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125th YEAR | ISSUE 17 @REFLECTORONLINE f /REFLECTORONLINE
OCTOBER 18, 2013
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Late night food contributes to culture, competition
Archaeology exhibit brings science out of classroom to public BY DUNCAN DENT Staff Writer
Saturday, the Cobb Institute, Mississippi State University’s anthropology research building, hosts the annual Mississippi Archaeology Expo on the Drill Field. The event is usually held at Milsaps but will be moved to MSU this year. The event is supported by grants and support from the Mississippi Humanities Council, Department of Archaeology and Middle Eastern Cultures of the Cobb Institute of Archaeology and the Mississippi Archaeological Association. The Expo is one of the biggest events during Mississippi Archaeology
Month, which happens every October. Carol Andersen, assistant director for the Mississippi Humanities Council, said the Council receives grants to regrant to programs like archaeology month. “They take scholars and real field experiences out of the classroom and make them available to the public. They put it in layman’s terms,” Andersen said. The Cobb Institute has high expectations for the event. Evan Peacock, North Eastern Coordinator and anthropology professor at MSU, said he thinks the Expo should be held in different places each year. SEE ARCHAEOLOGY, 2
MICAH GREEN | COURTESY PHOTO
Bin 612 has one of Starkville’s most popular late night food windows open 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. BY DUNCAN DENT Staff Writer
Transient vendors seem to come and go, but the Bin 612’s late-night window suggests there is staying power in the late-night street vendor market. The scene is something of a phenomenon of cultural importance for the Starkville area. Thursday through Saturday night around 1 a.m. the bars empty and the streets fill with people. They flock to the music playing at the cigar shop right next to the late night window. Many haul their coolers out and make a late night of it. Chip Donald, a line chef at Bin 612, said the late-night window is successful because of different people and reasons. “Ty and Paul (Brasfield, of Restaurant Tyler) put it together, the community and the
police support the late night scene. It is what you want after you leave the bar, food and music. And that’s why it has flourished and will continue to flourish,” Donald said. Paul Brasfield, chef de cuisine for Bin 612 and Restaurant Tyler, said this is just the beginning. He said they plan to have a food truck positioned somewhere closer to downtown. “We still want the food trucks,” Brasfield said, “You see a healthy food truck scene in a lot of college towns, so why not here? In these food-truckfriendly towns they vend to the street. People can walk right up and essentially be in your restaurant, and that is what we have tried to create with the Bin late-night window. We believe the food truck and food window scene is just taking
off. Pretty soon everyone will be doing this in some way or another.” Transient vendors have seen some trouble in the past. Despite their apparent popularity during big weekends, food trucks do not have the staying power that the Bin has created with the late night window. Clint Campbell is a manager in a local kitchen who used to run Tom and Mel’s Quik Fire Café, a late-night food trailer, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from fall 2010 to spring 2011. He said he fondly remembers frantically getting off work with his friend and business partner, Everett Hill, to hurry down to the Cotton District to set up the food truck and serve the hungry bar-goers until as late as four in the morning some nights. “We had a great spot behind
the Bin,” Campbell said. “We rented the trailer from Ty, and he would let us plug into the Bin. That was before they did the late-night window.” Campbell said the operation was run out of his house. He said they would prep early in the afternoon and pack a fridge he had at the house that was dedicated solely to Tom and Mel’s. They also had to get the trailer parked at Bin 612 before the night got too busy. After they got off work they would load the prepared food in some big coolers, drive it to the parked trailer and open the kitchen. “It was a lot of hassle, and by the time that summer ended and fall rolled around and we had to decide if we wanted to do it again, we just decided we didn’t have it in us,” Campbell said.
EVAN PEACOCK | COURTESY PHOTO
Kayleigh Sheppard, MSU Anthropology Club president, holds an 800-year celt set in a replica wooden handle.
SEE VENDORS, 3
Backyard crop provides commerciality Local businesses see BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer
Southern Bamboo, a Jackson, Miss., based company grows, harvests and distributes bamboo throughout the United States. The company conducts climate research on the southern U.S. as well as studies the logistics of bamboo farming on a large scale. In one study, the company found areas in the southern U.S. are perfectly suited to produce large bamboo groves similar to those in China, the world’s current leading bamboo exporter. The U.S. imports close to $1 billion worth of bamboo and bamboo-related products and produces close to none. Sean Hemmings, CEO and founder of Southern Bamboo, said large corporations have spoken about this issue, books, blogs and academic papers have been written on this issue but no one has done anything about it. “We set out to actually to do something about it, not just talk about it and actually, we’ve gotten to that,” Hemmings said, “We looked at lot of bamboos, we looked
what was around how much of it how difficult it was to get and we started harvesting bamboos for the poles.” Bamboo is highly sustainable and can be harvested four times per year. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. Some bamboo grow four feet in a day. Steve Turner, head of the Department of Agriculture Economics at Mississippi State University, said the U.S. is the most efficient agricultural producer in the world and it competes with many other countries around the world in both the domestic and international markets. Turner also said every commodity market is different and the market for catfish is much different than SOUTHERN BAMBOO | COURTESY PHOTO the market for corn or soy- Bamboo was used to construct and decorate the patio of beans or rice or bamboo. “It is much more econom- one of the clients of Southern Bamboo, a Jackson compaical to grow a lot of bamboo ny that harvests the sustainable and fast-growing crop. (China) than a small amount (U.S.). There could also be their bamboo poles, allowing to the U.S. are sub-standard restrictions (tariffs and quo- Southern Bamboo to com- and there are commercial ta) on selling bamboo to oth- pete with China in bamboo people who refuse to use er countries,” Turner said. production. China by and them. He said there is always Hemmings said import- large uses the higher-grade waste in every container that ers who import from China bamboo for flooring, and arrives from China as much have to wait months to get the bamboo poles that come as 30 percent in some cases.
effect of game days BY JAMIE ALLEN
State for football game weekends. Pat Ramsey, owner of OcOn football game week- casions, said football weekends, Starkville attracts ends bring in many out-ofaround 55,000 visitors who state visitors. She said she enjoys talking eat and shop in to them to town and generate greater revThere is an find out where enue for local excitement they are from and what businesses in the in the air, brings them area. and a lot of to Starkville. These restau“We are lorants, boutiques people come in the cated downand stores see store to look at the town, and their business as on football much as double, maroon things we game weekespecially on carry. I love to see ends, there weekends of the the camaraderie are tons of bigger games and the constant people millsuch as SEC ing around. games and the flow of people on There is an h o m e c o m i n g game days.” excitement in game. -Pat Ramsey, the air, and a As visitors walk through owner of Occasions lot of people come in the downtown bestore to look fore the game, they may see Occasions bou- at the maroon things we cartique. This boutique brings ry,” Ramsey said. “I love to out the maroon clothing and see the camaraderie and the anything else that relates to constant flow of people on Bulldogs, maroon or Hail game days.” Staff Writer
SEE BAMBOO, 2
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THE REFLECTOR
EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO | THE REFLECTOR
PIE-ING PLEDGES | Members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity raised awareness and money for the fraternity’s national philanthropy, PUSH America, Thursday on the Drill Field. People could pay money to throw a pie in the face of a pledge. PUSH America, an organization that serves people with disabilities, will receive the proceeds from the event.
