The Murray State News January 16, 2015
TheNews.org
Vol. 89, No. 16
Where have all the graduates gone? Mari-Alice Jasper
designer at The Tennessean. The percentage of young college graduates in Nashville has nearly doubled in the last fourteen years according to the report. Nashville is ranked as having the second fastest population growth with graduates from 2000 to 2012, with Houston being the first. “I wanted to move to a city that I knew I loved and a place where I could see myself staying for the long haul,” she said. “Nashville was the first place that came to mind.” Based on potential job growth and a steady increase in population, Nashville is one of the “Next Big Boom Towns,” according to Forbes Magazine. “It’s a lot more than just cowboy boots, barhopping and the sound of a steel guitar,” she said. Pace said she was attracted to the city because
Assistant News Editor mjasper1@murraystate.edu
Graphic by Mary Bradley
Top 12 post-graduation cities: (Not in specific order)
Portland, Ore. Los Angeles Denver Austin, Texas
St. Louis Nashville, Tenn. Pittsburg Baltimore
Buffalo, N.Y. New York City Washington Houston
Murray State graduates can take a 12-hour or less road trip north, south, east or west and be in one of the many new cities booming with job opportunities for educated, young adults, according to a report published by the City Observatory in October 2014. San Francisco, New York and Chicago just aren’t catching the eyes of college graduates the way they used to. According to the report, recent college graduates are more likely to move to cities like Denver, Houston or Nashville, Tenn., to launch their new lives. Kristen Pace, Murray State alumna, packed her bags after graduation last spring and drove about 120 miles south on the interstate to plant her roots in “Music City,” – Nashville – to start her career as a professional graphic
see GRADS, 2A
Academic performances threatened by budget cuts Funding has decreased 25.4 percent in seven years, is straining Universities Ben Manhanke || Staff writer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
Despite several years of funding cuts to higher education in Kentucky, local universities have continued to meet and exceed several academic goals set by the Council on Post-Secondary Education according to its 2014 state-wide accountability report. Jay Morgan, vice president of Academic Affairs, said Murray State and universities across the Commonwealth may not be able to continue performing to these standards if funds continue to be cut. According to a 2014 report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Kentucky has cut its budget for education by 25.4 percent since 2008, approximately $2,649 in cuts per student. As a result, tuition in Kentucky has
increased by 23.2 percent in the past six years. “(With) a one year drop in state funding, (Murray State) can usually absorb and continue to perform well,” Morgan said. “But once you get to about two and three years and more of continual drops in state funding is when you start seeing basically some softness. And we’re beginning to get to that point.” The CPE’s report shows Kentucky’s colleges and universities exceeded their targets in several aspects for the 2012-13 academic year including: • Total degrees and credentials conferred • Graduate degrees • Degrees and credentials for STEM+H (science, technology, engineering, math and health) conferred The CPE also noted the decline in
state appropriations for public higher education in its accountability report, which shows that since 2009 more than $100 million has been cut in funding. President Bob Davies said part of Kentucky’s continued disinterest in investing in higher education is due to the notion that higher education is becoming more of a private good and seen less as a commodity. “This trend is something that has occurred not in the past five years, but in the past 20 years,” Davies said. “The thought that you as an individual benefits more than society and therefore you should pay for it is something I disagree with 100 percent.” In the four days leading up to the new semester, Davies spent his time in Frankfort, Ky., following the General Assembly’s recently opened 2015
Regular Session. He said this belief in higher education being a private good is a notion held by legislators and key Kentucky leadership figures. “(Legislators) want to make sure that degrees lead to jobs and careers and that’s important, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But it’s beyond that. The power of education is not teaching you facts and figures for you to regurgitate: it’s enabling you to have critical thought and to have new ideas and communicate those.” While many states have begun to share Davies’ view and reinvest in higher education in the past year, Kentucky has fallen into the bottom 10 states in terms of funding increases to education for the fiscal year 2013-14. Kentucky only increased its spending on students by 0.3 percent, approximately $27 more per student,
over last year according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The CPE has pledged to continue to demonstrate the role of public higher education to the state in improving Kentucky’s economic competitiveness and quality of life. It plans to do so in the upcoming year through reports, presentations and testimony along with several university presidents. However, the General Assembly will not meet again to discuss its biennial budget until 2016. “We cannot have the cost of tuition be a barrier,” Davies said. “But how do we work with government, how do we work with philanthropic donors and academic measures so that students who have the ability and have the desire and determination will succeed and the cost will not be the determining factor is the question.”
Inclement weather policy defined for clarification Ben Manhanke || Staff writer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
In an effort to better educate faculty, staff and students on the University’s inclement weather procedure, President Davies has better defined Murray State’s three-tiered winter weather policy. In an email sent to all University constituents in December, Davies outlined the three levels of action Murray State may take when inclement weather is pending or present: University Weather Advisory, University Weather Cancellation of Classes or University Campus Closure. While these actions have always been available to the University, Davies said he wanted everyone, not just administration, to have a common understanding of the terminology being used and what their responsibilities are during these times. “Lots of people say it’s a change in policy,” he said. “But all I’m really doing is outlining our procedures so people understand what our options are,” he said. “In having a framework and a clear understanding of what that framework means we can adapt specifically to any decision at hand.” Adapt to decisions, he said, such as whether classes will simply start later after any hazardous weather has cleared, if classes will be canceled but
WHAT’S
INSIDE
University buildings will stay open or if the entire campus will be closed as it was for three days last January. Ultimately the decision of what action to take is Davies’. However, he first receives advisement from Facilities Management and David Burdette, interim Chief Facilities Officer. “I’ve been on many different campuses and I think (Davies) is doing the right thing by clearly articulating what people’s responsibilities are in three fairly simple terms,” Burdette said. When deciding on what action to recommend to Davies, Burdette said first he consults both the Murray Police to find out what the road conditions are like. He also will contact the Facilities Management ground crews to see what the campus’s sidewalks and roadways look like. “The number one issue is safety,” he said. “Whether it’s walking on campus or driving on campus. We do take into account driving to the campus, but two things are always in our head: we are primarily a residential campus with 3,000 students living here and that’s our first responsibility. The second responsibility is getting campus ready for students, faculty and staff if they are arriving.”
Haley Hays/The News
see WEATHER, 2A
Shovels at Wal-Mart were stocked up for the winter season in anticipation of snow, which caused multiple consecutive snow days for Murray State last year.
Correction: On Nov. 21, 2014, The Murray State News printed Lucretia McClenney’s name incorrectly in the article, “Panelists talk Murray State past, future.” The News regrets the error.
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SOCIALCOASTER
OUR VIEW
GOING STREAKING
THE F-WORD
An alumnus and graduate student develop a new app, 6A
Tobacco ban will run into a few bumps in the road, 4A
Murray State basketball takes on Belmont, 1B
Experts explain the different sides of feminism, 5B
News
2A
WEATHER After speaking with those under him, Burdette reports to Jackie Dudley, vice president of Finances and Administrative Services, who then passes on the recommendation to Davies. Dudley said the campus closures last January were not a catalyst for Davies addressing Murray State’s weather policy. However, she said they did highlight communication issues such as what is expected of staff and faculty on these days. She said of Davies’ outline that the ‘new tweak’ highlighted was the separation of canceling classes and closing campus during these times of inclement weather. “If students have a problem with the Bursar’s Office they should be able to call the Bursar’s Office and get help,” she said. “If they want to go to the Wellness Center because they don’t have classes that day they should be able to go
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to the Wellness Center and work out. (Canceling classes) means we’ll be staffed and things will continue, we just couldn’t be teaching class that day.” Dudley acknowledged staff and faculty may have reservations about coming to campus on days when classes are canceled. She said staff and faculty will have the option to use vacation days during these times. If the staff or faculty member in question has no vacation days, they may still choose not to attend their job if they would feel unsafe driving and receive no pay, but suffer no penalty otherwise. Laura Lohr, president of Staff Congress, said no formal feedback had been reported to her from staff since the plan was introduced to them at their last meeting. She said she trusts Davies has students’, faculty and staff’s safety in mind. According to the inclement weather policy, any notifications regarding campus closures or class cancellations will be communicated to the University community via email, the University Facebook and Twitter accounts, the University webpage and WKMS-FM.
January 16, 2015
Fumi Nakamura/The News
The statue of Rainey T. Wells was covered in ice from last year’s weather, during which the inclement weather policy was created.
GRADS From Page 1
Hannah Fowl/The News
Arielle Lyford, graduate from Elizabethtown, Ky., holds her decorated Ariel cap from December’s graduation.
of the unique culture and diversity of Nashville. “It’s a perfect balance of a thriving big-city lifestyle and a traditional southern lifestyle,” she said. The City Observatory describes this college-educated demographic as “the young and the restless,” noting that about a million of them cross state lines each year and tend to wait until their mid-30’s to settle down permanently. In comparison, the percentage of middle-aged Americans moving across state lines has decreased by nearly half, from 7.5 million in 1999 to 4.8 million in 2013, according to data collected by the Census Bureau. These top-ranking cities aren’t just attracting graduates that have already been hired or even for job transfers. These are destinations that professionals genuinely want to live in. Autumn Denton, Murray State alumna, said she moved to Austin, Texas, with her best friend after graduation even though she didn’t have a job lined up because she wanted to broaden her horizons. Both of them had grown up in Murray and wanted a change of pace. “I don’t think anyone believed we would really up and move to Texas,” she said, “but we graduated in May and were moved in here by August.” Denton said although neither of them had ever been to Austin before. The city caught their attention with its creative food trucks and bustling live-music scene. Denton said she even liked the ingrained environmentalism of Austinites, such as the “no-brown-bag” rule that doesn’t allow for stores to bag items in throw-away bags.
