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Reflector The
JANUARY 18, 2013
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM 125TH YEAR | ISSUE 29
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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
DREAM. BY JAMIE ALLEN Staff Writer
Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” This question and King’s legacy of service is what prompted the creation of the MLK Day of Service. According to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service website, in 1994, the MLK, Jr. federal holiday was designated as a day of service in honor of King’s life and teachings. This year, Volunteer Starkville and the Maroon Volunteer Center are celebrating this day by providing opportunities not only for people to serve the community, but also for people to be educated about King. The first of the activities will be held today. One such event will be the showing of a documentary entitled “Dr. Martin Luther King — A Man of Peace in a Time of War.” This showing will be hosted by the MVC and will be held at the J.L. King Center at 5:30 p.m. Stedmond Ware, Americorps Vista volunteer with the MVC said this documentary will show some facts about King many people do not know about him. “The documentary will highlight different parts of the Civil Rights Movement, his role in that and why he is such a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement in that century,” said Ware. On Saturday, there will be many events in celebration of the MLK Day of Service. Vo l u n t e e r Starkville and the MVC will partner to spruce up Brush Arbor Cemetery from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Lastly, on Monday, there will be an event held at the Starkville Sportsplex.
This event is MLK Day of Service and it is designed to educate participants about King and to be a fun environment to explore arts and crafts and kid-friendly games. The event will be hosted by the MVC, Volunteer Starkville, Control Generation 2 4-H Club and Long View Disciples 4-H Club. Activities will include a variety of sports, a MLK book reading station sponsored by Book Mart & Cafe on Main Street, MLK trivia games, face painting, poster painting and a puppet show to be put on by the Pilot Club on brain safety. Oktibbeha County Hospital, the Starkville Police Department, Oktibbeha County Starkville Emergency Response Volunteer Services, Modern Woodmen and the Starkville Fire Department will each have a booth at MLK Day of Service. Jamey Matte, director of Volunteer Starkville, said this event will truly be a community event to encourage people to get involved in community service as well as learn more about King. “We’ve got kid-friendly events, a lot of them are focusing on Martin Luther King and just trying to get them thinking about it as not just a day off from school,” Matte said. This same mindset is in Lacy Jaudon, Volunteer Starkville’s AmeriCorps VISTA. She also said she believes this day should be about service, not just taking a break from school or work. “It’s been branded as a day on instead of a day off. That weekend leading up to MLK day and on MLK day people do service in honor of Martin Luther King’s legacy of giving back to others,” Jaudon said. To find a complete list of events, or to sign up to volunteer, visit the MVC website at mvc.msstate. edu or the Volunteer Starkville website at volunteerstarkville.org. ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
MSU remains open despite snow, ice Thursday BY KAITLYN BYRNE Managing Editor
Despite experiencing about two inches of snowfall early Thursday morning, Mississippi State University remained open and most classes continued as planned. Bill Kibler, vice president of Student Affairs, said MSU considered information from weather experts on campus and in Oktibbeha County before making the decision Kibler to remain open. “What we had was a circumstance that up till 7 Thursday morning showed no hazardous areas in this area, and even meteorologists were surprised when snow was heavier than predicted,” Kibler said. Kibler said by 8 a.m., the weather conditions were more severe and administrators decided to accommodate students and faculty who could not drive to campus safely, however classes were not canceled. “We already had a lot of students on campus, so we didn’t want to say, ‘OK, get in your vehicles and drive home now,’ since the conditions were not favorable at that point,” he said. “But if a person was not safe to drive here, we certainly (didn’t) want them to come to campus.” MSU issued a Maroon Alert via email at 8:26 a.m. Thursday, which stated, “We are asking students and employees who live in areas where conditions do not allow them to reach campus safely to not attempt to drive to campus. Accommodations will be made for employees and students who are not able to make it campus this morning because of weather conditions in their area. Please stay tuned to emergency.msstate.edu for further updates.” Sid Salter, director of University Relations, said students will have an opportunity to make up lost class time, tests, quizzes and other assignments. He said the instructor and the student may come to an agreement as to how missed material can be accounted for. “This is standard practice under such conditions,” Salter said. “Academic Operating Policy 12.09 Class Attendance and Reporting Absences gives a guide to the procedures when unavoidable class absences occur.” On Thursday morning, Kibler said the Office of the Provost was already working to find solutions for each individual need for accommodation. Students who live in residence halls on campus were expected to attend class as scheduled, Salter said. “There is always a measure of uncertainty in striking a balance between the paramount concern for student, faculty and staff safety and the need to keep classes in session and observe the university’s complex academic calendar,” Salter said. “We relied on the best and most current predictions on the weather in the evening hours Wednesday before making the decision to keep the university open.” Ryan Hoke, a senior professional meteorology major, said Starkville was expected to receive two to four inches of snow according to the National Weather Service. The amount of snow varied throughout Starkville, but Hoke said the western side received more than the eastern side. Campus received about two inches, he said. SEE SNOW, 2
Alpha Delta Pi sorority arrives at MSU, rush begins soon BY JOHN GALATAS Campus News Editor
Alpha Delta Pi sorority will recolonize at Mississippi State University and will host recruitment sessions next week followed by a bid day on Saturday, Jan. 26. Sarah Steele Banks, senior leadership consultant and University of Georgia graduate, said representatives and other ADPi members will be on campus to help recruit. “Since we don’t have anybody at Mississippi State as an ADPi, we’re bringing in alumnae sisters and collegiate sisters from nearby chapters to help us recruit,” she said. “And then the women that get the bids on bid day will be the founding members of this chapter.” Banks also said once the women who get bids receive their charter, it will be recognized with the original members of the sorority. “As a recolony, that means we were here from the 60s to the 80s and then we shut down,” she said. “We’re coming back so we’ll have on our wall, when we hang our charter, we’ll have the original charter and then the recolony charter so we actually have two founding classes, which is special.”
