The Murray State News January 28, 2016
TheNews.org
Vol. 90, No. 16
Drawing the
LINE
Photo illustration by Jenny Rohl/The News
As college-aged people remain the most common victims of stalking, the nation, Kentucky and Murray State seek ways to end it. Mikayla Marshall Staff writer
mmarshall5@murraystate.edu
January is National Stalking Awareness Month and this January marks the implementation of House Bill 8 of Kentucky Legislature, which provides protection for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Murray State’s Women’s Center has taken action toward raising awareness pertaining to stalking and sexual assault. Their use of social media has spread information about the dangers of potential stalkers and steps to reporting stalking. According to the Murray State crime log, the last reported case of stalking on Murray’s campus
was back in November during the Fall 2015 term. There have been no reports of stalking in the spring term, but the same can’t be said for sexual assaults. House Bill 8 states that new sections allow persons to petition for interpersonal protective orders when the person has been the victim of domestic violence and abuse, dating violence and abuse, sexual assault and stalking. The bill was introduced after Kentucky was found to have the largest number of stalking victims in the nation. Before this law, only married couples, cohabitants and individuals with a child in common could gain emergency protection orders. This bill was designed to help all victims, including minors,
in their search for protection against their attackers. “Stalking is a crime that has significant impacts on those who experience it, yet it is not as often talked about as other crimes,” said Abigail French, Director of the Women’s Center. “Many people do not know what to do if they believe they are being stalked and often discount or downplay stalking behavior when they do experience it.” She said it’s important to educate students, so they know what resources are available to them. Of women, 13 percent will report experiences regarding stalking while at college. Most of these will occur between individuals who were or are dating, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime.
“I think stalking can be an issue on college campuses, but Murray does a pretty good job with safety,” said Elizabeth Cribbs, junior from Carmi, Illinois, “The campus is well lit and Racer Patrol is right there.” The campus also has emergency posts located every few yards. The Women’s Center is also working with the Residential Directors to arrange programs in the residential colleges to share information and steps to take if one believes they are being stalked. French said the center saw an increase in activity on social media pages as people viewed the information shared regularly. The residential college programs will be held in February.
Free and confidential services are provided for anyone who needs information regarding stalking. They help individuals develop safety plans, answer questions about legal system procedures and initiate the process for filing a petition for a protective order. “I experienced stalking in high school, but never in college,” said Taylor Rogier, freshman from Highland, Illinois. “I can only imagine it gets worse.” She said that even though Murray State is a small school compared to the larger universities, it still has the capability to have these incidents. Stalking can often lead to more unwanted attention by the predator, it is in the victim’s best interest to seek help immediately.
Former Mayor Campus Lights connects Bill Wells dies ‘60s, modern day issues Mikayla Marshall Staff writer
mmarshall5@murraystate.edu
The former mayor of Murray, Bill Wells, died Saturday morning from a rare brain disease. Mayor Jack Rose and Murray City Council member, Dan Miller, confirmed he died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Wells was in office from 201114. When Wells was mayor, Murray was named the friendliest town in America by Randy McNally and USA TODAY. “He was a dedicated public servant,” said Dan Miller, Wells Murray City Council member. “I think in the 20 years he served on the City Council, he might have missed one meeting.” Miller said what a punctual man Wells was and how he cared deeply for his community. He said that one of the best things Wells did was the management of “Make a Dif-
WHAT’S
INSIDE
ference Day.” “Make a Difference Days” are usually held three or four times a year on Saturday mornings. The community of Murray is encouraged to come out to the Roy Stewart Stadium and recycle items, such as plastic containers, magazines, glass and shoes. This special day, beginning in 1995, was co-founded by Wells and turned 10 back in March 2015. Miller said this day made a huge difference in the community and is the reason Murray is one of the leading recycling communities in the state. Wells said in an interview with Murray State’s NPR station regarding the participation of the event, “I am so grateful to the people of Murray and Calloway County and surrounding counties.” Many books and binders collected on those days are donated to the Murray and Calloway schools. Wells served as the principal of Murray High School, where the school received its first Excellence of Education Award in 1984 under his guidance. He received many honors and awards throughout his educational career,
see WELLS, 2A
Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu
About halfway through last weekend’s Campus Lights production of “Hairspray,” the actors formed a mob-like huddle on stage as the main character, Tracy Turnblad, tried to work her way onto a dance show. In this scene, the producers of the fictitious 1960s dance program wouldn’t let the black friends of “Hairspray’s” heroine participate. An outraged Turnblad and her fellow protesters not only yelled but carried signs calling for equality and fairness. Then the actress playing Turnblad revealed her sign, which carried a present-day message: “Black Lives Matter.” “‘Hairspray’ was a great choice for this year,” said Catherine Triplett, freshman from Owensboro, Kentucky, who was in the audience Saturday to watch her first Campus Lights production. “It shows the progress that has been made in terms of racial discrimination, but also called attention to the fact that discrimination does still
Jenny Rohl/The News
Emily Duff plays Tracy Turnblad, the lead of this year’s Campus Lights show, “Hairspray.” happen and the fight is not over.” The production sold out Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s showing was canceled due to inclement weather. This year was the 79th production of Campus Lights, which is produced by Murray State’s Phi Mu Alpha fra-
ternity and Sigma Alpha Iota sorority. Both are affiliated with the Murray State music program. Proceeds from the musical go toward future productions as well as scholarships for future music majors. With Murray State celebrating 60 years of desegre-
gation, the Campus Lights Board of Producers said they tried to make a timely choice with “Hairspray.” “It is our pleasure to present this show during the 60th anniversary of desegregation at Murray State University,” said Alan Saltzman, Board of Producers chairman. “The turnout was better than we could have imagined,” said Emma Whitt, sophomore from Knoxville, Tennessee, who played the gym teacher and the matron. “Even with the inclement weather, hordes of people made the effort to come and support Campus Lights and we are so thankful.” “Hairspray” is a production set in Baltimore in 1962. Turnblad, the lead character, is overweight, which makes her a target for bullying. But Turnblad is defiant. She decides she wants to integrate the popular TV dance show in which black people are only allowed to dance one day a month. And that does not sit well with Turnblad. “If I were president, I’d
see HAIRSPRAY, 2A
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
OUR VIEW
MIDSEASON REVIEW
SPRING RECRUITMENT
Employee Assistance Program changes health care, 6A
Stalking is an issue, especially for college-aged students, 4A
Men’s basketball steps up in light of player injuries, 1B
Change to formal rush hopes to level the playing field, 5B
The News
News
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WELLS From Page 1 in which he was also middle school teacher and a guidance counselor. In 1991, Wells was named the Kentucky Principal of the Year. “Bill Wells was a dedicated educator, selflessly devoting his life to our community,” said President Bob Davies. “He spent his career serving others, including several years as the intern coordinator at Murray State where he mentored hundreds of students. Murray State University has lost a great friend and supporter.” After becoming a member of the Murray Rotary Club in 1984, he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and became president of the club. Wells was a member of and held positions in many committees and organizations. He believed in service to his community and fellow citizens. Wells was a faithful fan of Murray State athletics and academics. He was always thankful for the cooperation of Murray State during the “Make a Difference Days.” He was not only faithful to the community and to God, but he was also faithful to his family. He left behind a wife, Anne Pence Wells, and two children, daughter Shannon Wells and son Adam Wells. The brain disease Wells died from is very rare. Worldwide, it is estimated one case is diagnosed per million people each year, according to mayoclinic. org. It resembles dementia-like brain disorders, but usually progresses much more quickly. Visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 at the First United Methodist Church in Murray. A Celebration of Life event has been scheduled for at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. Heritage Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
January 28, 2016
New time set for alcohol sales Restaurants, taverns move to 1 a.m. closing time
Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu
Nicole Ely/The News
Tap 216 is one of the establishments that can stay open until 1 a.m., the new closing time for all restaurants and taverns in Murray.
