Beacon Spring I Finale

62nd Year--Vol. 2

Northeast Mississippi Community College--Booneville, Miss.

March 9, 2011

Northeast Breaks Ground On New Building

By Olivia King, Co-Editor Northeast Mississippi Community College president Dr. Johnny L. Allen, Ed.D., said it best when describing Northeast’s newest venture.

“This is the starting point for our campus going east and west,” Allen said.

Northeast Mississippi Community College started a new chapter in campus history with the groundbreaking of the new $9 million dollar, T. Jack Ramsey Student Services Building on Tuesday, February 8.

Allen opened the ceremony by explaining the details of the building Northeast has been anxiously awaiting.

According to Allen, this is the first capital investment in twelve years. The last major capital investment on the Northeast campus was Childers Hall, which serves as the centerpiece of the allied health complex just off Jefferson Street.

Named after Jack Ramsey, current chairman of the Northeast Board of Trustees and former Northeast student, construction on T. Jack Ramsey Student Services Building is scheduled to be completed in fall 2012.

The 37,000 square foot edifice, that was put on a five year plan three years ago See Building, on page 3

Staff Photos by Felecia Sparks

Northeast Board of Trustees chairman T. Jack Ramsey (top, left) along with other dignitaries turn the first shovel of dirt on the college’s newest building, the T. Jack Ramsey Student Services Building. Northeast president Dr. Johnny L. Allen, Ed.D., (below) speaks about the importance of the T. Jack Ramsey Student Services Building at the groundbreaking ceremony on February 8.

Building Affects Parking

By Sha’ Simpson, Co-Editor With the construction of the T. Jack Ramsey Student Services Building on the horizon, the students of Northeast Mississippi Community College are already experiencing an immediate impact.

According to the Vice President of Finance and Operations Cheryl Ragan, over the summer of 2010, planning for additional parking and the expansion of parking lots on the east and west ends of campus has accommodated students with about 200 additional parking spaces to compensate for the lack of parking that will

incur due to construction.

Despite the inconvenience of having to park farther away from class, Northeast is intent on providing students with the best parking available.

The 18-20 month project should be completed around the fall 2012, but the east end of the boulevard will be blocked causing about 100 student\staff parking spots to be lost.

Not only will this be a convenient “one-stop shop” for students but it will also free up much needed space, providing the campus with more instructional space, testing centers, and more room for state of the art technology.

Freshman Captures Title of Northeast Elects Class Favorites Miss Mississippi Teen USA

By Lacey Burcham, Staff Writer

Northeast recently held its annual campus-wide class favorites election via the Northeast website.

Ben Ford and Tyler Reed finished with the two highest vote totals and were in the run-off for Mr. Northeast with Ford being proclaimed Mr. Northeast on Thursday, March 3.

A rarity occurred in the vote for Miss Northeast as Carly Wilbanks and Summer Smith ended in a tie. The tie-breaking vote was scheduled for after presstime so look for a feature story on Mr. and Miss Northeast in the April edition of The

By Olivia King, Co-Editor Freshman Sarah Jayde Bobo is living her dream.

Late in 2010, Bobo was crowned Miss Mississippi Teen USA at the state-level pageant held at Harrah’s Event Center at Harrah’s Casino in Tunica Saturday, November 6.

Bobo is the daughter of Jeff and Kathy Bobo of Kossuth and the sister of Weston Bobo, a student at Kossuth Middle School.

“I have honestly dreamed of this since elementary school,” Bobo said. “When all the other kids were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up and said things like doctors or teachers I was always the one who wanted to be Miss USA or Miss America.”

Approximately 35 young women competed in the pageant from across the Magnolia state. During the two-day pageant, contestants competed in swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions.

Bobo received help in the expenses for the pageant from Pioneer Machinery and Formal Affairs in Corinth. It was an employee – Heather Austin Mauney – that informed Bobo about the pageant in the very beginning.

In addition to those three rounds, the top five contestants were each asked an onstage question during the pageant.

Bobo was not alone in her conquest for the title – over 20 of her closest friends and

Beacon.

Freshman girl class favorites were Casey Davis, Liz Davis, Kelsie Follin, Hannah Hastings, Mollie Hellums, Ashley Lee and Sallie Richardson.

Freshmen men class favorites of Seth Bragg, Toby Brandon, Adam Chism, Drew Cristo, Taylor Dees, Blake Littlejohn and Kyle Stephenson.

Sophomore women class favorites included Katie Bishop, Shannon Dye, Allison M. Floyd, Laquinta Jones, Molly Lambert and Skylar McCrimon.

Sophomore men class favorites included Drew Dodds, Tucker Holmes, Correl Hoyle, Hunter Maness, Reed, Sawyer Wheatley, and Chase Wilkerson.

Booneville Changes for the Better

By Brittni Cox, Staff Writer

Sarah Jayde Bobo family joined the Northeast freshman in Tunica for the event.

“I had so many fans there to support me,” Bobo explained. “They all brought signs and were cheering like crazy. I have the best support group and was so excited that they were there.”

Bobo topped Jasmine Lewis (first alternate) of Monticello, Madison Blocker See Teen, on page 5

Booneville’s changing and students will notice a difference.

Developer Brad Frederick recently told The Banner-Independent, “I really like Booneville.”

For Frederick and his partners, that love for Booneville has grown into a development in the old Wal-Mart location just off of Second Street.

Frederick and his partners have signed contracts with Aaron’s, Goody’s, Dirt Cheap and Hibbett’s Sporting Goods to relocate to the building.

Dirt Cheap opened its doors on Wednesday, February 16 and Aaron’s has already erected a sign next to Dirt Cheap and is looking to open soon as well.

Dirt Cheap is a discount retail store that specializes in liquidations, overstocks and out-of-season goods and offers those savings to its customers.

Aaron’s is a rent-to-own business where customers can find household items while Goody’s offers family clothing in a department store setting.

Hibbett’s, which has a store in Corinth along with Aaron’s, is a national sporting goods store that has over 750 locations in 24 states.

Another development happening in the same area as Frederick’s conglomerate is the recent publication that Los Abuelos, a Mexican restaurant, will be locating in the shopping center just north of Wal-Mart.

Los Abuelos opened its doors in The Marketplace at Booneville during the final weekend of February.

Opinion

2

The Beacon

Students Need Ways of Busting Stress

By Debbie Friar, Staff Writer Everybody has stress in his or her life, some more than others, but when a person is in college there is a lot of stress.

Students have class. Some have more than three classes a day, some work, some have children and also have to study, and sometimes have more than one test on the same day, which will really stress out a student.

So, what does one do for stress?

Some eat more, some exercise to make the stress go away.

There are many options one can choose from to make their life stress free.

Northeast’s Student Counseling Center has pamphlets that suggest ways to beat the stress and if the stress seems insurmountable there is always someone there to talk with.

