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Sept 15 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Newspaper
WELCOME STUDENTS Kick off the fall 2015 semester the right way
PAGE 9 Student Spotlight: Vadahl ‘VJ’ Jones
PAGE 10 UALR Theatre Department presents new production
PAGE 14 UALR Soccer team wins home opener
MEET RIkki turner, the new executive director of student housing
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September 2 - September 15, 2015
STAFF Executive Editor Victoria Hickey Adviser Sonny Rhodes Operations Manager/ Art Director Byron Buslig News/Campus Life Editor Lela-Tamara Fluker Features Editor Morgan Drish Entertainment Editor Grant Fox/Ruth Houston Sports Editor Brian Gregory Business Manager John Arnold Graphic Designer Caitlyn Sample Distribution Manager Dakota Thompson Photo Editor/ Web Designer Brady Jackson
IN THIS ISSUE
Shelby Shelton Tyler Maxwell Kendra Montgomery Lauren Humphrey Nathan Davis Alexandria Barnes Kyle Adkins Renea Goddard Abigail Marshall Sara McFadden Joni Everett Tanner Newton Maggie Rogers Lauren Lockhart Chris Graham Zachary Tallent
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he Forum is the official student newspaper at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Forum is funded in part by the student activity fee; members of the UALR community are allowed one copy per edition. The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UALR. Advertising inquiries should be referred to The Forum’s advertising office and can be reached by calling 501-569-3319. The Forum is published 7 times in each of the fall and spring semesters. The Forum editor can be reached at 501-569-3265. All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted.
Opinions
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Politics return
TORI TALKS We’re all in this together By Victoria Hickey Executive Editor editor@UALR.edu
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t is that time of year again. You know the time--back to school! I'd have to say that the fall is most definitely my favorite time of the year. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up my summer break but there is just something about this time that makes it so wonderful. It might be the hugs from friends I haven't seen in a while or just the getting back into a routine after a long summer of free time, but I'm so happy to be back at UALR and I am excited for the year to come! My name is Victoria, or Tori, as most of my friends call me, and back in April I was appointed as the new executive editor for The UALR Forum. I've been with The Forum for just under two years now and I am so glad that I got involved because working with the paper has become one of my favorite pastimes. I am extremely excited because I have many new ideas for The Forum and I hope to implement them, with the help of my staff. My biggest concern with The Forum is that in the past I feel as though we haven't included everyone on campus. It was recently pointed out to me that we as a paper are very much tailored to the traditional student, however, UALR is so much more than just traditional students. I loved hearing that because being a traditional student myself, I had not realized that. Comments like that one make me excited to be executive editor and improve the paper. One addition that will be debuting next issue is our SGA column. I’ve noticed that few people seem to know anything about the SGA’s activities unless
Grant Fox Editor tgfox@ualr.edu
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t is that time of year where the political machines filled with spite and disagreement are beginning to test their engines in preparation for the upcoming 2016 presidential election. Is Hillary hiding something? Is Mike really a capable president? How many racist or sexist statements/actions can Donald fit into one press conference?!? What’s worse is that this is the equivalent of the NFL’s preseason. The worst part, though, is the fact that it’s like watching the same old film remade every four years, sometimes with the same actors, sometimes with brand new faces. Mudslinging, name trashing, lying, and generalizing are just a few of the many events to look forward to during the presidential election season. My challenge to my fellow millennials is this. Watch the film Man of the Year, starring the late Robin Williams, and consider the points it makes. Between money, lobbyists and having to hold to a political party’s standards, are any candidates truly untainted? You decide.
they are members but SGA is such an important part of the campus. SGA isn’t the only thing that students are missing out on, I feel that all organizations, faculty and staff deserve more recognition for what they do, because they do way more than just hold a bake sale or teach a class. Sharing the stories of our students, faculty and staff is one of the many things The Forum will be working on this year. I see UALR as one big family. I'm not saying that everyone needs to be friends and talk every day, but I think it is important that we are all informed about what is happening on campus. As stated in the headline for this piece, We're All in This Together! For some of my peers, that phrase might bring back memories of red-and-white clad cheerleaders and basketball players in a high school gym, but even if it doesn't, I think the phrase still has just as much meaning. We are all students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and whether you live attend classes in person or online, we are all members of the Trojan family. This is an important time in the history of our school, as many changes are in the works, and I am happy to be a part of these changes. I hope that this year I can work to improve The Forum, which will hopefully in turn benefit UALR as well. I would love the help of our readers in this task, because it is definitely a monstrous one. If you ever have questions, comments or concerns with The Forum, please feel free to email me at editor@ ualr.edu. Best of luck this year!
•Letters must include the author’s name, classification, major or position and a contact telephone number for confirmation. •Letters are subject to editing to meet space limitations. •Please limit letter to 500 words or less. •The staff will not alter the meaning of the letter, but will correct spelling and punctuation and edit to conform to Associated Press and news style. •All letters are subject to publication. The editor has the right to reject any letter especially those letters that are libelous, obscene or incoherent.
