Turn to Page 10 to find out why we say,
“CONGRATULATIONS,
Volume 85
Tire theft raises parking lot safety questions
Katie Queen, a senior merchandising and consumer studies major, parked her Toyota Scion TC in the gravel lot along Missis-
sippi Avenue Oct. 20. The next day she found her vehicle on cinderblocks and missing her passenger side front and rear tires.
Emerson Centere seeks votes
to win contest, gain funds
Zach Beaird
STAFF REPORTER
The Emerson Centre, a non-
profit organization that provides
counseling, mentoring and tu-
toring to children, was recently
nominated for the Foundation
for the Mid-South’s Do-Gooder
grant.
The grant is worth $50,000
and the winner will be deter-
mined by the public in an online
vote at
www.fndmidsouth.org/do-
gooders/vote-louisiana. Votes
will be accepted until 5 p.m. on
Friday, and voters may vote as
many times as they would like.
Three non-profit and three
individual finalists were chosen
from more than 600 nominees
in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mis-
sissippi.
Rick Emerson, former Tech
professor and founder of the
Emerson Centre, said the or-
ganization has been operating
and offering after-school activ-
ities for children since 1999 to
help the community’s youth
stay out of trouble and do well
in school.
Best lecturers awarded, Stokley gives advice for living the dash
Amber Guyotte
STAFF REPORTER
“How do you want to live
your dash?”
Gary Stokley, an associate
professor of sociology, posed
that question to students, fac-
ulty members and guests Oct.
20 at The Best Lecture presen-
tation hosted by the Student
Government Association and
the First Year Experience.
Stokley was chosen by stu-
dents as the Best Lecturer for
the College of Liberal Arts and
for the entire university. The
“dash” represents the years be-
tween a person’s birth and
death, which is essentially the
person’s life.
The Best Lecturers for each
college and for the university
were selected by students dur-
ing the spring 2010 SGA elec-
tions. Other Best Lecturers
include Larry Sellers, College
of Applied and Natural Sci-
LADY TECHSTERS.”
October 28, 2010
“We provide an environment
where kids have somewhere to
go and they feel welcome,”
Emerson said. “These young
people need us as role models
and mentors.”
However, due to tough eco-
nomic times, he said the Emer-
son Centre is facing its first ever
budget cut that is forcing him to
cut the after-school program.
Though the Emerson Cen-
tre’s counseling services are
funded through a grant from the
Office of Juvenile Justice for
the State of Louisiana, the
after-school program has pri-
marily been funded through do-
nations from the community.
Emerson said the money
from the Do-Gooder grant
would be able to fund the after-
school program for a year.
“We need our after-school
program back,” Emerson said.
“Because of it, we have seen an
improvement in students’ test
scores as well as an increase in
honor roll and decrease in con-
duct referrals.”
Emerson’s daughter, Jenae,
said the after-school program is
needed because it helps pre-
vent children from going down
ences; Robert Blackstock, Col-
lege of Business; Amy Vessel,
College of Education; and
Brian Barron, College of Engi-
neering and Science.
Stokley presented a arates Dr. Stokley from the
slideshow of pictures and
shared his life experiences and
the people who influenced his
life. He designed his presenta-
tion to imitate the lecture in
Randy Pausch’s book, “The
Last Lecture.”
Jason Pigg, head of the de-
partment of social sciences, in-
troduced Stokley and said he
was chosen as Best Lecturer for
two simple reasons.
“He has a passionate com-
mitment to his students, and he
likes to talk,” Pigg said. “During
his time in the department of
social sciences, his research has
been impressive and his com-
munity service unparalleled.
However, it is obvious to any-
one who has walked past his of-
fice and seen the line of
students waiting to talk to him
The student voice of Louisiana Tech University
the wrong path.
“We started as a program for
kids going through the juvenile
system, but evolved into a pro-
gram to prevent kids from
going through the system in the
first place,” Jenae Emerson
said. “That’s why we had the
after-school program; it kept
kids out of trouble while help-
ing them to do well in school
and develop better social skills.”
Jenae Emerson said until
last week the ranks of the nom-
inees were posted on the Foun-
dation for the Mid-South’s
website.
While the votes were up, she
said the Emerson Centre main-
tained a steady lead, falling to
second for only a brief period
just before the ranks were re-
moved.
“It’s exciting and nerve rack-
ing at the same time to be com-
peting for this grant,” Jenae
Emerson said. “We vote con-
stantly and always encourage
others to vote as well.”
Bethany Busby, a senior ani-
mal science major, said she en-
courages all Tech students to
> see GRANT page 5
The Best Lecturers for each college pose together at the
presentation Oct. 20. The awardees are, from left to right,
Robert Blackstock, College of Business; Larry Sellers,
College of Applied and Natural Sciences; Amy Vessel, Col-
lege of Education; Brian Barron, College of Engineering
and Science; and Gary Stokley, College of Liberal Arts,
who was also named Best Lecturer for the university.
that his overriding passion is for
his students.”
He said Stokley advises
more than 100 students each
www.thetechtalk.org
Photo by Ben Corda
MAKING A MARK FOR THE CURE
In an effort to raise money for breast cancer research University Ink Tattoo of-
fered free tattoos in exchange for a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foun-
dation. More than 100 people lined up Oct. 23 to receive commemorative ink.
Shop owner Joey Bagwell works with Caitlyn Carpenter, of Winnfield, La. She
choose to have a Celtic-styled ribbon tattooed on the back of her neck in mem-
ory of her two grandmothers who passed away from cancer.
Photo by Dacia Idom
quarter and is well-known for
his thorough and helpful advis-
ing.
“Dr. Stokley’s classroom lec-
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new album before purchasing it?
Turn to Page 7 to read the review.
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Danielle Cintron
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
While walking to one of the university’s gravel
parking lots on the afternoon of Oct. 21, Katie
Queen found her new vehicle much the way she
left it the night before, minus a tire or two.
Queen said she found her new Toyota 2010
Scion TC on cinderblocks and without both her
passenger side front and rear tires.
“I called my mother and Tech Police immedi-
ately. They were there in no time,” she said. “I’d
just gotten that car. I couldn’t believe it happened.”
Queen, a merchandising and consumer studies
major, said she parked her vehicle in the gravel
parking lot along Mississippi Street Oct. 20 at 10
a.m. and did not notice the tires were missing until
she returned to the site 6 p.m. the following day.
“My issue is that my car is right in front. First
spot. Front row. I just don’t understand how no one
noticed my car was sitting on cinderblocks,”
Queen said. “It wasn’t until after I’d reported the
tires missing that someone said they saw the car in
that condition at 4:30 a.m. Thursday.”
Queen, a resident of Park Place apartments,
said she could not understand how the parking lot
patrollers did not notice her tires being taken.
“They had to have had a getaway car,” Queen
said. “If someone was sitting out there, they would
have seen it happening or found my car sooner. It’s
not like you can’t see my car is sitting on cin-
derblocks.”
Tech Police Chief Randal Hermes said the golf
cart patrollers stay out in the parking lots until 2
a.m.
“More than likely someone saw them taking the
tires off and didn’t recognize what was happening,”
> see THEFT page 2
Photo by Ben Corda
tures are certainly scholarly,”
Pigg said. “A student leaving
ily. He said his family did not
have a lot of money but had a
them will be overflowing with strong work ethic and a strong
important concepts and princi- respect for education. He said
ples of sociology, but what sep- his high school teachers en-
couraged him to attend college.
crowd is that it is obvious to his So, he earned money and was
students how much he cares given scholarships.
about them, both as individuals Stokley said he learned a
and as potential scholars. He few lessons before becoming a
treats them with kindness and teacher at Tech.
respect but also with high ex- “Nothing is possible without
pectations.” the support of family and
Stokley said being chosen as friends,” he said. “Education is
Best Lecturer is a humbling ex- the key to success and free-
perience for him. dom. Without hard work, you
“Being selected on this cam- will not succeed. Those things
pus to give the best lecture is a that you may love and respect
great honor,” Stokley said. “We the most may be wrong when it
have so many great professors, comes to society. If you’re
and having been here a long looking for a sense of justice
time, I can tell you they are re- and fairness, good luck.”
ally outstanding.” Stokley gave advice about
His presentation was titled things he has learned through-
“The Sociology of the Dash: out his life that can apply to
1946-2010” and represented his everyone.
life through the present. Stokley “Bear each other’s burdens
is the oldest of four children
born into a working-class fam- > see STOKLEY page 5
2 • The Tech Talk • October 28, 2010
Campus
Briefs
Typing for 10 returns, Debate team seeks
all students eligible new 2010 members
The Center of Secure Cy-
berspace is hosting a data col-
lection activity from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. through Nov. 5 in the Stu-
dent Center, Main Floor and in
Tolliver Hall.
For 10 minutes of a student
or faculty member’s time, he or
she can earn $10 after typing a
short assessment.
All Tech students, faculty
and staff are welcome to par-
ticipate, but a valid Tech ID is
required.
In the past two data activi-
ties, in October 2009 and April
2010, 1,500 people partici-
pated, making it one of the
most successful keystroke data
collections offered at Tech.
For more information con-
tact Kiran Balagani, research
assistant professor for com-
puter science, at 318-257-5276
or ksb011@latech.edu.
Harper Hall to show
residents’ art work
Harper Residence Hall is
hosting its first student art show
from 7 – 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in
the main lounge of the first
floor.
Prior to the show, students
were allowed to submit one
piece of art for review, and the
finalists will be revealed in the
show.
The show will feature
sketches, paintings, jewelry,
sculptures and other pieces of
art.
The art work featured in-
cludes works from Tech stu-
dents in other residential halls
and those living off campus as
well.
The show is free and every-
one is invited.
For more information con-
tact Russell Pirkle, art show co-
ordinator,
Russellpirkle@gmail.com.
at
Class registration for
winter begins Nov. 1
Registration for Winter
Quarter 2011 will be Nov. 1-19.
All students currently en-
rolled are eligible to participate
in early registration for winter;
however, visiting and transfer
students as well as newly ad-
mitted or readmitted students
are excluded.
Students must set up an ap-
pointment with advisers before
registering for classes.
The first purge date will be 5
p.m. Nov. 19 for students who
have not confirmed and paid
for courses.
Registration times can be
found on Tech’s website
www.latech.edu/registrar/im-
portant-dates.shtml.
For more information con-
tact the Registrar’s Office in
Keeny Hall, Room 207, at 318-
257-2176 or regis-
trar@latech.edu.
> THEFT from page 1
Hermes said. “It’s not
often that people are sus-
picious of someone taking
a tire off of a car, but in
this case, when two tires
are taken off, it’s better to
be a little suspicious.”
The dorm walkers, pa-
trolmen who walk the res-
idential areas, are on duty
until 4 a.m. every day. Her-
mes said the walkers are
responsible for keeping an
eye on the parking lots as
well as the residents.
“Apparently, this is hap-
pening not only on cam-
pus but in apartment
complexes,” he said.
Once the University
Police arrived on the
scene, they contacted the
Ruston Police Depart-
ment.
“Ruston police took fin-
gerprints off of my car.
The report they gave me
said there were about 10
or so,” Queen said.
According to the re-
port, there was another
similar theft in the area
around the same time.
“It was another Scion
TC. On my trunk some-
one had written in the dirt,
‘It’s cause it’s a Scion. It
happened to me too,’” she
said. “Apparently, the other
car was missing its left
side tires. Mine were on
the right. So, someone
The Tech Debate team is
currently seeking new mem-
bers.
Tryouts for the team are
Nov. 1-5.
Practices are held from 4-6
p.m. Mondays and Wednes-
days in Robinson Hall, Room
211.
Students who love the spirit
of expression through debate,
travel and understanding of the
world through a multitude of
perspectives will enjoy this ac-
tivity.
This year’s tournament
schedule includes the Canadian
BP Championship Nov. 18-23,
the McGill Tournament Jan. 20-
24 and the U.S. Championship
March 31 through April 4.
For more information con-
tact Shane Puckett, director of
debate, at 318-257-2064 or
spuckett@latech.edu.
Operation Christmas
donations requested
Tech’s Operation Christmas
Child Collection Drive will
gather donated items until Nov.
12 for children around the world.
Donated items can include
small toys and gifts; clothing
items such as hats, gloves and
socks; coloring and art items;
personal hygiene items; school
supplies and candy. The Student
Government Association re-
quests students do not donate
used items, chocolate, perish-
able items or war-related mate-
rials.
The SGA office has packets
if people would like to pack a
box, or items can be placed in
the collection boxes around
campus.
For more information con-
tact Tessa Bryant, Operation
Christmas Child community re-
lations specialist, at 318-257-
4565 or tbr005@latech.edu.
Miss Tech Pageant
deadline approaches
Applications for the Miss
Louisiana Tech Pageant are due
4 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Depart-
ment of Residential Life.
The forms, which include the
program information sheet, re-
sume, platform statement and
Miss Louisiana Tech contract,
are available at the Student Ac-
tivities Desk in Tolliver Hall, the
Department of Residential Life
and at www.misslouisiana.org.
Contestants are required to
sell at least one page of ads,
which will be due noon Dec. 17
in the Department of Residen-
tial Life.
The pageant will be held 7
p.m. Jan. 11, 2011, in Howard
Auditorium, Center for the Per-
forming Arts.
For more information con-
tact Ashley Taylor, coordinator
of student development, at 318-
257-4917 or ataylor@latech.edu.
walked off with a set.”
The other victim, Her-
mes said, was also a Tech
student with the same
make and model of vehi-
cle.
“There was a report of
a suspicious vehicle in
Collegiate Station the
same night,” he said. “An
off-duty Grambling officer
reported a brown ex-
tended-cab Chevy pick-up
with temporary tags.”
As of now, Queen is
taking care of replacing
her tires herself.
“I contacted my insur-
ance adjuster and am
working on getting new
tires,” she said. “I haven’t
heard anything from cam-
pus police or Ruston po-
lice. I have not addressed
the legal issues of my car
being parked in a campus
lot yet.”
Queen said she wants
to pursue the legal issues
concerning vehicular van-
dalism while in a campus
parking lot.
“There aren’t any ‘park
at your own risk’ signs in
the lot. I’m paying them to
park my car there and feel
my car should be safe. It’s
ridiculous that this hap-
pened in the first place.”
The tire theft is cur-
rently under investigation.
E-mail comments to
dnc005@latech.edu.
Horseless rodeo provides
f a r m f u n f o r p ar ti cip a nts
Anna Claire Thomas
STAFF REPORTER
The Block and Bridle Club
and agricultural sciences de-
partment held a horseless
rodeo for students looking for a
little competitive fun down on
the farm.
Students dressed in jeans,
cowboy boots and hats stood
in a packed arena Oct. 21 at
the Equine Center on South
Campus as their fellow stu-
dents and professors filled the
stands and watched from the
side at the entertaining activi-
ties.
Events included an egg toss,
sheep roping, goat tying, buddy
barrel pick up, calf scramble
and a greased pig competition.
Students were judged in
each individual competition
and given a certain amount of
points for each event.
Aaron Martin, who had one
of the top 5 point totals, re-
ceived a gift certificate to Pat-
ton’s Western Wear in Ruston.
Sara Deen, president of
Block and Bridle, said the
rodeo is an annual event for
students interested in getting
their hands dirty.
“We’ve done this the last
couple of years as a way for
students to loosen up around
the time for midterms,” Deen
said. “Students come out and
have fun out on the farm and
learn some of the basic skills
you would need working on a
farm.”
Deen, a senior animal sci-
ence major who participated in
the competitions herself, said
the most popular contest is al-
ways the calf scramble, which
requires participants to chase
down several cows and remove
Clip & dip helps raise community
awareness for animal health care
Mallory Watson, a senior animal science major, bathes a
dog at the Pre-Vet Club Dog Dip fundraiser Saturday. For
$7, a dog received a full bath, nail clippings and a flea so-
lutions dip. The money raised will go toward the students’
visit to the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine.
The Tech Talk.org features connectivity to The Tech Talk’s Twitter and Facebook fan pages, multimedia content and a digital
version of the paper, which can be accessed from any computer or portable device with Internet browsing capabilities.
Aaron Martin, a senior animal science major, wrestles to get a tag off a cow’s head
during the calf scramble at the Block and Bridle horseless rodeo Oct. 21.
the tag from their ears as fast as
they can.
“Students seem to really
enjoy the calf scramble more
than anything because it’s
probably the most physical
event we have at the rodeo,”
Deen said. “We usually expect
a little hesitation from the stu-
dents when dealing with the
animals, but they jumped right
in the ring and held their own.
Photo by Sean Zhou
It was a fun night and definitely
a success.”
Mark Murphey, an associate
professor of agricultural sci-
ences, said the rodeo is grow-
ing in popularity every year
with more students becoming
interested.
“Students have shown a real
interest in the rodeo over the
past few years,” Murphey said.
“It is a great way for students
Naomi Allison
STAFF REPORTER
Area dogs received royal
treatment Saturday from mem-
bers of the Pre-Vet Club.
Dog owners treated their
furry friends to a bath, after
which they were towel-dried
and had their nails clipped dur-
ing the club’s annual Dog Dip
outside Reese Hall.
The event, also offered pet
owners the option to have their
dogs treated for fleas, lice and
mites for only $7. This was all
in a effort to spread pet health
awareness and raise money for
the organization’s visit to the
Texas A&M School of Veteri-
nary Medicine.
Laura Tharp, president of
the Pre-Vet Club and a junior
animal science major, said she
loved hosting the Dog Dip be-
cause it gave vet students the
opportunity to gain experience
working with animals.
“Our goal this year was to
get the ball rolling,” she said.
“By giving students an incen-
tive for the trip and letting them
interact with dogs on a per-
sonal level, it helps them to
transition from the classroom
to the real world. After all, dogs
are like a bag of Skittles; you
never know what you’re going
get.”
Tharp also said the
fundraiser was beneficial be-
cause the trip would allow stu-
dents to explore facilities at
Texas A&M University, talk to
other veterinary students, re-
ceive advice from the head of
admissions about veterinary
school application forms and
save money for the next year’s
club.
BRAND NEW
Tech Talk website!
www.thetechtalk.org
Photo by Ben Corda
to come out and learn about
life on a farm and compete
with each other for prizes.
We’ve added different contests
each time, and the students
seem to really enjoy them-
selves; therefore, we’re looking
to continue it and attract more
students each year.”
E-mail comments to act013@lat-
ech.edu.
“It enables us to view vet-
erinary school from a different
perspective and helps us deter-
mine if this is the career path
we want to take,” she said.
Paula Books, an assistant
professor of nursing, said she
decided to bring her 147-
pound Bull Mastiff because
she was impressed with last
year’s service and price.
“Normally, it’s kind of hard
to get a dog this big washed,”
she said. “If I would have gone
to the veterinarian, this proce-
dure would have more than
$50 dollars so to get it done for
$7 is amazing.”
Brittany Walraven, a junior
animal science major and
member of the Pre-Vet Club,
said she enjoyed participating
in the Dog Dip because it al-
lowed her to create bonds with
her clients, develop strong
communication skills and in-
teract with different types of
dogs such as Chihuahuas,
Schnauzers, Bulldogs, Shih
Tzus, Dachshunds and
Labrador retrievers.
“Participating in an event
like this only increases my love
for animals and inspires me to
become a better veterinarian,”
she said.
Tharp also said despite the
chilly weather, she was satisfied
with the results of the Dog Dip.
"The Dog Dip wash is one
of our biggest events of the
year for the Pre-Vet Club,”
Tharp said. “I'm thrilled that so
much of the Ruston commu-
nity participated and that to-
gether we raised much-needed
funds and spread awareness
about dogs."
E-mail comments to nsa008@lat-
ech.edu.
The
 October 28, 2010 • The Tech Talk • 3

