WADING THROUGH THE
I have a dream.
WATER
life | 6
heating up
LIFE | 7
SPORTS | 8 125th YEAR | ISSUE 29 @REFLECTORONLINE /REFLECTORONLINE
JANUARY 24, 2014
FRIDAY
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
Construction on campus * STARKVILLE PASSES includes new What is the ANTI-DISCRIMINATION classrooms, resolution calls for road closure
? RESOLUTION
“Discrimination against a person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex,
gender identity and expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status,
veteran’s status, disability or source of income to be anathema to the public policy of the City.”
The resolution makes it clear that Starkville is a community that works proactively to prevent workplace discrimination before it happens. Chad Griffin, Human Rights Campaign President
BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer
On Tuesday the city of Starkville became the first city in the state of Mississippi to pass a resolution supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The resolution, which was passed 7-0, states that “discrimination against a person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, veteran’s status, disability or source of income to be anathema to the public policy of the City.” Ward 5 Alderman Scott Maynard said the resolution was passed for all individuals. “It basically serves to bring our existing policy in line with the federal standards. Living in a college town provides us with a very diverse population
by nature, and we want everyone to feel welcome,” Maynard said. The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group and political lobbying organization in the United States welcomed the City of Starkville’s decision. Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, in a statement Tuesday thanked the city’s Board of Aldermen for passing an equality resolution and becoming the first municipality in Mississippi to “recognize the dignity of its LGBTQ residents.” “The city’s action sends a message to its residents that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are worthy of respect and equality,” Griffin said. Lynn Spruill, former city administrator, said she is extremely proud of the city’s stance on non-discrimination.
BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer
Mississippi State University’s new classroom-garage construction project is now underway and proceeds with the partial blockade of Barr Avenue and George Perry Street. Initiated in late December, the closure on Barr Avenue extends from the intersection with George Perry Street and continues to the entrance of the Critz Hall parking lot. George Perry Street’s closure extends from the intersection with Barr Avenue and continues to the entrance of the YMCA-Post Office building. There are currently no other roads closing. Tim Muzzi, associate director of facilities management, said the classroom-parking garage construction project will take about 20 months to complete and is modeled after MSU’s former residence hall, Old Main. “The classroom garage will feature about 145 parking spaces for the first two levels, approximating about 60,000 square feet of space,” Muzzi said. “The top three floors will feature classrooms, which will come to around 90,000 square feet of space.” Muzzi said there will be two entrances for the new classroom garage, one off of Barr Avenue and the other off of George Perry Street. “Upon the completion of this project, Barr and George Perry will serve as the entrances into the new building. The parking garage will also be source for another transit stop on campus,” Muzzi said. Muzzi said the parking spaces now prohibited due to the closure of Barr Avenue and George Perry Street will re-open upon completion of the project in fall 2015.
SEE LGBT, 3
* The first city in Mississippi to recognize LGBTQ citizens
SEE CONSTRUCTION, 3
Aspen Heights sponsors MSU space cowgirl competes on TBS show students on trip to Africa BY JAKE JONES Staff Writer
BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer
In May 2014, Aspen Heights will sponsor students and residents of all Aspen locations to embark on their second student trip to Africa. Stuart Watkins, Aspen Heights public relations director, said the Aspen Heights in Africa regime began a few years ago when the organization decided it needed to have an impact piece, something that would allow students and employees to travel abroad and create a positive difference. “This is a new way to immerse students into a new culture,” Watkins said. “Not only residents of Aspen, any student who wants to get involved and broaden their spectrum is welcome to go on the trip.” Martina Scheuermann, Aspen Height’s vision trip coordinator, said the trip introduces those participating to life in Rwanda and Kenya and assists in learning about the genocide and history of the country, community service, reading and serving food to children, as well as completing service projects. “As a company, we take it personally that we partner with organizations in Africa,”
JACOB CRITZ | COURTESY PHOTO
Jillian Prior, general manager at the Harrisonburg, Va., location of Aspen Heights, assists in the distribution of shoes to children at the Bugesera Primary School in Ruwanda. Residents and employees sponsored by Aspen Heights travel to Africa to learn the history of the country and participate in community service, including reading and serving food to children. Scheuermann said. “Seeing and experiencing another culture is something you can’t do every day. We do this to make a global impact.” Aspen Height’s first student trip to Africa, which included
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employees as well, was in the summer of 2011. Students are required to pay their own way, a fee of about $4,000. Aspen takes care of programming, trip leaders and training program fees.