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The sorority originally chartered at MSU in the 1960s, but due to a lack of funding, disbanded. “The 80s was kind of a tough time for Greeks in general, and this is when houses started going up, and we didn’t have the funds to build a house,” Banks said. “So without the funds, we didn’t get the house and we eventually decided to shut down until we had the money to build the house. Once we had the money to get the house, we had to wait for Mississippi State to then say, ‘We’re ready for you to come.’” Banks also said the sorority is scheduled to initiate and install its new members April 13 and 14, and begin construction on its new house, projected to be completed in August 2014. It will be located on the lot behind the Phi Delta Theta house. Banks said recruitment registration is now available and open to anyone. “They can register through our Facebook application. They’ll put all their registration information on there, which includes everything from ‘what did you do in high school’ to ‘what have you done while you’re in college?,” Banks said.
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Girls interested in joining ADPi will get to meet and talk to ADPi sisters.
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NEWS
FRIDAY , JANUARY 18 , 2013
THE REFLECTOR
Office of Study Abroad holds annual fair BY JAMES TOBERMANN Staff Writer
Mississippi State University’s International Institute will host a study abroad fair on the first floor of the Colvard Student Union on Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Katie Frantes, interim manager and coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad, said the fair, which is held each semester, allows students to talk to representatives of numerous programs. “The study abroad fair will be pretty much the same as it has been in past semesters,” she said. According to a press release from the Office of Study Abroad, programs from over 80 countries will be represented at the fair. The press release also stated students can meet with other MSU
students who have participated in study abroad programs. Frantes said those who study abroad gain valuable knowledge and create many memorable experiences. “Study abroad is something you’ll never regret,” she said. “I’ve talked to many alumni who wish they’d studied abroad.” Frantes said study abroad can enhance a student’s appeal to potential employers. “Study abroad can boost your resume,” she said. “It shows the ability to take risks, take initiative and do something different.” Frantes also said the Office of Study Abroad only supports programs that produce transferrable credits for students. “Students going through our office will be working for credit toward their COURTESY PHOTO | OFFICE OF STUDY ABROAD major, minor or their general educaMSU students are given information and flyers on study abroad programs during a previous study abroad fair. tion requirements,” Frantes said.
SA announces executive election candidates
SA EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES
President: Michael Hogan & Hayden Nix .
Vice President: Walton Chaney Shel Sims & Shelby
Secretary: Kaeley Gemmill & Nikki Robinson
Treasurer: Alex Ezelle And & Andrew Sprecher
Attorney General: Eddie Mac Huddleston & John Williams
Elections will be held on Tues. Feb 12. ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
COURTESY PHOTOS | RYAN HOKE
Thursday, MSU students enjoyed snow on the Drill Field, at residence hall and in parking lots.
SNOW
continued from 1
Hoke said road conditions were not ideal Thursday morning. “There were pictures on Facebook of road conditions deteriorating as the snow came down,” he said. “It came down so hard at points that it covered roads with snow, along with some ice and slush.” Emily Cain, MSU Department of Communication instructor, said she teaches afternoon classes, so she thought it was safe to proceed with her classes. “I do understand the conditions were
seen as a little unsafe in the morning, but they were clearly OK by the afternoon,” she said. “I followed the university’s guidelines when deciding about my own classes. Since the roads were safe by the time my classes began at two o’clock and 3:30, I decided it was fine to go ahead.” Salter said there was one report of an accident on campus in the Garner Hall parking lot, but it was only a fender-bender and did not appear to be weather-related.
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ADPi
continued from 1
She said next potential members will get the opportunity to speak with current ADPi sisters. “Then they will go through a ‘tell us about you’ session and this is mutual interview,” Banks said. “This is when they’ll sit down with another ADPi sister and just talk.” Laura Stewart, leadership consultant and Appalachian
State University graduate, said a team of alumnae involved with recruitment will be on campus to proctor the interview sessions. “We have a team of older ADPi alumnae who have been involved to serve on the actual recruitment team for the interviews,” Stewart said. “That’s anything from national officers
who will oversee the direction of this chapter in the long term from other volunteers who work with ADPi or the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. So those will be the people doing the interviews.” For more information on recruitment and sessions, visit Facebook.com/MSUADPi or follow @MSUADPi on Twitter.
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FRIDAY , JANUARY 18 , 2013
BY JOHN GALATAS Starkville’s 175 Birthday Committee will host a speaker series this spring to share insight and stories on the history of Starkville and Oktibbeha County. Starting Jan. 24, seven speakers are scheduled to speak and review Starkville’s rich history in the Grisham Room in Mitchell Memorial Library. Paige Lawes, chairman of the Hooray Birthday Committee, said the inspira-
tion began with last year’s birthday party for the city. Starkville chartered as a town on May 11, 1837. Last May, the Starkville Greater Development Partnership hosted celebration featuring guest speakers, and Lawes said the event carried over into the summer when guests spoke at the speaker events at Starkville public library. Speakers for this semester’s event include Roy Ruby, mayor Parker Wiseman and Harvey Johnson and will be
Thursday evenings at 7 in the Grisham Room. Lawes said this year’s speaker series will connect current residents and students to the history of Starkville. “It’s really interesting if you’re a Mississippian to kind of look back and see how we’ve evolved from little small towns where everybody was in everybody’s business, and the caring and sharing which is a lot of the gist of this, and the funny little stories about this town,” she said.