The Murray City Council voted on Jan. 14 to set a new closing time for all restaurants and taverns in the city to 1 a.m. to match the new city ordinance for alcohol sales. Previously, the ordinance stopped the sale of alcohol in restaurants at midnight and stopped the sale of alcohol in taverns at 1:30 a.m. According to city council’s meeting agenda, this new ordinance was put into place “to create uniformity in the hours of sale among establishments permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.” However, Mayor Jack Rose said that his top concern when establishing this new ordinance was the safety of the citizens of Murray. He also said that a top priority was creating fairness between restaurants and taverns by having them close at the same time, rather than the hour and a half difference. “It was a safety issue and a fairness issue to me,” Rose said. “That’s where I was coming from the whole time.” Rose said the idea was brought to the city council when members began asking whether it was fair for restaurants to close earlier than taverns. He said he then spoke with the Murray Police Department and found that with the current hours of operation for restaurants and taverns, people were leaving restaurants around 11:30 p.m. after already having been drinking and then they would drive to taverns in town to continue
drinking. Rose said a goal was to “not have those people on the road moving from one institution to another.” Lauren Edwards, freshman from Marshall, Kentucky, said she agrees with the new city ordinance. “I think it’s a good thing because it gets people home sooner,” Edwards said. She said she believes that with this new city ordinance, restaurants will now profit just as much as taverns rather than having to close earlier and lose those profits. Edwards also said she thinks the new ordinance will help keep the people of Murray safe because it will help to reduce the number of drivers who may have been drinking from being on the road at the same time as those who have not been drinking. “I think it will allow people to drink but also be safe,” Edwards said. Zoe Sparks, junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, said she does not agree that taverns in Murray should have to close earlier. “I think shortening the times bars are open here in Murray will make people think they need to drink more in a shorter period of time,” Sparks said. Sparks said she recently traveled to Germany for a study abroad trip, and that taught her a lot about the drinking culture in other countries. “There it is safer and people are more controlled and do not binge drink,” Sparks said. “That is a problem here in the states.”
HAIRSPRAY From Page 1 make every day Negro Day,” said Turnblad, played by Emily Duff, senior history education major. The audience, filled with alumni and student organizations, erupted in cheers after that line. Whitt said Hairspray: the Broadway Musical, contained such positivity and a message of acceptance. “It was a wonderful way to celebrate how far we as a society have come,” Whitt said. The production – which requires a diverse cast who can sing, dance and act – came together in only three weeks. “The entire cast, directors and all affiliated with the musical put a monumental amount of work into the three-week process that is Campus Lights,” said Zach Ryne, senior from Bowling Green, Kentucky, who played one of the dancers, Sketch, and a guard. For the actors, participating in this year’s Campus Lights was not only an honor because of the nearly eight decades of tradition, but many said they were particularly proud of the themes that showed through in “Hairspray,” such as the importance of change and acceptance. “All too often, people are much too quick to judge, and there is hostility without purpose,” Ryne said. “As long as we can be accepting of others and ourselves, then we can actually become the nicest kids in town.”
Jenny Rohl/The News
(Top) From left to right, Madison Jarrett, Alexandria Routen, Collin Andersson, Kelsey McIlroy, Karen Trevarthen and Heith Chandler pose together during “Hairspray,” which was this year’s Campus Lights performance. (Bottom left) Kevin Brost dances on the Corny Collins during Sunday’s performance, which began at 2:30 p.m. (Bottom right) Heith Chandler and Alexandria Routen dance and sing.
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January 28, 2016 News Editor: Kayla Harrell Assistant Editor: Abby Siegel Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
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Davies cooks omelets for students Dylan Doyle
Contributing writer ddoyle2@murraystate.edu
President Bob Davies, an occasional Winslow Dining Hall omelet chef, spent Thursday and Friday morning preparing breakfast for students and workers amid campus delays and closures. “Dr. Davies always makes a point to come out and help when we are shorthanded,” Cynthia Parrish, front supervisor at Winslow Dining Hall, said. Winslow and other campus dining services are often forced to operate without a full workforce when faced with inclement weather, Parrish said. The students brave enough to venture out into a frozen campus witnessed Davies taking orders and making customized omelets featuring a variety of vegetables and meats. Tyler Hardin, junior from Jackson, Tennessee, said Davies is a great example of a president involved in campus life. “It is awesome that he is so visible to the whole campus,” Hardin said. A smiling Davies explained that he volunteers at Winslow to meet
students and express gratitude to the university personnel charged with clearing sidewalks and making campus as safe as possible during icy conditions. “It gives me an opportunity to get out here and connect with students,” Davies said. Davies also explained that he enjoys cooking at Winslow, because it reminds him how far he has come since starting his career. “My first job ever was working at a university dining commons,” Davies said. “There is no job on a university campus that is unimportant.” Scott Owen, a Murray State employee, spent Thursday morning shoveling sidewalks and removing ice from sidewalks. He ate a signature Davies omelets in preparation for exposure to the below-freezing temperatures. “The food was pretty good, actually. I like it,” Owen said. “Davies looked like he was having lots of fun at the grill.” Aside from the omelets, what caught Owen’s attention was the uniqueness of having a university administrator volunteering in the cafeteria. “You just do not see that too often,” Owen said.
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Emily Harris/The News
President Davies served students omelettes for breakfast at Winslow Dining Hall during university delays and closure.
Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.ed
Emily Harris/The News
Murray State students received an email at 3 p.m. Thursday, stating “Winter Weather Update – University Closure.” “Murray State University will officially close tonight – Thursday, Jan. 21 – at 10 p.m. and this closure will continue all day Friday,” President Bob Davies said in an email to the Murray State community. As predicted, winter storm Jonas delivered, causing Gov. Matt Bevin to place the entire state of Kentucky under a state emergency. Davies tweeted a photo of campus Friday morning, confirming that closing campus was in fact “the right decision.” “Be safe today – it was treacherous out there,” Davies tweeted. Some students chose to celebrate their day off by gathering on the lawn of Oakhurst for a snowman building contest and afterwards joined the president and his family for hot chocolate in his home. Davies tweeted that some of the snowmen that appeared on the lawn of Oakhurst included a family of snails, a snowman from Lambda Chi Alpha, a snowman from Campus Ministries, a ninja turtle snowman, an entry from the International Students Organization an entry from Springer/Franklin and the winner of the contest, the upside down snowman. One student was pictured doing a head stand with the upside down snowman. “Love it when a student tries to imitate a snowman!” Davies tweeted. Other students spent the day up-
holding the yearly tradition of sledding down the hill by the Curris Center, some spent the day inside away from the weather and others spent the day playing in the snow with fellow students. “I spent the day in the snow with my friends,” Paige Effinger, sophomore from Evansville, Indiana, said. Effinger said it was a nice day off because once college comes to an end, snow days with friends will be a thing of the past and getting days off because of bad weather will be much less frequent. “It was a good day spent with some good friends,” Effinger said. Hannah Rickard, freshman from Eddyville, Kentucky, spent the day sledding down the hill by the Curris Center and the hill by the soccer field with her sorority sisters. “We had so much fun and it is always great to get together with friends like that,” Rickard said. “Especially after a long break!” Rickard said although she was ready to get back to classes when she returned from the month-long break, it was in the best interest of the safety of the students, especially commuters. She said she was surprised by how much snow Murray got this time -more than four and half inches. “Normally we expect this kind of weather in February and March,” Rickard said. “So who knows what is going to happen in the months to come!” Rickard said the snow day was fun, but she was glad to get back to classes on Monday. Classes resumed as normal Monday with above freezing temperatures, melting winter storm Jonas’ wrath.
LOOKING AHEAD FEBRUARY • Feb. 8, Presidential Lecture • Feb. 16,Elizabeth College’s with Martin Luther King III RCC presents, Madrigal • Feb. 11, Eve Ensler’s The Dinner: “A Ring of Truth” • Feb. 18 - 21, The Glass Vagina Monologues Menagerie production
APRIL • • • • •
April 1 - 2, Jazz Festival April 9, Miss MSU Scholarship Pageant April 12, Study Abroad Fair April 13, All Campus Sing April 15, Lecrae Concert
Jan. 20
9:24 a.m. A person reported a 6:51 a.m. Racer Patrol advised Murtheft of property $500 to ray State Police ofunder an abandoned Public were nogolf cartSafety. outsideOfficers the Lowry Center. tified and a report was taken. Officers were notified and an infor10:47 a.m. Parking enforcement mation report was taken. notified officers of a motor vehi11:42 p.m An officer conducted collision Payne acle traffic stoponat14th 121 and North and Street thatStreets. resulted in no injuColdwater A citation was ries. to the driver for failure to issued
12:32 a.m. A caller reported wear a seatbelt.person The passenger an intoxicated at Elizawas on College. an outstanding betharrested Residential Pubic warrant and Murray was taken to CalloSafety and Ambulance way County Jail.notified and paService were 8:20 a.m. A caller a restient refused to bereported transported idential college flag missing. The by ambulance. Housing Office was notified. 5:11 p.m. A caller reported a 11:22 p.m. A reported smoking stove caller in College Courts a motor vehiclePublic accident with no 1100 Block. Safety and injuries at White Residential ColMurray Fire Department were lege. Officers notified and a notified with were no threat of fire. report was taken.
First week of classes brings first snow closure
Due to winter storm Jonas, President Davies declared university delays and closure to ensure student safety. During the storm, Murray received more than four and a half inches of snow.