Mississippi State University student Mary Kate Smith competed as one of the nerds on the popular game show, “King of the Nerds,” premiering on TBS Thursday night. According to TBS’s website, “King of the Nerds” is a “nerdy” competition where nerds from all over America compete for a $100,000 grand prize and the title “King of the Nerds.” All contestants live in “Nerdvana,” a house filled with “nerdy” things for contestants to enjoy, for the span of eight episodes. The competition includes challenges that test the “nerdy” skills of contestants. Smith, senior aerospace engineer, is a member of the Space Cowboys at MSU. Space Cowboys is a group of engineering students that compete in a “high-powered rocket” competition sponsored by NASA. Smith has been a part of the program for four years and was project manager for two years. Kevin Koenig, a professor of aerospace engineering, got an email from one of the casting directors for the show. In the email, the director mentioned the Space Cowboys and asked Koenig if he had any students who would be a good fit. Koenig said he knew just the person.
SEE AFRICA, 2
POLICY
ANY PERSON MAY PICK UP A SINGLE COPY OF THE REFLECTOR FOR FREE. ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MEYER STUDENT MEDIA CENTER FOR 25 CENTS PER COPY.
SEE NERDS, 2
FRIDAY
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RUSS HOUSTON | COURTESY PHOTO
Mary Kate Smith, Mississippi State University senior aerospace engineering major, has been selected to appear on the TBS game show, “King of the Nerds.” Smith, a member of MSU’s Space Cowboys, will be competing against other “nerds” for the chance to win $100,000.
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NEWS
2 | FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014
THE REFLECTOR
“Beefs” opens new location in Starkville, offers sports bar atmosphere BY JAKE JONES Staff Writer
Starkville residents can now put “beef ” on their list of places to eat out as Starkville’s own Beef O’Brady’s opened in Jan. 2014. Beef O’Brady’s, a family-oriented sports bar, got its start in Brandon, Fla. Company co-founder, Jim Mellody had the idea to create a family-friendly restaurant with an Irish pub theme. The Beef O’Brady’s chain has grown over the last couple of years. Lamar Ware, operations manager of the Starkville Beef O’Brady’s, said Beef O’Brady’s is a great addition to the Starkville area. “We decided that Beef O’Brady’s’ good food, good sports concept was great for this town,” Ware said. “This was something that was needed for the community.” Beef O’Brady’s offers a variety of food on its menu in-
cluding burgers, wings, ribs, steak bowls and more. Ware also said Beef O’Brady’s has different settings to attract people of all ages. “We have four phases. We have a sports bar setting, private dining setting, kids and family atmosphere as well as a patio area. We decided this layout would cover the full demographic, from kids to the elderly,” Ware said. Luke Davis, manager of the Starkville Beef O’Brady’s, said Beef O’Brady’s stands out from other sports bars in Starkville because it is customer service and detail-oriented. “Honestly, the difference is the attention to detail,” said Davis, who previously trained Beef O’Brady employees before coming to DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR Starkville. “That’s one thing I always preach when I train Patrons eat at Beef O’Brady’s, the newly-opened sports bar located next to Hollywood Premier Cinemas. Beef O’Brady’s, people. We spend equal also known as “Beefs,” offers a family-friendly sports bar atmosphere and prides itself on attention to detail and service. amount of time on each item. It has to look like it tomer service issue to keep Victoria Weber, freshman try take out. She said they here,” Weber said. “It gives does on the Facebook page issues to a minimal. Our education major, said she enjoyed having more choic- people more variety for or on the menu. We are con- service and food needs to be and her boyfriend recently es around town. cheaper prices, and the food stantly on top of any cus- top notch.” went to Beef O’Brady’s to “I think it’s great that it’s was awesome.”
AFRICA
continued from 1
JACOB CRTIZ | COURTESY PHOTO
Residents of different Aspen Heights locations pose for a photo in Kenya during last year’s visit. The living community offers the experience to expose residents to different cultures as well as help other people on these trips.