September 2 - September 15, 2015
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Rikki Turner named executive director of student housing Tyler Maxwell Staff Writer tlmaxwell@ualr.edu
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or most people who are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of higher education, job duties like personnel oversight, budget management, committee work, and safety assurance might seem a bit tedious and daunting; job duties notwithstanding, newly-appointed Executive Director of Student Housing Rikki Turner said she “couldn't imagine doing anything else.” For Turner, the pros outweigh the cons, as her job allows her to interact with students. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas
with a Master of Science degree in College Student Affairs, Turner got her start in the field of student housing in 2008 when she became a hall director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Three years later, she was appointed to the position of Assistant Director of Student Housing then, on June 12, 2015, she was named Executive Director. Even after seven years of employment at UALR, Turner feels as though she has never had to “stop being a college student.” With Turner at the helm of a department with a budget of approximately $9 million, all can rest assured that she stays busy making sure the money is spent in the best interest of students. Turner stays on call 24 hours a day and often wakes to answer phone calls in the middle of the
night. Although her schedule does not allow much time for hobbies, Turner makes time for her husband and 5-year-old son when she is not catering to students’ needs. As head of Student Housing, Turner’s primary goal is to make the housing process as “studentfriendly” as possible. She would like to see the organization make the switch from paper to online documentation and would like to overhaul housing policies to make them fit the current needs of students on campus. Turner takes high stock in student input when developing and modifying housing policies. When asked about what she finds most rewarding in her new job, Turner replied that working with students through both “the highs and the lows” of college and being there for students through every step of their experience at UALR is what drives her to get out of bed every morning. Getting to witness the “transition of a student” from freshman to senior year is what, in Turner’s mind, makes her occupation seem like less of an obligatory job and more of a lifestyle whereby she can have a lasting positive impact on the lives of UALR students. Photo by Brady Jackson
YOUR NEWS YOUR WAY
Diamond Cafe receives new dishes to mealtime and receive varied responses Kendra Montgomery containers is not the only area “I don’t like the new dishes because
Do you have any story ideas? Email them to:
editor@ualr.edu
Sodexo is trying to be greener in. Staff Writer “We have focused on the following knmontgomery@ualr.edu key areas: reducing waste, water and energy use at all of our locan an attempt to become more tion and continuously working to environmentally sustain- increase our purchases of local, able, dining services company seasonal and sustainable ingrediSodexo has decided to do away ents and supplies,” stated Williams. with the use of plastic foam conThe switch from plastic foam tainers. New dishes and flatware containers to the new dish option are now used at the Diamond Café has prompted a variety of reactions for serving all meals. from the students here at UALR. “We recognize that we have a Sophomore Marcus Mitchell tremendous responsibility and voiced that the new dishes help to a unique opportunity to pro- transform The Diamond Café into tect our environment so that more of a restaurant and that the future generation can enjoy the dishes set apart the UALR campussame quality of life we do today,” es from other college campuses. according to Curtis Williams, the However he does prefer the plastic General Manager of Sodexo at The foam cups. University of Arkansas at Little While some may enjoy the dinRock. ing updates, there are others who The change from the Styrofoam don’t quite have the same opinion.
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Letters to the Editor The Forum welcomes letters to the editor on any subject as well as comments on our news coverage and editorial position.
News
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Letters should be emailed to editor@ualr.edu or sent to:
The Forum University of Arkansas at Little Rock 201J Donaghey Student Center 2801 S. University Ave. Little Rock, Ark. 72204
Illustration by Brady Jackson
I feel like I’m trapped [in the café]. If I want to leave I want to be able to take my food with me and not have to purchase a container,” says Sophomore Nicole Williamson. For the students who do not like using dishes you may want to participate in the Choose to Reuse program. This program allows anyone who wants to participate the opportunity to buy a reusable to-go container for $3.27. This one-time fee allows you to use a to-go container while still being green. You can choose to take the container with you or leave it behind and let the Sodexo employees clean the container for you. If you leave the container behind you can pick up a clean one when you pay for your next meal.
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News
September 2 - September 15, 2015
Police Beat
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Fine Arts Departments' fall lineup displays variety of artistic mediums by renowned artists
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Officers responded to a case of breaking and entering of a vehicle at the University Village on Saturday, Aug. 15. The victim noticed her driver’s side door was cracked open when she called University of Arkansas at Little Rock Police Department. The vehicle had clearly been rummaged through and a pair of Michael Kors sunglasses and a bottle of Freon were missing. However, a cell phone that did not belong to the victim was left in the vehicle. The phone is now held as evidence in the case, but there are no suspects at this time.
Car keys and cell phone taken from students’ bag at campus event On Aug. 17, a student reported her cell phone and car keys missing from her bag after the Trojan Tip Off pep rally in the DSC. She, along with the responding officer, attempted to locate the stolen phone using the “Find My Iphone” app. They traced the phone to Lot 12, but were unable to recover the missing items.
Crime tips •When walking through campus, keep your cell phone in your pocket. This allows you to be aware of your surroundings and will take away the easy opportunity to steal your phone. •Do not leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle.
Contact admissions: 501.324.9903 or lawadmissions@ualr.edu
Major Spotlight
Photo by Ailsa McCartney Brad Cushman has been gallery director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for 15 years.
