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TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014
SMART Shuttle changes seek to accommodate students, faculty by Pranaav Jadhav Staff Writer
The Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit system shuttles began running across the city of Starkville on Jan. 6., and now, after eight months of service, the transit system has carried over 300,000 commuters, both on and off campus. Beginning this fall, two SMART shuttle routes face changes. Forest Products that was first served by the South Loop, has now been added to the Sportsplex Express route, and Oak and Magnolia Hall, which were not served earlier by SMART, have now been added to the South Loop.
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Niraj Palsule, a junior chemical engineering major and a SMART shuttle commuter, said for the first two days the Sportsplex shuttle carried commuters to the Sportsplex before it dropped them off at Forest Products. “Such a route map caused inconvenience to those that used the Forest Product stop to board and de-board the shuttle because they had to wait for over 25 minutes even though the shuttle passed by their apartments,” Palsule said. Myron Douglas, graduate student at MSU and a daily commuter of the SMART shuttle, said a change of this sort without consulting the people that use the product is not practicing good business. Shuttle, 2
Emily Baker | The Reflector
Gregory Dunaway, Dean of Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, proudly rings his cowbell as he accepts YouTube sensation “Kid President’s” ice bucket challenge. The ice bucket challenge is an activity dedicated to the support of individuals who suffer from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”
Dogs in local cemeteries stir community debate by Nia Wilson Staff Writer
Emily Baker | The Reflector
Starkville’s Board of Alderman will decide whether a banning of dogs from local cemeteries is necessary due to complaints about dog desecration of graves. Bill Green, administrator of city cemeteries, said they await the approval of problem-solving alternatives such as an increase in doggie bags and garbage cans in these areas.
The City of Starkville continues to battle the ongoing issue of pet owners allowing their dogs to desecrate local cemeteries. In light of this issue, there have been many distraught residents because owners are permitting dogs to use the bathroom on or around graves. Currently, there are three city-owned cemeteries. There are two on University Drive and one on Martin Luther King West/ Highway 182. Parker Wiseman, Mayor of Starkville, said the Board of Aldermen have received many complaints about the dogs and they are working steadily to correct the issue. “The board is going
to seek further advisement from the Cemetery Association on how they will proceed,” Wiseman said. “The Board is committed to having an open dialogue with both the public at large and the Cemetery Association as to what future pet policies should exist. Punishments for those who continue to not clean up after their pets will also be discussed.” Bill Green, administrator for the city cemeteries, said that while the Cemetery Association’s meeting is not until September, they are currently awaiting some ideas to be approved. “Our city planner is developing signs for all our city cemeteries. There is also a move to provide more doggie bags and garbage cans. The garbage cans will not be limited to just the
cemeteries but for the length of University. We have seen an increase in trash all up and down University.” Green said that the pets misusing cemeteries is definitely an ongoing issue that the City needs to address. “This problem is not specific to just one cemetery, but to all three. Unfortunately, the one on University is in the spotlight because it’s in the Cotton District,” Green said. “The Cemetery Association’s biggest concern is that owners are not cleaning up after their dogs. This is very problematic for Starkville as a whole, but especially the Cotton District.” Scott Maynard, Alderman for Ward 5, said they noticed the problem early in the summer and the meeting to address the problem was held on August 19th. Dogs, 3
New MSU police chief Closing of Three Little brings enthusiasm, changes Pigs welcomes new Penn’s by D.J. Wormley Staff Writer
Mississippi State University has many new faces this year, including newly appointed Mississippi State University police chief Vance Rice. MSU police chief Vance Rice grew up in Fayetteville,
Mississippi, and moved to Vicksburg in summer of 1985, and began practicing law enforcement in 1989. Rice said he has enjoyed being police chief so far. “This has been a great experience so far”, Rice said. “Everyone has really welcomed me.” Rice said he feels that the MSU police department has done a great job building the basic
building blocks for enforcing university rules. “The foundation is there, it just needs tweaks and fine tuning.” Rice said since he is still fairly new to the job, he is still evaluating what he thinks needs to be done in the department. “I’m still assessing and learning, some things may be better now than I could make them,” Rice said.
by Myra Rice Staff Writer
Food, family, and fun are the cornerstone for many American families, so it comes as no surprise that the family behind Starkville’s new restaurant, are all about those American values too.
Michael Penn, owner of the new Penn’s Restaurant opening in Starkville around mid-September, is excited to be carrying on family tradition. “My father started the first Penn’s catfish house over 50 years ago. He got out of the logging business and opened in Canton, Ms in 1967,” Penn said.
Penn’s father, Roger Penn, isn’t the only family member involved in the restaurant business. “I have two older sisters that were involved, and an identical twin brother who is still in the business,” Penn said. The taste of Penn’s is no stranger to the Mississippi State community.