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Kara Guinn, senior En- ence. I got to meet members glish major at Texas State of the tribe and see the culUniversity ture first-hand.” and parGuinn said ticipant of I shed tons the trip to AfAspen’s first rica allows resiof happy student dents of Aspen tears, and trip to AfHeights to see it was rica, said first-hand where she recalls an emotional their money visiting the experience. I got to goes. Masai tribe “A portion of and help- meet members of the money stuing with the the tribe and see the dents pay for Imbirikani culture first-hand.” rent at Aspen a l l - g i r l s -Karra Guinn, Heights goes school in to the Aspen Texas State Kenya. Heights in Af“It was an University student rica program, unforgettawhich is doble, amaznated to the ing and extremely unique Rwanda ‘Africa New Life’ inexperience,” Guinn said. “I ner-city orphanage,” Guinn shed tons of happy tears, and said. “The most important it was an emotional experi- thing this trip taught me is
NERDS “I knew she would fit,” Koenig said. “Well, if anybody was going to fit that mold, it was her.” Smith said she is very passionate about space exploration and loves to teach the do-ability of rocket science to children. Science is not the only “nerdy” thing Smith is passionate about. Smith also does cosplay, or costume-play. Mostly based on comic books, Smith said she makes her own costumes to wear to conventions. “I love comic books,” Smith said. “Whenever I see a char-
to value my education and embrace the education experience that I am receiving.” Jacob Critz, director of marketing logistics for Aspen Heights, said the Aspen organization is currently in the process of finalizing the application process for students to begin applying for the trip. “There is a total of 10 slots total to be filled for the trip,” Critz said. “A $500 deposit will be required at the end of the application process for those who will be participating.” Scheuermann said Aspen will begin providing students and residents with application information at the end of January. For more information, visit info@aspenheightsafrica.com.
continued from 1 acter, I love to recreate that SCA and she makes her own character and try to get it out costumes. She is just an aweat conventions.” some gal.” Smith is also an active memSmith said she felt like she ber of the Socirepresented ety for Creative MSU and Space Mary Kate Cowboys well Anachronism. is great. on the compeThis is an intition, and she ternational orShe is like will miss her felganization that an onion. low contestants. recreates me“Every nerd dieval Europe. There are so many that I met on Smith becomes layers to her.” the show was so “Inga Knarrarb- -Joseph St. inspiring. Just ringa,” a Viking Columbia, because they combat fightare so happy er, when she is senior aerospace engineering major about what they with SCA. do,” Smith said. Joseph St. “I think that Columbia, a sepeople of all nior aerospace engineering major, said he met ages will really connect with Smith his freshman year in a the show and root for all the Space Cowboy meeting where nerds.” Smith plans to graduate in they became friends. Columbia said Smith has many differ- May with a degree in aerospace engineering. She is currentent sides to her personality. “Mary Kate is great,” Co- ly looking for a job while she lumbia said. “She is like an on- considers graduate school. “King of the Nerds” airs on ion. There are so many layers to her. She does the cosplay, TBS at 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014 | 3
NEWS
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
CONSTRUCTION
continued from 1
“The parking spaces that will be gained from this project will service students, employees and visitors to have easier access to the union, cafeteria and other public places on campus,” Muzzi said. J.D. Hardy, associate director of utilities for MSU’s campus services organization, said the classroom-garage project, stadium construction and the renovation of Lee Hall are the major projects taking place currently, and they are essential in meeting MSU’s long-term needs. “There is definitely a lot going on,” Hardy said. “We really try to make sure everyone can still move through campus smoothly as the projects are being completed.” Jeffrey Guess, manager of BRADEN BENSON | THE REFLECTOR parking operations, said the Workers continue to build the new addition to Davis Wade Football Stadium. closure of Barr Avenue and Construction scaffolding can be found around campus at different sites. George Perry Street is not detrimental to parking opAccording to Muzzi, con- are finished. We just need the blockade of the streets.” tions on campus. Guess said gaining park- struction projects other than OK.” “Students who normalMuzzi said construction ly park in those areas that ing on campus is definitely the classroom-garage are are now restricted may not a positive highlight in light pending and making prog- on the football stadium is almost complete and will be have a parking spot that’s as of elevating enrollment each ress. “We’re currently wait- ready for the first fall 2014 close to their hall, but there year. “The parking garage class- ing on approval for the new football game. In addition, are still plenty of parking options,” Guess said. “We room will really serve to ben- dining hall that will sit atop the Lee Hall renovation is set haven’t had any complaints efit the students, staff and the existing tennis courts,” to be complete in May of this Muzzi said. “The documents year. so far about parking and the visitors,” Guess said.
LGBT
Thursday, Jan. 16 • 9:38 p.m. A student was arrested at the MSU Horse Park for public drunkenness. A student referral was issued. • 9:48 p.m. A visitor was arrested at the MSU Horse Park for possession of paraphernalia. • 11:04 p.m. A student was issed a referral for silencing a fire alarm in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity House.
Friday, Jan. 17 • 12:07 a.m. A visitor was charged with speeding on Stone Boulevard. • 12:13 a.m. A student was arrested behind Hathorn Hall for public drunkenness.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 • 12:52 p.m. A student was arrested on a warrant for Petit Larceny. • 2:13 p.m. An officer responded to a grass fire on the south side of Dorman Hall. SFD was not called. • 3:13 p.m. A student was transported to OCH from the IED Building for a possible seizure.