Here are some of the ideas that the

counseling center pamphlets suggest to beat stress: Don’t stress about being stressed When one is feeling stressed, they feel like they are on the edge and everything is barely being held together. It is normal, and the best way to handle stress is not to get more stressed about it, admit it and figure out how to handle it. Focusing on it will only make things seem worse.

Get some sleep A college student’s sleep schedule is most likely far from ideal. Getting more sleep can help a person’s mind refocus, recharge, and rebalance.

Even a quick nap can help. Sometimes, one good night’s sleep can be all one needs to hit the ground running amidst a stressful time.

Get some food Similar to one’s sleep habits, eating habits may have gone by the wayside with the start of school. Go eat balanced and

New Patriot Act Provisions Causing Concern

By Heather Smith, Staff Writer

In the United States, there are certain laws that are meant to protect the citizens of America from persecution such as the Patriot Act. Now, the U.S. government is planning to use this law to perform the same actions that it was created to prevent in the first place.

What are the provisions that are causing such uproar?

One of the changes will give the FBI permission to use roving wiretaps on suspects who are under government surveillance.

Another will give the government the right to investigate any “tangible items” during an investigation.

In the last part of the provisions the government will be intruding on the rights of an American citizen. As a provision of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist

Prevention Act, this new act will allow the surveillance of suspects who are not even linked to a specific terrorist organization.

All of these provisions were temporarily be put into effect until December 8.

This act is meant to protect the country and its citizens from terrorist attacks. Due to the impact of the attacks on September 11, 2001, the government made the provisions to increase national security.

Some believe that this is an attempt by the government to invade on citizen’s privacy. It is only meant to protect the country from foreign attacks again.

This new Patriot Act will expose American citizens to surveillance by the FBI. It will allow us to be investigated even if we have not caused to terrorist threats or endangered the country in any way.

Although it is meant to help the people of America, where is the line drawn between protecting the citizens and crossing the lines that take away a person’s rights as an American?

Editorial Cartoon by Myron Johnson, an Art Major from Memphis, TN

healthy foods such as fruits and veggies, whole grains, proteins.

Get some exercise One may think that if one does not have time to sleep or eat healthy, how would one fit in time to exercise. One way to get some exercise is to enroll in Northeast’s Fitness Center class that awards students for working out. If a class will not do, Northeast’s Student Activities offer various programs to help students stay active such as Tiger Aerobics on Monday nights.

Get some quiet time Personal space for students in college rarely exists and when was the last time a student can remember that they actually had some quality, quiet time? Students share rooms, restrooms, classrooms, cafeterias, bookstores, library and almost anywhere else on campus with a myriad of other students so a quiet zone may be the answer for a student to recharge after a long stressful day.

Northeast Offers Ample Parking Staff Editorial Many students on the Northeast campus tend to worry about parking spaces and distance to classes, when what said students fail to realize are the numerous benefits of having such a small campus.

Unlike senior colleges like the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and Mississippi State University, the Northeast campus is compact enough that a walk from one end to the other barely exceeds 10 minutes.

One can easily get from almost any end of the campus to the other within the appropriate amount of time, given that they are not pulling into the parking lot at 7:58 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class.

The current amount of parking spaces at Northeast is more than enough to accommodate students.

Especially since there are many parking locations near each building, some of which are rarely taken advantage of at all, like the spaces behind Mississippi Hall and at the band practice field.

Instead of looking at it as a horrible part of a student’s day, walking to class is simply daily exercise.

Depending on where classes are, walking to and from classes may even burn all the calories needed for a daily workout.

Unfortunately, the congested Boulevard leads to hazardous crosswalks.

Designated stopping points sometimes fail to be effectively observed, and while pedestrians have the right of way; it is also encouraged that pedestrians take advantage of these crosswalks for everyone’s safety.

Safety can also be achieved through the proper use of one’s stereo and cell phone, and the proper use of the road as exactly that, a road, and not a medium for conversation.

Despite these general precautions, during the chaotic conditions of class intermission, accidents can easily happen if one is not careful.

If a student has a class near the boulevard and finds that the parking lot to be completely full, the issue can easily be solved by parking in the under-used lot behind Mississippi Hall.

Parking can truly be aggravating the first few weeks of the semester, but by the middle of the semester the parking situations typically have a way of working themselves out.

One rule students should always rely on is, “Less talking and more walking!”

“Less talking and more walking!”

Donating Locks

Tigers Roar

By Lacey Burcham, Staff Writer

“How do you alleviate stress?”

Jordan Standifer Freshman Aberdeen, MS

Hillary Medlin Freshman Ripley, MS

Shronda Beeks Freshman Amory, MS

Dustin Roberts Freshman Corinth, MS

Tevin McMillian Freshman, Amory, MS

Mollie Hellums Freshman Bruce, MS

Shalon Gillon Freshman Amory, MS

“Listen to music”

“Meditate”

“Workout”

“Workout”

“Workout”

“Painting”

“Play basketball”

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Northeast Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates.

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Educational Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Board of Trustees of Northeast Mississippi Community College hereby adopts a Left to Right: (back row) Mark Fielder, Lacey Burcham, Brandy policy assuring that no one shall, on the grounds of race, sex, color, age, creed or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the Webb, co-editor Sha’ Simpson, co-editor Olivia King benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program and Brittni Cox. or activity of the college. Northeast Mississippi Community College (front row) Debbie Friar, Heather Smith, Felecia Sparks, adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity and Sarah Leathers. without regard to race, sex, color, age, creed, or national origin. This policy (not pictured) Blake Long and Dustin Roberts. includes the qualified disabled and extends to all programs and activities Advisors: (not pictured) Tony Finch and Michael H. Miller. supported by the college.

College Publication Staff

Get some social time Do not forget that your brain needs a break after working on an English paper for three days straight. Take some time to give the brain a break from studying and socialize with Northeast’s student population -- go see a movie or grab some friends and go out on the town. Enjoy the college experience and in the process recharging the brain for academics.

Get some help For many students, pride can be a determining factor when asking for help and unless one’s friends are majoring in ESP or are psychic, it may be hard for them to tell when a friend needs help.

Most college students are going through the same things at the same time, so do not feel bad if one needs to vent for 30 minutes over coffee or lunch/dinner with a friend.

The friend a student listens to today might be the one that listens to them in the future.

Locks of Love is a reputable charity organization that is a blessing to many children who have never had or who have lost their ability to grow hair, so earlier this year I decided to put in my donation.

Wigs are provided to children in need, and receive hair through donations from ordinary people.

I donated 11 inches of my hair to The Locks of Love organization as a testament.

Donating really is a good feeling. That feeling is one reason why I chose to donate my hair. Visiting the organization’s website and realizing just how simple of a process it was, coupled with the pictures and depositions of previous donators and hair loss victims were the other parts.

