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132nd YEAR ISSUE 21
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2017
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
OCH remains locally owned SA Senate recap:
KATIE POE
STAFF WRITER
The issue of selling OCH Regional Medical Center was put to rest Tuesday night when 57 percent of voters decided to keep the hospital locally owned. The unofficial election results stated out of the 34 percent of registered voters who cast ballots, 3,819 voted in favor of selling the hospital and 5,271 voted against. As the results were finally announced in the Oktibbeha County Courthouse Annex, both cheers of victory and sighs of relief came from OCH employees and Friends of OCH members. Nurse and friends of OCH member Gail Kelly called the issue “a battle royale,” and said the trek to get this far has been exhausting. “I’m thankful to the community for being so wise, thankful to the community for appreciating what we’ve always had,
Senate focuses on funding for clubs DYLAN BUFKIN STAFF WRITER
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thankful for the voters that turned out and thankful for the people that fought and never gave up,” Kelly said. “If you’re looking for a word that describes how I feel—exhausted, but extremely happy. It’s been a journey. It’s been a roller coaster.”
Friends of OCH member Cheryl Lyon said those in favor of the vote were previously described by a supervisor as “a large, silent majority,” but she said the “vocal majority” came out on top. OCH CEO Richard Hilton said the next thing
for the hospital is to consider affiliation with a larger system as a solution to the hospital’s financial problems. The night of the election, Hilton said he would meet with the Board of Trustees Wednesday to bring up the idea. Since
there is no capital exchange, this business does not have to go through the Board of Supervisors. Hilton said although three CEOs contacted him for affiliation, he could not do anything while the hospital was up for sale by the BOS. HOSPITAL, 2
Student Spotlight:
At the Nov. 7 Student Association Senate meeting, a myriad of legislation was discussed and passed. The Senate discussed Bill 23, which would allow campus groups to appeal denied appropriations. The Senate receives requests for funds from different campus groups, ranging from clubs to Greek organizations, and it is the senators’ duty to properly distribute the funds based on the SA’s allotted budget. Because of this bill, groups may now appeal the Senate’s decision if they feel they have been wrongly denied. Resolution 34 would provide student support to help assist non-English speaking families during orientation. Read more at reflectoronline.com
Insight into the lives of Mississippi State University veterans
Charles Pearman | Courtesy Photo
Charles Pearman Junior electrical engineering
major, 30 years old and Naval Petty Officer Second Class (E5).
What are some of the ways MSU supports its veterans? “The center they have on campus is unlike anything else you are going to find on a university campus in this country. The staff here is a top-notch staff and they really care about the students that are passing through this campus. I feel support from a freshman, who just started his semester, all the way up to President Keenum and all the way in between.” What are your thoughts on military appreciation week and Veterans Day? “It makes me think about those that served during the Korean War or during the Vietnam War, during World War II. It makes me think about the generation of veterans that came before me, because they are the ones that set up the structure for veterans nowadays to receive the support they do now.”
How did being in the military change you? “While I was in, they just instilled a lot of different values in me: how I should present myself and how I should act, what is important and it really just changed everything after a few years of delving into that lifestyle. I care a lot more about always doing everything as right as I can, whether people are watching or not, and really putting forth my all with everything I’m doing. I slacked off in high school. After being in the army I realized how important those little things really make you look and change how you feel about what you are doing in everything. How do you feel MSU serves its veterans? “When I started school, it was such a wealth of help Olivia Zeringue | The Reflector and everything. They have the new veterans center here orwin rummonD you can go over there whenever you want, you can talk Senior computer engineering with them about scheduling, how it’s going to work.” major, 28 years old and Army Specialist (E4). What does being a veteran mean to you? “To be a veteran is a title of sacrifices. You had to sacrifice a portion of your life to the country that we live in. You can’t just be a everyday person and be a veteran, it is a special title that you have earned.” What does it meant to have people around you appreciate your service? “I did not do it because of appreciation, I did it because I felt a calling to give back to the country and to honor those that came before me. My grandfather was in World War II, I had countless family in Vietnam and Korea, they sacrificed their lives and everything else to give us the freedom that we [have] today. I felt like that I am not better than them, so I needed to give back for Peter Carr | Courtesy Photo the future to have the same treatment and liberty we had eter arr Senior educational psychologist, growing up.” 28 years old and Marine lance corporal (E3).
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FARMtastic reaches the next generation EMMA KING
STAFF WRITER
FARMtastic, an agricultural learning experience for second through fourth-grade students, is returning for its fifth year at Mississippi State University on Nov. 9 and 10 at the Mississippi Horse Park. FARMtastic was first organized in Oktibbeha County in 2012 as a partnership between MSU Extension and the Mississippi Farm Bureau. The original FARMtastic’s target audience was third graders. However, the event has expanded its interests and locations over the past five years, now traveling across the state to educate more elementary school students. Several of MSU’s own agricultural groups are helping FARMtastic teach
FORECAST: Grab your jackets, Bulldogs! Temperatures will drop
the elementary students the importance of agriculture in their daily lives, including agricultural sorority Sigma Alpha and Animal and Dairy Sciences students, among others.