Wednesday, Jan. 22 • 12:14 a.m. A resident adviser reported a microwave in McKee Hall caught on fire. A fire extinguisher was used to put out the fire. • 1:58 p.m. A student was issued an arrest citation for driving with a suspended driver’s license on Coliseum Boulevard.
Citations:
• 25 citations were issued for speeding. • 14 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device.
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“While I am surprised itive element in the comthat it achieved a full 7-0 munity.” vote in favor of Leslie Bakit, I am excited er, politithat this Board cal science It’s not a of Aldermen instructor secret that and the mayor who teaches recognize the gender and Mississippi importance of politics at is a inclusion in Mississippi our society. conservative State UniverThere is no state, run, by sity, said this argument that the most part, is a historic inclusion cremoment for ates a better by conservative Mississippi. working envi- political figures. For “Generalronment and Mayor Wiseman ly speaking, fosters growth and the Board there is poland producicy diffutivity within of Aldermen to sion when your staff and, make such a bold these types even more im- move towards of policies portantly, it social equality get passed, if tells those outthere is not side our com- is shockingly too much of a munity that refreshing.” public opinwe value the -Simone Cottrell, ion backlash i n d i v i d u a l ,” and, from Starkville resident Spruill said. what I have “Starkville is seen so far, obviously a there hasn’t welcoming city and con- been any real issues with siders diversity to be a pos- it,” Baker said. “Once one
city or state passes such a resolution, others around them are likely to do the same. I imagine more of the progressive cities in Mississippi will follow suit some and pass similar ordinances.” Alderman Maynard said while Starkville was the first to adopt the new standard in the state, there will be other municipalities that pick it up in the next several weeks. “I know it is on Oxford’s agenda for their first meeting in February,” Maynard said. Simone Cottrell, Starkville resident, said she is proud the resolution was passed by a collective leadership that represent Starkville as a whole and not just one social or political organization. “It’s not a secret that Mississippi is a conservative state, run, by the most part, by conservative political figures. For Mayor Wiseman and the Board of
Aldermen to make such a bold move towards social equality was shockingly refreshing. It furthers the solidarity of our community,” Cottrell said. “Whether one agrees with the lifestyle of another person shouldn’t be the issue and that can be debated all day, but how we treat each other with respect, dignity and compassion is what matters.” HRC President Griffin said Wiseman and the Starkville City Council are an inspiring example for their counterparts in surrounding cities and towns.
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The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost. FOR SALE
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Insight Bible study and worship Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at 286 East Lee Blvd. next to Campus Book Mart. Follow on Twitter @MSStateWesley or on Facebook.
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LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
The Steepwater Band wades through Dave’s Saturday BY HALEY HARDMAN
out and write our own music, travel, etc. We started doing just that and never looked back.” The band’s dedication and successful performances have caused its agenda to overflow with gigs. According to Steepwater.com, the band plays over 100 shows per year throughout the world. “The Steepwater Band has maintained a grueling schedule throughout the last 16 years, averaging about 140 shows per year. In 2005, the band made its European debut, performing at the Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. In the following years, the band has returned to the United Kingdom and Europe for multiple club and festival tours, increasing their loyal overseas fan-base,” the website said. The Steepwater Band strives to produce a fresh take on rock and blues music by allowing any and all inspirations to mold its music. Massey said anything ranging from travels and books to people and new experiences
Staff Writer
Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern will rock out of control Saturday, thanks to returning rock’n’roll group The Steepwater Band that comes to satisfy the Mississippi State University students and Starkvillians’ craving for pure, unfiltered rock music. The Steepwater Band has an extensive musical history. Jeff Massey, lead singer, said he and two of the band’s members formed a blues band that disintegrated, and The Steepwater Band rose from the old group’s ashes. Massey said the newly-formed band had big dreams of striking out on its own trajectory, and the band continues to seek its aspirations with a fixed determination and do-it-yourself spirit. “Tod Bowers, our bassist, Joe Winter, our drummer, and I had been in a blues band that basically disbanded after playing around Chicago for a few years,” Massey said. “We decided we wanted to branch
inspire the band members and their creative output. These inspirations allow The Steepwater Band to carve out its own musical niche. Fans have started to classify the band by its sound due to the creativity behind the band’s work. The band sounds like an amalgamation of styles, which Massey said can only be described as the band’s own. “I believe we have developed our own sound. It sounds like The Steepwater Band,” Massey said. “I have heard some say we sound old and new at the same time, and I really like that. We are who we are, and we just do our thing. And in my opinion, it sounds like us — whatever that may be.” Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern gladly welcomes a band that mixes things up. Gorge Badillo, the tavern manager, said Dave’s has live music every night, but the fact that The Steepwater Band is not local will bring variety to the stage. Massey said The Steepwater
True renaissance woman:
Architecture alumna named first AfricanAmerican female U.S. District Judge in Miss. BY DAVID LEWIS Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS | COURTESY PHOTO
Debra Brown made an impact in her time as an MSU student, and she continues to fight for students in her position as U.S. District Judge.