Lela-Tamara Fluker
Go to law school without taking the LSAT. Application deadline: December 1 Find out more at: ualr.edu/law/trojantrack
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Improv group creates evening of laughter mation, they were counted down Staff Writer by the crowd to begin. The agents lehumphrey@ualr.edu worked together on the spot to complete each mission. rojan Daze, a campus wide "You could really tell that they movement aimed at encour- worked well with each other and aging student involvement that they had been working togethduring opening week, teamed up er for a while because they were with the department of Campus so comfortable with each other," Life to host an improv group freshman Alexis Alexander said. from Chicago called Mission Throughout the night some stuIMPROVable on Aug. 20. Each dents were called on stage to help "agent" took various imperson- complete missions. Students acted ations, scenarios and genre sug- as co-agents by impersonating gestions from the audience to cre- famous people or by teaming up ate unique skits for a fun-filled with an agent and working as one evening. person. Laughter and cheers filled "I thought the performance was the room as the night went on. really great and I had a fun night. I "They were really funny the really enjoy improv because I'm a whole night. They had a lot of theater major," sophomore Jordan inside humor and were really quick Lott said. on their feet," freshman Nikki Described as a combination of Stobaugh said. MTV's "Wild 'N Out" and "Whose Upcoming events hosted by Line Is It Anyway?" with a twist, Campus life and the University the agents worked together to act Program Council include a Movie out scenes titled "missions". Each Night on Sept. 14 and Laser Tag mission began with categories on Sept. 23. All other events are named by the lead agent for the listed on the UALR website under audience to give examples. Once Campus Life. Beginning each mission, the lead agent led the audience in a countdown
Theft from vehicle at University Village
Trojan Track
September 2 - September 15, 2015
Lauren Humphrey the agents gathered enough infor-
Shelby Shelton
•Only keep one earbud in when walking in order to heighten your awareness.
Campus Life
Editor ldfluker@ualr.edu
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he Fine Arts Department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is showcasing a number of art exhibits in the galleries of the Fine Arts building. There are currently three collections on display each honing its own special features. Featured in Gallery I are the creations by artists Kate Breakey, Beth Dow, Carol Golemboski, and Jamie Johnson which will run through Sept. 27. These artists use alternative process processes photography to present their work. These artists all are using more historic processes of photography and presentation such as, photograms, sepia toned images and sketches on negative photo paper among other techniques. These artists are taking a step back to pre-digital
camera and darkroom processes. In the Mannas/Pappas Gallery the exhibit Recollections by UALR painter in residence Heidi Hodgen is on display. Recollections will run through Sept. 27. These works include graphite drawings and oil paintings on paper and canvas. Hodgen is inspired by the natural world around her to create these life-like landscapes. On the second floor in Gallery III, the photographic reconstructions of Rusty Scruby are housed. Portraits, nature shots, and other photos are reconstructed in eccentric ways by the artist. The file “Rusty Scruby: Beyond the Plane” will be shown on Sept. 1 at 12:15 p.m. in room 161 of the Fine Arts Building. A reception will be held in the Fine Arts building lobby on Sept. 8 for all of the artists from 4 – 6 p.m. followed by an Artist Talk with Kate Breakey in room 161 to discuss her works “Las Sombras/The Shadows”
“One of our goals is… to give our students examples of real art to look at because they are studying art in their books, on the internet, in the classroom but we want them to also see the real thing. It’s different when you see [art] in person versus on the computer [or in books],” says gallery director Brad Cushman. The art galleries welcome the community to come out to see the exhibits. With 1500 to 2000 music and art majors that are walking through the building every semester, the exhibits are very likely to be viewed and many more viewers are desired. The exhibits change approximately every six to eight weeks to help keep people coming back for new and exciting art. The gallery is open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m on Monday - Friday, and after Labor Day the gallery will be open on weekends from 10 a.m to 1 p.m on Saturdays and 2 to 5 p.m on Sundays.
Social Work Nathan Davis extremely client-oriented; the cli-
ent could be an individual, a comStaff Writer munity, or a family. Social workers ndavis@ualr.edu are tasked with taking a holistic approach to cases when determining the best course of action. The School of Social Work offers ne of the more intrigu- a bachelor’s in social work, as well ing majors amongst the as a master’s, and a minor. The many that is offered at the social work program, unlike many University of Arkansas at Little other majors, puts an extreme Rock is the Bachelor of Social Work. emphasis on practical experience, Social work is a critical field that is requiring that students pursuing
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a bachelor’s complete internships at a variety of medical and mental health facilities around the state. These internships prepare students well for the rigors of social work, sometimes even leading directly to employment. “Many psychiatric facilities hire our BSW’s (graduates with a bachelor’s of social work)," says Amy Angel, the Bachelor of Social Work coordinator. There are a variety of privately endowed scholarships available to students interested in pursuing a major in social work. Additionally, a variety of technical support and tutoring services are available to social work students through the College of Health Education’ s Student Success Center. There is also a student lounge for social work students located on the 4th floor of Ross Hall. Social work can be a difficult field, but it can also be a very rewarding profession. “We have a burning desire to make a difference in the world,” says graduate student Shannon Moore. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others the social work major may just be the one for you, contact the School of Social Work at socialwork@ualr.edu
Photo by Lauren Humphrey
Would you like: • a challenging post-graduate, professional degree? • an education that teaches critical thinking and problem solving? • a profession that lets you be an agent of change on many different levels in society?