The
“I wanted to be in a diverse city surrounded by creative-minded people without losing that sense of community that I had grown up with,” she said. Additionally, Austin was listed as the best city for future job growth by Forbes Magazine in July of 2011 with a projected annual job growth of 4 percent and an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent in 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Austin is expected to experience fast job growth through 2015, according to Forbes Magazine. The Austin Chamber of Commerce dedicates this low unemployment rate to its diverse employment opportunities within the city. High rates of immigration and a large population of young educated individuals are two indicators of a strong demographic area, according to Forbes. Denton said she knew the job market in Austin was stronger than the U.S.’s average rate. “I knew I could find a job, even if it wasn’t in my exact field, relatively easily,” she said. The population of young college-educated adults in Austin has increased by 44 percent from 2000 to 2012, according to the City Observatory and was ranked as fourth on its list of up and coming cities. The report by the City Observatory was supported by data collected by the U.S. Commerce Department survey. The survey looked at population changes in 51 metropolitan areas with more than 1 million people. Denton said she, like so many other graduates, felt pressured to find a good job immediately after crossing the stage. She said before she decided to move to Austin she thought about going to graduate school or moving to Boston or Seattle. “When opportunities don’t come knocking on your door, it’s time to leave and hunt them down,” she said. “It’s scary and exhilarating, but now is the perfect time to take those crazy chances.”
NEWS
The News
News
January 16, 2015
As state pulls back, students pay
News Editor: Amanda Grau Assistant Editor: Mari-Alice Jasper Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
Brittany Risko
POLICE BEAT Jan. 7
Jan. 12
12:01 p.m. A caller requested extra patrols at the CFSB Center. Officers were notified. 4:55 p.m. Officers reported smelling a natural gas odor outside the CFSB Center. Officers, the Murray Fire Department, Murray Natural Gas, Central Heating and Cooling Plant and the State Fire Marshal were notified after. They concluded the weather was causing natural gas to flow through the pipes more slowly, resulting in the odor. There was no threat of a fire.
9:12 a.m. A person requested to speak to an officer in reference to a theft that occurred in another jurisdiction. Officers were notified and a report was taken. 3:32 p.m. A person turned in found property to Public Safety and Emergency Management.
Jan. 8 8 a.m. An officer conducted a check of a vehicle in the upper parking lot on 16th street Burls Wrecking Service was later notified. 11:26 a.m. A burglar alarm in the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building was accidentally activated. Police and the keyholder were notified of the incident.
Jan. 9 10:03 a.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop on Lowes drive near AT&T. A speeding citation was issued. 11:26 a.m. A caller from Alexander Hall reported that two dogs were on campus. Officers were notified and the dogs were returned to their owner.
Jan. 10 3:03 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious looking person outside of Wells Hall. Officers were notified. 7:02 p.m. Central Heating and Cooling Plant reported an open door inside Lovett Auditorium. Officers were notified.
Jan. 11 12:01 p.m. A caller from the CFSB Center reported a theft of property. The property was later found by the owner. 6:10 p.m. A caller from Roy Stewart Stadium requested to unlock an office. Officers were notified.
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Jan. 13 10 a.m. A caller reported suspicious activity at the Curris Center. Officers were notified and a criminal report for theft was taken. 12:39 p.m. A caller requested a test of the panic alarm system in Winslow Dining Hall. The test was completed at 12:47 p.m.
Jan. 14 11:21 a.m. Parking Enforcement reported an object blocking people’s ability to park in the parking lot on Ryan street. Officers were notified. 2:45 p.m. A called reported being stuck in an elevator in Faculty Hall. Officers and Facilities management were notified.
Call of Fame Jan. 10, 12:54 a.m. - Officers conducted a check of a person. The person was arrested and cited for alcohol intoxication in a public place. Motor Assists- 5 Racer Assists- 3 Arrests- 1 Mari-Alice Jasper, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
Police Beat is also available every week online at TheNews.org
Staff writer
brisko@murraystate.edu
Students are paying more for their higher education than the amount of money state funded universities are receiving, according to a government study released in 2014. Jackie Dudley, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, said students have not said much about the rise in tuition to anyone in the financial aid department. President Bob Davies said the Education in General Fund, which pays salaries, electric bills and technology bills are also funded by students tuition. Davies said education is an industry that operates at a higher cost increase than inflation. “The reason for that is because we are very tied to the increase of technology,” Davies said. “Technology is most expensive right when it comes out, and we buy technology right when it comes out.” Sara Pille, junior from Farmington, Ill., is trying to finish her degree and spend as little money as possible
Hannah Fowl/The News
Maci Dungan, sophomore from Miamisburg, Ohio, fills out forms for financial aid. since her parents are paying for college. “My parents are just really hoping I graduate, and can pay them back,” Pille said. The Murray State Board of Regents sets the tuition rate after receiving budget estimates from the adminis-
tration, which gets its information from the individual colleges. Dudley said the institution has had two large budget reductions over the past two years and the University analyzed its operations to determine where it could cut
costs. “We share the burden and don’t want to pass on too much to the students,” Dudley said. “It is a difficult process to determine to raise tuition, and it’s the University’s choice.” Brittany Dotson, senior from Levittown, Pa., doesn’t understand what a raise in tuition would pay for. “The economy is getting better, food prices continue to go down, but higher education prices continue to go up,” she said. “I don’t get it. There aren’t any massive improvements being made on campus, so what are we paying for?” Not only does this affect students, but it also affects financial aid workers, because they are being overworked. There is a lot more money going into work-study funds, grants and loans to students than there is going directly to state schools, according to the study. “Because of what students have garnered at the university level, they’re going to be more active in society, “ Davies said. “They’re going to be more likely to vote and more likely to be engaged in civic activities.”
FAFSA applications open to students Teddy Martin || Staff writer emartin11@murraystate.edu
For some students at Murray State, financial aid is a vital lifeline for their school efforts and a method to reduce financial burden. For as long as the University has been open, it has offered financial aid on everything from textbooks to housing. One such method of procuring financial aid would be FAFSA. FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that can be filled out annually by undergraduate and graduate students to determine their eligibility for certain aid, such as the Pell Grant, Federal Student Loans, and the Federal Work-Study program. Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation, according to Federal Aid’s official website. “At the office of Federal Student Aid, our 1,200 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated
mind by providing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans and workstudy funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school,” it’s website stated. FAFSA was brought about by the Higher Education Act of 1965, which began to give schools the resources they needed to aid students in gaining an education at certain facilities. All of these aids are integral to enrollment at Murray State. Justin Carman, freshman from Irvington, Ky., said, dealing with the FAFSA was difficult for him. “It was a really long process and a lot of it didn’t cover what I needed it to cover,” he said. According to Carman, his sister went to a different school and all of her costs were covered by financial aid. Carman was unable to get the federal aid to cover everything and pointed out how discriminant the system may seem. He went on to talk about how loans would help, but they can be quite dan-
gerous to students. “They can bog you down in debt,” he said. Much of the FAFSA is undergoing change at Murray State. Lori Mitchum, director of the Office of Financial Aid said the FAFSA process has remained the same. “It is better for Kentucky residents to complete the FAFSA in January if they are Pell eligible in order to receive the state grant,” she said. Mitchum said federal dollars are always available, but once the state runs out of state grant dollars, then students could lose out on the opportunity to receive those funds, and since federal funds are always available, it isn’t competitive. “It is best to always apply early,” she said. Mitchum said if any student needs assistance, they can stop by the office of Financial Aid for help with the FAFSA or understanding their financial aid package.
After three-year effort, University receives flawless report Sara Gantz || Staff writer sgantz@murraystate.edu
Murray State received a flawless reaccreditation report by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges during its annual meeting the week of Dec. 12, 2014. The accreditation process was a three-year campus effort, which started in 2011 and resulted in zero recommendations for improvement and no deficiencies. Accrediting agencies, which are private education associations, like the SACSCOC, create assessment standards and perform peer evaluations to see if those standards are met and maintained. Peers are the other universities in the association accredited by SACSCOC. Institutions or programs request evaluation, and if they meet the agency’s standards they are accredited by the agency. “The SACSCOC review process is regarded throughout the country as being among the most rigorous and in-depth,” President Bob Da-
vies said. “Therefore, receiving a deficiency-free report is very uncommon and something we should be very proud to receive.” SACSCOC is the local body for the accreditation of higher education institutions which grant degrees in the Southern states. The association works to maintain shared morals and practices among varied institutions in states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky. The SACSCOC website said its mission is to guarantee quality education and better the effectiveness of its member institutions. Its core values are integrity, continuous quality improvement, peer review/self-regulation, accountability, student learning and transparency. Core Requirement, Comprehensive Standards, Federal Requirements and a Quality Enhancement Plan are needed for recertification. A QEP is required of each institution wanting reaffirmation of its accreditation. The plan should deal with one or more issues which help to improve the institution and involve the larger academic community.
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Murray State’s QEP is titled “Bring Learning to Life.” The plan intends to enrich experimental learning by executing learning experiences in which students apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world. Other issues the plan deals with are application, problem-solving, critical/creative thinking and information literacy. “I have always tried to take abstract ideas and classroom information and place it in the context of the real world setting,” said Pat McCutchen, lecturer of sociology. Murray State was first accredited in 1928 and since then has created a tradiMcCutchen tion of merit by improving its programs, services and resources, said Jay Morgan, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, who headed the reaccreditation process. “Such standards require we live up to certain
expectations and it sets the bar high for those of us who work in academia,” McCutchen said. McCutchen said faculty will remain attentive to the goals expected by such rigorous standards through assessment, and Murray State has been achieving those standards without fail according to the SACS review. Murray State’s faculty and facilities are some of the greatest provided, Caleb Perkins, junior from Dixon, Tenn., said students have no excuse not to improve, since Murray State is a near-perfect living and learning institution. “I feel there is always room for improvement; however, Murray State has one incredible standard,” he said. Davies credited the University’s successful report to his faculty and staff. “This would not have occurred if not for the outstanding faculty and staff who on a daily and consistent basis perform at the highest professional levels and have an unparalleled commitment to continually seek innovative ways to improve and grow,” Davies said.