Final day of Dashain celebrated

Haley Kraemer
STAFF REPORTER
Nepali students received
Tika, ate traditional foods, lis-
tened to live music and cele-
brated the final day of Dashain
with a game of bingo Sunday in
the Student Center, Second
Floor.
According to www.nepal-
homepage.com, Dashami is the
10th day of the month-long
Hindu festival Dashain. This fes-
tival is the biggest one of the
year in Nepal, and it is cele-
brated by Nepali of all castes
and creeds throughout the
country.
It seeks to honor the god-
dess Durga, the symbol of the
triumph of good over evil. Dur-
ing Dashami, the Nepalis take
Tika and Jamara from their eld-
ers, receiving their blessing and
the blessing of the goddess
Durga.
Tika is a red paste worn on
the forehead, and Jamara is a
yellow grass placed on the
heads of the young by their eld-
ers.
Nepali students are re-
minded of their home and fam-
ily through this celebration with
their friends.
Ritesh Adhikari, a senior
computer information technol-
ogy major, celebrated Dashami
for the first time in four years.
“It is exciting because you
are away from home, but these
things are still going on,” he
said.
Adhikari said he enjoys
Dashami because it is accessi-
ble on Tech’s campus.
“That is the best thing about
Tech. You don’t have to travel
for things like this,” he said.
“The culture is here.”
Adhikari said the younger
generation loses the older reli-
gious traditions of their parents.
“We fall out of things now
days,” he said. “It’s the fast pace
of the modern world that
makes this happen.”
Non-Hindu students attend
Dashami out of interest for the
Nepali culture.
Josh Gidlow, a senior me- Photos by Sean Zhou
chanical engineering major, said Students sample homemade Nepali dishes like stewed
two Nepali workers at Java City
in Tolliver Hall told him about goat with Indian spices and a buttermilk and yogurt drink.
this event.
“I was just interested to learn Abesh Gurung, a senior com- freshman chemical engineering
about the culture,” he said. “I puter information systems major, who won a free ticket to
see the foreign students in class, major; Khush Deoja, a senior Nepal Night and the Ayurveda
but I never see what they do electrical engineering major concert.
outside of class.” and Suraj Gyawali, a junior Suyanka Neupaney, a junior
The festival ended with a nano-technology major. environmental science major,
game of bingo with people The student who filled the said many students depend on
shouting out numbers on their first line of his board was Shishir cultural events to remind them
bingo board, while a volunteer Man Shrestha, a senior ac- of home.
pulled numbers out of a bowl. counting major, who won a free She wore a bright-colored
The five instant winners each ticket to the Ayurveda concert. kurta, a traditional dress in
won a ticket to the concert fea- The two diagonal line winners Nepal, to Dashami.
turing Ayurveda, a Nepali band were Suraj Kc, a sophomore “It actually feels like we are
Dec. 5. electrical engineering major, celebrating this at home,” she
The winners were Ramam and Rajush Shakya, a freshman said. “We dress up to make it
Maharjan, a freshman mechan- architecture major who each feel even more like home.”
ical engineering major; Rupak won a free ticket to Nepal Night
Shrestha, a senior computer in- in May. The full house prize was E-mail comments to hek002@lat- Arun Bhandari, a junior computer science major, plays gui-
formation systems major; awarded to Sangam Aryal, a ech.edu. tar during the Dashami Sunday lunch celebration.