With a unanimous vote of 90-0, the U.S. Senate appointed Mississippi State University alumna Debra Brown as the new U.S. District Judge presiding over north Mississippi. Brown is the first African-American female U.S. District Judge in Mississippi. Brown fills the position previously held by U.S. District Judge W. Allen Pepper Jr. who passed away in 2012. The importance of her appointment lies not only in the racial boundaries that are torn down but also in her incredible work ethic. In an article by the Associated Press on GulfLive.com, a “thrilled” and
“honored” Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker said Brown has worked hard in all areas of her career so far. “Ms. Brown is a proven trailblazer,” he said. Wicker said Brown’s record proves her hard-working nature and paints her as a politician who cares about the public. “(She has a) record of professional excellence, integrity and public service,” he said. Wicker also said he is excited to have an architect as a judge. “(Greenville is) in desperate need of a new state-of-the-art courthouse,” he said. MSU President Mark Keenum told Leah Bureau in an MSU news release that many MSU alumni have had suc-
Band’s intention every time it performs is to promise the audience a spectacular show. “Our goal is to put on a different show every night and put everything we have into each performance,” Massey said. “As much as we play, we
need to keep things interesting every night for ourselves and for the people coming out to listen. We want to dig into the music as heavily as we possibly can every time we do a show. We don’t take performing for granted. It’s a privilege to per-
form for an audience.” With a predominant philosophy to please fans, attendees can expect The Steepwater Band’s members to work tirelessly to exceed expectations as they take the stage at Dave’s Saturday.
THE STEEPWATER BAND | COURTESY PHOTOS
Jeff Massey, lead singer, left, and Joe Winter, drummer, right, along with Tod Bowers, bassist, and Eric Saylors, guitarist form The Steepwater Band, a rock’n’roll band that formed from the remains of a previous blues outfit. The group determines to carve its own niche in rock music with its lively, audience-centered performances
cessful judicial careers. MSU Berk said though architec- sibilities are endless. There are alumnus Bill Waller Jr. cur- ture is not a subject directly MSU architecture graduates in rently resides as Chief Justice linked to politics, Brown’s suc- filmmaking, computer design of the Mississippi Supreme cess working with law and pol- with Apple, teaching, set deCourt. Three of the nine jus- itics builds on the foundation sign, graphic design, working with PBS and working with tices who reside on the Missis- of her architecture education. sippi Supreme Court are MSU “The pedagogy of architec- national major league baseball graduates. tural design education empha- teams, just to name a few. After Brown graduated Though Brown works in sizes and teaches organizationpolitics, she did not study po- al principles and hierarchical from MSU, she began to work litical science, pre-law or any skills, enabling a student to in the field of architecture subject typically associated rationally and logically analyze and, ultimately, landed a job in Washington, D.C. with politics at There she worked on MSU. Brown acDebra Brown’s impact a myriad of projects tually received her involving commercial, bachelor degree on the School of residential and historiin architecture Architecture Advisory cal renovation work. in 1987, and she Council mostly centered Brown then came made an impact on issues related to back to Mississippi to in the department of architecture student scholarships and support. She pursue a law degree at the University of Misduring her time was, and still is, a strong advocate for sissippi and finished at MSU. the degree in 1997. AfShe still serves students. ter graduation, much on the School of -Michael Berk, of her work included Architecture Ad- director of the School of Architecture civil litigation and visory Council. construction-related Michael Berk, director of the School of Ar- and solve complex problems issues that tied back to her architecture, said Brown focuses — both socially and techni- chitectural education. Brown on students and keeping them cally. It also balances this ra- worked at several firms in tionalism with intuition and Jackson as a partner at Phelps first on the council. “Debra Brown’s impact on compassion,” he said. “This Dunbar and as a shareholder the School of Architecture type of renaissance knowledge at Wise Carter Child & CarAdvisory Council mostly (and unique balance of science away. If Brown’s future in the Sucentered on issues related to and art) is of paramount imstudent scholarships and sup- portance in most fields and preme Court follows the same trajectory as her professional port,” he said. “She was, and disciplines.” Berk said with an educa- life thus far, she will take Misstill is, a strong advocate for tion in architecture, the pos- sissippi nowhere but up. students.”
