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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
128 th YEAR | ISSUE 23
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Bulldogs fall to Tide, post season hope remains by Blake Morgan Sports Editor
Emma Katherine Hutto | The Reflector
Mississippi State University’s Bulldogs lost their No.1 AP poll ranking Saturday as they fell to the Alabama Crimson Tide. With two games left in the season (one of them a home game against Vanderbilt and the final away at Ole Miss), the Bulldogs still have a chance to play in the SEC Championship.
‘Finish in 4 campaign’ encourages early college graduation by Nia Wilson Staff Writer
The student body presidents of Mississippi’s eight public universities have recently introduced the “Finish in 4 campaign,” an initiative that encourages college students to finish within four years. With only 48 percent of students graduating in four years, the Student Body Presidents’ Council is spearheading a mission to spread awareness on the requirements to graduate in a timely manner. At a recent Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning meeting, the Finish in 4 campaign was officially launched. Casey Turnage, director of initiatives and enrollment management for IHL, said students do not graduate on time because of a lack of awareness. “I am so glad that the Student Body Presidents Council chose this initiative. The goal of this program is to help make students aware of their options. Many students think 12 hours is enough because technically it makes them a full-time student,” Turnage said. FINISH, 2
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Dan Mullen told reporters after Mississippi State University’s first loss of the season to the Alabama Crimson Tide that he asked the team in the locker room if going undefeated was their goal of the season. Mullen said maybe one player raised his hand. “Every goal we have is still intact,” Mullen said. MSU can still become the SEC Champion and can still win the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs would have to win the rest of their games, and Alabama would have to fall to Auburn for MSU to represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship. As far as making the College Football Playoff, it will come down to how well the selection committee perceives MSU’s resume versus the other top one-loss teams around the country. Mullen was not sure how the loss would affect the team’s chances. “I do not have a vote, so, if I sat in the meetings, I do not know what they are judging it off of,” Mullen said. “I think that we are the only team to play four
top-10 teams, and we are 3-1 against those top-10 teams, so if it is on strength of schedule then absolutely not, then I’d imagine we would still be in the hunt.” The Crimson Tide kept the Bulldog offense at bay most of the game, only allowing 20 points in the red zone out of six attempts. “It was probably my fault in the red zone, some poor calls I guess in the red zone,” Mullen said. “I’ll really evaluate myself and see why we did not come up with touchdowns in the red zone.” The Alabama defense also limited the Dak Prescott and Josh Robinson duo all game. Prescott ran for 82 yards on 22 attempts, and Robinson had 12 attempts for only 37 yards. Neither broke through for a touchdown. “They knew they had to stop the run coming into this game,” Prescott said. “We do well in the games when we have our running game going and get momentum there.” Prescott threw three interceptions in the game as well. Each one of them coming in Alabama territory after the offense had been driving on the defense. “We had them. I cannot turn over the ball the way that I did,” Prescott said. GOALS, 7
‘Unified Egg Bowl’ funnels competitive spirit by Nia Wilson Staff Writer
Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi have funneled their competitive spirits into the Special Olympics Mississippi Unified Egg Bowl, a flag football competition that brings athletes with intellectual disabilities
and traditional athletes together on the same team. The Unified Egg Bowl will be held at the intramural athletic fields on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at MSU. The football coaches from both schools, Dan Mullen and Hugh Freeze, issued video challenges to students, alumni and fans from each respective school to donate to the Special Olympics Mississippi Unified Egg Bowl. The team that raises
the most donations will have a three-point advantage at the first Unified Egg Bowl. Jim Beaugez, director of public relations and communications for Special Olympics Mississippi, said the Unified Egg Bowl is not just about raising money, but also raising mutual understanding. “The goals behind the Unified Egg Bowl are to foster interaction, inclusion and understanding about
intellectual disabilities. Both the traditional athletes and the Special Olympic athletes can learn something about the other,” Beaugez said. “We have a goal set of how much we would like to raise, but we might reach that goal or we might not. What we are really trying to do is to get the entire university engaged and then use whatever money we use to better the Special Olympics.” Those interested should
visit unifiedeggbowl.org to donate to a team or learn more about the event. Jonathan Adams, intramural sports coordinator, said sports have a unifying effect on people. “We don’t really get events like this in Starkville, Mississippi. Sports has a great effect on people. It gives people the chance to learn camaraderie and build relationships though teamwork,” Adams said. BOWL, 3
Engineering seniors research development of EC-145 by Abby Adcock Staff Writer
Bella Vie Photography |Courtesy Photo
Five of MSU’s mechanical engineering seniors participated in the research and development of heat abatement in EC-145 helicopter engines as part of their Capstone projects. This opportunity was sponsored by Airbus Helicopter Incorporated.
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Last Tuesday, a few future engineers got to test their hands at Airbus Helicopters Inc. Five mechanical engineering majors at the senior level from Mississippi State University worked on their Capstone project from the sponsorship of Airbus Helicopters. They are researching and developing possible developments for heat abatement in the EC-145 helicopter’s engines. At the beginning of the semester, these students received a run down of the project, a layout of the aircraft, an overview of the design process, project parameters and a plant tour. Some students, such as
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Tyler Abell of Biloxi, Miss., plan to return to the plant and had great appreciation for the experience and opportunity to be able to work towards their capstone projects. “This has given me insight into how helicopters are built and how engineers go about testing and the research process involved. I’ve also learned a lot about problem solving,” Abell said. Airbus invited these students in to learn from the experts. Part of their research utilizes thermal imaging. Michael Boccella from FLIR as well as Ed Hooks from Lockheed Martin attended. FLIR specializes in thermal imaging and provides the cameras used in the U.S. Army – such as the S&S 72-A Lakota, or a militarized version of the commercial EC-145.