BAMBOO “My product is in my backyard, I have become very refined and very efficient in how to go and harvest, I do not have shrinkage due to low quality and damage in shipping, and I don’t have to wait four months to get my product for it to be delivered, I can go and cut it tomorrow if I want,” Hemmings said. Southern Bamboo united local bamboo growers, turning a few disparate bamboo groves into a large commercial business.
continued from 1 Noelle Roberge who works she said. “He has big dreams for Southern Bamboo said for Southern Bamboo and we she and her husband have believe in him and share the this amazing opportunity dream. My husband, Kyle, to not work and I hope to be 9 to 5 jobs. in the bamboo It also Roberge said business for the she likes belong run.” allows me ing able to Hemmings to continue have flexible said in the schedules so pursuing a degree future with that she could at MSU, and it gives Southern Bamspend time my husband a boo, he wants with her hus- chance to use his to plant bamband and son. boo as a contig“It also al- artistic and creative uous commerlows me to talents.” cial cash-crop. continue pur- -Noelle Roberge, “Bamboo suing a degree Southern Bamboo should be here at MSU and it (U.S.) because gives my hus- employee it is directband a chance ly against a to use his artrade-deficit tistic and creative talents. with China and with other Our boss has an inspiring foreign countries. We have outlook on life, work and marginal land in the U.S,” the environment, and it feels Hemmings said. good to know that we share For more information the same system of values on Southern Bamboo, visit with the man we work for,” southernbamboo.us
$$$ $$$ $$$
ARCHAEOLOGY “Right now we have 30 to 35 students who are helping to run around 25 stations. I am really excited that it is coming to MSU. I think this will start a trend of the Expo traveling rather than being hosted in one place every year,” Peacock said. These stations will include displays and hands-on activities for kids and families. Kids can participate in a mock excavation or make their own rock art. There will also be a demonstration of traditional Choctaw dances. Matt Sullivan, senior anthropology major and vice president of the Anthropology Club, said he will be working at a forensics archaeology table. “We will have some actual remains that we will demonstrate how we date and determine what happened to them. It should be a lot of fun. I wish I had known about this when I was in high school and community college looking to go into a program like this,” Sullivan said. The different exhibits and activities will be located around campus. Peacock said the museum at
continued from 1
the Cobb will also be open, but most of the event will happen on the Drill Field. “One of the things that will be great is an artifact identification table. People can bring anything they have that they think may be of some archaeological value and have it evaluated by our staff,” Peacock said. “We will also have an archaeology professor from Ole Miss who will demonstrate ground penetration radar, which is a way we can look into the ground before digging. The University Press of Mississippi will also set up a book table to sell texts pertaining to anthropology and archaeology. ” The Anthropology Club along with the Cobb Institute hope the expo will teach other people about anthropology. Kayleigh Sheppard, anthropology student and president of the Anthropology Club, said in an email the Cobb Institute of Archaeology is excited for the chance to work such a diverse event, which will showcase many of the interesting facets of the discipline. “I’ve been happy to help or-
ganize the student participation aspect of the Expo, recruiting the Anthropology Club to volunteer at the various booths that will be up and running on Saturday. I’m just excited to show the Starkville and Mississippi State community everything our field has to offer, and hopefully get children curious about the science involved in archaeology,” Sheppard said. The goal of the Expo and the month is to teach people about the discipline. “It will be a great day to learn. I want to make it clear that though this is kid friendly,” Peacock said. “There will be plenty for adults to do. It will be a day for the whole family.” The Expo has different events for different interests. Tim Grider, student worker at the Cobb and junior anthropology major, said he predicts the event will be informational. “It should be a fun time. They have been working hard on it, and though I am unable to make it, the Choctaw dancers was something I really wanted to check out,” Grider said.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 | 3
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BUSINESSES
continued from 1
One restaurant, The Little football game weekends. Stan Dooey, is one of Starkville’s old- Raye, manager of Campus Book est “mom and pop” restaurants, Mart, said on these weekends and for this reason it sees many traffic downtown starts early on of the same people come back Saturday morning and does not to the restaurant throughout the slow down until kickoff. “On football game weekends, years. Bart Woods, owner of The we tend to see a lot of people Little Dooey, said national that we only see on game days,” Raye said. “The media attracts most rewarding customers and On football part of this is makvisitors to the ing new friends restaurant for a game football game. weekends, with the customers and alumni com“The last time we tend to ing in to see us.” we played FloriThese businesses da, Google sent see a lot of people us a letter stating that we only see on also see that these weekends chalthat we had over game days.” lenge them as they 3,700 hits on must prepare for Google Maps,” -Stan Raye, Campus Book Mart thousands more Woods said. people than during As in many manager a normal weekend. businesses in “The past is the Starkville on game days, many of the staff at best teacher for us,” Woods The Little Dooey arrive at 7 a.m. said. “We look at what has been and do not leave until 9 p.m. a success and what has been a Woods said he enjoys closing on failure for us in the past, and we Sunday evening knowing that look for ways to improve.” Raye said Campus Book people enjoyed being there. “We enjoy seeing comments Mart orders more merchandise, people have posted on Facebook brings in extra help and opens or Twitter and seeing what me- extra registers to not keep peodia outlets have to say about us,” ple waiting in line in preparaWoods said. “We have learned tion for this weekend. “Football season is right about that if you take care of your students, they will take care of you, the time of the christmas season, so we are very thankful for their so it is a very busy season. We try our best to check our invensupport.” Campus Book Mart in tory and reorder as time goes on downtown Starkville sees its throughout the season,” Raye sales increase drastically during said.