Tinseltown
Tuesday Murray Animal Hospital 1601 College Farm Road Murray, KY 42071 270-753-2088 TERRY D. CANERDY, D.V.M. MICHELLE D. WESTERFELD Small animal veterinary care, surgery, dentistry, exotic pets and boarding. Present your Racercard for a 10% discount off of your first visit.
Where the health and happiness of your pet come first!
New Life Campus Ministry Curris Center Theatre - 7 p.m.
Jan. 20
Frozen Jan. 27
Happy Feet
4A
January 16, 2015
The News
Opinion
Opinion Editor: Carly Besser Phone: 270-809-5873
Our View
The News 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 murraystatenews@icloud.com Fax: 270-809-3175
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Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 mbradley9@murraystate.edu Amanda Grau News Editor • 270-809-4468 agrau1@murraystate.edu Carly Besser Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 cbesser@murraystate.edu Breanna Sill Features Editor • 270-809-5871 bsill@murraystate.edu Mallory Tucker Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 mtucker11@murraystate.edu Kayla MacAllister Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 kmacallister@murraystate.edu Elizabeth Leggett Online Editor • 270-809-5877 eleggett@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Advertising Sales Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Fumi Nakamura Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 fnakamura1@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu
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Katie Wilborn/The News
Tobacco-free campus saga continues The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. It seems that students, faculty and staff have been on their toes since the Board of Regents passed a motion for a smoke-free campus at Murray State. After the board’s Dec. 14 meeting, President Bob Davies sent a campus-wide email with information about the decision. Because the changes will not be enacted until the next academic year, smokers and non-smokers are left to wonder how the historically tobacco-friendly campus will change – whether it be for better or for worse. According to the motion, tobacco and tobacco-like products will be prohibited on property owned by the University. That includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and hookah. Smoking cigarettes is an overt activity. However, how will the
University be able to find people chewing tobacco and smoking e-cigarettes? Neither have a smell and users can be more discreet. Enforcing the ban may prove to be a struggle, especially at Murray State. Tobacco use is more acceptable here because we are in a large tobacco-producing region. Smoking students have their own unspoken spots. Darkfired tobacco is the livelihood for many in the area, and their product is well received. What entity will be responsible for enforcement of the policy? The enforcement issue could turn out to be difficult, but it could also create more student-worker positions, despite the fact that it is still unknown in what department that will be. Though this is the first formal ban Murray State has implemented, it is not the first time
legislation was discussed to curb on-campus tobacco use. A student-led organization pushed the issue five years ago and in 2008, Murray State’s Staff Congress passed a resolution to prohibit smoking within 100 feet of a building on campus. No formal policy was made and there were no efforts to actively enforce it. Based on the way the University dealt with tobacco legislation in the past, the process of students accepting the ban could potentially be as difficult as the University enforcing it. Regents Residential College is a smaller example of how students will react to the policy. Since the entrance to the college became smoke free a year ago, students are largely aware of the ban and generally follow the rules. Though the policy won’t come into effect until the next
academic year, students may see changes this semester. The board provided suggestions to implement transitional rules on campus, including creating smoke-free zones to entrances of buildings and prohibiting the use of tobacco in campus buildings. These small changes will spearhead the policy and provide a transitional environment for students who must obey it next year. Before casting our doubt, it is important to know that the policy is still in its early stages. In his email, Davies said the specific policy, along with the implementation schedule and procedures, will be drafted and presented to the Board of Regents in February. Our more specific questions will be answered once the policy is finalized, but we hope to be informed on the future processes.
The Captain’s Log
The pen is mightier than the sword When does satire go too far? In several instances, there is a paper-thin line as to what is considered satire and what is considered just downright offensive. I understand the unalienable right to freedom of speech, but don’t your rights end Zac Garrison where my Senior from nose begins? For years the Franklin, Ky. lines of what is acceptable satire and what is just blatant bigotry bearing the label of satire have been challenged. One instance of this led to a terrorist attack on a French satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, on Jan. 7 after its crude portrayals of Muhammad became a satirical comic series. Is this where we draw the line at satire? What happened at Charlie Hebdo is undeniably tragic. As a writer and a free thinker of sorts, the thought of my life being jeopardized by my words and thoughts that have been published makes me quite uneasy. That being said, we need to take a real look at what kind of content led to this attack hap-
pening. Since 2012, Charlie Hebdo has published several “satirical” cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, including nude caricatures that were meant to offend and incite a response within the readers. The thing I don’t understand about the situation is that when people ridiculed them for being blatantly offensive to Muslims, they simply said that it was their right to free speech to post such things. So this brings up a question. Is it ethical to be as offensive as you wish because you know free speech can be used as an excuse? Satire is meant to criticize society and culture so that people become aware of the problems that lie in places they have never thought to look. Political satire is meant to unearth the corruption that lies within the ranks of government. Societal satire is aimed at alarming people at the problems and hypocrisies that are apparent in everyday life. So what exactly is depicting Muhammad naked supposed to accomplish? I’m sure if a newspaper depicted crude portrayals of God or Jesus Christ we wouldn’t be so quick to defend their right to free speech. Words have more power than most realize. Wars have been started at the stroke of a pen. Rivalries have been started with the sharpening of a pencil. The terrible thing about the attack, though, is that even though journalists and cartoonists alike are showing solidarity right now to claim that their freedom of speech hasn’t been
stifled, the next newspaper or magazine that wants to depict Muhammad may think twice about it. Fear, used as a weapon, can be just as powerful as words. There is no wrong or right in tragic situations. Satire will continue to offend and people will continue to react to it just like they always have. Not all satire is meant to offend. Some of the greatest satire I’ve ever read is so subtle it takes you a second to understand it. So this in-your-face type of satire is good for nothing but creating chatter, which in turn creates revenues and clicks on their websites. People are more likely to act whilst offended and angry, and any publicity is good publicity for creators of satire. Is this where offensive satire ends? Not even close. Other satirical websites and newspapers will keep challenging the status quo on what is offensive simply because that’s what is expected of them now. If they tone down their offensive content, it will look like the terror attack has swayed them and accomplished its original goal of stifling freedom of speech which could possibly incite future attacks based on similar occurrences. It’s a slippery slope. My thoughts go out to the Charlie Hebdo victims and their families because of this terrible attack, but this situation brings to rise larger problems in society that we need to be aware of when it comes to religion, and these problems have only been exacerbated by the current use of satire. Instead of using satire to dismantle society, why don’t we use it to build it?
The News
Opinion
January 16, 2015
Letter to the Editor Poll results
We asked students if they have seen or plan to see the controversial film “The Interview.” Here are the results of 48 people.
30
Did she really say that?
Negotiating with terror
Like our polls?
In our latest poll, we asked you if you saw “The Interview” in theaters or if you plan to in the future. To participate in future polls, visit TheNews.org.
56%
25
I watched “The Interview” either online or in theaters.
20
28%
15
No, but I plan to see it.
10
16%
5
No, and I don’t plan to see it.
5A
We still want to hear from you
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Respondents
I’ve Got a Story for You
Valentine: Starting over “Nothing is written in stone,” says the old Irish adage. “The future is yours to create with your own hands.” When the sun comes up on the next day, if the adage is true, we get a second chance. The same is true of a new semester. No matter what happened last fall, spring offers an Robert Valentine opportunity to get Senior lecturer it right. It’s one of of advertising life’s real second chances. Oddly enough, both students and professors seem to have the same concerns and aspirations. In a short, highly unscientific poll I took over the holiday, here are the big three goals for the new semester. TAKE NOTES. Every semester I get someone who complains about something on a test, or the amount of time spent in lecture covering something that didn’t seem important. (See: we do read those yellow sheets you fill out in the course evaluation!) I look back at lecture notes and tests and, on many occasions, I decide that the student
is right: we need to shorten a discussion or ask a more relevant question on the exam. Times change. Likewise, students told me that they need to take better notes in lectures. You can’t remember what some guy said three weeks ago in a lecture unless you write it down. You won’t remember when the quiz will be given if you didn’t make a note. Lecturers don’t expect you to remember what they said; they expect you to take notes, and remember them. Take some notes.
“
Cheers and Jeers Cheers & Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor. Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to cbesser@murraystate.edu
Comic
It’s one of life’s real second chances.
-Robert Valentine, senior lecturer of advertising
”
SHOW UP. A major complaint from faculty was that they didn’t get out enough. The University provides plenty of things to do in the form of recitals, plays, lectures and other events — sports, too — but some professors are kicking themselves because they headed home to the easy chair and prime time TV instead of meeting a couple of friends for a sandwich before heading for the concert or lecture. In the real world, these things cost a fortune; here, they are free. Mostly. “Showing up” may have a different meaning for students. Many told me they resolved never to miss another class. It often takes two or three years before some people figure out that the instructor is not chatting away because he or she was bored with filling out accreditation reports
Cheers to ... A new semester. For geeks like us, the sensation of brand new notebooks and pencils is awesome. If you didn’t do as well as you wanted to last semester, use this semester as a clean slate ... Or party harder. Your choice.
Jeers to ... The Charlie Hebdo attacks. On Jan. 7, two Al-Qaeda gunmen opened fire on employees of the French satirical magazine, killing 12. These attacks were senseless and will not repress our right to free expression and speech.
(which accounts for 50 percent of faculty time). Showing up impresses instructors and offers note-takers a chance to write down test answers every time they darken the doorway to ye old lecture hall. Who knew? PROCRASTINATION. Everybody, on both sides of the lectern, has regrets about procrastination. After nearly 40 years in the game, I’m still appalled that I’m recording quiz scores 15 minutes before returning quizzes in class. I should be editing my lecture notes to get rid of the stuff that is no longer relevant. “As soon as we get the quiz,” I should be telling myself, “we go back to the freezing office (did I say that out loud?) and grade them.” Other emergencies often intervene until it’s too late to grade in a timely way. What emergencies, you ask? Probably a lack of coffee, or the absence of fresh doughnuts — life threatening stuff, you know? Students say the same thing: they put off studying until the night before an exam instead of having started the process two weeks before. Science tells us that the more repetitions of a word or idea we experience, the greater the likelihood that we will recall it. Procrastination puts an absolute limit on the number of repetitions and, thus, is an accurate predictor of failure. “I work best under pressure,” is the rationalization employed by those who, miraculously, didn’t flunk out last year. So, we’re at the start of a new spring; let’s make the most of this second chance. How long ’til Spring Break?