Why not consider law school? Come meet the faculty and students at the William H. Bowen School of Law
Open House October 27, 2015 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
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September 2 - September 15, 2015
Campus Life
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Student organizations host Trojan Tip-off rally Lela-Tamara Fluker Groups such as University Program to the rest of the student body
Council, Sigma Lamba Kappa and Editor the Wesley Foundation set up preldfluker@ualr.edu sentation tables to introduce the student body to their organizations, allowing students to gather more information and potentialood, drinks, cash prizes and ly attend the first meeting of the more- and it was all FREE! groups that spark their interest. On Aug. 18 the Office of Greek Life also set up tables to Campus Life, Student Government present themselves to the student Association and the University of body. “We are working towards makArkansas at Little Rock Athletic Department joined forces to host ing UALR more of a family and the Trojan Tip-off to jump start the letting the community know that we are here. We are letting people 2015-2016 school year. Hundreds of students gath- know that when you play one of us ered for the introduction of the [sports teams], you play all of us,” University of Arkansas at Little says SGA Vice-President, Connor Rock sports teams, coaches and Donovan Coaches introduced their teams many student organizations.
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and made themselves known to the crowd. Students were formally introduced to the new logo for UALR sports teams. Head Coach Chris Beard even offered students 20 dollars if they let him know when his players were not in class. Then the pep rally was underway and the crowd was bursting with excitement. At the end of the rally and introductions students were invited to stay and attend the “Sync or Sink” lip sync contest and a karaoke competition. Members from Alpha Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Chi Omega Fraternity went head to head it the contest. Battling it out to a variety of songs, Alpha Kappa Alpha won the grand prize of $200.
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mundane magic by Zachary Tallent
BRIGHT SPOTS
FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Bright Spots highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals, units and departments, programs, and initiatives that are setting the stage for building a stronger UALR.
The Office of the Provost would like to feature the following Bright Spots for Student Success
LUPIN SKULDUGUR by Chris Graham
“THE LINK” CSSC Student Success Center
The Link assists current and future students in the College of Social Sciences and Communication (CSSC) setting up academic advising appointments with departments, troubleshooting academic concerns, and providing information about flexible undergraduate and graduate programs.
FLAT RATE SHIPPING at the UALR Bookstore
The UALR Bookstore has a new shipping policy, which allows students to receive all their books at one standard rate of $7.50. For more information, contact the bookstore at 501.569.3245.
DR. JANET LANZA and DR. JIM WINTER
Dr. Lanza and Dr. Winter developed two scholars programs—the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and University Science Scholars Program (USSP)—are helping to promote undergradate research, improve student success, and foster relationships at UALR and within the surrounding community.
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
Photos by Lela Fluker Members of Chi Omega sorority participate in the lip sync contest hosted at the Trojan Tipoff pep rally.
dollar bin bargain by Byron Buslig
Comics
September 2 - September 15, 2015
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Features
September 2 - September 15, 2015
ualr.edu/forum
Five struggles you face when studying a foreign language make an effort to understand me and continue the dialogue. It forces me to step out of my comfort zone, but I’m thankful to get a second opinion on my speaking skills.
Alexandria Barnes Staff Writer ambarnes@ualr.edu
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oming to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock from a small, rural town gave me little exposure to the Spanish language and culture. However, foreign language and culture is something that has always interested me. It wasn't until I came to UALR that I really began to immerse myself in Spanish language. The classes were mostly taught in Spanish and we weren't really allowed to speak English. Now being in upper-level classes, it's so rare to hear any English spoken. At times, I don’t know exactly what is being discussed and have familiarized myself with Google Translate. Immersing myself into
you never ask the professor any questions. I don’t even like to ask questions in my other classes, so if I have to ask one in a Spanish class . . . forget about it. By the time I figure out how to
just as lost as I am. It’s easier to just figure it out on my own later.
5. Two words: online homework. This is the absolute worst thing ever. If you forget one accent mark or misspell a word, your whole answer is wrong! I have failed so many exercises because of this.Not to mention countless assignments, usually all due on the Salut! same day. For procrastinators like me, you already know you’ll be burning the Hallo! midnight oil trying to finish them the night before they’re due.
3. When you're put on the spot, the language has been a struggle, and I'm sure anyone taking lan- you suddenly forget everything you ever learned. guage classes can relate. Every now and then, Hello! 1. The syllabus and homework my mom likes to ask me to speak instructions aren’t in English. As if I’m not lost enough already Spanish in the Hola! in class, the syllabi are in Spanish, most random too. Now I have to take extra time places—like a to translate everything out. In low- grocery store Marhaba! er-level courses, I was able to dive aisle. I don’t right into assignments since the know why, but directions were written or spoken anytime somein English. It was such a simpler one asks me to say something time. Czesc! in Spanish outCiao! Even though I’ll 2. Native/heritage speakers side of class, I freeze probably always have a Hej! up and have to revert challenge you. love/hate relationship with Listening to the fluency of a back to basic sentences Spanish, my overall passion for native or heritage speaker really I learned freshman year. culture and travel motivate me to for- continue my studies. makes me want to step my game Thankfully, my mom is clueless mulate my up. The flow of the conversation as to what I’m saying so I can just gives you a sense of what it is like to make up phrases, and she always question en español, the professor 75004 has moved on to something else. converse in the “real world.” And tells me I sound good. And when I turn to a fellow classeven though I may conjugate all 4. You’re struggling in class, yet mate for answers, they are usually of my verbs incorrectly, they still Illustration by Brady Jackson
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Features
September 2 - September 15, 2015
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Student Spotlight: Vadahl 'VJ' Jones Kyle Adkins at Little Rock.