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
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Bella Vie Photography | Courtesy Photo
Boccella demonstrated the FLIR camera’s thermal imaging capabilities. Students were also able to utilize the cameras to check the heating dynamics of the aircraft. Michael Gardiner, Chief Engineer of Airbus Helicopters Inc., said Airbus’s purpose for sponsoring this Capstone project is to introduce students to the engineering field of vertical take offs and landings. “We hope to encourage them to explore this field further and consider a career in it,” Gardiner said. Andree Leclair, from
Grenada, Mississippi, said the project gave him insight into the business side of engineering. Airbus Helicopters partners closely with Mississippi State University, and providing grant money for this Capstone project is just one of the ways it does this. The company’s CEO, Marc Paganini, serves on the board of the Bagley College of Engineering. The company has also created the Airbus Helicopters Inc. Professorship in Aerospace Engineering and has hosted numerous co-op interns.
Senior students of MSUʼs mechanical engineering college utilize cameras to check the heating dynamics of an EC-145 helicopter aircraft.
Coffee, culture, conversations link diverse students by Shacamree Gowdy Staff Writer
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center will sponsor “Coffee, Culture and Conversation” Thursday in the Colvard Student Union. The event will be held on the fi rst floor at 3 p.m. in Starbucks. Sushil Poudel said she hopes for another great turn-out at the event, since it went so well last year. As an international student, Poudel said she looks forward to helping other students learn and make the best of their future experiences. “Coffee, Culture and Conversation is not a new concept of the program,”
Poudel said. “It is one of opportunity to mix with Rani Sullivan, professor the successful events we American students for of aerospace engineering had last year. Dr. Lokesh international students and and guest speaker for the Shivakumaraiah was the vice-versa.” event, said she thinks this facilitator last will be a year, and for useful event this year we because have Dr. Rani these types “It is an event open for everyone. Sullivan.” of programs Poudel said convey International students will benefit the event MSU’s sinis open for cere considfrom the stories and experiences everyone. eration of its that our speaker will share.” “International students and students will their continbenefit from ued growth. the stories and Event - Sushil Poudel, experiences sponsorer, that our speakthe Holmes Event coordinator er will share,” Cultural she said. “They Diversity will get some Center, important offers anothguidelines for adapting Poudel said she believes er opportunity to encouron the environment of the event, including the age and assist internationMSU and make the best guest speaker will motivate al students in creating a out of it. It will be a great students. smoother transition into
the life of a college student. “I am glad to participate in this event. I hope that I can impart some useful information to the students that will be attending,” she said. “This event will be interactive and I hope to address topics that are of concern and importance to the international students in attendance. I will convey the opportunities and resources that exist at MSU to aid international students during their adjustment to college life at MSU and in the U.S. in general.” By attending this event, students will earn themselves a free cup of coffee from Starbucks. Ashley Hollins, sophomore biology major, said she plans to attend the event because it is different and exciting. “Even though I am not
FINISH “But do the math. 49 percent of students graduate in six years. That costs you money. An additional year of college can cost more than $50,000 in extra tuition, lost wages and related costs. We hope to raise awareness and raise graduation rates. We aim to help students make a real impact during their college experience.” Taking only 12 credit hours each semester averages to at least five years before earning a bachelor’s degree. A student that decides to take 15 credit hours each semester can expect to graduate in four years. Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice president at MSU, said the Finish in 4 campaign is a means for students to make smart and CLASSIC ICE CREAM PIE
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an international student, I still think I can learn some interesting things from this event and maybe even get a few of the questions I have answered. I know attending State is not typically easy for them, so this event will be extremely helpful for all of us,” she said. According to Sullivan, the event will discuss the pros and cons of life in the United States as well as interactive topics. Both international and American students are asked to attend. “The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, the sponsor of this event, is to be congratulated for offering another opportunity to encourage and assist international students to a smoother transition to college life,” Sullivan said.
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beneficial decisions about their college careers. “I am passionate about students making informed decisions about their college options and scheduling courses that are consistent with their graduation plan. I think it is great for students to graduate in four years, and I would encourage all students to do so,” Gilbert said. “The Finish in 4 campaign raises awareness about what is necessary to complete a degree in four years and gives the student the knowledge to make an informed decision about their plans for progressing through a degree program.” The Student Body Presidents’ Council encourages students to utilize their advisers early so they can have a solid understanding of the number of hours required to earn a degree in their major and to take enough hours each semester to earn a degree in four years. Brett Harris, MSU Student Association president and chair of the Student Body Presidents’ Council, said it is important
for freshman to get the message. “Making students aware that they need to have a plan will help. Telling students as soon as they get here, ‘hey, you need to fi nish in four years’ will put them in the proper mindset. There are certain circumstances where it’s fi ne to fi nish in five or six years, but not always. Having a plan early is important,” he said. Harris said other developments in the works are having four-year plans already worked out for freshmen and an online syllabus bank that will have all the syllabi for whatever classes are necessary. “These tools will allow students to better educate themselves so they can be best able to graduate in four years. We are working on many things to better help students graduate on time,” Harris said. The main points of the campaign are “Know Your Plan,” “Save Money” and “Finish in 4.” The Finish in 4 Campaign is slowly being introduced to MSU. Students can expect to hear about it at orientations, fi nd pamphlets around campus and even see advertisements on the video board during football games.