“Agriculture affects our daily lives from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. We couldn’t do anything without it.” -Julie White, MSU extension associate MSU Extension Associate Julie White created FARMtastic to educate kids at a young age
how prevalent farming is in their lives. “Agriculture affects our daily lives from the food we eat to the clothes we wear,” White said. “We couldn’t do anything without it.” Kids will be led through a variety of hands-on activities, which will help them explore almost every facet of farming such as livestock, agronomy, horticulture, aquaculture, catfish and forestry. The last two are particularly pertinent in Mississippi—forestry being the number one industry in the state. In addition, the elementary schoolers will be shown where farming enters the same places they visit every day, from the department store to their local pizza shops. The goal is to grow their appreciation of agriculture in the real world. FARMtastic, 2
Reader’s Guide:
Policy: Any person may
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HOSPITAL
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Shank Phelps won the Constable District 1 position 64.69% of the vote.
Starkville residents chose not to sell the Oktibbeha County Hospital by 58.55% of the vote.
Cheikh A. Taylor won the State House of Representative District 38 seat by 59.66% of the vote.
rk will go Circuit Cle tween be to runoff d k 36% an Tony Roo vis 38%. Teresa Da
Chancery Clerk will go to runoff between Sharon Livingston 36% and Martesa Bishop Flowers 31%.
november 28
Jennifer McFadden, TR
Hilton said another difficulty during this election was misinformation “This process has been a long time,” Hilton said. “It’s been an evolving type thing, so a lot of momentum has been moving toward the election, and I think factors like misinformation about the hospital has been the one thing I’ve been most disappointed about.” Hilton said it was the hospital’s goal to call out misinformation and keep the public well-informed. He said he thinks people “looked through that” and had confidence in the hospital. “People have finally spoken, and I think it’s with a tremendous amount of relief that the election is over,” Hilton said. “The people who have spoken
have a good margin [of votes]. People saying, ‘Hey, let’s keep this hospital local, let’s keep it under governmental control, and
voters in favor of the sale. “Obviously the people spoke, and let’s move forward,” Miller said. “But, I do think the thing that we
“People have finally spoken, and I think it’s with a tremendous amount of relief that the election is over,” Hilton said. “The people who have spoken have a good margin [of votes].” -Richard Hilton, OCH CEO let’s work together and try to make this hospital the best it can be.’” District 4 Supervisor Bricklee Miller agreed, but she said it is significant there were 42 percent of
saw out of this is, of the 30 percent of people that actually voted—which is a very small number—42 percent of them feel the need that we need some type of change. This was good
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for our entire community to know. By knowing this, the hospital and the hospital administration will be able to say, ‘Let’s see what we need to do to make changes.’” Miller said bringing the issue to light has been a positive experience in terms of educating the community on the hospital’s current position and healthcare trends. “I’d like to thank all those who voted,” Miller said. “The citizens of Oktibbeha County have pointed out where we are headed, and the Board of Supervisors will demonstrate good politics by our actions and by our words. I will be the first to extend my hand and bring back more respectful conversations and unity in Oktibbeha County.”
BAD DAWGS Monday, November 6 3:55 p.m. Student reported a stolen purse from the Student Union. 6:06 p.m. Student reported wallet stolen from the Sanderson Center while playing basketball. Tuesday, November 7 1:20 a.m. Student reported missing wallet last seen in Sessums Hall. 11:27 a.m. Student reported being harassed by former roommate. 7:35 p.m. Student reported her clothes stolen from the laundry room in Rice Hall.
FARMTASTIC A soil tunnel, sponsored by Mississippi conservation groups, is the special feature of the year. While digging around in the dirt, students will see the role soil plays in farming and table food. A yearly favorite is FARMtastic’s animal exhibit. The exhibit will feature cows, chicks and horses, providing the students with the opportunity to feed, feel and learn more about farm animals. Also, the fisheries room will display live fish. Though the kids have fun throughout the whole event, the animals are always a crowd-pleaser. Six-year volunteer Nelda Starks remarked children today are two to three generations removed from the farm experience. FARMtastic helps build the ties between everyday life
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and agriculture. “The smiles on the children’s faces and their excitement as they go through the stations tells the whole story,” Starks said. Upcoming events include the Delta FARMtastic in Sunflower County Nov. 16 and 17, FARMtastic Coastal at the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center in February, and FARMtastic in Lauderdale County on April 10 through 13. Here at MSU, students can get involved to help make FARMtastic an even bigger success. “Volunteer, help us keep kids educated about agriculture,” White said. “It’s important for the young ones to see older kids getting involved in agriculture.”
