The Print Edition 2-14-2012 by Reflector Editor

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DAY UPSET VALENTINE’S ISSUE DAWGS follow the hearts...

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Felony drug charges brought following overdose death BY MICAH GREEN News Editor

According to the Starkville Police Department, a former Mississippi State University student has been charged with four drug related felonies following the accidental overdose death of an MSU student on Feb. 3 in his apartment. Lance A. Kennedy, 20, of #7 Dawg’s Landing, who was enrolled as a freshman kinesiology major last semester, was arrested Feb. 7 on charges of felony possession of marijuana, Xanax, heroin and cocaine. Also seized at the time of Kennedy’s arrest were scales, drug paraphernalia and $700 in cash. He posted $100,000 bond and has been released. He is scheduled to appear in Starkville Municipal Court Thursday at 2 p.m. When asked if Kennedy would receive further charges, SPD Chief David

Lindley said the investigation is ongoing. Teresa Veal, 20, of Madison, Miss. was found dead in the early morning hours of Feb. 4 in Kennedy’s apartment. Toxicology Kennedy reports indicated high levels of heroin and cocaine in Veal’s system. Lindley said the combination is often referred to as a “speedball.” “The stimulant (cocaine) allows you Veal to consume more of the sedative (heroin) than you ordinarily would,” he said. “The end result is this … the stimulant will leave the system, and the heroin can shut down your body.”

Lindley said this is an extreme example of a common situation, and even though heroin is “particularly unheard of ” in Starkville, the same effect can come from more common groupings. Mixing alcohol with energy drinks can produce a similar result, and he said he has seen the consequences all too often. “People pass out at the bar, on the sidewalk, have wrecks in cars or are unable to communicate altogether. Just completely incoherent,” Lindley said. He said that Veal’s parents, despite being devastated by the news, wanted the information surrounding the cause of her death to be made public in order to bring more attention to incidents of this nature. Veal was a senior marketing major and a member of Phi Beta Pi. She graduated from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill.

COURTESY PHOTOS | STARKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Photo shows evidence collected at Kennedyʼs Louisville Street residence by the SPD.

Employee relationship policy changes Faculty Senate BY LACI KYLES Staff Writer

Mississippi State University is in the process of implementing a new operating code in the coming months that would outline how amorous relationships between employees are handled. Eddie Keith, associate dean of students, said via email that while MSU already has policies regarding nepotism, sexual harassment and general employee conduct, there is no existing policy on amorous relationships between faculty or staff and students and supervisors and supervisees. “I understand that some colleges and universities have such a policy,” Keith said. “Obviously the concern stems from problems which could develop in unequal relationships (such as) when one party has the power to hold something (such as pay, evaluation, grades, etc.) over another.” Judy Spencer, human resources management director, said since MSU currently does not have a policy on amorous relationships, the draft of the policy is a good move for MSU because it offers guidelines to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. “We want to get ahead of any problems,” she said. “Sometimes you need a policy to maintain smooth operations.” Spencer said one of the motives behind the draft is to make sure each party involved in such a relationship understands he or she is responsible for handling the appearance of the relationship in the correct way. The draft focuses on ensuring involved parties

understand they should take steps to remove a conflict of interest or any appearance that may suggest the relationship could become problematic. “Normal rules would be applied (if the policy is violated) just like any of our policies,” she said. Spencer said the draft will be vetted by the constituency of faculty, staff and students. MSU has a policy that concerns the correct procedure to create a policy. The proposed policy goes through various levels of review and discussion, according to MSU’s operating policy and procedure system. Meghan Millea, faculty senate president, said the policy must be reviewed by the executive committee, then internal audit and general counsel before it goes into effect. The policy could possibly be in place within the next two months. “It’s appropriate for us to have a policy like this, and we just haven’t,” she said. “It’s common for universities. It lays out how people should interact with each other.” Millea said MSU has two different types of policies, academic operating policies and operating policies. The latter is the mechanics of MSU and has to go through a different vetting process than policies regarding academics. “It’s a pretty strong policy,” she said. “It will make sure power differentials are not a problem.” Millea said she agreed with Spencer that one of the main things about this proposed policy is that the appearance of a relationship is proper.

GLANCE . . . . AT A

discusses construction Email system evaluated

There is no existing policy on amorous relationships between faculty or staff.

The new policy offers guidelines to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

The policy ensures that involved pa understand they should take parties steps to remove a conflict of interest. The policy could possibly be in place within the next two months.

BY DUSTIN HAZLETT Contributing Writer

The Robert Holland Faculty Senate meeting on Friday addressed a number of issues future construction concerns. One of the main topics discussed was the new classroom building, which will be built behind the YMCA Building and will be five stories tall. The first two stories will be parking, while the remaining three stories will be classrooms. There will also be a shuttle loop in front of the building to provide students with easy access to the building. Millea Meghan Millea, faculty senate president, discussed this matter in her report. While the planning for this classroom building is still in the early stages, she said it is vital for the classroom building to be suitable for the students and staff. “Right now the classroom building committee is mainly concerned with the floor plan of the building,” Millea said. She also said there will be study space in the building, as well. “The committee is also discussing the overall look of the building ... Plans for the building have been passed along to the provost for consideration,” she said. SEE SENATE, 3

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

love. BY CANDACE BARNETTE Staff Writer Sophie and Abby Stricklin both giggled at first. They had been asked what they thought the meaning of love was, and, despite the color that rushed to their faces revealing an age appropriate innocence, the two girls quickly and matter-of-factly shed light on the matter. Sophie, the 8-year-old and youngest of the two, said she believes love is about the way you treat someone. “I think love means being nice and giving someone something you make,” Sophie said.

“I’ve only ever read about love in books”

Abby, her 11-year-old sister, said she shares a similar opinion on the definition of love. “Love is all about helping one another, really,” Abby said. “You have to be there if they ever need anything.” We all know the cliches. A young boy picks a dandelion for the girl next door. Then there is the first time he reaches across the truck to hold her hand and steal a kiss; wedding bells in early spring; welcoming a new baby into the family; an elderly couple strolling through the park. Each stage finds new experiences and, with that, new perspectives.

SEE LOVE, 2

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

READERʼS GUIDE CAMPUS CALENDAR..................2 BAD DAWGS..............................3 OPINION...............................4 CONTACT INFO......................4

CROSSWORD.............................5 CLASSIFIEDS..........................5 LIFE.....................................6 SPORTS................................10

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LOVE Middle school presents a some coins to make a wish with,” whole new perspective on love. she said. “He told me I had to make my wish out loud. Once Many have reached the I did, he threw his coin in stage of the beginnings and said he wished I would of their first, real relamarry him. He got down tionships. on one knee and pulled out In a survey of this beautiful antique ring.” 70 eighth-graders She immediately said yes, at Caledonia Middle and the two are planning a School, 38 said they have wedding for this December. experienced love, while the Cardin said she is confiothers said they are too young to really know ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR dent in their future together because of what love is. Summer Arnold, 14, said she the length of their relationship. “We’ve had several years to get does not yet know how it feels to to know each other and realize be in love. “I’ve only ever read about love that marriage takes work, and in books,” she said. “But I would it’s not all just the sappy stuff imagine it’s the best feeling you you see in the movies,” she said. “You really have to know that it’s could get.” Summer said from what she for better or worse, and, in four has read, love seems to be the years, you see both.” She said the secret is truly getmost powerful feeling in the ting to know the person you’re world. “It’s the feeling of never want- with before you make that leap. “In today’s time, it can be scary ing to leave that person,” she said. “You want to always be to make such a commitment there for them and to help and with divorce rates and caution from friends and family,” Cardin cherish them.” She said she hopes to experi- said. “You want someone you ence love sometime soon, but she can trust will never give up, but if you spend time dating someone knows she has a lot of time left. Layne Cooper, 14, said she and talking about those things, has a boyfriend she is in love then marriage is exciting, and the with. She said their relationship rest of your life is something to has shown her that love is both look forward to.” Marriage comes with a whole confusing and fun. “It’s staying beside someone in new set of ideas. Love is already their worst,” Layne said. “Love found, and the focus shifts more is telling someone that they are toward keeping it and continubeautiful when they are just in ing to grow together. Mary Love Tagert, research sweatpants and a T-shirt.” Just five years down the road assistant professor at MSU, has from Summer and Layne, col- been married 10 years with two lege lies ahead with a plethora children and one on-the-way. She said her perception of love of romantic opportunities and experiences. The 20s are an age has matured over the years. “I think I definitely have a betwhen many set out to find a lifeter understanding of what love long partner. Hannah Rachel Cardin, a is now that we’ve been married 22-year-old Mississippi State 10 years,” Tagert said. “You University student, said she has go through different phases, and you learn to change both indefound that person. “Conner and I have been dat- pendently and as a couple.” She said she knows what she ing a little over four years,” she said. “He proposed in October, has is true love, which is a reassuring feeling. and I am very excited.” “Marriage is knowing you’re Cardin said he surprised her by popping the question one in it for the long haul, during the good times and the bad times,” weekend after a date. “After dinner, we walked to Tagert said. “When you comthis fountain, and he gave me mit yourself to someone else,