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
SA revamps social media, Twitter by John Williams Staff Writer
Mississippi State University’s Student Association is working on new ideas for the students, including a revamping of the way social media is portrayed to the students. The goal of the SA’s communication team is to raise the bar so news and updates of the Student Association can reach more students, as well as more alumni and prospective students. The fi rst of the new social media campaigns is the Twitter campaign to have over 10,000 Twitter followers by the end of the school year. Currently the SA Twitter account (@ MSU_SA) has over 6,400 followers. In order to reach its goal, the SA has to average about 700 new Twitter followers a month for the remainder of the academic year. Out of the Twitter accounts of the student government associations in the Southeastern Conference, the MSU SA Twitter account has the highest number of followers. The second place in the Twitter follower ranking is the University of Alabama, tailing behind only by a few hundred followers. Brett Harris, SA president, was one of the students within the SA to initiate
the #MSUSATO10K campaign on twitter. “Most of the students get their information through Twitter, and we want our students to be informed,” Harris said. “My goal is 10,000 so that our followers reflect at least half of our student body. We hope to be at least informing that many more people, which will help our presence to the student body out that much more.” The SA wishes to beat
administration major, commends the SA on its social media efforts. “Although there is always room for improvement, the Student Association has always been progressive and innovative to improve the social media presence leading to more following and more effective communication,” Eaton said. The #MSUSATO10K campaign roll out was among the fi rst times the SA knew of its No. 1 posi-
“Most of the students get their information through Twitter, and we want our students to be informed. My goal is 10,000 so that our followers ref lect at least half of our student body.” - Brett Harris, SA President Alabama within the Twitter realm. To make sure that remains true, the SA has started using the hashtag #MSUSATO10K in hopes to gain some traction before the end of the semester. Walker Eaton, Center for Student Activities graduate assistant and second year graduate sport
tion on Twitter among it’s SEC counterparts. “I don’t follow any other student government accounts other than @ MSU_SA, so it is difficult to speak on other student government’s versus ours,” Eaton said. “But considering other schools in the SEC have higher enrollment than we do, I
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“Sports are a rare thing that force people to work together,” Adams said. “It’s great to see that sports can offer a unique opportunity where people of all walks of life and all capabilities can participate.” The Unified Egg Bowl will begin with an address from MSU Athletic Director Scott Stricklin followed by a performance by Miss MSU Randi-Kathryn Harmon. The MSU pep
squad will be featured at halftime. Amelia Treptow, assistant director of student activities, said the Unified Egg Bowl can be both a fun and informative way to interact with those with intellectual disabilities. “The Unified Egg Bowl is a great way for the community to learn about the work that Special Olympics does and is a great way to interact with those with
intellectual disabilities. It allows both team members with intellectual disabilities and those without to build relationships and enjoy this experience,” Treptow said. “I hope everyone will come out the Sports Clubs Fields and support both teams. Not only will this event be informative, but it is a fun way for everyone to get to experience the excitement and rivalry of the traditional Egg Bowl.”
History of Magruder Hall History and Traditions Committee Magruder Hall was named after Professor W.H. Magruder, who taught English at Mississippi State from 1883-1908. In November of 1912, W.H. Magruder was Vice President of the university, and he discovered a young cadet visiting a co-ed in the library’s ladies study room. There weren’t any technical rules against it, but Magruder believed the rules of propriety had been broken. This caused stricter rules to be made, which made the students rebel, and it all culminated in the removal of females from the school. They weren’t allowed back in until 1930, and Magruder Hall was converted into female housing in the 1970s, ironically enough. The Georgian revival building now houses the psychology department.
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think that says a lot about the Student Association’s social media presence and overall success. I think the #MSUSAto10K campaign is 100 percent possible.” Of the second social media campaigns, it includes a joint effort between the SA and Music Maker Productions. It includes a survey to gauge students’ satisfaction of the previous concerts put on by the SA and MMP, including Bulldog Bash. The survey can be found on the MMP website msuconcerts.com. Thomas Fitzner, senior international business and fi nance major, serves as MMP student director. Fitzner and his team decided to do this survey to make improvements to their already apparent success. “This is the fi rst time we have ever done a survey aside from the iPad on the fi rst floor of the Student Union, which was used for general comments,” Fitzner said. “This time we are polling students to see what they do and don’t like on campus to better improve the concerts that are hosted on campus.” The survey responses will be collected on Tuesday so they can be evaluated and taken into consideration before MMP plans its next big show, including the upcoming ZZ Top concert and Old Main, both in the spring semester. “To better serve the students and community,
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 1:00 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for driving under the influence. 8:51 a.m. An employee reported someone struck the door glass at T.K. Martin Center and broke it. 10:11 a.m. A student reported his vehicle damaged while parked at Cullis Wade Depot parking lot. 11:04 a.m. A student reported his license plate stolen while parked on Magruder Street near Rice Hall. 9:04 p.m. A student was arrested at Hull Hall for minor in possession of alcohol. A student referral was issued. Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 2:15 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. 5:35 a.m. An employee reported smelling smoke on the third floor of MacArthur Hall. 2:00 p.m. A student reported his amplifier stolen from his vehicle while parked at the Zacharias Village parking lot. 2:05 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct. 2:08 p.m. A student was issued a student referral for being disruptive in class. 2:21 p.m. A student reported damage to her vehicle while parked between the Sander Center and the Coliseum. 3:18 p.m. An employee reported his gas can stolen from the bed of his truck while parked in the parking lot between Harned Hall and McGruder. 10:10 p.m. A student found a small bag of marijuana in the elevator at Rice Hall. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 12:24 p.m. A student reported his vehicle vandalized while parked at Hull Hall parking lot. 2:58 p.m. A visitor was arrested on Collegeview Street for suspended driver’s license and no proof of insurance. 7:19 p.m. A student reported her debit card and driver’s license stolen from her dorm room at Magnolia Hall. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014 1:17 a.m. A student reported the smell of marijuana at Herbert Hall. Students were issued student referrals for violation of housing policy. 3:30 a.m. A student passed out at North Hall. The subject was transported to OCH.
which is why we decided to public this survey,” Fitzner said. “We will be polling on venue preference, ticket preference, artist preference, as well as Bulldog Bash location, genre and
all around improvement.” The two social media efforts are a part of the SA’s goal to be more engaging with the student body and to take their input into consideration.
