ArkLaTeXmas!

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Laney Davis

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It is time to enjoy your friends and family amongst the beautiful Christmas spirit atmosphere. There are many opportunities in and around the Ark-La-Tex to enjoy the Christmas season.

December 7 on Main Street in Downtown Texarkana starting at 4 there will be music, food, and shopping. There will also be an opportunity to see and pet camels and the Express Clydesdales. Starting at 7, the 31st Annual Christmas parade “A Magical Christmas” will kick off. Before the parade, there will also be the “Festival of Trees Competition” on Front Street, and the winner will be announced before the parade begins. As well as Christmas lights filling the streets of downtown there will also be horse drawn carriage rides throughout December.

Starting November 25 through December 31st, Tuesday through Sundays, Marshall, Texas, will host the “Wonderland of Lights”. They will offer beautiful lights, outdoor ice-skating, a carousel, Santa’s Workshop and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, carriage rides, and train rides. On December 5, there will be a Jingle Bell run. The “Wonderland of Lights” will not be open on Mondays or Christmas Eve.

For more opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights you can visit Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hot Springs will hold a Christmas parade on December 7 starting at 6:30. You can also stopover at Garvan Woodland Gardens for the Holiday Lights exhibit. Enjoy over 4 million bulbs across the 17 acre garden.

The Shreveport-Bossier area will offer a firework show with included activities on December 5. There will be a beautiful 40 foot tall Christmas tree at the Boardwalk offered all of December. If you still would like to appreciate some Christmas lights view the “Holiday Trail of Lights” November 14 through December 24.

Lastly, Ashdown, Arkansas, will be offering their Christmas Parade, “A Christmas Story,” December 5 starting at 6. The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express is making its way to Ashdown on December 4 and will arrive at 4.

These are a few ideas of what is going on in the Ark-La-Tex this holiday season. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

For more information on the events provided:

http://www.mainstreettexarkana.org/2015-christmas-parade-a-magical-christmas/

http://www.marshalltexas.net/public/warrants/wonderland-of-lights

http://www.hotsprings.org/events/event/1612/

http://965kvki.com/check-out-all-the-holiday-events-in-shreveport-bossier-this-christmas/

http://kkyr.com/the-kcs-holiday-express-is-coming-to-town-with-santa-claus/

LSU Tigers Snap Losing Streak

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Percy Davis

Les Miles gives appreciation on the Victory. Photo Credited to Scott Wolf

Les Miles gives appreciation on the Victory. Photo Credited to Scott Wolf

After losing three straight games, the LSU Tigers finally snapped that losing streak. The Tigers started the season off being undefeated before losing those three games. Saturday, November 28th the Tigers beat the Texas A&M Aggies 19-7.

LSU’s running back Leonard Fournette ran for an astonishing 159 yards and one touchdown. He now has the single-season rushing record at 1,741 yards surpassing Charles Alexander’s 1,686 mark.

Over the last couple of weeks there has been speculation that coach Les Miles would no longer be head coach for the Tigers. Miles has been head coach since 2005 and has a record of 111 victories and only 32 defeats. After losing three straight games his job as head coach was up for discussion but all the speculation went out the window once he defeated the Aggies.

The game started out neck and neck with the Aggies winning the first quarter 7-6. The Tigers put the first points on the board, scoring on two field goals from kicker Trent Domingue. Shortly after that Aggie quarterback, Kyle Allen put together an 80 yard drive to score on a eight yard touchdown to Ricky Seals-Jones.

The second quarter was strictly defense with neither team putting any points on the board.

In the second half the Tigers came out rolling! They scored a touchdown in each quarter and their defense held the Aggies to a scoreless half. The first touchdown was from Derrius Guice on a 50-yard rush. The second touchdown came from Leonard Fournette on a four-yard sprint. The LSU Tigers now have an 8-3 record on the season and are looking to close out the season on a good note by winning their next game, a bowl game.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

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Laney Davis

Most people in December are dreaming of a beautiful Christmas tree, presents filling up the house, and the smell of pies and cakes coming out of the oven. This may seem familiar to you. As for cowboys and cowgirls in December, they dream of something a little different. Cowboys and cowgirls dream of Vegas lights, gold buckles, and the smell of arena dirt.