The first day of 2011, my hair was 26 inches long. By the end of the day only 15 inches remained. The entire event was beyond easy.

All that was really necessary is to fit the criteria (no bleached hair, minimum of 10 inches, etc.) and send it in a padded envelope to Locks of Love with the printable form off the website or just a piece of paper with your name and email address.

The hardest part about the entire process was the actual haircut, which was relatively easy and painless, even enjoyable.

When my donation was received I was notified through an email, and within the next three months I’ll receive a certificate through the mail for my contribution.

I encourage anyone able to donate, and more information on how to can be found on the Locks of Love website, www. locksoflove.org.

The Beacon

News

Animal Deaths Mystify Scientists

By Sha’ Simpson, Co-Editor On New Years’ Eve, Arkansas residents were awakened to find the ground covered with dead blackbirds.

According to state wildlife officials, roughly 1,000 blackbirds dropped dead from the sky.

High winds and tornadoes swept through Arkansas New Year’s Eve, killing seven people and state staff believe that the mass death of these birds could have possibly been weather related, due to the tornadoes, or stress related due to the popping of fireworks.

Specialists have been hired to collect the dead birds and conduct studies why they might have died.

Yet, the story gets stranger.

Black birds have even fallen in Louisiana, Kentucky and parts of Europe.

Coupled with the death of all these birds, other animal life is seemingly dying off too.

Weird phenomenon continues with

thousands of drum fish washing ashore in Arkansas, Illinois and in Maryland according to sources.

An estimated 100,000 drumfish washed ashore 125 miles away from a small city in Arkansas where most of the blackbirds were found.

As of now toxicology reports and pathology reports for both the fish and the blackbirds are still pending.

Now after these animals dying in mass, hundreds of cows in Portage County, Wisconsin have been struck dead.

Preliminary tests from scientist have ruled out disease or anything genetic, and have concluded that the reason for these cows dying in mass numbers is quite simple. The cows died of acute interstitial pneumonia.

In previous weeks, hay bales along the farm had caught fire. Well, hay never really catches fire, it smolders, which caused large amounts of smoke to blow over the cattle.

Scientist have now coined 2011 so far, as the Year of Animals Dying in Mass.

3

One Year Later, Haiti Continues to Rebuild

By Heather Smith, Staff Writer

It has been one year since the devastating earthquake hit the small country of Haiti.

Although hundreds of people jumped in to help, the damage had already been done.

Haiti is still picking up the pieces from this horrible natural disaster.

Haiti survivors are not rebuilding on their own. Just as they were right after the quake hit, the World Food Program, Partners in Health and The American Red Cross are still working hard to help put this small country back together.

Today, medical students are going in large groups throughout the year to assist the sick and injured survivors of the earthquake. Students are providing medical care for those who contracted serious illnesses from drinking contaminated water.

Several hundred refugees were sent to live in the United States after their homes were completely destroyed by the earthquake. It is now being reported that by the end of January the United States government will start sending Haiti refugees back home.

The U.S. government has stated that the refugees who have obtained citizenship or have applied for a work visa and have found work will be allowed to reside in the United States.

Although Haiti has made excellent progress there is still so much work to be done.

Working to rebuild will take several years and long hours of hard labor but that is not anything that this country has not seen before.

With the help of rescue organizations and dedicated volunteers Haiti will make a comeback.

Powering Up: Charging Devices Gets Easier Starbucks Ups

By Olivia King, Co-Editor Being able to charge many devices at one time with only one outlet being used sounds like a great idea in theory, but does the Powermat advertised on the television all the time work like it says?

First introduced in late 2008 and early 2009, Powermat made by Powermat USA uses electromagnetic induction to transfer electrical power by sharing a magnetic field. It is also used in generators, motors, transformers, cookers, video tape players, and rechargeable electric toothbrushes.

The thin mat pairs with a receiver that is connected to your device. The device must be purchased separate from the mat.

Receivers are available for iPhone, BlackBerry, LG, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Palm cell phones.

They are also available for Bluetooth headsets, Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), iPod Touch, iPod, GPS, and some Kodak cameras.

About $100 is the cost of the mat

itself, the travel mat is $100, the universal charger is $30 and the receivers start (sale price) $9.99 and up. Most average $30 to $50 each.

Right now, the company does not make receivers for all devices, but it is coming out with new ones quickly. Receivers or adapters must stay on the device and many users say they are bulky.

A person must have the receiver for the mat to lock the device into place for it to charge. It has to be in the exact spot to charge and a person will hear a unique sound telling them they are locked. A person can charge up to three devices at one time.

It charges the devices slower, and they do not charge fully.

Users say their batteries die faster than if they charge them the traditional way.

They can only charge low power devices at this time but the company is working towards charging high powered laptops in the future.

It is wireless charging, so there is only one cord to mess with and the devices can

be simply picked up off the mat without unhooking anything. The Powermat, especially the travel one, is more portable.

Convenience is huge for the Powermat, devices just have to be dropped onto the mat and they charge.

There is a magnetic attraction between the receiver and each access point on the mat which assures the device will get the best charge.

There are no exposed metal contact points like you might have with a normal charger. The mat knows when the device is charged and cuts off so that it is not wasting energy or burning up your device or its battery. Each access point on the charger has a light telling you it is charging but the mat continues to monitor the status of the battery.

There are many pros and cons to the Powermat, however there is a lot of truth in the statement CNET news made, “The Powemat is a one-pad, one-plug system that charges all your gadgets in one place without wires.”

Visit www.powermat.com for info.

Researchers Look at Cracking Parkinson’s Disease

By Heather Smith, Staff Writer Throughout the years, Parkinson’s disease has claimed the lives of several people in their later stages of life.

Until recently, there were limited means of treatment for those suffering with this deadly debilitating condition. Due to recent studies, it is now believed that Parkinson’s disease might be a genetic disorder.

Parkinson’s disease is a mental condition that affects people later in life.

Symptoms include loss of muscle control, stiffness, and shaking.

Previously, doctors believed that Parkinson’s is caused only by a toxin or head injuries. Now, scientists are linking the disease to certain genes.

Today there are several institutions and

Building...

From page 1

when it was first suggested, will stretch from the tennis courts behind the Haney Union to Daws Hall which will close off Cunningham Boulevard to College Street which currently runs perpendicular to the boulevard.

A courtyard will be made out of the rest of the boulevard until the turn-around is installed just east of the Jefferson Street intersection. All told Northeast will lose around 100 parking spaces.

Students may find themselves in a catch-22 situation by having to drive a little more to find a parking but the extra drive will be a small price to pay for having everything students need under one roof.