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
My Two Cents
Where The Wild Thoughts Are
Reevaluation overcomes Sweden formally recognizes Palestine as state Tensions between other European countries to attain peace in the region. Palestinian authorities and follow suit, Sweden’s Foreign Commentary on this issue Israeli state are millennia Minister Margot Wallstrom requires a whole lot of delistudents’ education crises the old, and the ideological con- said Palestine, as a state, cacy, a point Israeli Foreign Before beginning my college experience, I did not expect to confront the concept of a mid-college crisis. I barely believed in the existence of a mid-life crisis. But now that I have reached my junior year, the first ailment has hit with great force. I’m not talking about doubting whether or not Mamie Carlstrom attending college was a good is a junior majoring in communication. idea – the answer is absolutely She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. yes. For me, the mid-college crisis has manifested itself as a wish that I had chosen our decision. According to a different major. Many peo- a study performed by Penn ple, myself included, come State University, up to 50 to college with a major, and percent of college students furthermore a career, firmly change their majors at least fixed in their brains. They once before graduation. In my case, it didn’t even don’t give much consideration to other options. With cross my mind to switch – I almost five semesters under loved my choice. However, once the reasonmy belt, I’ve suddenly found myself thinking, “I should’ve able period of time to change studied criminal justice and ended, I, and I’m sure many pursued a career in the FBI,” others, regretted not choosor “I should’ve become an ing something else. One way to deal with elementary school teacher.” this mid-colOne of the lege crisis is main causes to remember of feelings like these in stu- “It’s hard to take all of the reasons you chose dents probably stems from down a person your major in the first place. the fact we have so many who works hard There’s a good chance it has options in the first place. As and develops a a special place in your heart. Americans Passion for we’re present- skill.” what we do is ed with endless irreplaceable. choices from On the flip side, I don’t the moment of birth, from food to clothes to extracur- believe we should take years to find ourselves. Pick somericular activities. Too many options can thing and do your best. So cause us to become anxious what if it’s not the perfect career? It’s hard to take down and indecisive. Everyday we’re forced to a person who works hard make decisions until we’re and develops a skill. For the future, keep in conditioned to expect them in everyday life. I admit to mind the fact your dream having “buyer’s remorse” job might not be available over something as simple immediately upon graduaas a restaurant order. Surely tion. This doesn’t mean your there must be a way to com- specialized college training bat this growing problem of has gone to waste. Instead, take a job and work in eardiscontentment in college. Now I’m not suggesting nest toward your goals. If you struggle with a we go to a totalitarian form of government in which mid-college crisis, fear not. everyone’s told which career You may still change your path they must follow. major, but for those who Choices create a diverse and don’t want to severely delay rich society, as long as they graduation, stick with it. do not get in the way of the Chances are you’re a splenactual “doing” society needs. did candidate for the career The thing about college is you imagined in the first we have ample time to make place.
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flict is deep-seated and institutional enough to act as the stumbling block to peaceful negotiations. I do not know if there is an answer for this kind of conflict. Our leaders may have read every book Zig Ziglar and John Maxwell have ever written, and it still will not be enough to facilitate conflict resolution here. The complexity of this foreign policy situation is incomprehensible to most of us. The problem, which is much too soft a word, between Israel and Palestine is so unlike anything our leaders have dealt with. Because this is such a unique situation, it provides an opportunity for a unique solution. Typical methods of conflict resolution and contract negotiation are just not going to yield fruitful results. A few weeks ago, Sweden formally recognized Palestine as a state. This recognition comes after yet another tumultuous summer in the Middle East and amid criticism from Israeli authorities. This is an issue that we are obligated to have an opinion on as the lone (for now) superpower in the world. In what is likely an action that will pave the way for
meets all the criteria needed to be recognized as its own sovereign country, and to deny it such an opportunity would be wrong, according to a recent CNN article by Brooke Bowman. The most baffl ing part of this development is not even Sweden’s recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, but rather that Sweden is the 135th country to do so. In mid-October, the British Parliament passed a symbolic measure to recognize Palestine as a state, and the French government continues to act as though recognizing Palestine as a state is a matter of when, not if. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told Reuters if negotiations between Israel and Palestine collapsed, Paris “would not shirk its responsibilities,” but rather would move to recognize Palestine as a state with peace in mind. According to an Oct. 3 article in The New York Times, Sweden’s newly elected Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, noted his support for a Palestinian state in his inaugural address, saying a twostate system is the only way to
Minister Avigdor Lieberman articulated perfectly when he said, “relations in the Middle East are more complex than one of Ikea’s flat-pack pieces of furniture, and would do well to act with greater sensitivity and responsibility.” However, while sensitivity and couth are absolutely necessary if negotiations between Israel and Palestine are to move forward, we must also realize the inequality of the playing field. Israel and Palestine negotiate from two different positions: one already with statehood, and one without. The most logical solution, then, would be to put them both on equal footing and to give both parties the same amount of political clout with which to negotiate. The world can take Sweden, France and many others at their word and find solace in the goal of Palestinian recognition, which is not to cause more strife or facilitate more conflict, but ultimately to seek peace in the region and to “give hope to young Palestinians and Israelis that there is an alternative to violence,” according to Wallstrom. According to Washington
Tucker Fleming is a senior majoring in sociology. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.