January 24- The Road
April 4- Starkville’s
from Mayhew Mission Speaker: Jack Forbus
Architecture Over the Years Speaker: Michelle Weaver Jones
February 21- Mississippi State’s Starkville Sp Speaker: Dr. Roy Ruby feat. Ryan Sims
April 18- Growing Up in OktocSpeakers: Warren and Frances Oakley
February 28- Growing Up in Starkville Speakers: Dero Ramsey, Pat Lane, Parker Wiseman and Ruby Nash Davis
April 25- Starkville’s Mississippi State Speaker: Jimmy Cole
March 28- The Starkville I Knew
Speaker: Willie Harvey Johnson
ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
Reveille returns for second year tradition,” she said, via email. Jen Nguyen, editor in chief of The Reveille said students and alumni alike The Reveille, Mississippi State Uni- can anticipate exciting changes in this versity’s official yearbook, is back for year’s edition of The Reveille. “I have a few goals I have set for its sophomore effort since making a this book,” she said. “I comeback in 2012 think our main goal is from retirement. I think our main to make this yearbook The Reveille, founded in 1898, has goal is to make this more graphically appealing and make it been a time capsule yearbook more look more modern.” for students and alumgraphically appealing Nguyen said she ni since its establishhopes this year’s annument. and make it look al features more quotes Rhett Hobart, formore modern.” from students, and stumer Student Associadents can hope to see tion president, said he Jen Nguyen, more faces. believed The Reveille Editor in Chief The Reveille’s final stood as a great symof The Reveille thematic elements are bol for MSU. still in the planning The Reveille took a stage, but the staff three-year hiatus, but returned to print last year and Shelby hopes to finalize its decision soon. Balius said she hopes the Bulldog Balius, SA president, said it received a warm welcome from the MSU com- family stays faithful to The Reveille because its support propels The Revmunity. “We were energized for the response eille into the future. Nguyen said she hopes The Reveilwe received as we brought back The Reveille after its three-year hiatus. It is le has the staying power to move up always encouraging to see the passion the ranks to secure a place in the elite our Bulldogs have for such an honored clubs on campus. BY ALIE DALEE Staff Writer
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“My vision for it will be that it becomes an elite status, sort of like Alumni Delegates and Roadrunners,” she said. This year’s edition of The Reveille goes on sale Jan. 22. The cost is $50 for students, alumni and friends. Copies are available for purchase through a student account via Banner, or at reveille.msstate.edu. Nguyen said The Reveille is currently accepting photos and article ideas from students. Her contact information can be found on The Reveille website. Anyone interested in joining The Reveille staff can speak with Jen Nguyen in the Campus Activities Office located on the third floor of the Union. To stay updated on “ Re ve i l l e , ” follow @ MSUReveille on Twitter.
DAWGS
Monday, January 14 • 2:06 a.m. A student reported two female students were arguing about the rules of their room at South Hall. • 2:57 p.m. An employee was in need of medical attention at McCain Engineering. OCH arrived and transported him to the hospital. • 3:01 p.m. An employee reported that a .22 caliber bullet was turned into her at the Mitchell Memorial Library. The bullet was taken and packaged. • 5 p.m. A student reported his vehicle had been hit while parked in the North Hall parking lot. • 5:48 p.m. A student was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia on Old Mayhew Road.
Tuesday, January 15 • 9:43 a.m. A student went to MSU Police in order to report her bicycle was stolen from the bike rack at Rice Hall. • 2:51 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Rice Hall to meet with the Residence Adviser regarding alcohol in a student’s room. • 3:12 p.m. An employee reported damage to his vehicle while driving on Barr Avenue. • 4:33 p.m. A student was arrested for possession of alcohol by a minor at Rice Hall. • 6:56 p.m. An employee and another female were involved in an altercation at Chick-fil-A.
Citations:
• 5 citations were issued for speeding. • 2 citations were issued for running a stop sign.
CORRECTION: In the Jan. 15 edition of The Reflector, page 7 in sports stated the San Francisco 49ers would face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship. It should have read San Francisco will face the Atlanta Falcons. The Reflector regrets this error.