Originally from Mississippi Staff Writer county, he decided to come to kaxdkins1@ualr.edu UALR for two reasons: He says the mass communication department at UALR was exactly what hink back to when you he was looking for. He also loves were a kid. You can prob- the metropolitan atmosphere of ably remember a time when Little Rock. Being here, he’s had the you wanted to be an astronaut, opportunity to study film and stuor a movie star—or maybe even dio production under his favorite President of the United States! professor, Dr. David Weekly. Jones Unfortunately, most of us abandon mentions he especially enjoyed these lofty ambitions to pursue learning about the entire process careers in less exciting fields. We of setting up for a television or settle for jobs in business, science news station and how long it takes. and technology. But for sophomore When Jones isn’t on set or in Vadahl (“VJ”) Jones, these child- the studio, you can probably find hood dreams are slowly becoming him working with an assortment a reality. of organizations on campus. When When Jones graduates in 2017, asked what his most memorable he hopes to make a career for him- moment at UALR is, he’ll tell you self as a film director, as well as a it was the day he decided to get music artist. out of his room and get involved “As a kid, I always loved music,” on campus. Not only is he the vice he remarks. president of Trojan Talk, which He would listen to anything if promotes sexual responsibility the beat or the artist’s lyrics hap- through events like Battle of the pened to catch his attention. Sexes, he’s a peer educator in the Today, Jones is studying mass com- Health Promotion, Programs and munication and media production Education office at UALR. here at the University of Arkansas He is also an active member of
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When Jones graduates in 2017, he hopes to make a career for himself as a film director, as well as a music artist. his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma. Phi Beta Sigma was originally founded on the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship and service, and they believe that each member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family’s background or affluence. He says he joined the fraternity because he admired what they do for the community.
Jones is an outstanding example of a UALR Trojan and there’s no doubt that incoming freshmen would benefit greatly from his advice. More than anything, Jones advises every freshman to follow his or her own path: “Don't be the one to do something just because everyone else is doing it.” He would also like to stress the importance
Photo courtesy of Vadahl Jones of developing strong time management skills early in your academic career. Getting involved is important, but it’s counterproductive if you’re doing too many things at one time or aren’t setting aside enough time to study. “Its nice to party and go out,” he says, “but you’re here for a reason—and that's to graduate college.”
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September 2 - September 15, 2015
Features
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New theatre production Morgan Drish The rehearsal process has utilized Editor madrish@ualr.edu
“H
ow much is walking a way of discovering the world you're in?” asks Professor Larry Smith, director of the fall production, On Walking/ Walking On, at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. This will be Smith’s first semester directing a show here at UALR. He wanted to choose a play that he felt would resonate with students. This bold production is a change of pace from traditional theatre. On Walking/ Walking On is a devised piece that is pulled from a variety of texts and sources. Walking is a fundamental movement that we rarely think about whether its the trek a poet makes, a death march, the Trail of Tears, civil marches, protests, and strikes. Smith and the design team started off the rehearsal period on August 20 without a script, but instead began with an outline centered around his concept.
improvisational methods that are then applied to a section of the outline and worked on in small groups by the actors. The actors pick out things that are most relevant to themselves and work on them as a group to present to Smith. The actors get to play an active role in helping form the show by experimenting with new techniques in each rehearsal and by sharing personal memories in which walking has been a vital part. On Walking/ Walking On will explore the idea that “all of life is a journey from learning how to walk, to preparing yourself for your journey, choosing the path to walk, where it takes you and who you share that journey with and where it leads”. Smith hopes that the audience will leave the theatre thinking about their own walk on their journey through life, reflecting on how far they have come and if the trip has been worth it. “The way I look at life is that you want to make the most of it” says Smith. “ That’s one of the reasons it is a good topic for college students because they have a long road in front of them.”
ualr.edu/forum
Features
September 2 - September 15, 2015
Little Rock's Comic Con Renea Goddard impressed with how much the con munity," said one of the judges, a like the annual Tabletop Gaming
has grown. "The crowd is really Staff Writer nice. I really like the atmosphere," rbgoddard@ualr.edu says Justin Manning, an anime merchandise vendor. Despite the bustling nature of the con, the mood is friendly and the excitement is almost os-players, comic book lov- overwhelming for an entertainers, and gamers unite for ment connoisseur. Walking in, a day at the Statehouse one is instantly transported into Convention Center in Little Rock a comic-book universe in which to celebrate their unique interests Harley Quinns and Gokus and and show off their costume skills. Walter Whites walk around freeOn its website, River City Comic ly. To foster more of this creativCon boasts "Arkansas' biggest ity from the cos-play communicomic and entertainment conven- ty, River City also has its famous tion", and with over 8000 attend- Cos-play Contest in the statehouse ees and hundreds of vendors and Carraway Rooms. This year's winguests, it certainly seems like it. ner, Elle Graves, stands proudly on For a con that started out with stage as the crowd cheers for her only a 10,000 sq ft space, it now costume, a human version of the takes up 40,000 sq ft and mul- Pokemon, Espeon. tiple panel rooms and many of the "I did costumes even before veteran vendors and sponsors are knowing about the cos-play com-
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Batman cos-player. He explains that he started out dressing up as Batman for charities in his hometown Benton, such as the Cancer Society and for children's hospitals. Now he's been involved in the cos-play community for three years and is a River City Comic Con veteran. Indeed, River City's popularity has brought together people from all parts of Arkansas. Not only that, but local artists and authors are also invited by the con to promote their work. Julia, also known as starrmignon on Facebook, owns the art shop Discordia, which seeks to expose indie artists to the mainstream. She proudly gestures to her stock as she tells me, "What we wanna do is to bring something to the people that they haven't seen." Other vendors, such as Game Goblins, host events at the con,
Tournament, where players gather to compete in games such as Magic: The Gathering and Yugioh. The majority of the attendees, however, are just regular self-proclaimed geeks. Keosha Banks, a teenage comic fan, explains how she got into comic books and anime through her older brothers as she clutches the bags of comics and anime merchandise she had bought that day. River City Comic Con has allowed people like Keosha to interact with other people in the fan community as well as with their many guest content creators, some of whom work for popular comic book companies Marvel, DC, and Vertigo. With the rate at which River City Comic Con has grown in the past few years, it's safe to say that we have a lot to expect in next year's con as well.