Post columnist Ishaan Tharoor, the United States will try to wait until a twostate solution arises organically before it gives its blessing to Palestine. However, our government should be prepared for these negotiations to end up being virtually impossible, at which point it will be interesting to see how our government chooses to act. Fabius has already said if the two parties cannot organically come to an agreement, “then France will naturally have to assume its responsibilities.” Will the U. S. do the same? Ideally, an agreement would naturally arise between the two parties. In case that does not happen, the U. S. should be prepared to dig through propaganda and misinformation on both sides in order to decide how to best move forward.
Living By My Wits
Bulldogs’ loss puts bump in the road to championship After Saturday, after nine weeks of straight wins, the Bulldogs are no longer on top. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide trampled MSU 25-20 and moved to the No. 2 spot in the polls, while the Bulldogs fell to No. 4. I was at the game, and frankly I was astonished, not at the score, or the way our boys were playing. I was astonished that at halftime, I, as a band member, had to give a pep talk our fans. They had lost hope. They sat there looking defeated as we trailed the Tide. Not cheering. Not smiling. I understand their disappointment. After weeks at the top, our fans realized we would no longer be No. 1 the next day. After the loss, Twitter was flooded with love for the Bulldogs as well as declarations they would still be
ranked and still deserve a spot in the College Football Playoff. And honestly, they do. I’m not sure exactly how the playoff selection works. In fact, I’m not sure anyone knows. I do know it was created basically to prove the SEC is not the best conference in the nation. The playoff selection committee is comprised of athletic directors, sports reporters and former coaches. It includes Lt. Gen. Mike Gould and Condoleeza Rice. Why Condoleeza Rice, you ask? The world may never know. The rankings are based on data who receive from SportSource Analytics each week. The data includes video, statistics and factors such as win-loss records, strength of schedule, conference championships, headto-head results and results
against common opponents. Statistically speaking, the Bulldogs outplayed the Crimson Tide in every aspect except scoring on Saturday. Our offense totaled 428 yards – 138 of which were rushing. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind this was truly a top-5 matchup. Ironically, although the playoff system was created in an effort to remove conference bias in the postgame season, the SEC has been prominent in the playoff rankings every week since the first rankings were released. There are only six teams with 9-1 records, and two of those teams are in the SEC West. The only 10-0 team left ranked higher than an SEC team is Florida State. In Jan. 2015, the four best teams in the nation will enter a playoff to determine the college football national
Claire Wilson is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
champion, and I wholeheartedly believe if two of those teams are not SEC teams, it will not be because the SEC doesn’t have the best teams. The Bulldogs have heart and passion, and even though the Crimson Tide won on Saturday, MSU will always win in my heart. As far as I’m concerned, we have a national championship team.
International Ink
Immigration reform deserves due legislative process The elections are done and emperor or the king of the website and also in his condusted; now the question is United States to act alone, tinuous campaigns, President what’s up next for the Obama support of the Congress is a Obama has spoken about presidency? In a press con- must. Elections are a direct immigration repeatedly. A ference after the democrats’ reflection of the mood of the flyer Obama has well-admassive defeat, President people. They are the most vertised said, “President Obama didn’t fail to men- protected and transparent Obama’s common-sense tion he would go solo to act processes in a democracy. I immigration reform proposal on immigration reform, a wouldn’t have ever thought has four parts — 1) Continue move that may not be widely I would question Barack to strengthen border security, well-received. Obama on this, but is he really 2) Cracking down on employImmigration reform is trying to challenge the man- ers that hire undocumented important. I would, for the date of the people by acting workers, 3) Creating a path better, stay away from calling solo on the bill? to earned citizenship, 4) the current system broken, In one response to a ques- Streamlining our legal immilike the President does, but it tion on immigration reform gration system.” certainly needs polishing and at the G20 summit President Immigration reform is a refining. Obama said, “There is a very necessity. Having 12 milAccording to Pew simple solution to this percep- lion workers paying taxes Research, as of 2006 there tion that somehow I’m exer- and working legally is good are roughly 12 million illegal cising too much executive for the economy. Attracting immigrants in the United authority: pass a bill I can sign bright students from all over States. This number is huge to on this issue. Metaphorically, the world who will be encourdeport, take legal cases aged to work and study against or act upon with in the U. S. can never be law enforcement. To “There is absolutely no need a bad idea. People who better understand the have lived here long gravity of what 12 milto counter-manufacture enough and become one lion immigrants means, with the country should let us perform a small something by going solo as be able to stay here permathematical calculamanently. Very few deny president.” tion. Divide 12 million these points; the issue is people by the populademocracy, due process, tion of Starkville which equal representation, is 25,000 (people per town), I’ll crumple up whatever exec- debate and discussion. That and you will have 480 towns. utive actions that we take, and is what makes America what There are that many illegal we’ll toss them in the waste- it is. immigrants in the U.S. basket because we will now In a report last year “The The problem with immi- have a law that addresses Huffington Post” said there gration reform is not the bill, these issues,” he said. could be 40 million Latino but the manner in which it Everyone who follows voters by the end of 2030 if may pass in the coming weeks. what happens in Washington this reform is a reality. President Obama is expected knows a republican-conI believe republicans to make an announcement trolled Congress acting on conclusively won this time this week and has been heavi- immigration reform is highly because they managed to ly briefed by his attorney gen- unlikely. For the last two years reach out to people from all eral and legal advisers on how we have seen the bitter bipar- sections of the society. They much executive power he can tisan stand-offs, which have had Nikki Haley in South enforce. caused major upsets like the Carolina for governor; Tim Historically, we have found government shutdown. Do Scott, a republican, became Obama speaking against you really think Congress will the first African-American excessive use of executive pass such a bill? Senator from the South for power saying he is not the On the White House more than a hundred years;
Pranaav Jadhav is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
as well as Marco Rubio in Florida, to name a few. As I said earlier, republicans have re-invented themselves. Now, President Obama needs to use this as a good political point to score over the republicans and get the immigration reform passed by Congress. There is absolutely no need to counter-manufacture something by going solo as president. Mr. President, we thank you for a lot of things. To name a few: the killing of Bin-Laden, reviving our economy from the ugly recession in 2008, stabilizing the unemployment rate, nearly ending the war in Afghanistan, making a nuclear deal with Iran, committing to protect allies like Israel, promoting equal civil rights and fighting discrimination in employment. You have done amazing things as president. In the last two years as the Chief, why do you want to take a step like going alone to pass a major bill that could overshadow every good thing you have done as president? I sincerely hope you reflect on your decision and promote what our ancestors established, a true American Democracy.
