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TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017
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131st YEAR ISSUE 28
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
MSU to undergo budget cuts by Kristina Norman Staff Writer
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s recent announcement of emergency state budget cuts has Mississippi State University officials concerned over the future of state funding for public universities. The governor’s announcement came through a letter to the Department of Finance and Administration. The new budget cuts totaling $51 million will cut $10.3 million from the state’s eight public universities. In September, Bryant ordered a $57 million budget cut due to an accounting error. Last April, MSU President Mark Keenum voiced his concerns with leadership of the state College Board about challenges facing higher education. In his speech, Keenum acknowledged the state’s revenue problems, and the value of investing in public universities for the state as a whole. “It bears repeating in a state with the nation’s most pronounced poverty and the nation’s secondlowest level of educational attainment,” Keenum said, “the prizes for better jobs
cut from The State of Mississippi’s eight public universities’ budget
Jenn McFadden, The Reflector
and better lives for our children and grandchildren are inexorably tied to an excellent, affordable, and accessible system of higher education.” Sid Salter, MSU’s chief communications officer and director, said the university is concerned and is evaluating the impact of the latest round of cuts. How those cuts may affect funding for the university,
he said, can only be speculated about. Kathleen Thomas, associate professor of economics, said she does not know what will happen with tuition, but she can envision different scenarios playing out. One of the options for the university, Thomas said, would be making a request to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher
Learning for a tuition increase. Thomas said she does not think the university would feel comfortable increasing tuition again so soon following the last tuition hike. The university may, however, look to other means to address the shortfall. “The university is really in a bind,” Thomas said. “One thing that students probably don’t understand
very well, is that the cost of educating a student in one year is really pretty expensive, and that tuition doesn’t even cover half of that cost.” Money that helps fund a student’s education comes from state appropriations paid by taxpayers and the university itself. Thomas said over the last few years state appropriations have drastically fallen, shifting the costs on to students and the university. Thomas said some things reduced funding could affect include, the library’s hours of operation and fewer new library books. Classroom technology may not be updated. Faculty vacancies could be left unfilled or lead to existing faculty not receiving raises. One way or another, Thomas said, the university will find a way to close the gaps in funding. States who constantly choose to cut spending from education create what Thomas calls, “a vicious cycle.” To illustrate her “vicious cycle,” Thomas points to someone with little to no education who makes low wages, and thus contributes very little to the state’s tax revenue. This in turn, affects the amount of money the state can give to universities.
SA Senate Elections:
Senate forms due: Thursday January 26th at 5pm. Mandatory meeting: Friday the 27th at 1pm in Fowlkes Auditorium. Students may run to represent their college or the university at large.
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The face of WMSV: Anthony Craven by Laken Vickers Staff Writer
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The WMSV radio station at Mississippi State University plays alternative music softly under the awning while posters of talented musicians, racks of tapes, and modest rooms with extravagant equipment can be seen through the double-doors. Anthony Craven, general manager of WMSV, meets his guests at the door with a warm handshake and invitingly gestures to a seat in his office. Craven has a knack for making one feel at home and inviting them to share in his enthusiasm for music with ease. Craven said he oversees the day-to-day operations of the station as the only full-time, professional staff in a sea of student workers. “I’m responsible to make sure we stay on the air; that we find new music, add new music, new programming, and
more,” Craven said. Doing this, Craven said, can be time consuming but because of his love for it and his previous experience as a student worker and DJ himself for WMSV, he enjoys the work and finds familiarity in it. Craven received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication and his Master of Arts in Teaching through MSU. Although Craven spent years as a student DJ and public affairs director for WMSV, he said it was another five to seven years before he began to actually consider the possibility he could become the general manager. This became a reality when Steve Ellis, previous founder and owner of WMSV, retired in 2015. “I’ve been blessed,” Craven said. With his history with WMSV, Craven said he had the opportunity to see the radio station adapt to different genres and preferences throughout the years. According to Craven, when the station first
went on the air in March of 1994, the music played was considered “straight alt. rock;” it was mid-90’s and the “grunge scene” was coming to an end, alternative rock taking over. WMSV swooped in to take over as the only alternative rock radio station in the local area at the time. Later, when more stations started to follow suit, Ellis took notice and, true to his desire of being an “original” radio station, guided the station to becoming an “AAA” genre radio station. “We are format,” Craven said, “Every station has a musical format, a primary genre.” Labeled by the music industry, “AAA” is considered WMSV’s primary genre to this day. AAA or “Triple A” was labeled in 2001 as an offshot and more “mature” sounding version of alternative rock. It stands for “Adult Album Alternative” which is a wide range of music featuring artists such as The Head and the Heart, Band of Horses, Adele,