Students wear purple NASA contract with SciTEC

for bullying prevention reinstated, will provide more

Mary Timmons
STAFF REPORTER
Tech students and others across
the nation supported National Bul-
lying Prevention Day by sporting the
color purple Oct. 20.
According to the Parent Advo-
cacy Coalition for Educational
Rights, National Bullying Prevention
Day is acknowledged worldwide to
raise awareness and put a stop to
bullying within communities and
schools.
Evan Champagne, a sophomore
family and child studies major, par-
ticipated in National Bullying Pre-
vention Day with others on campus
to show support for her friends and
others who have been bullied.
“I noticed a lot of students wear-
ing purple, and they would see me
too. We'd make eye contact and
nod, acknowledging that we were on
the same side in this,” Champagne
said. “I have gay friends. I see them
go through bullying, and I know it
hurts, and it is hard for them to fit in
with people who can't be open
minded and don't get to know peo-
ple.”
Bullying can lead to students feel-
ing unsafe at school and in some
cases even considering suicide. Ac-
cording to the Gay, Lesbian and
Straight Education Network’s web-
site, 84.6 percent of students re-
ported being verbally harassed, 40.1
percent reported being physically
harassed and 18.8 percent reported
“
being physically assaulted at school
in the past year because of their sex-
ual orientation.
Champagne said she supports
those who have been through hard-
ships because of their gender or
race.
“Wearing purple is a good step to
show that you are not tolerant of
bullying, but it is not as
important as being vocal about
your feelings regarding the issue.”
Jeff Tucker
junior psychology major
“Bullying in any sense is wrong,”
she said. “Whether the person is
being made fun of for their race,
height, gender or [sexual] prefer-
ence, it hurts and it should be
avoided. We don't need these hate
crimes or this senseless suicide.”
Tiffany St. Pierre, a sophomore
communication design major, said
she wore purple to stand against bul-
lying because she considers herself
a gay ally.
“I feel that it is important to rally
against these bullies and encourage
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen-
dered community acceptance,” St.
Pierre said.
St. Pierre said she noticed a few
people on campus wearing purple
and she hopes that by raising aware-
ness it will make a difference for the
LBGT community.
“It tells others we accept people
the way they are, so why can't they
do the same,” St. Pierre said.
According to the Stop Bullying
Now website, studies show that be-
tween 15-25 percent of American
students are bullied.
Jeff Tucker, a junior psychology
major, said National Bullying Pre-
vention Day shows that bullying
won’t be tolerated.
“I believe it sends victims a mes-
sage saying they have an immensely
large support system that is willing
to take a stand and help,” Tucker
said.
He also said preventing bullying
is important to him and he would
have liked to notice more people
participating.
“It is extremely important to raise
awareness on any issue that brings
people's safety, regardless of sexual
orientation, into question,” Tucker
said. “Wearing purple is a good step
to show that you are not tolerant of
bullying, but it is not as important as
being vocal about your feelings re-
garding the issue.”
E-mail comments to
mnt005@latech.edu.
opportunities to educators
Sherelle Black
STAFF REPORTER
Tech and the Science and Technology
Education Center were chosen again as the
recipients of the contract to host NASA’s
Educator Resource Center.
The center provides classroom instruc-
tors, informal educators and students with
NASA-inspired educational resources and
opportunities.
Tech was first chosen as host of Educa-
tor Resource Center in 1999 as the result of
a competitive proposal process among in-
stitutions in Shreveport, Lafayette, Baton
Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles and
Ruston to decide where the only NASA Ed-
ucator Resource Center in Louisiana would
be established.
SciTEC director Glenn Beer said he is
pleased to have Tech and the SciTEC cho-
sen again to host the Educator Resource
Center.
“The university has maintained this ap-
pointment since 1999, a testament to the
university’s strong commitment to provid-
ing strong outreach and service programs
and activities,” Beer said.
Since the renewal of the contract, the
Educator Resource Center has undergone
changes to enhance the experience of
those who visit.
Lindsey Keith-Vincent, museum educa-
tor for the IDEA Place, said the Educator
Resource Center has received new materi-
als from the Marshall Space Flight Center,
which includes timelines and a matching
game.
Other resource materials the Educator
Resource Center provides teachers with in-
clude posters, educator guides, CD-ROMs,
videotapes, lithographs and other materials
featuring NASA missions that correlate with
the national math, science and technology
content standards.
“The most exciting aspects of the NASA
educator guides are that the documents are
grade appropriate and available for educa-
tors in the formal and informal K-16 educa-
tional settings,” Keith-Vincent said.
She also said, along with receiving new
items, the Educator Resource Center has
expanded their facility.
“The recent renovation in Woodard Hall
has provided space to display the plethora
of NASA materials we have been so fortu-
nate to receive,” Keith-Vincent said.
Those in need of NASA-related class-
room materials can contact the SciTEC de-
partment thorough e-mail or in person at
Woodard Hall, Room 137.
The Educator Resource Center and
SciTEC are there to assist students and ed-
ucators with furthering their knowledge
through the free NASA materials she said.
Beer said, “SciTEC is committed to con-
tinuing to make the latest NASA resources
available to Louisiana educators through
the Educator Resource Center, and to lever-
aging our relationship with NASA to
strengthen our academic program, outreach
activities and professional development
services.”
E-mail comment to scb035@latech.edu.