Northeast’s counseling center, records office, financial aid, administration, business, housing and the offices of the Dean of Student Affairs and Dean of Instruction along with the executive vicepresident and president are scheduled to all be in the T. Jack Ramsey Student Services

Cups to Trenta

By Sha’ Simpson, Co-Editor

In order to compete with the coffee servings of fast food chains around the nation, Starbucks has introduced a new size for iced coffee beverages.

McDonald’s has taken direct aim at Starbucks with frappes, fruit smoothies and espresso drinks such as lattes and cappuccino. It has also lured customers by selling 32-ounce (946.4 ml) sweet tea drinks for $1 each.

Convenience stores, which have been taking on restaurant chains with an expanded selection of low-cost, quickserve fare for years have sold fountain drinks in large sizes, including 32 ounces and 64 ounces (1.9 L).

Trenta, which was introduced in January, is now the largest size offered for iced coffee beverages for Starbucks.

Starbucks, the world’s biggest coffee chain, said unsweetened drinks in the new size will have fewer than 90 calories and that sweetened versions will have less than 230 calories.

Trenta means thirty in Italian.

Trenta, which is 31 ounces, is 325 milliliters larger than the previous largest size, Venti, that Starbucks offered.

At 916 milliliters, Trenta is actually larger than the average capacity of the adult human stomach (900mL).

As a comparison, the average soda can only contains 355 milliliters.

Live Seattle Online posted a video showing that a full bottle of wine will fit in one of the new Trenta Starbucks cups.

Other Starbucks sizes include Grande at 473 milliliters and Tall at 354 milliliters.

organizations looking for a cure.

The Stalk Institute will be doing translational research on stem cell therapy.

It will study cells taken from Parkinson’s patients and use those cells to recreate the disease in order to understand the effect that swelling has on neurological disintegration.

Taking induced pluripotent stem cells from a patients’ skin gives scientists an example to observe the pathological advancement of the disease in a human system.

After performing this extensive study, researchers hope to discover important molecular signs in the early stages that can be used to determine treatment.

Over the years, Parkinson’s disease was thought to be environmental.

However, in 2007 there were six genetic traits that are believed to increase the risk of developing the disease. After the study,

there are now eleven genetic traits linked to the disease.

These genetic traits were discovered by a worldwide effort by the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Iceland.

Leading the research were Dr. Andrew Singleton, Dr. Nick Wood, and other researchers from the International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium.

These researchers conducted a metaanalysis of five studies from Europe and the USA. This study will cover about 7.7 million genetic traits.

Findings from this research showed that twenty percent of people who had the highest number of risk factors at the eleven variants were at a higher risk of developing the disease that those with the lower number of risk factors.

Building. Currently, those offices are in six different locations on the Northeast Booneville campus.

“It is the next stop towards the future and a present to the upcoming students,” said Student Government Association President Ben Ford of Booneville.

It will be a “one-stop shop” for students to conduct business in a timely fashion and shows the respect, cooperation and hard work of Northeast.

“It will have everything needed to become a student at Northeast,” Ramsey said. “It will make the registration process very efficient and simple.”

Space will be available in Waller, Hargett, Estes and Stringer halls for renovation when the offices move to the new building.

Sophomores Carly Wilbanks and Summer Smith both of New Albany think the T. Jack Ramsey Student Services Building will make things simpler and convenient, give students more time, allow for better recruitment while giving students a courtyard to “chill” in.

Summer Smith (below, l-r) Ben Ford and Carly Wilbanks look over Ford’s golden shovel from the groundbreaking.

“NEMCC sees into the future and is Board of Trustees concluded the ceremony planning a well-built life,” said Phi Theta by turning the first shovels of dirt on the Kappa president Samuel Bragg. construction site for the new T. Jack Allen, Ramsey and the rest of the Ramsey Student Services Building. platform guests along with the Northeast The new chapter of NE has begun.

Photo by Felecia Sparks

Campus

4

The Beacon

Campus Police Carrying Non-Lethal Weapons

By Mark Fielder, Staff Writer Northeast campus police and security will be permitted to carry Tasers starting in the spring of 2011.

According to Northeast Chief of police/campus security Dean Bearden, his force will be using a standard in the law enforcement world -- the X26 Taser.

X26 Tasers use 50,000 volts of electricity to incapacitate targets and are equipped with both audio and video recording devices in order to ensure the

safety of whomever the Taser has been deployed against.

“We only deploy a Taser if someone is physically resisting arrest” said Bearden.

According to Campus Law Enforcement website, the department’s mission is, “The purpose of the NEMCC Campus Law Enforcement is to provide a safe and secure environment for the learning and recreational experience for faculty, staff, students and visitors while upholding laws and the rules and regulations of Northeast Mississippi Community College and the state of Mississippi.”

Mississippi State University Police Department has had access to Tasers for over a year and a half and has yet to use them against individuals.

As Bearden pointed out, access to Tasers give campus police another tool to aid them in the ability to do job.

For Northeast students, the addition of Tasers to campus should make the school even safer.

Boys and Girls Club Help Local Youth

By Brandy Webb, Staff Writer

Photos by Brandy Webb

Northeast Phi Theta Kappa members Leah Hunter (above) and Nick Thweatt (below) and the rest of the honors society volunteer at the Booneville Boys and Girls Club.

Booneville Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Loved by all who know them, but unseen by the community Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) started in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Conn., who thought that boys who roamed the streets should have a better alternative; consequently the town of Booneville has been helping children since September 2003.

Since Booneville’s start, its club has been dedicated to giving children a positive environment to learn and grow.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Not having their own building, and running on a shoestring budget has not stopped Booneville’s club. They take what they have and make the very most of it.

Last year, the children in Booneville’s BGCA helped fight against breast cancer by taking old chairs that were either found or donated, and painted them. Afterwards the chairs were auctioned at a luncheon to raise money to help find a cure.

To enable these children to become more caring, responsible citizens, you’re Boys and Girls Club has a great group of staff and volunteers.

Northeast’s very own Iota Zeta chapter

For more information about the Booneville Boys & Girls Club of America and how you can help, please contact Angelique Jumper at 662-210-0841. of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has been a great help to the children since Booneville club’s started in the early 2000s – and has helped the club whenever extra manpower is needed.

Also, staff members at the Booneville club have come from Northeast.

Booneville’s club always needs help and/or donations and any help is greatly appreciated.

The BGCA hopes that one will think about them next time one feels like they want to do something positive for their community, or have something worth donating.

Even the smallest things help.

Who knows what the children can do with donations.

For more information about the Booneville Boys & Girls Club of America and how one can help, please contact Angelique Jumper at 662-210-0841.

Important Dates to Remember for Students

By Debbie Friar, Staff Writer Northeast students are busy people and sometimes important dates slip by.

Thus the reason, Northeast has listed its important dates on bulletin boards around campus and on Blackboard.

Spring Break is March 14-18. Students get another break from classes on March 30 when Northeast holds its Advising Day that allows students to plan their classes for the upcoming semester. While no day classes meet, evening classes will.