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Emma Katherine Hutto | The Reflector
Students ride MSUʼs SMART shuttle to various destinations. Changes to shuttle routes will include the addition of Forest Products to the Sportsplex Route and a shortening of the South Route.
SHUTTLE
“What bothered me most is that I have never once seen any of the administrative person riding those shuttles and see what the experience of the student is. They have no first-hand knowledge of what the student is going through,” Douglas said. On Wednesday afternoon the administration revamped the route and the sportsplex shuttle began serving the Forest Products stop twice in one loop. Palsule said this change will avoid further inconvenience. “I highly praise the quick and appropriate action taken by the transit department. A further scope for improvement would be to reduce the waiting time between shuttles by increasing the number of shuttles on this route,” he said. Douglas also said he is pleased that the department made this change. Jeremiah Dumas, director of parking, transit and
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sustainability at MSU, said every year the department evaluates the shuttle system and looks for ways to improve the system. “Due to traffic and construction, we are trying to shorten routes and keep the routes either in the north or south parts of campus. Forest Products was moved to the Sportsplex Route to shorten the South Route, and because the sportsplex shuttle was already driving by the Forest Products lab. It just made sense to use that route instead of the South Loop,” Dumas said. “By shortening the South Loop, we were able to add a shuttle stop in the South Residential Zone between Oak and Rice hall. This area was previously not serviced by the transit system, and by adding this stop, we now have connected to the many students in that zone.” Ward 5 Alderman Scott Maynard said if students have complaints they can
call the transportation office. “The routes are set by the MSU Transportation Committee. I know they have reached out to students for feedback and are making adjustments to meet the needs of all students. They are constantly evaluating to achieve the best route possible to meet the needs of the maximum number of students,” Maynard said. Dumas said there has been no cutback in service. “The routes have all grown or adjusted. We have extended our operating hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. We also now have an evening route on campus,” he said. “Feedback is always welcome and is appreciated. We constantly receive praise, ideas and thoughts. We appreciate them all.” If students have a complaint or a suggestion, they can call the transit office at 325-5204.
Emma Katherine Hutto | The Reflector
Dillon Day autographs a Mississippi State SEC football schedule during fan day on August 24 at Davis Wade Stadium. Fan day featured MSU Womenʼs soccer, volleyball and football players who provided autographs and game schedules for young fans.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014 REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
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Rice said adding the canine dogs will improve the safety for MSU. “The Canines will be good for MSU for added protection and can help throughout the region”, Rice said. Rice said one of the dogs will even be used to detect bombs and could possibly help save the lives of young children in schools. “One of the canines will be a bomb dog, so if there is a bomb detected in a school, for example, and a bomb dog from MSU is shown on the scene, parents
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mind. “He is very personable and friendly, but he is also not afraid to stand up for what’s right”, Netadj said. Netadj said the thing she likes about Rice the most is the fact that he seems to really trust the people he works with. “He is very trustworthy, he seems to trust me and my staff, he values he receives our knowledge and respects and appreciates our input”, Netadj said. Netadj said she feels Rice is going to be a great addition to the department and represent
“We have a special sauce called the comeback sauce and a chicken on a stick not like any other. It’s special,” Penn said. Penn’s restaurant will provide quality employment for some Starkville residents. “We want to hire real good people to work there. We look to hire cooks, front servers and staff people,” Penn said. Penn’s location is ideal for those commuting from campus in search of a good meal. “We will be located on Hwy 12., not very far from the college students,” Penn said. The atmosphere of
Penn’s is promising for those in search of something strictly for family. “Our business is 100 percent family-oriented, and it’s meant to take care of students as well. Penn’s is not a bar place,” Penn said. The pressure is definitely on with the grand opening of the restaurant not being far away. “We have a big state fair around the same time as the grand opening. The state fair is something really big for us, but we couldn’t let the opportunity to open up in Starkville pass,” Penn said. Alongside Penn is his wife Myra Penn, who said she is happy to be able to support her husband at this
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Thursday, August 21 9:11 a.m. Student reported his vehicle was almost hit waiting on a parking spot beyond McCarthy Gym. 3:58 p.m. Employee reported losing her departmental keys on August 8, 2014. 4:05 p.m. Parking service employee reported hitting a parked vehicle in Ruby Hall parking lot. 7:27 p.m. A student reported his vehicle was damaged while parked behind Rice Hall. 9:06 p.m. Student referrals were issued to three students for causing a disturbance in Ruby Hall Friday, August 22 12:19 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for careless driving and DUI. 12:19 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for minor in possession of alcohol. Traffic Citations A student was arrested in Starkville for careless driving and DUI. A citation was issued for speeding 36/20 on Stone Blvd. A citation was issued for speeding 37/20 on Stone Blvd. A citation was issued for speeding 35/20 on Collegeview St. A citation was issued for speeding 39/20 on Collegeview St. A citation was issued for speeding 42/20 on Collegeview St.
