr. will consist of a conversation type of interview,” Taylor Sills, AAFI edu.

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Illustration by Brady Jackson

Students to take a break in an alternative way Victoria Hickey

However, about 20 students from the University of Arkansas at Little Editor Rock will spend their spring break vxhickey@ualr.edu on a military base in Fort Hood, Texas through Alternative Spring hen college students Break. are planning for spring “It’s for the students to take their break, the normal plans week to give back. Instead of going include going to a beach for fun, to the beach, they spend their week partying or just relaxing at home. at a place where they can do ser-

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vice and volunteer work and have fun too,” said West Hall Director Leanna Payton. “Hopefully, they will realize how important it is to do service work.”

Students who are participating have raised money by participating in the Polar Plunge, an event sponsored by West Hall Council. They are also accepting donations. If you

are interested in helping, contact Leanna Payton.

The trip will last from March 22-28, the entirety of spring break.

During the trip, students will mentor and spend time with children and do a small amount of construction work.

“The students are super excited to spend their week doing ser-

vice,” Payton said, “I hope they gain a sense of how blessed they are as individuals and see how it is important for them to be grateful.”

Payton said she is grateful for the positive responses the alternative spring break has received from the students and campus community.

Campus Life

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Major Spotlight Mathematics Illustration by Paige Mason

Lela-Tamara Fluker

Staff Writer ldfluker@ualr.edu II.

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he Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock grounds itself on the goal of preparation. The faculty are on a mission to prepare their students to enter graduate school, began teaching at the secondary level and obtain jobs that involve them in matters that deal with math skills and help them to understand and use mathematics in everyday life.

“Math is unique in that it is prevalent in all aspects of our lives,” Christy Jackson, Senior Instructor, said.

The University offers both Bachelors of Science and Bachelors of Art in Mathematics, along with the option to minor in secondary education. In order to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science or Bachelors of Art students must take 36 hours of math courses such as Calculus, Algebraic Structures, and Senior Seminar, which is required for B.S degrees. In order to obtain a mathematics degree with a secondary education minor students must complete 42 hours of mathematics and statistics courses. Students can also declare a minor in mathematics or statistics. To minor in math, 21 hours of courses are necessary and to minor in statistics 22 hours are needed including Applied Statistics I and

The math department is located in the sixth floor of Dickinson Hall where the Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC) is available. Students are able to work at computers, study alone or in groups, and receive tutoring. The MAC is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on

Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. You can also rent a calculator here for 40 dollars per semester. The MAC works to

make students confident in their mathematical skills while helping to reduce stress about the subject and improve test scores and overall grades. The math department also offers several scholarships to their majors, including the Ma Endowed Family Scholarship and the Linda and Tom McMillan Mathematics Award.

Based on several factors, being a mathematician was ranked as the best job of 2014 by CareerCast job search engine, with statistician being third, and an actuary as fourth.

Popular teaching choices include computer science, biomathematics and operations research. Mathematics degrees allow the exploration of many careers and with any degree you are likely to have required math courses.

“People assume that you only use math when you are working with numbers or equations; but you use your math skills any time you do any critical-thinking or analysis.

Math helps you to reason and to think logically.

You may not be asked to ‘solve for x’ in your profession, but you will have to understand evidence and logical arguments, read graphs, think critically, determine errors, and more,” Jackson said.

March 5 - March 17, 2015

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The Show Goes on at Shakespeare Scene Festival Natalie Doris Staff Writer nmdoris@ualr.edu Many are well-aquainted with Shakespeare’s quote “all the world’s a stage,” but every year since 1998 UALR has been introducing stage back to the world with the Shakespeare Scene Festival.

Started by Professor Roslyn Knutson, UALR’s annual Shakespeare Scene Festival was inspired by a program known as the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Following Knutson’s retirement, Dr. Kris McAbee took over the program and has been running it ever since 2010.

For McAbee, running the festival every year is a way of bringing her passion to the community. “What excites me most about Shakespeare and other Renaissance drama is how different performances bring forward different arguments about the text,” she explains. “As individual readers of Shakespeare, we all come up with our own individual interpretations of the characters and the implications of their actions. I became passionate about Shakespeare when I fell in love with seeing these different interpretations literally played out on the stage.”

Due to complications from this year’s snow and ice, the first day of the Shakespeare Scene Festival, originally scheduled for Thursday, February 26, has been moved up to March 5 and only two schools that were scheduled to perform on Friday, February 27 were able to make it to the event. McAbee and the students who participated in Friday’s events, however, have lived up to Shakespeare’s quote, “though she be but little, she is fierce.”

“We are here,” one high school teacher from Little Rock Central told her students as they gathered around after a performance.

Although it will be difficult for many of he high schools to adapt to the new schedule because so many have lost days due to snow, McAbee

is optimistic that the elementary and middle school performers will be able to come to the rescheduled event on March 5, and has already received confirmations.

“I hope we will be able to get a big audience for them,” she says.

“The Shakespeare Scene Festival is a wonderful example of UALR’s commitment to community engagement,” McAbee points out the ways in which the festival enriches the experiences of those who participate, “students develop literacy and cooperation skills through the active engagement involved in designing and staging a performance.”

“The festival provides an opportunity for instructors and students in both the university and K-12 schools to learn together through creative collaboration. Students are rewarded for their efforts by staging their work publicly at this event and the public gets to marvel at their hard work while enjoying Shakespeare in performance.”

McAbee goes on to note that she hopes that the visiting students who are involved in the event get the opportunity to have fun and gain experiences that they can take with them so they will be able to face bigger challenges in the future as they pursue an academic career and move forward in life.