BAD D WGS
Monday, Oct. 14
• 4:18 a.m. A student was seen sleeping on a couch in the Swalm Building. He was escorted out by an officer.
Tuesday, Oct. 15 • 3:33 p.m. A parking service attendant was involved in an accident behind Dorman Hall. • 4:36 p.m. An officer retrieved two bicycles chained to a handicap ramp at the Colvard Student Union. • 8:02 p.m. A student said she was assaulted by another student in Hull Hall.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 • 12:25 a.m. Student referrals were issued for alcohol violation in North Hall. • 2:46 a.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and student referral for minor in possession of alcohol in North Hall. • 5:10 p.m. A student reported damages to his vehicle while parked in the Griffis Hall parking lot.
Thursday, Oct. 17 • 1:04 a.m. A student reported being verbally harrassed in the elevator of Rice Hall. IAN PRESTER | THE REFLECTOR
The Little Dooey is a local restaurant that is affected by the influx of customers during game day weekends.
Citations:
• 9 citations were issued for speeding. • 15 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device.
VENDOR Campbell said he misses food vending and mentioned that he would like to look into getting an actual food truck and making it his full-time job. “I’m ready to get back into it. My wife can get a minority small business loan and we can start from there. I’m not sure if it will be the old Tom and Mel’s, but I would certainly love to get back into it with Everett,” he said. Since then, the city has passed an ordinance to help transient vendors gain legitimacy. While many parts of the ordinance pertaining to transient vendors have been around since the 1970s, Division 2 licensed street vendors were allowed more places to
continued from 1 park in 2012. The ordinance also allowed them to stay in one place for up to 12 hours. Dalton Healy, co-owner of the Cigar Lounge of Starkville in the Cotton District, said he loves the various street vendors that set up shop on game weekends and during the festivals. He said they usually set something up outside their building as well. “You can have two small business mentalities; you can be Wal-Mart and muscle everyone out or you help each other and encourage growth
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Brasfield said the menu options keep customers excited and coming back for more. “Everyone is talking about cheese fries. They can’t get enough of it. We have a new item called the “Freight Train.” It’s fries topped with a chicken on a stick topped with cheese, covered in bacon,” Brasfield said. “I think I could compete. We had an exciting menu that we kept fresh. We did
pulled pork when we played Arkansas, fried gator when we played Florida and redneck beignets, which are basically fried biscuits with powdered sugar.” Campbell said the Bin’s late night window may be a threat to the already unstable state of food trucks, at least in the Cotton District, but he remained optimistic. “I want to get back into it for sure,” Campbell said. “I
want an actual food truck that I can take to the Cotton District on busy nights, but also take around the area and the state. I want to be able to set up out of town or go cater a church event in their parking lot.” No matter how it is cut, street vendors are an exciting wild card in the Starkville business scene and they are ready to grow and keep innovating.
OKTOC COUNTRY STORE October 19, 2013
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in the community. We like the food trucks and the Bin’s late night window,” Healy said. Students love the food trucks and the late night windows. Tyler “Big Jones” Jones said the food window is essential after a night out. “It’s frigging awesome. You are always hungry after the bar, you know. You might not be able to go home with somebody but you can go home with cheese fries,” Jones said Donald said, “Hell, I eat it on my night off.”
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OPINION
4 | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013
OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu LIVING BY MY WITS
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INTERNATIONAL INK
Fun. shows equality is a right
I
f you were one of the thousands in attendance at the Fun. concert last week, these may not be the lyrics that still ring in your ears: “I’ve got friends locked in boxes, that’s no way to live; what you call a sin isn’t up to them.” But maybe they should be. In the excitement of buying a ticket, many people neglected the statement at the bottom of the web page that said that “$1 of the service fee of each ticket will go to the band’s charitable foundation, The Ally Coalition.” In case you didn’t see the disclaimer or didn’t go to the concert at all, The Ally Coalition was formed by the members of Fun. and designer Rachel Antonoff. Its mission is to aid and encourage people from every walk of life to use their voices to end discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Even if you didn’t see the disclaimer, it was nearly impossible to miss the “equality village” set up outside of Humphrey Coliseum on your way in to the concert. If you walked by without noticing, it consisted of a tent set up for people to stop by to learn about LGBTQ issues and take action against discrimination. As I purchased my ticket — and even entered a raffle for better seats — I knew that part of my money would support LGBTQ rights. However, many other attendees and non-concert goers were completely unaware of what they supported. Others opted to make other plans for the night in fear that attending the concert would mean they support equality. Honestly, the number of people
THE SHUTDOWN IS OVER L
CLAIRE WILSON Claire Wilson is a junior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
who like the band, but decided against attendence because of its association with The Ally Coalition astounds me. However, the fact that many people who stand against such rights attended the concert knowing that Fun. supports LGBTQ right — and not caring — was also shocking. I believe that all of us have basic human rights. It’s your right to believe in something or stand against it. I believe in the equality of life that Fun. promotes. I believe that everyone should be afforded basic human rights. But I also believe that everyone should enjoy live music from bands that they listen to — regardless of what that band supports. Avoiding an issue doesn’t make it go away. Ignoring the fact that someone is a member of the LGBTQ community doesn’t make that person straight. Going to a concert that puts a percentage of its proceeds toward equality doesn’t mean you support equality. It means you support the live music of a band that you enjoy listening to.