MSU student prepares to serve his country LINDSAY PACE STAFF WRITER
Wendell Goss, a senior industrial engineering major at Mississippi State University, is following in the boot steps of those before him as he prepares to serve his country in the United States Army. Goss, a self-proclaimed “army brat,” grew up in six different military bases, later settling in Tupelo for his high school years. “Most military bases are the same, so to me it felt like moving across town, even though I was moving from Georgia to Texas to Virginia,” Goss said. “I think people at bases are a lot more open to quick friendships, because it’s like, ‘oh, we have this in common,’ and military bases are really good at being very family-friendly.” After his first semester at MSU, Goss decided to join the Reserved Officer Training Core. This inspired him to become a contracted cadet, meaning he plans to enter the Army post-graduation. During his time in ROTC, Goss has found discipline, routine and encouragement from his leaders and peers. “I really love the community. They’re like my brothers, and the army is giving me an advanced standard to strive for,” Goss said. “It makes me wake up at 4:30 in the morning
in the freezing cold and train, and it makes me want to read the books that my leaders suggest. It gives me a motivation, it gives me a drive, a purpose.” Brian Locke, Interim Director at MSU’s Center for American’s Veterans, said he hopes to provide a place of rest for students who serve. The full-service center provides student veterans a space to do paperwork, study and hangout with like-minded individuals. “We encourage our students to pursue honor, dignity and higher education,” Locke said. In addition, the CAV is instrumental in providing student veterans on campus with financial assistance through the use of veteran scholarships. James Smith, senior Chemistry major from Woodstock, Georgia, said MSU ROTC develops the characteristics Locke described. “I’ve grown quite a bit due to ROTC,” Smith said. “It has brought out a lot of characteristics like perseverance and time management, but I have also made a lot of relationships, as well as mentors.” The ROTC replicates the command structure of the military in order to decrease the learning curve as students transition into active service.
Lindsay Pace| The Reflector
One such relationship is with Goss, whom Smith quickly became friends with through their ROTC training. “The day I met Wendell, I was able to tell that he was a very trustworthy person and had a lot of ambition,” Smith said. “He is not afraid to speak up and is always there to help and volunteer for whatever is needed.” Goss’s reputation and character has allowed him to advance to an army Assistant S-1, which is a personnel position. There, he helps manage and lead other cadets. For Goss, Veteran’s Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of all veterans, including his parents. “My parents were both deployed, and I can definitely remember being at home without them sometimes,” Goss said. “I couldn’t think of living without my parents. So it’s a ‘thank-you’ for people who didn’t come back home, and it’s giving our utmost respect for them.”
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OPINION
Americans are desensitized to Participation in local terrorism due to steady attacks government is needed DYLAN BUFKIN
MIA RODRIGUEZ
is a freshman majoring in English. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
In light of the recent Sutherland Springs, Texas, church shooting, I have considered the unseen effects terrorism has on civilians, both victims and witnesses. I, in addition to my peers, have been exposed to countless acts of terror, domestic and foreign, since childhood, and these have recently seemed more recurrent. Many say as a result of times ridden with terror, civilians have become indifferent to and may even discount national tragedy. In an article by Anna Doble, Nesta McGregor and Thea de Gallier of BBC, they explore this very idea of disregarding acts of terrorism. “News like this happens so often that you see this one and forget about the last time,” one of those interviewed stated. Hilda Burke, a psychotherapist, describes why such recurrent events cause us to become indifferent. “Most of us have empathy but we can’t spend all our emotional energy [on terrorism] because we need to retain something for ourselves, because of the challenges we’re facing in our own personal lives,” Burke said. It is a horrific notion when disaster can be treated as a normal or inevitable occurrence, or disregarded simply because it is inconvenient to worry about. It seems as if a new act of terrorism occurs within a month of the last, and sadly
Every four years, America changes into a political circus. The presidential seat comes up for grabs, and the eyes of the media turn to the election. Coverage lasts from November of the year prior to election day, and then, coverage turns toward how the president-elect acts every second of every day. Once the president is sworn in, the public finally gets to see what the president does for the next four years, and the cycle continues. Presidential candidates for 2020 are already being discussed. All this clatter and commotion makes it seem like the presidential elections are the most important elections in the country. However, local and congressional elections are vastly more influential on the daily aspects of people’s lives. According to a Nov. 2 Gallup poll, only 28 percent of Americans approve of how the country is being run. Some would relate this number to President Donald Trump, but to be honest, the president’s power pales in comparison to the power Congress holds. The people who run the government, the people who Americans should blame for legislative stagnation and governmental ineptitude, are the members of Congress. Though it does not mean people are not properly placing blame, as the Congressional approval rating, according to an Oct. 20 Gallup poll, is around 13 percent. However, major news media do not constantly cover congressional elections, or have a countdown clock to the next time a seat is up for election, so it is no wonder people do not consider it as important. A 2014 census report showed congressional elections that year had only
is a sophomore majoring in English. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.
Jennifer McFadden, The Reflector
it does have a desensitizing effect on those exposed. Interestingly enough, some believe desensitizing effects of recurrent terror could lead to groups, such as ISIS, receiving an undesired response.
compassion to respond,” Amarasingam and Clarke said. This claim about desensitization, while true, takes an eerily positive stance. It is true desensitization is
“Many say as a result of times ridden with terror, civilians have become indifferent to and may even discount national tragedy.” In an article by Amarnath Amarasingam and Colin P. Clarke of Slate, they argue ISIS could be losing its ability to “terrify,” which ironically, is the sole objective of this terror group. “The quest to organize and inspire a steady stream of attacks in the West comes with a cost. It can make the outrageous seem relatively normal. As the once-shocking violence becomes normalized, they are no longer able to muster the requisite outrage or
an emerging effect, but to suggest the deaths of innocents and our indifference to it will be the end of such events is another unacceptable claim entirely. The acts of terror will never end, and the groups conducting these atrocities will no doubt formulate new ways to harm and generate a heightened “shock value.” In addition, Jonah Goldberg of The New York Post explains while there are periodic terrorist
acts, there are also many the public is not made aware of, such as families killed in a bombing of a popular ice cream parlor in Baghdad, Iraq. As for other events heavily publicized, “These attacks will be forgotten, absorbed into the gray maw of ‘the way things are,’” Goldberg said. While desensitization is an obvious effect of increasing acts of terror, the effect is in no way something to be satisfied with or justified. Accompanied by desensitization of these events comes a decreased sense of empathy, which allows us to care for others and make ethically sound decisions. If we deem acts of terror as normal and turn our heads, we are no better than those who commit these violent acts. Rather than ignoring the issues or putting a hashtag “justicefor-said-individuals” on social media, we need to search for real solutions to a very apparent and recurring problem in society.