“I’m especially proud of the hard work the UALR student volunteers put into pulling this event off,” McAbee says, “with hundreds of K-12 students participating every year, the festival could not work without the volunteer efforts of UALR students. The festival is a truly interdisciplinary project, bringing faculty, staff, and students from English and Theater together.

All of the UALR people involved make it a truly rewarding experience for the participants-- and for me!”

It is clear that the hard work and dedication of all of the students involved and Dr. McAbee pays off in the end as the stage comes to life in a way that would make Shakespeare proud.

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

Features

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Black History Month: Travel Talks: Charter airfare edition Stories worth sharing

from Dallas rather than Little Rock because there is a better possibility Editor of me finding direct flights. With a almarshall@ualr.edu public charter airline my roundtrip ticket cost $131. With Delta Airlines n this edition of Travel Talks we (usually one of the cheaper major will be discussing one of the airlines) the ticket cost was $253. I airline world’s best kept secrets: saved $123. (Note: these totals are charter airfare. What is this you strictly in regards to airfare. All lugmay ask? gage fees, etc. excluded.)

Well, USA Today defines the Convinced yet? Well, here’s companies who provide these the good news. Up until recently

Abigail Marshall

Carmien Penny

for the larger community,” LaVerne Bell-Tolliver, Assistant Professor, Staff Writer said. cdpenny2@ualr.edu Between 1961 and 1962, 25 lack History Month, also black students enrolled at junior known as National African high schools throughout Little American History Month, Rock. Previously these schools had been closed is recogto them. nized as a Tolliver was celebration one of those of achievestudents. In m e n t s 1961, she by black was enrolled Americans. as the only W h i l e black stusome argue dent at Forest that Black H e i g h t s History Junior High Month no (currentlonger has ly Forest a place in Heights STEM our society, Academy). others firmShe was ly believe in entering sevthe power enth grade. of hearNow she is ing these making it a otherwise point to put unknown these events stories. For in the pubmany, it is lic eye in an a time for effort to close acknowla gap in the edging the history of central role desegregation of African in Little Rock.

Americans B e l l in U.S. Illustration by Paige MasonTolliver hopes H i s t o r y, that “the sacrifices these students including Arkansas history.

“The celebration of Black made for the improvement of History Month allows us to recog- ‘equal’ education will be made nize and remember that African known and not forgotten.”

She also firmly believes that Americans are not only capable of accomplishing great works, but these stories still have relevance in that they have already done so. This the 21st century as “Parents, teachis an affirmation that can bring ers, faculty, and other potential healing to our souls and knowledge persons or communities will find

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ways to provide support to those who are experiencing situations such as these, whether it is due to being a minority do to race, ethnicity, or some other situation the person is experiencing.”

Bell-Tolliver is not alone in her opinion on the importance of Black History Month. Many others believe in the positive impact sharing these stories can have.

Braeden Hall works with Just Communities of Arkansas, also known as JCA. According to JCA’s website, the organization “works to advance diversity in the community and establish a place where every person is valued, every voice is heard, and everyone has a fair chance to succeed.” Working not only with youth, but community leaders is an essential part of Braeden’s work.

“Black History Month intentionally demands our time as Americans to learn from the Black stories that so many of us have missed out on our entire lives: stories that have helped shape America into what it is today,” Hall said. “Without these stories, we cannot fully comprehend what it means to be American.”

“Without these stories, we miss out on the full American story. If we do not know the entire American story, we are fated to repeat the mistakes of our past; to continue the cycles of oppression that define the landscape of American History.”

“Bringing equity to history is not just about learning about oppressed groups and their roles in history; it is about sharing the role of reporting history too. Perspective is everything.

Perspective is power.”

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Illustration by Byron Buslig

flights or public charters as when, “a tour operator rents the aircraft and advertises and sells seats to members of the public, either directly or through a travel agent.”

So, what does this mean for the average traveler?

It means cheap flights.

Although most charter airfare is on smaller planes, has strict, minimal luggage restrictions and fees, and only travels from major destinations, the prices of their flights in comparison with major airlines is worth the little inconveniences.

And let’s be honest, what is really convenient about air travel anyway?

Let me put this into perspective for the skeptics out there I have an upcoming trip to New York City in March. I will be going for six days. In order to get the best perspective, I chose to leave

Little Rock National Airport has not offered any flights from public charter airlines. However, starting this February, Allegiant Air has begun servicing Little Rock’s airport. As of now, charter flights from Little Rock National Airport are limited to Los Angeles, Daytona Beach and Orlando. However, who knows what the future holds?

Curious about what airlines are charter? Here are a few to review: Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and Allegiant Air.

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Features

March 5 - March 17, 2015

11

Mardi Gras:

Traditions & Myths

Being the oldest sibling Grant Fox fairy and they get a dollar bill. As an the struggle, we enjoy and accept

example, my brother and I are 13 Editor years apart in age. When I was 10, tgfox@ualr.edu the only electronic item I owned was a GameBoy Color. (shoutout to all my fellow 90’s kids) My little brother now has an iPad, an Xbox 360, and he gets to play them s the oldest of my family’s much longer than I did when I was five children, I know all about younger. the struggle of being the oldThird, the chores are divided up est sibling. Sure, getting to be the much more with every kid added. first to do everything is great. Sure, When there is just one child capahaving the title of being the “big ble of doing chores, he or she has brother” or “big sister” is awesome. to do all of them. With the second But there are a lot of things that the child growing up, the responsibilioldest sibling goes through that ties are cut in half. With the third, the younger ones will never experi- well you get the idea. And of course ence. the oldest has the most taxing of First, you are the test run. The the chores. The others take out the guinea pig. The shut your eyes and trash or vacuum. The oldest mows pull the trigger and hope your par- the lawn in 90 degree heat in the ents hit the bullseye raising you. middle of the summer.