POLICE BEAT
MARCH • March. 1, STEM and Health Career Fair • March 2, All Majors Career Fair
• March 14 - 17, Lone Star & Laundry & Bourbon production • March 15, Teacher Career Fair • March 21 - 25, Spring Break
MAY • May 5, Senior Breakfast • May 7 - 14, Finals Week • May 14, Commencement Ceremony
11:54 a.m. A caller reported a 7:17 p.m. Ansmoking officer dryer conducted previously and a a traffic stopsmell at theinBusiness Building burning Elizabeth Resparking A citation wasSafety, issued identiallot. College. Public for drivingPlant, on a suspended license. Central Murray Fire De8:51 p.m. Aand caller the partment the reported State Fire smell of gaswere at Hart Residential ColMarshall notified and the lege. Officers, Murray Departcause was found to beFire a mechanment, Central Heatingthe and Cooling ical issue involving washing Plant, Murray Gas and the State Fire machine. Marshall were notified. A report 10:33 p.m. A caller reported the was taken. smell of marijuana in James H. 12:01 p.m. Residential A caller reported Richmond College. a sparking outletnotified in the and 300 ablock Officers were reofport College Courts. Officers, the was taken. Murray Fire Department, Cen-
Jan. 23
5:45 p.m. A caller reported a university policy violation tral Heating and Cooling Plant in White Residential College. and the State Fire Marshal were Officers Awarned individual notified. report was taken. of the p.m. policy violation and was 4:57 The Murray Police Dereferred to the housing partment was notified of departa mediment. cal emergency at the Volleyball 11:27 p.m. Officers conducted Courts. Officers and Murray Ama traffic stop at Five Star Food bulance Services were notified. Mart at Five Points. A citation The patient was transported and was issued for operating a motor a report was taken. vehicle on suspended operators 3:46 a.m. Officers conducted a license. A verbal warning was check of a person on North 12th issued for failure to illuminate Street. The person was arrested and headlights. transported to Calloway County Jail
Jan. 24
3:40 a.m. A caller reported the for alcohol intoxication a public smell of marijuana in in Franklin place. A report College. was taken.Officers Residential 9:09 A and caller reported were p.m. notified a report was a taken. smoke detector activated at Springer Residential due ato 4:12 a.m. A callerCollege reported a medical hair dryer. Officers were notified emergency at Regents and no threat ofCollege. fire was found. An Residential Public information report was taken. Safety, Murray Ambulance Ser4:42 p.m. A caller reported a theft and Student ofvice property from aAffairs vehiclewere from notified. Alexander Hall. Officers were no-
Jan. 25
7:20 a.m. A caller reported a tified and a motor report vehicle was taken for non-injury collitheft of under $500 by unlawful sion at 15th and Main Street. Oftaking from a vehicle. ficers wereAnotified. 6:12 p.m. caller reported the 6:37 p.m. A caller reported an smell of marijuana at Hart. Officers item notified previously and unwere andburned an information reported the Old Fine Arts report was in taken. Building. Public Safety, Central Heating and Cooling and the 2:47 caller reported an Statep.m. Fire A Marshall were notiunauthorized selling fied and there company was no threat of products on campus at Winslow fire. Dining Hall. The caller was re-
Jan. 26
12:36 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic at the CFSB Center ferred to stop Student Affairs. 6:12 p.m.lotAfor caller reported the parking speeding, possessmell gas at the Old Fine sion of natural marijuana, possession of Arts Officers, drug Building. paraphernalia and Central failure Heating and Cooling Plant,card. Murray to produce an insurance A Fire department, Murray and verbal warning was alsoGas issued the Fireregistration. Marshall were notiforState expired fied and a report was taken. 7:26 p.m. Public Safety received a fire alarm activation notification from Motorists assists – 8 Hart Residential College Racer escorts on – 1 the alarm center computer. Arrests – 2 The Murray Fire Department, Central Heating and Cooling and Assistant the StateNews Fire Editor, MarMary Bradley, compiles Police Beat with materials shall were notified. The cause provided was dueby toPublic burnt Safety food. and Emergency Management.
Call of Fame Jan. 21, 12:32 a.m. A caller reported an intoxicated person at Elizabeth Residential College. Pubic Safety and Murray Ambulance Service were notified and the patient refused to be transported by ambulance.
Motor assists - 7 Not all dispatched calls are listed. Escorts -8 Arrests - 0 Abby Siegel, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
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January 28, 2016
The News
Opinion
Opinion Editor: Allison Borthwick 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
TheNews.org Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 mbradley9@murraystate.edu
Stalking: a serious situation
Kayla Harrell News Editor • 270-809-4468 kharrell4@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 aborthwick@murraystate.edu Connor Jaschen Features Editor • 270-809-5871 cjaschen@murraystate.edu Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 krandolph3@murraystate.edu Kelsey Watznauer Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 kwatznauer@murraystate.edu Austin Gordon Online Editor • 270-809-5877 agordon4@murraystate.edu Jenny Rohl Advertising Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Kalli Bubb Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 kbubb@murraystate.edu
The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. We ignore the warning signs. We delete friend request after friend request and lock down our social media accounts. We ignore phone calls, delete texts and block numbers. We pretend it’s not their car that just drove by – that it’s just a coincidence. We ignore the feeling that someone is watching us. We take a scary situation and we belittle it until we have feigned some sense of safety. But this isn’t the Boogey Man – we can’t hide under the covers and hope it doesn’t hurt us. Stalking is a crime, and it should be treated as such. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 7.5 million United States citizens are stalked every year. According to StalkingAwarenessMonth.org, of those 7.5 million, people ages 18-24, experience the highest rates of stalking victimization. We, as college students, are the most vulnerable. The line between Facebook
“creeping” and genuine stalking is getting thinner and thinner, blurrier and blurrier. Online stalking isn’t contained by some invisible Internet fence. Reality is reality, and with stalking, there’s nothing virtual about it. Most of us have been putting our lives online for the world to see ever since our fingers could move. Step 1: Learn how to walk. Step 2: Learn how to type. Step 3: Find out that you already have 5,000 baby pictures of yourself on the Internet. Step 4: Learn how to use said Internet anyway because nothing can go wrong. The fact that technology is such a largely integrated part of our lives means a ton of potentially awful things; people have the resources to know everything about us before ever meeting us. According to StalkingAwarenessMonth.org, more than 25 percent of stalking victims report technology being used in their
Cameron Witte Chief Videographer cwitte@murraystate.edu
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stalking. More and more, stalkers are using technology to their advantage – to see what you’re doing online, to track your location, to look at your pictures, etc. Yet again, our moms and professors were right: be careful what you post on the Internet. Also, be careful who you let into your life. According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, 44 percent of male victims and 61 percent of female victims report being stalked by a former or current intimate partner. This is really where not belittling or minimizing the severity of your situation comes into play. Despite whatever they used to mean to you or how much faith you have in the notion that they would never actually harm you, if their behavior is suspicious and threatening, it could escalate very quickly. As we’ve said, stalking is a crime – treat it as such. Go to the police and tell the authorities that there is a serious threat to
your safety. According to StalkingAwarenessMonth.org, 59 percent of female stalking victims and 63 percent of male stalking victims neglect to report their situation to authorities. If you are being stalked or even think you’re being stalked, please know these facts: your situation is serious, the behavior is criminal and the police will take it seriously. Also, while technology can be our enemy, it can also be a life-saving aid. Download the LiveSafe app, provided by Murray State. Not only can you report suspicious activity with the tap of a finger, but your friends and family can monitor your walk home with the SafeWalk feature to ensure you don’t stray from your usual path and, most importantly, that you arrive at your destination safely. Your life is valuable and any threat to it should not be taken lightly.
I Get to Write About Anything I Want?
The story of my Murray Bucket List
Joe Hedges, Ryan Alessi Adviser, Co-Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu, ralessi@murraystate.edu
Write to us!
Selena McPherson/The News
I took out my phone at some point during Miss Murray State University my freshman year, opened Notepad and started my Murray Bucket List. During the now defunct on-stage question portion, a contestant was asked about what items Taylor Grace Suiter were on her Murray Bucket Senior from List. Brentwood, Tennessee She said, “To meet the love of my life here and nail our shoes to the Shoe Tree!” I started typing my own, Shoe Tree-less list. The items range from the simple “Eat at Victor’s Sandwiches,” to the far-fetched “Ride Racer One,” to the nerve-wracking “Perform stand-up at J’s Open Mic night.” It’s my last semester and out of the eleven items I wrote down that day, I’ve only checked off two. Luckily for me, I’ve tasted a bit of the inherent freedom that comes with seniorhood,
and it’s this “senior year, no regrets” spirit that has me determined to check the nine remaining items off my list. Now that I realize that nobody cares nearly as much as I thought they did for the past three years, the idea of getting on Burrito Shack’s “Punisher” wall seems a lot less embarrassing and a lot more delicious.
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Four years is a long time, but thankfully, it’s a finite time.