THE REFLECTOR

continued from 1 you know that no matter what you go through and endure as a couple, you’re going to work through it. It is work sometimes, but it’s definitely worth it.” She said she has also learned over the years the best way to show someone you love him or her varies from person to person. “You have to know what your partner or spouse responds to,” Tagert said. “For some people it’s affection, for some it’s deeds and for some it’s gifts. For us, it’s a combination of things; we show that we love each other by doing things, spending time with one another and showing affection. It’s important to laugh together and to have fun together.” She said she now understands love to be knowing one would do absolutely anything for someone else and that person is not able to live without him or her. “You shouldn’t be in a rush, but when you meet the right person, you’ll know it,” Tagert said. Bailey Howell, 75-year-old MSU alumnus, said he knows love now more than ever. He has been married for almost 53 years, which he attributes to the teachings of the Bible. “If you try to follow what the Bible teaches, then marriage relationship is for life,” Howell said. “So if you go into your marriage with the attitude not that we can make it work but that we have to make it work, then it’s going to work. With that type of attitude, the love can grow and become deeper and more meaningful.” He said the trick to having lasting love lies in selflessness. “In chapter two of Philippians, the first few verses talk about how we need to look after the needs of others and consider those needs more important than our own,” he said. “If someone asks you to go with them one mile, go with them two miles.” He said true love can be found by knowing what your partner needs and accepting whatever that may be takes top priority, no matter what.

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TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 14, 2012

Staff Writer

Each year, many departments at Mississippi State University award thousands of dollars to students majoring in the departments’ respective fields. To receive these departmental scholarships, students can follow advice from some of the staff members responsible for awarding the funds: APPLY FOR AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AS POSSIBLE: Students in any department should research what their department or college offers and apply for every scholarship for which they qualify. Richard Meiring, assistant dean for admissions and student affairs for the College of Veterinary Medicine, said students in the veterinary program can apply for and receive multiple scholarships each year if they meet the criteria. Laura Dunn, admissions coordinator for the College of Arts & Sciences, said many students do not know what scholarships are available. “Ask around. Your adviser might know a great scholarship, or maybe an organization you are a part of on campus offers something,” she said. “You can’t receive a scholarship unless you apply.”

SHOW GRATITUDE: If a student receives an award from his or her department, it is important to appreciate the person who made it possible through a thank you note. Willard said he thinks students should take a pay-it-forward approach to donor appreciation. “Giving back and helping other students by establishing a scholarship or donating back to a department can go a long way towards helping the next generation achieve success as well,” he said. KEEP UP YOUR GRADES: Most scholarship opportunities require students to maintain a certain grade point average to apply for and receive funds. Scott Willard, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular science head, said he encourages students looking for scholarships to focus on their GPAs. “In order to be competitive for a wide range of opportunities, concentrating on classes and doing well academically is of paramount importance,” he said.

MEET THE DEADLINE: Dinetta Karriem, assistant to the dean for student services in the College of Education, said one mistake students make is submitting applications after the deadline has passed. “It is important to find out about the application dates and submission deadlines to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity,” she said. The deadlines are often early in the semester, so students should search for scholarship opportunities as early as possible.

LIST ACTIVITIES: Many scholarship committees are looking for students with a well-rounded college career, including a role in leadership and community service opportunities. Dunn said she thinks it is important to list all student involvement activities a committee might find interesting. “Did you organize a community service project or achieve something and got a special award? Put it all down,” she said. Mary Celeste Reese, director of undergraduate advising for the Department of Biological Sciences, said while it is important to have student involvement, students should draw attention to experiences that make them unique. “Meaningful extracurricular activities enhance your application. Unfortunately, high school endeavors do not count,” she said.

DAWGS

Friday, February 10

• 12:44 a.m. A student was acting suspicious in the parking lot of Rice Hall. Student Counseling Services was called. • 11:56 p.m. Student were issued student referrals for being intoxicated in Hurst Hall.

Saturday, February 11

• 11:13 p.m. A student was arrested for public drunkenness on Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Drive in Starkville.

Sunday, February 12

• 12:33 a.m. A student fell and hit her head on some stairs at the ATO house. Subject was transported to OCH Regional Medical Center. • 12:42 a.m. A student was arrested for no tag on Old Mayhew Road. • 12:46 a.m. A student was issued a student referral for lack of respect for the seriousness of incident at the ATO house. • 1:49 a.m. A student was arrested for driving the wrong way on a one-way street and driving under the influence on Maxwell Street. • 1:50 a.m. A student was arrested for possession of fake identification in Starkville. • 3:09 a.m. A student was arrested for public drunkenness in Hull Hall. Student referral was issued. • 12:16 p.m. A student reported his vehicle tag was stolen from an unknown location. • 6:24 p.m. A student reported the elevator damaged in North Hall. • 6:39 p.m. An employee reported a student in South Hall was thinking of committing suicide. Student Counseling Services was called.

HAVE THE NECESSARY PAPERS: Letters of recommendation and personal statements are two of the requirements students gather for many applications. Thomas Anderson, director of undergraduate studies for the English department, said he thinks it is important for students to secure recommendations and write personal statements. “Develop strong relationships with faculty who will write in support of your application,” he said. “Also, be able to articulate how your studies contribute to a broader professional or personal goal.”

SENATE

continued from 1

There was also the proposal email providers can be confusto have an app for myCourses. ing for students and faculty,” Millea said although this app Gilbert said. He also said there are a few will not provide all the functions of myCourses, it would email providers MSU officials have the main functions stu- are looking at as potential candidates for the new single email dents may need on-the-go. “This would help students system. “Right now be able to check a few of the grades and mail providers bethrough mying looked at Courses more easily,” she said. are Gmail, Microsoft, Zumba “While there is and Apple Exnot a definite date change. We on when the app are considering will be released, Groupwise, alour goal is to have though it is not this app up and one of the top running by the candidates,” he end of this semessaid. ter.” Gilbert also Another topic JERRY GILBERT, discussed the mentioned in the PROVOST AND Aiken Village meeting was the proposal. The new proposal for EXECUTIVE VICE committee over a single email sys- PRESIDENT this is currently tem throughout discussing what MSU. This would eliminate the multiple types of kind of housing will be provided email faculty and students use. in Aiken Village. “The current proposal is that As of now, the current email systems are Bullymail, GroupWise it would house grad students, married couples of MSU and and mail through myCourses. Jerry Gilbert, provost and ex- our international students,” he ecutive vice president, brought said. “The bid for the project this idea to the faculty senate has been delayed, but we hope table. He said although this is to have the new housing up and in the early stages of planning, running come fall 2014.” Another discussion item was this could be very beneficial for international studies. MSU has students and faculty. “Having the several types of many international students

“Right now a few of the providers being looked at are Gmail, Microsoft, Zumba and Apple Exchange.”

that come to study at MSU through foreign exchange programs. MSU also has students who like to participate in study abroad programs. William “Benjy” Mikel, associate vice president and executive director of the International Institute, was a guest speaker about international studies. He said his office has reinstituted the shuttle system from the GTR airport to the MSU campus for foreign exchange students. “We want these students to be welcomed to not only our country but our campus and community,” Mikel said. He also discussed proposals currently in the works for study abroad programs. “We are currently looking to increase scholarships for students who study abroad,” Mikel said. Other matters included the renovation of Lee Hall, which is expected to begin July 1. Also, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity recent-

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ly bought the Alpha Gamma Rho house. The exterior of the house will be transformed to a more traditional appearance. The athletic committee also approved plans for the closing in of the north side of Davis Wade Stadium.