With Advising Day, pre-registration for intersession, Summer I, Summer II and Fall 2011 terms also opens up from March 30-April 5.

Students do need to remember the

semester is gradually coming to a close and April 1 is the last day to withdraw for distance learning classes.

Good Friday falls later on the calendar this year on April 22 but students should pay attention that while the last day to withdraw from distance classes is April 1, the last day to withdraw from day or evening classes is April 27.

For evening classes, the last regular class meeting is May 2 with exams taking place on May 3-5 and May 9 for each respective night. Regular day students will meet for their final regular class on May 4 before exams on May 5-6, 9-10.

Graduation rehearsal is set for May 11 and Northeast’s two-night commencement exercises are on May 12 for health sciences and May 13 for traditional students.

Snow Turns NE into Winter Wonderland

By Olivia King, Co-Editor Northeast turned into a 7-to-10 inch deep white winter wonderland Sunday, January 9.

There were no classes or open offices Monday and Tuesday, January 10-11.

Students on campus enjoyed many activities on their snow days including sledding on various items that would slide down the icy hill by Yarber Hall.

Sophomore Robert Kirk Lee from Selmer, Tennessee said, “I tore up Yarber Hill, via sled on my snow days.”

Snowballs fights were continuous on campus, along with slips and falls on the slick snow and ice.

Sophomore Megan Plowman from Slayden said, “I rode four-wheelers, made

a snowman, studied and hung out with friends.”

Sophomore Lydia Poe from Falkner added, “I built a snowman, had some snowball fights, and warmed up with hot chocolate and a good book.”

Creative students built snowmen and igloos, along with snow angels.

The Union served Sunday brunch and an early dinner instead of the normal three meals a day.

Northeast’s maintenance department was hard at work while everyone else was playing.

Maintenance cleared snow off the streets and parking lots and salted the sidewalks.

“I think they did a really good job getting campus clear, ” said Northeast executive vice president Larry Nabors.

Northeast SGA offers a variety of events to help students socialize with their fellow classmates such as the Valentine’s Formal (left) that drew over 200 participants on February 8.

SGA Offers Fun Events

By Sarah Leathers, Staff Writer Northeast students should not be bored because the college’s Student Government Association (SGA) has plenty planned for students.

During February, the SGA held a Valentine’s Formal in the Claude Wright Room on the second floor of the Union that saw over 200 people attend and that was only the start of things to come for the association.

“I see this semester full of opportunities for the students,” said SGA President Ben Ford.

“We have many things planed to get every single person on this campus involved with people they normally wouldn’t hang out with. It’s going to be “full-blast fun” and packed with things to do.”

March sees Northeast Idol on March 22, which is fashioned after the popular television show, American Idol as

Northeast students come out and strut their stuff for the judges.

One month from the Valentine’s Formal, Northeast had planned a Toga Party on March 8 in Burgess Activity center and students will see their third dance of the semester as the SGA sponsors a Rave on April 12.

For those looking to de-stress from college life, the SGA is bringing back the popular Aqua Massage to the Burgess Activity Center on Monday, April 11 and to help students take their mind off being a college student for little while, the women’s dorms will also have a spa day.

Spa Day for Murphy Hall is set for Tuesday, April 19 while Mississippi Hall will be on Tuesday, April 26.

These are only a few of the things our SGA has planned for the Northeast students and to stay current on the latest happenings around campus, watch for signs in the Union or stop by the Student Activities office on the first floor of the Union and ask.

The Beacon

Campus

5

Libraries Face Digital Concerns

Northeast’s Marketing Collegiate DECA competed at the state competition in Natchez and brought home a host of awards.

Those attending the state competition include (front row l-r) Brandon Ricketts of Corinth, Jasmine Pope of Tishomingo, advisor Vickie Huggins of Biggersville, Matt Chunn of Tupelo, (second row l-r) Kim Faulkner of Booneville, McKenzie Smith of Vardaman, Kayla Jones of Booneville, (third row l-r) Eddie Pena and Ginger Radtke both of Corinth.

By Brandy Webb, Staff Writer In today’s society, people are always looking for the latest “must have” technology.

For book lovers and intellectuals that technology is the eReader. Apple, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Sony have provided people with the capability of having thousands of books at their fingertips in the push of a button.

But, what will that do for libraries?

Northeast librarian Laura Gilham thinks that eReaders will continue to be useful, and can show students articles that say the same.

Today’s eReader does not have the personality or many other positive attributes libraries have.

At the brick-and-mortar library it is not only possible to check out older books, the oldest dating back to the 1800’s, but one can also do so much more.

At Northeast a student can find a quiet place to study, use computers and printers, access databases for learning, and have a slew of librarians ready and willing to help you.

One can also get tutoring and take proctored exams when needed.

On campus students, teachers, faculty, and non-students can use the libraries resources.

During the month of December, Northeast’s three campuses had 199 people check out books.

However, 3,402 people used computers, and 1,818 accessed online databases.

The library also has audiovisuals, net library books, periodicals, and audiovisual equipment that can be used.

Amazon put a news release out about its fourth quarter sales in 2010 that stated for every 100 paperback books sold, the company sold 115 kindle books, and three times as many kindle books as hardcover.

Even though they continue to increase in sales, they will never replace the library.

In the article, “The Missing Links” David Lankes says, “Libraries are about knowledge and facilitation, not artifacts and stuff.”

Northeast’s Library offers much more than just books.

Teen...

From page 1

(second) of Oxford, Ashlyn Champion (third) of Morton and Korbin Houston (fourth) of Pachuta when she was named queen out of the top five.

For her win, Bobo received a plethora of prizes ranging from money for school to a collection of accessories.

“I received scholarships to amazing schools such as Lindenwood University, New York Film Academy and O’More College of Design in Franklin, Tenn.,” Bobo said. “Also I received shoes, a cosmetic dentistry package, a scholarship from Greenwood Productions, jewelry.

So many businesses and boutiques from all around Mississippi donated prizes.

It was so much I am so very blessed,” Bobo explained.

In 2011, Bobo will represent Mississippi as its Miss Mississippi Teen USA and will compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant held during the summer of 2011.

“I plan to represent our great state as best as I can,” Bobo said. “This next year I will be very busy preparing with a personal trainer, speech and communications specialist, and stage presence coach for Miss Teen USA pageant which is usually held in the Bahamas.

Photo Submitted

DECA Marketing Places at State Competition Booneville in restaurant food services management, Kayla Jones from Booneville in retail merchandising, Eddie Pena from Booneville and Brandon Ricketts from Corinth in sports and entertainment marketing; Jasmine Pope from Tishomingo in fashion merchandising marketing, Ginger Radtke from Corinth and McKenzie Smith of Vardaman in business ethics.