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While Murray isn’t the most metropolitan locale on the map, you’d be surprised at how many times you’ll catch yourself saying, “I should do that sometime!” without ever getting around to it. The Bucket List adds personal accountability into the mix. You’ve always wanted to check out the Farmers’ Market? Add it to your list. See a laser light show at the Planetarium in LBL? Bullet point. If we are to believe that many hand-painted canvases hanging in women’s bedrooms are
true, then it’s the things you don’t do that become regrets. I remember walking into Pogue to check “Study in the old library” off my list, and thinking “This has been here this whole time?!” Imagine how hard I would be kicking myself if I had waited until this year. We make lots of promises to ourselves about what college will be like – how we’ll join all the clubs, make 4.0s, how we’ll finally break out of our high school shells and how it’ll be the best four years of our lives. However, the best four years of your life don’t happen without action. The time is passing, regardless of whether you decide to start checking off items or not. Sometimes being passive and not making a choice can become your choice, too. For instance, everyone talked about how cool the inside of Ordway Hall was, and I used to think, “I should check that out!” But it was torn down before I ever stepped foot inside. Seeing the interior of a building which apparently had half-levels and pretty floors was no longer an option. Once I walk the stage in May, the opportunities to watch Campus Lights, study abroad and take a ceramics class decrease significantly. Four years is a long time, but thankfully, it’s a finite time. Your final semester will quickly sneak up on you – walk the stage with a fully-checked list, not listless “what ifs.”
The News
Opinion
January 28, 2016
5A
Letter to the Editor Kentucky students can no longer stand by as our schools are underfunded. We cannot stand by as our tuition rates climb while the number of full-time faculty on our campuses gets smaller every year. We cannot stand by as our facilities become outdated or as other states become more academically competitive in STEM fields. Based on the latest data, our campuses have $400 less to spend on a per student basis today than they had in 2007-08. Even with tuition increases, campuses have not been able to keep up with the effects of budget cuts, the growth in the costs of pensions, health insurance and growing demands on financial aid. Further, many expenses have shifted from the state government to the campus operating budgets. I am proud that I graduated from and am now earning a master’s degree at a Kentucky university. Choosing a college was a difficult decision. After considering ten schools across the country, I accepted a scholarship from Northern Kentucky University. I learned from caring professors
with real-world experience, studied abroad, and attended multiple leadership retreats. Luckily, my university is able to provide these programs even as state funding to Kentucky’s universities has been cut by $173 million since the recession. With enough funding, Kentucky universities can do amazing things. NKU was one of the first universities in the country to offer student philanthropy courses. Through my Spanish Cinema class, we partnered with the Mayerson Project by visiting local nonprofits and presenting a case to the class on why the nonprofit should receive a $2,000 grant. These presentations were done in Spanish about nonprofits that serve populations addressed in the films we watched. This class would not have been possible without the dedication of one of my university’s fulltime faculty members. Our Kentucky universities also provide life-changing experiences outside the classroom. As a freshman, I attended a leadership retreat with about 50 other freshmen that took us to West Virginia. We learned about identifying our
I Have a Lot of Feelings Resilience and selflessness
values, setting goals for ourselves and facing our fears. A year later, I co-led the retreat. A friend of mine later told me that he had been considering leaving university until he attended that retreat. This is the kind of program that empowers and retains students, and it would not be possible without funding from my university’s Student Fee Allocation Board. During my junior year, I began working in my university’s Office of Government & Community Relations. That is when I found out that Kentucky’s universities are underfunded. Students like myself are faced with higher tuition in order to sustain the quality education we deserve. In fact, if tuition rates continue on their current trajectory, the student’s share of funding universities will climb to 74 percent by 2019. This means that either students will have to pay more to sustain the cost of valuable professors and programs, or we will start losing what makes our universities stand out. So what can Kentucky citizens do? The Council on Postsecondary Education is asking the governor
to restore $86.7 million of the cuts through a performance-funding request. We need to call and write to our legislators to ask for this funding back. This is what we students in Kentucky deserve: enough funding to give us a chance to succeed.
Elizabeth Ruwe
Student member Council on Postsecondary Education Murray
We want to hear from you! Are you concerned about a certain issue on campus or just want to share your opinion? The News is always accepting Letters to the Editor. For a chance to get your letter published in print or on TheNews.org, email your submission to letters@ thenews.org.
Rational Animal
Explore your options How many times has a fellow student asked you “What’s your major?” It’s an easy icebreaker when meeting people around campus. How many times have you been asked “Why did you choose that major?” It is a follow-up question that requires some reflection and inforJohn Muenzberg mation. Lecturer of philosophy Unfortunately, it is also a question that many students have not thought about clearly. You have probably heard that 50 percent of students change their major. It is an estimate, based on a number of studies. Studies also show that 20-40 percent of freshmen are undecided about what major to study. From an advising perspective, this looks like a problem. How can one work for a degree when one does
not know what the degree will be? Generally, the earlier students declare a major the more likely they will graduate in four years. It is understandable that parents and advisers might pressure you to decide as soon as possible. Advisers and faculty also know that one problem with choosing a major is that freshmen are, to be blunt, not very good at it. This is not a problem of indecision but of knowledge. Few freshmen are aware of the broad range of majors available. One’s choice of major is naturally based on what one is familiar with. This means that majors are heavily weighted to popular careers such as nursing, business or education. They also often coincide with classes students took in high school. As a philosophy instructor, I often have students interested in studying more philosophy after taking a course or two. Since few high schools teach philosophy, few students are exposed to the discipline. The truly unfortunate situation is that a number of the students who discover an interest in philosophy are already juniors or seniors. Changing one’s major then will probably delay graduation. With this in mind, many universities do not let students declare a major until sophomore year. In other words, every freshman is officially undeclared. The idea is that the students can attend classes
Cheers and Jeers
Cheers to ... Campus Lights.
Cheers and Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor.
Jeers to ... Resolution haters.
Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to aborthwick@murraystate.edu
Comic
Campus Lights put on a spectacular showing of “Hairspray” this year, and it blew people away. People are raving about the talent, casting choices, music, dancing, singing - you name it. It’s unfortunate that their first show was canceled due to bad weather. Thanks, Jonas. Every year a majority of people make resolutions that are health or fitness-related. It’s inevitable, but it shouldn’t be looked down upon. We get it, gym rats. It’s your domain and now it’s crowded with people who may not know how to use all the equipment properly, etc. But at least they’re trying. Don’t hate.
and major fairs, even just talk with other students about the variety of majors available. One of Murray State’s responses to this dilemma is the University Studies curriculum. As I argued in this column last fall, the University Studies program emphasizes critical and creative thinking skills along with the information students learn. These skills not only help graduates to be better in their careers, but they also help them to be more successful in many areas of life. One other reason for this curriculum is to provide students with exposure to many disciplines. Without exposure to the discipline it is difficult to decide on a major. Of course we could require that students take one course in 42 different subjects, but that would be a waste of time. Instead, students can choose different disciplines to fulfill the skill areas. If you are curious about sociology, you can take a sociology course within the University Studies program. This is an important first step in making an informed decision about one’s major, rather than just picking a subject you took in high school. Having a broad exposure to different disciplines is important to be an educated adult. It is also important to make decisions about what you want to study. Hopefully students will be exposed to new ideas through the University Studies program. We also hope you will be exposed to interesting areas as freshmen or sophomores, when you still have time to plan your course of study.
Jeers to ... Injuries. Men’s basketball players Kedrick Flomo, Brion Sanchious and Chad Culbreath all have suffered injuries. While our Racers have continued on, we hope they (and any other injured players) may recover quickly!
Cheers to ... Diversity Pledge. Murray State’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Emerging Scholars Institute and Black Student Council initiated the Diversity Pledge Challenge last semester. To date, the pledge has been signed by more than 1,000 students. Let’s get this number up, people. The importance of diversity is paramount.