ate Wednesday night, two each of our children and grandhours before the United children will be responsible for. States could default on Further, It’s imperative that the bill payments, the Senate and Senate join their colleagues in the the House passed legislation House to provide the relief from to reopen the government and Obamacare that many Americans raise the federal debt limit. The have demanded,” Griffin said. Meghan Millea, economics House voted 285-144 to reopen the government while the Senate professor at Mississippi State University, said when an econovoted 81-18. After a bitter battle between Re- my does poorly policies are used publicans and democrats, which to stimulate the economy. There ended in a 16-day government are two different policies — fiscal shutdown, life is finally back to policy and monetary policy. Fisnormal in Washington, D.C. cal policy involves government The Affordable Care Act that expenditure and tax revenues. “When they have an expansionstirred up controversy remains a law passed by the Senate, the ary fiscal policy, that means to inHouse and the Supreme Court of crease government spending or the U.S., signed by the president. to decrease taxes. They increase Phil Griffin, former Missis- expenditure while simultanesippi State University College ously decreasing their income, Republican chairman and presi- which causes budget deficits, just dent of Griffin Strategies, said he the same way it would happen to any individual was pleased if you spent the leaders This shutdown more and you came togethwill be used worked less or er to end the your income government as political shutdown opportunism by declined, then you would and bring an run a deficit end to the the Democrats against on a monthly negative ef- the Republicans. basis,” Millea fects it has said. “As an had on many of our fellow Americans, howev- individual you will accumulate er, he was extremely disappointed debt — be it student loan or the debt ceiling was once again credit card debt. That is exactly raised without any spending re- what is happening at the federal level that is an accumulation of ductions. “It’s high time for both par- debt, and that is where we get to ties, in both chambers, to stop the debt ceiling.” President Obama said in a kicking the can down the road and exhibiting irresponsible statement delivered after the end leadership resulting in addition- of the government shutdown al increases to a record debt that and the lifting of the federal debt
limit on Thursday at the White House that the threat of default, of America not paying all the bills that we owe on time, increased our borrowing costs, which adds to our deficit. “There’s been a lot of discussion lately of the politics of this shutdown. But let’s be clear. There are no winners here. These last few weeks have inflicted completely unnecessary damage on our economy. We don’t know yet the full scope of the damage, but every analyst out there believes it’s slowed our growth,” Obama said. Leslie Baker, political science professor at MSU, said certainly, Obama “won” as he was able to force the Republican party into a position where they had to give up on the shutdown, as the majority of Americans blame the Republican party for the shutdown and the financial crisis. “We came out of the 16-day shutdown with a major hit to the economy and tremendous loss in the public’s trust in government, so any win would need to be taken with a grain of salt,” Baker said. In the run up to the future elections, expect the ghost of the shutdown to haunt the GOP, but what will be politically interesting to see is how the Republican cadre responds to this criticism and tries to take hold of the Senate and win back the presidency. William Saletan, columnist for slate.com, said in his article titled, “You’ll Pay For This GOP,” If Republicans stage another big fight over the next debt ceiling
PRANAAV JADHAV Pranaav Jadhav is a junior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
then that would be three in a row. It might facilitate a significant political development — the transformation of debt payment into a national security issue. “Republicans could become the deadbeat party. Obama seems quite willing to attack them from this angle. And in framing economics as the key to American power, he has reality on his side,” Saletan said. Do not be surprised if President Obama uses this shutdown against the Republican party in the days to come. This shutdown will be used as political opportunism by the Democrats against the Republicans. The Affordable Care Act is famously known as Obamacare while this shutdown is known as the tea party shutdown. But as of today, for Americans it is a relief that the government is open for business and the 8 million federal workers that were furloughed are back to work.
LET’S PLAY THIS BY EAR
White, blue collars blend effortlessly together to form a harmonious economy
A
lthough every individual enrolled in college undergoes an exclusive “college experience,” as students of higher education, we all share at least one common bond: we have all traveled through the grueling college application process. The beauty of applying to college is the freedom of choice. The freedom to shop around based on interest and make a personal decision as to where you go and what you will study. Another dimension of this situation is the freedom to choose to bypass college entirely. However, according to Huffington Post, Corbett High School of Oregon could eliminate the option to forgo a college education by making acceptance into college a requirement for graduation. Randy Trani, superintendent for the Corbett school district
claims the implementation of this requirement is to “make sure that each student has sufficient choices in the future” (Huffington Post). While his intentions are good, I believe Trani’s decision may have more negative consequences than initially meet the eye. The school ruling only requires that each student be accepted into college, not that each student actually attend. However, this requirement creates an unspoken pressure to attend college without considertion of the benefit of a college education on a case-by-case basis. By generalizing the decision to attend college, many critical points in the decision making process are overlooked, fiscal responsibility being the most prominent. Debt from student loans has crippled the millennial generation, but
belittling careers that can be at- their white collar counterparts, tained with only a high school if not more so, in regards to a education creates a stigma that community that runs smoothly. may push some citizens to live The U.S. Department of Labor beyond their put this idea means. into perDebt from I am perspective by student loans sonally a releasing the cripple the strong advostatistic that cate for edu30 percent millennial cation. I feel generation, but belittling of the adult that educated population citizens are careers that can be has a college the sole hope attained with only a high degree, when for prosperity school education creates only 20 peron a national a stigma that may push cent of jobs level, but as actually rea society we some citizens to live quire them. must under- beyond their means.” This statistic stand that for makes the a population separation to succeed, there needs to be a between the supply and demand balance between the varyious of a college education more easilevels of employment. Blue collar ly recognizable. When presented careers are just as important as in this way, the reasoning behind
our country’s current unemployment situation seems like common sense. We have too many people that try to fight for the same jobs. I realize that, given our location, the majority of those that read this article have already achieved a college education or are steadfast in their journey to attain one, and I in no way discourage the acquisition of higher education. On the contrary, I suggest that as a society we treat those with college degrees with the utmost respect, but I urge that we also make an effort to show equal respect for employees that may not have an equal education, but work alongside those who are college-educated to achieve a similar goal. The negative connotation that surrounds careers that do not require higher education causes
SHEALY MOLPUS Shealy Molpus is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
division amongst the classes as well as economic downturn. I propose that as a generation, we break down this arrogant point of view and treat all hardworking citizens with the respect they deserve, regardless of the prestige of their careers and level of education.
A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME
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Kaitlyn Byrne
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Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu. Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
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rowing up, I had this friend. She and I had been close since childhood because our dads lived together at the same university, and while it wasn’t a friendship that was really beneficial to me in any way, I could never really wean myself from it. As children, our lack of mutual interests was easily ignored. What more do you need in common in elementary school besides a love for the Jonas Brothers and an affinity for Limited Too? However, as the years passed, it became apparent my friend and I not only had nothing in common, but we were also complete opposites. While I was feminine and bookish, my friend was sporty and funny. Despite these great qualities, my friend always felt the need to overcompensate in order to cover up her shortcomings, and it didn’t take long before her sportiness morphed into aggressiveness and her humor became uncouth and cruel. Other friends continually asked me, “Catie Marie, how do you put up with her? Doesn’t it bother you that she borrows your clothes and returns them stained and torn? Doesn’t it annoy you that she doesn’t have a nice word to say about anything? Have you noticed the way she manipulates you into only doing what she wants?”