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time. “I support my husband. Opening up a restaurant is very fast paced, and I help as much as I can,” Penn said. As a wife of a restaurant owner, Myra explains her role in the madness. “I’m just the gopher,” she said jokingly. Myra also serves as a nurse, but said she looks forward to being as involved as possible. Penn, who has children enrolled at Mississippi State University, looks forward to embracing Starkville. “Starkville is a great place, Penn said. We’ve always known it.”
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“The Board discussed the matter and proposed that the Cemetery Association should come up with a draft resolution for the action they want to be taken in the future. They will discuss it during their September meeting.” Maynard said he hopes in the future pet owners will take responsibility for themselves and their pets. “The City wants to encourage pet owners to clean up after their dogs regardless of where they are in the city,” he said. Our main concern about this is to protect the sanctity of the cemetery and to make sure that residents are responsible pet owners.”
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the university in a positive way. “I believe that Chief Rice is going to be a really great asset to the department and he is going to represent his people and the university very well”, Netadj said. Haley Griffin, part time dispatcher at the MSU police department, said Rice seems to be very excited about his position and eager to make changes. “Chief Rice seems very enthusiastic about his job”, Griffin said. “I think he’s going to make some very good changes.” CONTINUED FROM 1
Penn recalls MSU sporting events being the catalyst for good business. “About 25-27 years ago we were invited to Starkville for baseball and football games. That’s how we got our name out there,” Penn said. The menu promises a tailgate-friendly collection of diverse entrees and appetizers. “Catfish and chicken is our biggest thing, but we have tenders, fries, some seafood and our famous fried dill pickles,” Penn said. The Penns anticipate the support of Starkville and seek to satisfy hungry taste buds.
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will have a warm fuzzy feeling about MSU because we protected their child.” Rice said he believes he has many great qualities that will make him a great police chief. “I like to believe I’m fair, understanding, slow to anger, I try not to let small things bother me”, Rice said. “You can only do the best you can.” Mandy Netadj, assistant director at the MSU police department and assistant to Rice, said Rice is very nice and not afraid to speak his
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014
COLUMN: International Ink
News media triumphs in refusing to show Foley’s death James Foley, an American journalist working for Agence-France-Presse, an international news agency headquartered in Paris, was captured in Syria over 600 days ago in 2012 when he was covering the civil war in Syria. Foley, in a video shot over a year ago, recalls the traumatic experience he went through when he saw his friend Anton Hammerl, a South African photojournalist, shot in the stomach and left to die. Last week, the unfortunate news broke that Foley was beheaded by a black-garbed executioner, and a video showing the beheading was uploaded on social media by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) for the world to see. As someone who works and watches the media closely, I was shocked to see the manner in which a journalist’s life was
ended by ISIS. According to a report in The Independent, ISIS has taken over from the Al-Qaeda as the world’s most powerful and extreme terrorist organization. “While its exact size is unclear, the group is thought to include thousands of fighters. The last ‘s’ of ‘Isis’ comes from the Arabic word ‘al-Sham,’ meaning Levant, Syria or occasionally Damascus, depending on the circumstances,” the report said. BBC News’s Sam Judah spoke to me the day after Foley’s death and asked me my opinion on sharing graphic imagery or the video. The answer was simple: absolute no. We cannot let ISIS win by sharing the content they uploaded. That is what they want us to do, and that is what we should avoid. Blood brings in ratings, but for a change the media did show decency by
avoiding showing the video. Foley was shared across media platforms in a way we all knew him — with his camera and a microphone. The New York Daily Post was the only exception, which printed Foley’s final moments on its front page. I am a big believer of not sanitizing news and simply reporting as it is. The best way is to give a graphic warning but share the content. Whenever India has seen the ugly side of terrorism, I have always shared pictures containing graphic content, but Foley’s death was very different. The video was made to spread a sense of fear; it was a cowardly warning to stop the airstrikes. Maybe some of you may agree with my friend who works for a British newspaper in India who argued saying it is important for the world to see the ugly face of ISIS.
COLUMN: A Little Birdie Told Me
I agree. It is important, but there is always an exception, and this was it. Currently, the situation is grim in Iraq. After the British Prime Minister’s claim that the executioner of Foley could be a British man, an international manhunt for him has begun. The New York Times reported that a life of another U.S. journalist, Steven Sotloff, is in danger after ISIS has threatened to kill him if U.S. airstrikes continue. According to the Aug. 22 New York Times report, a petition has already been started on the White House website urging President Obama “to take immediate action and save Steven’s life by any means necessary.” Robert Mahoney, deputy director of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), wrote in an article titled ‘James Foley- a journalist’s
journalist,’ one memory from a fellow hostage shone a light on a side of Foley’s character that his audience might not have seen — his empathy, not only for the people he covered, but also for the journalists he encountered. Frenchman Nicolas Hénin spent seven months in the same room with the U.S. reporter and even recognized the shoes he wore in the execution video as a pair they had shared. Hénin was asked by L’Express if Foley had talked about what he wanted to do when he was released. “Oh, yes,” Hénin replied. “He wanted two things; either to work for the Committee to Protect Journalists or work on interfaith dialogue and rebuild bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds.” According to the CPJ data, Syria and Iraq have been the deadliest countries
Pranaav Jadhav is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
for journalists this year. The region has seen 11 journalists die in 2014. It is important to remember that with every passing minute, there are journalists in the line of fire risking their lives to bring you the truth. Think about them. We are often quick to criticize the media and journalists for the work they do. But ask yourself, without the James Foleys of this world, would this be a better or worse place to live?