Most kids don’t think about the Last, but definitely not least, you fact that our parents didn’t become as the eldest sibling are responsible parents until we, the eldest were for your younger siblings. When born. Then they were no more mom and dad aren’t in the room, parents than the kid who just got although you are not allowed to drafted is an NBA player. They have boss the younger ones around, you no experience and you are their are responsible for them not hurtteaching tool so they don’t screw ing themselves, keeping the noise up the rest of the batch. level down, and no fighting. If you Next, you have to pave the way fail, and you will for the younger for everything. At what age do you sibling seems to take an unparalget a self phone? When can you leled joy in making you look bad, go out and do things by yourself? you will have the harshest punSleepovers are okay at what age? ishment. As you grow older, your When can you start driving? You responsibilities change to protecteven have to push for a later bed- ing them from outside influenctime and a later curfew. The young- es. Older brothers especially, (no er sibling will never understand the offense ladies) have an extremely boiling anger that follows when difficult task protecting their little they are given a cellphone at the sisters. age of 12 when you had to wait Older siblings understand that until you were 14. You got quarters this is how it has to be and despite under your pillow from the tooth

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the responsibility. If you are an older sibling, share this story with your family. If you are a younger sibling, give your big brother or sister a hug and thank them. Never forget, the struggle of being the oldest sibling is very real, but we love it!

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Abigail Marshall addition to the original French-

European influences.

Editor Another common misconcepalmarshall@ualr.edu tion regarding Mardi Gras is that it is a one day holiday, Fat Tuesday.

In truth, the Mardi Gras season ardi Gras, a well known begins on January 6, also known as holiday celebrated in the Epiphany. According to carnaNew Orleans over the val.com, the “parade countdown to past three centuries culminates Fat Tuesday” begins on a Friday, 12 in the huge celebration known as days before Ash Wednesday.

Fat Tuesday with parades in the Perhaps one of the largest stestreets of the world famous French reotypes surrounding Mardi Gras Quarter. Most people have heard traditions involves the drunkenabout this event, however not ness and the baring of breasts for many know all the details of this beads. Although in modern times wild holiday. Many stereotypes and actions such as these do occur, that myths have arisen over the years as is not what Mardi Gras is about, to what Mardi Gras is truly about. and not what most “real New This holiday is steeped in his- Orleanians” cherish about this history, and while many people would torical celebration. assume this tradition began in New Parades are a huge part of Orleans (arguably the most famous Mardi Gras, where the exchange place in the United States for Mardi of beads, coconuts, toys, etc. does Gras celebrations) that is not the take place, however, these parades case. According to the Washington are supposed to be family friendPost, the first Mardi Gras celebra- ly. Nowhere in Mardi Gras history tion celebrated in the United States does baring skin ensure being a was in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama. recipient of a parade gift. In modKnown as a holiday rooted in ern times, these practices are French tradition, and although it thought to have begun in the strip was transplanted to New Orleans club areas around Bourbon Street culture by early French Catholic in the French Quarter. But just to settlers, Mardi Gras has taken on be clear, according to mardigrasthe culture and traditions of the neworleans.com, “no one has to diversity New Orleans is famous do anything they don’t want to do, for. Mardi Gras has taken on and those who request women to themes from New Orleans’ African do so can be arrested on the parade and Native American heritage in route.”

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Features

Meet The New Police Chief In Town

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was promoted to associate director. During her time there, she also served as their interim-director twice. “I couldn’t really see myself doing that job full-time cause my heart was in law enforcement,” she said.

In 2012, she made her way back around to public safety by accepting the position as the interimdirector for about seven months.

“I did not apply for [chief of police position] when it came around for full-time because somehow I felt like I just wasn’t ready for it,” she added. Carter went back to records and registration briefly but little did she know she would be finding a forever home at the police station.

In July of 2014, she was asked to come and serve as the interimpolice chief again and she said, “Alright. Now God is telling me something. I knew at that point my whole heart and soul was in it and I wanted to be the director.”

By December, Carter was appointed as the full-time director and chief of police. She said, “It’s not all about everyone that you take to jail, that’s not our concept.

Our concept is getting to know our community and the community getting to know us and trusting us.” She explained that when she took the position she changed the department’s motto. “A lot of problems that arise, we are trying to get that adjudicated through the Dean of Students. They don’t necessarily have to be dealt with on a criminal basis,” she concluded.

With a new chief in town, Carter promises many changes. First, Photo courtesy of the UALR Office of Communications the Stabler Hall substation will be Regina Wade-Carter has started this semester serving as UALR’s chief of police. relocated to the opposite side of Her first full-time job was at you work in housing, you work the building where the Arkansas Jayme Goad Adams and Chancellor Anderson for the opportunity for selecting the residential hall on campus at hand-in-hand with campus police Federal Credit Union was previousStaff Writer me as director and chief of police. the all-female dormitory. Before and he gave me the recommenda- ly housed. This will provide more jmgoad@ualr.edu I won’t let you down,” she said. long, Carter’s skills and hard work tion,” she added. She served as of a visual presence for officers in Chief Carter is no stranger to ethic were noticed and she was extra labor at DPS for several years, the heart of campus. Carter also plans to provide campus police the UALR campus; in fact, she is an promoted to assistant hall director she said.

Carter later was hired on to the with uniforms that would make alumni and long-term employee. at only 19-years-old. eet the University of “It makes a big difference when As a junior, Carter transferred department as a police officer, less intimidating and more “camArkansas at Little Rock’s you understand the culture of the to UALR. At the time, the col- while she finished up her under- pus friendly.” new chief and director of university and people trust you and lege didn’t offer a degree in public graduate degree. While working Not able to stay away for long, police, Regina Wade-Carter.