Starting December 3 through December 12, there will be 10 rodeo performances in Las Vegas, Nevada. This grand rodeo is called the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association holds over 600 rodeos throughout the year, and only the top 15 competitors in each event at the end of the rodeo season can qualify for the WNFR. The PRCA has been producing rodeos since the 1920’s making it the oldest rodeo association. The PRCA is also the largest rodeo association.

At the WNFR there will be 8 events: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tie-down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and the crowning of Miss Rodeo America. The cowboys and cowgirls competing come into the competition ranked first to fifteenth by their money earnings from this year. As they compete each night they have the opportunity to earn more money placing them higher in the rankings.

The cowboy and cowgirls can earn many titles at the WNFR. Each night they have to opportunity to win the round with either the fastest time or the highest score. They can also win the “average” and a gold buckle at the end of the 10 day rodeo stretch by having the best cumulative scores or times. They can also win the biggest title of all, World Champion, by earning the most money throughout the whole rodeo season including the money that they won at the WNFR.

There are many ways to be a part of the impressive rodeo. Much like professional football or baseball there are fantasy leagues you can compete in. You can also go to Las Vegas and enjoy the rodeo live and meet the professional cowboys and cowgirls. Lastly, you can watch from the comfort of your couch in awe of these professional athletes.

For more information on the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo visit:

http://nfrexperience.com

or

http://prorodeo.com

Black Friday = The Purge?

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Alyssa Bertrand

Every year, the country undergoes this big event called black Friday. Black Friday is the day everyone gets out at the crack of dawn to score the best deal. People will be in line waiting for the doors to open. Some people will take part in together as a family and some will go alone. The ones that go alone have one goal in site and they plan on reaching that goal.

If you have never experienced this big event, you might not fully understand the process. I have not gone black Friday shopping, but I have worked in retail for it for the past three years. Each year new things amaze me. Sometimes I wonder what these people are actually after. I watch the people around town and think about what is so necessary for them to fight over. Then I see people come into the store I worked in and see that some people will do anything for that five dollars they will be saving.

Fighting is another problem. All over the country there are many fight that break out on the big Friday of the year. One can look online and see fight after fight. Some of the videos that are put on the Internet have little kids involved. When I see those videos, I get sick in my stomach. How could some act that way and have a good conscience after one will throw someone on the ground to gain the upper hand on a toaster or crock pot. The fighting is beginning to get out of control.

The fighting every year, the very dangerous night, and the injuries that occur lead to the thought that Black Friday could actually be considered as The Purge. The Purge is the event in a recent thriller that is 24 hours each year during which murder is legal. Nothing would be against the law for only those 24 hours. Much like Black Friday, it is a full day event, people get hurt, and one can find that people will steal even when the prices are extremely low. Which leads to the question, is it really Black Friday or could we consider it a mini Purge?

Final Advice for Finals Week

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Laney Davis

Success! The Fall semester is ending, and the sweet smell of Winter Break is upon us. Like most students, I am sure that your coffee in take level has tripled in the past month, and your ability to study for two tests in one night has perfected. Whether your preferred method of achieving an A is cram studying, spacing your studying out, or not studying at all, hopefully these tips will help you achieve victory over the Fall semester’s finals week.

My first tip to potential studiers is to find the best place for you to study. Many students do not study in their room because it can be distracting. How many times have you started studying and ended up in bed watching Netflix? The best place for students to study is somewhere quiet with no distractions. If the library freaks you out then go somewhere less intimidating like Starbucks.

Second, study groups can be a really great method of studying. That is, if your groups’ intent is to be productive. It can be an easy way to get distracted and off topic if you are in a group that does not have the same drive or desire for success. One of my favorite things to do in a group is split up material. You spend less time researching and more time studying the material.

My third tip is to get some sleep! If you have a minute of time to rest do not take it for granted. Sleep deprivation can make your stress worsen and ability to focus fuzzy.

My last tip is not to not put studying off on the back burner. All students make jokes about procrastination. Unless you want to be pulling “all nighters” every night of finals week, do not postpone opening your books. The more time you put in with your head in the books and not watching Netflix is another minute that you can sleep or spend time with friends.

As a senior I have indeed learned some of these tips the hard way. Not all of these tips may help you, but hopefully it will help ease the stress of the 2015 Fall semester ending. For more tips or questions feel free to leave a comment below. “Happy finals week and may the odds be ever in your favor!”