and The Avett Brothers. Everyday at WMSV looks a little different for Craven. However, mornings are generally geared towards “Observations from MSU,” a 30 minute newscast airing Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:00 p.m.. This newscast is produced inhouse everyday. Craven said he is the executive producer. “Our student team does a really good job every single morning of getting our newscast put together,” Craven said. He said afternoons are not as uniform as the mornings tend to be. Monday’s generally consist of loading all of the promotions for the shows coming up later in the week and updating whatever necessary. Tuesday is where the real fun comes in for Craven. Finding tasteful music that is not overplayed can be difficult, but Craven sees it as an exciting challenge. The team at WMSV uses a website offered exclusively to
Anthony Craven | Courtesy Photo
radio stations called “Mediabase.” According to Craven, this is a go-to source that does a great job at letting stations keep up with music trends across every genre imaginable. Wednesday consists of compiling all the new music into build logs that are aired the next week. Thursdays and Fridays are when all the new songs and weekend specialty shows are loaded. This is vital seeing as WMSV has a live DJ Monday through Friday however most Saturday and Sunday airings are pre-recorded. CRAVEN, 2
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NEWS
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017
BUDGET What the recent budget cuts point to, Thomas said, is an underlying issue: the need for the state to invest more in education at all levels. Having a skilled work force begins with an educated population. As a professor, in her economics of education class, Thomas talks to students about how investing in education creates both private and social returns. Private returns benefit the individual by creating more job opportunities and higher wages. Social returns benefit society as a whole leading to less crime, better public health and civic decision making. On the other hand, Thomas said, MSU offers a competitive tuition and a good value which benefits instate students. Kevin Edelblute, assistant vice president and controller and treasurer, said the state’s budget cuts have the university concerned, however, the university does not feel they will have an immediate impact on tuition costs. “We feel like we have positioned ourselves to be able to handle them without going out and immediately raising tuition,” Edelblute
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said. Rising tuition costs are not a direct result of the on-going state budget cuts. If cuts get more severe, Edelblute said, then the issue of raising tuition could be brought up. Edelblute said when the university makes the decision to raise tuition rates, it usually will request rates for multiple years. When tuition rates do increase this upcoming fall, they will be the result of a decision made nearly two years ago. He said future budget cuts or disappearances of funding from the state to the university, could lead to tuition rising. Edelblute said leadership in charge of raising tuition acknowledge how tuition increases may hinder some student’s ability to attend the university. Therefore, when a decision is made to raise rates, they try to keep the increase minimal. “The real question is, are they going to keep cutting,” Edelblute said, “and if they keep cutting more next year, what is that going to do, and what implication is that going to have from a tuition standpoint?”
CRAVEN Craven spoke fondly of his student staff: the on-air DJ’s, the news team, the IT programmer, the public affairs coordinator, and the music intern, all vital for WMSV’s existence. One member of this team, Casey Griffin, a senior accounting major, has been a webpage programmer for WMSV since 2012. The job was offered to him on the spot after the discovery of his technological talents. Griffin’s role at WMSV is to program the playlist schedule for the radio station on MSU’s website through a series of codes. Although Griffin did not do the original programming for the website, he has spent a lot of time on it and turned it into something vastly different than what he began with. Full of passion and enthusiasm over this complicated skill, it would seem that the 15 hours Griffin puts into his work at the station are thoroughly enjoyed. Senior communication major, Emily Damm, better known as Emily Belle on air, also works under Craven as a student worker. Damm, an experienced WMSV employee, started working at the station the summer before her freshman year. After talking to Dr. Forde, the communication department head, about what opportunities there were for communication majors to work on campus. Forde recommended the campus television
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and radio stations to which she immediately applied, receiving job opportunities in both for that summer. Damm has worked for WMSV ever since, commenting that she really enjoys the people she gets to work with every day. Originally a DJ, Damm said she has now moved on to broadcasting local news. “I enjoy [local news] a lot more because it’s a lot more interactive with people,” Damm said. “As a communication major this is something really interesting to me and something I enjoy.” Damm tends to spend about 10 hours at the station and keeps an eye out for current local events, mindful of whether it would make a good story and if WMSV’s listeners would care about it. Damm sets up and conducts interviews and tends to edit 10-minute interviews into a 2-minute story. According to Damm, Craven’s role change to manager has been an exciting and positive one. “He’s amazing to work with and he’s the best boss ever,” Damm said. “I think he does a great job of making sure people are where they need to be with their skills and if you’re not doing something right, he’s always constructive about it which I think is the best thing. I think that’s the best quality as a boss, that you know he’s trying to help you as a person.”