Carter said when she decides to administration so she changed her on her Master’s degree in public feel like you are a part of them.”

Carter is not only the first Born in Kansas City, Missouri, major to political science. “This administration, she decided she retire she would like to return as woman but also the first African- the chief considers Little Rock as was the first time I got introduced needed a change and said, “I want- an adjunct professor and teach American to hold the position as her hometown. She attended pub- to campus police,” she said.

Sociology. ed to do something different.” head of the police department lic schools in the capital city before She was hired on at the departFor six months, Carter was at the university. “My goal is to attending college at Henderson ment of public safety at UALR as employed as the record’s managenhance community-oriented State University in Arkadelphia, extra labor by the referral of the er at the university’s records and policing. I want to thank Bob majoring in public administration. HSU police chief in 1995. “When registration department where she

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Features

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

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Community celebrates Chinese New Year with traditional performances and food

Photos by KenDrell Collins

The Chinese dragon is often found throughout Chinese mythology and serves a symbol of Chinese culture.

KenDrell Collins musical piece on the guzeng. The and said that she received an enveEditor editor@ualr.edu

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crowd of nearly 500 gathered in the University Theatre to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Saturday, Feb. 21. Red and gold lanterns were suspended from the ceiling above the stage as men dressed in a dragon custom traveled past the audience.

The Arkansas Chinese-American Association in conjunction with the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences hosted the event.

Acts for the evening included musical performances by violinists and a cellist from Little Rock Central High School and ballet dancers from Emmanuel Baptist Church. Other performances included traditional Chinese dances, an opera, a talk show, and a

guzeng is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument that is plucked by the performer.

“In China we value the family,” said UALR Chinese Student and Scholars President Jie Li. “We have a festival to get together all the family members. Our international students here, most of us are alone so we are trying to take out a festival to get them together to know each other.”

There are about 100 Chinese student scholars at UALR, including undergraduates and graduates, according to Li. The event provided students an opportunity to both educate and engage their American counterparts.

One Chinese New Year tradition includes giving red envelopes containing money to single men and women. UALR graduate student, Kezia Nanda attended the event

lope from members of her church this year and remembers getting many as a child.

“My dad’s side is Chinese, so they celebrate the Chinese New Year,” she said. “About 50 of us come together at grandma’s house.

My uncles, my aunts, the ones who are married…they would have all this money in red envelops. You can give as little as a dollar.”

According to tradition, Chinese families must be careful this year because it is the “Year of the Sheep/ Goat.” Attendants of the event warned listeners during the dinner that many Chinese couples do not wish to have children during this year because the goat is considered unlucky.

The event was followed by a dinner sponsored by Mr. Chen, China Taste, Panda Garden, Tokyo Club, and Tokyo House.

The guzheng is played with picks attached to the fingers of the player. The picks are usually made from turtle shells.

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

mundane magic

by Zachary Tallent

UALR GIRL

by Paige Mason

Comics

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

Entertainment

ualr.edu/forum

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Evolve Delivers Big Grant Fox Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

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he screen brightens and your surroundings become clearer. Tall trees and damp underbrush fill the canyon like landscape on which you stand.

Rain falls from a very dark and threatening sky. The apparent forest around you makes it clear that whatever land you are on is not earth. As you walk across a familiar yet strange ground, you watch as alien life forms reveal themselves from the brush. Some flee in fear, while others attack you, though you easily dispatch them with your lightning gun or assault rifle. Yes lightning rifle.

Suddenly, the ground beneath you begins to rumble. You hear trees crash in the distance and

the wildlife that you thought was scared of you runs right past you as if their terror makes them blind to your presence. You watch them flee, and then turn to face what can only be described as a behemoth of a monstrosity charging towards your petrified figure.

Welcome to the world of Evolve. Brought to you by the creators of Left 4 Dead, Turtle Rock Studios continues to redefine the multiplayer game genre.

Although playing single player is satisfying for a bit, the game predominately relies on players cooperating online. Oh, and cooperating against a player controlled monster!

Evolve is set up to be played between five players in an online multiplayer mode. Four players take control of the Hunters, (Humans whose mission is to terminate the monsters) while one player is charged with controlling

the monster. There are four classes of Hunter and three playable characters within each class. The Assault class are the brutes of the bunch, entrusted with the highest damage dealing weapons of the group. Trappers have special weapons and abilities meant to limit the monster’s movements.

Medics are armed with sniper rifles and keep their distance from the monster while healing their fellow hunters. Support, along with being well armed, also have the ability to give power boosters to their fellow hunters.

So why is the game entitled Evolve? Well that is where the monster comes into play. There are three types of monster, Goliath, Kraken and Wraith. In the beginning players are forced to play as Goliath who has four abilities. Rock Throw, Leap Smash, Fire Breath, and Charge.

Pretty self-explanatory. Here’s the

catch. Each monster has three stages in its evolution. At its first and weakest stage, a monster can be fairly easy to dispatch.

However, by feeding on other wildlife, the monster is able to evolve growing stronger within each stage. Once it reaches stage three, the monster is very difficult to defeat.

Players receive experience no matter what game mode they choose to play and these modes allow players to build their character(s) into true war machines. This also allows them to improve their statistics at the start of a game. Additional characters and weapon abilities are unlocked as players’ progress.

Two elements of the game that require some getting used to are the game play and the controls.

While Hunters remain in the traditional first person view (think Call of Duty and Halo), monsters

are controlled using a third person view (think Army of Two).

Aside from these slight adjustments, as well as slightly switched up controls (there is no melee), Evolve is relatively easy to pick up and play for well-rounded gamers.

For players controlling both sides, it truly is a race against the clock. The more time that passes during a round, the more likely the monster is to be victorious. The faster hunters can track down the beast, the easier it is for the Hunters to win. Quick, random missions are available while five round matches with special game modes are sure to appeal to the online community.