41.9 percent voter turnout. Local election participation is even more disappointing. A study by the Knight Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of local government importance, found in 2014 only one in five eligible voters participated in mayoral elections. Additionally, according to New Jersey Advance Media, New Jersey’s Nov. 7 gubernatorial election had a dismal 35.1 percent voter participation. Local leaders decide all local taxes, business laws, school funding and zoning and local policing. Gun control, college funding, state criminal laws, prison sentencing for state laws and additional healthcare or social programs are all decided at the state level. It is imperative we vote in local and state elections, otherwise our opinions go unheard. Furthermore, we cannot forget the importance of congressional elections. Congress is where things get done. Senators and Representatives are the people who speak on our behalf, so if fewer than half of eligible voters participate, Congress is representing a minority opinion. The American frustration with Congress can be easily resolved, but it requires people to actively participate in all elections. Our system was built upon the idea of if a representative was not doing their job, new elections would force congressional change through threat of removal or by actual removal, but because participation is so low, our representatives have little reason to change if they can keep their necessary voter bases satisfied. Election Day may have come and gone, but it is important to remember we have an ability to change our political system. If you are unhappy with how your town, city, county, state or your country is performing, you have a way to show your disapproval, and through participation, you can be part of the reason it changes.
Stop expecting athletes to be superheroes JESSICA LINDSEY
is a senior majoring in communication. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.
Sports are an escape for most people. We have favorite teams, leagues and athletes to root-on and rely on. If you are like me, you like when your favorite athletes do things to help the community and stick up for the oppressed. I could tell you inspiring feelgood stories about athletes, team owners and other team staff doing amazing things for other people. ESPN even has “Why We Love Sports Today” videos about sports and athletes helping and changing people. The truth is: we all love a feel-good story. However, there are also stories about athletes doing harmful things, like drunk driving, domestic assault, rape and even murder. When some
athletes are accused of crimes, they are usually dismissed or face little repercussion. There is no middle ground when it comes to idolizing athletes, when in reality they are people just the same as we are. Either society expects too much from them, or society lets these athletes get away with violent crimes. We see some athletes as superheroes who can do no wrong and who we expect only to do right. Sure, there are are many instances where athletes do face consequences for their actions. Two of the more well-known cases are those of Aaron Hernandez and Michael Vick. Hernandez, a former tight end for the New England Patriots, was convicted in 2015 of first-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Vick, former NFL quarterback most known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles, was sentenced in 2007 to 23 months of jail time for dogfighting and was suspended from the NFL
until 2009, according to USA Today. Eric Wilbur for Boston Globe points out, “The sports we follow are filled with players, quite literally, getting away with murder as well as dozens of other criminal charges that usually disappear.” There are many cases of athletes getting accused of crimes, but the crimes are dismissed simply because of who they are and the lawyers to which they have access. Most famously, O. J. Simpson was charged with two counts of murder in 1994, but was acquitted in 1995 and therefore faced no jail time. NHL golden child and USA Hockey superstar, Patrick Kane, a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, has been accused of far too many violent acts since 2009, yet he has only had to do community service and has never faced a league suspension for anything he has been accused of, according to Mark Lazerus of Chicago Sun-Times. These athletes get away with crimes because of
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and without question. They would have to explain why, and then would be made a pariah in their sport, costing them endorsements and fans. It also extends to when athletes protest or speak out against something when some people do not agree with them. The respective leagues then blackball the athletes, much like Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who has
been for protesting against police brutality. I am not saying people who have the ability to help others should not, but we should not expect these people to be superheroes of society. Athletes can only do so much. We should also not let athletes get away with crimes. Be critical of the things and people you like, but do not expect them to be a god.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Life Editor/Will Wells
Managing Editor/Kristina Domitrovich News Editor/Josh Beck
who they are and what their presence means for a multimillion, sometimes billion, dollar sports franchise. On the other hand, society expects some athletes to go above and beyond for others. Many people have this mentality of, “Well, they make enough money. They should not keep all that wealth to themselves.” In reality, these athletes do not have to do anything with their income they do not want to do, but most do something anyway. Most players have a specific charity to which they give money; leagues have charity months and games set aside for raising money. It is inspiring to see these millionaires giving back to communities which helped raise them, giving to children’s hospitals and paying attention to wounded veterans. It shows these athletes do, in fact, have a sense of humanity and humility. However, if an athlete chooses not to participate in these charity games, or invest in or start a charity, they would be condemned quickly
Online Editor/Collin Smith multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Johnson Cooke
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.