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FRIDAY , JANUARY 18, 2013
OPINION LET’S HAVE A FACE-OFF ON
ONE LITTLE SPARK | WHITNEY KNIGHT
THE REFLECTOR
the voice of MSU students
GUN CONTROL LAWS
THE GOLDEN THREAD | WENDY MORELL
Gun laws can benefit society, safety
T
he same day the Sandy against gun laws is the ever-popHook tragedy occurred, ular “guns don’t kill people; peoa similar tragedy occurred ple kill people.” Well, be that as in China. However, unlike Adam it may, 60 percent of homicides Lanza, the Chinese attacker had in the United States occur using a knife instead of a gun. As a re- a firearm. I can’t help but think in these sult, he was only able to injure the 22 school children and one adult cases guns are enabling “killing against whom he expressed his vi- people” at a fundamental level. olence. Gun control laws in Chi- Their deaths are a direct result of na are among the toughest in the gun availability. If that’s not guns world, and these twin tragedies killing people, I don’t know what only prove gun control is directly is. Other weapons exist, certainly. But they are not the weapons related to fatality rates. Look guys, I like guns as much causing 60 percent of homicides as the next guy. The man who in this country. An argument I have heard so taught me about a sixth of life’s lessons was a card-carrying mem- many times as to be criminally ber of the National Rifle Associ- annoying is the one that “banation and left my grandmother ning guns will do nothing bewith an impressive gun collec- cause criminals don’t obey laws.” Sure, but limiting access to tion. I grew up knowing about gun safety and building deer guns for criminals, as the plan stands. There is nothing I respect President Obama released on more than your right as a stable, Wednesday does, does do somesane citizen to buy a gun that will thing. The argument that goes allow you to hunt whatever deer along with this one is that “guns you wish. But I’m tired of seeing aren’t biodegradable,” meaning gun-related deaths on the news instituting laws against lawful citday after day. With evidence izens owning guns will do nothmounting that gun control laws ing because guns will still exist (in do work at stopping gun-related plenitude) and still be available to deaths, I can’t help but think it’s those who do not obey the new time we took control of the sit- laws. They’re right in pointing to this problem as an issue that uation. I have heard several blanket complicates gun legislation. I can’t agree with them, howarguments which people use to avoid even thinking about gun ever, when they point to it as a control over my lifetime. One of reason to give up on gun control. Tightening acthe most popucess to guns by lar includes citThe idea that by criminals as well ing the Second arming everyone, as law-abiding Amendment as citizens is posmeaning all peoless people will be And the ple should be shot is fundamentally sible. president’s proallowed to own flawed.” posal to reopen all guns. I would research about argue the right to bear arms does not necessarily gun violence is a good start to figgrant the right to grant whatever uring out the best way to do that. arms you want to, like automatic But the main problem with the weapons and high-capacity mag- debate against gun control is the NRA’s stance that more law-abidazines. A person who is capable of ing citizens should have guns so owning a gun without shooting as to defend themselves against another human should have the other people who have guns. The right to do so. I just think the idea that by arming everyone, right should be earned through fewer people will be shot is fungood citizenship and a clean bill damentally flawed. It has proven to be false time and again. of mental health. For one thing, just because you Perhaps the most infuriating statement used to blindly lobby own a gun doesn’t mean you can’t
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WHITNEY KNIGHT Whitney Knight is a junior majoring in English education. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. be shot with it. And for another, humans are emotional beings. If we were to give everyone a gun, deaths by gun would rise exponentially. That’s the simple truth. To be honest, the NRA’s refusal to agree with any type of gun control feels like a personal slight to me. It’s always been my understanding the NRA is a union of sorts to protect the rights of the average good ol’ boy hunter. But that’s not what is happening. Under the proposed gun control laws, not much would change for the average hunter. He or she would have to undergo a background check to purchase a gun, gun shows would change dramatically and the hunter would need to check the locks on his or her gun cabinet. Other than that, his or her lives could continue as usual. The thing is, the proposed gun laws are not that radical, even among Republicans. According to a Washington Post poll, both Republicans and Democrats support background checks on private gun sales and sales at gun shows and laws to prevent people with mental illness from purchasing guns. Furthermore, nearly half of Republicans support a ban on assault-style semi-automatic weapons. If you’re really serious about making sure any new gun laws look out for your interests as a gun owner, you should stop fighting against gun control laws “on principle” and start working with legislators to suggest modifications that work for you while helping to address the serious gun problem our country is facing.
Armed, defended people define America
G
uys, I saw the 2012 re- protection of property. The make of “Red Dawn” amendment is clear in what over winter break. I rights it grants the citizens, was terrified; I do get easily and although they are always frightened from scary movies, open for further interpretation, this right is pretty clear. but this movie was different. For those who think AmerIt made me want to go out ica is not under the threat of and get a gun. I didn’t want to just get a a leader who will turn on the gun; I wanted to know how to nation, or even a foreign invader trying to occupy Ameruse it. With so much talk about ica, consider that part of this gun control lately, oftentimes security may be because we are accompanied with the image so well-armed. We are a large country, geoof the stereotypical red-blooded southern American, gun graphically speaking, and we in hand, I find it necessary to are defended not only by the make a few disclaimers about government, but by the peomyself. I have never owned ple. Do we really want to test a gun, no one in my family hunts or owns a gun (with the what would happen if we take exception of police officer rel- that protection away? In the wake of massacres atives) and I have actually nevsuch as er even shot For those who think those at a gun. S a n d y I have, America is not under the Hook Elh o w e v e r, threat of a leader that will e m e n t a r y been threatened with turn on the nation, or even and AuroColo., a gun, so a foreign invader trying to ra, we, the there’s a gun occupy America, consider p e o p l e , experience I do have. that part of this security of course empathize People may be because we are with the will make so well-armed.” families the arguwho lost ment the Second Amendment to the loved ones, but we have to reUnited States Constitution member one thing: you can’t (which essentially expresses stop crazy. If a person wants to go get the right to a well-regulated militia and to keep and bear a gun and kill a bunch of peoarms, for those of you who ple, they will find a way to have been living under a rock get a gun and try to kill those or didn’t pay attention in people. The solution to tragedies school from fourth grade onward) was intended to allow such as this is not making citizens to form a militia to obtaining guns more difficult protect the government from and limiting the legal kinds of guns. These people will find a going all tyrannical. The Second Amendment is way to get something that will supposed to ensure citizens do the job. The solution is to invest are not left helpless with no more money in accessible means to fight back. However in the 2008 Su- mental health care and to regpreme Court case of District ulate health insurance’s coverof Columbia v. Heller, the Su- age of such health care. The whole “guns don’t kill preme Court ruled the amendment extends to protect citi- people, people kill people” zens’ rights to personally own thing is true; so why aren’t we guns and use them in lawful focusing on the mental health ways, such as self-defense and of people?