Even without a solid story line, the beautifully detailed animations and competitive promise of Evolve are sure to please and keep gamers online for hours on end.

Entertainment

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

17

Bottoms Up: I Am the Messenger A martini of the Asian persuasion

Rachel Wright Staff Writer rswright@ualr.edu

Y Illustration by Byron Buslig

Grant Fox Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

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hen an old friend from out of state decides to stop by for a night, it really just makes sense to grab a drink together and catch up. My friend told me to pick the bar, and he would pick the drink. Fresh off a trip to China and enthused about the culture, we met, exchanged pleasantries and then sat down at the bar. The waitressed asked us what we would like to drink and he replied, “I’ll have a lychee martini.”

Our waitress’ expression was clearly one of confusion. My friend chuckled and stood up from his chair.

“Mind if I come back there and show you?” he said not with arrogance but a genuine feel that made it clear he had no problem teaching. After all, he had just returned from teaching English to the youth in China.

Our waitress stepped aside.

The bar was relatively empty aside from a group of young people in a far corner and given that it was an hour from closing time, it was unlikely that a flock of customers was going to be joining us.

In his very knowledgable sounding voice but without talking down to her he explained.

“I need a couple ice cubes,

I need Vodka, I brought lychee juice, and some vermouth.”

Then he grabbed a cocktail shaker and poured about six ounces of vodka, and four ounces of lychee juice into and long with just a little vermouth into the shaker. Once it was chilled, he poured the beverage into two martini glasses before reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a couple of toothpicks and placed three lychees on each before dropping them into the glasses.

He gave the waitress a 20 dollar bill and told her to keep the change.

I laughed and then asked him why he brought all those ingredients.

“Why don’t you take a drink a tell me.” he replied.

I took a sip. Then I took a true drink. It was so sweet that it was almost like thinking a melted down slush from sonic with a little kick. The best part were the lychees. Originally they look like strawberries with spikes, but when opened up they are a white sphere of sweetness.

As my friend and I went to leave, I asked him to write down the recipe. I found out that lychees and its juice can be purchased at most local oriental grocery stores. Lychees are found in several regions of China. I would encourage anyone who enjoys a sweet drink that’s too strong to give the lychee martini a shot.

es, Dylan was on the brink of stardom when he was nineteen. Dali was well on his way to being a genius, and Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for being the most important woman in history. And at nineteen, Ed Kennedy found that first card in the mail.” said Ed Kennedy in the book I Am The Messenger, by Markus Zusak.

The book is told from Ed Kennedy’s point of view, but Zusak is able to remove the character from the situation to observe everything. Zusak has a talent for telling the whole story through one character. The reader will feel a first and third person point of view. I am the Messenger shows the reader they do not always see the whole picture of those around them, and to take a minuet to observe. It also shows the consequences of actions for better and worse.

Kennedy describes himself as an underachiever, living cheaply and being an underage cabdriver.

Throughout the book he refers to his underachievements, which becomes redundant.

Kennedy becomes a temporary hero in his town after he unintentionally intercepts a bank robbers’ getaway. A few days after the robbery he receives the first card in the mail, the Ace of Diamonds, with three addresses written on it. Each address has a task for him to help someone even if they do not know they need help. He continues to receive cards, all aces, with tasks.

A box of nothing, pretending to be someone he is not for the sake of memory, and a hug are just three tasks Kennedy has to complete.

The book is structured around recurring themes, such as rite of passage, heroism and sense of self.

Zusak does an amazing job of telling a story of how one man can change the lives of so many.

His work has the reader question decisions made in the past, and think about their relation-

ship with those around them. The reader may question how well they know their friends or wonder why someone acts the way they do.

Zusak has a way of conveying understanding by having the protagonist refrain from judgment and evaluate the situations. This transforms the character and reader, knowing people have reasons for what they do. He uses vivid description to describe each scene.

The book, while a wakeup call for personal actions, is lighthearted and comical in an ironic way with laughable characters, Ed’s friends who speak their minds, and his seventeen-year-old caffeine addicted dog, the Doorman.

Zusak has these characters lighten tense moments throughout the book. The reader will discover that these characters also have their reasons, and darker sides.

This is a book readers will want to read over and over again, each time taking away a new message, and passing it on.

Illustration by Paige Mason

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Entertainment

College Classi cs

Revenge of the Nerds

Shashank Avvaru ( David Carradine) and Gilbert humanity that isn’t popular and

(Anthony Edwards) is left to the loudness and inconvenience of the gym. The gang, much to the resentment of Alpha Betas, soon Zach Martin finds a broken home and rebuilds it. But with much higher goals in Staff Writer mind they approach the Lambda zrmartin@ualr.edu Lambda Lambda National HQ who is forced to give them a ll our lives we’ve been 60-day trial membership. The laughed at and made to feel nerds become a fraternity. inferior. And tonight they The Alpha Betas, unable to trashed our house. Why? ‘Cause bear the rise of the nerds, vanwe’re smart? ‘Cause we look differ- dalize the fraternity’s headquarent? Well, we’re not. I’m a nerd and I’m pretty proud of it.”

If there is no other reason why Revenge of the Nerds is a strong addition to our College Classics, it is the quote above. Revenge of the Nerds is a two-hour gateway into a life that every nerd quietly desires: a life of recognition, a life of admiration and a life of affection for being who you want to be.