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Study Abroad Chronicles By Abigail Marshall Staff Writer almarshall@ualr.edu
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ast week was interesting. While all my fellow classmates, friends, and family rekindled the love-hate relationship that is the school year… I did not. While everyone posted first day of school “selfies” I was sleeping in, doing last minute shopping, and finalizing travel plans! As I sit in the JFK terminal writing this, it seems surreal that my first day of school will not be for another 11 days, and that it will be in Barcelona, Spain! As I begin my travels as a University of Arkansas at Little Rock study abroad student, I would like to invite you all into my experience. Several of the things I am grappling with involve missing my friends and family, money conversions, and jumping headlong into a new culture. In total, I have taken Spanish for four semesters at UALR. However, practicing Spanish in a closed environment such as a classroom will definitely prove to be extremely different from reallife conversational Spanish in Spain. Over the past few weeks in preparation for full on immersion here soon, I have asked my boyfriend, friends and family that speak Spanish to help me practice a little everyday before I leave. It has proved to be very beneficial. Not only has it helped me to prepare for my new life in Spain, it has genuinely surprised me that in my short time with Spanish how much was actually hidden away in my brain. The next few days I will spend in Sweden with family before traveling to Barcelona. Once there I will complete an international student orientation and prepare to begin classes at my university, Universitat Abat Oliba CEU on September 8. Until then I will get my bearings in my new city and try to teach myself a few simple things in preparation for classes such as metro navigation. Until next time, ¡Adios!
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September 2 - September 15, 2015
Entertainment
ualr.edu/forum
MOVIE REVIEW
M3D, a 3D printer for the everyday consumer Brady Jackson Staff Writer bajackson4@ualr.edu
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he business market has already seen the release of the 3D printers but it was at a price consumers could not regularly afford. The average 3D printer costs at least $1,000, with prices even higher being more common, but a recent company called Micro Motion Technology has made a printer for the everyday consumer. The printer is called The Micro 3D Printer but M3D for short. This product is probably the most reliable and the cheapest on the market for consumers, at a price of $349. The M3D uses a Micro Motion Sensor Chip that gives intelligent positioning feedback for better
feedback to make your object look more like you want it too. It has carbon fiber rods to help keep your printer lighter and less likely to break. To help create your object the M3D uses an aerospace grade ceramic heater system so you get faster and more precise heating. The system ensures that it calibrates itself, making the prints more reliable. The M3D is designed with easy access to the filament, for quick replacement. If you decide to buy the M3D it comes with the M3D software, for an easy plug and play experience; the micro motion sensor; a USB cable; and a power adapter. The M3D supports open source software. In addition, the M3D software is supported on Windows and Mac. This printer is currently available for purchase online.
What’s happenin’ in Tanner Newton Staff Writer tgnewton@ualr.edu September 15: WWE Smackdown
Sarah McFadden Disgust (Mindy Kaling).
11-year old Riley moves Staff Writer from her small home town in smcfadden@ualr.edu Minnesota to San Francisco when her father’s career uproots them. Inside her head, ironically dubbed nside Out, Pixar’s 15th ani- “Headquarters”, the five emotions, mated feature film according using an ever progressing console, to imdv.com, is set come out on direct her through everyday life, DVD November 3, 2015. Directed process and store her memories, by Pete Doctor and co-directed and do their best to ensure that by Del Carmen, the film features she is a happy child. They even the emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), give her new ideas and at night, Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill one of the emotions is on “dream Hader), Anger (Lewis Black) and duty”, watching her dreams play
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out. After she moves, the turmoil causes the emotions to struggle through technical difficulties. They set off on a quest to protect Riley’s well-being, discovering how Riley’s mind works and even a few things about themselves. Filled with hilarious exchanges and heartfelt moments that have become part of so many Pixar films, viewers of all ages can appreciate this clever interpretation on how our brains work, from the inside out.
September 2 - September 15, 2015
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Bottoms Up: Book review: The Maze Runner
Inside Out
Illustration by Byron Buslig
Entertainment
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WWE superstars return to Little Rock on the third Tuesday of September at Verizon Arena. This is Smackdown so it will be broadcast on television all over the world the following Thursday. Wrestlers advertised to appear include the current WWE Champion Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt. Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts one hour later. Pricing starts at $17.50 and go up to $102.50. Here is a tip: Verizon Arena is small, so there is no bad seat in the house. The nosebleed section still offers a good show at Verizon.
September 26: 15th Annual Sproo –Doo Model Show Attention all hobbyist and model kit builders, there will be a model kit competition in the ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center on the fourth Saturday of September. Admission is free to the public and the cost for entering the contest is $10 for one model and $2 for each additional model. There will be a wide variety of categories in the contest. Registration will be from 8 am to noon and the awards show will start around 4:30 pm. PreRegistration is already open and can be paid with Pay-Pal.