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4 • The Tech Talk • October 28, 2010
Insight
FROM THE EDITOR
Journalistic objectivity discarded
Amy Olita
I
n this day and age, it is no sur-
prise to find a news organiza-
tion with some sort of agenda.
The requirement to remain unbi-
ased and objective is drilled into
the brain of every journalism stu-
dent but has become an unrealistic
goal to achieve amongst competi-
tion and political influence.
Whether media conglomerates
such as CNN, ABC or Fox News
openly endorse candidates, it is
obvious on which side of the
proverbial political fence they
stand. Even the relatively small city
of Shreveport isn’t immune to the
subjective media circus.
The Shreveport Times pub-
lished editorials Oct. 23 and 24
blatantly endorsing candidates
running for Louisiana’s open posi-
tions for lieutenant governor and
senator.
The Oct. 23 article, “Editorial:
Jay Dardenne for lieutenant gov-
ernor,” gives a long lists Dard-
enne’s political history mixed in
with a few examples of things he
has done for Louisiana during his
years in various political offices. It
ends by saying, “Whether address-
ing the breadth of the lieutenant
WRITING WRONGS
Bullying a child crosses the line
Ashley Dison
magine you are in the final
I stages of a chronic illness, the
same illness your mother died
with last year. You look out your
window and spot a truck, painted
in scenes from a cemetery and
laden with a simulated coffin,
parked in front of your house. It re-
sembles a hearse, something still
fresh on your mind since your
mother’s death.
Imagine you later notice an
image of cross bones with a photo
of your own face in place of the
usual skull and a visual rendering
of the Grim Reaper cradling the
face of your deceased mother,
both posted on the Internet.
Now imagine you are 7.
Kathleen Edwards, of Trenton,
Mich., experienced these unthink-
able circumstances earlier this
month at the hands of her neigh-
bor, 32-year-old Jennifer Petkov.
Other neighbors of Petkov told
members of the press Petkov had
feuded with Edwards’s family for
years, always over petty matters
such as her children being unin-
vited to a birthday party. When
confronted by the press, Petkov ad-
mitted to the allegations and said
SARCASM WITH AN AGENDA
Craving a cure, making my mark
Kelly Belton
s my mother sat me down
A at the kitchen table last De-
cember, a knot formed in
my stomach as the words came
out of her mouth. “Abnormal pap
smear” and “more tests” told me
all I needed to know, and I felt the
tears well up as I faced the reality
I knew had been coming for so
long.
My maternal grandmother was
diagnosed with uterine cancer at
47 years old, a uncommonly low
age for that type of cancer. She
lost her battle to cancer at 54.
While I never knew Nana, I have
always known that my mother was
at a high risk for this type of can-
cer.
Several weeks into the new
year, I got the dreaded phone call.
It was cancer. Nothing could have
prepared me for hearing that the
same cancer that had taken Nana
now plagued my mother.
Mom had a full hysterectomy
in February. Family and friends
prayed the cancer was contained
and the surgery had been enough.
But when the biopsy results came
in, we learned that not one but two
types of cancer were found. One
WRITE TO US!
The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We
also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address, classification or title. We will not
print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 146 Keeny Hall, by
4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publication. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Rus-
ton, LA 71272. E-mails should be sent to ako 005@latech .edu. You can also submit letters online at
www.thetechtalk.org/home/lettertotheeditor/.
Page 1
governor’s duties to the details of
marketing, Dardenne is best
equipped to step into the office.”
In the Oct. 24 article, bluntly ti-
tled “Editorial: Melancon for U.S.
senator,” the author reprimands
both parties for their lack of re-
spect for one another, pointing out
that in order to accomplish their
goals support from both sides is
essential. It says that while the
politicians continue to bicker, the
public continues to feel a discon-
nect between their needs and the
desires of Washington bureau-
crats.
So, in an effort to call voters to
action, the editorial says, “voters
should demand that their lawmak-
ers have the willingness and tact to
cross the aisle and work toward
the people’s best interest on issues
large and small, national and
local.” The Times Editorial Board
then goes on to say that they don’t
“see eye to eye with Charlie
Melancon on every issue but in
him sees the state’s best hope of
helping restore some semblance
of civility and responsibility.”
While The Times Editorial
Board is entitled to publish its
opinion on any topic, including
politics, I believe that as a credible
she taunted the child because “it
rubs [the child’s grandmother Re-
becca Rose’s] ass raw.”
Basically, Petkov acted out of
hatred. But can her actions be clas-
sified as hate crimes?
In the majority of the 50 states,
a hate crime is classified as such if
it occurs because of hatred based
on a person’s actual or perceived
race, religion, gender, color, creed,
age, sexual orientation, national
origin, disability or ancestry, ac-
cording to www.partnersagain-
sthate.org.
For instance, it is against the
law to burn a cross due to its sym-
bolic association with the Ku Klux
Klan. Setting fire to a church sign
is not simply arson; it is a hate
crime.
The hate crime laws do not
cover Petkov’s treatment of her
neighbor since she apparently
acted out of general hatred, not
hatred of the child due to her age
or disease or other factors stipu-
lated by the law. Furthermore,
there is no law, hate crime law or
any law, that says Petkov should
not be able to harass this child in
the ways she has. She was, how-
ever, arrested for assault with a
deadly weapon and reckless driv-
was much more pervasive and had
nearly penetrated the uterine wall.
That meant chemotherapy.
To me, Mom was about to be-
come a “real” cancer patient. She
started losing her hair within 10
days of the first treatment. As the
realities sank in, I quietly grieved,
worried and cried but told few
about what was happening in my
life. As a new reporter with 13
hours on my plate, I didn’t have
time to go home, which ate me up
inside. However, I felt no need to
broadcast my situation.
In hindsight, sharing the situa-
tion would have eased the stress.
Bearing the burden took its toll on
me. I was irritable, stressed and
fearful for my own health.
Mom finished her chemo this
summer. Her hair is growing back;
she has eyebrows and lashes once
again. Tests have shown the can-
cer is gone, and she has regained
her strength. Every day, I thank
God for the doctors and technol-
ogy that have ultimately prolonged
my mother’s life. I cannot imagine
what I would have done if the out-
come had been any different.
Cancer is a frightening illness.
Too many people in my life have
experienced the devastation of a
news organization, it is completely
unethical to openly endorse a po-
litical candidate, no matter what
party they represent.
Give the public the facts about
both candidates, and let them de-
cide. By endorsing a candidate
and giving all the reasons they are
the right one for the job, as is done
in both articles, these journalists
are not fulfilling their civic duty to
inform the public.
How can you be expected to
believe a newspaper is unbiased in
its coverage if it is taking sides? I
don’t trust it.
Just like the politicians on Capi-
tol Hill are influenced by lobbyists,
the news media has slowly lost
control to career politicians. Watch
the news and see what stories are
most prevalent in politics. The ma-
jority of the stories are not legiti-
mate news but gossip about ruined
marriages, scandals and poor de-
cisions.
A top story in the news Mon-
day was a recording, courtesy of
WPRO Radio, of Rhode Island gu-
bernatorial candidate Frank
Caprio says Obama “can take his
endorsement and shove it.” How-
ever, something I found interesting
was at the beginning of the inter-
ing after allegedly attempting to
run down another neighbor walk-
ing across the street to visit Ed-
wards’s grandmother. According
to WJBK FOX 2 News in Detroit,
Petkov has posted bond but has
lost custody of two of her children
to their father due to her hateful
behavior.
The U.S. criminal justice system
is meant to protect citizens
through its laws, but perhaps there
are so many technicalities in the
laws that certain despicable be-
haviors are overlooked. Maybe
hate crime laws were necessary,
but shouldn’t they include harass-
ment and cruelty to all human be-
ings, no matter the reason?
Emotional cruelty or harassment
of adults, no matter their race, re-
ligious preference or sexual orien-
tation is far more tolerable than
cruelty to a dying child.
Forty-four states, including
Louisiana, but excluding Petkov’s
state of Michigan, have enacted
bullying laws, but those laws are
basically aimed at measures
schools should take to prevent bul-
lying, according to www.cyberbul-
lying.us. A new bill was drafted
after the 2006 death of 13-year-old
Megan Meier, of Missouri, who
cancer diagnosis. My grandfather
passed away in 2005 from lung
cancer, and I was a junior in high
school when I learned my stepfa-
ther had colon cancer. Both of my
paternal grandparents have had
bouts with skin cancer, and my
grandpa has just finished treat-
ments for bladder cancer.
The sad part is, I know I’m not
alone. The American Cancer So-
ciety predicts more than 1,500
Americans will die every day from
cancer this year. Every cancer pa-
tient has support behind them, and
those supporters are all affected
by this illness. The disease is wide-
spread in number as well as in
type. According to the ACS web-
site, there are more than 100 types
of cancer. Breast cancer is the
most common type found in fe-
males, and this is why we have
dedicated October to its aware-
ness.
In Ruston, University Ink of-
fered a spin on the traditional fund
raiser. This past Saturday, they
gave free cancer awareness ribbon
tattoos in exchange for a donation
to the National Breast Cancer
Foundation. Rather than limit cus-
tomers to breast cancer awareness
ribbons, University Ink opened it
view when Caprio says that he re-
cently received an endorsement
from The Providence Journal. He
said, “That was one that I formally
went to the board there, and I
asked for their endorsement and
they looked at my qualifications
and my record.”
Upon hearing this I went to
their website, www.projo.com, and
was appalled by the amount of ed-
itorials written expressing support
for various political candidates.
Ten were posted on the first Opin-
ion page alone.
In one small search, two news-
papers on the opposite ends of the
country are doing the same thing.
I think it is safe to say these are not
the only ones to be guilty of these
biased endorsements.
I dare say journalists have for-
gotten their roots, seemingly aban-
doning the public’s interest like
these politicians they so blatantly
support. Both groups need to stop
and focus on the citizens they are
supposed to be serving rather than
on their own agenda.
Amy Olita is a senior jour nalism
major from Shrevepor t who ser ves as
editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail
comments to ako005@latech.edu.
hanged herself after being cyber-
bullied by a friend’s mother posing
as a teenage boy. The Megan
Meier Cyberbullying Prevention
Act, introduced in Congress by
U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif.,
was never voted on and is now
dead. In a blog posted in May 2009
on www.americanthinker.com,
Timothy Birdnow said most politi-
cians’ problems with the bill were
due to its compromise of freedom
of speech rights provided by the
First Amendment. Birdnow said he
believes malice without physical
violence should be only a civil
matter. I agree when the emotional
trauma is geared toward adults.
The issue of legality aside, Ed-
wards is an innocent child who did
not deserve Petkov’s malicious
taunts. Petkov issued a public apol-
ogy to Kathleen Edwards and her
family, yet her sincerity should be
questioned. Anyone mean enough
to taunt a chronically ill 7-year-old
may not have the conscience nec-
essary to truly repent.
Ashley Dison is a senior jour nal-
ism major fr om Sp ear svil le wh o
ser ves as ne ws editor for T he Tec h
Talk. E-m ail com me nts to
aad025@latec h.edu.
up for designs and ribbons for all
types of cancer.
I was pleased when I saw the
establishment full of people – and
more waiting outside. An em-
ployee told me they expected 30
for 40 people to show up, but were
met with more than 100. They
have a waiting list, and I won’t be
able to get my teal ribbon for more
than a week. As I am at very high
risk for uterine cancer, my gyne-
cological cancer ribbon will serve
as a daily reminder of what Nana
succumbed to, my mother fought
through and what I may one day
face. It will remind me to do all I
can to prevent cancer’s onset and
help with research.
While my experiences with
cancer have by no means been
fun, I am grateful for the progress
that has been made. Not only are
my parents cancer-free, but I have
learned to take care of my body
and count my blessings. Every day,
I have hope that there will one day
be a cure.
Kelly Belton is a junior jour nalism
and political science major from
Houston who ser ves as ne ws editor
for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments
to keb029@latech.edu.
In Our Opinion
Wikileaks delivers more than secrets
he past century of American history has shown the
T frail foundation on which our civil liberties stand.
During times of war, the freedom of speech is
often painted with a question mark, debates ensuing over
what should and should not be said. The “not-for-profit
media organisation [sic]” Wikileaks, founded in 2007 by
Julian Assange, has increasingly stoked this undying fire,
gaining large-scale attention when they released a video
of American soldiers in a helicopter firing on Iraqi civil-
ians, two of which were photographers for the Reuters
news agency. In July, Wikileaks released approximately
77,000 documents related to the war in Afghanistan; how-
ever, it did not seem to contain any major revelations.
In an article Oct. 18, the Associated Press reported
Wikileaks was gearing up to release a collection of about
400,000 war documents. Files of such importance that
the Pentagon was “bracing itself ” even asking that the
media not publish any documents.
The opinion of The Tech Talk editorial staff is mixed,
some arguing the site poses a threat to national security
while others call for military transparency. However, one
common thread was the belief that the main point of
concern rested on the content of the documents them-
selves. The Pentagon spoke against Wikileaks because of
the possibilities of exposing sensitive locations as well as
outing Iraqis and Afghanis who have aided U.S. armed
forces. Marine Corps. Col. Dave Lapan was quoted by the
AP saying that publishing any documents or information
garnered from Wikileaks, credible news organizations
would automatically make the site credible, despite main-
taining a perpetual use of anonymous sources.
Thus, Wikileaks poses the dilemma for journalists. We
feel the media has a responsibility to inform the public
and provide the transparency ordinary citizens request
from the government; however, no one wants to pose a
risk to national security and, in the words of more than
one editor, “tip off terrorists.”
Also, it is considered impossible to use any information
from the site without making it credible. In its defense, the
site’s mission statement paints the organization less as
radical usurpers of security and more as crusaders in an
age where true journalistic objectivity is falling by the
wayside. The “About Wikileaks” page describes the orga-
nization’s use of “cutting-edge” cryptographic techniques
to secure information, as well as using in-depth and ex-
tensive investigative methods to verify the validity of all
stories to the best of their abilities.
The collection of documents, officially released Oct.
22, boasts over “391,000 reports which cover the war in
Iraq from 2004 to 2009.” A look at the documents re-
vealed a degree of measures taken to preserve integrity,
such as one description of a U.S. convoy’s misfiring on a
civilian vehicle after a misunderstanding of permission to
pass the convoy. Details such as the route number and
make of the civilian truck were replaced by blank lines.
As recently as Oct. 25, some big-name institutions
have defied the Pentagon’s request, such as an AP article
critiquing President Barack Obama’s stance on former
President George Bush’s interrogation policies, revealing
numerous reports of continued detainee abuse under
Obama’s administration.
Once the heat dies down, the legacy of this leak will
only begin to be seen. Wikileaks may not define our role
in how the truth is reported, but it does reveal the cracks
which can only be fixed by asking the big questions.
The
TechTalk
The student voice of Louisiana Tech University
MANAGEMENT
EDITOR Amy Olita
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Danielle Cintron
MANAGING EDITOR Taylor Stephens
ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR
Robert Wilson
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Kathleen Duncan
NEWS EDITORS Ashley Dison
Kelly Belton
SPORTS EDITORS Angela Groce
Sarah Brown
ONLINE EDITOR Danielle Cintron
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lance Traweek
SGA REPORTER Jessica Cassels
HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Ben Corda
PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Zhou
Dacia Idom
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ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc
DEPARTMENT HEAD
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 October 28, 2010 • The Tech Talk • 5

Premiere of emotional ar t show a success

Naomi Allison
STAFF REPORTER
Students gathered as architecture professors
Damon Caldwell and Stephanie Carwile pre-
sented the opening reception of “that which re-
mains,” featuring more than 20 quilted textiles
and oil canvas paintings including pieces ranging
from $400 to $1,800.
The exhibit, which opened Friday and will be
on display through Nov. 23 in the Enterprise Cen-
ter, illustrated the emotions Carwile felt after a
sawing accident last year and included fabrics
that contained intricate designs by Caldwell.
Carwile, an assistant professor of architecture,
said the title for the art exhibition was taken from
the definition of the word “remnant,” which
refers to a small part or portion of an object that
remains after the main part no longer exists.
“Since my painting tends to be about specific
memories or events and Caldwell’s work deals
with pieces of fabric, I thought it would work per-
fectly,” she said.
Carwile, chair of the committee of the inte-
rior design program, said she decided to collab-
orate with Caldwell because of their friendship
and different personalities.
“We’re both very different,” she said. “I’m a
wife and a mom who can be a bit emotional or
‘touchy’ at time, while he’s a single guy who’s a
bit distant.”
Carwile also said their teamwork was suc-
cessful because both interpreted their art work
differently.
“My paintings tend to symbolize what’s going
on behind the surface, while his work is more
straightforward and refers to the surface of a wall
he’s building upon the fabric,“ she said. “How-
ever, it is because of those differences that we
work so well together.”
Caldwell, foundation level coordinator for the
School of Architecture, said he enjoyed working
with fabric in the show because the local crafts
and techniques used in his work appealed to his
architectural side, while the colors appealed to
his interior design side.
“In my work, I tend to focus on the back-
ground first,” he said. “You see complex colors
from a distance because the fabrics blend well to-
gether, but the intricate patterns and symmetry
pop out as you get closer.”
Camille Pearce, a sophomore interior design
major, said she enjoyed watching the two profes-
sors work together because of their diverse artis-
tic backgrounds.
“Although one focuses on painting and the
other one focuses on quilt making, they don’t
clash,” she said. “Instead, they mingle together
well.”
Pearce said her favorite piece was Carwile’s
painting “I’ve Messed Up,” because she loved the
busy quality it exuded.
“Although there’s a lot going on, the images
and colors intertwine together,” she said. “It was
interesting because I knew the story behind the
painting. So, to see it through a painter’s eyes
gave me an entirely new perspective.”
Both professors will also speak at 7 p.m. Nov.
3 at the Enterprise Center for the Art & Entre-
preneurship Speaker Series titled “How to Make Photo by Dacia Idom
a Living in the Arts,” where they will discuss the Freshmen architecture majors Ryan Hawkins and Dylan Schafer view "that which re-
current art exhibition as well as careers in archi-
tecture and interior design. mains," which displays the latest creations of Damon Caldwell, an assistant professor of
architecture, and Stephanie Carwile, an assistant professor of architecture and interior
E-mail comments to nsa008@latech.edu. design program chair. The show will be open at the Enterprise Center through Nov. 23.