COLUMN: Red Herrings
The 2014 Video Music Awards show promise Kardashian’s success models modern society
The 2013 Video Music Awards were promiscuous, to say the least. Between Miley Cyrus’s bump and grind routine with Robin Thicke and the emergence of twerking as a cultural statement, I wasn’t sure if I was even allowed to watch the VMAs. This year, when I agreed to pen an article about the VMAs, I had several descriptive words and phrases in mind. After reminiscing over last year’s show, I did some brainstorming. My train of thought led me to scribble down words like obscene, morally ambiguous and overtly sexual onto some sticky notes while watching the pre-awards red carpet. I expected the 2014 performances to be equally scandalous. I anticipated viewing the VMAs through my fingertips, only uncovering my eyes long enough to see Taylor Swift perform a tasteful number clad in high waisted shorts and/or polka dots. I predicted my article would lament the loss of integrity in today’s pop culture and that it would document the woes that plague an entertainment industry driven by image rather than by musicianship. I am very pleased to say this year’s VMAs gave me something to look forward to in pop music. I love awards season. I watch the Grammys, the Emmys, the Tonys and the Oscars more religiously than
any regular television show. I hold high expectations for those in the limelight. As a writer, I have a great appreciation for lyrically strong songs. As a singer, I have great respect for singers who actually have the pipes to thrive in music. As a musical theatre snob, I have a great appreciation for the production aspects of awards shows. And as a human being, I have a mild obsession with Beyoncé. It is refreshing to see an artist such as Sam Smith stand humbly before a microphone and let his voice carry the weight of his words into an audience. It is refreshing to see Swift embrace her clumsi-
“It is so important for the media to portray hardworking, talented individuals.” ness and refuse to pull dangerous stunts on live television. It is refreshing to hear Beyoncé empower women for fifteen minutes and then embrace her husband on stage. It is refreshing to hear Ariana Grande effortlessly spill musical runs from her vocal chords. And it is refreshing to see Cyrus speak for the homeless instead of grinding with a
by Claire Mosley Opinion Columnist
Catie Marie Martin is a senior majoring in English. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
foam finger. As a rule, the Video Music Awards are outrageous. The fashion trends that have appeared at the show in the past have been the ones that have carried us through autumn and inspired our Halloween costumes (here’s lookin’ at you, Britney and Justin Timberlake circa 2004). The songs are typically the ones we blare in our cars, and the dance moves (such as twerking) quickly become the ones we either imitate (if we have the curves) or mock (if we do not). The VMAs are iconic, and, whether we like it or not, we rely on celebrities to form a sense of cultural identity and social relevancy. We search for commonalities with them, and we draw on the similarities we discover to form a personal sense of self. Because we depend heavily on celebrities to form a personal identity, it is so important for the media to portray hard-working, talented individuals.
While you were trotting off to your first few weeks of classes, hanging with friends and perhaps even catching up on the news (even though, let’s be honest, you only picked up that copy of the WSJ for marketing, right?), I was busy researching Kim Kardashian’s new book, “Selfish”, slated to come out April 2015. For those of you unaware, it is a book with over 300 pages of Kim’s selfies. Are you still with me? Anyone? Hello? While many of you might burst into uncontrollable laughter (or sobbing) at the thought of consumers paying $20 for a lush coffee table book full of Kim Kardashian’s visage, no one doubts that this ridiculous book is going to be incredibly profitable for her, and is definitely going to put a million or two into her pocket. The crazy thing is, people are baffled by this. Millions of Americans look at Kardashian and her family and are amazed at their success. “How can there be a reality TV show, a chain of clothing stores, fashion labels, perfume, a book and an iPhone app all launched off the basis of a sex-tape leaked in 2007? And how
can these all be successful?” This they will cry, all the while sobbing over the death of American culture between bites of Kashi while NPR plays on, softly, in the background. And when examined a bit more closely, the insane success of Kardashian isn’t really that surprising. You can hate on her all you want, but Kim is brilliant. Or, at the very least, incredibly PR-savvy. It would be a mistake to assume that the success of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” is entirely accidental, or that the success of the various spinoffs, book deals and fashion labels is something that only came about because of the creation of the TV show. In reality, much credit is due to Kardashian for creating a brand for herself that is so strong it has allowed her a near-meteoric rise to fame in a relatively short amount of time. Even though Kim can’t act, sing, write or whatever, she can take Instagram selfies and present her (and her family) through pictures in a way that—for many people—allows them to project onto Kim their needs and desires they are unable to project onto other celebrities. Kardashian has created a persona that is best expressed in photos. She posts on Instagram and appears in all
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Managing Editor Catie Marie Martin
Editor in Chief
Emma Crawford
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Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu. Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Catie Marie Martin 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Lacretia Wimbley 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Cameron Clarke opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/Blake Morgan 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Noor Mujahid 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Emma Hutto 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Kelsee McKim multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Alex Anthony 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu
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EDITORIAL POLICY
The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.