Beer, beer, J beer Grant Fox Editor tgfox@ualr.edu
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eer is just one part of the alcohol family, but it’s a huge part. The varieties of beer are far and wide and can be very complicated. Malted barley or wheat, yeast, hops and water are the most common ingredients of beer although other flavoring ingredients are often added. Beer is consumed worldwide and ranges from in all sorts of flavors and consistencies. Most beer is between four percent and six percent ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and is also measured in IBU (International Bitterness Units). Darker beer such as Guinness or multiple brands’ stouts tend to be bitterer and more full in flavored. Hoppy Beers, especially IPAs (Indian Pale Ales) are filled with hops that give the beer more pop when consumed. Light beers such as Coors Light and Budlight come in multiple varieties but tend to be lighter in complexion and have fewer calories than most other beers. Next time you decide to drink, consider asking your stores beer expert about the different kinds of beer they carry and what they would suggest depending on your preference to taste and consistency. Illustration by Byron Buslig
Joni Everett
Staff Writer jeeverett@ualr.edu
ames Dashner’s book The Maze Runner starts with Thomas knowing nothing more than his name. He wakes up in a completely dark lift that is moving upwards. The doors open up to several boy’s curious faces and a wide open grassy area called the Glade. These boys call themselves Gladers and they are at loss for their memories. Surrounding the Glade are gigantic stonewalls that seem to reach the sky. Each wall is a split that acts like a door, closing at night. Beyond the doors is the Maze which houses deadly creatures that the boys call Grievers. These monsters will kill anything they find. “If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human,” Alby, the leader of the boys, tells Thomas at the begin-
ning of his stay. Thomas begins to fit into the life of the Glade and make friends. The boys must face problems and turmoil head on as they try to find a way to escape the Maze. Thomas must earn the title of Maze runner. Dashner does a fantastic job of keeping interest in the third person limited point of view. The characters are well developed and help structure the story. The Maze Runner is an adventure, sciencefiction thriller and begins the trilogy that includes The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure. The series is filled with continuous action and suspense, leaving the reader begging for more. This book is great for anyone who is looking for a way to pass the time quickly or finding a new favorite series. It was recently adapted into a major motion picture with the second movie adaptation set to release in Sept. 18 2015.
Blurryface album review Ruth Houston ones promoting us. It doesn't matEditor rxhouston@ualr.edu
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chizophrenic pop-duo Twenty One Pilots has recently released a new album called Blurryface. The duo from Columbus, Ohio has gone from zero to one hundred real quick with their new album. Blurryface has a different sound as their previous albums have an all over the place sound. “Blurryface” is also rumored to be Tyler Joseph’s “alterego”. Even though in Blurryface you still get what you expect in any Twenty One Pilots album, which is different types of sounds put into one album, this album sounds more of a studio album than a jam session in a garage. According to Billboard.com the album has skyrocketed to the top of the charts selling 134,000 copies in the first week of being released, leading them to the number one spot on Billboards Top 200 Chart. "There's so many people who have never heard of us, but I think what we've learned is you can't underestimate the power of a core fan base and people who believe what you're doing. I think they're the ultimate marketers. They're the
ter what we post about ourselves on social networks or how many times we play live TV, even. It's all about those people, those fans who are telling other people about us. I think that's what we're seeing more than anything," singer Tyler Joseph tells Billboard about his fan base. Blurryface has such a sound like no other that no matter what you’re looking to listen to there will be a song that will fit your mood. The songs range from electronic pop sounds to sweet ukulele harmonies to some sick raps. Several producers helped shape this album, leading the band to record in Los Angeles, California and London, England produced the album. Songs like “Tear in My Heart” continue to top charts on your local radio station. “Heavydirtysoul” starts out very fast paced with Tyler spitting out seventy-six words in fifteen seconds, then goes to a kind of a pop feel. With “Heavydirtysoul” as the first track you’d expect the whole album to be something like that, but you’re wrong. “Lane Boy” has a reggae sound to it with influences of rap. “Lane Boy” also talks about how tough it is to be in the it then makes you want to cruise music business. The song “The in the summer heat with your winJudge” has a ukulele happy vibe to dows down. This album will leave
listeners wanting more Twenty One Pilots and has a song that will fit anyone’s needs.
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September 2 - September 15, 2015
Sports
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Inspired Trojans take home opener
Sports
ualr.edu/forum
September 2 - September 15, 2015
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Excitement and youth are staples for the new look of Trojans volleyball Brian Gregory team will look this year. They are
not without talent though. Senior Editor Edina Selimovic who was named bjgregory@ualr.edu to the preseason SBC team and juniors Megan Mathis and Carolee Dillard both who where major cont’s a new season and for the tributors to last years team. University of Arkansas at Little The mood is one of excitement Rock Trojans Volleyball team it for this young team. “ We have a is one that brings on an excite- new team with a lot of potential,” ment. Last year the team had their said Selimovic. best season ever for the program. That potential is seen with the They finished with 30 wins and addition of three freshmen, and were undefeated two transfer students who were in the Sun Belt conference sea- stars for their teams in Brazil and son, Sun Belt tournament cham- Romania. The Trojans were picked pions, and a trip to the second to win the SBC this year. Coach round of the NCAA Volleyball tour- Compton said on the added presnament. sure of being the favorite, “There This year however the Trojans is always a target on your back are looking to lean on young- when you are picked to win, and er players to pick up where last the other good teams like Texas year’s team left off. The loss of State, Appalachian State, and three seniors including three- Arkansas State will be going after time Offensive Player of the Year us.” This past weekend the Trojans Edina Begic, rising Senior and Pre- played at the Bluegrass Invitational season Offensive Student Athlete against IUPUI, Michigan St. and Sonja Milanovic and Sophomore Kentucky. Their next tournament Stephanie Phillips, leaves them will be in Norman, Oklahoma for with a lot of questions on how the the Oklahoma Nike Invitational.