Radtke and Smith led the way at the state conference for the Northeast Marketing Collegiate DECA team with a second place showing in business ethics.

Northeast placed third in the chapter of the year category with Bascomb, Ricketts and Pope representing the chapter.

Pope and Jones finished fourth in their respective categories with Pope capturing a fourth place finish in fashion merchandising while Jones placed fourth in retail merchandising.

Northeast’s Collegiate Marketing DECA chapter also received acknowledgement for being a 100-percent chapter and for it’s

donations to the “Fighting Hunger in the State of Mississippi” charity and the Jim Bowers Foundation.

Winners with high enough finishes at state conference are eligible to compete at the National Collegiate DECA Conference in Orlando, Fla., on April 13-17.

Recently, the marketing chapter elected new officers for 2011.

Pope was chosen as president while Radtke will serve as vice president. Ricketts was elected as secretary while Blake Dees of Ripley will be the club’s reporter.

Jones will function as the organization’s parliamentarian.

Students in collegiate DECA are required to do fund-raisers to earn money for state and national conferences.

Members of the Northeast Marketing Collegiate DECA organization have earned money by washing cars, holding yard sales, hosting womanless fashion show, Subway sales, and collecting donations for a chance to win a prize.

Northeast Dental Hygiene Department offers all the dental services a patient needs in one visit for just $15.

Located in Childers Hall, which is located off the Boulevard at Northeast Mississippi Community College, on the fourth floor is the Dental Hygiene Department where instructors not only teach students they also prepare students very well for work.

After students have been taught a skill and have practiced on classmates, friends and family, they are allowed to perform it, with supervision, in the clinic to the public.

The clinic, which was started in 1978, is in the Dental Hygiene Department (fourth floor of Childers Hall) on the back side of the building.

Some skills performed at the clinic

include: sealants to prevent cavities, perio exam, oral cancer exam, cleaning of teeth, fluoride treatment and different x-rays.

These skills are performed by Dental Hygiene students supervised by licensed Dentists and Dental Hygienists or the Dentists and Hygienists themselves.

Also, the dentist, Dr. Nick Alexander, examines every patient.

These services would cost anywhere from $65 to $100 in a dentist’s office.

It costs $15 a visit for the public and is free to Northeast all students, faculty, staff and to immediate family members of the dental hygiene students, regardless of what services are performed, how long it takes, income level or if a person has insurance.

Anyone can come to the clinic with an appointment.

Appointments offered at 8 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Beginning February 14, appointments may

be made Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment is (662) 720–7208.

The clinic opens in August and goes through the first week in December, then opens back up the second week in January and goes through the first week in May. “It feels like a real office, students get a great feel of what it will be like out in the real world,” said dental hygiene sophomore, Kimberly Shaw from Byhalia about the clinic.

The Dental Hygiene Department invites anyone to come try their services and to tour the department if they are interested in becoming a student in the program.

“Our clinic is a great learning experience for students and a great service for the community,” said Vickie E. Jones, R.D.H, who has been a Dental Hygiene Instructor at Northeast since 1994.

“This year is not just about preparing for the national pageant; I also plan to be a role model for girls all around Mississippi.”

The Kossuth native has had to make some minor changes to her already active lifestyle.

“For the next year I cannot compete in any other pageants or wear any crowns from past pageants,” Bobo explained.

By being Miss Mississippi Teen USA, Bobo earned the right to compete in the Miss USA Teen 2011 pageant. The site for the pageant has not been set but past competitions have been held in such exotic locations as Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas.

Greenwood Productions, who directed the Miss Mississippi USA/ Teen USA pageants, are picking up the tab for Bobo’s expenses for the national competition as well as providing Bobo with access to a personal trainer, speech and communications professionals, and a stage presentation professional, makeup artist and hair professionals.

Kim Greenwood, executive director of Greenwood Productions, also directs the Miss Georgia USA/Teen USA and Tennessee USA/Teen USA Pageants.

The Miss Teen USA pageant is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture.

Not only has winning the Miss

Northeast freshman Sarah Jayde Bobo (right) has been enjoying the life as Miss Mississippi Teen USA and has gotten to spend time with some important people such as Miss Mississippi USA Keeley Patterson (left) and Texas author Terry Caffey.

Mississippi Teen USA pageant been a great over, including attending the Miss USA experience for Bobo, she has also learned a 2011 pageant held in Las Vegas!” Bobo lot about herself as a person. exclaimed. “I love to travel so this is going “I feel like I have learned so much to be great.” about myself and gained a confidence Bobo, who is very grateful for this about myself that I didn’t even know opportunity, knew where to give thanks. existed,” Bobo said.

“I thank God everyday for the The Miss Mississippi Teen USA opportunity to make my dream come true,” pageant will also allow the Northeast Bobo said. “Not only does this give me the freshman a chance to see the country while opportunity to fulfill my dream, it gives attending other pageants. me the opportunity to be a role model for “Over the next year I will travel all young girls all over the state.”

By Brandy Webb, Staff Writer Marketing entrepreneur Jack Barringer once said “Success is not a matter of desire, but the product of hard work.”

Northeast Marketing Collegiate DECA prepares students to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their community.

DECA trains students in the areas of marketing, sales, advertising, and management along with internships in a marketing related field.

Northeast’s Marketing Collegiate DECA chapter competed in the Collegiate DECA State Conference held in Natchez from February 23-25.

Northeast can compete in three categories -- business simulations, case studies, and prepared business presentations.

Marketing students that competed Hannah Bascomb from Glen in human resource management, Kim Faulkner from

Program Offers Free Dental Care

By Olivia King, Co-Editor

Sports

6

The Beacon

New Attitude and Leadership Leads Northeast Softball

By Blake Long Staff Writer This time a year ago, the Northeast Mississippi Community College Lady Tigers softball team was 1-9 and on their way to missing the playoffs for the first time under Coach Jody Long’s tenure.

Fast forward one year later, and one sees a completely different Northeast team.

Through their first two tournaments, the Lady Tigers have compiled a 5-5 record and have notched keynote victories over the previous two National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II national champions.

The Lady Tigers defeated 2010 national champion and No. 13-ranked Muskegon Community College at the Patriot Bash in Muscle Shoals, Ala. on February 11, 6-4 before taking down 2009 national Northeast sophomore catcher Molly champion Heartland Community College Lambert of Booneville connects with a 4-0 at the Rush Invitational in Meridian the pitch during the Lady Tigers game against following weekend.

Couple that with wins over NorthwestThree Rivers (Mo.) on February 26.

Shoals (Ala.) Community College, Meridian Community College, and Lurleen B. Wallace (Ala.) Community College, along with losses to five tough opponents, and the Lady Tigers can say they have played one of the toughest pre-conference schedules in not just Mississippi, but the entire nation.

All this to prepare for the rigid schedule that waits in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division.