Thursday January 19, 2017 9:05 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for possession of paraphernalia. 9:10 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for DUI, possession of paraphernalia, and expired tags. 10:40 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for false information. 11:37 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for DUI. Friday January 20, 2017 12:15 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and felony possession of controlled substance. 11:21 a.m. A non-resident/visitor was arrested on College View Street for speeding 48/20 and a suspended Driver’s License. Justice Court citations were issued. 1:21 p.m. A student reported his skateboard stolen from Fresh Foods parking lot. 2:39 p.m. A student reported his vehicle damaged while parked in Griffis Hall parking lot. 11:57 p.m. A student was arrested on Fraternity Row for possession of paraphernalia and possession of a fake ID. A Justice Court citation and Student Referral were issued. Saturday January 21, 2017 1:30 p.m. A student reported his wallet and key chain stolen from the Sanderson Center. 5:32 p.m. A student reported money missing from his room in Moseley Hall. 6:05 p.m. A student reported losing her watch outside Moseley Hall. 10:15 p.m. A student reported dating violence at Oak Hall. Sunday January 22, 2017 2:14 p.m. A student reported losing his wallet in Giles Architecture Hall.
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CLASSIFIEDS The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are listed at $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are listed at $3 per issue, prepaid. Lost and found items: Found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed at standard ad cost. FOR SALE Women’s Nishiki tubular 7-speed bicycle for sale. LIKE NEW. Call 662-323-3095 for details. MISCELLANEOUS
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availability. MSU GAMER’S GUILD
The MSU Gamer’s Guild is having Nintendo Game tournaments with cash prizes starting Saturday at 10 a.m. in McCool 130. Games include Mario Kart, Smash Bros, and Pokemon. LADIES SOCIAL CIRCLE Recruitment January 25 and 26 at 6 p.m. in McCool 202. Twitter and Instagram @ MSUCircle.
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017
Trump administration cannot ignore climate change
Chris Lowe is a sophomore majoring in business information systems. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.
January 2017 is already almost behind us, signaling the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency. Since Trump has made his executive priorities known already, I have noticed a very distinct omission—climate change prevention. Considering that global warming and climate change as a whole are generally accepted as facts, it would only make sense to put forth a reasonable amount of effort to curbing their effects for future generations. However, not only is this
idea not being discussed as a priority, it is even being attacked by the Trump administration on the White House website. According to Trump’s “America First Energy Plan,” “For too long, we’ve been held back by burdensome regulations on our energy industry. President Trump is committed to eliminating harmful and unnecessary policies such as the Climate Action Plan and the Waters of the U.S. rule.” These policies establish regulations on carbon pollution output and give the Environmental Protection Agency jurisdiction over more bodies of water, thereby eliminating harmful waste in said areas. These are not radical ideas at all. They are the bedrock for a more energy-efficient America. I am not proposing that Donald Trump make tackling climate change the centerpiece of his presidency; I am simply asking that it be taken seriously, and certainly not be further exacerbated
through policies that only take this country backwards. From more intense natural disasters to elevated sea levels, the complications associated with continued denial of climate change’s relevancy are not worth it for the sake of budgeting or leverage. This issue transcends political ideologies, as it simply speaks to the future
matter himself. In an interview with The New York Times on Nov. 22, 2016 Trump stated, “… the hottest day ever was in 1890-something, 98” to counter decades of peerreviewed scientific research. To put it plainly, climate change is slowly killing our planet and creating a harsh environment that will only
“Ignoring the threat might yield more money in the short term, but will almost certainly cost more in the long haul. ” outlook for America and the world at large. It is unacceptable to me to treat it as a joke, but Donald Trump does not seem to mind, as he has alleged that scientists manipulated temperature data despite showing almost no knowledge of the subject
stand in the way of humanity’s future success. While Trump’s administration is still in its infancy, and things certainly have a while to change, everything our president has said and done to this point has suggested he will treat climate
Personal religion should not replace personal identity
Roy Jafari is a graduate student majoring in industrial engineering. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.