Citations:

• 2 citations were issued for disregard for a traffic device. • 16 citations were issued for speeding. • 1 citation was issued for careless driving. • 1 citation was issued for obstructing roadway.

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OPINION |

RED HERRINGS | CLAIRE MOSLEY

Frosting-to-cake ratio ruins cupcake appeal

THE REFLECTOR

TJ VAUGHT

uch like fashion, certain foods come in and out of fashion. Believe it or not, macaroons are trending right now. Frozen yogurt has also become something of a social phenomenon. I’m not here to expound about the utter deliciousness of macaroons or the life-saving properties of fro-yo. No, I’m here to talk about a food trend that I find rather unappetizing: cupcakes. Cupcakes, to me, are one of those desserts that seem to almost always reach a taste level of absolute mediocrity. In a way, it’s rather depressing. Cupcakes are one of those desserts that have become really big now, and there are entire stores (not to mention dedicated Pinterest pages) that only sell an enormous variety of cupcakes, with flavors ranging from “pink lemonade” to “wedding cake,” and I can only look at them with complete seriousness and think, “Nope. Not feeling it.” The thing that kills me is that I think cupcakes look so pretty. They are these teeny, little cakes that are usually decorated with lovely pastel colors or flowers and whatnot. Sometimes, like the chefs on the TV show “Cupcake Wars,” they are even super creative things that have messages or 15 elaborate layers of icing, sugar and other toppings that ultimately end up outweighing the actual cake part of the cupcake. The idea of a cupcake is brilliant. It’s portable cake. The wrapper keeps your hand from getting all sticky and then you don’t have to worry about forks or plates, which sounds stupid, but it’s great for people like me who grab cake at a party and then wander around for the next thirty minutes trying to find a trashcan or someplace to hide my plate when I’m done. What makes cupcakes so disap-

Claire Mosley is a freshman majoring in pre-accounting. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. pointing lies in the icing-to-cake ratio. Unlike cake, cupcakes only have icing on the very top of it, which leads people to either overcompensate or wimp out on the appropriate icing amount. When someone hands me a cupcake (it occurs more than one would think), it is either a dessert that is so covered in icing that it is actually impossible to see the cake part, or it looks like some sad little muffin that someone half-heartedly swiped with icing. It’s just not rational; there is no equilibrium for cupcakes. Either a) I have an insane surplus of icing coating the top of my cupcake, icing that so outweighs my personal need for icing that I could probably eat the icing itself as a dessert, or b) I have a terrible shortage of icing, leaving me with no other choice than to head to the black market to buy up an overpriced tin of cream cheese icing, which by this point means my wimpy cupcake is cold. Someone has to warn you about the level of dryness or the unfortunate problem of getting icing all over one’s nose (don’t laugh, I bet it’s happened to you too), and it might as well be me. Just remember when you are at a party and you’re struggling to choose between cake and a cupcake, choose neither. Cookies are clearly the superior choice.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | BRUCE EBANKS

One major left out in rankings Editor’s Note: This letter was written in response to Rachel Perkins’s column published in the Friday’s issue of The Reflector. enjoyed reading Rachel Perkins’s column ranking majors by their sex appeal, but she left out one that should be very highly rated. That one is mathematics. Yes, this is a little-known fact, but it is true

nonetheless. For instance, one of the specialties of math majors is the study of smooth curves. Math majors study relations in great detail, and their operations are associative. Did you know that their functions can be continuous? And they can be “discrete” too. Finally, math majors certainly know how to manage a conjunction!

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Editor in Chief/Hannah Rogers

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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GETTING OFF THE RECORD | RACHEL PERKINS

Feel Valentineʼs Dayʼs sweet embrace

get it. You hate Valentine’s Day. Hallmark is trying to ruin your life. Oh, the misery you must endure in these weeks leading up to the 14th of February. It’s as if the morning sun rises just to mock you and your half-empty bed, your sweatpants and the episode of “The Office” you fell asleep watching. Alone. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, the day implies weird social significance. If you’ve got a special someone, well, what have you got planned for the big day? Romantic picnic lunch? Candlelit dinner? Ladies, did you buy some sexy lingerie for the evening? Fellas, I hope you’ve been saving your pretty pennies, and you can front the cash for that bottle of pinot grigio your lady’s been eyeing. Pressure’s on! If you’re single, well, I hope you have single friends. If not, I hope you have Netflix. This day is going to be just the absolute worst 24 hours of your adult life. I can’t imagine an experience more painful than spending Valentine’s Day alone. Oh, you poor thing. Go ahead and cry, eat cookie dough with your hands, pour yourself a Nyquil on the rocks and call it a night. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Oh, wait. Yes I can! I’ve survived 21 Valentine’s Days already, and I’m no worse for wear. I’ve spent February 14th both single and taken, and I must say, it really isn’t that bad either way. So stop moping around! If nothing else, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for some worthwhile self reflection. New Year’s Eve isn’t the only time to make some big life changes. This Valentine’s Day, do something! I’ve got a few ideas for some Valentine’s Day resolutions: 1. Stop talking/tweeting about being single. That’s not the way to

Rachel Perkins is a senior majoring in English. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu. get un-single. The “Forever Alone” meme is really funny, but you’re not alone forever. Honestly, even if you never find a boyfriend or girlfriend or even a halfway decent hookup buddy, you could never be alone forever. You’ve got friends, don’t you?! I know you do. If you don’t have any friends, call me. I’ll be your friend. Really, I’ll buy you candy and take shots with you. See, now you don’t feel so alone. Twitter is the perfect place for drunken ramblings and politically incorrect jokes, so take your pity party elsewhere. (Like Xanga!) 2. Learn to be happy alone. Even if you’re in a relationship, get some quality You Time in this year. I think it was Plato or some character from “Rent” who said it best, “You’ll never know true love until you love yourself.” I took those words to heart at a young age. I’ve been in love with myself for years now, and it’s been the most rewarding relationship of my life. Take yourself out on the town. Wine and dine yourself. Go home and seduce yourself! Write yourself love notes. You deserve it. If you’re single, embrace it! You have ample time to spend with the most amazing person in the world who just happens to be the same person reading these words right now. You deserve a whole heck of a lot of love, but it has to start with self love. 3. Tell your boyfriend/girl-

“Thanks to all our readers in the MSU and Starkville community who help make this paper what it is, and Happy Valentine’s Day to my staff and our adviser Ms. McDavid who work incredibly hard every week.” -Hannah Rogers, Editor in Chief “Happy Valentine’s Day to my Reflector and Pi Phi families and also my wonderful fiance Chris.” -Julia Pendley, Managing Editor “Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Woody Allen.” -Zack Orsborn, Chief Designer “To my moms, Hannah and Zach, my friends, Kaitlin, the staff and every single one of you who reads this paper. Oh, and HSYWMAD.” -Micah Green, News Editor “To my gorgeous fiancee, Britnee. I couldn’t dream of a better person to be marrying!” -Eric Evans, Multimedia Editor “I would like to wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to my girlfriend. Without her, I would be eating fast food every night. Also, a Happy Valentine’s Day to my mother in Savannah, Ga. Without her, I wouldn’t be alive.” -James Carskadon, Sports Editor

CORRECTIONS

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.

sex is so 2011. This might be your last year to try that crazy position you read about in Cosmo, so you better try it soon. Channel your inner Missy Elliott, and get your freak on. 5. Do good things. If you’re in a relationship, do your best not to cheat on them or lie to them or hurt them in some way. These things happen, I know. I’ve cheated, and I’ve been cheated on. In both situations, it hurts really badly. If you’re single, try not to be the person anyone cheats with. Don’t be cruel. Don’t be vindictive. Don’t gossip. Valentine’s Day fills our material world with hearts of all shapes and sizes, so remember how fragile we all really are. We’re all about two ignored text messages away from losing it on any given day, so let’s all be nice to each other. Let’s all be each other’s valentines. I’ll go first. I love you! Your turn. I just want you all to be happy and hopeful and sexually satisfied, all of the time. Valentine’s Day is no different than any other day, except we have even more opportunities to tell people we love them. Tell your boyfriend or girlfriend how much you care. Call your parents. Call your grandparents. Call your uncle who lives alone. Text all your friends. Kiss your dog. Hug yourself really tight today and every day. Valentine’s Day has potential to be a serious bummer, but it’s up to you. Don’t hate today. Embrace it! Make up your own romantic resolutions and see what happens. Today’s going to be just fine, and, even if it isn’t, look on the bright side — all the candy’s going to be on sale tomorrow! Happy Valentine’s Day to all and to all a good night.