The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call
by Hannah Rogers Alumnus
For almost 130 years, despite name and design changes, through editorial board and technological changes, The Reflector has chronicled the history of Mississippi State University and the surrounding community. From moments like the 1963 Game of Change to the most recent campus renovations, the students who run the newspaper have worked and continue to work to serve their audience. And even as The Reflector approaches its 130th anniversary in December, the newspaper remains just as relevant to the university, Starkville and the alumni who love MSU as it did in 1884. The Reflector, which has expanded to social media and the Internet, now reaches far more people than before. The print edition appears both on newsstands
(@ReflectorOnline), among many social media outlets, informs readers of breaking news and links to stories posted on the website. Online-only stories supplement the print edition. Alumni and prospective students now have easier access to news about Mississippi State and Starkville, especially since all of the content is free. Organizations and people unaffiliated with MSU now find articles and information from The Reflector that give all aspects of the university and Starkville more exposure. The print edition is not moot because of Internet — breaking news stories are expounded upon and more heavily researched in the print edition, for example. Students run The Reflector — the editorial decisions, the ad designs, the photographs, the stories are all student-generated with the intention of being a professional student newspaper. The employees of The Reflector are paid
they in turn tend to spend their money locally. Beyond being a news outlet and business, the student newspaper gives students of all majors and backgrounds opportunities to develop leadership skills and talents. Former Reflector staff members have gone on to graduate law school and many pursue careers in public relations, non-profits, healthcare and journalism. For four years, I worked in The Reflector’s office. The newspaper quickly became more than a job for me, as I learned more about service through journalism and my responsibility to the community. I became friends with my fellow editors while working and laughing alongside them. By the end of my time at Mississippi State, I had developed a different world than the one I clung to when I entered college. Writing other people’s stories and listening to their points of view challenged my perceptions. I
the magazines and tabloids at least once a week. She means to be seen, not exactly heard. Sure, there’s the TV show, but anyone with at least one working brain cell knows that every single moment of that show is scripted to show only what the Kardashians want you to see. And even when expressing opinions on television, Kim only expresses the most vague and acceptable opinions about all subject matters—you aren’t meant to quote Kim (unlike more outspoken celebrities, such as Sean Penn)—you are meant to idolize her, look at her and want to be her. And because of this persona she has so carefully crafted, it works. People will purchase anything Kim sells, if only it will help them look like her or become famous like her. You aren’t meant to identify with Kim, you’re supposed to look at her as an “idealized” (for many people) woman and to desire her and try to become like her accordingly. So while it may be true the Kardashians are ruining America, setting bad examples or even simply filling people’s heads with trash, one thing is undeniable — Kim and her family are hugely successful. Well, that and Bruce Jenner’s plastic surgery is so terrifying they could make a new Paranormal Activity based on it.
I wanted to make the community a better place by using my talents at The Reflector, I wanted to help make the newspaper this university deserved. But the remarkable thing about The Reflector is that the desire to positively influence its audience didn’t begin or end with me. The editors, writers, photographers, designers, advertising representatives, managers and circulation staff members I’ve met from all eras of The Reflector — whether it was 50 years ago or the staff currently printing this newspaper — all care about this newspaper and the community it serves. The legacy of The Reflector accurately mirrors the People’s University. Thank you to the audience, advisers and employees involved in the 130 years of Reflector history — those that established a solid foundation and those that keep informing and evolving. The university is better with you
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The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost. FOR SALE
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The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email club_info@reflector. to with the msstate.edu subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
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Hall room 250. All majors are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Lane at lane@soc.msstate. edu. THE STREETCAR LITERARY JOURNAL
The Streetcar is Mississippi State University’s creative arts journal open to student submission. Submit your art, poetry, short stories, nonfiction and more before April 21st online at thestreetcar.msu. wordpress.com. ASTRONOMY CLUB
The Mississippi State University Astronomy Club will host its first business meeting Friday at 2:00 p.m. All students are invited to attend. STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
Care about the environment? Love activism? Come join SSC on Thursdays at 6 p.m. in McCool 111 to make a difference. Follow on Twitter @MSU_SSC.