S2S Facebook contest winners awarded free tutoring

Amber Guyotte
STAFF REPORTER
Four campus organizations
won free tutoring hours through
a contest held this month with
Student2Student Tutor, a pri-
vate tutoring company.
Winners of the contest,
which began earlier this month,
were announced Oct. 21 at the
Enterprise Center, located at
509 W. Alabama Ave.
Sigma Kappa, Phi Mu and
Chi Alpha each won 10 hours
of free private tutoring by en-
tering. Panhellenic Council won
10 hours of tutoring from a
drawing at the awards presen-
tation.
Organizations entered the
contest by “liking” S2S Tutor’s
Facebook page and have 50
members and friends comment
on their status.
Jonah Ukpai, co-founder of
S2S Tutor, organized the con-
test to market the company and
inform students of its existence.
“We wanted to let students
know we are really here to help
them, and we’re
passionate about
a student,” Ukpai
said. “It was very en-
said. “It’ll be good for the or-
ganization and those individu-
making sure they couraging to see als.”
succeed,” Ukpai these organizations A representative from each
said. “Our main goal want to help some- organization was present.
is to let students one in their organiza- Chelsey White, a senior mer-
know there is a serv- tion. It’s a chandising and consumer stud-
ice here available to commendable thing ies major, represented
them if they’re to want to help Panhellenic.
struggling or want someone in their or- She said the contest repre-
to do better in ganization do better sented a way to initiate team-
school without in school with one- work and was a good
stress. We try to on-one tutoring.” opportunity for students who
take the stress away He also said the need extra help.
from students and hours could be do- Les Guice, vice president for
help in any way pos- nated to another or- research and development, said
sible.” ganization in need or the service the company pro-
He said the con- to an individual on vides for students accentuates
Photo by Amber Guyotte
test costs the com- campus as a com- what the university is about.
pany a loss of $160 Winners of the S2S Facebook contest are from left, Randie Rupp, Sigma munity service proj- “For Tech, helping our stu-
per 10-hour session, Kappa Sorority representative; Chelsey White, Panhellenic representative; ect if the dents be successful is at the top
but he wants people organization does of our priorities,” Guice said.
to take advantage of Trey Evans, Chi Alpha representative; and Alex Bellone, Phi Mu Sorority rep- not need the tutoring “We thank all of you for partic-
their services. resentative; pose with Dave Norris, director of the Enterprise Center; Les hours. ipating in this and hope you’ve
“We also wanted Guice, vice president for research and development; and Jonah Ukpai, S2S Dave Norris, di- helped promote what [S2S
to reach out to the Tutor co-founder. The four organizations won 10 hours of free tutoring. rector of the Enter- Tutor] can do within your or-
organizations that prise Center said the ganization to help with success,
will use these hours able on campus. We invested mary factor in the three organi- tutoring will be ben- which will help Tech and your
and know what the value of the into it because we know what zations being rewarded free tu- eficial to whoever uses it. futures.”
hours are,” Ukpai said. “We an impact 10 hours of one-on- toring hours. “Students in the organization
want people to use them and one tutoring can make.” “They deserve to be will benefit throughout their ed- E-mail comments to ang017@lat-
utilize the opportunities avail- He said teamwork is the pri- awarded this to be able to help ucational experience,” Norris ech.edu.

AMA speaker shines light on Ruston’s future

Haley Kraemer
STAFF REPORTER
Judy Burt addressed student
members of the American
Marketing Association about
the future of the Ruston com-
munity Oct. 19 in the College
of Business.
Burt, Ruston Civic Center
and Main Street director, said
she organizes projects for Rus-
ton’s Main Street program, as-
sists in the operation of the
Ruston Civic Center and helps
plan special events for the
downtown projects for the city
for eight and a half years.
She said there are several
ways she and the city promote
Ruston to both residents and
non-residents.
She said one example is
Mayor Dan Hollingsworth and
Ruston 21, a city program
launched in 2008, which works
collaboratively with Tech and is
composed of a committee of
“I think it gives you and me
an opportunity to help each
other in the community,” Burt
said.
Another marketing plan in-
volves the restoration of the
Downtown Historic District of
Ruston, she said. Vienna Street
was recently restored, and the
restoration of Trenton Street
will begin early 2011. It has
completely changed the ap-
pearance of downtown with
buried lines, new sidewalks and
plantings.
“We like to showcase our
city,” Burt said. “We did a great
job burying the power lines,
building new flower beds and
replacing old street lamps [on
Vienna].”
She said it is important in
the marketing business to have
a passion for your city.
“I love Ruston. I love its citi-
zens and everything about it. I
sell Ruston every chance I get,”
Burt said. “Nobody under-
stands a place until they can
feel it and breathe it. We need
to get people here and offer
them a great place for job op-
portunities and a place for them
to know and feel that this is a
perfect place to raise their fam-
ilies.”
She said Ruston has a sub-
stantial amount of professional
athletes, Tech graduates and in-
dividuals affected by Hurricane
Katrina who have contributed
to Ruston’s eclectic community.
“We try to bring people in
from the outside to make a dif-
ference,” Burt said. “I think we
are a classy community with
high standards.”
Student AMA members re-
acted to Burt’s speech with
feelings of hope and excite-
ment for the Ruston commu-
nity.
Davis Corbett, president of
AMA and a senior business ad-
ministration major, said it is fas-
cinating how people return to
Ruston after moving to another
area.
“I’d like to come back if
there are more job opportuni-
ties,” he said.`
Larry Jarrell, AMA adviser
and an instructor of business,
said Ruston has been fortunate
to be the home of Tech and
have a lot of retail stores and
restaurants to supplement its
economy. Photo by Dacia Idom
“It is important for Tech to Judy Burt, the Main Street and Ruston Civic Center di-
have a connection or opening rector, spoke to the American Marketing Association
to downtown,” he said. “The about Ruston’s downtown improvements, the city’s future
Research Park is wonderfully
done.” economic plans and Ruston’s connection with Tech.
Burt said she wants Ruston its infrastructure, and it takes a about the future plans for Rus-
to be a community that is wel- lot of people pulling together to ton.”
coming and has something create and plan a successful
unique to offer. project,” she said. “I like to tell E-mail comments to hek002@lat-
“The city has done a lot with [students] how excited I am ech.edu.
> GRANT from page 1 for kids who have nowhere else to go for help.”

UNIVERSITY
citizens whose duty involves
planning for the future of Rus- vote. She said the Emerson Centre deserves the
ton. grant because of the great work they do with
the community.
“Voting to help the Emerson Centre is a
great way for students to help in the commu-
nity,” Busby said. “It’s great that there’s a place
COMMONS
Jenae Emerson said, “Just by going online
and voting, people can be a part of funding
our after-school program for a year. If every
student at Tech voted for just 10 minutes just
imagine how much that would help.”
E-mail comments to zcb001@latech.edu.

PRE-LEASE NOW
FOR FALL ‘09
> STOKLEY from page 1 to thank you for
that and the recog-
She said Stok-
ley wants his stu-

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yourself. Most of all, we should tively influenced Amos said. “You
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6 • The Tech Talk • October 28, 2010

NSBE Week impacts community, Omega Tau Pi offers

promotes education awareness
Sherelle Black
STAFF REPORTER
The National Society of
Black Engineers held its annual
NSBE Week, which raises aware-
ness of the opportunities avail-
able through education
particularly through science,
technology, engineering and
mathematics.
The week, Oct. 18-24, is held
in hopes of having a positive im-
pact on the community and also
help prospective graduates net-
work for their future in the cor-
porate world.
George Lee IV, chapter chair,
said he wanted the week to have
events that encompassed the
mission of NSBE.
Lee said NSBE’s mission is to
increase the number of culturally
responsible black engineers who
excel academically, succeed pro-
fessionally and positively impact
the community.
The week began with an in-
terest meeting for those consid-
ering attending the Fall Regional
Conference in New Orleans,
where participants will attend a
career fair and workshops cen-
tered on professional develop-
ment.
The group held a membership
drive Tuesday where members
distributed information to inquir-
ing students in Bogard Hall and
later held a late night study jam.
During the study jam, NSBE
provided refreshments, and stu-
dents came to study, network
and receive help with difficult
classes.
Jerel Brown, a sophomore
mechanical engineering major,
said he likes the idea of the late-
night study jam because it is not
often that a group of students
can get together and have fun
studying.
Members and non-members
gathered Wednesday for a large
scale general body meeting
where officer updates were given
and non-members got to see
how NSBE’s leadership operates.
“The climax of the meeting
was the Boat-Float engineering
challenge,” Lee, a junior me-
chanical engineering major, said.
“Attendees were asked to assem-
ble in groups and design a boat
students positive
view on life choices
Mary Timmons
STAFF REPORTER
Tech’s Omega Tau Pi
(QTPi) service sorority held
Choices Week Oct.18-24 to
inform students about better
life choices through hosting
daily events on campus.
QTPi holds a weeklong
event twice a year aimed at
enhancing the community
and campus through different
events centered around a par-
ticular theme.
Skyler Breaux, president of
QTPi, said the events were
open to students with an in-
terest in giving support to the
sorority.
Photos by Sean Zhou “We don't always have a
Above: Bartley Johnson, a freshman mechanical engineering major, prepares sup- Choices Week, but we always
plies for the National Society of Black Engineers’ A Walk for Education. attempt to have a QTPi
week,” Breaux said. “That al-
lows us to service our com-
Below: Kirsten Miller, a senior electrical engineering technologies major, passes out
munity as well as the
an educational packet to a potential future college student. campus.”
Britney Kelly, a sophomore
that could hold the most weight kinesiology major, said the
in relation to the other partici- QTPi host a week of events
pants, which made it a blast.” that focus both on community
NSBE continued to enlighten service and sisterhood devel-
the student body by bringing opment.
Johnathan Calton of Chase Bank “At some events we had
to discuss ways to save and in- more people than others. We
vest in college. were pleased with the turnout,
The rest of the week focused but more people are always
primarily on NSBE’s biggest welcome to join us for our fu-
community service project of ture events,” Kelly said.
the year, A Walk for Education, Choices Week started Oct.
where they partnered with 18 with a “Healthy Choice”
Grambling’s chapter for the first meeting where attendees
time. were given advice on staying
A packing party at the Church healthy and health benefits.
of the Champions in Grambling Oct. 19 during the “Free-
was held Friday to prepare for dom is a Privilege NOT a
the A Walk for Education Satur- Choice” event students were
day, where members stuffed given the chance to support
bags, assigned volunteers to the troops by writing letters.
group leaders and reviewed the Breaux said the letter writ-
walking route with volunteers to ing event had the largest show
try and positively impact the of support as more people
community. participated in the letter writ-
“My favorite event of the ing to the soldiers.
week was A Walk for Education,”
Brown said. “It gave us an op-
portunity to reach out to kids in
the community and show them
the importance of education.” THE TECH TALK ONLINE
E-mail comments to scb035@lat-
ech.edu.
www.thetechtalk.org
LaScott Ellis, a junior psy-
chology major, said he took
part in writing letters for the
troops because it is a stu-
dent’s responsibility to sup-
port good causes on campus.
“I like it when any organi-
zation is taking an active role
on campus,” Ellis said. “I par-
ticipated because it was intro-
duced to me beforehand and
not thrown together late.”
Because the sorority is cur-
rently accepting applications
for new members, all female
students interested in joining
QTPi had the opportunity to
attend “Make the RIGHT
Choice,” an informational
meeting about the sorority
Oct. 20.
QTPi held “Serving…Pass
It On,” a South Campus clean
up Oct.21 to keep the campus
looking
“Cute Cakes,” the Cutie Pie
bake sale, was held Oct. 22 as
a fundraiser the sorority.
Oct. 23 QTPi invited the
sorority sisters to the “Sisters
by Choice, yet a great part of
me” event, for bowling at the
Maxie Lambright Intramural
Center. Choices Week closed
Oct. 24 with “The Choice is
Yours” for all who were inter-
ested in attending services at
New Living Word Ministries.
Kelly, treasurer for QTPi,
said there are plans to hold
more events in the future.
“We will do another week
in the spring, possibly even
the winter, but it will be called
something different. We have
not, as a group, talked about
making ‘choices’ a yearly
theme,” Kelly said. “We are
known as a community serv-
ice oriented group dedicated
to serving our campus and
community.”
E-mail comments to
mnt005@latech.edu.