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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
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Open houses, concerts and more take place this weekend MSU Basketball in action
WILL WELLS
LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
What: Both of Mississippi State University’s basketball teams will be in action this weekend, starting with the men’s basketball team taking on the Alabama State University Hornets. Afterward, the Mississippi State University women’s basketball team will take on University of Virginia Cavaliers. A Final Four banner raising ceremony will be held between the games.
Mississippi State University football team faces a big test on Saturday against the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, but the game is far from the only thing happening in town this weekend Those who are already in the Christmas spirit, or enjoy shopping any time of the year, can check out the University Florist’s Christmas open house on Friday. Fans of MSU athletics can check out MSU’s volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and football, which will all play at home this weekend. Meanwhile, anyone who enjoys extending their education beyond the classroom can choose to learn more about sociology or literature through lectures taking place on campus Friday afternoon. Country music fans can end their Saturday by taking in a Riley Green concert at Rick’s Cafe. University Florist Open House
When: 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday in Humphrey Coliseum.
MSU Football vs. the University of Alabama
Tea and Texts
What: The University Florist will hold a Christmas open house. The shop will offer visitors coffee and snacks, and can register for door prizes.
What: Mississippi State University assistant professor of English, Eric Vivier will lead a discussion on Thomas More’s “Utopia.”
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the University Florist.
When: 12:30 p.m. Friday in the Shackouls Honors College Conference Room on the fourth floor of Griffis Hall. Attendees will receive snacks and drinks.
What: The Mississippi State University Bulldogs’ football team will take on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend. Fans are encouraged to wear maroon. It will be military appreciation night, with the United States Armed Forces honored throughout the game. When: 6 p.m. Saturday in Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
Riley Green Concert
Sociology Lecture
What: Mississippi State University Department of Sociology’s Sociology Colloquia Series continues with “Lessons in Teaching Muggles?” a lecture by MSU Assistant Professor Rachel Allison. When: Noon Friday in Carpenter Hall, room 301.
MSU Volleyball vs. Louisiana State University What: The Mississippi State Bulldog’s volleyball team will take on the Louisiana State University Tigers. When: 3 p.m. Friday in the Newell-Grissom Building.
What: Country musician Riley Green, from Jacksonville, Alabama, creates a unique sound by mixing “outlaw” country with traditional country music. When: 9 p.m. Saturday at Rick’s Cafe. Tickets are available for $10 to $13.
Review: ‘Stranger Things’ humanizes archetypes EMMA MOFFETT STAFF WRITER
Following up on an incredible first season, the second season of the Netflix original series “Stranger Things” left me blown away. The first season of the Duffer brothers’ television show became an instant sensation among many generations with its detailed 80s references, cinematography and brilliant cast. One of the most engaging qualities of “Stranger Things’” first season was the way the show combined different movie tropes and morphed the trope in a way to give the show a unique feel. “Stranger Things” takes the basic character archetypes typical of 80s movies. and adds human qualities to even make the villains relatable at times. Mike and his friends, Eleven, Nancy and Steve, and Hopper and Joyce all embody different archetypes from 80s movies. However, these characters managed to break from their base mold and stand alone as original, fleshed out characters. Season two continues to develop many of the characters from the first season and takes what could have been flat, stock characters and adds depth and humanity to the mix. While Mike Wheeler was the main character for most of season one, the other members of the friend group stepped farther into the spotlight this season. Lucas Sinclair is no longer just the token African-American friend for the group, but has his own goals and motivations driving the plot. The viewers finally get a glimpse into Lucas’s family life and gain a better understanding of his background. From his parents, Lucas gets the motivation to tell Max, the new girl in Hawkins, about everything that happened to the group in the last year, and tries to
In season one, Lucas was not a priority to the plot, but now, his role in the series is better fleshed out and highlighted as important. Will Byers was missing most of season one, so it is not surprising he did not have a lot of screen time throughout the season. In season two, Will’s character continues to be the focus of the plot and has much more screen time. Will is struggling with balancing his relationship with “the upside-down,” and ends up being consumed by the “Shadow
nice guy, but he ends up being a hero and is the reason Joyce, Hopper and Will escape the laboratory in Hawkins. My jaw dropped and heart was shattered as Bob was suddenly taken down by the “Demo-dogs.” For some reason, the Duffer brothers, while adding depth to their nerdy characters like Barb and Bob, enjoy killing off these fun-loving and kind people. On the negative side of the season, the episode with Eleven and Kahli felt forced and unnatural to the plot.