When the Alpha Beta fraternity house on the campus of Adams College is burned down, (by the members in an “accident”) the ters. Determined to punish the freshmen dormitory is quickly jocks and get their revenge, the vacated, (again, by the members Tri-Lambs enroll in the annual who throw furniture out the win- Greek Games – a series of athdows) and the new arrivals find letic and artistic events, the winthemselves homeless. They are ners of which go on to become temporarily moved into the gym the undisputed fraternity council with the assurance of a home presidents on campus. within the fraternities on camRevenge of the Nerds changed pus. After all the fraternities the game of funny movies in complete recruitment, a group of its time. Released in 1984, this nerds and rejects led by Lewis film was tailored for the rest of Staff Writer sxavvaru@ualr.edu

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cool, but brilliant and innovative. It’s more of an addition to the sentiments of Animal House, where a fraternity that is unwanted by the other rich and popular Fraternities and Sororities must fight tooth and nail to make a stand for themselves. This is a great perspective for all College students, because it gives insight to how being thrown into the realm of the university can sometimes be grueling and unfair, yet not without its share of triumph.

This film gives all of us the hope and inspiration to find a home with our fellow students and fight to keep that home alive despite the odds. Even though we all experience hard times and lose battles in life, films like this College Classic help us aspire to carry on. Despite its triumphant and competitive plot, Revenge of the Nerds is hands down a riot. Awkwardly funny characters will crack you up with the teen hi-jinks they get themselves into. One of the most memorable characters, Booger (Curtis Armstrong), steals the show with his uninhibited ways and complete lack of decorum.

Without all of the unique and special roles in this movie, it would be just another film.

But thankfully the shamelessly confident nerds take Revenge of Nerds from the masses of regular movies to the Hall of College Classics.

Illustration by Zachary Tallent

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Fifty Shades Falls Short Grant Fox Editor tgfox@ualr.edu

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t takes many elements to make a movie. If not properly executed, a movie will not be successful either at the box office or in the eye of the audience. The final box office statistics for Fifty Shades of Grey are not available yet. Audience feedback, on the other hand, is plentiful.

The movie begins introducing the two main characters of Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson). Grey is a control freak billionaire, who makes sure everything in his life is flawless, at least to the outside eye. Steele is a young college student majoring in English Literature. The two meet when Steele takes over an interview for her sick roommate.

From there, Grey confesses to being “incapable of leaving her alone” and the “relationship” progresses from there. The entire plot of the film consists of Grey wooing Steele through elaborate and expensive gestures to attain her signature on a contract.

Grey’s secret life is how he has relationships with women. His obsession with being a dominant sadist and being in control and inflicting pain gives him satisfaction. “I don’t make love. I f—k.

Hard,” he states.

This lack of emotional connection ends up being the destruction of the relationship. Or, maybe it’s the completely twisted view of how a relationship is supposed to work in Grey’s eyes.

About a quarter of the movie are interactions during sex scenes. The rest are a mix of poorly connected and difficult to follow scenes meant to return the audiences focus back to Grey’s terrible flaw. When it comes to finding a redeeming quality within the film, there really is none.

If some people think that Miss.

Steele leaving Grey is a instance of a strong woman making a stand, watch the movie again and try to imagine her in that role.

Outside of Dornan’s acting, the cast is nothing special and leaves the audience yawning, or even in some circumstances, covering their eyes. If there is a theme, and this is probably reaching, it is that even the most beautiful people in the world are messed up and fighting their own demons.

The most disturbing thing about this film is that it is based off one of the best selling books of the erotic romance genre. Yes books and their portrayal on film don’t always match up well, but you still get an idea of what the words on the page were attempting to communicate. And this was a best seller? This kind of movie is a black spot on everyone’s resume that was involved.

Entertainment

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

19

Princess Kaguya outruns The Lego Movie Tanner Newton cess. The mere idea of marrying Staff Writer tgnewton@ualr.edu

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he Tale of the Princess Kaguya is one of those little seen movies. It has a 0.7 million gross, and yet, it is a better movie.

A common accusation thrown at the Oscars is that old timers are often undeservingly nominated for awards as a celebration of their career. Legendary filmmaker Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday) is 79. This film is possibly the penultimate film of Studio Ghibli (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) as the studio has announced an indefinite hiatus.

It is unfair to label this movie as such if you have not seen it.

Visually this is one of the best looking movies ever made.

Handmade with watercolors, it looks like a moving painting.

Computer-generated imagery has its charms, but it will never match the beauty of traditionally animated animation. The style here almost looks unfinished.

While CGI is ultra-detailed, this leaves out as much detail as it can while still possessing the ability to convey the emotion of the scene.

Many believe that animation is only for kids. Not true with Ghibli.

Kaguya is a depressing tale about a young woman who grows to hate her life. Children will find it too boring to sit through. This is an intelligent film for mature audiences.

The reason for her sadness is that she has no desire to be a prin-

somebody disgusts her. However her natural beauty is so powerful that men will abandon their families, spend every dollar they possess and risk their lives for her hand in marriage. These attempts at courtship have a Merchant of Venice type of comedic appeal to them but each attempt to woo her also has sadness in it. She really does not want to marry any of these people.

Princess Kaguya shares many traits with Only Yesterday’s Taeko.

Both are young women who have learned how to passionately hate life in the city and yearn for a simple life of agriculture and nature. This is actually a common theme throughout the Ghibli catalogue. Speaking of which, if your only experience with Ghibli has been Hayao Miyazaki’s imaginative action-packed thrill rides, do not expect the same experience here. Takahata does not go crazy like Miyazaki. While his movies seem tamer than his Miyazaki’s, in many ways he takes much bigger risks with his movies: Grave of the Fireflies is a devastating war movie, Only Yesterday was made for an audience of adult women, My Neighbors the Yamadas has no structure or story and this movie has an unfinished look to it. These are the works of a man who cares nothing about how much money a movie makes. He is unafraid to try new things and push the boundaries of this medium. He should be commended and his film is more deserving of an Oscar nomination than The Lego Movie.