Jeers to ... The selfie stick. This ridiculous piece of technology allows users to put their camera on a long stick, so more people can fit in one selfie. It’s an awkward process of capturing moments. No, thank you.
Cheers to ... The Paris Unity Rally. Following the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, world leaders joined and empowered the 3.7 million strong crowd to express resilience. It turned out to be the largest demonstration in French history. There’s power in numbers.
I remember how Americans rallied together after former President George W. Bush dropped the famous line, “America does not negotiate with terrorists.” Our anger Carly Besser following the Opinion Editor attacks on Sept. 11 was energized by sheer patriotism and an attitude of never backing down from those who oppose us. It’s a nice sentiment. Everyone wants to be proud of the country they live in. However, the recent headlines about certain movie theaters refusing to play “The Interview” stirred endless conflict and hypocrisy. After hackers under the alias of Guardians of Peace leaked personal documents belonging to Sony Pictures Entertainment, they made the ominous threat that those who watch “The Interview” will be attacked. There is speculation that the hackers were extensions of the North Korean government, and tried to have the film removed because of its satire of leader Kim Jong Un. Unfortunately, in this case, we did temporarily negotiate with terrorists because the film was not shown in most major theaters. There are stark differences between the events surrounding Sept. 11 and our response to the Guardians of Peace. In one case, we seemed fearless in our decision to bypass negotiation. In the other, we cowered and partially respected the wishes of cyber terrorists. While they are different, there are components of both events that are similar. As a reaction to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we almost unanimously agreed to give up what were formally considered unalienable rights. It was a negotiation with our government in exchange for our protection. We gave up our right to privacy after the Patriot Act allowed the government to tap into our telephone calls. The way we fly will never be the way it was. Everything in your suitcase is a potential bomb, including the shampoo I was forced to throw away because the bottle was too big. These are things we gave up so we could eradicate the terrorists we became so afraid of. The decision to remove “The Interview” from major theaters was not the decision of the government. In fact, President Barack Obama shared his distaste about it. It was the decision of theater companies and Sony. However, it is still an abandonment of our First Amendment rights to withhold the film. We have a freedom of expression and speech. The decision to pull the movie was a violation against the director’s expression and it was also a violation against Americans who wanted to enjoy the film. We gave up our rights for protection against unverified terrorists that made empty threats. Sony decided to save face by showing the film in independent theaters and offering it on YouTube, but I’m still disappointed in our initial response to the unsubstantiated threats. We’re not even sure if they were made by the North Korean government. The FBI casted doubt after publicly announcing it was more than sure.“The Interview” could barely be considered propaganda because of its comedic aspect. Sony’s cowardice was unnecessary. cbesser@murraystate.edu
Editor’s Note: This space was intentionally left blank by The Murray State News for those killed in the attacks in Paris on Jan. 7. Each of these people will never draw another cartoon, never see their families or live another day again. This is in memory of them.
The News
News
6A
January 16, 2015
Murray grad designs app to bring people together
Mari-Alice Jasper
Assistant News Editor mjasper1@murraystate.edu
Photo courtesy of Jon Burdon
Jon Burdon, a Murray State graduate, founded Socialcoaster in January of 2013 and launched the app in December of 2014.
Photos courtesy of Jon Burdon
Socialcoaster is a mobile app designed to connect people and create online micro-communities based on shared interests.
Are you having a hard time finding friends with common interests? There’s an app for that. Two Murray State graduates have come together with a team to create a social media app, Socialcoaster, that connects users based on their common interests. Socialcoaster is a social platform that provides users who share interests a place to create, grow and follow micro-communities according to likes on their Facebook page. Socialcoaster was founded in January of 2013 and was recently launched in December of 2014. Entrepreneur Jon Burdon, graduate of Murray State, is the CEO of Socialcoaster. Burdon said the idea for the app developed based on the old concept of message board forums and then revolutionized it for a more mobile-friendly experience. “We’ve been doing really well since the launch,” Burdon said. “The number of people logging in has increased daily since we launched.” The concept for Socialcoaster began as an idea for events and places, but then rolled over into micro-communities, Burdon said. Micro-communities are tightly knit groups of people with common interests that exist within larger communities. The goal of Socialcoaster is to help these micro-communities thrive in any setting. Burdon said although some inventors dislike changing their product, he encourages feedback from the users. If a user stops logging into the app for an extended amount of time, they might receive an email asking why they have stopped using Socialcoaster
so the team can better understand what changes need to be made. The team behind Socialcoaster consists of the CEO, the vice president of business development, two in-house developers and one contract developer. Burdon said initially there were a few bugs and crashes, but the team is working hard to keep updating and making improvements to the app. “Give us six months to a year before it’s polished,” he said. Socialcoaster is more filtered than other social media apps. It requires the user to provide a legitimate telephone number for verification and administration are always behind the scenes monitoring activity on the app. “We believe in the freedom of speech, but we hate hate speech,” he said. Hate speech is defined as language that offends, threatens or insults groups of people based on their race, color, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Any form of social media bullying is considered unacceptable on Socialcoaster. Burdon said the app needs to grow and get as many users as it can because the team cannot make any profit or do any advertising until the app reaches a critical mass. As of now the group is operating on investment money, but advertising may be a possibility in the future. “The advertising would be non-intrusive and extremely targeted toward their audience,” he said. Sam Toby, graduate student at Murray State, is the vice president of business development for Socialcoaster. Toby said he met Burdon at a professional speaking seminar hosted by the University and was later offered an in-
ternship with Socialcoaster that summer by Burdon. “I even lived in Jonathon’s basement for the duration of the internship,” Toby said. “True start-up life, which is as sad as it is true.” He said being part of a small start-up meant having to be willing to fulfill various roles and tasks daily to make it successful. “There were some days I spent vacuuming floors to prepare for hosting investors and days we had 10 high school students running around the office trying to keep their focus long enough to have a focus group session,” he said. Toby said Socialcoaster strives to bring the feeling of community back to social media. The app encourages users to collaborate, communicate and reach out to others users with common interests in your area. The team at Socialcoaster desires to siphon the egocentrism out of social media and emphasize the commonalities and sense of belonging that social networking can bring to users. “We have micro-communities that bring together people that are interested in anything from wire jewelry to UK basketball, from horses to the Country Music Hall of Fame,” he said. As of 2014, there were more than 15 clubs and 100 student organizations registered at Murray State, according to the Murray State website. But none are as specially tailored to individual interests as the groups on Socialcoaster. The app allows students to seek like-minded individuals and build a stronger community. “Our network highlights the greatest part of the community, which is the shared sense of commonality and belongingness,” Toby said.
sga / u d e . e t r ays t a r u m . t w w w r 111. a e n i l le on ent e b C a s l i i r a r v u s are a ent of f ice, C n o i t a c n appli ent Involvem o i t a i c r St ud t Asso o n f e r Elections: m e t n r Cen ove e G h t t n n i e or Online voting Mon., March 9 at 12:01 A.M. St ud through Tues., March 10 at 11:59 P.M.
Senate Chair:
Senate:
Elections/Ways & Means - 1 position, 2.5 gpa Publications & Public Relations, 1 position, 2.5 gpa University Affairs - 1 position, 2.5 gpa Judicial Board Chair - 1 position, 2.5 gpa SGA Webmaster - 1 position, 2.5 gpa
10 members, must be Junior by fall semester, 2.5 gpa
President - must be: Junior by fall semester, 2.7 gpa Vice President - must be: Junior by fall semester, 2.7 gpa Secretary - 2.7 gpa Treasurer - 2.7 gpa Senator At Large - 8 positions, 2.5 gpa College of Business - 3 positions, 2.5 gpa College of Education & Human Services - 3 positions, 2.5 gpa College of Humanities & Fine Arts - 3 positions, 2.5 gpa College of Science, Engineering & Technology - 3 positions, 2.5 gpa Hutson School of Agriculture - 3 positions, 2.5 gpa School of Nursing - 3 positions, 2.5 gpa
Applications due Mon., April 6 at NOON in the CSI office.
Applications due Fri., Feb. 20 at NOON in the CSI office. Mandatory Candidates Meeting at 2 P.M. in the Barkley Room
Applications due Mon., April 6 at NOON in the CSI office.
Judicial Board:
Campus Activities Board – 15 chair positions, 2.5 gpa Applications due Mon., April 6 at NOON in the CSI office
The News
News
January 16, 2015
7A
King’s legacy honored all semester
Staff Report
“No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream,” Martin Luther King Jr. said in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech almost 52 years ago. Today, King’s thundering speech
still rings true with members of the Murray State community who are gathering together to honor the movement for civil liberty in the 1960s. Washington Street Baptist Church in Paducah will open the celebration of King and the Civil Rights Movement Saturday with a community prayer breakfast. The events will run
from the end of January through April. The bulk of the events will occur on Murray State’s campuses in Murray and Paducah, but local churches and community centers are also taking part. The events have garnered sponsorships the Multicultural Council and the Indian Student Association.