You’re invited to
Louisiana Tech University • Student Health Center’s

16th Annual

Wellness Fair
Student Center Main Floor • November 3, 2010 • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Services and demonstrations will include:

Vision screening
Flu shots – $25.00 cash or check
Lab screenings for a fee
Fitness evaluations
Depression screening
Health food samples
STD information
Speech and hearing screening
Blood pressure
Aluma for cellulite
Door prizes
A Zumba Demonstration

See you there!

And much more!

Arts & Entertainment
MOVIE REVIEW
Sequel proves to be worth the wait
Taylor Stephens
MANAGING EDITOR
Though “Paranormal Activ-
ity 2” does not quite reach the
same level of shock value or
suspense building as the first
film, it is almost a perfect se-
quel and respectfully builds on
Oren Peli's original, which
should allocate applause to
Paramount.
Even in a time when sequels
and remakes run rampant in the
Hollywood scene today, “Para-
normal Activity 2” stands out in
its ability to make the audience
anticipate the scare.
I would recommend seeing
the first “Paranormal Activity”
before seeing its sequel be-
cause the second film actually
MUSIC REVIEW
Swift spills soul in ‘Speak Now’
Amy Olita
EDITOR
Taylor Swift’s third album
vocalizes two years of her
growth into a woman; her sto-
ries of love, heartache, hatred,
jealousy and remorse that she
experienced since the release
of her previous album, “Fear-
less” are blatantly told in “Speak
Now.”
With every song written ex-
clusively by the artist, this album
is a window into her soul.
The album, released Mon-
day, revolves around the phrase
“Speak now or forever hold your
peace,” inspiring people to
speak up while there is a
chance.
“These songs are made up
of words I didn’t say when the
moment was right in front of
me,” Swift said on her website.
“Track by track, each song is a
different confession to a differ-
ent person.”
To focus on the album as a
whole does not do it justice.
Each song is a story in itself,
open for analysis and connec-
tions, but I will leave that to
your own interpretations.
From the beginning track,
“Mine” to the final, “Superman,”
there are plenty of mysteries to
be discovered.
This album runs the gameet
of tones and themes, but the re-
curring theme is simply life.
Everyone experiences so many
different feelings, and there is a
song to satisfy, no matter what
twitter.com/thetechtalk
twitter.com/techtalksports
takes place before and during
the time frame of the first film.
In “Paranormal Activity,”
Katie Featherston briefly al-
ludes to her childhood and the
sights of strange occurrences
that happened when she shared
a room with her sister as a
young girl, but in the sequel, the
audience follows the sister and
her family with security cam-
eras combined with the handy-
cam view from the first film.
Enter the demon. The sister
starts seeing and hearing things
similar to events that happened
in the first film, but the budget
was almost $3 million more
than the first one. So, the
scenes were more intricate and
better designed.
The scare tactics escalate
when the daughter in the house
tries to communicate with the
Big Machine
Speak Now
Taylor Swift
#####
kind of day you are having.
The first released single,
“Mine,” is closer to the feel of
the previous albums, no doubt
to ease fans into the extremely
blunt lyrics to follow, but it sets
up the rest of the album per-
fectly, looking at her future and
also the examples of love from
her past.
“Sparks Fly” is a beautiful,
reminiscent love song which
was added to the record after
being received so well by con-
certgoers.
And, switching gears into
heartache, there is much debate
as to the topic of “Back to De-
cember.” This is the one song
on the album that really just
stopped me in my tracks. I had
to listen to what she was saying
demon. From cabinets flying
open to lights sporadically turn-
ing off, the demon gets more vi-
cious as the plot thickens.
This film may feature a new
house and family but it show-
cases the same issues Katie en-
countered in the first movie.
However, this sequel is a fantas-
tic follow up to the original, and
it improves upon it by adding
depth to the story.
The first movie creates a
sort of Pavlovian effect on the
viewer, where during the sec-
ond film, the audience finds
themselves anticipating the
scary parts when the ominous
clock at the bottom right of the
screen increases in speed and
when the screen fades to black
and opens with the nighttime,
clearly indicating something
bad is about to happen.
because there is such sadness in
her voice you feel nothing but
empathy. She sings, “You gave
me all your love, and all I gave
you was goodbye. So, this is me
swallowing my pride standing in
front of you saying I’m sorry for
that night.”
There is a new, much more
raw sound in some of her songs
that I find refreshing to her
usual slow love songs. “Speak
Now,” “Mean” and “Better Than
Revenge” are the best examples
of this portrayal of everyone’s
rebellious side.
However, in contrast to these
songs are tracks that are better
versions of Swift’s previous
themes of family and love. In
addition to an increased matu-
rity in the lyrics, there is much
more sophistication in the in-
strumentals used throughout
the album. Everything seems to
mesh perfectly together to con-
vey the right message.
With every song pertaining
to some aspect of her life, it is
easy to get distracted trying to
figure out her personal inspira-
tions behind each track, but just
take the music for what it is her
therapy, her life that she
chooses to share with people
she loves so much, her fans.
It is a shame that it will take
another two years to hear a new
album from the artist, but that
time to live is what makes this
one so good. So, I guess I will
just wait with eager anticipation.
E-mail comments to ako005@lat-
ech.edu.
Paramount Pictures
Paranormal Activity 2
####$
BOOK REVIEW
Newest in Duncan series disappoints
Kathleen Duncan
SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
Iris Johansen’s latest Eve
Duncan thriller, “Chasing the
Night,” is exactly what I was ex-
pecting it to be: well-written,
suspenseful and full of “Oh no!”
moments. It also had the pre-
dictable twists, turns and tyrant.
The only real surprise in the en-
tire book was the last two words
which left the reader hanging,
waiting for the next book.
Newcomers to Johansen will
be caught in the thrilling plot
each turn of the page brings,
but veteran readers have
learned Johansen is caught
within the trap of having the
same formula to writing every
book. Even her romance novels
follow the formula. Her 10th
book in the Eve Duncan series
is no different.
The main character, Eve
Duncan, a famous forensic
sculptor with a dark, saddening
past, is working to bring victims
of violence or natural disasters
home by reconstructing their
skulls to create a face lost to
time. Her ex-Navy SEAL-
turned-cop lover, Joe Quinn, is
there by her side as she sinks
herself into a new reconstruc-
tion, as always.
She is interrupted by a call
and is immediately dragged
into a story line that is as pre-
dictable to Johansen as the sun
rising.
A CIA agent’s 2-year-old son
was kidnapped in the middle of
October 28, 2010 • The Tech Talk • 7
However, if you were a
member of the audience in the
first film who could stomach
the loud noises and scary shad-
ows and think the next install-
ment will be a breeze for your
stone will, be warned. The sec-
ond movie far exceeds the first
as far as scare tactics are con-
cerned.
Whereas the deafening
noise before a scary part in the
first film were indicators of
when the audiences should pre-
pare for the intense scenes, the
second film’s fright fests were
more sporadic and less able to
be anticipated. The audience
also did not have to worry
about attacks in the daytime
against the family, but the
demon is far less forgiving in
the second installment.
The one thing the producers
St. Martin’s Press
Chasing the Night
Iris Johansen
$
###$$
the night, and her husband slain
as an act of vicious vengeance.
Nine years later, Catherine Ling
is driven by the belief that her
son is still alive, but she needs
the help of someone as driven
and obsessed as she is to find
him. Thus Eve is brought into
her life of murder and dismay.
Eve has walked the same night-
marish path of losing a child as
her daughter, Bonnie, who dis-
appeared many years ago. Her
presumed death is what sent
Eve onto the path of a forensic
sculptor.
As Eve uses age progression
science to create an image of
Catherine’s now 11-year-old
son, she is drawn deeper into
Catherine’s horror, eventually
Monday Student Special
All U Can Eat:
$3.95 Spaghetti,
Sauce & Garlic Bread
Meatballs $1.00 each, drink not included
Sorry, no splitting, sharing or take outs.
251-2222 • 101 N. Trenton, Ruston, LA 71270
of this film did exponentially
better than the first is to know
who and in what to exploit for
scare tactics; in this instance, a
dog and a baby.
When most of the movie fo-
cuses on the anguish of the
baby in the house, and the rest
of the time is spent focusing on
the frightened dog, the audi-
ence sympathizes with the
characters, feels more protec-
tive of the family and is espe-
cially upset if anything happens
to either the dog or the baby.
Fans of the first movie will
find a niche in the second, but
as a personal preference, the
first movie is still more thrilling
and exciting as far as haunted
house movies go.
E-mail comments to tds026@lat-
ech.edu.
forcing her to face the fact her
own daughter is never coming
home.
Johansen is a dynamo at
creating strong, female leads.
With two unconquerable
women enduring the worst fear
any mother can imagine, “Chas-
ing the Night” is a testament to
a mother’s fierce love and devo-
tion and an anxiety-filled jour-
ney into the darkest corners of
a person’s soul.
A person who has never
read Johansen can easily fall
into the Eve Duncan story line
as she writes a small summary
of Eve’s history into the books
without disturbing the flow of
the story. I would advise that
this not be the first Johansen
book you read, though, because
it is not a true testament to her
skills as a writer.
This book is wishy-washy,
lacking the same intense mys-
tery, and can throw newcomers
for a loop. Veteran readers will
ask what happened to Joe and
his new-found skills from the
previous book. Returning fans
will wonder what is happening
to Eve and Joe’s relationship as
the passion which has been
present from book to book is no
longer present. It makes one
wonder if Johansen is going to
eventually split the couple up. I
feel as though the Eve Duncan
story line and character have
fallen flat, and it is time for her
to finish this plot and let it rest.
E-mail comments to mkd009@lat-
ech.edu.
8 • The Tech Talk • October 28, 2010

SUDOKUPUZZLE www.sudoku-puzzles.net
CROSSWORDPUZZLE bestcrosswords.com

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column Across

and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. 1. Makes brown
5. Chianti, e.g.
Difficulty Very Easy 9. Not quite right
14. Eye layer
15. Supplements, with "out"
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 16. Deadly
17. Basin
18. Able to be resisted
20. Bury
22. Large body of water
23. Be in front
24. Cat sound
26. Hindu music
28. Statue support
32. Mob
36. Egg head?
37. Author of fables
39. Sheep cry
40. In stitches
42. Currency unit in Nigeria
44. Famous last words
45. Eventually become
47. Literary device