We live in a world where—after gender, skin color and perhaps nat ional ity—rel igion is the thing that most defines us. Our religious identities often lead us to use religion as a lens through which we see and interact with others. Although I disagree with defining ourselves by gender, skin color or even our nationality to a level where we end up playing roles instead of just being ourselves, identification with religion is a whole other ball game. For one, religion— unlike the other categorizations listed above— is a choice, or is at least largely perceived as one. However, if you have lived for the most part of your life in a Muslim country and migrate to another part of the world where Christianity is celebrated and practiced, as I have, you will start to understand that geography is a very powerful deciding factor in religious choice. I have seen people in Iran practicing Islam and thinking Islam is the only truth. Then I came to Mississippi State University to pursue my graduate study, and I saw
so many people practicing Christianity thinking it is the only truth. This was definitely a liberating understanding for me. Just as liking or disliking a human being just because of their gender, skin color or nationality is wrong, the religion of their “choice” should not affect our love for other humans. Even if everyone completely accepted and understood that people are more than just the categories they fit in, as I like to believe we have,
biological motivations and affective signals play a critical role in shaping what we do.” The question this knowledge creates is how to guard against these base biological motivations. I believe this is where religion and spirituality can play a significant role. Osho, an Indian Godman and leader of the Rajneesh movement, wrote an elaborate comparison between knowing and practicing. In his book of secrets he explains that spiritual-
“Judgemental religious identity can only hinder one’s religious practices for reaching salvation or enlightenment.” understanding is a far cry from being able to act accordingly. For example, no one would condone making a decision about whether to hire a person based on their gender; however, it is almost impossible for a potential employer to completely ignore a person’s gender. Dr. Randall C. O’Reilly the professor of psychology at the University of Colorado in his book “Computational cognitive neuroscience” puts it perfectly. He writes, “Although many of us walk around with the impression (delusion?) that our actions are based on rational thought and planning, instead it is highly likely that basic
ity is not a philosophy of knowing, but a set of practices with the purpose of changing one to the point of enlightenment. The ability to love others, even when our primordial senses are making it impossible, is treated differently in different religions. Christianity teaches the capability to love through Holy Spirit. Islam wants its followers to be pious and therefore capable of letting the love of God be shown on earth through them. Buddhism and Hinduism alike preach the power of compassion towards humans and animals so as to reach a level of enlightenment. Also, even Eckhart
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Toll, listed as the most spiritually influential person in the world in 2011 by Watkins Review, believes true love is only accessible to a conscious human. What he means by consciousness is a spiritual awakening which gives, as he puts it, the individual a higher level of intelligence—higher even than that of the human mind—which knows what to do in every situation. Religion and spirituality are not on a par with knowledge, but they are about performing practices that will give an individual a new and special dimension. A dimension that will not worry about a person’s gender, skin color or nationality or their past stories, and give them the ability to emanate love beyond these categories. Seeking an identity completely from a religion—or identifying with a religion to the level where you think of people only as either a member of your religion or not— only defeats the purpose of religion itself. Judgemental religious identity can only hinder one’s religious practices for reaching salvation or enlightenment. My understanding is that religion is meant to free us from our “biological motivations and affective signals.” Forming too strong an identity from a religion only fans the flame of these base motivations.
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change as nothing more than a glorified conspiracy theory. If there is no other way to appeal to Trump about clwimate change, you would think he would at least take the issue seriously as a businessman. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states, “Taken as a whole, the range of published evidence indicates that the net damage costs of climate change are likely to be significant and to increase over time.” This seems to directly contradict the reasoning behind the Trump administration’s desire to overturn the aforementioned environmental policies, as outlined in his America First Energy Plan to appropriate more funds for workers’ wages. Ignoring the threat might yield more money in the short term, but will almost certainly cost more in the long haul. Funnily enough, seriously implementing alternative energy will have to happen eventually anyway. Doing it
now would just save time and money. Donald Trump has shown no interest in continuing the environmental policies of his predecessor, and in fact seems to want to undo those policies. Trump’s administration is not the first one to inherit this issue, but it is unique in the fact that it holds the power to set our country’s industry back several decades within a four year span, using the right-wing’s control over a majority of our government. Trump’s current game plan coupled with a dominant Republican ideology in other branches of government sets the scene for many new policies to be enacted and for many old ones to be abolished. Our president does not need to abandon his political viewpoints, but it is imperative for him to take climate change seriously, one way or another. I do not identify as a diehard environmental activist, but it does not take one to recognize the danger of climate change.
Gossip only reflects the character of the gossiper by Joseph Garland Contributing Writer
If you pay attention to conversations, you will notice we often talk about external problems. It’s always about “those” corrupt politicians or “those” religious zealots or “that” depressed friend or “that” alcoholic uncle. We talk and judge all these people as if our opinions are important and vital to making positive change in the world. However, this kind of talk is actually an enormous waste of time. According to Live Science, 80 percent of conversation is gossip. This does not mean that 80 percent has to be gossip. It just shows that people love to criticize. Sure, there are a few positive aspects of gossip—it can reinforce moral standards—but these apply only in little tiny doses. You can bash Donald Trump for 10 seconds, but after that? Shut up and get back to your own life. Any more time spent talking about how “those people” are stupid and making life so difficult is just wasting your own valuable life energy. It feels good in the moment, but it is a deadly trap. According to an article from Small Business Insider, the central issue with gossip is that it fosters the avoidance of personal responsibility. Any topic or person, or situation that you repeatedly gossip about points you to your own problems that you’re trying to avoid facing. If you constantly criticizing politicians, you are avoiding doing the hard work of actual social change. If you are always trying to fix your partner’s emotional issues, you’re just trying to avoid facing the issues that you yourself need to work on.