Northeast opened North Division play March 2 with a 5-2, 5-3 split at Mississippi Delta and played its division home opener March 4 against East Mississippi.

Although Northeast was not picked to win Region XXIII by coaches in the NJCAA, or even be in the top four, the Lady Tigers are confident they can prove their opposition wrong.

“As a team, we have a different attitude,” team captain Leslie Hendrix said, “We’ve worked really hard so far. We’ve come together as one team with one goal,

to gain success one game at a time.”

After a spring break trip to Memphis (Southwest Tennessee) and Little Rock (Arkansas Baptist), Northeast opens a slate of twelve straight division contests – beginning with rival and defending MACJC North Division champion Itawamba Community College on Tuesday, March 22.

Road trips to Goodman (Holmes) and Scooba (East Mississippi) along with home contests against Coahoma, Mississippi Delta, and Northwest line what Long notes as a key stretch for his team.

After two non-conference games (Arkansas Baptist, at Bevill StateSumiton), the Lady Tigers complete division play with road trips to Itawamba and Coahoma and a home doubleheader against Holmes.

Northeast will honor its six sophomores on Monday, April 25 when it hosts Bevill State-Sumiton at 2 p.m. at Booneville City Park.

Northeast Teams Fall in MACJC State Tournament Caltech Snaps

By Blake Long Staff Writer Both of Northeast basketball teams were eliminated in the first round of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) State Basketball Tournament.

However, one team breathed new life after elimination.

Northeast’s men participated in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XXIII Tournament at Mississippi College in Clinton the week of February 28-March 5.

Northeast battled the same team it saw in the first round of MACJC State Tournament – state runner-up Pearl River Community College only to see its season end at 11-15 after a 70-59 decision to the Wildcats.

Northeast’s women did not qualify for the Region XXIII Tournament, concluding their season with their 78-66 loss to Copiah-Lincoln Community College in the MACJC Tournament.

The Lady Tigers, who end the 201011 season at 11-12, cut the Co-Lin lead to single digits with three minutes to play in the first half.

However, key miscues allowed the No. 13-ranked Lady Wolves to reclaim a double-digit lead and never look back.

Sophomore Chelsey Whitaker led Northeast in her final game as a Lady Tiger with 17 points.

At the same time, freshman post player Anna Brooke Page scored 13 of her 15 points in the second half.

“We knew we were facing an uphill battle coming into this game because Co-Lin is so physical and so athletic,”

Northeast head coach Ricky Ford said.

Ford also added about his team, “But we played hard the whole game and I was proud of that.”

Northeast’s Tigers lost their first round game of the MACJC State Tournament against No. 15-ranked Pearl River Community College in heartbreaking fashion.

After ending regulation tied 78-78, the Wildcats outscored Northeast 14-5 in overtime to eliminate the Tigers 92-83, who entered Region XXIII Tournament play with a 11-14 record.

Sophomore Tyler Pritchard recorded his best game of the season against Pearl River in the state tournament, dropping a team-high 30 points.

Freshmen Jermaine Hollimon (24) and Robert Wade (16) joined Pritchard in double digits for the Tigers.

Not only did the National Football League’s (NFL) signature game pit two of the league’s best franchises – the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers – the game’s location and halftime will also go down in the annals of football lore.

History was made on February 6 as both teams took to the field at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas in the $1 billion stadium affectionately called, “The House that Jerry built.”

Halftime for the Super Bowl is just as historical as the Black Eyed Peas along with Slash from Guns ‘N Roses and Usher made Super Bowl history, just not in the positive way.

By Heather Smith, Staff Writer

The Black Eyed Peas made a mess of the show combining the use of lights and special effects that made the show seem more like a circus than a real show.

However, the worst part was the performance of “Sweet Child ‘O Mine,” with Slash.

Even with the help of Usher, the NFL and the Black Eyed Peas could not pull off a show that brought more excitement to viewers than disappointment.

Christina Aguilera set the stage for the historical night by flubbing the national anthem. Aguilera slaughtered “The Star Spangled Banner” with too many extended vocal parts.

One can only ask how such a simple performance of one of the most popular songs in America could go so wrong.

Back to the game, Green Bay jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter and extended its lead to 18 as the Pack pulled ahead of the Steelers 21-3 at one point only to see the Steelers battle back and cut the lead to 21-10 at the half.

Second half action saw the teams light up the scoreboard at Cowboys Stadium as the Packers hung on for a 31-25 victory in the new $1 billion stadium.

This game was an amazing sight to see.

Although it did not compare to some of the past games as it concerns halftime shows or the hilarity of commercials, it was a historical day for the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. And as many football fans will say, nothing is more important to a professional football team than winning a Super Bowl.

For the first time since before many readers were even born, Caltech finally won a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game.

While no one knew that the game on February 22 would make headlines, Caltech had been building up to this point.

With only three seconds left on the clock, Ryan Elmquist knocked down a free throw to give Caltech a 46-45 lead and Occidental College’s desperation shot at the buzzer went wide sending Caltech fans celebrating.

What made Caltech’s win so monumental?

For the first time since January 23, 1985, Caltech’s men’s basketball team scored a conference win in the competitive Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Elmquist, who finished with 23 points that night, helped re-write history at the Braun Athletic Center as the Beavers knocked off Occidental College 46-45.

Prior to its win over Occidental College, Caltech’s last conference win came when the college beat La Verne 48-47 some 26 years and 310 SCIAC games ago.

Everything they accomplished goes to show that hard work and dedication pay off.

Caltech stuck with it and did not lose hope and that attitude finally granted them with a well-deserved victory.

Teamwork is what wins games and the members of the Caltech men’s basketball team are a prime example of working together to achieve a goal.

edition of the Tigers look to make a deeper run in the playoffs.

“I feel like we have a good group of guys this year,” said centerfielder Lee Griffin, who was named a team captain for the 2011 team, “These guys are willing to work hard and put in the time and effort to

make it to the next round.”

Finishing with a losing record for the first time since the 2007 season at 25-27 last season, Northeast looks to right the ship during the 2011 campaign.

However, the Tigers have been plagued by injuries to begin their season.

Eight different Tigers have missed time due to injuries, some taking a redshirt due to their injuries. Numerous others have been banged up during practices.

“We’ve have had a bunch of guys injured,” Northeast sophomore catcher Will Wallis said, “It’s been a tough beginning with the injuries, but we’ve had freshman step up.”

As of February 25, Northeast began its 2011 campaign at 1-3, following a homeopening doubleheader sweep by Calhoun Community College and a split at Wallace State Community College-Hanceville.

The road ahead gets no easier for the Northeast baseball team, as it participates in one of the toughest schedules in school history.

After playing Central Alabama Community College and Northwest-Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, Ala. on Saturday, Feb. 26, the Tigers travel to Raymond to face Hinds Community College and Texas perennial power Panola

College in the Wes Cliburn Memorial Tournament.