“The characters I loved are continuing to grow and develop into something ready to support a long-term series.” -Emma Moffett, staff writer Monster:” a new creature who appears to control “the upside-down” and its “Demogorgon” residents. The Will we see throughout this season is a combination of himself and the monster. The balance between the two parts of Will is hard to determine at times, but by the end of the season, Will is free from the Shadow Monster and able to live his own life--for now. Another example of breaking character archetypes can be seen with Billy, Max’s violent older brother. The show could have easily left Billy as the abusive playboy, but the show goes a step further into his character. A glimpse into her brother’s life shows how his father’s abusive behavior molded him into who he is. While Billy is still a jerk and ends up beating the crap out of Steve, this character development makes him more realistic and human to the audience. People in life, even the awful ones, will tend to have layered personalities. One of my personal
It was important Eleven have this experience and meet another child who was experimented on, but the character of 008 (aka Kahli) left me with many plot questions. How did Kahli really escape? How has the lab not found her if she is actively hunting members of the organization? How does she have an Indian accent if she grew up inside of the Hawkins Laboratory? These questions and many more left me with a lot of frustration and anticipation for the next season. There is so much I could say about the second season of “Strangers Things,” but despite lacking some of the attention to detail present in season one, it was overall enjoyable and developed the story of “Stranger Things” rather than trying to emulate the format of season one. The characters I loved are continuing to grow and develop into something ready to support a longterm series. “Stranger Things” is breaking the standards of TV shows, and is housing some of today’s rising
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Review: ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ focuses on its characters EMMA BRASWELL STAFF WRITER
The most recent addition to the Marvel cinematic universe, “Thor: Ragnarok” was bound to be a commercial success based on the built-in fanbase alone, but the film handled its characters and plot carefully enough to deserve the success, despite a few obvious flaws. Familiar faces are accompanied with unfamiliarity in other aspects of the story. With new characters being introduced to the universe and old ones dying off, the film is entirely different than any of the previous ones. One great decision was to bring Hulk into the Thor franchise, which gave everyone a familiar face during a movie otherwise very different from the previous films. A new and important character was Hela, Thor’s eldest sister. By bringing Hela in, the makers of “Thor: Ragnarok” gave a new aspect of the classic family squabble, which is a cornerstone of the Thor franchise. This is brilliant because a large chunk of the mythology Thor is based on, is pure family drama. Not only was Hela a great villain, but she was also able to point back to core ideas which have been key to the franchise since the beginning. With Hela came her minions, which included a very evil but adorable puppy, which was great because everyone needs dogs, whether they are bad or good. The further development of Loki’s character was another big positive for the film. Because Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, has always been considered the villain, it was a refreshing change
of pace to see the character switch from villain to an anti-hero of sorts. Throughout the movie, Loki is constantly switching from good to evil, depending on what would give him the upper hand. Hiddleston handles these character changes with a stride. By the end, Loki plays a significant part in the defeat of Hela, the evil being trying to dictate Asgard, and in doing so, ends the film on much of the audience’s good side, largely due to Hiddleston’s ability to play the character so well. Valkyrie, a retired Asgardian warrior, was introduced while Thor
was stuck on another planet, and gave him the opportunity to get back home. Tessa Thompson was the perfect actress to accurately portray this
addition to the movie. Despite excellent handling of new character introductions and the comfort of familiar faces, there were certainly some
“With new characters being introduced to the universe and old ones dying off, the film is entirely different than any of the previous ones.” -Emma Braswell, staff writer strong new character who is hiding from her duties, and she was a very positive
negative aspects of the film. The introduction of the movie was rather
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disappointing. As a whole, it was generally a very comedic film, and while sometimes the jokes were too much, they usually served their purpose in lightening the story in general. However, the entire introduction was full of jokes, even though Thor was battling a fairly dangerous and threatening creature. One character who played an important role in the film’s conclusion, Surtur, was not mentioned much at all until the very end, although he appeared early in the film. For being such a small character, Surtur was the only reason Thor
succeeded in getting his people to safety, so he certainly should have been unforgettable from the very beginning. It is hard to believe while Thor can defeat him with jokes and a hammer, his all-powerful sister stands no chance. Overall, the movie was enjoyable, and it stood out from all the other Marvel movies. The film’s ties to the Guardians movies, as well as to the Hulk, made it memorable; and though the film was full of lighthearted jokes, it still managed to create a sad and deep atmosphere with Odin’s death, and the loss of the Asgardian empire.
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SPORTS
Nov.10 Alabama State 5:30
Nov.10 Virginia 8:00 Nov.16 Georgia State 7:00
Nov.20 Green Bay 7:00
Nov.19 Southern Miss 2:00
Nov.22 Stephen F. Austin 7:00