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
An In-Class Distraction
CLASSIFIEDS POLICY
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 RENT Canterbury Townhouses 2 min from campus. 1 br $540, 3 br 3 full baths $720. Water, sewage, trash included. Price for the whole apartment, not just a bedroom! Get 1 month free with 12 month lease. Call 323-9216. Subleasing a 1 bedroom/ bathroom in a 4 bedroom/ bath apartment at 21 apts. Starting January through July. Other roommates are male. Please contact Wes 601-906-7582. CLUB INFO
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. ALPHA PHI OMEGA
Alpha Phi Omega presents Bulldogs for Batson’s in the Union Dawg House Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6-9:30 p.m. to benefit Batson Children’s Hospital. Raffle items and live music! Free admission. THE STREETCAR CREATIVE ARTS JOURNAL
The Streetcar is Mississippi State University’s creative arts journal open to student submissions. Submit your art, poetry, shortstories, nonfiction and more before
November 25 online at thestreetcarmsu.com. MSU HILLEL
Jews wanted! If you’re Jewish, let us know! Like us on Facebook at Hillel @ Mississippi State University. Join us for meetings. For more information, contact Josph Metz at 601-813-7720. YOGA MOVES CLUB
School or work stressing you out? Get moving into Yoga Moves. Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings from 5:30-7 p.m. Like Yoga Moves Club on Facebook. ONE NIGHT ONLY ART SHOW
Friday evening at 5 there will be a one-night only exhibition displaying work from a few MSU artists. Come out and support them and enjoy their work and eat free snacks. Howell 111 in the metal shop.
Nov. 14 solutions:
The MSU Student Health Insurance Plan
Stay Up late with
**Open Enrollment ends January 31, 2015 to be enrolled for Spring 2015**
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mitchell memorial library After the Thanksgiving holiday, the library will open at 1:00pm on Sunday, November 30th and not close until Thursday, December 11th at 4:45pm.
NOTE: This Plan is compliant with the Affordable Care Act of 2010
Plan Brochure is at : http://www.health.msstate.edu/healthcenter/ forms/InsBrochureFlyer2014_2015.pdf For More Information on the plan go to:
http://www.health.msstate.edu/healthcenter/ insurance_student.php Contact Robert Cadenhead at The Student Health Center 325-5895 or rwc77@msstate.edu
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
Revenue paid to rights holders since launch in 2006:
2 BILLION
Taylor Swift earned
Number of songs:
OVER 20 MILLION Number of songs added daily:
OVER 20 THOUSAND
$496,000 in the past twelve months from Spotify
Swift vs. Spotify: debate sparks outrage Austin Grove| The Reflector
by Kaitlin O’Dougherty Staff Writer
Spotify is a source of music over 50 million people actively usetoday. Spotify allows users to listen to a variety of music while paying a very low monthly fee. This may sound great to our musicloving generation; however, several artists object to Spotify on the grounds that this cheap streaming music devalues their music. One of the most recent and publicized controversies surrounds Taylor Swift and her disagreements with the company. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Swift’s record company, Big Machine Records, recently
decided to take all of her music off of Spotify. The record company did not warn the company or try to negotiate with them regarding her music according to multiple online reports. Swift fully supports this action, saying, “Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for.” Frequent Spotify users may have taken notice of the playlists made concerning this debate. One of the playlists spells out, “Hey Taylor, we wanted to play your amazing love songs, and they’re not here right now. We want you back with us, and so do your fans,” using the titles of the songs. One of Swift’s friends,
Ed Sheeran, has an entirely different opinion about the subject. According to E Online, he has mentioned how Spotify can actually increase sales for lesser– known artists. Many students agree with Sheeran’s statement. Pierson Crowder, junior mathematics major, said the unpredictability associated with Spotify’s music choices is ingenious in his opinion. “I use Spotify to discover new artists that I normally would not pay to hear,” he said. Swift is the third-highest paid female music artist in the world, and many disagree with her actions regarding Spotify. Mary Emily Moore, sophomore whose major
is undeclared, said Swift is being unreasonable with her decision to pull her songs off Spotify. “I thoroughly enjoy Taylor’s music, but I do not think she made the right decision,” she said. Many feel Taylor already makes enough money and should share her music with those who may not be able to afford it on iTunes or other music sites. However, Swift’s concern seems to focus on the value of her music rather than the amount of money she can make from it. Spotify has retaliated by stating the fact much of the money it collects goes back to the artists themselves. Spotifiy was originally started in order to save artists from the negative effects of piracy.
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said Spotify has repaid artists with $2 million of their total sales since the start of Spotify, according to “Time Magazine’s” website. Kevin Ward, senior biochemistry major, said he fully supports Spotify. “I agree with Spotify’s position on this subject because they are purely trying to support the music industry,” he said. Many other artists have begun to voice their opinions regarding Spotify due to this recent controversy. Amanda Palmer, will.i.am, Pink Floyd and The Black Keys are only a few of the major musical artists to also take this stand against streaming music through services like Spotify.