Celebrate Diversity
2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Black Heritage Celebration Calendar of Events January 17
February
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast 6 9 a.m. - Washington Street Baptist Church Paducah, Ky,
18
Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight March & Vigil
19
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast
Visit the online calendar of events: www.smore.com/4btk9
9
21
Panel Discussion: “The Next Generation of Leadership” 6 p.m. - Curris Center Stables
To see the complete interactive calendar of 2015 events visit www.smore.com/4btk9
National African-American Read-in
5 p.m. - Curris Center, Tennessee Room Contact Doris Saunders: 270-809-5374
9:30 a.m. - Curris Center Small Ballroom
Register online at volunteer.murraystate.edu
6:30 p.m. - Curris Center Ballroom
9-13 Black Student Council Week
5:30 p.m. - In front of Pogue Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Third Annual Taste of Africa
19-21 Cinema International & OMA present “Long Walk to Freedom” 7 p.m. - Curris Center Theater
24
Presidential Lecture Series: Chuck Todd
27
MC2 - Multicultural Organization Fair
8 p.m. - Lovett Auditorium
10 a.m.- 2 p.m. - Curris Center Stables
Global Extravaganza 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. - Curris Center, Banquet Room 2
28
Ninth Annual African American Heritage Gala Reception
4 p.m. - Crisp Center, Murray State Paducah Regional Campus
Source: U.S. Department of Defence/Wikipedia Commons
Martin Luther King Jr. addresses a crowd in Washington D.C. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963.
President Bob Davies cordially invites you to attend a Strategic Initiatives Information Session STUDENTS
E V E RYO N E
Town Hall Meeting
Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Curris Center Small Ballroom
Monday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. Curris Center Theater
Your ideas and questions are welcome throughout the strategic planning process to ensure Murray State University is the “University of Choice.”
The News
8A
January 16, 2015
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS The Murray State University Student Government Association is now accepting applications for the following Awards:
Jim Baurer Outstanding Staff Service Award
Ralph H. Woods Memorial Award
Established to honor and recognize a staff member who has gone above and beyond the call of prescribed duty and shown exceptional dedication with regard to the students of Murray State University. Application deadline Noon, February 20, 2015.
Established to honor and recognize a student or students who have made an outstanding contribution in service and leadership to Murray State University. Application deadline Noon, March 9, 2015. Applications are available in the CSI office, MSU News and www.murraystate.edu/sga. Please contact the SGA in the Center for Student Involvement office for additional information 270-809-6951.
Max Carman Outstanding Teacher Award This award is given in recognition of the recipient’s teaching excellence as evidenced by his/her effectiveness and ability to motivate and inspire students in the classroom and outside the classroom. Application deadline Noon, February 20, 2015.
NOMINATION FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAX CARMAN OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD I,
(your name)
nominate (professor)
, would like to for the award.
Please complete the following information: 1.
2.
4. What qualities do you feel this professor has that would qualify him/her for this award for outstanding classroom performance?
What department does the faculty member teach in?
*REQUIREMENT FOR AWARD: FOUR (4) YEARS FULL TIME TEACHING EXPERIENCE AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY Student's signature
Date__________
Major
Phone_________
Have you had the professor in class? If so, what classes? Email address________________________________________________
3.
DEADLINE - NOON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015
Is the professor available for assistance outside the classroom?
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION RALPH H. WOODS MEMORIAL AWARD APPLICATION Form to be filled out by nominee or person making nomination and submitted to Jeanie Morgan, Student Government Association, Center for Student Involvement office, with three (3) letters of recommendation, no later than NOON, MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015. NOMINEE ________________________________________________________ Campus Address__________________________________________________ Email Address___________________________________________________ NAME OF NOMINATING ORGANIZATION OR INDIVIDUAL _________________________________________________________________ ADDITONAL COMMENTS
ACTIVITIES
NOMINATION FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION'S JIM BAURER OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE AWARD I,
(your name)
nominate (staff )
, would like to for the award.
Nominee name______________________________________________ Campus address____________________________________________ Campus telephone number___________________________________ Email address_____________________________________________ Please complete the following information: 1.
2. What qualities do you feel this staff person has that would qualify him/her for this award?
What area does the staff member work in?
*REQUIREMENT FOR AWARD: FIVE (5) YEARS FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY Student's signature
Date_____
Major
Phone_________
Email address________________________________________________ DEADLINE - NOON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015
January 16, 2015
Section B
The News
Sports
Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Assistant Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
RACERS WIN 12 STRAIGHT
Jenny Rohl/The News
Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
The air in the CFSB Center was laced with electricity as fans cheered on the Racers to battle OVC rival Belmont University, with rowdy student section packing the seats for the first home men’s basketball game since Winter Break. “We had a great atmosphere tonight,” senior forward Jonathan Fairell said. “A lot of students, a lot of fans came out to support us. And I give credit to the fans, cause you know, without them, we wouldn’t have the momentum we have in the game – or knocking out big shots. Because we feed off their energy, too.” The starting five took the floor in pursuit of their 12th-straight win and fourth OVC victory of the season. Senior forward Jarvis Williams won the tip for the Racers and Fairell quickly put a bucket on the scoreboard. A strong defensive effort by Fairell caused a turnover on Belmont and sophomore point guard Cameron Payne put the Racers up 4-2 less than four minutes into the first half. Belmont returned the score, sinking a three-pointer to make it 5-4. The Racers returned to the floor after the first time out with a renewed sense of drive as senior guard T.J. Sapp quickly put up a three-pointer. Junior forward Jeffery Moss was quick to follow suit and put the Racers up 10-5. The fans were deafening as the Racers took a seven-point lead and dominated on defense. Sapp made two free throws followed by Williams’ jam that solidified a 12-0 run for Murray State. But Belmont snapped out of their dry spell with a bucket before the second media timeout of the half. A foul by Fairell allowed the Bruins to put in a layup and they cut the Racers’ lead to six. A skilled pass from redshirt-sophomore guard Justin
Seymour to Payne put two more on the board for the Racers before Payne was called down-court for a foul. A loose pass from freshman guard Kedrick Flomo allowed Belmont to score two more points, but the Racers put up five unreturned. However, Belmont was able to end the streak, making the score 35-23. The Racers dominated under the rim, winning 22 total rebounds to the 12 that Belmont was able to pull down in the first half. Time ran out with the Racers leading 46-37 at the end of the first half. Murray State kept up the pace entering the second half as they collected a 19-point lead with 10 minutes to play, shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line. The crowd quieted in a sense of security as the Bruins lost momentum and the Racers continued to build their lead at a leisurely pace. The Racers took their second 20-point lead of the game as Williams jammed one in before laying another up. Fairell added two more easy points with free-throws, making the score 88-66 with just under five minutes to play. “I’m really impressed with Murray State’s basketball team,” said Belmont Head Coach Rick Byrd. “As we scouted them, and certainly was even more impressed, personally, with them. They’re a pretty complete team.” The spark in the air of the CFSB Center calmed to a steadily burning coal in the last minutes of the game. The clock timed out and the Racers took their 12th consecutive win comfortably, 92-77 over Belmont. “We haven’t talked about the streak,” said Head Coach Steve Prohm. “You know, the funny thing about when I told them ‘1-0’ before the day – I said, ‘That’s our goal man. Let’s just go 1-0.’ We’ve got to beat Tennessee State to get to where we want to go to.”
Kalli Bubb/The News
Senior forward Jarvis Williams jams a dunk Thursday night at the CFSB Center. Williams was one of six Racers who scored in the double digits.
Sport Shorts
Racers earn weekly conference honors
Senior forward Jarvis Williams and senior thrower Tonia Pratt both earned weekly OVC awards this week. Williams was named the Co-Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week, while Pratt was named the first 2015 Female Field Athlete of the Week Monday by the league’s sports information directors. Pratt took home first place the weight throw and fifth place in shot put during the team’s first meet, the Music City Invitational hosted by Vanderbilt Dec. 4. Both scores also placed her on Murray State’s All-Time Bests list, now ranking third overall in weight throw and fifth overall in shot put. Williams took his second OVC Weekly Honor of the season after the Racers defeated both Tennessee Tech and Jacksonville State on the road. He shared the honor with Corey Walden of Eastern Kentucky. Additionally, Williams was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays Jan. 11 for a dunk off a half-court pass from sophomore point guard Cameron Payne.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
For more sports news in a minute or less follow us on Twitter: @MSUSportsNews
Harris earns third national award in post-season Senior running back Pokey Harris received the 2014 College Football Performance Award Kick Returner Award Tuesday. He is the second Racer to earn a post-season honor from the CFPA, joining Dontrell Johnson, who was named the 2010 Elite Punt Returner, Harris led the nation with three kick-off returns for touchdowns and finished seventh in the nation in yards per return at 28.8 during the 2014 season, ranking first in the OVC. Named to three of the seven major All-American teams, Harris may see more post-season awards as they wrap up in the end of January with the Phil Steele and College Sporting News teams.
Coach Prohm selected for Infiniti Coaches Challenge
Head men’s basketball coach Steve Prohm was selected as part of the 48 coaches to compete in the Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge. Infiniti, ESPN, NABC and the NCAA have collaborated for the 10-week charity competition in which the overall winner receives $100,000 for their charity of choice. Prohm has selected the Lupus Foundation of America. As of Thursday, Prohm was in 14th place.
New logos place third in national contest Murray State’s new primary athletic logo placed third in the 2014 SportsLogos.Net Readers’ Choice Awards for the Best New Primary Logo of the year. The new logo and all of its secondary marks were created by Joe Bosack. OVC counterpart Austin Peay State placed 11th in the competition for their new logo.