Nov.23 Arizona State 12:30
Nov.30 North Dakota State 6:00 Dec.9 North Georgia 4:00 Dec.12 @ Cincinnati 6:00
MEN’S Basketball
Dec.16 UT Martin 7:00 Dec.20 Little Rock 7:00
Dec.23 Southern Miss 6:00 JAckson, ms Dec.30 North Florida 1:00 Jan.2 Arkansas 8:00 Jan.6 @ Ole Miss 3:30 Jan.10 @ Florida 6:00 Jan.13 Auburn 2:30 Jan.16 Vanderbilt 6:00 Jan.20 @ Alabama 7:30 Jan.23 Kentucky 8:00 Jan.27 Missouri 7:30
Jan.31 @ South Carolina 7:30 Feb.3 Georgia 5:00 Feb.6 Alabama 6:00 Feb.10 @ Missouri 1:00
Feb.14 @ Vanderbilt 6:00 Feb.17 Ole Miss 7:30 Feb.20 @ Texas A&M 6:00
Feb.24 South Carolina 2:30 Feb.27 Tennessee 6:00 Mar.3 @ LSU 12:00
Nov.24 Columbia 10:00 AM Nov.25 Green Bay 10:00 AM
Nov.29 Louisiana-Lafayette 7:00 JAckson, ms
Dec.3 Oklahoma State 1:00
woMEN’S Basketball
Dec.3 Dayton 7:00
Dec.10 Arkansas-Little Rock 2:00 Dec.13 Oregon 6:00 Dec.17 Maine 2:00 Duel in the Desert
Nov.26 Jacksonville State 2:00
CANCUN CHALLENGE
Nov.18 Florida A&M 1:00
Dec.20 UNLV 4:30 Dec.21 Syracuse 4:30
Dec.28 Mississippi Valley State 7:00 Dec.31 @ Georgia 5:00 Jan.4 Arkansas 8:00 Jan.7 @ LSU 1:00 Jan.11 Ole Miss 8:00 Jan.14 Alabama 3:00 Jan.21 @ Tennessee 2:00 Jan.25 Florida 7:30 Jan.28 @ Ole Miss 1:00 Feb.1 @ Missouri 7:30 Feb.5 South Carolina 6:00 Feb 8 @ Florida 6:00 Feb.11 Kentucky 1:00 Feb.15 @ Vanderbilt 7:30
Feb. 18 Texas A&M 1:00 or 4:00 Feb.22 Auburn 7:00
Feb.25 @ Kentucky 11:00 AM or 3:00
Women’s basketball remains focused heading into their season opener against Virginia HUNTER CLOUD STAFF WRITER
Friday, when MSU takes on the University of Virginia, will mark almost eight months since No. 4 Mississippi State University women’s basketball upset No. 1 ranked UConn in the Final Four. There will be a Final Four banner ceremony before the game, but Blair Schaefer, a senior guard from Starkville, is determined to stay focused on the game once the moment of celebration passes. “It will be cool to just have everyone come out, and just be a part of and reminisce on something so special is really cool,” Blair Schaefer said. “But we are Noah Siano | The Reflector also going to have to be able to shut that door, and get Blair Schaefer dribbles around the arc in MSU’s exhibition against Arkansas Fort-Smith. ready for Virginia within a play, I think we got kids who going to be patient we will couple of minutes.” are learning to play hard. get a good shot every time.” Head coach Vic Schaefer There is a whole other level MSU will know a lot is looking forward to Friday for them to go to to even more about themselves night as a start of a new era, have a chance to play hard.” after this game compared but is concerned about the Opening up against to an exhibition, but it is younger players. Virginia is a tough start of important to remember the “For us it is a new day, the season for MSU, but team who dons Maroon and new age, new team, we are all the games MSU plays White Friday will not be the different. We have four this season will be, as they same one who finishes the senior guards which I think shift from being the hunted season. is a good place to start,” instead of the hunter. “Our kids are at the Schaefer said. “I won’t Something the players will point in their careers where worry if they are ready, but have to get used to. they want to play against I will worry about some “It’s a heck of a team good people, so we could of our younger players to have to open with, it is all walk out in the gym understanding a game plan, going to challenge us right and beat some three name how to game plan, and the away, and we will get a great directional school by 50, but importance of a game plan.” indication of where we are,” we wouldn’t know anything Schaefer thinks his team Schaefer said. “Again this about our team,” coach can be fun to watch if they team is going to have to Schaefer said. “I think we avoid turnovers, and said accept that the responsibility are going to find out about the team has good bonds that the target is bigger than our team on Friday night, in certain areas. He believes it has ever been on them.” because they are going to it will take some time for As for the opposition, be challenged. That team is younger players to learn Blair Schaefer knows well-coached, and they are the little things about what patience will be key to defeat highly skilled.” he wants and about playing Virginia’s zone defense. The game is scheduled hard. “I know they play a really for 8 p.m. and is the back “I think this team can be big zone, they are long, they end of a season opening
Ado out, Peters improving as men’s basketball heads into season opener HUNTER CLOUD STAFF WRITER
Mississippi State University men’s basketball may be one man down to open the season against Alabama State University, as head coach Ben Howland does not know when Abdul Ado will play after his quad injury in practice this month. “I don’t think he is going to play, but we don’t know for sure,” Howland said. “He has actually done well here the last three or four days running, doing individual work and is showing a lot of progress, but we are not rushing it or anything. It was three weeks ago yesterday that Abdul strained his quad.” Ado is a redshirt freshman from Lagos, Nigeria, who was suspended last season, but is expected to be a major contributor on the defensive side of the court. Howland shared his excitement for Ado in past press conferences and will be missed in the season opener. Beyond Ado, Howland said he has seen improvement in the sophomore point guard Lamar Peters, as his year of SEC playing experience has paid off. “He is much improved from where he was a year ago, when he got here he was a kid who hadn’t played strictly as a point guard,” Howland said. “He had a really good summer, and I think he has improved a lot in terms of understanding the position and being more of a leader. So I’m really excited for him.” One of the ways Peters has shown leadership is working out on his own early in the morning to improve his fitness. This extra effort is something Howland is really proud about. “He ran a mile, on his
Noah Siano | The Reflector
Ben Howland teaches freshman Nick Weatherspoon during MSU’s exhibition against Nebraska.