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WENDY MORELL Wendy Morell is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. Just because I think people should have guns doesn’t mean I think you should be able to go to Walmart and just pick one up. From what I understand from the process of purchasing a gun and obtaining a gun license in Mississippi, (not that I have ever personally done it, as previously mentioned) it is not exactly a difficult feat. I do think the process should be beefed up a bit and encompass mental health tests as well. If you have a gun, you should know the appropriate time to use it and way to use it. I understand the intentions of those who are in favor of stronger gun control laws; they are not evil intentions, but they are simply un-American. The Second Amendment is such a large part of what allows our country’s people to be free and protected and is an integral part of the core of our nation. I spent the past few months in Dublin, where the police didn’t carry guns, and, as a result, I have never felt more unsafe in a city. (And I’m from the New Orleans area, so that’s saying something.) While I understand that is an extreme on the spectrum of gun control, I do not want to be heading in that direction. When you start tearing away at the foundations of a country, you begin to scratch away that country’s identity; I hope America stays America, with its people strong, defended and armed.
WHO SPEAKS FOR EARTH? | CAMERON CLARKE
Social science needs to get its act together
O
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Reflector Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers
Managing Editor Kaitlyn Byrne
Life Editor Zack Orsborn
Multimedia Editor Eric Evans Sports Editor Kristen Spink
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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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The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.
ne of my favorite things to do around election time is to throw around statistics I’ve seen or heard, whether they are reputable or not. My next favorite thing to do is to give circumstantial examples of previous government programs and anecdotes of times when the good intentions of politicians either succeeded or failed to achieve their goals. In my life, statistics and examples have been a ready source of questionably accurate but nonetheless invaluable ammunition to shoot down opposing people’s opinions. Most people, myself included, will usually accept an argument as true if numbers line up and there is a high enough correlation between two sets of data. It would be silly not to, because we like to think along cause and effect lines that take into account one of my favorite tenets, Occam’s Razor. This, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “a scientific and philosophic rule that entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily which is interpreted as requiring that the simplest of competing theories be preferred to the more complex or that explanations of unknown phenomena be sought first in terms of known quantities.” One easy example of Occam’s Razor in action is the childhood story my dad would tell me of an invisible man who comes and puts sandy junk in your eyes during the night. It is in fact, according to Mental Floss Magazine, “a type of rheum, a thin mucus
Descartes wrongly reasoned naturally discharged from our eyes, noses and mouths … that, because the heart was made up of mucus, skin cells, hotter than the rest of the body, the liquid that entered oils and dust.” While the second idea fol- it would expand a little and lows from observable biology, consequently fill more volume the first idea requires it be and flow out of the one-way possible for men to be invis- valves of the heart’s cavities. He had a very good unible, get into my room while it is locked, put stuff in my derstanding of the anatomy, eyes while I am asleep with- fluid dynamics and even of the therout waking me up and In my opinion, everything modynamics of the of course would work better if heart, but have some important decisions were the one odd motive key piece for doing all made by those people of inforthis. who are informed about m a t i o n Na t u r a l the issues and most he lacked ly though, and would I believed capable of taking the have been my dad as safest route to ensure the n o n s e n s e a child, because at achievement of any social for him to postulate that point ends.” at the time in time it was actually more demand- because of its magical sound ing to believe that my dad was the concept of an electriwould be making this up and cally pulsing and muscularly that my body does things by contracting heart. In my opinion, social, psyitself when I am not looking than it was to believe in chological and political issues imaginary characters hanging suffer from the same affliction out with the tooth-fairy and as the rest of science. All of Santa Claus and the rest of this stuff is complicated and the group of strange people the real explanations somewho break into your room at times invoke concepts that are easily looked over and not night. Even though Occam’s Ra- fully understood by many and zor keeps us from making only recently by the ones who preposterous claims and hav- do. I think our false sense of ing wild ideas, it is not always the safest idea to apply this certainty comes from the fact that we are collectively the principle. Just as in the case of a gull- subject of the social sciences ible child, sometimes we do and therefore feel somewhat not have all the information qualified to give our judgneeded to make an accurate ment on them, whereas we have very little experience as judgment. Descartes, in his “Discourse photons or calcium atoms and on Method,” in accord with so do not feel the need to deOccam’s Razor, states the fend claims regarding them. The issues dealt with in polbeating of the heart is due to itics and the social sciences are the high heat of the heart.
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CAMERON CLARKE Cameron Clarke is a sophomore majoring in physics. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. often just as difficult to fully grasp as the hard sciences, and yet we find ourselves roused to anger at the first mention of a new program or law concerning one thing or the other but are content to listen to crazy astronomers. In my opinion, everything would work better if important decisions were made by those people who are informed about the issues and most capable of taking the safest route to ensure the achievement of any societal ends. Honestly, I do not think politicians, lobbyists or even the voting public (including myself ) are those people. For now the system may work if I vote along where I think it will be best and if I trust the plans of politicians, but in the long run I would feel much safer if these issues were really studied scientifically, without bias and acted upon accordingly. This issue of issues is one I am very skeptical about. In fact it doesn’t even sound like a real issue, but I continue to be appalled by the apparent lack of scientific concern I, most people and politicians have for the social sciences we are so keen to exploit in an argument.
FRIDAY , JANUARY 18, 2013
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BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost. HELP WANTED Bartending. Up to $300 / day. No experience necessary. Training available. Call 800.965.6520 ext. 213. FOR SALE Beautiful hilltop location. Large, open living area, oversized den, landscaping. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms. For Sale. Contact 324.0059 for more information. FOR RENT Three bedroom, two bathroom mobile home, private lot, fenced-in backyard, new carpet and paint, $600 per month plus $600 deposit. Rental application is required. Call 769.7407 or 312.6238. CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place
free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@reflector.msstate. edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability. WESLEY FOUNDATION Insight Bible study and worship on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation Worship Center on East Lee Boulevard next to Campus Book Mart. MSU CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION The MSU Catholic Student Association invites you to join us for Sunday mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 607 University Dr. All are welcome to $2 Tuesday night dinner at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/msstatecsa MSU STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MICROBIOLOGY Contact msuasm@yahoo.com or like us on Facebook, “MSU ASM,” for
membership information. YOGA MOVES CLUB School or work stressing you out? Get moving into Yoga Moves! Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings 5 to 6:30. Like Yoga Moves Club-MSU on Facebook. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Sociological Student Association is based in the Department of Sociology. Undergraduates of all ages are welcome. Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month in Bowen Hall room 250 at 5 p.m. STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS SSC meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in McCool room 212. Come and meet really cool people who all share interests in saving the environment. Don’t forget to opt-in for the Green Fund. MANIFESTING GLORY PRAISE TEAM Auditions for singers and musicians will be Thursday, Jan. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m in Allen Hall room A-12. All are welcome.