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014
The Biscuit Shop bakes its way into Starkvillian hearts by Gordon Lee Staff Writer
Starkville, Mississippi native Michelle Tehan used a non-traditional business model to go from delivering biscuits she cooked in her home kitchen for customers who placed orders through social media, to selling out hundreds of biscuits daily in her charming storefront located on South Jackson Street – all in less than two year’s time. Known as the Biscuit Lady, she has become something like a folk legend. Driven by necessity and armed with ingenuity and a great personality, Tehan was able to quit her 8 a.m.5 p.m. job to make a living doing something she loves and to free up precious time to spend with her children. “It was a way for me to come back and be a part of my own life,” Tehan said. The owner of the Biscuit Shop said the business was first conceptualized as a way to provide for the increased expense of having her 7-year-old triplets and her 5-year-old home for the
summer for the first time. “You’re going to have to pay a baby sitter, and the grocery bill is going to go through the roof,” Tehan said. “I had to find a way to make extra money outside of my regular budget, and the only way to do that, for me, was baking.” According to Tehan, she utilized social media to post offers on swap pages for her biscuits. “I posted one day on one of the swap pages, ‘Hey I’m making buttermilk biscuits this weekend if anybody would like to order some.’ I did them for like two dollars a half dozen,” Tehan recalled. Tehan was shocked at the number of people that showed up at her house that weekend to pick up the biscuits they ordered, and the rest was history. Eric Hill, program manager of MSU Entrepreneurship Center, said the benefit of small businesses like the Biscuit Shop in a community such as Starkville is the cultural value and inspiration it provides. “You see someone like the Biscuit Lady who took a
very non-traditional path to marketing. Rather than just going and getting a loan and a building – and that being the first time she ever sells a biscuit – she built this cult following that followed her from her home kitchen to her location that still sells out daily,” Hill said. “Just as people root for underdogs in sports, I see that a lot in small business… the impact that the aggregate sum of all the small businesses across the country has is that it inspires people to do things that they otherwise might not have.” Jennifer Potter, senior interior design major, is a long-time regular customer who said the biscuits are what make Tehan’s business so successful. Potter was initially drawn to the Biscuit Lady by a picture she saw on Instagram one morning. They looked so good, and when she found out the biscuits could be delivered, Potter just had to try the delicious breakfast treats. The quality of the product is what keeps Potter coming back to the storefront for more in the post-delivery era of the business. “It’s kind of addicting. Once you have one, you have
Braden Benson | The Reflector
The Biscuit Shop sits at 600 South Jackson St. Michelle Tehan, referred to by locals as ‘the biscuit lady,’ owns the new Starkville business and handmakes each biscuit herself in the kitchen of this 1930s shotgun house.
to have another,” Potter said. “It’s delicious. Why would you go to get some processed biscuit from McDonalds when you could get something that’s homemade?” Potter said the peaches biscuit is her favorite, but she always gets one sweet biscuit and one with meat and cheese. This unique breakfast option filled a niche that was badly needed in the Starkville market, according to Potter. Tehan wants her
customers to know they must get to the store early if they want to get the variety of biscuits they are looking for. “It’s me. I’m one person. And if I made 1,500 biscuits that day, I literally hand made and cut out 1,500 biscuits that day. So, at some point, I have to say no more,” Tehan said. “When we are out, we are out.” Tehan said she would like to see the business expand, but it is not currently
practical. Because she handmakes each biscuit herself in the small kitchen of a 1930s shotgun house, expansion would compromise the quaint Southern atmosphere of her current setup. Potter said first-time customers should come early, come hungry and prepare to be satisfied. “In the end, you’re going to be happy,” Potter said. “You’re going to be full, and you’re probably going to want to go back for more.”