The Black Keys are quoted as saying in Digital Media News, “For unknown bands and smaller bands, it’s a really good thing to get yourself out there. But for a band that makes a living selling music, streaming royalties are not at a point yet to be feasible for us.” Whether one uses Spotify or not, this issue is a major debate in the music scene. Many people do not realize how prevalent these streaming sites are in their daily lives. Over 20,000 songs are added daily on Spotify. If more artists begin to take this stand against Spotify, the company may be on a declining slope. The Taylor Swift controversy may have sparked a fire in the music community.
Breaking Bad’s RJ Mitte to visit campus by Noor Mujahid Life Editor
Tonight, Mississippi State University’s Student
Association will sponsor a talk from Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte. Breaking Bad is an epic drama that played on AMC for five record-breaking seasons encompassing all things
Walter White and the infamous blue ice. Mitte played main character Walter White’s son in the award-winning television program. Caitlin King,
Come see what we have to offer!
co-director of special events and speakers on the SA Cabinet, said Mitte will speak about his experiences and challenges as an actor living with cerebral palsy. “We asked him to come speak because he is a great actor who is living with cerebral palsy,” she said. “We invited him to come speak because we have never had a speaker from his perspective.” King said Mitte is an amazing role model, and although he battles cerebral palsy, he has not let it hinder his success. She feels this will resonate well with students. “He is not letting his cerebral palsy get in the way of his dreams, and that is so motivational to me, and I hope it will
be motivational for the Mississippi State student body,” she said. “As we get closer to finals, I feel like we lose some of that motivation, and I hope that through hearing RJ Mitte people will see that you can do anything that you put your mind to.” Drew Dygert, junior agronomy major and Breaking Bad fan, said he was surprised to hear an actor from the popular TV show would be coming to MSU to speak. “I was so excited when I first heard the actor playing Junior (Mitte) would be speaking here. I never knew that he actually had cerebral palsy,” he said. “I thought it was just part of his role, but when I found out he actually struggles with
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the condition, I gained so much esteem for him as both an actor and a person.” Mitte will speak in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and students are encouraged to get their free tickets ahead of time, which are available in the Colvard Student Union in room 314. The SA special events and speakers committee will also hand out tickets on the first floor of the union. King said she would like students to be inspired by Mitte’s accomplishments. “I hope that students receive the mindset that they can do anything through hard work and dedication,” she said.
7 THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
Vivians shines in debut by Zach Wagner Staff Writer
The Mississippi State University women’s basketball team started the season off positively over the weekend, gaining two victories in the first two rounds of the Preseason WNIT Tournament. The team was able to outscore its two opponents, Mercer and Arkansas State, by a combined total of 41 points, which was enough to clinch its spot in the semifinals. It will play the winner of the West Virginia and Seton Hall match up Thursday, and the location is still to be determined. There were certainly a number of break out performers for the Bulldogs this weekend, who, because of injuries to key seniors on the squad, have been forced to start some younger players. One of these young players, Victoria Vivian, showed Bulldog fans she is ready to start contributing heavily on a game-to-game basis. Highly touted coming out of high school, Vivians finished the weekend with a total of 36 points, six rebounds and three assists. Along with this, she logged a hefty 44 minutes for the Bulldogs. Her game-high 23 points on Friday broke the record for most points scored by a Bulldog in their debut, which was previously held by Jennifer Fambrough with 21 points. Vivians was candid about her performance over the weekend, but cited the fact she is very confident in her ability to go out and perform at the highest level possible. “I mean anything is possible I guess. I’ll put it like this: anything I put my mind to I can do,” she said. “I came out a little shaky at first, but I just had to get into the game.” The performance against Mercer saw the Bulldogs battle through the first half before exploding out of the gates in the second half with a 19-5 run to eventually run away with the contest. Ketara Chapel finished the game with a career-high 14 points and helped provide some experience for the younger squad. As a team, the Bulldogs ended up shooting roughly 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from the three-point line to help them barrel their way to a final score of 92-60. Head Coach Vic Schaefer
GOALS
“They were just stupid turnovers. Then you get the tipped ball at the line intercepted, great play on their part,” Prescott said. Despite the poor red zone play and the turnovers on possible scoring drives, MSU still found itself only down five points and trying an onside kick to get the ball back. The Bulldogs went into Tuscaloosa, fell behind by 19 points and then railed back on the road. The Bulldogs showed they have the ability to keep fighting even when things are not going their way. “I know my teammates, we have that bond,” Robinson said. “We are never going to roll over, nah, that is just not
Bill Simmonds | MSU Media Relations
Morgan William was named SEC Freshman of the week for her strong play.