“I just want you all to be happy and hopeful and sexually satisﬁed.”

happy valentine’s day from the editorial board!

EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

friend exactly how you feel about them. If you’re in love with someone, tell them! Confessing your love is like an emotional orgasm. It’s this huge release of feelings, and, after you say it, both of you are going to feel so good! You’ll probably just want to keep repeating it all night until you both pass out from the exhaustion of love’s exquisite satisfaction. However, if you’re not in love with someone anymore, you should tell them that too. If you’re in one of those relationships where you’re like “Oh, um, well, maybe, this isn’t working out, I don’t know, hmm, okay,” get out! That’s Britney Spears’s level of toxic right there, and look what happened to her. Do you really want to stay in an unhealthy relationship until you lose your mind and shave your head and beat a photographer’s car with an umbrella? I didn’t think so. Be honest and get it together! Either way, you’ll feel better afterwards. 4. Get freaky! 2012 is the year of the freak, y’all! Ludacris taught us that every man wants a lady in the streets but a freak in the bed, but I think if you’re going to be a freak, you should commit. Let your freak flag fly 24/7. Wear your underwear outside of your clothes, dye your hair pink and blue and tell everyone you were inspired by a box of Nerds, write fan mail to Daft Punk and meow like a cat in public. This is your life, and, if you don’t go crazy every now and then, you’re going to be a boring old person with no stories to tell your grandkids. Do you really want your grandkids to hate you? Your future popularity in the retirement home hinges upon what you do right now! As for the bedroom, freakiness is always encouraged. Vanilla

Do you think MSU parking tickets are overpriced?

“To my boyfriend, Garrett Bishop, thank you for bringing such joy and love to my life. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day!” -Megan McKeown, News Editor “Shout out to my valentine, Micah Green, and to all of my readers. I appreciate the love and support. Happy Valentine’s Day!” -Kaitlin Mullins, Life Editor “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the guy who hooked up my HDMI cable. Also, to my Lab Rats family, Blitz! family, Reflector family and my real family, have a good Tuesday.” -Wendy Morell, Opinion Editor “Happy Valentine’s Day to my boyfriend Shane. Wish you were here!” -Kaitlyn Byrne, Copy Editor

“To my valentine, you know who you are, Pumpkin. I love you so. I thank you for always being there for me because you were always the greatest helper of all.” -Jay Johnson, Photography Editor

“I miss my fiance; I miss my cat.” -Mollie C. Reeves, Copy Editor

- Yes, they charge too much. - No, they have to charge enough to deter people from breaking parking rules. Vote online at reflector-online.com - I don't know how much they cost.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

friday , february 14 , 2012 | 5

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

Across 1 ‘50s-’60s Bronx Bombers nickname, with “The” 5 South Seas tuber 9 Oceans 14 Like the team before @, on schedules 15 Not much 16 Hotel courts 17 Best Original Song Oscar winner from ... Disney’s “Pocahontas” 20 Little one 21 __-tzu 22 On the calmer side 23 ... Disney’s “Aladdin” 28 Headache 29 WSJ headline 30 __ rock: music genre 31 Faux pas 33 Bars with hidden prices? 35 Evensong? 39 ... Disney’s “Song of the South” 43 Wed. vis-à-vis Thu. 44 Reed of The Velvet Underground 45 Expel, as lava 47 Western treaty gp. 50 Periods prec. soccer shootouts 52 Before, poetically 53 ... Disney’s “Mary Poppins” 58 French city mostly destroyed in 1944 59 Golf’s Woosnam 60 Tyler of “Jersey Girl” 61 ... Disney’s “Monsters, Inc.” 67 Athena’s shield 68 “__ chic!” 69 File’s partner 70 Actor Milo 71 Holiday tubers 72 __-Ball Down 1 Brolly user’s garment 2 __ Jima 3 ‘20s White House nickname 4 1997 ecological protocol city 5 Gustatory sensor 6 Blood typing abbr. 7 Sight site 8 Bilingual Canadian

city 9 John who explored the Canadian Arctic 10 Openly hostile 11 Showy extra 12 Like tridents 13 Marquis de __ 18 Three-sixty in a canoe 19 Coyote call 23 Grain beard 24 Suffering from vertigo 25 Legendary skater Sonja 26 “Ixnay!” 27 Sgt. Snorkel’s dog 32 Covert __: spy stuff 34 Disney frame 36 Some mag spreads 37 Flat hand, in a game 38 __ Khan: “The Jungle Book” tiger 40 Elemental bit 41 Judgment Day 42 Blow away in competition 46 Pint-size 48 Low-pH substance 49 Crudely built home

2-14-12 Solutions for 2-10-12

51 Switchblade 53 Tables-on-the-street restaurants 54 “__-Ho”: Dwarfs’ song 55 Non-mainstream film 56 Prefix with mural

57 Civil rights activist Medgar 58 “Farewell, cara mia” 62 Metaphor words 63 Skirt line 64 Asian plow puller 65 Vague pronoun 66 Hawaiian strings

OCTOPUzzLE

Due to space, Octopuzzle will not be in this issue of The Reflector. The puzzle and solution from Friday will reappear as space allows.

Join us in the Burgundy Room- Starkville’s only downtown bar that still serves drinks the “Old Fashioned Way” Monday: $1 Bud, Bud Light & Miller Lite Draft and 2-4-1 Bellini’s $2 Tuesday’s: $2 draft and bottled beers and 2-4-1 Bellini’s. Wednesday’s: 3-4-1 Wells, 2-4-1 Bellini’s. Half off House Wine (4-until) & Half off Single topping pizzas from 4-7 2-4-1 Thursday’s: 2-4-1 wells, drafts, Bellini’s, & $1 Jager, Rumplemintz, Goldschlager shots Ladies Night Friday: Happy Hour all night & from 9-11pm .50 wells for the ladies) and Happy Hour all night for the guys **LIVE MUSIC: BONFIRE ORCHESTRA!** Saturday: Happy Hour all day and night Sunday: 1/2 off Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas 110 E Main St. Starkville MS, 39759 662-320-6872 www.oldvenice.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

@OVPC_Starkville

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, prepaid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost. for sale Ziggy’s Buy & Sell. Don’t thow it away! Get cash for your used furniture and other items. We sell everything from furniture to antiques to music. 434 Miss. Highway 12 West, look for the orange sign with Ziggy’s picture, or call 312-8895. Faculty investment opportunity. Enjoy benefits of retirement now, as you teach. Live in your five-plex on Oktibbeha County Lake, and let rentals pay your mortgage. 340’ waterfront, five-plex, doc, ski-boat. $342,000 firm. 418-2790. Mardi Gras masks, beads, boas, costumes and accessories — buy or rent. Vintage clothing and jewelry for sale. Costume Party. 323-9771. 100 Russell Street, near Lenny’s. for rent 1 bedroom condo, stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer/ dryer. Walking distance to campus. No pets, lease required. $385 per month. 323-5186. Canterbury Townhouses. 990 Old Mayhew Road. 2012 lease special (12th month free with 12-month lease). One, two and three bedroom newly-remodeled townhouses. Call 323-9216 for details. “Lodge at the Lake.” Great one bedroom, waterfront, dock, appliances, washer/dryer, free cable and fast acess internet. See now. Available May 1 for 15 months. $525/ month. Pet friendly. 418-2790. HelP WanteD Bartending. Up to $300 / day. No experience necessary. Training available. Call 800-965-6520 ext. 213. PHPWebapplicationdevelopmentand Python programmer needed ASAP to work independently with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. Thorough knowledge of PHP, Python,