Streaming skyrockets, CDs crash, vinyl records rise in 2013 BY DAVID LEWIS
IS PHYSICAL
R.I.P
MUSIC DEAD? Album sales dropped
14
percent in 2013
Streaming music accounts for 16 percent of the market’s revenue Beyoncé managed to sell 800,000 copies of her album within 3 days
BEYONCé ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
Staff Writer
Music is a thread that connects all of humanity. The U.S. music industry is the world’s largest market, but the advancement of technology and increase of streaming services put the U.S. music business through a massive transition that may jeopardize much of the industry. 2013 was a big year for music. Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Drake and Jay Z all had big buzz with their new albums, but sales failed to live up to the hype. At the end of summer 2013, Neilson Soundscan, the official record for weekly music sales, published the lowest recording of album sales since Soundscan began recording in the early 1990s. In its first week, Katy Perry’s album, “Prism,” sold less than 300,000 copies, which was still more than the next eight titles combined. In a year-end recap article on New York Times blog site, “Artsbeat,” Allan Kozinn cited Justin Timberlake’s album “The 20/20 Experience” as the year’s top-selling album, with 2.43 million copies sold. Those numbers are high, but lower than previous years’ sales. In 2011 and 2012, Adele topped the charts with the sales of her album, “21,” selling 5.82 million and 4.41 million copies, respectively. Soundscan reported that Timberlake’s album sold the lowest number of copies of any chart-topping album in the history of Soundscan’s reports. Overall, CD sales dropped a whopping 14 percent in 2013. Ironically, the sale of vinyls rose a dramatic 33 percent to 6.1 million units sold. Although the vinyl market is a nice trend to watch, it is nothing more than a trend. The real change that will revolutionize the music industry is digital streaming. Spotify, Rdio and Pandora are current household names for listening to new music. The ease and affordability of streaming plans have caused a rapid decline in physical album sales and affected digital album sales. Streaming already accounts for 16 percent of the market’s revenue. The decline in album sales spurred a response and discussion about the lifespan of the 10-track album. In an article in “The Guardian,” Bob Lefseta, an industry commentator, gave a word of warning to musicians regarding the length of their music. “No one’s got time to sit and hear your hour-plus statement,” he said.
Lefseta said hype does not work. Instead, an artist must connect with his or her audience. One pop star may have found the answer the industry needs. At the end of 2013, the unthinkable happened. Beyoncé dropped an album out of thin air. At midnight on a Friday night, it was announced that Queen B’s new self-titled album, complete with 14 songs and 17 music videos, could be purchased on iTunes and other digital music stores immediately. The music was not on Spotify, Rdio or any other streaming sites. The album was not available in stores for another week. As a result, Beyoncé managed to sell over 800,000 copies of her album within a mere three days. Beyoncé’s album plays as a collective piece of work rather than a gathering of hit singles, thus challenging Lefseta’s prediction of the album’s death. Where does the consumer stand? In a “Rolling Stone” article, Ed Christman of “Billboard” said the public knows what it wants and will ask for it. “Consumers are fickle beasts – they want choices,” he said. A poll of 50 Mississippi State University students on campus and on Facebook showed that 86 percent of students preferred streaming services and proved Christman’s assertion that consumers want options. Thirty-four percent of the students said they like to listen to an album on a streaming service, but if they decide they enjoy the album, the students will purchase a CD or vinyl. Cody Forrest, senior marketing major, said the personalities of the artists matter to him as much as the music itself when he decides to purchase an album. “I listen to Spotify unless I like the band,” he said. “If I like the band for who they are as people, I am more likely to buy an actual physical CD.” Forrest’s statement affirms Lefseta’s comment about the need for artists to connect with their audiences. Sarah Sullivan, freshman communication major, said she streams music because it is cheap. “I listen to Spotify because I’m poor,” she said. Though the music industry works through the changing landscape of streaming and purchasing music, college students seem to unanimously enjoy streaming services for their low costs. Students want access to as much music for as little money as possible so they can listen to the new “Her” soundtrack (which may secretly be the Backstreet Boys’ “Black and Blue” album) while they study through the night.