You may not know me. You may not know anything about me. But you’re reading this column anyway, and at the end of it, you’ll know about two people who made me who Allison Borthwick I am. For me, right now, that Opinion Editor is all that matters. My name is Allison Marie Borthwick. My grandma’s name was Velia Marie Taneff, my aunt’s name was Lana Rae Taneff and I am in mourning. This may seem like a eulogy in lieu of an opinion column, but this is my opinion: Velia and Lana Taneff were incredible women and everyone needs to know why. Their stories need to be told, and this short amount of space will do for now. The details don’t matter at the moment – all I care to share is that these two people, who made me who I am, were taken from me and my family too soon. My grandma was 86 and my aunt was 63, and I don’t think their ages matter at the moment either – Jan. 17, 2016 would have always been too soon. All that matters is that this world has lost significant, undeniable forces of resilience and selflessness. When my grandma was giving birth to her daughter, Lana, the doctor had to use forceps to “assist” with the delivery – all that doctor did was harm my aunt for life. Initially and quite frankly, my grandma was told to leave her daughter in the hospital to die due to the complications of her birth. If you didn’t know my grandma, imagine a petite Spaniard giving a doctor a death stare that would haunt him for the rest of his life, then storming out of that hospital with her daughter in her arms. My grandma had my aunt get on the phone with that doctor years later so he could hear the voice of the girl he never thought would live long enough to speak. My aunt was given another incorrect death sentence about 50 years later, when a doctor misdiagnosed the severity of her breast cancer. She survived that, too – with the help of my grandma and my mom. They survived a lot together, because my grandma and aunt were a team in every sense of the word. They helped each other live, love and laugh and they did it all, together, under the same roof for 63 years. To some, that may be odd – a daughter living with her mother her whole life. To my family, it just made sense. My grandma was born in America shortly after her parents migrated here from Spain. She taught herself English, which mostly just ended up meaning she could be feisty and outspoken in two languages. I started towering over my grandma in middle school – she shrunk as I grew. However, every single time I saw her, she would wrap her arms around me, squeeze me and then pull away so she could look me in the eyes to tell me, “I may be short, but I can still knock you down.” I would laugh, and then my aunt would come around the corner, hug me and ask me if I needed anything. Resilience and selflessness. My grandma recorded a brief autobiography a few years ago. She was asked, “What’s the secret?” In her raspy, beautiful voice, she answered instantly and with conviction: “Not looking at age, not looking in the mirror … you are who you are. You have to believe in your own concept. Don’t change to follow and become a sheep – you have to be the sheep herder.” You may not know me. You may not know anything about me. But you read this column anyway, and now you know about two people who made me who I am. For me, right now, that is all that matters. aborthwick@murraystate.edu
Wrong class By Selena McPherson
The News
News
6A
January 28, 2016
Health benefits, counseling changed for employees Kayla Harrell News Editor
kharrell4@murraystate.edu
Ashley Traylor Staff writer
atraylor@murraystate.edu
Murray State changed its health benefits for employees as of Jan. 1 by adding a program that offers a range of counseling services. This Employee Assistance Program is a voluntary, free and confidential program that provides professional help, such as counseling, financial help, legal guidance and stress management to employees and their household members. Martin Dowling, teacher assistant of public speaking, said the program is important and can help faculty and staff. “In our day in age, we do not have too many options on where to go or who to talk to if you have problems that fall into this range of issues,” Dowling said. Murray State made changes to Gordon its health benefit program, and after a reallocation of money, the Employee Assistance Program was approved during the budget process. Joyce Gordon, director of Human Resources, first heard about the program ten years ago, and she worked to bring this program to Mur-
ray State. “Most organizations have some type of Employee Assistance Program, but we just simply had not,” Gordon said. “This year, I was successful at keeping it on the budget priority list.” The programs is administered by Wayne Corporation, “a firm specializing in personal counseling,” according to Murray State’s Human Resources website. The firm is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The program is aimed at helping professionals at Murray State with any issue they are facing, whether it is financial problems, legal matters, stress, alcohol abuse or a death in the family. The program reaches out to the employee’s household as well. Before this year, employees could see counselors at Murray State’s Counseling Center. “The actual University Counseling Services will continue to see anyone who they are seeing currently,” Gordon said. “But they will refer all new requests to the EAP.” The new Employee Assistance Program includes an assessment, short-term counseling and referral services, according to Wayne Corporation’s website. “All counselors are fully trained and licensed for independent practice as mental health specialists in either clinical social work or clinical psychology,” according to Wayne Corporation’s website. The program does not re-
quire copays or premiums. Everyone has access to the resources and tools the program provides at no cost “because Murray State values each employee,” according to Murray State’s Human Resources website. For each request, an employee can receive up to six counseling sessions. Faculty and staff are given options of local providers, “depending on their specific needs,” Gordon said. “The faculty or staff member would contact EAP,” Gordon said. “They would be referred to an appropriate local provider based on the problem they are having.” There are alternatives to counseling that the program offers such as webinars, articles and videos that are helpful for smaller issues. A faculty or staff member can sign up on Wayne Corporation’s website to be informed when their educational seminars are scheduled. In an emergency, the company has a licensed therapist available 24/7 to answer the phone. Along with being free, the program is confidential. Human Resources will not know if an employee reached out to the program. At the end of each month, Human Resources will receive the number of calls and the number of visits. They will only see the trends of how the program is being utilized. There are no eligibility requirements to use this service. There is a dedicated website to sign up for coun-
seling and watch the webinars on stress management, taking care of yourself and making good decisions. The website is found under Murray State’s human resource’s page. The overall purpose of the EAP is to give faculty and staff the resources and tools they need to be more productive. The program falls under the umbrella of well-being. “It is making good choices and continuing to make good choices,” Gordon said. “It helps people become more involved in their problems. It goes hand in hand with an employee’s well-being.” An Employee Assistance vendor came to campus on Jan. 27, so employees could learn more about the EAP. The EAP vendor met with various groups including front-line supervisors, university counseling services staff and Human Resources staff, and conducted a general employee orientation session, Gordon said. There will also be training throughout the year for supervisors to familiarize themselves with the program. Faculty and staff have been informed about the new program through RacerNation Information, fliers distributed on both the main and regional campuses and Human Resources’ social media accounts, Gordon said. “I believe in it so firmly,” Gordon said. “I think this is a benefit that is needed, that is good for the employees and good for the university. I am very excited about it.”
Employee Assistance Program Benefits Counseling Financial help Legal guidance Stress and anxiety management Emotional challenges Relationship concerns Alcohol and drugs problems Elder care issues Marital distress Parent/child/family conflict For more information about this program, please visit the Murray State’s Human Resources website at murraystate.edu.
Department certificates offered for students
chall22@murraystate.edu
Murray State offers a range of different certificates. They look great on a resumé, and are quicker than getting an entire degree in a subject. They are offered through several departments, but any student that wishes to pursue one can do so. They are offered both on the graduate and undergraduate level, but of the 14 certificates that Murray State offers, 10 of them are on the graduate level. There are seven different schools/colleges that offer these certificates: Business, Nursing, Agriculture, Education and Human Services, Humanities and Fine Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology and Interdisciplinary. “These certificates are extra courses that people take, mostly on the graduate level. They are heavily focused on a specific subject,” Tracy Roberts, university registrar, said. “Helping those that get the certificate be more specialized in that area. They work similar to a minor, except with less time and more focused on one subject.” In the last two and a half years, only 57 of these certificates have been awarded. This small amount is because the certificate program was recently revised, Roberts said. They have only been back for a short period, and because of the time it takes for a student to actually complete the program, not many students have done so. Three of the four that are offered on the undergraduate level are within the department of community leadership and human
TINSELTOWN TUESDAYS 7:00 PM
services. Those are faith-based social work, substance-related and addictive disorders and gerontology. The fourth undergraduate certificate is geographic information science, through the Geosciences Department “The certificates were passed by Academic Council last spring,” Peggy Pittman-Munke, interim program director for the Community Leadership and Human Services Department, said. “The certificates are for people who want to work in the certificate areas. These certificates are not only for social work majors but are for criminal justice, recreation, nonprofit leadership, psychology, sociology and integrated studies majors as well as for any student who believes they may want to work in one of the areas regardless of major.” These certificates are used to show that the students that receive them have both hands on, and academic course work in that specific field. These certificates can be earned by anyone. If someone is interested in the subject it covers, but they do not want to put the time into an entire degree, they can earn a certificate that looks nice on a resumé. The certificates are also useful for people that have already received a degree but do not want to continue their education at the graduate level. Certificates can be added on a degree to help change the career field or become more marketable in the field of the certificate. If you are interested in these certificates, ask your professors or get in contact with the head of your department or the department head of the certificate you are interested in. To learn more about specific certificates, you can find them through the Murray State webpage, along with information on who to contact.
Bull Blowout 2016 EXPO CENTER
Murray, KY February 12 & at 8 P.M.
3rd Floor
Curris Cente
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Featured Events:
BULL RIDING BARREL RACING
Jan. 26th: frozen Feb. 2nd: war room Sponsored By: New Life Campus Min istry
Chalice Keith/The News
A list of possible graduate certificates can be found on the Murray State website.
Calf Scramble Mutton Busting at 7:30 p.m. SPONSORS:
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Cody Hall || Contributing writer
TheNews.org
January 28, 2016
Section B
The News
Sports
Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Assistant Sports Editor: Mark McFarland Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
{ } Men’s basketball midseason update
Jenny Rohl/The News
Men step up after player injuries, picking up first true road win at Eastern Kentucky Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor
krandolph3@murraystate.edu
The Racers, (11-10 overall and 5-3 in OVC) finished another night with a win, 75-71 against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels Wednesday. Coming from two wins at home against Eastern Illinois 68-58 and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 70-54, the focus was to break the losing streak on the road. Murray State’s Head Coach Matt McMahon said consistency is being balanced and their hard work
is showing off. “We balanced some consistency there for the first time this past weekend,” McMahon said. “We really did a good job defending the 3-point arc, which has been a weakness of ours, and I think we have to continue to work toward that consistency not only for 40 minutes but from both ends of the floor.” It wasn’t until 18 minutes into the first half of the Eastern Kentucky game when the Racers took their first lead. After trailing by 10 points, senior forward Wayne Langston, junior guard Damarcus Croaker
Flomo back to school and on court sidelines Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor
krandolph3@murraystate.edu
Before the season began, men’s basketball Head Coach Matt McMahon knew he could count on sophomore guard Kedrick Flomo to be a reliable player. Two weeks before the start of the non-conference play, Flomo was rushed to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center for emergency heart surgery. Almost three months later Flomo walked into the CFSB Center with high energy, shaking the hands of his teammates.