2014 VMAs leave viewers buzzing, Beyonce steals show by Noor Mujahid Life Editor
Wardrobe malfunctions, twerking, politically incorrect statements — and, oh wait, can’t forget the showstopper – Beyoncé. The
2014 MTV Video Music Awards stood up to its reputation and created noteworthy buzz Sunday. The show commenced
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with actress turned singer Ariana Grande performing her hit single “Break Free.” Grande was followed by singer Nicki Minaj, who everyone presumed would deliver a rendition of her scandalous “Anaconda” music video and give last year’s salacious performer, Miley Cyrus, a run for her money. Although Minaj’s performance was full of suggestive dance moves, the
audience was more focused on the wardrobe malfunction which ensued after “Anaconda.” When Cyrus won the award for video of the year for her “Wrecking Ball” video, she directed an unknown man towards the stage while Cyrus herself stayed back at her seat. When the man spoke, the audience learned that he was a runaway/homeless youth — a very bold, selfless move
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on Cyrus’s account. The award show also involved a tribute to late actor Robin Williams and a moment of silence for Ferguson, Missouri teen Michael Brown. It brought the audience together as viewers remembered the iconic actor and acknowledged the shooting victim. Other performances of the night included Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, 5 Seconds of Summer, Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea, Usher, Sam Smith, and last but not least, the one and only Beyoncé. Beyoncé owned the 2014 VMAs with her larger-thanlife 15 minute closing performance. Needless to say all eyes were on Bey anyway due to the recent rumors surrounding marital problems with Jay-Z, and her performance definitely seemed like an attempt to put the gossip to rest. Jay-Z appeared on stage with Blue Ivy after Beyoncé’s epic performance to present her with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. It was truly an emotional and sweet ending to an epic night in MTV award history and will unquestionably be one which is remembered for years to come. SEAT 14
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Sports
7 THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014
Students play like professionals through intramural sports by Myra Rice Staff Writer
We all look forward to the opportunity to spread our wings and show our talents to the world, but intramural sports at Mississippi State University give students a more realistic platform. Jonathan Adams, who has served as the intramural sports coordinator for the past two years, welcomes the average student to the program. “Intramural sports are geared toward the average student. We don’t allow any varsity players or past professional players,” he said. Adams said the process for participating in any intramural sport is quite simple and can be completed in just four steps. “Students have to put a team together, come to the office to register, visit www.imleagues.com, and there, they can create a team,” Adams said. Along with health benefits, Adams said intramural teams are created by students in order to make playing the sport more enjoyable. “Intramurals are a great way for students to stay involved in sports, but with their friends as well.
Students pick their own teams,” he said. Adams said students compete during a four -week season before entering a tournament of single eliminations. Games are scheduled at night so students are able to work by day with course work. “Our teams are comprised of students, so our games are held at night from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.,” Adams said. Katie Henderson, a sophomore majoring in kinesiology, said she immersed herself in intramural sports and has not looked back. “I love to play. I play ultimate frisbee, basketball, kickball and volleyball,” she said. Henderson also mentioned organizations on MSU’s campus, like the Baptist Student Union, participate in several intramural sports. “I’m a part of the BSU here on campus, and we make teams together,” Henderson said. Micah Little, Starkville native and MSU senior majoring in mechanical engineering, serves as the intramural sports supervisor. “I officiated for basketball my freshman year and became supervisor my
sophomore year,” Little said. Little encouraged students to apply only if sports interest them. “If you don’t enjoy sports, it’s just too much time spent to join. If you do like sports it will help you relieve stress during the school semester,” Little said. Little also said students, just like professional athletes, look forward to the joy of winning. “That’s why people play. They want to win, and that’s a rewarding feeling,” Little said. Little and his team have been crowned champs in the ultimate frisbee competition. He said he looks forward to the games this semester. Aside from competing to win, Adams said students can gain great team building expierences from participating in intramural sports. “We are always trying to think of new ways to bring in new participants,” Adams said. “Intramurals help students live a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Fourth and Long
Bulldog team will rely on strong defense, experience to start new season strong
M
SU defensive coordinator Geoff Collins actually promotes mayhem among his crew. While the “Minister of Mayhem” and “Psycho Defense” sound a bit like a potential box office hit, the Bulldogs’ defensive line and their leader were given those nicknames due to their explosive, powerful performance on the field. Coach Collins tracks every players performance with “Juice Points.” “Juice Points” or “The Juice” (noun): “the overall enthusiasm and energy exhibited at
said. Jones’ size, speed and versatility solidifies him as one of the nation’s top pass rushers. He made his first career start in the 2013 matchup against Alcorn State and checked his second career sack against Alabama, downing quarterback A.J. McCarron for a loss of seven yards in the opening quarter. Jones just didn’t live up to the hype during his freshman season – he actually exceeded it. The unit lost defensive lineman Denico Autry to the NFL Draft, but there’s always
“MSU Head Coach Dan Mullen said Jones shone on the defensive line last year and will have increased playing time this year.” practice; rated on a scale to encourage friendly competition among the defensive players.” The greatest strength of the Bulldogs defensive line seems to be a factor of interchangeability. While the usual starters P.J. Jones and Kaleb Eulls will obviously serve as assets to line, Collins also has sophomores Nelson Adams and Chris Jones in his defensive tool belt. MSU Head Coach Dan Mullen said Jones shone on the defensive line last year and will have increased playing time this season. “He’s a young guy with a lot of play making ability. He was a play maker for us last year, and he’s learning to become an every down player with great technique,” Mullen
a silver lining. A.J. Jefferson, Ryan Brown and Preston Smith have both individual and combined talent. Jefferson made his career debut last season as a redshirt freshman. With 19 tackles (12 solo), two sacks and one forced fumble in the 2013 season, he is projected to be a strong asset to the defensive line as his growth continues to progress under the guidance of Brown and Smith. The cornerback situation looks to be more of a strength for the Bulldogs this year. Jamerson Love and Taveze Calhoun emergered late in the season as the starters. The duo had their best collective game near the end of the season in the Egg Bowl. Last but certainly not least, linebacker Benardrick McK-
Alex Wilson is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
inney racked up 71 tackles last season, ranking him fourth among all sophomores in the SEC. While his name sits on several award watch lists, McKinney has versatile talent that ranks him among the best. NFL.com listed him among the top 14 “freakish” athletes in the nation for the upcoming season – and that’s a good thing. The Bulldogs suffered an abundance of injuires last season. The injuries hurt the team last year, but it has given way to a more experienced and deep defense. With a surplus of young, developing talent and explosive performances from the more seasoned Bulldogs, it’s obvious that “The Juice” will be in high-demand this season. Let’s just hope our cups runneth over.