From the Sidelines
Sideline Barbie I’ll graduate in December, so the inevitable question is starting to come up a lot: “What do you want to do when Mallory Tucker you graduSports Editor ate?” When I tell people I want to work in sports, their first instinct is to compare me to Erin Andrews. “Oh, so you want to be Erin Andrews?” “Oh, so you want to be a sideline reporter?” “Oh, you want to be on TV?” Honestly, I’d much rather sit in a press box and keep stats than ever be on camera, and although I enjoy the sideline, I don’t see myself particularly enjoying a frozen Lambeau anytime soon. But because I’m a girl and because I’m blonde and because I want to work in sports, the only comparison that people make is Andrews. And although she is a huge role model of mine and undoubtedly one of the hardest workers in the sports business, I can’t imagine gaining her level of success and fame just to be treated the way she is. How is she treated? She is constantly put down by men who say her success came solely from her looks rather than her work ethic. Now that she has branched out and works on Dancing With the Stars, she is criticized – despite the fact that she’s been a dancer her whole life, even dancing on the Florida Gators’ dance team during college. At the beginning of her career, Andrews was referred to as Sideline Barbie, which I can find some humor in. I even contemplated this as the name of my column for a long time, but in the end I feared its irony would be lost on the many readers who would actually take me seriously for once – of course in the wrong situation. Yet in so many work situations I find myself truly feeling like a sideline Barbie doll. Too often I’m the only woman in the room, a mass of blonde hair and cute shoes, interviewing men twice my size while sitting next to men twice my age. As a sports journalist, I am the elephant in the room, and I know this will be the case even as I venture out into my next place of work, wherever that may be. If I continue to work in sports, as I hope to do, I know I will be the minority. I have accepted this as truth, but I have yet to accept it as actually acceptable. I analyze more stats in one season than most men do in their lifetimes, but because I have long hair and the wrong genitalia, I still know nothing. I get tweets directed at me that say: “Stick to tweeting about something other than sports.” To that I say: Take your attitude back to the pre-19th Amendment era where it belongs, and kindly unfollow my Twitter on your way out. And because Erin Andrews is beautiful, she is just considered “eye candy,” rather than someone who studies the game – whatever game she is covering on that particular day – and works her butt off for every penny she makes. (Side note: Andrews’ net worth is $3 million, and she is more famous than her seven-time Emmy-award winning journalist father, Steven Andrews.) For now, the world of sports is still run by and for the “Good old boys,” but I have hope that one day we’ll see just as many “Sideline Barbies.” And even crazier than that, maybe someday we won’t be called Barbies, or girls or even women, but just co-workers. Until that day comes, I’ll be working hard and quietly behind the scenes, knowing that I have just as much right to be there as the men that are next to me. mtucker11@murraystate.edu
OVC PLAY
RIFLE RISES
GYM RESOLUTIONS
TOP FOUR
Women’s basketball turns focus to conference, 3B
Team posts best score of season, 4B
Local gyms see boost in attendance, 5B
The four things you may have missed over break, 6B
The News
Sports
2B
January 16, 2015
RACERS ON A ROLL
30 The Racers kicked off the streak with a 68-59 victory over Drake at the Challenge in Music City.
DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
While other students headed home for break, the men’s basketball team went on an 11-game win binge
3
Alcorn State visited the CFSB Center to take a 94-56 loss as T.J. Sapp tacked 21 points on the scoreboard.
JANUARY
30
The men battled rival Western Kentucky to come out with a 93-81 win on their home court.
The team returned to CFSB for a dominating 102-66 win over Bethel University.
13 17 Cameron Payne led the team with 23 points to a nail-biting 81-79 victory on the road over the University of Evansville.
6
3 A 66-57 road win over
20 The Racers put the game out of reach with a 14-4 run in the second half and beat Illinois State 89-77.
8
22 Payne tallied 22 points on the 22nd as the team defeated Southern Illinois 83-71 on the Salukis’ own court.
11 Williams led the team
Payne and Jeffery Moss The Racers held visiting Morehead State started jump-started the second with a double-double as Alabama A&M to 25% it took its 11th win on the the new year off for the half with two straight shooting and nearly 11th, beating Jacksonville Racers as Jeffery Moss three-pointers to beat doubled the Bulldogs’ State 84-57. scored 23 points. Tennessee Tech 83-67. points, 76-39. “We’ve got good kids, and that’s why we’ve been able to get to this point,” said men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm. “Now we’ve got to continue to preach selflessness. Preach about ‘I am three.’ Be third. God, family and then you. Or God, team and then you. They’ve got to become less and the team’s got to become more.”
“
”
The News
Sports
January 16, 2015
3B
Rough start for Women’s Basketball Racers begin season with four-game loss
Kelsey Randolph || Assistant Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu
Four games into the conference schedule and women’s basketball has yet to secure a win after falling 76-72 to Tennessee State on Thursday. “We have a philosophy,” said Head Coach Rob Cross. “If there is a player between you and the basket, you have to attack that player and beat that player to get to the rim.” The Racers (5-12, 0-4) struggled early to break through the Lady Tigers’ defense, settling instead for outside shots, many of which missed the mark. They shot 20 percent from behind the three-point line in the first half. They fared better in the second half, shooting 6-11 from behind the arc led by senior guard Keiona Kirby, who hit four of her nine three-point shots. The Racers so far are winless on the road but had played better at home until Thursday. Tennessee State (6-9, 3-1) controlled the game early, then hit free throws in the final minute to seal a win. Despite trading leads with the Lady Tigers through most of the second half, Cross said it was hard to make up for the difference in rebounds. Tennessee State had more than twice as many
second chances as the Racers with 29 offensive boards compared to Murray State’s 12. “Rebounding is what we need to work on,” Cross said. “I felt bad for our players because we did everything else right and it’s been like this at all four of the conference games.” The Racers started the OVC season with a three game losses on the road, making them 0-8 away from CFSB Center. Despite the losing record, Cross said he can’t harp on the negativity. “We’re just concerned about getting another possession,” Cross said. “I feel good about where we are, but we’re struggling trying to find that extra one or two possessions at the end of the games.” Still, Cross said he saw improvement in energy in the last minutes of the game. The players, though, aren’t satisfied. “We can’t have the same results we’ve been having,” said freshman guard, Olivia Cunningham. “We can’t start out slow in games. We have to have energy during the whole game. If we come out with energy and don’t turn it over we’ll do better.” Since the start of the conference season, the Racers (0-3) have traveled to Morehead State (2-1), Tennessee Tech (2-2) and Jacksonville State (2-2), losing to each by five points or fewer. Cross said a lot of the younger players are still learning how to
“
We have the good scores. We’re hungry for a win at this point. The next team has to look out because we’re going to be on it. –Ke’Shunan James Freshman Forward and Guard
make on-court decisions. He said with experience they will learn, but he is looking for veteran players to step up and lead. Freshman forward and guard Ke’Shunan James said losing only amplifies the challenge awaiting in the next game against Belmont at 5 p.m. tomorrow. “We’ve got the team to win,” James said. “To do it we just have to work. We have the good scores. We’re hungry for a win at this point. The next team has to look out because we’re going to be on it.”
Kalli Bubb/The News
Above: Freshman guard Olivia Cunningham and senior forward Chanyere Hosey defend against Tennessee State players. Top left: Freshman forward and guard Ke’Shunan James dribbles down the court, with three Lady Tigers following. Bottom left: Freshman guard Olivia Cunningham goes against Lady Tiger defense Thursday night at the CFSB Center.
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The News
Sports
4B
January 16, 2015
Rifle shoots record high Kelsey Randolph || Assistant Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu
In its first match back from Winter Break, the rifle team shot two wins, scored above its average and had a guest appearance. Head Coach Alan Lollar brought the players back from the break a week early to train for their matches against Columbus State on Jan. 10 and UT Martin on Jan. 11. Both matches put the Racers scoring two points above their usual average smallbore score and eight points above their average air rifle score. “I was really happy with the way they came back,” Lollar said. “To come and shoot at the level they did showed they were serious about training and worked hard on their own.”
UP AND COMING FRESHMAN
The Racers shot their best scores since the season opener. Shooting an aggregate score of 4,667 put the team five points from their season best of 4,672. Ivan Roe, freshman from Manhattan, Mont., led the team with a high of 582 in smallbore and 593 in air rifle, which tied his career-high in smallbore and made a personal best in air rifle. “I think all three of the freshman want to do the best they can,” Lollar said. “The commitment is priceless. You can’t make somebody want to do that. For them to have that drive and commitment and work hard every morning is really good to see.” Roe got a feel for the sport from the Manhattan High School BB Club team. Roe’s scores put him notching a score as high as the fourth-year Racer senior, Kelsey Emme. Roe said he never expected to do as well as his record shows because of his young age. The team strives to do better than the next person–always working toward their best. “It’s like an undergrowth,” Roe said. “When a forest burns down there is always something new and better to grow back.” Roe was named the Murray State Pepsi Athlete of the Week Jan. 5-11.
Kory Savage/The News
Freshman Ivan Roe from Manhattan, Mont., practices a prone position for smallbore before the team’s match Saturday against Columbus State and Jacksonville State on Sunday.
PLANS FOR THE SEASON
means a lot to the shooters because they know he’s interested and just that helps everything.”
Lollar said every week the goal of the team is to be consistent. He said training as if every practice is a match helps the team feel comfortable in other environments. “When you first start playing a new instrument, you’re bad,” Lollar said. “The instrument doesn’t change but your repetition and how many times you’re doing that does. You only get better if you make the effort to do it right.” Something of a surprise to the Racers last weekend was a visit from President Bob Davies. Lollar said in his eight years coaching this is the first time he remembers having a president visit the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range. “It is wonderful having a president come visit,” Lollar said. “It
SURPRISE VISIT
Roe said it was to his shock that Davies was ready to greet the team as the came off the range line. “It was cool to show our president what we can do,” Roe said. “We got off the line and he greeted us telling us we did well. You don’t get that every day and it meant a lot to us.” The Racers travel to Fort Benning, Ga., Saturday to face Columbus State and to Jacksonville, Ala., to face Jacksonville State on Sunday. “I think if this weekend reflects anything like we’ve been shooting in practice then we’ll surprise a lot of people,” Roe said.
Top shooters from MSU Tri-Match No. 2
Kory Savage/The News
Freshman Ivan Roe from Manhattan, Mont., sets his sights at practice.
Shooter
Air rifle score
Smallbore score
Kelsey Emme (Sr.) Tesa Howald (Jr.) Kaitlin Wilson (Jr.) Ryan Limpus (Jr.) Ivan Roe (Fr.) Ben Estes (Fr.)