8 | TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014
SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com
SPORTS
THE REFLECTOR
STAT OF THE DAY:
The MSU men’s basketball team has defeated Auburn four consecutive times and 12 of the last 13 at the Humphrey Coliseum.
leon carrubba | the reflector
Sophomore guard Gavin Ware lays up the ball on a fast break in the second half of MSU’s 81-72 overtime win against Texas A&M Saturday. Ware collected his sixth double-double on the year with 22 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday’s victory.
david lewis | the reflector
SEASON OPENER
| Mississippi State University’s women’s tennis
team earned a 6-1 victory in the season-opening match against Alabama State University. Seniors Alexandra Perper (top) and Rosie Dion (bottom) cruised to single match wins 6-0, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-1. MSU’s lady netters return to the court this weekend in the 2014 ITA Kickoff Classic hosted by the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies.
Dogs earn second league victory in overtime thriller By Kristen spinK Managing Editor
“I’d call that a signature win,” one Bulldog fan told her husband after Mississippi State University’s come-frombehind overtime win against Texas A&M Saturday. It was a signature win head coach Rick Ray said the Dogs hope to carry into their next game Wednesday against Auburn. “Here’s the key, from this point on, is how do we deal with this success? I told our guys I don’t know about them, but I plan on having to deal with success a lot,” he said. Ray mentioned that after MSU beat Ole Miss, the Dogs went to Tuscaloosa and lost to Alabama by 19 points, so he said he hopes this time the team can build off of this win when Auburn comes to town. The Tigers will visit Humphrey Coliseum looking for their first conference win as one of just two SEC teams winless in league play. Coming into Saturday, A&M was one of two unde-
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feated teams in the SEC, but balanced play from the Dogs put a blemish on the Aggies’ record. Four of the five Bulldog starters finished with double digits scoring, led by sophomore Craig Sword with 23. Trailing through most of the game, MSU came back and tied the game late in the second half. But after an Aggie bucket and a missed layup by Sword, it looked as if the Dogs would have to foul and put A&M on the line. Just as the thought crossed fans’ minds, sophomore Gavin Ware ripped the ball away and put up the layup to tie the game. Ware, who finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, said he felt like he had a chance to step up against a smaller Aggie team. “Coach always told us, ‘Once they get the rebound just get back,’ but that one I saw the five man had the ball, and I tried to get back, but the stride of my hand hit the ball, and I had it so I decided to score,” Ware, who scored the first six points of the game for the Dogs, said. “I felt this was my ‘time to eat’ as people say, so I used that advantage to my ability and found a way to grind it out and was able to score in the post. We made sure our bodies were physically ready for an all-out war today (Saturday) because that’s what it was.” Aggie head coach Billy Kennedy praised Ware throughout his post-game press conference. He said his team’s poor response to the
officiating combined with Ware’s presence down low was too much to overcome. “Gavin Ware just wore us out and did a good job. He’s really a good player,” Kennedy said. “He’s a big, strong, powerful guy whose hard to move off the block. He just finished around the basket like kids are supposed to do. He can make a layup. If you can find a big guy in college basketball who can make a layup, you’re gonna be a good team.” Once the Dogs stopped the Aggies on the final possession to keep the score tied at 67, overtime belonged to MSU. State outscored A&M 14-5 in extra play and shot 52.7 percent from the field throughout the game against the SEC’s best field-goal-percentage defensive team. Ray said his team possessed the ball well offensively, which was a point of emphasis. He said after he watched the Alabama game film, he noticed his team shot the ball with 26 seconds left on the shot clock on average in the first half and with 25 seconds left on the shot clock in the second half. “I was disappointed that a team I was coaching wasn’t sharing the basketball and using the shot clock, so they had a directive not to shoot a three unless the ball hit the paint,” Ray said. “We made them make mistakes because we massaged and worked the shot clock.” The Dogs will look to build on this momentum when they take on Auburn at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hump.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014 | 9
Strength coach provides discipline, serves as father figure for Bulldog athletes By Kristen spinK Managing Editor