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Coach Van Compton looks to lead her young team to another Sun Belt Conference championship.
2014-15 banner year for student-athletes in the classroom Lauren Lockhart-Lindsey Staff Writer lalockhartl@ualr.edu
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Shannon Shield dribbles the ball away from her opponent in the first half.
Brian Gregory
State Racers. This win against the Racers gives them a 2-1 record, as Editor well as continuation of their streak bjgregory@ualr.edu of eight straight non-conference home wins. The Trojans improved to 4-1-1 against the Racers all-time. In the first half possession was interchangeable between the two he Little Rock Trojans Soccer teams. In the fifth minute, freshteam, spurred on by a fren- man midfielder Caitlyn Eddy zied crowd, won their home scored a direct goal off her own opener Friday against the Murray corner kick. When asked about the
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Photo by Lauren Humphrey
goal, Head Coach Adrian Blewitt said, “It’s not something that you work or try to do on purpose.” This along with a terrific save in the 8th minute by senior goalkeeper Sara Small kept the crowd of 781 strong cheering for most of the first half. The Trojans kept pressing and keeping their foot on the gas pedal. A timely substitution by the Racers towards the end of the first half led to senior forward
Marissa Burroughs scoring a goal in the 40th minute that quieted the crowd. At the end of the first half, Little Rock led in shots taken, 10-6, but the Racers led in shots on goal 4-2. All of this changed in the second half as the Trojans turned in a dynamic defensive performance. The Trojans only allowed one shot in the second half, and none on goal. Most of the second half
was spent in the Trojans half of the field as they dominated possession. Junior forward Shannon Shields scored the game winner, on an assist from her fellow junior defender Hali Long. Coach Blewitt was very pleased with the execution by his team in the second half. “I thought at times we looked like an older team, and hopefully that is a sign that we are growing,” said Blewitt.
his past year was not only a banner year of accomplishments within our sports department here at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, but the successes of our student athletes as well. Though trophies, plaques and banners are awarded to winning and progressive seasons within the athletic department as a whole, the successes in the classroom are just as admirable. Just about every sports team here on campus is averaging a 3.0 GPA or higher as well as showing improvement in other areas of professionalism. The dedication necessary to be successful in your sport and in your major can be extremely stressful on the student-athlete. Time management is a must for any college, much less the student athlete. There are a few student athletes here at UALR who have
found their experience as a student athlete both very memorable as well as a process of growth mentally, physically, and emotionally. Megan Mathis is a junior health and exercise major with a minor in secondary education. Mathis is also a volleyball player who was named to the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List for the 20142015 academic year. To be named to the Commissioner’s List a student-athlete would have obtain a 3.5 GPA or higher during the academic year. Megan Mathis has expressed her passion for volleyball for 13 years, she plans to further her career in health education and coaching in hopes of changing the lives of young children just as her parents did. Mathis says that she is very happy with her decision to attend UALR and is very proud of the accomplishments she and her team have made over the season. “My sophomore year we made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament which was the farthest UALR has ever made it, we had an
undefeated record and overcame whatever obstacles were thrown at us,” said Mathis. Mareik Isom, a redshirt junior forward from Austin, Texas came to UALR on a basketball scholarship. He has recently been named to the Sun Belt Conference Honor Roll for achieving a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 during the 2014-15 academic year. Isom plans to further his career in basketball after graduation but wants to use his degree in psychology within the sports world as well. “Winning conference and playing in an NCAA Tournament will be awesome, but having my parents see me walk across the stage in December to accept my degree will be right up there with it.” The camaraderie with fellow students, athletes and coaches developed over time has been something Isom has enjoyed as well as the independence. Isom says that the decision to come to UALR was an excellent one, making him not only a better player, but also a better person.
Photo by Brian Gregory
Start Fall with intramural sports Maggie Rogers Staff Writer mjrogers1@ualr.edu
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ampus recreation at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has two intriguing intramural sports coming up for students to participate in, flag football and outdoor tennis. According to the IMLeagues website, registration ends Aug. 31 at 11:30 p.m. for both sports. For each sport, they have different rules that have to be followed and those rules can be found on the website. Each student can also register on the IMLeagues website or they have to create an account through a new mobile app called RECIT. Grant Watts, coordinator of intramural sports, says that students like to participate in flag football because of the teamwork that happens when things get competitive. “Students really like to play that and get outside and interact with each other,” Watts said. Currently, 10 men’s teams and two women’s teams are signed up to pay flag football.
Each year, the participation rate grows. According to Watts, there was a 76 percent return rate of students who participated in the Fall 2014 semester coming back to play this semester. This fall, they are offering racquetball, single’s racquetball, single’s table tennis, three on three basketball, and 11 versus 11 soccer. The complete list of all the sports can be found on the website as well. Seasons for all sports usually last three to four weeks, according to Watts, and concludes with a tournament at the end of each season.
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