EMERGENCY SURGERY
Flomo said he just felt tired and ultimately went to Murray State Health Services for a check up. He was told he might have a heart murmur and then went to talk to his trainer who was also under the impression it was a heart murmur. The trainer sent Flomo to the Murray-Calloway County
WHAT’S
INSIDE
Hospital for further testing and the results showed a failure in one of his heart valves. Immediately after, Flomo was rushed to Vanderbilt for further testing and surgery. “My parents were scared, and when I found out I tried to find out as much as I could,” Flomo said. “But I got faith in God.”
REHABILITATION
Almost immediately, Flomo was back on social media alerting friends he was OK. For the next month and a half, he returned back to his North Carolina home for rehab, which included minor cardio workouts with therapists. He will return for a doctor’s appointment on Feb. 1 for more information, but Flomo is confident he will return for next season. He said doctors have been supportive in his decision as well.
WHAT’S NEXT
In his down time, Flomo made use of an NBA access pass to watch basketball games, did research on his condition and discovered he’s not the only one who has bounced back from heart surgery. He was confident after discovering former NBA stars have
see FLOMO, 2B
Racer Injury Updates:
and junior forward Gee McGhee stepped up. The Racers ended the first half up 39-36 and with one last attempt to widen the gap senior forward Jeffrey Moss missed a 3-pointer at the end of the half. The second half started with the Racers in a lull. The Colonels tied six times after the midway point. Croaker and Langston led Murray State with 18 points a piece. Langston also led with eight rebounds and junior guard Bryce Jones finished with eight assists. The Racers shot 45 percent from the three point line and 47 percent from the field. Winning their first true road game, the Racers hope to soon return freshman guard Chad Culbreath, who is recovering from a concussion. McMahon is expecting to see both junior forward
A.J. Patty and freshman forward Charles Brown step up and help defend while he and freshman forward Brion Sanchious are out. “Injuries are part of it,” McMahon said. “It happens to every team. I hate it for our guys that it’s happened to them, but they’ve all handled it well and we look forward to getting them back with us. I think we just have to stay committed to what we’re doing – trying to get better every day – we’ve had to make some tweaks here and there because of it, but that’s all part of college athletics I think.” Looking ahead to the weekend, the Racers continue their road swing at UT Martin (10-11 overall and 2-4 in the OVC) at 3 p.m. Saturday. In the 2015 match-up, the Racers outshot the Skyhawks 65-62 and 73-67. Entering the game, the Racers are on a three-game winning streak while the Skyhawks are on a three-game losing streak.
Freshman Guard
Freshman Forward
Sophomore Guard
Henning, Tennessee
Pampano Beach, Florida
WinstonSalem, North Carolina
Chad Culbreath
Brion Sanchious
Kedrick Flomo
Culbreath is recovering from a concussion and is expected to return to the floor once he passes medical tests and is released by the team trainers.
Sanchious is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury happened during the Racers’ Jan. 14 game against the Belmont Bruins.
Flomo’s 2015-16 season ended after emergency heart surgery in November. He is expected to return for the 2016-17 season.
Rifle continues to rise Women finish close Sarah Combs
Contributing writer scombs8@murraystate.edu
The Murray State Rifle team made strides with its home-range advantage this weekend leading to their win in the Withrow Invitational. The weather conditions were cold, but that couldn’t cool off the Racers’ hot streak. It didn’t appear to affect their performance or phase them at all. With tough competition like No. 8 Nebraska, No. 9 Memphis, No. 12 Jacksonville State, No. 16 Ole Miss and No. 20 UT Martin, the Racers were still able to dominate and wrap up the weekend with a score of 4691. “The weather hurt travel for some teams this year,” Head Coach Alan Lollar said. “We still had a good field. I was happy with the way we shot.” The second ranked Rac-
ers came out on top with an overall high score but they also left with new personal high scores. “There was a lot of personal best scores shot this weekend,” Lollar said. “We were able to continue to hold our season average. Being consistent is big for us.” Lollar The team competed without the presence of big-time player Ivan Roe. Roe traveled to Germany to compete in the Bavarian Airgun Championships. With the absence of Roe, however, the Racers didn’t miss a beat. Eight players had personal record days
see RIFLE, 2B
against Panthers
Mark McFarland
Assistant Sports Editor mmcfarland1@murraystate.edu
The Racers snapped a fivegame losing streak Wednesday night with a 66-56 win over Eastern Illinois. Murray State takes the court again Saturday at UT Martin.
EASTERN ILLINOIS
Senior forward Kyra Gulledge and sophomore forward Ke’Shunan James led the team with 17 points a piece. Gulledge also had nine rebounds in the game. The Racers brought their record up to 7-12 overall and 3-5 in the OVC. Murray State knocked EIU’s record to 1-20 overall and 0-9 in the conference. Head Coach Rob Cross said that he was impressed with his teams effort.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
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Preview of the spring intramurals are outlined, 3B
Family restaurant recounts history after several decades of business, 5B
“Down the stretch we made the plays we needed to make,” Cross said. With the win, it brings the Racers up to eighth place in the conference and are in line to make the OVC tournament in March.
SIUE
Murray State welcomed the first place Cougars to the CFSB Center. Neither team seemed to want to win the game in the first quarter as the game was tied 18-18 going into the second frame. However, SIUE came out attacking in the second quarter, outscoring the Racers 20-8 to take a 12-point lead into halftime. Cross said the team let their heads down and the deficit sucked the energy
ART SPOTLIGHT Gallery put on display, culture brought to Murray, 6B
see CLOSE, 2B
The News
Sports
2B
FLOMO From Page 1 recovered from similar situations. Flomo’s biggest hope is that he does something to inspire others. “I try my best to look forward,” he said. “It’s a situation that doesn’t really happen,
January 28, 2016 and I hope it inspires them to go hard on the court. You have to take everything one day at a time. You never know what will happen or when it will happen.” Flomo is enrolled back in classes and hopes to declare a major after the semester. He is currently interested in business and advertising. He said during the week he’s focusing on his schoolwork and on the weekend, he’ll be dancing in
the locker room trying to lift the spirits of his team. Teammate and senior forward Wayne Langston said it’s been a true testament of what forward thinking can do for someone. “Everybody is just happy that he is back,” Langston said. “As you can see, he’s back on the warm up line shaking everybody’s hand. It just gives everybody a sense of confidence.”
Jenny Rohl/The News
The women’s basketball team cheer for more points when the team scores close points with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Saturday.
CLOSE From Page 1
Chalice Keith/The News
Senior forward and center Kyra Gulledge attempts a blocked layup during Wednesday’s game against Eastern Illinois.
RIFLE
From Page 1
with four of those eight being career high scores. “Bobby (Broadstreet) and Ryan (Limpus) had career days, really did a good job. Barbara (Schläpfer), Kenzie (Martin) and Tessa (Howald) were solid,” Lollar said. “We count on their consistency at a high level. Alathea (Sellars)
really came through nicely in air rifle. Keri (Marlin) had a nice air rifle day and Kait (Wilson) shot some very good sling and air rifle.” With the OVC championship just weeks away, the Racers are preparing like they would for any other match. “We work to train exactly the way we want to shoot our match,” Lollar said. “If we can carry our training with us into the match we have the chance to perform our best. To this
out of them for the second quarter. “Everybody’s heads are hanging, and we are telling them ‘you’re fine’,” Cross said. “You’re in the game, it’s a 40-minute game, people are going to make runs, you’re OK.” Before the half started, James huddled the team for a motivational pep talk to try and get the Racers back into the game. “To me, the players are the ones that have to play the
game,” Cross said. “It’s their team. We try to give them as much ownership in the team as possible.” The game would continue to only get closer when the Racers found themselves down three points with 9.0 left in the game. Senior forward Jashae Lee and James both missed threes to tie the game and send it to overtime.
EASTERN KENTUCKY The Racers traveled to Eastern Kentucky Jan. 20, coming off of a couple tough starts the Racers were able to make this a game for the first three quarters, where the lead changed 15 different times.