The
One particular form of gossip that really is destructive is the constant moralizing about the other people in your life. When you keep repeating “It’s a good thing someone got Uncle Jared in AA, or he’d be a dead man!” or “Brad needs to stop doing so many drugs, or he’s going to lose his hold on reality,” and everyone gives you those somber nods of assent, it feels like you’re being a moral champion. However, if this kind of talk is a regular occurrence in your life, it is a big fat warning sign that you have some serious issues and frustrations in your life that you are trying to avoid. According to Psychology Today, psychologists study a concept called projection. Basically, projection is when you take all the nasty parts of yourself—the greed, the lust, the cruelty—and, instead of acknowledging them in yourself, push them out onto other people. When you say everyone seems like a total insensitive jerk, you are denying the part of yourself that’s an insensitive jerk. This also means that when discussing how politicians seems corrupt, you are denying the corrupt aspects of yourself. When you are constantly mocking people for being TV addicts, you are trying to avoid realizing how much time you waste on YouTube. A good chunk of your conversations probably center around these themes. Realize that they need to stop. Become mindful of all the finger-pointing and criticism you give to other people and realize how you are trying to avoid seeing how you are guilty of the same things. Pry your floorboards up and take a look at your own mess. If you want to clean up other people’s acts, you have to start with your own.
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017
‘Mereticious Restraint’ builds from the ground up
evolved into doing more three-dimensional art. From when I did my fi rst Staff Writer installation project I have loved the integration of different materials, the use Mississippi State of space, and the fact that University’s Cullis Wade the art is not finished until Depot Art Gallery will the exhibit is installed. All feature an exhibit by Liz of that is really exciting for Miller from now until me.” March 31. ‘Mereticious Restraint’ The exhibit, which features a variety of opened to the public on Jan. diverse symbolism, 20, is named ‘Mereticious specifically symbols of Restraint’ and features nature set against symbols installation artwork on a of industrial weaponry. large scale. Installation Some of these symbols artwork consists of “From when I did my f irst instal- will be clear to most three-dimensional visitors to the gallery works made from a lation project I have loved the inte- while other symbols range of materials require a deeper look. and, in some cases, gration of different materials, the “All of my work has including ‘Mereticious use of space, and the fact that art is a hybrid quality with Restraint,’ can be natural and synthetic much larger than the not f inished until the exhibit is in- aspects coming together typical styles of art to create what I call students may be more stalled.” - Liz Miller, ‘Mereticious elaborate fictions,” used to viewing. Miller said. “In some The size and Restraint’ artist portions weapon uniqueness of imagery transforms installation artwork a really large presence. I into something more and this exhibition in am an art student and it’s organic in appearance. particular can sometimes way different than the Most of the greenery in surprise students, including types of exhibits local this piece was inspired by freshman kinesiology galleries usually have. It is the suicide trees in India major C.J. Knight. interesting to see an exhibit while some portions just “I was kind of puzzled that really fills up the area,” kind of happened to come at first because I didn’t Crosby said. together. I love the idea understand what it was While Miller’s artwork that the work can elicit a going to be,” Knight said, fills the space as visitors feeling without the piece “and you have to kind of walk around and through being a specific thing.” use your imagination to see the exbibit, she did not Those who would like what it is but I like it.” begin making art the style to view ‘Mereticious Other students, and scale of ‘Mereticious Restraint’ can view the including sophomore art Restraint.’ piece by visiting the Cullis student Joseph MacGown, “I started out in art doing Wade gallery on the second were more familiar with drawing and painting,” floor of the Cullis Wade installation artwork and Miller said. “I studied Depot during the gallery’s excited to view an exhibit both of those in college. normal hours between 9 like ‘Mereticious Restraint’ Then I started doing a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday in person. collages, which sort of through Friday. by Will Wells
“I really enjoyed walking around and looking at it,” MacGowan said. “I am actually interested in doing installation art myself so I am enjoying having the opportunity to experience this exhibit and talk to the artist.” Brennan Crosby, a senior studying photography, said he also enjoyed viewing a different kind of art that he was used to seeing in local art galleries. “I like the exhibit, it has
Sarah Dutton | The Reflector
Liz Miller stands smiling in front of her installation, ʻMereticious Restraintʼ and proudly displays her work for viewers.