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FRIDAY , JANUARY 18, 2013
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Life & Entertainment DON’T THINK TWICE | CASEY SMITH
True Life: I want to be Jennifer Lawrence’s best friend
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n the world of Lindsay Lohans, Paris Hiltons and other overpaid, over drugged and untalented celebrities, it is refreshing when someone who is actually worthy of being admired comes along. Someone talented, dedicated and not wrapped up in the comings and goings of young Hollywood. A girl who is the exact opposite of the unapproachable persona Kristen Stewart presents. This brings me to the declaration of my large girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence. I have to admit, I have harbored this girl crush for some time now. I want us to be best friends, or “besties” if you will. (Side note — all of this is said in a completely non-creepy, non-stalker type of way.) I feel like we could kick it and watch television or go get a nonfat soymilk iced latte with no whipped cream at the nearest coffee joint. But Lawrence is so cool she would want it full fat and topped with plenty of whipped cream. She isn’t obsessed with the way she looks and does not allow anyone in Hollywood to tell her to tighten things up. Even though it is absolutely astonishing Lawrence could be considered fat or overweight by Hollywood standards. She controls her body image and is more concerned with being healthy instead of skinny. More women in Hollywood should take note. Her gorgeous looks are just one of many things which make this young lady a worthy role model. Lawrence is insanely talented. She can pull off comedy, drama, romance and everything in between. In the past few years she has been nominated for two Oscars, making her the youngest person to ever be nominated for two Academy Awards in the Best Actress category. Not even a week ago, she took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 70th Annual Golden Globes for her performance in “Silver Linings Playbook” and is expected by many to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film. Add this to a long list of other accolades, and it is impossible to deny Lawrence possesses serious talent. At the age of 22, Lawrence has already accomplished what most actors and actresses scarcely dream of doing. I just simply hope to have a stable job at the age of 22. She is also extremely serious about her job. Many other actresses squander their wealth and fame at her age (I’m looking
CASEY SMITH Casey Smith is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at zorsborn@reflector.msstate. edu. at you Lindsay Lohan). Lawrence is very serious about her craft and chooses to stay out of the limelight when it comes to her personal life. How many times do you find her face plastered across the front page of TMZ with some sordid tale about what or who she was doing last night? Now, to what is most likely the number one reason I admire Lawrence: she doesn’t take herself too seriously. Yes, she works hard, but at the end of the day, she is basically the girl next door. She often says funny and bizarre things. However, unlike Kristen Stewart, her awkwardness is funny and endearing. Upon winning a Golden Globe for her performance in “Silver Linings Playbook” she declared, “I beat Meryl,” referring to Meryl Streep who was also nominated in the category. Some viewers saw this comment as a jab at Meryl Streep, but it actually is a quote from “The First Wives Club.” I commend her for finding something witty to say after being bestowed such a high honor. I would probably burst out in tears and melt to the floor right there in front of Leonardo DiCaprio. Lawrence will be hosting “Saturday Night Live” on Saturday, and I know I will be tuning in. In between her hectic schedule of being awesome, Lawrence stays busy filming the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy, “Catching Fire.” I look forward to watching her career grow. Unfortunately for the both of us, we will probably never meet or be friends. It is a shame. Maybe this article will fall into her hands, and she won’t be totally freaked out. Regardless, good luck at the Oscars. I will be rooting for you from Starkville. Then again, our friendship might just be destiny. Did I mention we are both Leos and like to talk about food? So Jennifer, call me maybe?
KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR
Above are the art pieces created by new faculty members in the Department of Art, Adrienne Callander, Gregory Martin and Suzanne Powney.