lauded his team’s ability to go hard to the rim and efficiency from the free throw line. “We were able to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim,” Schaefer said. “We led the nation in free throw percentage a year ago, and that is what we want to do this season. We want to attack. We really came out and executed. Scoring 56 points in a half of women’s college basketball is hard to do.” The win earned them the right to play two days later against Arkansas State, who had just beaten Jackson State. With a late Sunday start time and playing on short rest, the Bulldogs were still able to overcome the Red Wolves with the scoreboard reading 93-83 at the end of the game. Morgan William has been just as good as Vivians. The quick freshman guard had two highly effective games over the weekend, scoring 48 points, gaining 10 assists and adding five rebounds to the two Bulldog wins. She proved to be the difference for the Bulldogs on Sunday, as she was able to come off the bench and ignite the team after a very slow start. Scoring 29 points, assisting on six shots and grabbing two rebounds Sunday, William has begun to show Schaefer just how valuable she can be to the team’s success this season. Her ability to get to the rim and, most importantly, finish, plays right into what Schaefer wants his teams to be able to do. “We are playing with
some confidence right now,” William said. “We have a lot to work on, but we are excited about how we have played the first two games.” Schaefer described Sunday’s game as sloppy, but at the same time, he was happy to see his team fight its way to a hard fought victory. “It was a heck of a basketball game,” he said. “I am really proud of our kids. It was not pretty. We made some decisions that were not smart, but we found a way to win. The kids played their hearts out. We made plays on both ends of the floor.” Another player who stood out for the Bulldogs against Arkansas State was sophomore guard Dominique Dillingham. Her 12 points, two assists and four rebounds were nice, but her work defensively is what set her apart. She hustled after loose balls all night and played lock down defense on Arkansas State’s best player, Aundrea Gamble. Her performance caught the eye of her head coach, who wasn’t shy in giving her some much garnered praise. “Dominique is everything we want in a player,” Schaefer said. “She was 4-of-8 from the field, 2-of-4 from three-point range and 2-of-2 from the foul line, all while guarding the other team’s best player.” The Bulldogs have started the season off strongly and will look to keep the momentum going through the rest of the Preseason WNIT Tournament, as there does exist some potentially tough match ups in their future.
us. It is not in our character, not in us.” The goals of the SEC Championship and the National Championship are still there for MSU. Also, there can still be a rematch with Alabama on a neutral
field later in the season. “I am pretty sure we are going to see them in the playoff,” Robinson said. “I do not know when, but I am pretty sure we are going to see them. We are going to have to bring it now.”
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From The Corner
Sports
Gordon deserves top spot for Heisman
This past Saturday of college football saw the full gauntlet of stunning performances and disappointing outings that have all now come together to help set up one of the most tightly contested Heisman races in the last few years. The focus over the last three weekends has been on the battle between Mississippi State University’s Dak Prescott and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, but it may be time to look at a new battle at the top of the Heisman hopeful list. This would be because Prescott played his worst game of the season over the weekend against Alabama. While Prescott struggled against the Crimson Tide, Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon was well on his way of having not just a career day, but an alltime great performance by a college running back. Most around the country now see Gordon as the major challenger to Mariota and pushed Prescott back to just a mere afterthought. It’s not an understatement to say that Saturday’s outing against Alabama was the low point of Prescott’s season. He ended up throwing three interceptions for the game. While the loss was a major blow to the Bulldogs’ chances of winning the SEC West, it may ultimately prove to be a fatal blow to Prescott’s chance at the Heisman Trophy. As early as Sunday morning, Prescott no longer appeared in any of the five major networks’ Heisman favorite watch lists, and many experts now question whether he will even be invited to New York for the ceremony come December. “Bleacher Report’s” featured columnist, Brian Leigh, vividly summed up just what happened to Prescott’s Heisman campaign at Alabama on Saturday. “Prescott’s Heisman run crashed and burned in
Tuscaloosa—or, if you prefer, it was crashed into and set aflame,” he said. Prescott’s down week opened the door for many other names throughout the realm of college football to step up to fill the void left near the top. Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston again was able to work some of his late-game magic to help his Seminoles to a 30-26 win at Miami. He finished the game with 304 yards passing, completing almost 60 percent of his passes thrown on the night. He did throw an interception, but it’s fair to say the safety made a very nice play to come up with the pick. A lot of the reason Winston still finds himself in the top five comes down to the fact he has been so clutch at the end of the last four games he has played. The Texas Christian University quarterback Trevone Boykin is a newcomer, but don’t let that sway the very good credentials he brings to the conversation. Boykin has led his team to a 9-1 record, with the only loss coming in a shootout against Baylor earlier in the season. He boosts a strong stat line for the season of 3,021 passing yards, 31 total touchdowns and only five interceptions for the campaign. In third place sits maybe the most all-around talented player in college football, Alabama’s Amari Cooper. He was able to haul in eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown against Mississippi State on Saturday, adding to his productive junior season totals. He now sits with 87 catches on the season for 1,303 yards and 11 touchdowns. One of the factors working against Cooper, and really any receiver trying to win the Heisman, is the amount of balls thrown his way. The new battle at the top of the list is now between
Zach Wagner Zach Wagner is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com.
Mariota and Wisconsin standout running back Melvin Gordon. Mariota, who was idle this weekend, still carries the most remarkable stats of anyone. He has only thrown two interceptions, which is outstanding when you take into account he has thrown the ball 277 times. If Gordon plays at an inhuman level for the rest of Wisconsin’s campaign, like he did on Saturday, then these same voters may not have a choice other than the powerful yet speedy running back. Gordon was so good Saturday he was able to shatter the single-game rushing record, previously held by LaDainian Tomlinson at 406 yards, by amassing 408 yards against Nebraska on Saturday in a mere three quarters. He’s only 91 yards away from breaking 2,000 yards on the season, which only 14 players in college football have ever done. Gordon also has scored a total of 25 touchdowns through both the air and on the ground. Mariota might be having a solid season, but not one that is even close to being a historically great all-time season like Gordon is having. While the Heisman race remains closer than ever, things will begin to narrow down soon. All that is for certain is that the entire country will certainly be hanging on every moment these guys produce for the rest of the year.
Mississippi State University 2014
Fall Commencement Ceremony
December 13th, 2014, 10:00 A.M.
Humphrey Coliseum The University Registrar announces detailed graduation information regarding regalia, invitations, photographs, DVDs, and marching instructions. This information is available at the University Registrar’s web page address, www.registrar.msstate.edu, under announcements/notes for you to view and/or print.
Congratulations to all of Our Graduates!
Advertisement REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
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