Sarah Dutton | The Reflector
Those who viewed the installation on opening night at the gallery, look on and interact with the fl oor to ceiling installation.
Margie’s Mixing Bowl curbs students’ sweet tooths by Courtney O’Brien Staff Writer
nut allergy, Mire makes everything with nuts last, and sterilizes everything. Most items with nuts are done around Thursday or Friday While Mire does not use any synthetic flavors, she
Margie Mire, owner and baker of Margie’s Mixing Bowl in Meridian, opened another shop at 330 “I always wanted to come back Highway 12 West. The shops feature 26 kinds to Starkville. I bleed maroon. of cupcakes, macarons, specialty cakes and cookies. There are no bakeries here. The original shop opened That was another reason we in 2014 in Meridian. When Mire, an MSU graduate wanted to come here.” - Marwanted to expand, she knew Starkville was the gie Mire, owner place to go. “I graduated in 1999 with a business degree,” refuses to use almond oil Mire said. “I always wanted in her wedding cake and to come back to Starkville. wedding cake flavored I bleed maroon. There are cupcakes—once again to no bakeries here. That was avoid nut contaminants. another reason we wanted to While the macarons are come here.” amazing, Margie’s Mixing Anything sold in the Bowl’s claim to fame is in bakery can be made gluten- her stuffed cupcakes. All free if customers call a day cupcakes can be made into in advance. The shop is full size cakes with a day’s currently one of the few notice. Margie sells cakes places in the state where in two sizes, ranging from folks can find macarons. about $20-$40. When called on a Thursday, Margie’s Mixing Bowl Margie’s Starkville location sells everything from classics had completely sold out of to seasonal cupcakes, with macarons in 54 minutes. all flavors listed on her “I am selling out of website. Some cupcakes, like macarons. I just cannot keep the chocolate chip cookie them in stock,” Mire said. dough, which Mire said was “Yesterday I made—I can’t her favorite, are not only iced even tell you how many I with icing made from butter made—and before I could instead of shortening, but get out the door to bring also filled with a delicious them to Starkville, I was filling. In the case of the already sold out in Meridian.” cookie dough, the icing Margie’s Mixing Bowl’s has a cookie dough taste— website is updated daily with without the grittiness of the offered macarons flavors real cookie dough and with of the day. Mire also keeps a dollop of cookie dough in up with her Facebook and the middle of the cupcake. Instagram for the company. None of the cupcakes felt Macarons are gluten-free, too sweet or too heavy, but do contain almond flour. which was also incredibly For anyone with a refreshing.
In addition to making everything in-shop, Mire is practically giving away her sweets. For half a dozen cupcakes, Margie’s gives you $2 back. For a dozen, Margie’s takes off $4 from the final purchase. Mire also has online giveaways about once a month. Margie’s Mixing Bowl is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Margie’s Starkville location has been open since early October, and Margie hopes for an official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Starkville Sarah Dutton | The Reflector Chamber soon. https://www. Margieʼs Mixing Bowl is now open for those wishing to indulge their sweet tooth and find comfort in delectable desserts. margiesmixingbowl.com
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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017
Deadlines fast approaching: what students need to know by Shawn Mccarthy Contributing Writer
As the semester begins, many important academic deadlines emerge. For students who would prefer another class instead of one currently scheduled, determining the deadlines for dropping or adding a course is imperative. As the semester progresses, students may find themselves struggling in a course, in which they will need to be aware of the deadline for dropping with a ‘W’ grade. For soon-to-be graduates, awareness of when to apply for graduation is critical in avoiding unnecessary fees. Many students fail to meet these essential dates when making these necessary decisions.