And the thing is, all of these things ple were worth knowing, maybe bothered me. My friend was rude, just not to my high school self. negative and manipulative, and I treated kindness as a currency. yet, I stood by her. I always re- I assumed that I only had so much sponded to these accusations with to give, and the only ones worth a smile and a kind word. “I know my words of encouragement she can be a little rough around were those who benefited me in the edges, but she’s my friend. So some way or played with me in how about that geography test?” the sprinklers on summer nights So yes, I was a good friend to while my parents watched. this girl. We didn’t stay besties, but This past May, George Saunnever did an unkind word escape ders, bestselling American author, my lips on her behalf because, delivered the convocation speech in my own words, “she was my at Syracuse University in New friend.” But York. I recentthis is not a ly stumbled “It’s a little testament of across a tranhow well I scription of it facile, maybe, treated an old online, and I and certainly friend. This is was extremehard to an acknowlly convicted edgement of implement, but I’d say, by its central how poorly I as a goal in life you theme. In treated every- could do worse than: try the speech, Saunders tells one else. the story of There were to be kinder.” a quiet girl people in my -George Saunders. from whom high school who were much more interesting he “withheld kindness” in elethan my friend. There were peo- mentary school. Saunders said ple who were smarter, nicer and his biggest regret in life — a life funnier. And yet, for whatever rea- laced with heartache, disease and son, I did not utilize my four years financial uncertainty — was that at a relatively small high school to he neglected to reach out to this cultivate friendships with these girl. He then proceeds to tell the people. I didn’t take the time to students his recipe for a successful dip beneath the surface and search life, which is, in his opinion, to out those who simply floated be- “err on the side of kindness.” neath my social radar. These peoInside every human being is
CATIE MARIE MARTIN Catie Marie Martin is a junior majoring in English. She can be contacted at opinion@
a bright, gorgeous light, which Saunders believes is an incredible asset to the human race. Saunders said, “that luminous part of you that exists beyond personality — your soul, if you will — is as bright and shining as any that has ever been. Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Teresa’s. Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists. Come to know it better. Nurture it. Share its fruits tirelessly.” To withhold this light is to rob the world of a lovely gift. In the words of Saunders, “It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: try to be kinder.” Kindness is a fountain that never runs out, so pour it upon others ceaselessly.
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6 | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013
LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
A bloody good time: BY GORDON LEE
ContributingWriter
Zany characters, hyperbolic death scenes, fearful suspense and a creative plot twist can make for an exciting night at the theater. “Bloody Murder,” Theatre MSU’s first production of the season, premiered Thursday. The group of students performs again Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The production takes place in McComas Hall Theatre, and tickets are available through the department’s website, comm.msstate.edu/theatre. Jo Durst, communication instructor, directs the production. “Bloody Murder” is the second-to-last play Durst directs before she retires in the spring. The production also kicks off Theatre MSU’s 50th season. A witty farce of the classic murder mystery set in the 1920s, the play promises overthe-top entertainment for the audience. Instructor Melanie Harris is the costume designer for Theatre MSU. She said the play is a hilarious murder mystery with ridiculous characters. “It is absolutely one of those sort of just laugh out loud sort
of funny shows. Whacky characters in whacky situation — really funny, campy, over the top murder mystery — sort of what would happen if Monty Python did Agatha Christy,” Harris said. Durst said the play takes an unexpected turn when the characters of an ordinary murder mystery actually discover they are in a fictional story. “‘Bloody Murder’ is a typical British murder mystery until one of the lead characters tells them that they are in a book and that they’re all clichés and that they’re not real. And so she devises a plan where they stop murdering people and just have a fun weekend,” Durst said with a laugh. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t work out.” The story centers on the eccentric Lady Somerset. MacKenzie Dunn, freshman architecture major, plays Somerset, a lead role that promises to be unforgettable. Dunn said her favorite part about her character is she says what everyone else wants to say. “She doesn’t hold anything back because she’s in charge, and so she says whatever she wants to,” Dunn said. Senior communication
Superheroes battle to save Halloween
Columbus’s Princess Theater hosts comic book-themed Halloween party Saturday BY CATIE MARIE MARTIN Staff Writer
This Saturday, ghosts and ghouls, heroes and villains, the alive and the undead will dance the night away in Columbus, Miss., at this year’s Princess Theater Halloween extravaganza. This year’s eclectic party is comic book themed, and Mississippi artists, whose hometowns include Starkville, Columbus and Hattiesburg, create the sets, artwork and design for the event. This year’s party not only contains impressive artwork to enhance its superhero theme, but its creators also include a storyline to accompany the
event. Because this year’s party falls on the weekend of a full moon, the villain of the party is a beast called Full Moon Fang, a two-headed werewolf. Those at the party must help Captain Halloween, the event’s hero, defeat Full Moon Fang and save Halloween. However, the heroes will not have much of an advantage against Full Moon Fang. Fang’s fellow villains, mutants and masterminds received invitations to the fantastical comic book showdown as well. This year’s party is a tribute to comic book heroes and villains alike. Princess Theater Halloween events are the brainchild of Team Halloweenz, which
Murder mystery farce “Bloody Murder” kicked off Theatre MSU’s 50th season with laughs Thursday
major Colin Baylot plays Tremaine, another lead character. He said this play is refreshing because it is an outward examination of the murder mystery genre, which is a genre not seen often anymore. According to Baylot, the interactions of the characters allow them to poke fun at the very story of which they are a part. Danny Ward, freshman communication major, plays a minor character in the production and said this interaction between the characters is the best part about “Bloody Murder.” Ward said he believes the small number of characters allows for thorough character development. “Each character has that special dynamic with each other, and it’s so much fun to watch that,” he said. In a production dependent upon character interactions, the cast must have a good working relationship. Durst cast the play and said she believes the cast is a strong group. “This class works really very well together. That’s one thing you look for as a director. How would they look as a group on stage? How would they play off each other? They are
EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO | THE REFLECTOR
MSU students run through dress rehearsal for “Bloody Murder” Wednesday. Students from diverse majors form the cast and perform the play Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. a very fun cast to work with. They are very hard-working, and I’ve just enjoyed working with them in this production,” Durst said. Dunn said the sense of humor the cast members share is a key ingredient in their success. “It’s a boatload of fun. We don’t have to be super serious. It’s just a bunch of laughs all the time … We still laugh about it,” Dunn said. The effortless chemistry
comes despite the fact the students in “Bloody Murder” are in various majors. Harris said, on average, only about 30 percent of the students in the plays are theatre majors. “We have majors from physics, wildlife and fisheries, architecture — I mean wherever … Our productions are for any Theatre MSU student — freshmen or Ph.D.,” Harris said. No matter which academic background a student comes
from, he or she must make a major commitment to be a part of the production. Durst said that the students rehearse five days a week for a total of at least 15 hours a week. The cast expects a hilariously entertaining performance to reward all of its hard work. Dunn said the audience can expect to laugh a lot. Baylot said attendees can expect shenanigans and murder, and Ward said to expect the unexpected.