Pesticides in the Hive

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Stephen Jones

Chemicals have been used for decades in order to ensure the growth and survival of crops essential to everyday life, but many of these chemicals are possibly affecting organisms outside of their intended targets, including the bee; an insect essential to the reproduction of various flowering plants. The chemicals scientists believe to be harmful to bees are known as neonicotinoids. These chemicals are synthetic derivatives of the widely used, naturally-occurring pesticide, nicotine.

bees

Bee populations are dramatically on the decline, and scientists are looking for what factors could be responsible for said decline. Dr. Chris Connolly and his colleagues conducted a study at Dundee’s School of Medicine consisting of a sample population of bees, and the conclusion suggests the decline in the bee population is partially due to neonicotinoids. In the study, Dr. Connolly found exposure to low levels of neonicotinoids caused a 55 percent reduction of the live bee population. Dr. Connolly states, “Our research demonstrates beyond doubt that the level of neonicotinoids generally accepted as the average level present in the wild causes brain dysfunction and colonies to perform poorly when consumed by bumblebees.” Even though the pesticides did not kill the bees, the effects of the neurotoxins could still be seen through the examination of the bees’ brains and cells. As mentioned before, the bee population was exposed to low levels of neonicotinoids, resulting in the shutdown of mitochondria, the failure to recognize the scent of a flower, and the inability to remember their way back to the nest.

What is important to remember about the study is the scientists are not suggesting that insect neurotoxins are wholly at fault; but when looking at the results of this study, it is hard not to believe the aforementioned pesticides are not partially to blame. Dr. Connolly’s analysis is only one of many experiments looking into the side-effects of pesticides, and with the number of studies steadily growing; various national governments have started to take action concerning the use of pesticides within the environment. This past September, a US court reversed the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of the pesticide sulfoxaflor, due to data the court called “flawed and limited.” Although the court denied the use of sulfoxaflor, most neonicotinoids are still approved for use within the US; the situation is the polar opposite in the EU. The EU currently prohibits the use of most neonicotinoids and, as of July, allows the use of sulfoxaflor, even though the European Food Standards Authority believed the lack of information on sulfoxaflor does not exclude the possibility of a negative impact on the already deteriorating bee populations.

The unwanted influence of insect neurotoxins on bees is one of many factors we must look at when examining humans’ usage of chemicals in agriculture, but finding out whether or not these pesticides are significantly hurting bee populations is essential in ensuring the survival of many plant species we rely on every day.

Sources:

http://www.phys.org/news/2015-02-neonicotinoid-insecticides-impair-bee-brains.html

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn28167-bees-win-as-us-court-rules-against-neonicotinoid-pesticide/

What is a Lazy Day?

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Leslie Arietta

The rain is dripping against the window and I am covered underneath a bundle of blankets and my body print is sinking into the memory foam of the bed. The room is dark and cozy while watching television. Three movies later and there is no telling what time it is.

That sounds like the perfect lazy day right? Well that was the description of a day I wish I had, but unfortunately I had to get back to reality because there is no time for a lazy day in my life. Finals are around the corner and the semester is over in less than two weeks. Thanksgiving break is over and it is time to hit the books and get in any last minute assignments or studying.

Being a college student, lazy days do not exist for me anymore. I cannot just sit around all day and do nothing because I feel like I am falling behind on life. If I am not going to school I am working and if I am not working I am doing homework or work around the house. I remember when I used to have nothing to do and had unlimited free time and lazy days. Being an adult, I continue to do something productive and I am used to having a busy schedule.

What is a lazy day anymore? I wish I knew what it felt like to have a lazy day, but unfortunately the older you get the less time you have to relax. Even if I want to try to relax anymore I cannot just sit around and not be productive. I appreciate the short nap times I get throughout the day, but I am a busy bee and will continue to be throughout my college career. Adulthood has definitely hit me and every since I have been non stop busy, but I make the best of it and get things done.

2nd Home for the Holidays

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Leslie Arietta

The weather is changing and the leaves are falling. Students are cleaning out their dorms and packing up their suitcases. The semester is almost over and Thanksgiving break is on its way. Most students are fortunate enough to be going home for the holidays, but unfortunately I am not one of them.

I am a California girl going to a university in Texas. Being a college student, it is not easy financially, during the holidays. I am on a college budget and have to work to pay for my tuition and other necessities. Other students are fortunate enough to live in state and only have to drive a couple of hours to spend the holidays at home. My story is different I need a plane ticket to get home for the holidays and this year I cannot afford to go home for Thanksgiving, but do not make assumptions that all out of state students will not make it home. I know quite a few students who are fortunate enough to go home for the holidays who live outside of Texas.