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com
49. Airport abbr.
50. Hinder
52. One who has been cast out
54. Golfer Ballesteros
Aries Leo Sagittarius 10. Can be sent by post 58. Created
56. Long ago
March 21 – April 19 Jul 23 - Aug 22 Nov 22 - Dec 21 57. One way to run 11. Let ___ 59. Arch type
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You might want to attend an event but need to deal with
69. California wine region 21. City near Phoenix 65. Tirade
emotional issues in the home immediately.It could be dif- a few snags in your relationships or interfere with your ef- you're trying to straighten out will be resolved.An opportu- 25. Attended 67. Loser to DDE
70. Designer Simpson
ficult to keep a cool head under these circumstances. If fectivenessatsocialoccasions.Trytoremainobjective.Don't nitytoparticipateinaprojectyou'venevertriedbeforecould 71. Wagon 27. Chatter 68. Actress Joanne
you can, you should find a way to satisfy your family and lose sight of who you are. Don't let old insecurity interfere have you doubting your abilities. Believe in yourself and 72. Thor's father 28. Assumed attitudes
go out. Step back and be objective! with your effectiveness. then move ahead.There's a first time for everything! 73. Staggers 29. Happening LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
74. Authentic 30. Shabby
75. Denomination 31. France's longest river
Taurus Virgo Capricorn 33. East Indian pepper plant
Apr 20 - May 20 Aug 23 - Sep 22 Dec 22 - Jan 19 Down 34. Starbucks order
Dissatisfaction with certain job conditions might come to Today you might feel a bit bloated and slow,Virgo, which Financial issues might have you and your partner a bit 1. Pipe 35. Chopin composition
a head today,Taurus.A discussion with colleagues might could interfere with your daily routine.You could also feel more on edge than you need to be, Capricorn. Perhaps 2. Mary Kay competitor 38. Agent
unmotivated about work.You might not feel like exercis- money is tighter than usual right now, and you have to 3. "She turned me into a ___! 41. Dolt
be necessary to defuse a potentially explosive situation.
...I got better..." 43. Pertinent
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misunderstandings.Try to remain objective.Don't let your body can clear your head and put you in the proper frame This is a great day to reach a compromise in just about any 5. Forbidden 48. Architect Saarinen
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satisfaction. The situation is temporary and unlikely to your tissues of all the excess toxins. space to see both sides of any issue. 7. Capone's nemesis 53. Greek island
have lasting negative effects. 8. Bendable twig, usually of a willow tree 55. Belch
9. P.m. 57. Cracked
Libra Aquarius
Gemini Sep 23 - Oct 22 Jan 20 - Feb 18
Today your job or another activity could require your artis- Today your intellect is flying high, Aquarius. A number of
May 21 - Jun 20
If you've been planning a long trip by air,Gemini,today you tic skills for a particular project, Libra. You may not be new ideas, perhaps about political or social issues, might 7 Day FORECAST www.accuweather.com
might doubt whether you should continue with your plans. used to this, so it could throw you into a bit of a panic. excite your curiosity and cause you to want to spend hours

R F S Su M T W
Money might be the issue. Be aware that your fears may There should be others around who can collaborate with in the library or on the Internet. Mundane tasks still need
run away with you.The situation may be more secure than you,so you will be all right.A tendency to be overly emo- handling,however.Thismightbefrustrating,becauseittakes
it appears. You might want to attend a class or lecture, tional could interfere with just about anything you try. youawayfromyourquest.Ifyougetthebasicsdonequickly,
perhaps on computer science or some other technology. Stay centered. you can return without causing any undue guilt.
As with the vacation plans, try to view this objectively.
Scorpio Pisces
H
76 H
72 H
72 H
77 H
75 H
70 H
66
Oct 23 - Nov 21 Feb 19 - Mar 20
40 35 41 51 51 43 42
Cancer
A subject of interest that you've been pursuing could Your imagination is working overtime today, Pisces, and L L L L L L L
Jun 21 - Jul 22
Today you might feel too overwrought to concentrate on bring up some deeply buried emotions today, Scorpio. you might spend hours at a computer writing or in front of
whatever goals you're trying to reach, particularly if You might want to retreat into your mind and try to make an easel or piano creating your own brand of painting or
they're financial. Past issues might crop up at inoppor- sense of it, although analyzing it intellectually may not music. This drive to create comes from the heart and
tune times but will still need to be released. If you aren't be the answer. Avoid emotional confrontations. Things shouldn't be ignored no matter what other issues come up.
careful,this could get in the way of just about anything you might be said that shouldn't be said, and they won't be Take care of whatever needs to be handled and then fol-
need to do. Keeping cool is the most important thing to easily forgotten. In the evening, see a movie full of spe- low your inspiration. You may be surprised at what you
remember. cial effects. produce!

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 October 28, 2010 • The Tech Talk • 9

More Talk

Photo by Ben Corda

Left:
Elizabeth Snyder (right), a senior Sigma Kappa
Sorority member, embraces new family member
Chynah Maré Benton(left), a freshman Sigma
Kappa.

Above:
Brooke Conly, a sophomore Sigma Kappa, ran
to greet her new family member.

Right:
Photo by Sean Zhou
Kappa Delta new member, Caroline Doughty,
squeezes her balloon to discover the identity of
her new big sister.

Photo by Ben Corda

Right:
From top to bottom: Elizabeth Whitford, Panhellenic sororities unveiled
Katelyn Caldwell, Beth Brown, Madi-
son Byles and Skye Rhodes show off t h e i r n e w e s t b i g / l i tt l e s i s t e r s
their new family jerseys at the big
sis/little sis reveal. Alpha Chi Omega
Sorority held a retreat for the entire
chapter and included big sis reveal as a
alpha Chi omega
surprise for their new members. Alplha Chi Omega Sorority held their reveal during the chapter retreat at Camp
Har ris in Minden, Friday and Saturday. T he reveal was a sur prise for the new mem-
bers. All of the little sisters were put into pairs and were given dif ferent letters of the
alphabet which they were infor med to tr y to piece together. The partners searched
dif ferent areas of the camp and found their names labeled on the letters. Eventually,
Bottom Left: the letters spelled out the names of their big sisters. E ach new member’s final des-
Taylor Ainsworth, a freshmen Kappa tination was the stage in the camp auditorium where the big sisters and new fami-
Delta Sorority new member, reaches for lies were revealed.
her balloon to discover the location of
her big sister.
Kappa Delta
Kappa Delta Sorority brought their new members to Ruston High School’s gym-
nasium Saturday to reveal their new families. The freshmen pledge class received
Bottom Right: their family jeresys at the Kappa Delta lodge, then followed balloons to the final re-
Alpha Chi Omega Sorority sisters (from veal of their new big sisters. The girls followed clues the week prior to figure out who
left to right) Hannah Richard, Maggie their new big sister might be and rec eived gifts throughout the process. Many of
Weber, Madison Byles and Skye the new families celebrated the reveal by going to lunch as a group.
Rhodes all attended the sorority retreat.
Phi mu
Submitted photo
Phi Mu Sorority held their reveal Friday at the Temple Baptist Church. T he new
members came in on roller skates to find the family with which their shirts matched.
Instead of a family jersey, each Phi Mu family went with a theme. Some themes
were chips and salsa, chick and c hic ken and Phi and Mu. The little sisters came in
on roller skates and searched for the matching set. Once unit ed, the sorority’s sis-
ters then spent the reveal skating and celebrating with their new families.

Sigma kappa
Sigma Kappa Sorority brought their new members to Tech Far m for the reveal
Sunday. The new members each had a small pumpkin with their names written on
them. Then they were given the task of finding the larger matching pumpkins. Once
ar riving at the field with the large pumpkins, the girls discovered mounds of sheets
with their new families hidden under neath. After ever y new member had located her
family, the big sist ers threw the sheets aside to reveal their identities.

Photo by Sean Zhou Submitted photo

Photo by Ben Corda Photo by Ben Corda

Phi Mu Sorority sisters (from left to right) Joanne Mabry, Jordan Ingram and Leah Dodson wel- Phi Mu Sorority’s new members rushed into the rink to meet their big sis-
comed Elizabeth Wilhelm into their family. Their theme was “ICEE you in our family.” ters and families. Each family had a theme to welcome the new girls.
PG 10 SPORTS:Layout 1 10/27/10 4:05 PM Page 1

10 • The Tech Talk • October 28, 2010

Sports Talk
SARAH BROWN
DAWG Tech to host 2010 wac soccer tournament
Since be-
Zach Beaird
ginning his
fourth season SPORTS REPORTER
as the Lady The Lady Techster soccer team looks
Te c h s t e r s ’
soccer head
to finish its record-breaking season with a
victory against New Mexico State on Fri-
day.
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
coach, Kevin
Sherry has The game will be their final match of
changed the
face of a de-
the season, as they will also compete in
the Western Athletic Conference Tourna- tech athletics
veloping pro- SHERRY ment held Nov. 4, 5 and 7 at Lady Tech-
gram from
desolate to determined for a
ster Soccer Field. This will be the first time
in school history that Tech will continue
take off at home