is reminiscent of Batman’s call sign in Gotham City. The party features electronic music and a stunning laser light show alongside the handcrafted artwork. Kara Chapman, senior history and Spanish major, attended the party last year and said the constant music from DJs is her favorite part of the event because it gives the party an uninhibited, club-like atmosphere. “It’s just a chance to go somewhere and dance,” she said. “You don’t really get KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR a lot of chances like that in Events at the Princess Theater in Columbus include lights, Starkville.” The Halloween party is not dancing and creative handcrafted sets. This Saturday’s the only art party at the Prinannual Halloween party includes a comic book theme. cess Theater this 2013—14 season. Howard said because of the Team Halloweenz planned is composed of artists Philip Vanderleest, Jonathan Nixon, and left no stone unturned great success of the Halloween Trevor Pruitt, Blaine Garrard, for the past six weeks. How- party over the past six years, Josh Parrot, Anthony Ray, ard said the artists involved in the same group of artists have Shelby White, TJ Ladner and the event spent five to eight come together to present a hours each weekend priming, spring party as well for the Will Howard. Howard said the Halloween sketching, painting and de- past two years. Last year’s spring party, party draws from the public’s tailing the animated, exuberinfatuation with paint parties, ant, Roy Lichtenstein-esque March Radness, was basketball themed. Howard said like the popular Color Run sets. race, at which attendees are “The art will be right out of while the Halloween party splattered with paint through- the pages of a comic book,” he is more haunting, the spring parties have more lighthearted out the duration of the event. said. “This is our paint party. We There will even be a search themes. “The Halloween show is kind of put a twist on it,” he light over Columbus to guide said. “We don’t throw paint these heroes and nasty villains dark and gritty. The spring on it; we make art.” to the Princess Theater, which show is kind of sexy and fun,”
he said. “It’s colorful and feverish.” The combination of extensive themes, huge, homemade sets and pulsating dance music draws attendees from all over Mississippi to the Princess each Halloween. The artists themselves are from around the state — the members of Team Halloweenz are either students or graduates of Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi or Mississippi University for Women. Faith Spann, junior communication major, said the diverse crowd is the party’s biggest draw for her. “My favorite part is how many people it brings in from areas surrounding Columbus,” she said. “All of my friends from out of town come in for such a big event every year, different friends that you might not see often.” This year’s Halloween extravaganza is not an average costume party. Whether dancing for Full Moon Fang or Captain Halloween, Halloween at the Princess promises attendees will experience an explosion of light, music and art centered around one holiday where everyone has the opportunity to dress up and become someone else.
The Head and the Heart moves, shakes on “Let’s Be Still” Brothers’s latest album flows smoothly, without surprise
SUB POP RECORDS | COURTESY PHOTO
BY GORDON LEE ContributingWriter
On The Head and the Heart’s new album, “Let’s Be Still,” the masters of indie-folk do anything but stand still. The band’s sound moves forward on the release, and the snappier tracks will have listeners tapping their toes. Fans of The Head and the Heart have anxiously awaited a sophomore album ever since the band’s 2011 self-titled debut. “Let’s Be Still” arrives with timely satisfaction. The band uses catchy synthesizer lines and an increased drum presence to build upon the first album’s successful recipe of vocal harmony, tambourine-assisted tribal rhythms, driving piano lines and haunting “ohs.” There is no “Rivers and Roads” found here, but the album leaves the listener with a few gems of a new sort.
The band matures lyrically on “Let’s Be Still.” The theme of the album marks a logical shift from the nostalgia of leaving home found in its debut to the mystified grandeur of being thrown into the real world. The theme is most evident in the chorus of the album’s title track, which states, “The world’s just spinning a little too fast / If things don’t slow down soon we might not last / The world’s not forgiving of everyone’s fears / The days turn into months / The months turn into years, so, just for a moment, let’s be still.” The album feels danceable and upbeat. The influence of Seattle band Pickwick shows up in the album’s jumpy bass lines and triadic staccatos. The album also reveals the band’s resolve to give vocalist and violinist Charity Rose Thielen a larger role. “Let’s Be Still” handles the balance between the band’s more raw first release and a more polished, mature sound effectively — until two-thirds of the way through the album,when the band begins to experiment a little too much. Though the last half of the album veers in a questionably synth-filled direction, female vocalist Theilen brings a breath of fresh air on “These
Days Are Numbered.” She sings contemplative lyrics over the sparse accompaniment of a single acoustic guitar on the tune, which suggests inspiration from modern folk-artist Langhorne Slim, and the harmonica solo is reminiscent of folk legend Bob Dylan. The finale of “Let’s Be Still,” “Gone,” begins with a chilly introduction that features accordion, banjo and quiet vocals. Synthesizers foreshadow the bridge, in which the swooping melody swells with piano, violin and harmonies. As the subtle presence of drums builds suspense, a chorus of intertwined “ohs” underscores thoughtful lyrics as the layers pile up for a climactic crescendo. As the last hit of the powerful bridge dissipates, a final line of piano melody plays and leaves the listener with a stunned, satisfying silence. For indie-folk fans, every song on The Head and the Heart’s self-titled debut was a masterpiece. “Let’s Be Still” grows on the listener with time, as did the band’s first album, and may even surpass the band’s debut with time. The theme of The Head and The Heart’s sophomore album is a resolve to look forward, and its fans should also look forward to more engaging releases like “Let’s Be Still” from the band.