@reflectoronline REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014
Women’s soccer falls short twice over weekend by Zach Wagner Contributing Writer
This weekend saw the opening of Mississippi State University’s women’s soccer season with matches against both Iowa State and Cincinnati to start their campaign. The atmosphere at both games was upbeat with record fan support, as the match against Iowa State on Friday saw the setting of the school record for attendance. A little over 1,000 fans came out to support the Bulldogs, which bested the previous best of 935, set against Florida last season. However, the energetic excitement from the fans was not enough to carry the Bulldogs to victory in either match. MSU suffered a 5-1 setback Friday night against Iowa State and a 1-0 loss Sunday to Cincinnati. Most of Iowa State’s success came in an 18-minute period, at the latter end of the first half. The stretch saw Iowa State score three goals, two of which were on corners, and create a series of other chances as well. The ISU goals started in the 25th minute when Margaret Powers was able to head in a cross from the right hand side. This was immediately followed by another goal for the Cyclones just one minute later, when Koree Willer was able to tap in a deflection on a corner to make the score 2-0. The last goal of the half then came with just two minutes to play, as
Shannen Jainudeen fights for a loose ball against a Cincinnati player. Shannen recorded two shots in the loss.
Adalie Schmidt one-timed the ball into the net, off of the Iowa State corner. The second half started on a positive note, as MSU came out with some edge to their play. The first 10 minutes to the second half saw freshman Mallory Eubanks convert a cross from senior Shannen Jainudeen into a goal to make the score 3-1. The momentum was broken in the 59th minute of the second half, when Schmidt was able to kick the ball into an empty net after MSU goalkeeper Rhylee DeCrane wasn’t able to handle the rebound seconds before. ISU was able to top off their
impressive performance in the 70th minute with a long range effort from Maggie Bruckman that deflected off of the right post and into the goal. Even though the final score was 5-1 in favor of the Cyclones, MSU finished with the advantage in shots on goal 14 to 12, and the opportunities were to be had. MSU also saw different sections of the game in which they controlled, but ultimately the Dogs were unable to put it all together. MSU sought to rebound against Cincinnati. The match against the Bearcats was heavily contested and saw some physical play
from both sides. Overall, the game was very evenly matched, as the statistics for both teams were nearly identical. Cincinnati won the shots on goal battle 11-10 and also claimed a slight advantage in the saves category, 5-4. After a very quiet first half from both teams, both teams started to threaten on goal throughout the second half. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute for Cincinnati. Katy Couperus headed the ball into the upper right hand side of the goal off a corner kick to give Cincinnati the 1-0 advantage. MSU saw several opportunities to
Leon Carrubba | Courtesy Photo
equalize late in the match, but nothing would find its way into the back of the net for the Bulldogs. Head Coach Aaron Gordon said he was encouraged with his team’s play on Sunday even though the results were not in their favor. “I think the main thing I take away from our team is we played hard. We were on the wrong side of the scoreboard for a lot of reasons that had nothing to do with how we played,” he said. Gordon also commended his team for bouncing back from a rough outing against Iowa State on Friday night,
to put on a good performance against the Bearcats Sunday. “(Sunday), to come back and have a lot of spirit was good,” he said. “The team was gutted after the game today because they played hard and that’s what a coach wants from his team, that they’re hurting, it shows they care.” Sophomore Jamila Coner said the team showed great team unity and overall passing efficiency. “I think we passed well, defended well and got into the tackles really well. We work as a team really well because we’re very close,” she said. “We learned from the summer as well as the preseason on how to work together, fight for each other, and I think we’ve done that really well so far.” The sentiments were echoed by freshman Mallory Eubanks, who also pointed to defending set pieces as a weakness the squad encountered over the weekend. “I think we played as a team and our weakness were defending set pieces. Moving forward we’re going to work on everything,” Eubanks said. “Working collectively is one of our biggest strengths, and I think that if we keep working on that the chances will come and we can start finishing those chances as well.” MSU will travel to Furman Thursday before returning home Sunday to take on Southern Mississippi at 6 p.m. at the Mississippi State Soccer Field.
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