586 588 573 580 593 587
577 577 563 569 582 577
January 16, 2015
5B
The News
Features
Features Editor: Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor: Madison Wepfer Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
The
F-WORD Men and women alike strive to clarify the term “feminism” and work toward equality.
twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
Before the 19th Amendment, women had little influence in political or societal debate. Some women and men feel the right to vote was only the beginning of a larger revolution in women’s rights. Society often tags a name onto this topic: feminism. Some argue that feminism means different things to different people and some scholars even argue that the prevalence of the feminism discussion is changing and adapting. Alexandra Hendley, assistant professor of sociology, said notable sociologist Jo Reger argues that feminism is still existent but looks different than it did during the 1960s, when feminism was visible movement. Hendley said there are large corporations incorporating somewhat feminist messages into their ad campaigns as well as celebrities openly stating their beliefs on the discussion. Some examples Hendley mentioned are the Dove Real Beauty Campaign and Beyonce and Taylor Swift “coming out” as feminists. On the opposite end of the spectrum, celebrities have openly claimed they are not feminists. “I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women,” Katy Perry said. Country music singer Carrie Underwood is open about her beliefs. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say I am a feminist – that can come off as a negative connotation,” she said. “But I am a strong female.” Hendley said consequently there are people who accept feminist beliefs, but who don’t identify and who aren’t involved in any sort of activism. “Many of the things that earlier feminists fought for are now sort of taken for granted,” Hendley said. “As a result, some people believe that feminism is dead or that we don’t have a need for it anymore.” Abigail French, director of the Women’s Center, has seen a similar movement in the feminist discussion. French said most women do not label themselves as feminist or
consciously engage in feminist behavior; however, that does not mean they do not think, say and do things that promote feminist ideas. Feminism is not confined to women. There are men who are open about their feminist beliefs, as well. Hendley noted Michael Kimmel and Michael Messner as two notable feminist sociologists. Messner recently co-wrote a book based on life history interviews with anti-violence activists, and explored the experiences of men who are engaged as feminist allies. College students do not necessarily subscribe to a label even if they are passionate about relevant issues. This may be one of the reasons that most college students do not actively label themselves as feminist or identify with a feminist movement. However, French said, they may identify with an issue or cause that is sometimes tied to feminism. “For example, many college students have a renewed sense of urgency when it comes to addressing gender-based violence as a result of the national attention that this issue has received,” French said. “Their passion in addressing this issue does not necessarily translate to their identification as a feminist, even though gender-based violence is a significant threat in the feminist movement.” This argument and others may be tied back to feminism having different meanings for different people. French believes that while age and gender play an important role, other things like education level, geographical location and personal experience may also have an effect on feminist prevalence. Age as a determining factor can be analyzed in a way Hendley describes as “generational divides.” As movements and trends constantly change, feminist movements seem to catch attention. French said there is a growing conversation regarding the ‘women’s leadership gap.’ This term means there is an underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Due to this discussion, the Women’s Center is sponsoring a series of events this spring as part of the High FIVE Initiative to bring attention to the women’s leadership gap.
Feminism has not yet been defined in a way acceptable to every person. Hendley describes the term as the belief in equal worth of men and women. She believes it is a recognition that society has not fully achieved at this time and there is a need to work toward it. “For me it goes beyond equal rights, because while we have made great gains over the last 50 years or so in that sense, a more pervasive belief system that privileges masculinity over femininity, men over women, still persists,” Hendley said. “These beliefs inform and shape the structure of institutions and also influence our interactions with one another.
A woman earns
cents
for every dollar a man makes.
38% of women
consider themselves feminists.
18%
of men consider themselves feminists. Jessica Grounds will speak about empowering women to become political leaders at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 at the Mason Hall Auditorium.
Graphic by Madison Wepfer Data courtesy of The Washington Times
Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer
Jenny Rohl/The News
Local gyms see growth in attendees since the new year
Madison Wepfer || Assistant Features Editor mwepfer@murraystate.edu
Many Americans use the new year as a catalyst for their new and improved self. They strive to resolve anything from increased recycling to world peace. The most popular resolutions are losing weight, eating healthier and getting more fit according to USA.gov. In Murray, this phenomenon is ever present according to the owners of CrossFit Murray and the director of Campus Recreation at the Murray State Wellness Center. Angie, McCord, co-owner of CrossFit Murray, said the workout facility has had to increase the amount of classes they provide to accommodate for the influx of people during the new year. “What we find is our January groups are always bigger,” McCord said. “We normally do (offer classes) every month, but a lot of times, we’ll do January, February, March.” Because CrossFit is such a rigorous activity, McCord said they always start new members in a beginner class to observe how they move and what kind
of shape they are in currently. She said they increase the class size in January because a lot of people decide to make a drastic change come the new year. “We definitely increase,” McCord said. “People take time off in the fall because their kids are in sports and then they’re back in January. We see a 20-25 percent increase in membership either from new people or returning members.” That is not necessarily true for the Murray State Wellness Center. Director of Campus Recreation Steven Leitch said their membership does not show a large increase at the beginning of the year. Leitch said because their membership is based on the semester, many people buy at the beginning of August and keep it throughout the school year. Although their membership does not increase, Leitch said he and his staff notice an extreme increase in attendance during the first week of school. “Last night (Monday night), was more than the first day in August,” Leitch said. “We had 289 people here at 5:30. The first week will always be our highest week and then the second week won’t compare to
see GYM, 6B
Pageant queens reign over campus Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu
For two Murray State women, 2014’s crowning achievements came in the form of literal crowns. Shelby Beloate, sophomore from Puryear, Tenn., was crowned National American Miss Tennessee in May of last year, coincidentally at the same pageant event at which she met Natalie Lawrence, junior from Wickliffe, Ky. Lawrence had been crowned National American Miss Teen Kentucky earlier in the same month and was there to volunteer her help to her Southern counterparts. Beloate had heard of Lawrence through her hairdresser and makeup artist and made her mind up to meet her. Beloate was a freshman at the University at the time and Lawrence had enrolled and was set to transfer to Murray State in the fall. Once they met, their friendship bloomed from there. When August rolled around, Lawrence went through sorority recruitment and joined Alpha Omicron Pi, the same sorority Beloate is a part of. Now, the two are joined not only by their crowns, but also by the community service and values upheld by their organization. National American Miss Pageants were described by both women as conservative, a characteristic most obviously seen in their lack of swimwear competitions and in their major focus on community service. “National American Miss fo-
cuses on community service, interview, introduction – which is like a 30-second kind of spiel about yourself,” Lawrence said. “And then you have evening gown.” While there are not any required duties to be carried out during their reigns, both women have taken on platforms that affect them on a personal level. “(The city of Union City, Tenn.,) had this Operation 300 memorial ride for Aaron Vaughn,” Beloate said. “He was a Navy Seal and he was killed while he was overseas, fighting for our country. He was a big bike rider, so he loved riding motorcycles. And I thought that was really neat because my brother, Dillon, he goes here and he’s in the ROTC program and he’s in the Army so whenever I can do something to help with any Army or military stuff I do – it’s really close to my heart.” Beloate’s father presented the idea to her after seeing the memorial ride advertised at a local Harley-Davidson dealership. Lawrence’s service platform was also unique – she coordinated the Miss Purple Angel Pageant in her hometown to raise money for Alzheimer’s disease awareness. Three years ago, her grandfather passed away from the disease and in October, Lawrence will honor his memory by donating the proceeds of the benefit pageant, $2,000, to the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition to supporting their platforms, both women were in-
Photo contributed by Natalie Lawerence
Students Natalie Lawerence, junior from Wickliffe, Ky., and Shelby Beloate, sophomore from Pureyar Tenn., serve as National American Miss Teen Kentucky and National Miss Tenneessee for the 2014-2015 year. vited to compete on the national level in Anaheim, Calif., over the week of Thanksgiving in November. Though competing in separate divisions – Beloate in the Miss division and Lawrence in the Teen division – the women and their families made the trip together and shared a house during their stay. Beloate’s trip proved fruitful as she made it into the top 10 in the Miss division and won a free car from a pageant-wide raffle. Lawrence’s road to nationals was one of adversary, though. Before her coronation, Lawrence had
competed for her title four times previously, only to persevere and make it to lucky number five. “The hardest part was getting there,” she said. “It was my fifth time. The easiest part, I think, was just actually competing. There was no stress.” Lawrence did not advance. However, both women heavily emphasized the reason they do pageants: the relationships. “The reason I do pageants is the friendships you make; people don’t realize the connections you make,” Lawrence said.