Dr. Peter Ryan, associate provost at Mississippi State University, urges students to be alert in regards to important University deadlines. “The Registrar’s office reminds students about [graduation] in emails, and yet, last spring, we [had an example of] a student who never registered,” Ryan said. “She thought walking across the platform at commencement was graduating. That puzzles me for students who have been here for four years and have not appreciated what is involved with graduating.” Not being aware of important dates can have far reaching consequences. Ryan spoke of incidents involving students who, due to delayed degree applications, missed out on job opportunities. In addition, there are monetary penalties for students who delay their degree applications. As of current, the base fee of $50 covers auditing, graduation fees and commencement ceremony fees. However, the longer a student waits to apply, the faster the University has to audit and process the application resulting in a higher fee. Ryan urges students
to understand that the University is looking out for the best interest of students. It is the goal of the University for every student to be successful. This warrants the clear and concise deadlines the University seeks to establish. “We want students that are recruited here, to be successful and graduate,” Ryan said. Often, a student may find themselves struggling in a course, or preferring to take the course in a different semester. Therefore, Ryan reinforces the importance of understanding when the deadline is to drop a class with a ‘W’ grade. “The last day to drop a class with a ‘W’ is 36 days into the semester,” Ryan said. “We’ve extended that, [which] was a request from the Student Association last year. We did that so students can make an informed decision, and have the opportunity to have at least one assessment, if not more, [before doing so].” For junior Sara Kirkpatrick, from Elkhorn, Alabama, and a double major in English and Spanish, the opportunity to take a ‘W’ grade helped her immensely. “About two months into
the semester, I changed my major to English; and I was [struggling in] chemistry and calculus, and thus I dropped calculus with a ‘W,’ [helping] me pass chemistry,” Kirkpatrick said. Invoking academic forgiveness is another option for students who find themselves struggling in a class when the ‘W’ drop date has passed. If this occurs, students should be in contact with their advisers and undergraduate coordinator to utilize academic forgiveness, which can be done up to two times. For students considering a full withdrawal from the university, it is especially necessary that the pertaining deadlines be met. If a student withdraws after a certain date, their financial aid can be irreversibly affected. Ryan requests students considering wiathdrawal seek counseling from their adviser and set up a plan for when they wish to return to the University. Students should also speak with the Registrar’s office regarding financial aid, and how a withdrawal may affect their refunds. Lastly, Dr. Ryan stresses communication with an individual and their
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IMPORTANT ACEDEMIC DATES:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FEBRUARY 28-
LAST DAY TO DROP A CLASS WITH A ‘W’
APRIL 11-
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM UNIVERSITY
MAY 10-
LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR MAY 2017 GRADUATION (APRIL 26 IS THE LAST DAY TO SEND IN APPILICATION WITH LATE FEE) Jenn McFadden, The Reflector
department faculty. “Communicate with your adviser, and get the help you need,” Ryan said. The important academic deadlines for the spring 2017 semester are as follows: March 10 is the last day to apply for May 2017 graduation with the applicable $50 fee. All applications are considered late up to April 26, and are subject to additional fees.
Feb. 28 is the last day to drop a course with a ‘W’ grade on a student’s transcript. The last day to withdraw from the University is April 11. And for more information regarding these important dates, students can contact the Registrar’s office at (662)-325-2022 and the Controller’s office at (662)-325-2302.
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7
SPORTS
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017
Bulldogs dominate opening weekend by Dalton Middleton Sports Editor
Both men’s and women’s tennis teams opened up the 2017 spring season with a bang as the men’s team defeated San Diego State University 5-2 and the No. 24 Women’s team defeated the University of Alabama-Birmingham 4-0 this weekend. The Men’s season opener against Pepperdine was cancelled due to weather on Friday, so the Bulldogs took on San Diego State University on Saturday. In doubles play, the tandem of Nuno Borges and Strahinja Rakic dominated SDSU’s Joel Popov and Nicholas Mitchell 6-0. Soon after, the duo of Mate Cutura and Vaughn Hunter won their match 6-2. After that win clinched the double’s point for MSU, No. 59 Niclas
Braun and Trevor Foshey’s match was suspended tied 4-4. Head coach Matt Roberts said the doubles play by the team set the tone for the rest of the match and got the Bulldogs in position to win for singles play. “Our play today in doubles really was very smooth,” Roberts said. “We got out to a good start and that kept the momentum going into singles play.” In singles play, Rakic struck first once again and defeated his opponent 6-2, 6-2, and put Mississippi State up 2-0. That gave Rakic his first ever win at the No. 3 spot. The Bulldogs top ranked player, Borges, continued his run from the fall and won his singles match 7-6(3), 6-2. That put the Bulldogs up 3-0 and on the verge of clinching the win. Borges is now 13-3 as a sophomore this year. To clinch the mast, Braun won in straight sets in the
Men’s Basketball Jan. 25 @ 6 p.m. vs. Missouri
No. 4 spot in the lineup. He downed Popov, 6-2, 7-6(4) and gave the Bulldogs the win. Leading 4-0, the teams continued play with the three remaining matches. SDSU grabbed two points when the Aztecs defeated Cutura and Foshey. Freshman Simon
“Simon had to fight back today, but he figured it out and I’m proud of how he competed,” Roberts said. “Even though this was his first match as a collegiate player, he showed a lot of heart and fight and truly loved the challenge out there today. He was very impressive.”
“ Today was a really good day for us to get experience for our young players. We
started the day off in doubles play really well and it carried over into singles play.”