Following home dates with Arkansas Baptist College, Northwest-Shoals, and Iowa power Ellsworth Community College and a road trip to John C. Calhoun, Northeast opens up MACJC North Division play at rival Itawamba Community College on Saturday, March 19.

Northeast finishes the season with 24 of its final 28 games against division opponents, sandwiching non-division games at Arkansas Baptist and at Jackson State (Tenn.) Community College.

“Of course our schedule is pretty tough being in Region XXIII, one of the better regions in the nation,” said pitcher Drew Dodds, who was also elected a team captain for the Tigers, “Our non-division is also tough playing Division I schools like Calhoun and Jackson State.”

In other keynote dates, Itawamba visits Northeast on Wednesday, April 12 at 1 p.m.

Northeast will honor its 12 sophomores on Sophomore Day by hosting Northwest Mississippi Community College Wednesday, April 27 at 1 p.m. at Harold T. White Field.

The Tigers conclude regular season play Saturday, April 30 at East Mississippi Community College.

Super Bowl 2011 Made History in More Than One Way

By Heather Smith, Staff Writer

Losing Streak

Tigers Look to Advance Past First Round

By Blake Long Staff Writer After failing to make it past the first round of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) playoffs the previous two seasons, the 2011

Northeast sophomore second baseman Jordan Gurley of Corinth (left) thwarts Calhoun Community College’s Hunter Kelley’s slide attempt into second during the Tigers season opener at Harold T. White Field in Booneville on Tuesday, February 15.

Leisure

The Beacon

7

Theaters expect capacity crowds with blockbusters

By Lacey Burcham, Staff Writer As 2011 unfolds with the greatly anticipated release of predicted blockbusters, epics, and sequels, movie theatres expect to have record crowds.

Bringing in the year as the top three movies in theaters was “Little Fockers,” “True Grit,” and “Tron: Legacy”.

Ever since then big screen moneymakers such as “No Strings Attached,” “The Green Hornet,” “The Dilemma,” “Black Swan,” “The Fighter,” “The Rite,” “The

Mechanic” and “Yogi Bear” have debuted, all reaching top ten box office spots.

It seems 2011 will be a year for sequels, with such titles as “Big Momma’s House: Like Father Like Son” in February, the sequel “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” in March, and “Scream 4” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” in April.

The pattern continues with, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “The Hangover 2,” and “Kung Fu Panda 2” are to release in May. “Cars 2” and another X-Men addition, “X-Men: First Class,” in

Barbie and Ken Look to Social Media quotes as his status. If someone wants to

By Lacey Burcham, Staff Writer

After seven years of separation, Barbie and Ken, are back together, and it all was thanks to voters on Facebook, and Twitter.

The dolls used their social networking sites to publicly debate their relationship specifics. Ken posted comments with the intention of wooing Barbie, and Barbie is posting about her concerns and overwhelming confusion.

This sounds all too familiar. Two confused and unrequited loves live their lives and personal drama on the Internet.

If Barbie rejected Ken, he would start to post vague, dark, and mysterious love

get gossipy, did not Barbie leave Ken? Not only did she leave him, she left him for an Australian surfer named Blaine and then called it a mutual separation. If anything, she should be begging him to take her back.

That sounds typical too. The hot-shot blonde goes off with the hipster, free-spirit, surfer-boy leaving the good guy all alone in his big, lonely Malibu mansion.

Ken’s decision to beseech Barbie for her hand suspiciously coincides with Mattel’s upcoming release of the new “Sweet Talking Ken” doll and Ken’s fiftieth anniversary, making one a little skeptic to his true intentions.

T.I. Captures Fans in “Takers”

By Debbie Friar, Staff Writer

“Takers” starring T.I. (Tip Harris and Dalonte Rivers), Chris Brown, Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Michael Ealy, Matt Dillon, and Zoe Saldana features an action packed thriller and leaves audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the 107-minute movie.

With an all-star cast and a strategically planned plot, the movie keeps evolving as characters scheme elaborate ways to rob

from people.

The name of the movie speaks for itself, and “take” is what they do best.

The story begins as the crew, led by Walker, conspire to pull off a multi-million dollar bank robbery, while his former counterpart, Rivers, sits in jail.

Upon the release of Rivers, he rejoins his old crew to plot the biggest robbery yet.

Actress Saldana is the love interest of T.I., and Ealy causes conflict within the group ending in chaos.

This movie is sure to please.

June. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” and the highly anticipated “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt. II” will be set in July.

The next installment of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” will release in November, along with “Happy Feet 2” in 3-D. During the last half of the year many more sequels will emerge, like “Spy Kids 4,” “Final Destination 5,” “Piranha 3DD,” “Paranormal Activity 3,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” “Sherlock Holmes 2,” and “A Very Harold and Kumar

Christmas”.

In February and March “The Roommate,” “Gnomeo and Juliet,” “Drive Angry,” “Rango,” “Red Riding Hood,” and “Sucker Punch” will be hitting the screens.

Marvel classics “Thor” (May) and “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July) unveil in theatres this year, as does DC’s “The Green Lantern” in June.

With “Winnie the Pooh” and “Cowboys and Aliens” in July, “The Smurfs” in August, the remake of “Footloose” in October, and “Puss in Boots” in November, moviegoers will have plenty of entertainment.

Northeast Theatre Department treated faculty, staff and students to the department’s adaptation of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” for the 2011 spring production.

The Odd Couple Gives Reality Check

By Sarah Leathers, Staff Writer I attended Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” play presented by the Northeast Theatre department.

The first thing I noticed was the stage, the setting of a divorced, single man’s house around 1970. The stage was wonderfully decorated, I actually thought I had walked into someone’s home.

Scene one was a group of men playing poker, but one of their players, Felix, was missing. After much talk suddenly a phone call came in from Felix’s wife. She called

to say he had left their home upset since they were getting a divorce.

As the men discussed the development in Felix’s life, who finally entered the room much to their relief.

Felix is very frantic about the breaking up of his marriage. Oscar, the owner of the messy apartment, offers Felix a place to live.

Felix is a odd character and a bit of a neat freak. Oscar grows tired of his cleanliness and they fight.

I personally enjoyed this play. The actors’ performance seemed flawless. The set was well put together and very life-like.

The Benefits of Transferring to William Carey University: WCU looks at community college transfer students’ GPA scores instead of ACT scores.

Students can transfer up to 64 hours of credits from their community college.

WCU offers bachelor, master, specialist, and the doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees.

More than 90% of WCU’s full-time students receive some type of financial assistance in the form of loans, student employment, grants and scholarships.

WCU offers an extra $300 scholarship per year to transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

William Carey University Hattiesburg ~ Biloxi ~ New Orleans

www.wmcarey.edu 1-800- 962-5991