NEW ASSOCIATIONS: BY DANIEL HART Staff Wrtier
Wound balls of fabric, one composed of shreds of a friend’s wedding dress, paintings inspired by the details of a fictional character’s life, paintings of California landscape not excluding rusted cars and signs, and letterpress books that require one to touch, handle and even poke holes in them are all now on display in McComas Hall. “New Associations: Works by New Faculty in the Department of Art” exhibit gives the Mississippi State University campus an opportunity to view and, in some cases, interact with the work of four new faculty members in the Department of Art. Adrienne Callander, lecturer in 2D design and art appreciation, is exhibiting work from her “Ball Series,” which includes wrapped balls of fabric, similar to a ball of yarn, on display. The fabric that makes up the balls ranges from yarn from the unraveled sweaters of friends to a Hawaiian shirt once belonging to Callander’s father, who passed away in 2007. Callander said the series is about an exploration of the history of a material in relation to its representation of human growth, through its restructuring in a different way. “The guiding impulse for this series is to see a material history, to glimpse an object not in its original state, partially obscured, buried within itself. I think that is the condition of being alive, of growth. We grow over ourselves, obscuring our childhood selves, our young adult selves, our early parenting selves,” she said. Neal Callander, husband of Adrienne Cal-
lendar, foundations coordinator and assistant professor of drawing, painting and design, is showcasing paintings from a current series with a common thread: Callander said each painting is inspired by a detail related to a fictional character he has created, Dusty. “I don’t try to think about him in terms of a narrative story line. It’s this other thing happening that I get to peer into and borrow from a little bit. The main purpose (of Dusty) is fuel to make paintings,” he said. His paintings include titles like “Dusty’s Table,” revealing snapshots of Dusty’s life that Callander said are meant to invite interpretation from the viewer. “I’m OK with saying that I think of those paintings on some level as a choose-yourown-adventure book; I think it’s a delightful experience that you can go look at it one way and a week later, you’re a different person, and you come back and experience it in a different way,” he said. Gregory Martin, assistant professor of drawing and design, paints large scale images related to the landscape of his native state, California, which he said are explorations of the affects of human life. “I always thought there was a big disconnect between the idealism of landscape painting and the people who collect them. What we do in the world, our footprint and the artifacts we leave behind are clues at our real attitudes,” he said. An example of a specific subject Martin painted at one time was trees in front yards of homes that were severely trimmed but not demolished, and the branches grew back in strange, unnatural ways. Suzanne Powney, assistant professor in let-
New faculty in the Department of Art showcase their own work
ter press, graphic design and advertising, is exhibiting a series of three books that break traditional rules of artwork: they must be touched and held to be understood. Powney said she is interested in exploring the tactile qualities of artwork, of touching and experiencing in different ways. “The work is not just a book to look at it but to touch and to be part of; I don’t like the idea of making things that are put up on a pedestal behind glass. I want you to touch them and interact with them. It’s all about the tactile how you touch and interact with them and perceive them,” she said. Powney said each book has a specific experience that creates the interaction, whether poking through pre-cut holes, scratching with graphite pencils or getting up close to the text embossed white on white paper. “Everything in the books is my own perfect manifest on touch: the words stroke, poke and trace,” she said. Lydia Thompson, head of the Department of Art, said as well as impressive work and education credentials, the new faculty are actively involved with students, from Martin bringing in his motorcycle as a still life or Callendar’s design I class creating and hanging road signs of various social issues around the lawns of the art buildings. “The strength of our new faculty is their energy and willingness to get involved with students and enhancing our facilities, through public projects and showcasing their student’s work throughout the art facilities,” she said. “New Associations” will run in the Department of Art Gallery in McComas Hall until Feb. 23.
ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
SPORTS
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
For students interested in playing intramurals, this is the spring schedule for all sports. Signups are at the Sanderson. There are free agent meetings that place you on a team if you desire to play but cannot find a team.
FRIDAY , JANUARY 18, 2013
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MSU falls to Bama, Vols up next BY ANSON KEITH Staff Writer
ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR
Coming off its first SEC loss against Alabama, the Mississippi State men’s basketball team hopes to get back on track with a win at Tennessee this Saturday. The Vols are currently 8-7 and are coming off of a 10-point loss to Kentucky. The Orange and White are led by Jordan McRae, who is averaging almost 14 points a game this season. MSU first-year head coach Rick Ray said he understands the lack of depth his team has, but he must find a balance for his players for the rest of the week. “With the way the schedule is, it’s a quick turnaround, and I know I can’t go too hard (Thursday), but we still have to address the problems at hand,” Ray said “So, there will most definitely be a mix of mental and physical preparation over the next two days.” Despite State winning the last 12 of 15 games against the Crimson Tide, turnovers and the physical defense of Alabama helped the Tide overtake State 75-43 Wednesday night. Junior guard Jalen Steele, coming off a career-high game in which he scored 21 points against Georgia, said Alabama made the Dogs play a lot faster style of basketball than they wanted. “Yeah, we were playing too fast. We should have just slowed it down, but the pressure caused us to continuously throw the ball away,” Steele said. “This game seemed like lots of stuff was going wrong at the wrong times.” Along with the lack of depth and experience, the Bulldogs could not get it going on offense as they shot 16-45 from the floor and racked up 21 turnovers on the night.
EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO | THE REFLECTOR
Junior Jalen Steele was one of five Bulldog starters who failed to score double digits in State’s loss to Alabama. MSU travels to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Vols Saturday. Though the Tide was with- working on offense, and the out junior point guard Trevor guys were not taking quality shots. Releford, Bama We were taking quick T h o m a s , did not struggle offensively, inshots and not using who averages 10 points cluding scoring the shot clock at all ... per game, is 38 points inside the paint. Next game we have starting to see a big role The Tide also to take care of the in MSU’s took advantage of the ball better and get it lineup with everything opportunities inside.” going on the Dogs gave Fred Thomas, this season. them, scoring “We were 25 points off freshman guard taking quick turnovers. Freshman guard Fred shots and not using the clock Thomas said things were not at all. We also weren’t looking
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inside as much as we needed to,” Thomas said. “Everything seemed so rushed. Next game we have to take care of the ball better and get it inside.” The Bulldogs, who have been dealing with injuries all year long (losing freshmen Andre Applewhite and Jacoby Davis with ACL injuries and senior forward Wendell Lewis with a fractured patella) hope to get back to the winning side Saturday at Tennessee. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m., and the SEC Network will televise the game.