-Head coach Daryl Greenan
Baudry played in his first collegiate match and shined, grabbing the final point of the day and finished the 5-2 win for the Bulldogs. Coach Roberts was pleased with Baudry’s play, and said he is excited about the bright future the freshman has on the team.
The Bulldogs travel to Texas next weekend for the 2017 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Kickoff Weekend. They will face Florida State on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 12 p.m. In the women’s match on Sunday, the Bulldogs routed UAB 4-0 in the season
opener. Mississippi State set the tone in a dominant doubles performance when the young tandem of freshman Sara Lizariturry and sophomore Anastasia Rentouli defeated the blazers duo 6-1. On court one, MSU clinched the doubles point when senior Jasmine Lee and freshman Lisa Marie Rioux beat another Blazer duo 6-1 and put the Bulldogs up 1-0. Using the momentum from the doubles matches, the Bulldogs swept the Blazers in three sets in singles play. Rioux beat UAB’s Hermann in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to put the Bulldogs up 2-0. Soon after, No. 27 Lee beat Pardis Kianoush 6-1, 6-4. To clinch the game, Rentouli dominated UAB’s Reghan Lynch 6-1,62 in her first match as a Bulldog. Mississippi State’s Lizariturry was leading 6-4, 1-0 when the match was clinched and her game was suspended.
Track & Field
Men’s Tennis
Jan. 27 - 28 @ Arkansas
Jan. 28 @ 12 p.m. @ Florida State
Two Bulldogs were set to play, but the match was clinched before they could get on the court. Head coach Daryl Greenan said he thought Sunday was a great day to get the team’s youth adjusted to playing at the college level. He said he thought his team did a great job dealing with the transition. “Today was a really good day for us to get experience for our young players,” Greenan said. “We started the day off in doubles playing really well and it carried over into singles play. I thought both Lisa and Sara performed well. Playing indoors will obviously help for next weekend and after today’s performance, we will be better prepared to play indoors at Michigan.” The Bulldogs head to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the 2017 ITA Kick-off Weekend. Mississippi State faces Syracuse on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m.
Track & field breaks three school records; set 34 personal bests by Dalton Middleton Sports Editor
The Bulldogs went into the Vanderbilt Invitational looking to perform well, but they had no idea they would make the kind of impact they did this weekend. Mississippi State’s track and field team set a total of 34 new personal bests for the team, and broke three school records over the course of the weekend. “This was such a fantastic weekend for us all the way around,” MSU Coach Steve Dudley said. “We had 34 new PR’s set, and three broke school records. We had several people who posted scores that might even be enough to qualify them for nationals, and we are only in the second week of the season. The indoor season goes by so quickly, and we are already one third of the way through. We have to take advantage of these
next few meets, because nationals are right around the corner.” Senior Haley Reynolds, owner of the second-best throw in school history, broke the school record in the shot put with a toss of 14.99m. She broke Nicola Wilson’s 2006 record of 14.97m. Junior Tiffany Flynn shattered the school record in the triple jump. She leapt 13.29m to take the record and win the event. She set another personal best in the 60m hurdles where she came in second with a time of 8.31. That gave her fifth place in Mississippi State history. Junior Mia Meydrich took 10 seconds off of her mile run, and dropped her time to 4:49:12 and put her in second place. Shannon Fair and Emma Tucker also dropped new personal-bests in the mile, running times of 4:59.16 and 5:02.30. Sophomore Alon Lewis broke her personal record
in the 400m run with a 56.18 time. Senior Efion Price broke her own record in the 800m run with a time of 2:08.69. For the men, Willie Reed set a new personal best in the 60m hurdle with a time of 8.11, which gave him fifth place. Freshman Daniel Nixon beat his personal record in the 800m run with a time of 1:51.23 and came in third place. His record is fourth in the MSU records. In the 4x400 relay, MSU had two squads compete. The group of Juston water, Phillip Smith, Stephan James and Rasheed Tatham took second place with a time of 3:09.02. The second team, consisting of Charles Taylor, Brian Evans, Dustin James II and Joshua Willingham, came in ninth place with a time of 3:15.02. The Bulldogs run again next weekend when they travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas for the Razorback Invitational.
IMAGINE A PLAYING FIELD WITHOUT CONCUSSIONS.
WE ARE.
At Mississippi State, we’re imagining a football helmet built on the principles of nature. One that like a ram’s horns removes the shock waves upon collision, ultimately making our playing fields safer. As one of the nation’s leading research universities, we’re driven to discover solutions to problems that challenge our world. And you can expect our continued pursuit of ideas that shape the future. M S S TAT E . E D U
Jenn McFadden. The Reflector
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The
Reflector
8 THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017