Drupal, MYSQL and experience in Unix command line helpful. Great position for student needing practical business experience. Send resumes & inquiries to Reflector, Classified Ads, Programmer, P.O. Box 5407, MS State, MS 39762. Graphic artist needed & ministryminded programmer needed to write the ending for a women’s ministry video blog and website. Excellent opportunity for class project &/or practical experience. Send resumes & inquiries to: Reflector, Classified Ads, Ministry Opportunity, P.O. Box 5407 MS State, MS 39762. miscellaneous Do you have textbooks that you need to sell? Get the most money for your textbooks. Leave a message at 5461067 or send an email with ISBN numbers to moneyfortextbooks1@ gmail.com 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. BaPtist stuDent union The BSU at Mississippi State invites all students to our weekly worship service, PRIORITY, on Tuesday nights at 6:15 p.m. You are also invited to a $5 home-cooked meal, called NOONDAY, on Wednesdays at noon. The BSU Center is located directly across the street from Campus Book Mart. All students are welcome. Visit msubsu.com for more information. camPus BiBle stuDents Intensive Bible study Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. in room 324 of the Union. All are welcome. Email tns54@pss. msstate.edu for more information. catHolic stuDent

association The CSA invites you to join us each week at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Student mass is on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Good food and fun fellowship can be had at $2 dinners on Tuesday at 6 p.m., followed by weekly /Bible study at 7 p.m. Come to one of these events and learn more ways to get involved! For more information, simply “like” our Facebook page: “Mississippi State Catholic Student Association.” faamsu Come join us for lively discussions. Believers welcome! Every Thursday, starting Sept. 8, in the Union room 226 from 6 to 9 p.m. Twitter: @ SAUCEFORALL. We are the Freethinkers, Agnostics and Atheists of MSU. female GraDuate stuDents New group for female graduate students in science, engineering and mathematics: Please email msu. gwise@gmail.com liGHt Bearers Yeah! We Bear The Light! Come join us for fellowship, dynamic worship and inspirational devotions every Thursday at 7 p.m. Union 3rd floor, room 329. msu canterBurY ePiscoPal felloWsHiP “Spiritual but not religious?” Spirituality and home-cooking at the Episcopal Church (“Canterbury”). Free dinner, activities each Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Canterbury Lodge, 105 N. Montgomery St., Starkville. For more information, contact Chaplain Carol Mead at 694-1178. Sponsored by Canterbury Episcopal Fellowship. msu sHootinG sPorts cluB Looking for all kinds of competitive shooters. Rifle, shotgun, pistol and multigun competitors needed. Contact Tyler Tharp at 601-618-5137 or Mike Brown at mike.brown@ msstate.edu. silver WinGs There will be a silver wings interest meeting on March 8 at 6 p.m. in Middleton Hall (by Burger King) on the second floor in the cadet louge. We will discuss Silver Wings’s purpose, and its community service activities.

Life 6

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 14, 2012

THE REFLECTOR

WAT UP WITH THAT? | ASHLYN WATKINS

Making Valentine’s Day bearable, memorable

Attitudes on T awards season

BY EMMA HOLMES

ing dramas and the new wave of animation, there is no way to predict who might walk away To many, awards season is with the Oscar on Feb. 26. comparable to the holiday seaWhile some enjoy the Oscars son: the Golden Globes proving for the awards and witty jokes to be much like the Thanksgiving made by the host and award holiday with its rather nostalgic presenters, others simply love quality of old friends mixed the Oscars for the gowns and with a slightly obscene amount fashion displayed on the worldof alcohol and the occasional famous “red carpet.” One of the explicit word thrown about. It viewers who watches the Oscars seems the main purpose of the simply to see what the rich and Globes is simply famous will to get the trashbe wearing iness out of the is Amanda way to allow for Harden, forthe more classy mer marketholiday of the ing major • Bridesmaids one and only and former Oscar night. intern for • The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo This year, the designer • The Iron Lady Billy Crystal Oscar de la • My Week With Marilyn will be hosting Renta. the Oscars for “A w a r d s • The Ides of March his ninth time season is not • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 at the classic only a time Kodak Theatre to recognize in Los Angeles, some of the Calif. Hosting most distin• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close the Oscars is a guished for • War Horse privilege and their accomhonor in itself plishments, • The Tree of Life KAITLIN MULLINS | THE REFLECTOR with a lineup but also a of past hosts time to see a including Frank Sinatra, Steve who have achieved in their plethora of beautiful ensembles, Martin, Johnny Carson, Jane opinion the august standard of and the Oscars never disapFonda, Chevy Chase, Bob which the Academy requires point,” she said. “It’s one of Hope and the list continues to be nominated and shown my favorite award shows for a with comedians exemplifying respect for excellence in the less-noted reason in that the not only talent but also that arts. gowns are always spectacular. age-old characteristic of class. One of the main objections The Oscar red carpet brings in From the star-studded red raised about the Oscars is the the best of the best celebrities carpet, glamorous gowns and fact that the nominations occa- and designers which, I must sionally do not match the opin- admit, leaves me more entertained than the actual award ions of the public. Leslie Smith, freshman com- show itself.” Strohm Gaston, senior marmunication major, shared her disdain with the Academy’s keting major, said she loves the choices in its nominations this Oscars for the opportunity to judge the actors’ acceptance year. “I usually like some of the speeches, see the glamorous film nominations the Academy gowns and tuxedos and, of chooses, but this year’s nomina- course, admire the talent that is tions seem a little off kilter,” respected by the Academy. “Besides Christmas, awards she said. “Comedy movies often seem to be thrown under the season is my favorite time of bus for some sort of drama just the year. It doesn’t matter if because of the controversy it you won at the SAG awards or entails. It just seems like a weak the Golden Globes. Ultimately, it’s the Oscar win that matters year for the Oscars.” Although some people dis- most,” she said. “Everything is agree with the Academy’s nomi- on a grander scale. It plays host nations, others think the nomi- to all of the A-list celebrities, nations are right on point. With best pre and after parties, and, the new territory of revisiting of course, the best gowns. It’s the area of silent films on the true, even with awards season, ballot, along with the tear-jerk- you save the best for last.” red soles of Christian Louis Vuittons to the talent-packed room full of newcomers and established actors alike, the Oscars has a flair of class, respect and prestige that no other award show has ever been able to establish. Each year the Academy, consisting of 5,783 voters as of 2012, nominates the actors, directors, writers, performers and talent in motion pictures

Staff Writer

OSCAR SHOCKERS Not Nominated

Nominated for Best Picture

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Arby Q is back! 2 for $3 I’m thinking Arby’s

advertise@reﬂector.msstate.edu The Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach Henry Meyer Media Center, Mississippi State, MS 662-325-2090

MEN’S MARCH TO END SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE

MONDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2012 4:00– 6:00 P.M. AT THE JUNCTION “This project was supported by grant No. 2010-WA-AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication are those of Relationship Violence & Outreach and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.”

he celebration of Valentine's Day is centuries old and is inspired by St. Valentine of Rome. Valentine was a bishop under Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius outlawed young men to marry due to his belief that unmarried men made better soldiers. Valentine, however, performed secret marriages for the young men. He was soon discovered and sent to jail. There, he fell in love with the jailor’s daughter. Just before Valentine’s death, he sent a note to his lover signed “from your Valentine.” The tale spread and soon enough Valentine was recognized as the patron saint of affianced and engaged couples, happy marriages, love and lovers and was celebrated at festivals held on Feb. 14 each year where Romans distributed cards of affection signed from “your valentine,” according to history.com. Although Valentine’s Day (called Singles Awareness Day by some) is the celebrated day of exchanging candies, flowers and greeting cards, some lose sight of the fun in Valentine’s Day, especially those who do not exactly have a Valentine with whom to share the day. Whether you are single or in a relationship, there are several ways to keep Valentine’s Day fun. For those who do not have a special someone to share this holiday with, try and use the day as an excuse to show yourself some well-deserved loving. Treat yourself to something that you have been wanting and splurge on a little. Valentine’s is the perfect excuse to book a massage or have a spa day. Relax and have some alone time. If

Ashlyn Watkins is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at life@reflector. msstate.edu. relaxing is not particularly your style, go out and get some retail therapy. “Go ahead and buy that piece of jewelry you have been eyeing for weeks or those expensive chocolates that you can only enjoy one time a year,” hubpages. com said. If there is nothing you want to buy for yourself, maybe try gifting something to a family member or a close friend to show your love for them. Try to let someone else know that you are thinking about them. Valentine’s Day is not just for couples but as for those who want to show their love for one another and those they care about. “I think the best way to enjoy Valentine’s Day when you are single is to surround yourself with your friends who are in the same boat as you are and do something fun or adventurous to keep your mind off of the romantic side of the day,” Casey Fekete, sophomore animal and dairy science major, said. Another option for all the single ladies (or single fellas) is to go out and have fun with a group of friends. Use a dinner party, whether out to eat or at home, to enjoy everyone’s company and some good food. Pick a fun activity to do together; go