Just because I cannot be home for Thanksgiving does not mean I am not appreciative for this holiday. I am more than fortunate to have friends and loved ones around me to spend the holidays with. If you are one of the few college students not going home for the holidays do not worry you are not alone and you can still make the best of your holidays with your friends. My friends and my boyfriend are my family away from home. I am fortunate that my boyfriend is from Texas so I get to spend the night before Thanksgiving with his family. Yes I said the night before Thanksgiving because we are college students with part time jobs that are open on Thanksgiving. Instead of a nice Thanksgiving dinner I will be having a nice Thanksgiving lunch.

Some people say Thanksgiving is about the food, the football, family or shopping. For me this year Thanksgiving will be about how much I appreciate the little things I have in life. Although I cannot spend the holidays with my family I can still spend it with my loved ones and friends. Being a college student is tough around the holidays, but it is what you make of it at the end of the day. So whether you are with your family, your friends or loved ones during the holidays never forget the little things in life that makes Thanksgiving special to you.

Netflix is the New Black

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Stephen Jones

In response to a RBC Capital Markets survey, over 51% of participants said they used Netflix watch television shows and/or movies. Just surpassing YouTube, the streaming service is now the most popular streaming site, beating out Hulu, Amazon, and HBO Go. This rise in consumer usage is possibly due to some of its critically-acclaimed original programming, including: “House of Cards,” “Daredevil,” and “Orange is the New Black.” Thanks to overwhelming reviews from fans and critics alike, Netflix’s original programming has amassed 78 Emmy nominations and 12 wins. Another aspect of Netflix’s appeal is its original comedy specials showcasing some of the world’s most popular comedians such as Louis C.K. and Kevin Hart. Looking at this diverse selection of content, Netflix’s mass appeal should be of no surprise.

qz.com

qz.com

Compared to cable and satellite subscription prices, Netflix’s most popular plan of $9.99/month is music to the consumers’ ears. Also, the ability to watch on multiple mobile devices at one time only adds to the accessibility this generation of instant-gratification desperately craves. Some cable networks, like Showtime, are trying to integrate the convenience Netflix boasts through mobile apps, but these on-the-go apps require an active subscription to its cable counterpart; thus, nullifying the inexpensive allure Netflix possesses. In contrast to other cable networks, HBO introduced a streaming service requiring no previous subscription to its satellite network. This new endeavor, named HBO Now, was launched in April of 2015 and garnering over 1 million subscribers in about three months. Hopefully, HBO’s success in adapting to the “cord-cutting” trend will influence other cable networks to follow suit.

Thanks to the streaming service’s overwhelming content variety, simple accessibility, and 69 million subscribers, Netflix is set to become an even bigger force of change in the media world.

Holiday Season is Upon Us

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Alyssa Bertrand

The holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Some people, including me, truly believe that there is a reason for the season. That reason is not shopping or making sure one has the latest gadget. The reason is family. The reason is the great birth. The reason is to be thankful for all the great blessings that you have received over the year. The people on the other side think that it is the way one should act or behave in this time of year.

As a retail worker, I see many people throughout the day and all year round. These people can be nice one day but the next time you see him or her, they act completely different depending on the time of the year. Many people seem to undergo a system change as soon as the clock strikes midnight on the night of Halloween. The ones that hold on to shopping and the gifts tend to have a switch on them that changes their whole personality throughout the year. This time of the year really makes me wonder what is going through the heads of those people.

Thanksgiving is this week and Christmas is just a short four weeks away. This is the time of the year when one should be able to sit around the table with one’s family, able to enjoy the time together and give thanks for all the good and even bad in one’s life. Instead, people are more worried about the newest television or the better gaming system that one has to have. Do those people think about the ones that want to be home for the holidays? Do they think about the ones having to work those long shifts to make them happy? I doubt that. Most of the people are shopping on thanksgiving and black Friday, do not care as long as one can get what they want, for a what they think is a cheaper price.

This holiday season, take time to thank your family, friends, and even your professors for being there and for guiding you through the semester. If you go shopping, take time to thank to workers. You are out because you are wanting to be out there, they are out because they have no choice. Be respectful during this time. Do not spend you time being rude or ungrateful this season. Follow the famous words, “Don’t forget the reason for the season”.