However, in the fourth quarter Eastern Kentucky proved to be too much for the Racers, outscoring them 19-11. The Colonels defeated the Racers 72-60. Murray State’s junior guard, LeAsia Wright finished the game off with 17 points to lead the team, and James followed closely with 16 points of her own. They were the only two Racers to score in double digits in the game. Eastern Kentucky got its help from junior forward and guard Jalen O’Bannon who put up 25 points and was followed by senior forward and guard Shameekia Murray with 15 points to her credit.
end, we focus on training exactly the way we want to shoot the match.” Pepsi Athlete of the Week was MacKenzie Martin, freshman from Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Martin finished the weekend with 582 in small bore and 588 in air rifle for an 1,170 aggregate score. The next stop preparing for the OVC championship is No. 3 ranked Kentucky and No. 9 ranked Memphis in Lexington, Kentucky Jan. 30.
Chalice Keith/The News
WITHROW INVITATIONAL:(Above) Senior Tessa Howald from Ozark, Missouri sets her sights during the Withrow Invitational on Saturday. Howald shot a 585 in small bore, which is a season high and a 589 in air rifle. (Left) Freshman Alathea Sellars from Puryear, Tennessee kneels in position. Sellars shot a career high 594 in air rifle and a 576 in small bore.
The News
January 28, 2016
Sports
3B
Racers continue to break records
Intramural preview
Staff Report
John Morris || Staff writer
Entering the weekend with several OVC rankings and personal bests, the Murray State Track and Field team prepared for more goals to be met. The John Craft Invite held at Eastern Illinois seemed to be a breeze for four first place finishes. Finishing in first was senior distance runner, Brittany Bohn who finished with a time of 2 minutes and 14 seconds in the 800 meter and 1 minute and 38 seconds in the 600 meter. Freshman sprinter Tamdra Lawrence finished with a time of 7.69 seconds in the 60 meter and 25.53 seconds in the 200 meter. Junior pole vaulter Chleo LeGrand placed with a 3.34 meter vault and Taylor McCammon, sophomore hurdler and jumper also finished first with a 5.20 meter long jump. The first place finishes extended throughout the team when distance meter relay team Lawrence, senior distance runner Ali Hester, junior mid-distance runner Tia Weston and sophomore dis-
tance runner Vallery Korir finished in 12 minutes and 34 seconds. The Racers proved to continuously beat their best times after six Racers set personal records in addition to the first place wins. Those records were set by: Freshman sprinter, Jocelyn Payne with a time of 26.49 seconds in the 200 meter. • Junior mid-distance runner Emily Evans with a time of 2 minutes and 37 seconds in the 800 meter, a best time of 5 minutes and 18 seconds in the mile run. • Freshman hurdler Kassidy Cook with a time of 9.64 seconds in the 60 meter hurdle. • Freshman thrower Christina Meinhardt throwing her best weight throw at 12.28 meters. • Sophomore distance runner, Rebekah Priddy with a 5 minutes and 20 second mile run. Traveling to Pittsburgh, Kansas on Friday and Saturday, the Racers will once again put their best foot forward to compete in the Pitt State Invite.
More co-ed sports to tip off for spring jmorris36@murraystate.edu
Murray State intramural sports are back in session and have a mix of classic sports along with some new additions. In the fall semester, Murray State offered flag football, three-on-three basketball, table tennis, softball, co-ed swimming and also featured the 5K homecoming run. The intramural leaders’ goal for the semester and semesters to come is to help
promote more interaction between the students and faculty. “I’ve met a lot of new people and it’s great way to have a fun distraction from school,” Reilly Schaefer, freshman Hester Residential College female Athletic Director said. Sports showcased this semester will be basketball, volleyball, water polo, soccer and possibly bowling. “This semester I’m looking forward to playing new sports like inner tube water polo and really spreading the
word about intramural sports to hopefully get more people involved,” Schaefer said. Basketball also features its own version of an all-star break with a dunk contest and 3-point shootout. Men’s basketball held practice games Jan. 25 with the White Sharks beating the MSU Banglers 52-40 and Hester A falling short against the BCM Ballers 45-29. Basketball season will officially started on Jan. 26. Sports like volleyball, soccer and water polo are next
on the schedule. Racquetball will be added to the schedule this spring with the season beginning Feb. 6. The addition of one sport could bring more students to get into intramural sports. It brings a chance for students to come together and not only get involved on campus, but have fun while they do it. Intramurals sports are not just open for residents on campus. They are open to Greek organizations, faculty and commuters.
Kalli Bubb & Nicole Ely/The News
INTRAMURAL REVIEW: Intramural flag football and softball dominated the organizations intramural fields in Fall 2015. Spring sports include racquetball, volleyball, water polo, field games, table tennis and more. This spring the world of intramurals will include more co-ed sports.
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4B
January 28, 2016
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Features
Making changes Sorority recruitment becomes more formal for the spring
Hungry Bear: a family legacy Da’Sha Tuck Staff writer
dtuck@murraystate.edu
Emily Harris/The News
Connor Jaschen Features Editor
cjaschen@murraystate.edu
In a bid to shake up the status quo, sorority recruitment for the spring semester has been given a new look, complete with a new dress and a brand new outlook on rush week. The Murray State Panhellenic Council decided to make this spring semester a “formal” recruitment process for the sisters and hopefuls looking to join. While the old, informal rush process involved potential new members doing meet and greets with only the sororities of their choosing, the change to formal will mean all rushees having to attend open house with all sororities. Tori Wood, president of Murray State’s Panhellenic Council, said the change comes in hopes to not only help sororities in general, but also the potential new members looking to find their home in Greek life. Wood said the process will still be less formal than its fall semester counterpart. “If it weren’t for this more casual way of recruiting, we would be missing out on some great women in the Greek system,” Wood said. “Formal fall recruitment isn’t for everyone and that
is A-OK.” This change will alter not only the experience each potential new member has while going through recruitment, but also how bids to join sororities are accepted and given, because of past controversies over when bids were given. Tanelle Smith, recruitment chair for Murray State’s Panhellenic Council, said the process should clear up any anxiety issues potential new members may have had during past informal recruitments since there will now be a set date that every sorority is forced to give bids out on. While the specific date and time sororities give out bids may not seem important enough to change an entire rush process, Smith said the change should help keep a level playing field for not only potential new members, but also individual organizations hoping to get the best and brightest in the recruitment process. “This way, [formal rush] is more fair to each organization, as well as the potential new members,” Smith said. Smith said, in the past, issues have sprung up when one sorority would give bids out earlier than other sororities. This incentivizes potential new members into joining the sorority they know they have a bid from, rather than taking a chance and waiting
Emily Harris/The News
Kappa Delta member Anne-Riley Meade speaks to a potential new member. for a bid from a sorority they may be a better fit in. Savanna Wojcik, sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha, said the change is a positive move for the recruitment process and should help to alleviate some of the confusion on all sides of the process. “I’m glad that it is formal recruitment,” Wojcik said. “I think that it’ll be a lot more helpful for everyone involved.” Though hopes for potential rushes may be high, the limit to how many each sorority can take always comes into play. Since totals go up and down every year, some sororities, such as Alpha
Sigma Alpha, will not be able to give out many bids, if any at all. Some worry this may leave potential new members who want to be involved in Greek life feeling left out. Quotes for exactly how many potential new members have varied, though estimates count around 50 to 75 rushees. Even the lowest estimate is an unusually high amount for the spring semester, Wood said. Naturally, not everyone rushing will receive bids. “We are extremely hopeful that
see SORORITIES, 6B
Post with the Prez builds community Monika Staszscak Staff writer mstaszscak@murraystate.edu
Murray State President Bob Davies showed students his ability to connect with the student body last Thursday, in one event in a series of ‘with the Prez’ activities. This event was a fun way to make new friends and get to know the Murray State staff a little better. Previously known as “Coffee with Bob,” Post with the Prez is meant to build a community among the Murray State society. “It’s about bringing people together – people you would never meet,” Davies said. “Have a cup of coffee and enjoy, develop some friendships.” This year, the event was renamed and attendants had the opportunity to take a selfie with the president, post it on social media and enter a contest to win gadgets like selfie sticks. “Next time we have this (event), you have to bring more friends!”