SPINK ON SPORTS | KRISTEN SPINK
Idolized athletes fail to meet expectations from fans A
loha, readers. The sports world has reeked disappointment throughout the country yet again, but this time, sports fans are stunned more than ever. Once loved and idolized for his heartfelt journey to success, Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o may now be one of the most either hated or embarrassed individuals in the history of sports. (If you find yourself confused at this point, go to deadspin.com and read the cover story about Te’o’s made-up girlfriend.) I won’t go into the details because by the time this story is published, numerous new revelations will be uncovered in the hoax. In a press conference aired on Sportscenter, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick called Te’o “the single most trusting human being I’ve ever met.” While journalists and fans continue to wrap their minds around this story, the main point must be recognized: yet again another highly-respected athlete has fallen from his throne and fans are left to wonder who can be truly trusted and loved. Te’o’s story broke the same week Lance Armstrong filled
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the news with reports of him acknowledging he used prohibited performance-enhancing drugs in his career in an interview with Oprah. Te’o’s story also broke months after the Penn State scandal where fans lost respect for beloved Joe Paterno. In a world where sports icons are admired by so many, what are we to think now? Who else may be hiding something? Just think about all the kids with Te’o posters in their rooms or cherished autographs wishing one day they would be just like Te’o. What about the kids who aspired to win an Olympic gold medal like Armstrong or be as successful of a coach as Paterno? Where do those kids turn now? All of these scandals beg the same question: can sports heroes be looked up to and idolized for anything other than their athletic achievements? Of course sports stars are to be admired for their accomplishments on the field and
KRISTEN SPINK Kristen Spink is the sports editor of The Reflector. She can be contacted at reflectorsports@ gmail.com. court. To aspire to be as good of a linebacker as Te’o or cyclist as Armstrong is a noble goal. But even though they know all eyes are on them off the field as well, athletes make choices everyday with only themselves on the forefront of their minds. So should highly-renowned athletes be held responsible for their actions or should they be able to live their lives however they please? Opinions vary, but athletes know they are in the spotlight. They know people of all ages look up to them, and to a de-
gree, that’s what they want. Most athletes crave the spotlight. With this in mind, they should be held responsible for their actions. As Peter Parker knows, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Those who aspire to be in the spotlight must realize the aspects that come along with the fame and be willing to act accordingly. But actions such as these should not come as such a surprise to fans because these idolized athletes are only hu-
man. We all mess up and make mistakes. Our mistakes are not made as public as theirs, but that does not make our actions any less significant. Should famous athletes be held more accountable than we are? No. We are all held to the same standards. Athletes should be responsible for their
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actions, but so should we. Since Te’o, Armstrong and Paterno have left sports fans wondering which athletes and coaches can truly be trusted, fans may be forced to turn away from the athletic fields and courts to find role models who exemplify honorable behavior.
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friday , january 18 , 2013
THE REFLECTOR
Fact oF the day:
Former msu head Football coach sylvester croom was hired as the tennessee titians running backs coach.
Saturday hoopS: MSu at tenneSSee 3 p.M. SeC network
Tennis seeks third straight SEC West title By Alden Thornhill Contributing Writer
While the majority of students have been bundled up inside during the cold rain or outside building snowmen, the Mississippi State men’s tennis team has been hard at work inside McCarthy Gymnasium. With the team’s first match of the season Sunday at No. 29 Texas Tech, the Dogs have not let the weather slow them down. The Bulldogs, led by fifthyear head coach and former MSU standout Per Nilsson, look to expand on the success of their past seasons with a very talented and somewhat youthful roster. The squad opens the season ranked No. 11 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings and on a quest for its third straight SEC Western Division title. State is looking to reach even greater heights than it did in the 2012 campaign, in which the Dogs climbed as high as No. 9 in the rankings (the
highest in program history) before coming up short in the second round of the NCAA Tennis Championship. This year’s squad is loaded with talented veterans and newcomers, including freshmen Stefan Vinti, Romain Bogaerts, Jordan Angus and Pedro Dumont. Bogaerts, who comes into the 2013 campaign garnering a ranking of No. 25 in men’s singles by the ITA, said he has high expectations for the squad. “I hope we can really do well and make it to the Sweet 16 (in the NCAA Tournament),” said the freshman from Huppaye, Belgium. “If the team can fight through the season and get used to playing together, then we’ll be fine.” Juniors Zach White and Malte Stropp along with seniors James Chaudry and Ethan Wilkinson anchor the Dogs. The veteran Bulldogs said they are expecting a lot of the freshmen. Chaudry, ranked No. 42 in doubles with partner Vinti, said this year will be different, but the freshmen are very talented. “It will be interesting to see if we can come together as a team early on,” Chaudry said. “I think we’ll build as the season goes on, and I think by the end of the season we’ll be playing very well together.” Stropp echoed Chaudry’s comments. “We had a good year last
Saturday Men's Basketball: MSU at Tennessee, 3 p.m. Track and Field at Auburn Invitational in Birmingham
Sunday Men's Tennis: No. 11 MSU at No. 29 Texas Tech
Jan. 21: Men's Tennis at Rice, 12 p.m.
Jan. 23: Men's Basketball at Arkansas, 8 p.m
Jan. 24: Women's Basketball vs. Texas A&M, 7 p.m.
Jan 26: CourteSy of MSu Media relationS | the refleCtor
Senior James Chaudry is the most experienced player for the No. 11 Bulldogs. Chaudry and freshman Stefan Vinti are ranked No. 42 in double’s play to start the spring season. year, and with these freshmen I think we can advance even further in the tournament,” Stropp said. This MSU squad is seeking to win its first SEC title since 1993 and to advance even further in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs
come into match play with many chances to claw their way up the rankings with top-tier programs such as No. 9 Kentucky and No. 6 Georgia on their schedule. State opens play in Starkville Jan. 26 against LSU.
Men's Tennis vs. LSU, 1 p.m. v Florida, 7 p.m. Men's Basketball vs.
Jan. 27: Women's Basketball vs. Ole Miss, 2 p.m. Men's Tennis vs. Auburn/Indiana, TBA
Jan. 29: Women's Tennis vs. Southern Miss, 2 p.m. zaCk orSborn | the refleCtor