Illustration by Byron Buslig

Illustration by Zachary Tallent

TV Discovery: The West Wing Shashank Avvaru

country that loves him. The West Wing also treats us with occaStaff Writer sional glimpses of Josiah’s days as sxavvaru@ualr.edu a presidential hopeful and his life outside of the White House, a life Zach Martin in which he is not the most powerful man in the world but just a Staff Writer man – at times innocent, at times zrmartin@ualr.edu arrogant, at times vulnerable.

But Josiah’s story is only the backdrop of The West Wing. A he success of the House Of loyal Chief of Staff, a charming Cards has proved that in the Deputy Chief of Staff, a Deputy ever-growing nest of world- Communications Director hopewide phenomena there is room lessly in love with a prostitute for everyone, even movies and TV and a Press Secretary who on her best day can outsmart the shows in the political genre.

But years before there was President himself are all characHouse of Cards there was The ters woven into the storyline and West Wing, a 26-time Emmy their journeys are also chronicled award winning TV show that in The West Wing.

Created by Aaron Sorkin (The dared to intersperse political realities of the day with insight- Newsroom, A Few Good Men), ful characters to create television The West Wing is interesting to say the least. With Martin Sheen magic.

The West Wing (named after as Mr. President, and other big an area in the White House) fol- stars like Rob Lowe and Richard lows Josiah Bartlett, a determined Schiff, TWW will keep you interliberal, a loving husband and a ested and reel you in quick. Its brave President of the United plot encompasses the professions States. The seven year long and roles that help and protect President Josiah’s story takes him the interactions and life of the from persistent radicals to press United States President. The most release mishaps to near-war situ- intriguing part of this series is the ations to assassination attempts intimate window that simulates but through it all he puts on a the true efficiency of behind the tough fight, thanks to his incred- scenes actions that the President ible administrative team and a is associated. It’s a drama of

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scandal and press and government all mixed into one, which will not cease to entertain us all.

TWW leaves no stone unturned, revealing the effects of polls and media coverage on a long term campaign. TWW is truly a show of their own due to its simply uncharted subject matter that portrays the mystical happenings of the United States Presidential campaign. Everyone will be shocked at the excellence of this show and will accumulate a base knowledge of the professions that fill the White House.

What makes TWW work as a TV show classic is its all-roundedness. The show can take you from laughter about a very un-president like joke that the President makes in one episode to horror when you realize that the dangers portrayed in the show are real, grounded and could very well be something our real White House deals with on a day-to-day basis.

With its unique yet fundamentally appealing plot and relatable characters The West Wing has carved itself a place in many “best TV shows of all time” lists but more importantly, thanks to its human approach to the White House, it has carved a place in the hearts of all us political TV fanatics.

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

Sports

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Homecoming victory for Lady Trojans against Lady Panthers Maggie Rogers Gault, Ka’Nesheia Cobbins, and ended, 33-31. The Trojans had Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

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he women’s basketball team played against the Georgia State Panthers Thursday, Feb. 26 and defeated their opponent 56-34. It was also homecoming for the Trojans, and three senior players were recognized before the game began. Seniors Taylor

Kiera Clark received applause at the Jack Stephens Center. UALR head coach Joe Foley said it feels good knowing the team picked up the win on senior night.

“I thought they fought real hard,” Foley said.

Early in the first half, UALR secured the lead from the Panthers. They were tied 2-2 at the beginning, but UALR took control from Georgia State.

They never waivered and had a two point lead when the half

Sophmore Sharde’ Collins maneuvered around the Lady Panthers, jumped high and shot the ball with players looking for a rebound.

a 48.3 percent field goal percentage at the end of the half.

During the second half, UALR started strong by going on a 7-0 run that increased their lead to 40-31 with about 17 minutes to go. After that, Georgia State started scoring shots and looked like they were going to take the lead from the Trojans, but they didn’t.

UALR’s defense prevented the Lady Panthers from scoring any baskets until a free throw

shot was made that put Georgia State’s score at 39 points. The home team won the game with 56 points.

Clark was the top scorer for the Lady Trojans with 16 points. Following with 13 points was junior Alexius Dawn with 13 points. Sophomore Sharde’ Collins and Gault scored nine points total in the game against the Lady Panthers.

The Trojans played against the University of Texas at Arlington Saturday, Feb. 28 at

Texas and won the game 48-38.

With 12 points each, junior Shanity James and senior Ka’Nesheia Cobbins were the Trojans leading top scorers.

With the Sun Belt Tournament coming up Wednesday, March 11, Foley says there are things that they’ll have to work on.

“We got to continue trying to get better offensively, we struggle offensively at times,” Foley said.

Photo by Maggie Rogers

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Sports

March 5 - March 17, 2015

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Mathis picked to represent Sun Belt Conference Maggie Rogers that team won the state chamEditor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

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or her achievements on the volleyball court and in the classrooms, sophomore Megan Mathis was chosen to represent the Sun Belt Conference for the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in April.

“It was such an honor, I wasn’t really expecting it,” Mathis said.

“I’m getting really excited getting all the emails and information about it, it just feels good to

pionship three years in a row and Mathis said she’d always remember that.

Before she played for the UALR volleyball team, Mathis made sure she was prepared for the transition from high school athletics to college ball.

“I worked out three times a day just to get ready because I heard coach [John] Barron’s workouts were tough,” Mathis said. “I tried my hardest to get in the best shape that I could and once I got here, it was a big extreme from high school to col-

“Growing up being on the court, practicing against the wall, I just wanted to do that for college and the rest of my life.”