AMERICAN RECORDINGS | COURTESY PHOTO
BY GENY KATE GURLEY Staff Writer
The Avett Brothers’s Grammy-nominated album “The Carpenter” came out only last fall, but the band released its new full-length album, “Magpie and the Dandelion,” Tuesday. The album is the band’s eighth studio album and its third release working with producer Rick Rubin. In a letter written by the brother-fronted band and published in “Paste” magazine, the members said as they worked on 2012’s “The Carpenter,” they had so much energy and inspiration they wrote two records during that period, the second of which became “Magpie and the Dandelion.” In the letter, the band members explain the title “Magpie and the Dandelion” represents the graceful and youthful
sound of the collection of songs. “If you think about a Magpie, it’s a bird from the crow family,” the band members said. “You can see them everywhere, and they’ve got this strange grace. And we all know what a dandelion is. It reminds you of being a kid and watching a flower come apart on a summer day. There’s a youthful wonder in that. Those kinds of feelings live and breathe inside this album.” The Avett Brothers’s albums stay consistent, which is impressive considering the band’s large collection of 14 albums. Its folk-rock, Americana, grunge-grass fusion sound is alive and well in “Magpie and the Dandelion.” The album is lighthearted and flows smoothly with a perfect blend of slow ballads and upbeat banjo. Scott’s and Seth’s voices pair well across fast-paced songs, ballads and harmonies. The harmonica makes an appearance on the good-feeling bluegrass song “Open-Ended Life,” and “Good To You” is every bit the beautiful love ballad listeners have come to expect from Scott Avett. “The Clearness is Gone,” with its electric guitar riff, highlights the multi-faceted guitar talent Seth Avett brings to the mix. The band’s lyrics are trans-
parent and honest. The album covers topics from loneliness and family in “Morning Song” and “Skin and Bones,” to personal love in songs like “Apart From Me.” Though the band works with a big-name producer, The Avett Brothers keep its folk essence. From their ballads to their more rocking songs, members of The Avett Brothers have the ability to play multiple styles well while staying true to their sound. Bobby Crawford can play any style on any instrument, and Joe Kwon is a stellar cellist. These two guys, though not Avetts, form the band’s backbone. With Scott and Seth’s harmonies and the honesty of their lyrics, “Magpie and the Dandelion” is a solid, reliable addition to The Avett Brothers’s collection. It is a blend of its best bluegrass sound and rock sound. The band does not get old or repetitive, but “Magpie and the Dandelion” perfects its easygoing sound, although it does not have the raw honesty or complexity of the album “Emotionalism.” Sadly, The Avett Brothers’s latest album does not feature one of their “Pretty Girl From” songs. Maybe The Avett Brothers’s next release will feature “Pretty Girl from Mississippi.”
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 | 7
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WEEKEND BASEBALL SCRIMMAGE
AT DUDY NOBLE FIELD
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Former Bulldogs shine in NFL
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ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
Basketball preps for season BY KRISTEN SPINK
I.J. Ready. Ware compared the two to Shaq and Kobe and said the team noticed Ready’s speed Amidst all the talk about the first day he showed up on Kentucky’s freshman Julius campus. “One thing I’ve noticed is he Randle being chosen as preseason SEC Player of the Year, has a motor that never stops. I the Lady Vols getting back to call him ‘crumb snatcher’ betheir preseason No. 1 ranking, cause his defensive skills set is new rules and numerous oth- very high,” Ware said. “With er topics, the Mississippi State I.J., just being able to run the University Bulldog basketball floor nonstop with back-toteams rolled into SEC media back reps and being able to see days under the radar but with the floor. His passes are quick and sharp, a newfound confiand that’s dence surrounding We what I like them. motivate about point One of the biggest offseason each other. guards that I play with — changes for the If he’s seeing me they’re quick Bulldogs came in the form of sopho- not run, he’s gonna and are able to see the more Gavin Ware be like, I need to floor.” — and literally in pick it up.” E v e n his form. Ware has -Gavin Ware, t h o u g h dropped down to Ready is a 263 pounds after MSU forward n e w c o m e r, coming in around Ware said he 290 pounds. While MSU is benefiting from Ware’s sees him as a leader of the team. “We motivate each other. new form, restaurants are suffering, especially Waffle House. If he’s seeing me not run, he’s Ware said he has not been to gonna be like, I need to pick Waffle House — one of his it up,” Ware said. “If I need to favorite restaurants — in over pick it up, he will tell me right then and there, and I will just two months. “When I decreased in weight, jump on it. It’s kinda awkward I gained strength,” Ware said. “I having a freshman tell you that, am able to have a longer wind. so you’ll want to pick it up.” But the men are not the I’m able to get up and down the floor more quickly and more only new-look basketball team at MSU. The Lady Bulldogs easily than last year.” Ware added that head coach brought in the fifth-ranked reRick Ray told players if they ever cruiting class in the SEC this see Ware with a cheeseburger in year. Freshmen Chinwe Okorie, a his hand, they should knock it out. Apparently grilled chicken 6’5” center, and Breanna Richand salads frequent Ware’s diet ardson, a 6’1” forward, have provided even more of a chalmore often these days. This new quickness up and lenge for Gillom Trophy winner down the floor has helped Ware Martha Alwal. The junior reclick with freshman point guard ceived the award after averaging Managing Editor
12.1 points and 9.7 rebounds last season. Head coach Vic Schaefer said these matchups in practice will help the girls prepare for the “biggest, baddest conference in the country.” “There are days where Martha doesn’t want anything to do with Chenwe. Chenwe’s upside is that she’s out of site,” he said. “With Martha, her challenge is that she has a kid that she can go against every day, and if she can go against her and score and develop, then you can go against anyone in the country.” The new competition in practice has helped Alwal become more physical in the paint. As for her “meanness” down low, the soft-spoken Alwal said it is still hard for her to have that attitude. “I still keep to myself a little bit, like ‘Don’t touch me.’ I am really trying hard to be meaner. I have a little mean streak in me,” she said. Alwal said the team’s goals include making it far in the SEC Tournament, finishing with a 20-win season and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Both Bulldog teams have started practice and will open their seasons the first week of November. But the Bulldogs themselves are not the only players noticing the changed on the teams. When Florida center Patric Young was asked which conference teams he expected to be good this year, he responded, “Tennessee, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Mississippi State was a lot better this year. They have a lot of good, young guys.”