VALENTINE'S DAY

bowling, skating or somewhere with entertainment to keep a light mood and have a good time. “Sure, you will most likely be surrounded by couples holding hands and staring deeply into each other’s eyes, but when you’re with your friends you are having more fun anyways,” hubpages.com said. Couples, too, can easily get carried away and lose the enjoyment of this holiday. Try to keep an open mind about trying something new. Plan an activity that the two of you would not necessarily think to do. Jake Johnson, sophomore architecture major, has been dating his girlfriend for over a year and looks forward to changing up the Valentine’s Day agenda. “I strive to plan something out of the ordinary or the usual routine and do something that will be remembered and not lost in all the other dates that we have had,” Johnson said. Explore options for a fun evening. Instead of eating at the nicest restaurant in town, prepare dinner together and enjoy cooking a meal on your own. Pick a setting to maybe have a picnic or dessert. We all know the latest romantic comedy in theaters will be packed with couples (and wishful singles), so have a movie night in or go out dancing. Do something that requires the two of you to laugh and have a good time together. As we celebrate this day filled with love and affection remember that flowers and chocolates are not everything. Enjoying your time with friends, family and those you care about are most fulfilling. Keep a fun-filled attitude and spread the love.

CAROLYN HAILEY

Unhappy with your living situation?

Start fresh with us for Fall!

Greentree Apartments on Lynn Lane University Towers on University Dr. Colony Apartments on North Montgomery Come Try Us Out! 662-323-2430

LIFE

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 14, 2012

Grammy Highlights Turns out our generation is SERIOUSLY YOU GUYS... | RACHEL PERKINS

Best pop solo performance: Adele

Best rap performance: "Otis" by Jay-z and Kanye Best rock performance: "Walk" by Foo Fighters Best r&b album: "F.A.M.E." by Chris Brown Song of the year: "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele Best country album: "Own the Night" by Lady Antebellum Best new artist: Bon Iver Record of the year: "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele Album of the year: "21" by Adele BY KAITLIN MULLINS Life Editor

obnoxious, self-involved M

y generation is annoying. Like, really annoying. I'm annoying. If you were born around the same time as me, you're probably annoying too. We grew up in a prerecession America. Our parents weren't veterans who taught us the horrors of war or the value of a dollar. Instead, we spent our days comparing our name-brand sneakers and rolling down grassy hills of suburbia, our stomachs filled with Happy Meals and our fanny packs full of Pokemon cards. Now, we're stuck. The idyllic ease of our childhoods has turned us into incompetent and self indulgent adult-children. We thrive on our hedonistic listlessness. We're screwed, and we're screwed up. Here are just a few things that make us the worst.

• iPhones. I don't have an iPhone. Everybody else does. I think they're cool, and, if someone gave me one as a gift, I'd be okay with it. But iPhones are really the worst. I guess I mean smart phones in general. The Internet has done enough to ravage my generation's emotional carcass and iPhones have proceeded to pick at our bones, gnawing away any integrity we still had clinging to us. I know they're not going anywhere, but can we stop using so many apps? Ugh, actually, I think there are a lot of cool apps out there. I guess I just really wish I had an iPhone. Mom, are you reading this?

MUSIC MAKERS

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

Apparently, Music Makers Productions has a secret they cannot wait to share with Mississippi State University students. Brice Lambert, student director of Music Makers Productions, creates chalk stencils in classrooms to let students know they will be revealing this secret on Friday.

• Nostalgia. I get it. Being a kid was awesome. Remember Tamagotchis? Remember when the first Harry Potter book came out? Remember how it felt to skin your knee and climb trees and get nine hours of sleep each night? Remember back before everything kind of sucked? I remember, too, but we're not kids anymore. Let's stop talking about

ing out about gluten. Eat some cookies. You'll feel better.

Rachel Perkins is a senior majoring in English. She can be contacted at life@reflector. msstate.edu. Pokemon and light-up sneakers and spelling tests. I don't know what's so bad about it. It just bums me out. Let's stop doing things that bum me out. • “Crazy.” Let's stop making mental illnesses commonplace. Just because you procrastinate doesn't mean you have ADD. Mood swings don't make you bipolar. Getting sad after watching “Titanic” isn't depression. Don't call someone “schizo” because they got angry once. Don't call your ex “crazy” because he or she expressed his or her emotions openly. Genuinely crazy people exist, and we should show them the decency of letting them lay claim to their label. At the same time, seeking help doesn't mean you're weak. Take “crazy” seriously, especially if your brain starts to feel a little broken. • Gluten. To be honest, I'm still not absolutely positive about what gluten is. I've had it explained to me at least a dozen times, and all I've learned is gluten is basically the common uniting factor for all things delicious. I don't understand why everyone's suddenly allergic to something so good. Why would you purposefully deprive yourself by going on a “gluten-free” diet? Okay, okay, I know there are health advantages, but there are health advantages to lots of things I don't understand. (Yoga? Almond milk?) Let's stop freak-

• Feeling old. I complain about feeling old at least once a day. What's that about? I'm 21! Twenty-somethings love to complain about feeling old. I've been through a lot, okay? College is really hard. I can't find a job or a boyfriend, my future seems dauntingly bleak and I'm getting fat. Nobody's getting enough sleep and I just feel old. I'm too young to feel old, though. When I look back at my life, I think 60-year-old me is going to hate 21-year-old me. I don't blame her. I'm being a real d-bag. • “White Girl Problems.” Or “First World Problems” or any variety of the assorted “problems” genre. As if we weren't self indulgent enough as a generation, let's glorify our own complacency. It is funny, and I catch myself calling people out on their “First World Problems” all the time, but what does it matter? Yeah, the world's a harsh place. People are starving somewhere. I think it's really sad — I do — but does that mean I can't enjoy this cheeseburger without the shabby aftertaste of guilt lingering behind? Don't call me out on my problems. I've still got a few more years of ignoring them left in me. • Zooey Deschanel. In creating herself as the ultimate Manic Pixie Dream Girl, Zooey built a mold none of us can fit. Her selfawareness of her quirkiness is now just a part of her charm. We can thank Zooey for an army of young women in ill-fitted thrift store dresses and thick bangs playing Nancy Sinatra songs on their ukeleles from the swing-sets of playgrounds across America. In calling herself a “dork,” she sets an impossible standard for other women. If she's a “dork,” then

I'm some sort of social pariah. Ugh, just shove me in a locker already. I'll never be a Zooey. • Bro. Please stop saying bro, bro. You're killing me. You're really killing me, bro. (Bro, seriously, bro, stop, bro bro bro.) • LOL. No, you're not. You're not laughing out loud, and I know it. I KNOW IT. • Talking about our generation. I'm the worst, aren't I? Everybody loves to talk about us. Countless articles have been written on the subject of 20-somethings, and we love it. We love to be talked about. We're a generation of narcissists who rely on the approval of others to validate our sense of self worth. I can't even enjoy a sunny day unless I tweet about it and someone retweets it. If I post a Facebook status and nobody likes it, am I still a real person? We're a lost little generation, and we just need someone to kiss us on the foreheads and tell us we're going to be okay. We're going to be okay, aren't we? The truth is, I don't hate us. I can't hate us because I love me too much. These complaints might seem petulant, or callow or, at the very least, hypocritical, but that's because they are. I like a lot of things about my generation. I think we're full of love, compassion and sincerity. We're spontaneous and passionate. Sure, we're flawed, just like everyone else. We're super annoying, but everyone is. We're 20-somethings, and that's just the way it's going to be. It isn't our fault. Let's blame our parents, or the Internet, or Britney Spears or the Bush administration. We've got a lot going for us. I can't wait to see what we'll do next. I can't wait to tweet about it.