WAC championship.
After his arrival in Ruston,
Sherry instilled the four pillars
of Lady Techster soccer: Fam-
ily, Passion, Respect and Fear-
less.
“For this team to achieve
what it has achieved, and to be
a part of it is something very
special that few people get to
experience, and this moment
will live long in the memory,"
Sherry said.
The Techsters are 14-5 and
4-3 in conference play, after
being chosen last in the WAC
Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Make it known: Sherry and
the Techsters are on the prowl.
Baseball
opens fall
world series
Anna Claire Thomas
SPORTS REPORTER
The Louisiana Tech base-
ball team is hosting a nine-day
mini world series, beginning at
6 p.m. Oct. 29 and ending Nov.
6.
The Bulldogs will split into
two teams with the senior play-
ers leading the way, and they
will get to select players of
their choice. This allows
younger players to get some
experience.
With the winners being
awarded a steak dinner and the
losing squad subjected to pork
and beans, bragging rights are
on the line for the individual
players.
This will be the last com-
petitive scrimmaging the Bull-
dogs will receive before putting
away their bats and balls for
winter. The Bulldog 2011 sea-
son officially begins in Febru-
ary, and 40 players are
competing to have their name
on the 35-man roster.
Head coach Wade Si-
moneaux is using this world se-
ries to see which players will
step up and deliver for his team
this upcoming spring season.
The Bulldogs have 27 schol-
arship athletes on the roster
this fall and 13 walk-ons com-
peting for roster spots this up-
coming season.
The Bulldogs will have to
make adjustments at the plate
this season with the NCAA
banning the use of composite
bats. This forces teams to com-
pete offensively without the
powerful aluminum bats with
which they have become ac-
customed to.
For a team who broke
records on offense last season,
the Bulldogs have been prac-
ticing with wooden bats in
team intrasquads this fall to get
players used to the differences
they will be facing when the
regular season starts.
The Bulldogs are also using
this seven-game series to get
some key players that had sea-
son-ending surgeries last year,
some in-game experience be-
fore a long winter layoff.
Tech has four pitchers who
are battling shoulder and arm
injuries from last season, and
they are looking to finish off
the fall season successfully.
After finishing last season
27-30, the Bulldogs are looking
at freshmen talent to get some
experience during the world
series to prepare them for reg-
ular season play in February.
The world series games are
free to the public and will offer
Bulldog fans a glimpse of their
upcoming season.
Email comments
act013@latech.edu.
play after the regular season ends.
Other teams who have secured their
place in the tournament are: San Jose
State, Boise State, Utah State and Idaho.
“I was elated when I found out we qual-
ified, but what I felt most was relief,” head
coach Kevin Sherry said. “Because the
tournament’s here in Ruston, there was
more pressure for us to make it.”
Tech knew they would qualify for the
WAC when Hawaii tied New Mexico State
on Oct. 24 following the Techsters’ win
over Hawaii Oct. 22.
A 3-0 shutout against Hawaii boosted
the Techsters’ record to 14-5 overall and
4-3 in the WAC.
This record is Tech’s highest in the his-
tory of the program, despite being picked
last in the WAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
“We were picked last because we were
last,” Sherry said, “but that just motivated
the team to do well and gain that respect
from the conference.”
Freshman goalkeeper Caitlyn Updyke
had her sixth shutout of the season
against the Rainbow Wahine, tying her
with Cat Buchanan, the Techsters’ junior
goalkeeper.
Junior defender/midfielder Olivia
Lukasewich was the first to put Tech on
the board in the 22nd minute. Lukasewich
shot the ball low past Hawaii goalkeeper
Kanani Taaca after an assist from sopho-
more midfielder Mo Rockwell and junior
forward Rachel King.
After being fouled in the 77th minute,
junior midfielder Scotti Culton success-
fully connected her penalty kick, upping
Tech’s score to 2-0.
Two minutes later, senior forward Kiva
Gresham scored a rebound shot, after
Taaca blocked an initial shot by King. King
was credited with her second assist of the
game, and Gresham received her 11th
Bulldogs put up a tough fight in Boise
Sarah Brown
CO-SPORTS EDITOR
Fourth down miscues and playing a na-
tionally-ranked team dropped the Bulldogs
to 3-5 with a final score of 49-20 Tuesday
night at Bronco Stadium.
More than 32,000 fans came out to see
the Broncos take on the Bulldogs on the
Smurf turf. The game, which was nationally
televised on ESPN2, was difficult for Bull-
dog fans to watch, but it should relieve Tech
fans that it was not as big of a blowout as it
could have been.
Boise State, who is coming off of a 48-0
win over San Jose State, slightly overlooked
the Bulldogs’ rapidly growing offense.
Though Boise State won, the Bulldogs put
up a good fight, particularly in the first half.
The Broncos struck first in the first few
minutes of the game, but senior quarterback
Ross Jenkins used his power arm to tack on
Tech’s seven points that tied the game. Boise
State retalliated with two extra touchdowns,
bumping the score up to 21-7. With a half-
time score of 28-7, the Bullodgs weren’t
done with their dog fight.
Jenkins’ pass to senior wide receiver
Phillip Livas in the first ticks of the third
quarter added fuel to the fire, as the lead was
cut 28-13. Though sophomore kicker Matt
Nelson missed his extra point, the Bulldogs
Two athletes chosen for NCAA leadership conference
Anna Claire Thomas
SPORTS REPORTER
Two Louisiana Tech stu-
dent-athletes traveled to Or-
lando, Fla., this past week to
represent Tech athletics at the
NCAA Student-Athlete Lead-
ership Forum.
The event was held Oct. 21-
24 at Disney World. Nearly 400 BREAZEALE
NCAA student-athletes were
expected to attend, but over ship skills. The students ex-
600 showed up instead. plored how behavior and
Dan Breazeale, a redshirt values shape their individual
sophomore infielder on the style of leadership, and current
baseball team, and Nataliya issues that affect student-ath-
Panova, senior outside hitter for letes.
women’s volleyball, were se- The conference was also
lected to attend the confer- designed to better the students’
to ence. understanding of the NCAA,
Breazeale and Panova spent their specific division and Stu-
four days at Disney’s Contem- dent Athlete Advisory Com-
Rachel King strikes the ball as Scotti Culton looks on. Sunday’s win booked
them in the WAC Tournament.
goal of the season.
Tech dominated with 13 shots to
Hawaii’s 12, as well as 8 shots-on-goal to
Hawaii’s 7.
“Both teams were playing for the same
thing, to qualify for the tournament,”
Sherry said. “This is where the team
would crumble in the past, but having
gone through those past experiences
we’ve come out stronger and succeeded.”
With another win under their belt, the
Lady Techsters’ now prepare to hit the
road and face New Mexico State Friday.
Photo by Tom Morris/LATechSportsPix.com
Junior linebacker Adrien Cole does
a one-arm wrap around Boise State
wide receiver Titus Young.
grew aggressive.
The following kick-off, the Broncos fum-
bled the ball, and Tech quickly recovered.
The Bulldogs went down to the 9-yard line,
but failure to convert on fourth down re-
sulted in the Broncos receiving the ball yet
again.
The Broncos drove 91 yards on eight
plays before they struck again. The final 26
yards of the 91-yard drive were by Broncos’
T h e
confer-
ence pro-
v i d e d
c u s -
tomized
sessions
designed
to en-
hance the
a t h l e t e ’s
abilities PANOVA
and leader-
we are an elite group, and being
an athlete is something to be
proud of. It’s a great experience
for all of us and we should be
honored to be a part of it.”
Along with learning leader-
ship skills, student-athletes had
the chance to interact with
each other and discuss differ-
ent issues affecting collegiate
athletes today.
Photo by Ben Corda
Tech must then prepare for their first WAC
Tournament, which Sherry said will be the
team’s next goal.
“Our goal was to qualify for the tour-
nament and we’ve done that,” he said.
“Now it’s up to the team to either settle for
that, or set the next goal. I’m confident
they’ll go for it.”
The Lady Techsters will begin the
WAC tournament after their trip to New
Mexico State Friday at 6 p.m.
E-mail comments to zbc001@latech.edu.
running back Jeremy Avery, who faked a
handoff in the wildcat formation, picked up
the ball and ran it in for a touchdown, tack-
ing on seven more Boise points.
A fumble by Tech senior running back
Myke Compton on the kickoff allowed
Boise to strike again. It took the Broncos six
plays and 34 yards to up the score 42-13.
After fumbling yet again on kickoff, the
Broncos set up a new scoring drive with
hopes to place seven more points on the
board. Though the Broncos are nearly flaw-
less when it comes to interceptions, Tech’s
sophomore linebacker Solomon Randle had
plans otherwise.
Randle read the arms of Broncos’ quar-
terback Kellen Moore as he intercepted the
football. It was Moore’s second pick of the
season and Randle’s first of his college ca-
reer.
The Bulldogs got down to the Broncos’
2-yard line before two runs and two incom-
plete passes resulted in another failed fourth
down conversion. The Broncos once again
used a failed fourth down conversion to add
more points.
Five plays later, the Broncos were up 49-
13 in the fourth quarter. With 44 seconds left
in the game, junior running back Lennon
Creer scored a 25-yard touchdown run, fi-
nalizing the score 49-20.
E-mail comments to sdb035@latech.edu.-
above all the conference and translate
else is the them to the baseball field when
value of the regular season comes
being an around.
athlete in “After going to the leader-
c o l l e ge , ” ship forum, I know what my
Breazeale skills are and what my
said. “The strengths and weaknesses are,”
main thing Breazeale said. “I feel like I can
I wanted do a better job of relaying in-
to bring formation to people and be the
back was kind of leader that I want to
the fact that be.”
With so many different skills
required to be a leader on the
field, Breazeale said he feels he
has acquired the knowledge
and leadership needed to suc-
ceed.
“I had the chance to see
what skills I have and what
skills I need to work on, and
now I have a better idea of
what it means to be a leader,”
T
ech athletics has really
taken off this year, par-
ticularly the Lady Tech-
sters’ soccer team.
They are 14-5 and 4-3
in conference play. Their 3-0 win
over Hawaii this past weekend in
Honolulu confirmed their spot in
the Western Athletic Conference
Tournament scheduled Nov. 4, 5
and 7 at the Lady Techster Soc-
cer Field.
Idaho, San Jose State, Utah
State and Boise State join the
Techsters on their home turf. It’s
the first time in school history
that the Techsters will play be-
yond the regular season. Despite
tough losses last season, the
Techsters have turned their team
around and are on fire. Their
eyes are set on one thing: win-
ning the WAC Tournament.
The Lady Techsters have
gone beyond any Tech fan’s
imagination. To do a complete
180 this year is amazing. Last
year, Tech fans lost hope in the
Techsters, as losses were the
norm. This season? A loss is al-
most unheard of, as victories are
celebrated most games. Fans
have come out to support the
Techsters at home games, and
many will come from all over for
the WAC Tournament. The cost
is $5 for students, and the price
covers the entire series. The
adult fee is $10 all-session and
$5 for a single session. Children
18 and under are admitted free.
The Tech community has
been great to support not only
soccer, but all home events as
well. Volleyball attendance has
picked up, along with the home
football crowd. Though volley-
ball remains in the 100-200
home-crowd attendance, the
positive support in the Thomas
Assembly Center on Thursday
nights make it seem as if hun-
dreds of people are there.
Students can compete over
the biggest volleyball fan for a
Papa John’s pizza as a reward.
Football has also seen in-
credible increases in fan size.
The first home game against
Navy, which had more than
23,000 fans in Joe Aillet Sta-
dium, looked well-occupied on
both sides. As home games have
continued through the season,
the Joe is looking better and
sounding louder with the help of
an energetic student section and
proud Bulldog fans.
Well-known chants such as
“How bout them Dawgs?” and
“We are Bulldogs” can be heard
at various times throughout the
game. “Dance for Your Dinner”
has become a favorite segment
of Bulldog games, as well as
“Maniac for a Caniac.”
After some students stuck
through the downpour during
the fourth quarter of the Red-
Out game against Southern Miss
game, they really showed what it
truly means to be a Bulldog.
Fans even described the event as
an experience like no other.
Besides, how many people
can say they stuck through rain
in the fourth quarter of a Red-
Out game at the Joe?
Students and the community
have greatly shown support for
Tech athletics. From students
painting up and getting loud to
families purchasing tickets to
help support Tech athletics, the
Ruston community is on fire
about Tech.
The Lady Techsters will play
for the first time ever in school
history in the WAC Tournament,
which will be held on their home
turf in Ruston. The community
is highly encouraged to come
out and support the Techsters as
they compete against fellow
WAC rivals over the course of
three days.
A plethora of home events
will occur this coming week.
The Bulldogs’ and Lady Tech-
sters’ basketball teams open at
home Tuesday night in the TAC.

CORRECTION
Luke McCown was incorrectly
identified Oct. 21 in a story on
the sports page. He is the quar-
terback for the Jacksonville
Jaguars, and he was the quar-
terback for Tech from 2000-03.
The Bulldogs played Boise State
Tuesday night. The Tech Talk
staff would like to apologize for
any inconvenience.
porary Resort, where they
learned leadership skills they
possess and the importance of
leadership on the field.
The NCAA began this lead-
ership conference back in 2002,
basing it by regions. This year
marked the first time the lead-
ership forum took place at one
site with an abundance of Di-
vision I, II and III athletes
learning the importance of
being leaders on and off the
field.
mittees’ (SAAC) role.
Breazeale and Panova were
investigated by the NCAA and
selected to participate in the
forum in order to better under-
stand the meaning of being a
student-athlete and setting an
example for future athletes.
Breazeale said the forum
made him understand the im-
portance of being a student-
athlete and a leader for his
team and school.
“The one thing I learned
Matt Sonnichsen, head
coach for women’s volleyball,
said the team and school is
honored to be represented by
Panova at such a prestigious
conference.
“I think it is a nice compli-
ment for the women’s volley-
ball team that Nataliya was
selected es for the student-ath-
letes that never makes it to
ESPN SportsCenter.”
Breazeale said he is looking
to take the skills he learned at
Breazeale said. “I feel like I’m
definitely going to use the skills
I learned at the conference to
be a better leader.”
With volleyball trying to get
into the Western Athletic Con-
ference, and baseball’s upcom-
ing mini world-series, Panova
and Breazeale will use what
they have learned from this
conference in day-to-day life.
E-mail comments to act013@lat-
ech.edu.
Women’s volleyball remains at
home on Thursday. The baseball
team is hosting a nine-day mini
world series, beginning Friday at
6 p.m. and ends Nov. 6 .
So, fans, the question re-
mains: Where are you?
Sarah B rown is a junior jour-
nalism major from Madisonvil le
wh o ser ves as co-spor ts editor for
The Tech Talk. E-mail comments
to sdb035@latech.edu.