Ontario Harper learned exactly the kind of man Richard Akins was the day after Harper showed up late to practice. Harper’s teammates at Mississippi State University told him Richard Akins, his strength coach, would just run him for 30 minutes as punishment for being late to practice. Well, an hour and a half after he started running, Harper’s legs had locked up, and Akins had to help him up the steps. He endured Akins’s taunts, being told he should go back to church league over and over. Laying on a table in the ice room, the freshman Harper thought, “This wasn’t the same guy I met when I came to visit.” But then a trainer started yelling at Harper to get off the table and questioning why he was in there. Before the freshman could respond, Akins entered the room and defended his player, yelling kristen spink | the reflector at the trainer and putting Mississippi State University assistant strength coach Richard Akins (right) and Josh Easter (center) encourage him back in his place. Harper said that’s when he and Akins men’s basketball player Fallou Ndoye (left) during workout drills. Akins has spent 32 years at MSU coaching strength and conditioning, and he serves as a leader and role model to current and former Bulldog standouts. bonded. “He ran the mess out of me, and then he came in there turning to Starkville as the about lifting. You’re thinking is straightforward and deter- Akins nicknames each player. He said with some of them, and defended me. We’ve been strength coach for every Bull- to yourself, ‘This isn’t going mined. “My philosophy of him he struggles to remember cool ever since then. That’s dog sports team. He coached to be fun.’ But once you get why I still keep up with him,” renowned Bulldogs Rafael to know him, you love him.” is like a box of chocolates. their actual names. The signed posters and A few years later, Akins The chocolates are different Palmeiro, Erick Dampier, Harper said. These two sides of Akins Jonathan Papelbon and Der- retired from coaching in the personalities all in one box. pictures hanging throughout have been staples of his ever rick Zimmerman. Akins was midst of both his strength When you have all of that, Akins’s office portray this since he came to work at also the strength coach for coaching career and Harper’s that’s what you get,” Ware bond and love between Akins some current MSU employ- basketball career. But the re- said as he stopped by on his and his players. MSU 32 years ago. Akins said his concern for day off to visit Akins. “He alWhile he may be the loud- ees. Akins coached baseball tirement did not last long. Two years later, Akins came ways wants us to do our best. the players goes beyond their est on the court, using choice head coach John Cohen, tenwords often, once he steps off nis head coach Per Nilsson, back because he missed the That’s why he pushes us so time at MSU, so he talks to them about what’s going the court, he takes on a new track and field head coach guys, and Harper said all the hard.” In order to create a tighter on in their lives rather than role and becomes a mentor Steve Dudley and track and players wanted Akins to reconnection with his players, about basketball. He said he for his players. Akins said he field assistant coach Houston turn. “We were all saying we makes it a point to keep up Franks. In addition, Akins with as many of his players coached State’s current wom- needed him back,” Harper as possible, and it makes him en’s athletic director, Ann said. “I looked at him as a proud to see his players suc- Carr. In an email, Carr said father figure, and the other when she played basketball guys did, too.” ceed later in life. Although Akins has “I keep up with a lot of at MSU from 1986-1990, them. They always come by the experience in the weight coached every sport at MSU, he currently serves as to see me if they’re in town,” room was eye-opening. “I think most people don’t the strength coach for the Akins said. “That is the really, really important part of know how to take him until men’s and women’s basketthe whole thing. It keeps me you really get to know him,” ball teams. Recently, Akins young. I come to work every- Carr said. “When you first has taken a smaller group of day just to see them and work meet him, you say to your- freshmen and turned them self ‘humph.’ Then he starts into stronger guys who unwith them.” Following his graduation talking and you really say to derstand what it takes to from MSU, Akins contin- yourself ‘humph.’ You just compete in the SEC. Sophomore Gavin Ware, ued his career as a compet- don’t know what is going to itive power-lifter and then happen. You are scared and who actually lost 30 pounds coached high school football nervous because his voice is between his freshman and for a few years before re- loud and tells you all this stuff sophomore year, said Akins
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focuses on teaching the players a work ethic that will impact their entire lives, not just benefit their athletic success. “My philosophy in coaching is you must have a relationship with the kids before you can coach them. If your only discussion with them is what they do on the floor or in the weight room, then you’re not going to be able to reach them. I think kids today, they’ve got to understand you care about them past their sport as an individual,” Akins said. “I’m very honest with them. Sometimes they don’t like it, and that’s OK. I’m not here to treat you like a little kid because someone in their lives needs to be honest with them everyday.” Akins has served in the MSU athletic department the second-longest of all the active employees. While this has allowed him to witness countless memorable moments and multiple turnovers of coaches and facilities, the one constant in his career has been his love for his players — his kids. Though he has two children of his own, Akins considers each player he coaches as his own kid. The man with the scowl in the weight room may intimidate players, but he said as long as the players do things the right way, he’s the biggest kid in the bunch. “They’re my kids. I tell them all the time, ‘When you’re in Starkville, I’m your daddy, so you better act right.’ I just enjoy coming to work every day. Few people can say that. I’m a happy guy,” Akins said. “It’s been a great ride, and I’m going to stay as long as they let me stay.”
10 | FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014
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