T U E S DAY , FEBRUARY 14 , 2012

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR

Dogs drop OT battle to UGA, look to road contests feel like we ever got that emotion and energy at the level it has to be.â&#x20AC;? The Dogs were led behind Dee After escaping many home frights this season, Mississippi Bostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21 points as he became the State could not overcome a tough 10th player in school history to 70-68 overtime battle with Geor- reach the 1,500 point mark for a gia Saturday afternoon, snapping career. The senior guard had one a 13-game winning streak in the final shot that fell short at the fiHump. nal buzzer. Arnett Moultrie, who The fans in Maroon and White averaged 17 points and a leaguehad seen this script develop all leading 11 rebounds struggled to season long. After surviving many get his game going as he scored 12 home scares, the Dogs always points and six rebounds. Junior seemed to find a way to come up forward Renardo Sidney had one with a win, but in a game that of his better outings of the season saw eight tied scores and 13 lead as he led MSU in rebounds with changes in the second half alone, a season high of 12 boards while Saturday afternoon provided them collecting his first double-double an obstacle they could not hurdle, of the season and fifth of his career. frustrating senior guard Dee Bost. Jalen Steele, who has been finding â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought we were going to his rhythm recently, also contribfind a way but give them credit,â&#x20AC;? uted 15 points. he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They made a lot of shots The first half set the tone to the and made plays.â&#x20AC;? tight-knit battle, and even though After an electric win Thursday MSU led for most of the game, the over in-state rival Ole Miss, the Dogs could not build any streak Bulldogs could not seem to carry of momentum, taking a 34-31 over the energy lead into the and effort needed locker room. to win, and it The second showed from the half was just opening tip of as back-andthe game, head forth as neicoach Rick Stansther team bury said. took more â&#x20AC;&#x153;My number than a fourone concern was point lead, what beat us, and and, with 30 that was our abilseconds to ity to physically play, Georand mentally put giaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gerald Thursday night Robinson behind us and scored the get that level of final basket DEE BOST, SENIOR energy and emoof regulation POINT GARD tion back up to send it to where it has to overtime tied be in 36 hours,â&#x20AC;? at 59. The Stansbury said. only glimpse â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nowhere in that game did I ever of momentum for the Maroon and White came when Jalen Steele hit a three-point shot to give Mississippi State a 66-65 lead in overtime, but Caldwell-Pope quickly responded with a three-pointer of his own to put his team back on top. With eight seconds remaining, Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robinson missed a free throw and MSU saw one final possession. Bost took a decent look from just beyond the three-point line, but it fell short as Georgia celebrated with the win, and MSU suffered its first BY JOHN GALATAS Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO | HAILSTATE.COM

Kylie Vry pitched two complete games over the weekend for MSU.

Softball Bulldogs begin season with four wins

â&#x20AC;&#x153;ItĘźs just going to take us being together and treating every game the same no matter who it is and turn our defense up.â&#x20AC;?

BY JAMES CARSKADON Sports Editor

ANDREW FINNEGAN | THE REFLECTOR

Dee Bost dribbles down the court during MSUĘźs loss to Georgia on Saturday. Bost reached the 1,500 point mark for his career on Saturday.

loss of the season after leading at halftime. Fresh off their double-digit win over Arkansas, the visiting Bulldogs shot 42 percent from threepoint land and muscled down 40 rebounds to put MSU out of rhythm. Kentavious CaldwellPope led Georgia with 20 points, 18 coming from behind the arch, giving UGA their first conference road win. With just six games remaining on the schedule, the Dogs still feel confident in making a deep run into March. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just going to take us being together,â&#x20AC;? Bost said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And treating every game the same no mat-

ter who it is and turn our defense up.â&#x20AC;? With the loss the Bulldogs slip to 19-6 overall and fall to 6-4 in league play and are looking to bounce back with two tough road games looming. Senior Arnett Moultrie said he is hoping the team learns from Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We respond just like we do with every loss,â&#x20AC;? Moultrie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Put it behind us, learn from it and move forward.â&#x20AC;? Mississippi State will have to move forward quickly as they open a two-game road stint with LSU Tonight at 8 p.m. in Baton Rogue and Saturday against Auburn.

The Vann Stuedeman era started off in thrilling fashion for the Mississippi State softball team as it won its first four games, including two comefrom-behind victories in late innings. Trailing South Alabama 2-1 in the seventh inning of the season-opener on Thursday, senior designated player Brittany Bell launched a grand slam to put MSU ahead, and two more Bulldog runs sealed Stuedemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first victory as a head coach. MSU also came from behind on Sunday to beat Memphis on an eight-run frame in the sixth inning. Stuedeman said the lateinning victories reflect a change in mindset for her team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, I think they lost eight one-run games, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been really hammering in that we would like to compete from beginning to end and really play hard innings one through seven,â&#x20AC;? Stuedeman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The girls just believe in themselves; they believe in each other. They never quit, they keep fighting, and I think that they believe theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to score and get it done.â&#x20AC;? The Bulldogs did not need a comeback to win on Friday and Saturday as junior pitcher Kylie Vry held Jacksonville State and

Lipscomb to one run in backto-back complete game performances. Shelby Fisher led the Bulldogs at the plate with a four-RBI performance against Jacksonville State in the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7-1 victory and a two-run homerun by right fielder Jessica Cooley propelled MSU to a 3-1 win over Lipscomb. Vry now boasts 1.72 ERA in her last seven outings, which date back to 2011. Vry also picked up the save in MSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win over Memphis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was proud to see her have some success,â&#x20AC;? Stuedeman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a talented pitcher, and she went out with confidence and was able to rely on some defensive plays in that first game. We made 10 ground ball outs for her and she had six strikeouts, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 16 of the 21 outs right there. She just has proven to herself and her teammates that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s someone to be reckoned with.â&#x20AC;? The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to a midweek matchup with Samford on Tuesday. Stuedeman said she is very familiar with the coaching staff, some of which have connections to Alabama, where Stuedeman was an assistant coach before coming to MSU. As far as areas Stuedeman hopes her team improves, she said pitch selection and defensive miscues will be the focus for improvement this week.

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SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 14, 2012

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis defeats Southern University 6-1 my warm up,â&#x20AC;? Iakoleva said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was concentrated all game and did everything my coach told After a tough loss to North- me to do today.â&#x20AC;? western State one week ago, With the match seemingly in the Mississippi State womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control after winning the first tennis team rebounded in a big three points, MSU got another way Saturday, dominating the point to increase its lead to 4-0 Southern University Jaguars after senior Olesya Tsigvint6-1 in a match that was moved seva beat Southernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Demetria indoors due to cold tempera- Woods 6-0, 6-2. The Bulldogs tures and high winds. could not quite keep Southern The Bulldogs played well off the board though, as the from the outset in McCarthy Jaguars scored their first and Gym, sweeping the doubles only point of the day via Lois matches to take an early 1-0 Alexis, who defeated Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead. Sophomores Khrystyna Roseline Dion 7-6 (6-4), 6-1to Pavlyuk and Alexandra Perper make the overall score 4-1. won their doubles match 8-4 After losing its first point and junior Ekaterina Iakol- of the day, MSU got back on eva and freshman Naomi Tran track, winning the final points won their match 8-3, ensur- of the day through Naomi ing a point for the Bulldogs in Tran and Francova. Tran won doubles. Sophomore Roseline her singles match 6-2, 6-1, and Dion and freshman Petra Fe- Francova defeated her opporancova also nent 6-1, 7-5, won their giving the match, comBulldogs a 6-1 pleting the win against the MSU sweep Jaguars. in partner During the play. waning stages As the foof Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cus of the matches, match shiftMSU head ed to singles, coach Daryl Alexandra Greenan credPerper made ited the BullDARYL GRENNAN, quick work dogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success HEAD COACH of Carlista to preparaMohammed tion through6-1, 6-3 to out the week give the Bullleading up to dogs a 2-0 lead in the match. Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match with the JagAfter her impressive perfor- uars. mance, Perper said the key to â&#x20AC;&#x153;We gave them some rules her success was remembering and we worked on some things the fundamentals. this week to where they were â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was just trying to play a playing as disciplined as posshot and make shots,â&#x20AC;? Perper sible and keeping it simple,â&#x20AC;? said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a plan in our Greenan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early in the game, and I was able to do season, and we still have a lot that.â&#x20AC;? to work on, but I like the progShortly after Perper finished ress we made this week.â&#x20AC;? her match, Iakoleva finished With their win over Southher singles match, defeating ern, the Bulldogs improved Gabrielle Moore 6-0, 6-0 and their overall record to 2-1 on giving State a 3-0 lead on the the 2012 season. With its first day. After her nearly flawless seven matches of the season match, Iakoleva said the key at home, MSU will next play part of her performance began host to Louisiana-Monroe on before the match even started. Thursday. Admission to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key part of my win was match is free to the public. BY RAY BUTLER Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTOS | MISSISSIPPI STATE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Jenny Hazelwood, left, played volleyball at Mississippi State from 1996 to 1999, setting the career record for assists at MSU. Brian Hazelwood, right, was a place kicker for MSU from 1995 to 1998 and kicked the field goal that sent MSU to the SEC Championship in 1998.