ith the addition of due to a broken leg. What four new Bulldogs in makes the injury even more devthe NFL this season, astating for Sherrod is that the there are now 15 former Missis- Packers’ starting left tackle Brysippi State University players in an Bulaga is out for the season, so it would have been an excelthe league this year. Of the four rookies, Darius lent opportunity for Sherrod to Slay, Johnthan Banks and Josh step in and showcase his talent. Second-year running back Boyd were drafted in the 2013 NFL draft this past April, and Vick Ballard of the Indianapolis Cameron Lawrence was picked Colts also suffered a devastating up as an undrafted free agent. injury. His season was over due to a torn ACL Slay was picked after playing in first at the top of With the only one game. the second round addition of Ballard was the and 36th overall four new number two to the Detroit Lions, and Banks Bulldogs in running back the depth was selected in the NFL this season, on chart when he the same round went down and shortly after that there are now 15 was projected 43rd overall to former Mississippi to see plenty the Tampa Bay State University of action this Buccaneers. season splitting Boyd was players in the carries with picked in the league this year.” Ahmad Bradfifth round and shaw. 167th overall, Of the veteran MSU playand Lawrence was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys and was ers in the NFL, there are four just recently promoted from the starters. Third-year linebacker practice squad to the 53 man K.J. Wright has been a valuable roster where he got to play in player for the Seattle Seahawks. his first game Sunday against the He had a good season a year ago, establishing himself as one of Redskins. Slay and Banks are both cur- the better young linebackers in rently starting at cornerback for the league — piling up 98 total their teams, and Boyd and Law- tackles in 15 games. This season, rence see game time in reserve he has been playing well again. roles. Banks has 15 tackles and He has 34 total tackles and Seone interception so far in five attle is only allowing 15.7 points games, and Slay has 16 tackles per game, which is third best in and no interceptions so far in six the NFL. Fletcher Cox has settled in as games. Injuries have plagued a couple a starting defensive end in the of the more experienced Bull- Philadelphia Eagles’ new 3-4 dogs in the NFL. Third-year defense. He was one of the best tackle of the Green Bay Packers rookies in the NFL in 2012, reDerek Sherrod came into the cording 5.5 sacks, and he is on year on the Pysically Unable pace to get close to that mark to Perform list for the second again with two sacks so far in six straight season and still has not games. David Stewart is the starting played since December of 2011
FORREST BUCK Forrest Buck is a senior majoring in sport pedagogy. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com.
right tackle for the Tennessee Titans. He is in his ninth season and has been a starter for the Titans since 2006. Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly is the oldest Bulldog in the NFL. He is currently in his 10th season and is having a good season starting for the New England Patriots. He currently has 2.5 sacks and 22 total tackles in five games this season. The other five MSU players in the NFL are Jamar Chaney, Anthony Dixon, Antonio Johnson, Pernell McPhee and Chris White. They all play reserve roles for their teams. Chaney is a fourth-year linebacker for the Falcons. He has collected 24 tackles this season. Dixon is a fourth-year running back for the 49ers. He has 25 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season. Johnson has two sacks and 10 tackles as he is in his seventh season as a defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans. McPhee is a third-year outside linebacker for the Ravens. He has 10 tackles and a sack so far this season. White has collected three tackles in his third year at linebacker for the New England Patriots.
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STAT OF THE DAY: MISSISSIPPI STATE WIDE RECEIVER JAMEON LEWIS LEADS THE SEC IN KICK OFF RETURNS, AVERAGING 30 YARDS PER GAME IN CONFERENCE PLAY.
COURTESY PHOTOS | MSU MEDIA RELATIONS
Mississippi State’s Taveze Calhoun (left) returns a block field goal attempt in the season opener against Oklahoma State, and Curtis Virges (right) takes down Alcorn State quarterback John Gibbs. Calhoun and Virges display leadership skills not only on the field of play, but also in the extracurricular organizations they represent.
Bulldog veterans exhibit leadership on, off field BY ANTHONY MCDOUGLE Contributing Writer
In a culture where college sports are highly heralded and education and extracurricular activities sometimes take a backseat, one would be hard pressed to find athletes who are
active in all endeavors that college life offers. However, two athletes of that caliber can be found on the Mississippi State University football team. One is starting sophomore cornerback Taveze Calhoun, and the other is defensive lineman Curtis Virges. Virges and Calhoun are not only bound by the brotherhood that teammates often share but are also are members of the same fraternity, the Theta Iota chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. When Virges is not busy watching film, practicing or studying, he volunteers for community service through the M-Club Alumni Associa-
tion, an organization for former MSU student athletes. He also serves as a member of his fraternity’s community service committee. Despite his busy schedule, Virges said he exerts every effort to do what is needed for his chapter. “I’m not able to do as much as I’d like to for my chapter during the season,” the junior defensive lineman said. “But I help out whenever and wherever I can, whether it be working at one of our parties or helping organize an event.” Virges also said the time spent with his teammates has taught him to press his chapter brothers to maintain focus and get things accomplished.
“It’s one thing to talk about doing something, but unless you get it done, then it’s just words,” Virges said. “So I try to make sure what is talked about actually gets seen through, on the field and in the chapter.” Virges’s fellow fraternity brother, Calhoun, also tries to remain as involved as possible on campus. Calhoun holds the position of chapter chaplain and is a member of Black Student Alliance, all the while maintaining a GPA above 3.5. The Morton, Miss., native said he enjoys being involved, but it can become a lot to handle. “It can get a little overwhelming at times, but I just try to keep my priorities straight and
know what is most important at the time,” Calhoun said. “Also, I love being part of something bigger than myself, so it is all worth it.” The redshirt sophomore explained the camaraderie he has developed with his teammates has helped him better relate and bond with his fraternity brothers. “You go to war with your teammates every day. It’s always a grind with workouts, summer conditioning, everything,” Calhoun said. “Going through that with them helped me sympathize with my line brothers and other members of the chapter and be able to understand what others are going through.” David Jefferson, Theta Iota’s
chapter vice president, spoke highly of both Calhoun and Virges’ time management skills. “They’re both all-around guys, and they do a great job balancing remaining active in the chapter with being on the football team,” he said. Jefferson also praised the duo for their overall personalities and disposition. “We call Curtis a ‘good ole’ boy,’” he said jokingly. “He is friendly and always remains humble. Taveze is the same. He is well-rounded and very down to earth.” Bulldog fans certainly hope Virges and Calhoun are not as easygoing when SEC rival Kentucky arrives at Davis Wade Stadium Thursday.
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