Murray theater to perform ‘Rent’ Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
Oftentimes students feel it is difficult to pay bills, live on their own and still find time for entertainment. Playhouse in the Park is hoping to provide musical and comedic relief to these problems with its production of “Rent” this April. The production, set in the concrete jungle of New York City, follows a group of people who are trying to get by and make enough money to live. There are common problems they must face as well as those problems that may be controversial to this region of America. “(Rent) gives people a look into real life issues that people deal with; some may be uncomfortable,” said Joshua M. Byrne, co-director of “Rent.” The production analyzes the trials and consequences of drug use, AIDS and homosexuality. Brad Brauser, co-director of “Rent,” agreed with Byrne about the risque production. “It would be weird for this community to do it, because it is so conservative and this is not a conservative production,” Brauser said. “More than anything (“Rent”) shows a wide spectrum of the human condition,” Brauser said. “It is real people with real interaction.” Despite the controversial issues covered in the production, many argue “Rent” is a testament to the new genre of musical theater. Byrne said that in addition to “Tommy” and “Hair,” “Rent” paved the way for musical theater. “‘Rent’ was kind of the one that put its foot down and set the way for musical theater,” Byrne said. “Musical theater is evolving and adopting a new genre, a pop/rock style, and ‘Rent’ is responsible for that big transition.” Not only is Playhouse in the Park varying genres of productions, but it’s also implementing a new feature that Bryne and Brauser believe may attract college students. This introduction is called “Playhouse After Dark.” A performance will begin at 7 p.m. under typical circumstances, however, with the new “Playhouse After Dark” feature, productions will begin at 9 p.m. Byrne said he believes college students will be more involved with a later performance and performances that are not as typical per family-friendly audiences. As the pioneer in the new genre of commu-
see RENT, 2A
The News
Features
6B
The week ahead... TODAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
January 16, 2015
If you would like an event to appear on the calendar here or on TheNews.org, email us at features@thenews.org. Please submit events by noon Wednesday for consideration.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
16
17
18
19
20
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22
7:30 p.m. Cinema International: “Boyhood,” Curris Center Theater
8 a.m. PAATC Tractor Show, Expo Center
3 p.m. Women’s basketball vs. Alabama A&M, CFSB Center
All day No school – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
3 p.m. Study Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop, Curris Center, Ohio Room
3:30 p.m. Tobacco-Free Town Hall Meeting, Wrather West Kentucky Museum
7:30 p.m. Murray State Reading Series, Clara M. Eagle Gallery
GYM
What you missed over Winter Break
From Page 5B the first week.” People who start attending the gym at the beginning of the year only last the first week, according to Leitch. After that, attendance begins to decrease exponentially. Leitch said he believes the reason people are so motivated to work out at the beginning of the year, aside from New Year’s resolutions, is because they have more free time on their hands than usual. Professors are not yet assigning homework, and people have time to socialize and spend their free time in a healthy way. McCord said she noticed that people who begin their membership at CrossFit Murray in January seem to stick around more than people who sign up later in the year. “We’ve found that the January people tend to stick around,” McCord said. “I think it’s because in January, your motivation is really high, so you really establish that habit, and you’re committed. Before they know it, they’re really hooked.” When people begin going to the gym during the fall, McCord said life gets in the way. Intramurals are just beginning, parents are busy with their kids starting a new school year and new sports teams. January has less distractions and more room for motivation and starting good, healthy habits.
RENT From Page 5B nity theater musicals at Playhouse, “Rent” will be performed from April 16-26. Byrne said there are several roles in the ensemble with some cast members playing multiple characters. He said although they could cast 12 to 16 members, he would like to follow the script as well as possible with leads who will double up with a secondary role.
“The Interview”
What’s funnier than picturing reading about Seth Rogen and James Franco in a history textbook? The two created a movie about having to assassinate the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un. Did anyone on the project even consider the repercussions of the plot? Many people argued the film had racist features, and didn’t like how the comedy duo used an oppressed, impoverished country to make jokes. North Korea didn’t think it was very funny either, when leader Kim Jong Un heard about the film, he called the film “an act of terrorism.”
Trivia Crack
Finally! An app that pits friends against one another to see who’s the smartest. When released in July of 2014, it took only a few months for Trivia Crack to become one of the most highly downloaded free apps of the year. Will Trivia Crack be continue to gain fans throughout 2015? Only time will tell. Jenny Rohl/The News
Deric Hyman, sophomore from Shelbyville, Ky., works out in the Wellness Center after New Year’s. Byrne said everyone can take something away from this script. “My goal is to not make people uncomfortable but for people to be open minded and appreciate our production,” Byrne said. “Not only are the cast members learning by performing the production but also educating others by providing them with a pioneering production.” Both Byrne and Brauser encourage anyone with an interest in the play to audition for a role Feb. 23 and 24 at Playhouse in the Park at 6 p.m. The performances will be held at Playhouse for the weekends of April 16 through 18 and 23 through 25 with all shows beginning at 9 p.m.
Online Girl Scout cookies
The Girl Scouts gave the world the best Christmas present of all: online cookie orders. We no longer have to wait for little girls and their moms to set up outside of the local Wal Mart to buy our Girl Scout favorites. Now it’s as easy as going onto their website and ordering right there to have the cookies delivered straight to your door. It remains a topic as the real Girl Scout cookie season begins in 2015.
#JeSuisCharlie
At the very beginning of 2015, a tragedy happened in Paris and its hashtag took the internet by storm. Charlie Hebdo is a popular satirical cartoon magazine with its office based in Paris. On Jan. 7, two masked Muslim extremists entered the office and killed 12 people. The hashtag #JeSuisCharlie, or “I am Charlie” caught fire as people all over the world rallied together. On Jan. 11, 2 million people took to the streets of Paris to march in support for freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Compiled by Taylor Inman, Staff writer
The News
Features
January 16, 2015
Pop Culture Corner
7B
FEATURED TWEETS
Celebrity Encounters
Merry Swiftmas, indeed
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
Dr. Ruth Westheimer @AskDrRuth If your New Year’s resolution was to lose 10 lbs u/ might be frustrated right now. If it was to have 10 orgasms u wouldn’t be 2:42pm 14 Jan 2015 laurendawn @LaurenDawnFox29 When you bust your jeans at the seam…trying to jump into them…your New Year’s Resolution should… 12:04pm 13 Jan 2015
Michael Henrich @MichaelHenrich Why does our adorable neighbor have to come sell Girl Scout cookies less than two weeks after I made my New Year’s resolution? Torture! :-P 5:00pm 13 Jan 2015 The Troy Murphy Show @TTMSonair Can we collectively make a New Year’s resolution to never use the word “bae” again? 1:00am 10 Jan 2015
TUPAC FILM IS FINALLY IN THE WORKS Top-selling artist Tupac Shakur has inspired a new film. Director John Singleton expects to begin filming in June. Shakur’s mother is assisting to make sure that her son’s story is told respectfully and honestly. Producer Randal Emmett said they want the film to be “real and raw.”
FOLLOW THE ROYAL FAMILY ON TWITTER
The world of Twitter just got a little more royal. As of Wednesday morning, the royal family has joined the Twitter-sphere. Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry can now be followed at @KensingtonRoyal. The account will mostly be used to promote their charity work.
Photo courtesy of geeknation.com
Liam Neeson stars in the third installment of the “Taken” franchise. The film was released in theaters Jan. 9.
Neeson is even more brutal in ‘Taken 3’ John Gruccio
Contributing writer jgruccio@murraystate.edu
For the last several years, one name has become synonymous with action hero: Liam Neeson. After giving the most hardcore and righteous threat in cinema history, he is back again in “Taken 3.” First, he had to save his daughter from Albanian kidnappers, then he had to protect both his daughter and his exwife from certain retaliation in Istanbul. Now Bryan Mills faces his biggest challenge ever. After his attempt at friendship with his ex-wife, Lenore, is cut short when she is brutally murdered, Bryan finds himself on the run as the prime suspect. Angry and confused, Bryan must evade the police, the FBI and even the CIA as he tracks down the real killers. No matter what it takes, the only thing that matters to him now is that the last person he loves, his daughter, is safe. The film stars Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Sam Spruell and Dougray Scott. It is directed by Oliver Megaton.
When watching these kinds of movies you really have to admire Neeson’s physicality, especially for his age. The fight choreography looks like a chaotic dance, and Neeson is totally believable as the man on a mission from hell. You would think that these movies would lose their flavor over time, but they haven’t. A lot of that is because of Neeson’s standing as a great dramatic actor. In this film, we see a more emotional side of the character of Bryan Mills, most notably when he is dealing with the death of the woman he loved. Only a talented dramatist like Neeson could give us a full range of emotion like this. If there were any person that could be chosen to play opposite Neeson in a manhunt, Whitaker would be my first choice. I’m not sure if he could take Neeson in a fight, but mentally he is just as dangerous. Whitaker gives a good and fresh take on a tiresome investigator role. He shows bits of humanity through his mannerisms and actions. Grace and Neeson have one of those connections, which you can tell has been honed and smoothed over the years into a believable father-daughter duo.
Getting in the action in the last film, Grace takes a step back by being more of a moral center for Neeson’s character. Being a noted beauty, it would be nice to see her do more leading roles instead of supporting, but she is still wonderful in this film. Is this movie going to make you want to see it over and over again? Not likely. It’s a shoot ‘em up action thriller in which the villains are way too easily taken down for their supposed skills and training, which makes you wonder if the bad guys will ever learn or if Neeson will always be invincible. Either way, it is important to have that mindset in check when you go see a film like this, especially around awards season. This is just an action movie, nothing more. However, despite the second film being somewhat similar to the first, this film is more edgy and shakes things up a bit for the better. It’s a good movie to watch to get out of the cold weather.
With all the buzz surrounding Taylor Swift lately about her random gift giving to fans across the country, I thought it Breanna Sill would be Features Editor cool to share the story of the most meaningful gift she gave me. In April of 2009, all I wanted was for my mom to take me to “The Hannah Montana Movie” premiere at the Green Hills Mall movie theater in Nashville, Tenn. My mom ended up driving me down for the day and we were able to watch all the stars do press on the red carpet. Taylor stayed until the end of the movie, and because she was leaving in a big hurry, she was not able to stop or sign autographs. As she was walking out, she noticed me and I asked for a picture and she said “I can’t tonight, but next time I see you, I promise.” Luckily enough, I had tickets to see her play the Grand Ole Opry the next week. I made a sign before going into the concert that said “Taylor, will you take a picture with me?” and on the opposite side it said “You promised!” I didn’t know what I was expecting, but I hoped for something. My friend and I were right up against the stage as Taylor came out. I wasn’t sure, but as soon as she saw me and my sign I could have sworn she winked at me. At the end of her set, I had given up on the idea of getting my picture when I looked up and saw Taylor running toward me. She got down on her knees and gave me the biggest hug, then grabbed the camera out of my hand and said “Smile!” and took the greatest selfie, or as we called it back then “MySpace pic,” of all time. Then she said “Love you, girl” and ran backstage. I was able to thank Taylor for taking the picture the next time I saw her and she simply replied with “I always keep my promises.” bsill@murraystate.edu
8B
The News
January 16, 2015