College romance becomes coaching duo for Hazelwoods BY KRISTEN SPINK Staff Writer

A college boyfriend or girlfriend can be a serious companion for college students. It is common for people to marry their college sweethearts. Or, in the case of Brian and Jenny Hazelwood, a college romance between athletes can turn into a husband-wife coaching tandem. Brian played football for Mississippi State from 1995 to 1998. He was a two-time All Southeastern Conference placekicker for the Dogs. Beginning in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;96, Jenny played volleyball for State. A four-year starting setter, Hazelwood holds the MSU record for assists with 5,505. The romance began in the fall of 1997 when the Hazelwoods first met at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathering. They started dating soon after and were married following Brianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduation while Jenny still had one year left at State. After graduating from MSU, Jennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaching career began at Mississippi College before she and her husband moved to Shreveport, La., where she took over as the head coach of Centenary College. During this time, Brian was pursuing a career in the NFL, but after five years of combines and tryouts, he decided to play arena football. Fittingly, there was an arena team in Shreveport, so he played there and worked while Jenny coached. In 2009, the Hazelwoods found themselves back in Starkville when Jenny took the position as Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head volleyball coach while Brian ran his own heating and air conditioning company. She quickly grew the program in her first two sea-

sons at the helm, and this past season witnessed success with a little change: the addition of her husband to the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant. Although football and volleyball are on opposite ends of the sports spectrum, transforming Brian into a volleyball coach was not as hard as it may have been for most people. Brian said he would watch film with Jenny every night anyway, so being on the bench allowed him to be more involved than just sitting in the stands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started out with volleyball 12 years ago and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anything,â&#x20AC;? Brian said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from Mississippi, so all I knew was you hit it three times before it went over, and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit the net â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about what I knew to an extent. But over time you pick up on all the little things.â&#x20AC;? From Jennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective, the important aspect was winning. She felt as if her team was in position to win those big, close matches and just needed a little extra to put them over the top. Jenny said several teams have volunteer assistants, so the addition of Brian would be beneficial for her team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brian and I would always talk volleyball anyways, so, if there was anyone who could step right in and know every

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because he is very laid back and can handle it. She said she knew Brian would support her no matter what. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out there coaching, every thought is how do we win this game and the flow of the match,â&#x20AC;? Jenny said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the bench, all four coaches are doing everything we can to help the team win, and then, when we walk off the court, nothing is different from how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been for us.â&#x20AC;? Although she has had some people inquire about the volunteer assistant position, Jenny plans to keep Brian on staff as long as he continues to do his job well. She said he has now proven he can help the team win and has enjoyed his presence on the court. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I am really excited or happy, we share in it even more because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both a part of every aspect of it,â&#x20AC;? Hazelwood said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I am upset or frustrated, he can understand it from going through it on the sidelines, so I do feel like we are a lot closer because of that.â&#x20AC;?

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little thing that we do and why we do it and know our players, it was Brian,â&#x20AC;? Hazelwood said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He and I think a lot alike because we talk so much about volleyball, so in matches he thinks a lot of the same things I do in certain situations, which has been really helpful.â&#x20AC;? Brianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact was evident throughout the season and specifically in a match at Alabama. During a timeout, Brian gave advice to senior outside hitter Caitlin Rance at a crucial point in the game. Rance went out and did exactly as he said, resulting in a point for the Dogs and ultimately a 3-0 victory. For the Hazelwoods, coaching together did not distract them from their main goal of winning by any means. They even benefitted from the experience by getting to spend more time together, especially on road trips when things slowed down a bit. However, Jenny did admit she may snap at her husband a little more quickly than her other assistants or get onto him for yelling at the refs, but only

â&#x20AC;&#x153;ItĘźs early in the season and we still have a lot to work on, but I like the progress we made this week.â&#x20AC;?

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SPORTS

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 14, 2012

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY :

22 – THE NUMBER OF GAMES MSU’S

MISSISSIPPI STATE

BASEBALL TEAM WILL PLAY AGAINST NCAA REGIONAL PARTICIPANTS FROM 2011

Lady Dogs come back to beat Ole Miss BY KELSEY HUGGINS Staff Writer

Despite a sloppy start and low numbers by the Lady Bulldog’s top scorers, the team found a way to defeat the Lady Rebels 53-50 in overtime, thus sweeping the season series and breaking a five-game losing streak. Scoring her first points with only 6:11 remaining in the game, senior Diamber Johnson ended regulation play in dramatic fashion. Coming off of a double screen set by senior Ashley Brown and freshman Martha Alwal, Johnson sunk the only three-point score for the Bulldogs. The three-pointer capped a dramatic comeback for MSU and sent the game to overtime. Johnson said the play was broken and explained the communication between the team in the last few seconds before the final buzzer made the difference in the outcome of the game. “That last shot, that was probably the first shot I took all game that I wasn’t thinking about it, that I wasn’t thinking about the ball coming off my fingers and going through my routine in my mind. So I just let the shot fly, and it felt good,” Johnson said. The Bulldogs went on to outscore the Rebels 10-7 in overtime, improving MSU’s record to 14-11 overall and 4-8 in league play. Johnson scored only seven points, far below her average 16.3 points per game. Despite these low numbers, head coach Sharon Fanning-Otis said Johnson added much needed energy and endurance to the game. Freshman Kendra Grant, another leading scorer for the team, put no points on the board and played only 20 minutes due to a minor head injury late in the second half. Stepping up to lead the team in points, steals and assists was senior Porsha Porter. With 18 points and five steals, Porter outscored every other player on the court. Fanning-Otis said Porter’s leadership, composure and communication gave the team the energy needed for a victory. “This team expected to win all along. While we weren’t playing as well as we needed to, there were a lot of contributions and the bottom line is that they had the composure down the stretch to find a win,” FanningOtis said, “And that’s an important process as you learn to win games.” While the win over the rival Lady Rebels restored confidence for the team, the players are already looking ahead to Thursday’s match against the No. 11 Lady Vols. Aside from trying to find consistency from the leading scorers, the team will work on maintaining 40 minutes of en-

ON THE TUBE:

. . . .

VS. LSU

8 P.M. TUES ESPNU

News and Notes There will be another interest meeting for The Dudes, the new MSU baseball support group, Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Palmeiro Center, adjacent to Dudy Noble Field. MSU men's basketball fell out of the Associated Press poll this week but remained in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll at No. 23. The SEC baseball coaches picked MSU to finish fifth in the SEC West, ahead of Auburn. Florida was predicted to be the league champion by the coaches. Women's basketball will take on Tennessee Thursday night at 8 p.m. at Humphrey Coliseum. The game will be televised on CSS. ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

Love Where You Live... JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

Senior Diamber Johnson missed every shot from the field she took until hitting a three-pointer at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime. The Bulldogs went on to beat the Rebels, 53-50.

durance in the important upcoming games. “It’s amazing how taking a charge and getting an offensive rebound Porter with a putback, those are the little things, those are just pure energy. Those are energy-givers, hustle-plays,” Fanning-Otis said, “We have to have more of that.” Because the Lady Dogs were outrebounded 62-48, coaches and players agree practice this week will focus partially on blocking out and shooting. Another focus of practice will be guarding against multiple screens. “We know Tennessee is a lot longer and bigger, so we’re about

to get in there and go to work to be ready for that game,” Porter said. The Volunteers will enter the game Thursday with a record of 8-3 in conference play, which puts them at No. 3 in the SEC standings, while the Bulldogs will enter the contest 4-8 in league play. Tipoff Thursday is set for 8 p.m. at the Hump.

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