-Megan Mathis

Photo courtesy of UALR Athletics

Sophomore Megan Mathis will represent the Sun Belt Conference at the NCAA StudentAthlete Leadership Forum in April.

know that I am being recognized for the hard work I do at UALR.” Mathis started playing volleyball when she was six years old. Her mother was a volleyball coach at Arkansas State University, so Mathis got to play with the college kids and knew right away she wanted to play at a collegiate level.

“Growing up being on the court, practicing against the wall, I just wanted to do that for college and the rest of my life,” Mathis said.

She played basketball and soccer at Valley View High School, but decided to quit her senior year to primarily focus on volleyball. While she played,

lege.”

As a setter, it is Mathis’s job to set people up so they’ll be able to perform well, too. That’s what she primarily works on and what she considers as her strength.

“I’m the type of player that I want to make other people look good,” Mathis said. “I want them to have more success than I do.”

Her favorite memory so far playing with the Trojans is when they made it to the second round in the NCAA tournament.

“That’s the biggest accomplishment that we’ve had, I felt honored to be apart of that,” Mathis said.

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March 5 - March 17, 2015

Sports

Hot Corner:

Kevin Stallings needs to go Brian Gregory clap his hands while Tennessee also because of the reasoning

players were walking past him.

Staff Writer One of the Tennessee assistant bjgregory@ualr.edu coaches told Kevin Stallings that Mr. Baldwin was taunting the Tennessee players. Coach here are very few times that Stallings then pulled him out of I would advocate for some- the handshake line and profanely one to be fired. I believe that berated Baldwin. when I’m writing for this paper, I During this time according to wouldn’t want anybody advocating ESPN reporters Jeff Goodman and that I be fired from this job. No one Andy Katz, Kevin Stallings told would want anyone to advocate Baldwin, “I will ‘expletive’ kill for him or her to lose his or her you.” Coach Stallings afterwards jobs. However, I believe that head apologized to the player, and coach Kevin Stallings of Vanderbilt issued a public apology as well. should be fired for his actions Kevin Stallings should be fired, against Wayne Baldwin IV on and I don’t care what anybody Thursday night against Tennessee. says. I understand that players For all those that don’t know make coaches mad. I also underthe situation, you probably do stand that many times coaches not watch as much ESPN as I utter expletives towards their do. On Wednesday night, there players. Many times the coachwas a quote released on Bleacher player relationships include proReport saying that they would fane language spoken against the beat Tennessee and that Josh players. I get it. However, when Richardson and the Tennessee a coach says at anytime he will fans were garbage. I’m probably kill a player they are totally in the not remembering all the details wrong. Especially with the vitriol but that was the story. that he yelled it with, there was When they played the next no excuse for what he did. night, Vanderbilt won 73-65.

The reason he should be fired Vanderbilt was in control for is because the punishment did much of the game, and Mr. not fit the crime. He should be Baldwin proved himself to be fired not only because he said right. After the game he began to it on national television, but

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he tried to hide behind. Stalling hid behind the fact that he holds sportsmanship at the highest value in his program. That is a character trait to be held high in any program, but that is no reason to unfairly berate a player who did not do anything wrong.

As my mother said at dinner, “the coach engaged in terroristic threatening.” If you were to do that in any school, you would be automatically suspended and recommended for expulsion. That’s the same thing that should be happening to this coach.

Another thing I want to point out is the cowardice of the assistant coach that pointed out Wayne Baldwin. What the Vanderbilt player did was not out of line and nothing out of the normal. Most players after a win will immediately clap after a win as players are walking by. They aren’t called out for taunting. It was pure foolishness that Baldwin was called out for taunting. That coach needs to be reprimanded as well. At the end of the day, Kevin Stallings was in the wrong, and Wayne Baldwin IV did nothing wrong.

Now Hiring Reporters and Advertising Sales Staff The Forum staff is required to attend weekly meetings from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays in DSC 201J. For an application and more information email the editor, Jennifer Ellis, at jsellis1@ualr.edu.

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Trojan sports, now.

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Sports

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The Trojans defeated SIU-Edwardsville in a double header.

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Photo by Maggie Rogers

Georgia State falls to Trojans at homecoming game Maggie Rogers Editor mjrogers1@ualr.edu

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ollowing the women’s basketball team win, the men’s basketball team faced off against Georgia State’s men’s basketball team and beat them 92-83. Seniors Ben Dillard and Gus Leeper were recognized for their contributions throughout their collegiate athletic career. Head coach Steve Shields

said that he was proud of Dillard and Leeper and that they are good guys on and off the court.

“We started those guys tonight, I think those guys have set the tone for us,” Shields said.

With about eleven minutes into the first half against Georgia State, the Trojans led 19-15. Both teams tied up the score at times during the half, but UALR was able to secure the lead and led 41-35 at the end of the first half.

The Trojans total field goal per-

centage was 43.8 at the end of the half. The home team also secured the lead for the rest of the game; Georgia State couldn’t keep up with the Trojans.

Shields credits the team for how well they have been performing this season.

“We’ve got good senior leaders,” Shields said. “Even during the stretch when we weren’t playing very well, we had high energy practices and that’s a credit to those guys in that locker

room.”

The Trojans still battled with their opponent during the second half. The Trojans won the game with 92 points, their highest leading score this season. When the half ended, their field goal percentage was 56.7 percent.

The two top scorers for the Trojans was junior J.T. Thomas and sophomore Mareik Thomas with 17 points. Following with 16 points apiece was sophomore Maurius Hill and junior James

Reid. Junior Josh Hagins scored 10 points.

The Trojans played against the University of Texas at Arlington Saturday, Feb. 28 and lost 82-73.

They’ll go to Lafayette, Louisiana to play against Louisiana Thursday, March 5 at 7:15 p.m.

After that game, the Trojans will play in the Sun Belt Tournament at New Orleans Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15.

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