own, by himself, showing initiative at 8 a.m. in the morning, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and I think Thursday, four days in a row he is running on his own,” Howland said. “He is doing it on his own, the trainers are like, ‘What are you doing, Lamar? You are all sweaty and it is 8 a.m.’ I love that, that really made me excited.” There is also a great chemistry with the guards, as Peters, from New Orleans, Louisiana, describes how they pushed each other to become better this summer and going into the season. “We get out there every day and push each other, but we also talk to each other and tell each other what we need to work on and what we need to get in the gym and do,” Peters said. “So everybody has been working hard. People have been getting out on their own running, working out. Just grinding out since summer, and I
think it is going to pay off.” The team will need this chemistry as they take on a well-coached ASU team. Howland said ASU should not be taken lightly, because of their talent. “They have a lot of new guys, they have eight new guys who are very well coached, they also have a number of older guys, everybody has redshirted for a year or come from somewhere else,” Howland said.”They’ve won both of their exhibition game[s]. They are skilled, athletic, play a lot of number of guys, good size. They have a good point guard, and a freshman coming in, so they have some good players.” The game is in Humphrey Coliseum and is the front-end of a doubleheader. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. The back end of the doubleheader will be the women’s team’s game against the University of Virginia, which is set for 8 p.m.
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SPORTS
Noah Siano | The Reflector
Sam MacDonald | The Crimson White
Junior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald leads No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs with 2,260 total yards and 25 total touchdowns this season.
Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts leads the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. Hurst has 2,021 total yards this season and 17 total touchdowns.
Hurts, Fitzgerald duel as No. 16 MSU takes on No. 2 Alabama TAYLOR RAYBURN SPORTS EDITOR
The two top quarterbacks in the SEC will take the field and face-off against one another on Saturday, when No. 16 Mississippi State University (7-2, 3-2 SEC) squares off against No. 2 University of Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC), their play will ultimately decide the outcome of the top 25 matchup. MSU is led by junior Nick Fitzgerald, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, while Alabama is led by sophomore Jalen Hurts, of Houston, Texas. Their arms are not what makes them dangerous, but their legs. Hurts is second on Alabama’s team with 616 rushing yards, and Fitzgerald leads MSU in rushing yards with 801. The two are also the top two QBs in rushing yards in the SEC. However, they are different types of runners. At 6’5”, Fitzgerald stands three inches taller than Hurts, and at 230 pounds, is 12 pounds heavier. This
is evident in their styles. Fitzgerald is much more of a downhill runner who tries to pick up steam and run people over. MSU uses him on designed QB power plays and inside runs. Hurts uses his agility and quickness on zone reads, and looks to run outside and make people miss. Both styles work and present different challenges to opposing defenses. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said Hurts reminds him of another QB at his previous job at the University of Louisville. He said Hurts has developed into a player similar to last year’s Heisman winner and Louisville QB Lamar Jackson. “So they have done a really good job of developing him as a quarterback as far as where to throw the ball relative to the coverage, so he has become more of a complete player in that regard,” Grantham said. “So now you have a guy that is very similar to Lamar Jackson, who I was around,
that not only can beat you with his feet, but can beat you with his arm.” Hurts presents a lot of challenges for MSU’s defense, as he has the speed to create explosive plays if the opportunity presents itself. Grantham and other defensive players have reiterated they have to remain especially disciplined in
inside guys generate push and make him uncomfortable. Junior Braxton Hoyett, a defensive lineman from Pedham, Alabama, will be one of the players trying to generate push from the interior of the defensive line. “As a defensive line, we have to collapse the pocket and force him to make throws on the run,” Hoyett
“We’re confident. There should never be a time when you line up across from someone and think you can’t beat them. I have full confidence in our team that we can win.” -MSU quarterback Nick Fitzgerald their rush lanes this coming game. If they become too aggressive and end up down the field, Hurts has a whole lot to scramble through. Grantham said they have to collapse the pocket from the outside-in, and the edge guys containing him while the
said. “With a guy like him, we don’t want to be too out of control with our pass rush. If one guys come out of their gap, it can really hurt us.” Stopping Hurts will be the goal of the defense, but head coach Dan Mullen wants to get his star QB
going as well. Mullen said Fitzgerald’s success is not about just him, but those around him playing well to take pressure off Fitzgerald. “There’s a lot of other people around that help that out. The offensive line, Aeris (Williams), all of those things allow him to do it,” Mullen said. “A lot of it is option plays, the defense trying to take other people away allows him to run the ball.” MSU runs a lot of option plays. Most notable is their run-pass option, where there are three options on the play: Fitzgerald can run, the running back can run or Fitzgerald can throw. A key part of Fitzgerald’s ability to run are these other two options worrying the defense, forcing them to worry about things besides Fitzgerald’s legs. When Williams is a threat out of the backfield, like he was against LSU, and Fitzgerald is hitting receivers, there are too many things to worry about for the defense. Those option plays having success will be key for MSU’s
offense this Saturday. “It comes down to preparation for the game,” Fitzgerald said. “You know in these certain looks, you might get a certain opportunity. If this guy goes this way or this happens, then I can pull the ball here. Truly, it kind of is in the moment. You’re reading a guy. If you think you can beat him around the edge, then you pull it and go; but if not, you hand it off.” Fitzgerald and Hurts will duke it out in Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and ESPN will broadcast the game. “We’re confident. There should never be a time when you line up across from someone and think you can’t beat them,” Fitzgerald said. “I have full confidence in our team that we can win. They’re an extremely good football team, tops in the country. They have been for a while, and they play really well. You have to not worry about the name on their chest and just go out there and play your game.”