Emily Harris /The News
President Davies had coffee and conversation in the first of many student based-events. Davies said, laughing with a small group of students. Only a few students attended. Community–oriented events are a big part of Davies’ presidency. Many events like “Post with the Prez” are being organized all semester. “The story is not me, it’s this right here,” Davies said, pointing at a small circle formed by students, following
Job search, headshot series to be held Fridays
up with dropping the mic. Spending casual time with students in this way allows Davies to build a better relationship with the Murray State population and keep a more intimate image with him. Winslow Dining Hall will host a Dinner with the President on Feb. 3, where students will have the opportunity to “meet with President
Brianna Willis || Staff writer bwillis2@murraystate.edu
If students are looking to upgrade their professional presence online, then they can look no further than Career Services and their new Job Search Series and Free Headshot Fridays. What began during the fall semester of 2013 as a five session series held in a single week, the Job Search Series has now turned into seven sessions every Friday. Katie Mantooth, internship coordinator, founded the series. Mantooth said they were nervous about moving to Friday afternoons, but the sessions they held last semester on Fridays were well-attended. “We used to have the sessions
Bob Davies and enjoy great food,” the event flier advertises. Anyone who is interested is invited to RSVP through the student calendar on murraystate.edu before Feb. 2 in order to participate. Every morning that the campus is put on hold by the weather, Winslow hosts Davies with another Murray State tradition. On days classes are canceled or delayed, Davies can be found in Winslow Dining Hall, frying up omelet’s for all of the students who show up. “Making the President more approachable as a person builds higher levels of trust between students and their university leadership,” said Martin Dowling, graduate student from Regensburg, Germany, who attended the event. Many students, Dowling among them, consider Davies’ image very approachable. Taking and posting selfies with the president happens on a day to day basis among the students.
every day for a week,” she said. “We realized that model was not helpful when students have classes at various times.” Mantooth said that students could expect to learn a lot from the workshops. She said students would buy into technologies such as LinkedIn, a professional networking site, but were not utilizing it effectively. This Mantooth was one of the inspirations for Free Headshot Fridays. “We were finding that students would buy into LinkedIn but were not
When Todd Swain was a boy, his father used to say Swain was “Hungry as a bear.” So when the elder Swain started a restaurant, the name was obvious: the Hungry Bear. Forty-six years later, the Hungry Bear is Murray’s oldest continuously-run family restaurant. Because it’s open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., it specializes in breakfast and lunches. It’s also known for its special greetings on its sign. Ronald Swain, Todd Swain’s father who died eight years ago, opened the Hungry Bear in 1970. To the Swains, family did not just mean blood relatives. It extended to those who passed through the Hungry Bear’s doors. Anita Cashion, longtime employee from Murray, said she became part of the family when she got her first job at the Hungry Bear at 15 years old. “It’s like family,” Cashion said. “My home away from home.” In 1970, when the Hungry Bear first opened, the restaurant was located where Zax’s Custom Screen Printing is today. During that time, the Swain family also owned the current location of the restaurant, 1310 Main St., but it was used as an arcade. One reason they decided to combine the two businesses was because their customers’ cars were being towed. That was unacceptable said Todd Swain, Ronald’s youngest son and coowner of the Hungry Bear. In 1988, the family decided to combine the two locations. The smaller location was sold and the restaurant was combined with the arcade into the Main Street location. Over the years, the games thinned out, leaving Murray with the Hungry Bear as it is today. After the move, business improved. The larger location allowed for more space for seating and cooking, Swain said. “I only eat breakfast at the Hungry Bear,” said Liz Wall, sophomore from Murray. “It’s where I grew up coming and the food is always delicious.” After being away from Murray, Wall said the first place she wants to eat is the Hungry Bear because it reminds her of her hometown. Wall is among the Murray State students who have become regulars. “We run the gamut on customer base,” Swain said. Swain said the Hungry Bear has a wide range of regular customers, some who come for both breakfast and lunch. Getting to know his customer base as members of the community is his favorite part of the job, Swain said. Most restaurants have their specials or hours displayed, but not the Hungry Bear. Its sign displays more important messages, such as birthday announcements. Swain said it’s the small things that keep a family restaurant like the Hungry Bear alive in the community. Swain, referencing the birthday announcement currently displayed on his sign, said ever since Kirsten Houston was born he has always put her birthday up. This year she is 15 years old. “Her grandfather comes in here regularly and he hands me the note every year letting me know it’s time for her birthday,” Swain said. Swain said locals will come and take pictures next to the sign when their names are on the board. Recently, he said he saw a picture on Facebook of a Murray State alumnus standing in front of the sign in 1974, showing that tradition is as old as the restaurant. “It makes me feel proud,” Swain said. “When homecoming comes around and the students come back and they are happy to see that the Hungry Bear is still here, it makes us happy to hear that.”
using professional photos to market themselves effectively,” she said. The goal is to allow students to receive free headshots with a background of their choosing. By allowing students to get a headshot in their professional attire, it allows them to put themselves into the job marketplace with a professional look that is attractive to employers, Mantooth said. Because of weather conditions, the first Headshot Friday had to be canceled, but they will be hosting them this Friday. This Friday is also the first workshop in the Job Search Series. The Resumé Writing workshop and the Free Headshot Fridays start at 1 p.m. in Oakley Applied Science Building. Students should come dressed in business professional attire Mantooth said. Seats are limited to 20 and are
on a first come first serve basis, so students are encouraged to get there early. If students want more information or want to come into Career Services, Mantooth said they are more than willing to help. She said they can hand out hot chocolate and fliers all day, but if they can get a student into the office to sit down and show them resumé tips, they are more likely to buy in. She said that her hope is that students walk away from these workshops feeling equipped to get the job they want. “Utilize us,” she said. “From us, they are going to get current and up to date research on what employers want, and what they are looking from Murray State students.”
The News
Features
6B FRIDAY
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
January 28, 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
28
29
30
31
7:30 p.m. MSU Reading Series: Adam Day, Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery
All-Day Mid-America Arenacross, William “Bill” Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center
4:00 p.m. Louisville Watch Party, St. Matthews, Kentucky
7:00 p.m. Racer Men’s Chorus Concert, First Presbyterian Church
TUESDAY
1 8:00 a.m. Art Exhibit: Stories, Aad Berlijn, Curris Center Gallery
2
3
8:00 a.m. On-Site Drawings: Italy KIIS Study Abroad Program, Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery
6:00 p.m. Dinner with the President, Winslow Dining Hall
Racer Proud recognition pins take off Bailey Bohannan Staff writer
bbohannan@murraystate.edu
The Racer Proud Pin program is designed to instantly recognize faculty and staff members who go above their job description and out of their way for students on the Murray State campuses. “We see faculty and staff go above and beyond for students every day,” said Adrienne King, vice president of Marketing and Outreach. “This is an opportunity to recognize them right in the moment instead of waiting for three months later at an award ceremony or a lunch in.” Murray State has ordered 25,000 pins for faculty and staff members on all of Murray State’s campuses. Pins are then distributed to Pin Ambassadors who are on the look-out for faculty and staff members going out of their way to keep Murray State a student-centered campus, King said. The first recipient of the Racer Proud Pins was Jerry O’Bryan, a transportation specialist in facilities management, and his team who helped a student fix a flat tire
Photo courtesy of Murray State Public Relations
The Racer Proud pins will be handed between staff and faculty members who go out of their way for the students. on their lunch break. O’Bryan said he does not fix flat tires, pull people out of the snow or turn around and come back to campus after he has left for recognition, but it was an honor for him to be recognized with a Racer Proud Pin. As soon as O’Bryan received his Racer Proud Pin, he started looking for another person to pass it to. O’Bryan said having the pin made him look a little closer at what members of faculty and staff were doing for students. He said he always knew
Rick Fisher, who works in the Institute for International Studies, went beyond his job description to help out international students, but being able to pass down the pin and recognize Fisher for doing so meant more to him than receiving the pin himself. “It meant more to me to pass it on to someone who knows, has and does go above and beyond to help someone in need,” O’Bryan said. Fisher drives international students to and from airports, but what received recognition
was opening his heart and home to international students and giving them someone in America to rely on. “I was just trying to help kids,” Fisher said. “They are a long way from home and they need somebody in America to look after them sometimes. It is just a great chance for me to meet different people from different cultures.” Fisher has been working at Murray State since 2005 and said that since then he has helped out countless international students from dozens of
WEDNESDAY
countries. These pins were passed from staff member to staff member, but as the Racer Proud Pin program picks up speed, students can nominate faculty and staff members, recipients of the pins will be displayed in weekly e-newsletters and the pins will hold more symbolism as people begin to recognize them, King said. The Racer Proud Pins are to be a symbol of recognition from one colleague to another. “If I see a fellow colleague do something, I can recognize them from colleague to colleague,” King said. “It does not have to be any more than that.” The Racer Proud Pins are a symbol for students to know they can rely on that member of faculty or staff. “I am not doing it to try and get myself recognized,” Fisher said. “I am just trying to help the kids.” The Racer Proud Pins are a symbol of Murray State’s devotion for being student-centered. “It is not about what I have to do or what you have to do,” O’Bryan said. “It is about what we can do for each other.”
SORORITIES From Page 5B each [potential new member] will get to know every single sorority and rush in the fall if they’re not given a bid or see themselves in a sorority that is not giving them this spring,” Wood said. Wojcik said she hopes the push for formal rush – which will inherently force the potential new members to meet every sorority, rather than one or two – will allow for rushees to find their home at Murray State, even if it is not the sorority they originally thought. Wojcik, who had family ties to a different sorority, said she joined Alpha Sigma Alpha despite having her mind set on a different organization. While informal rush was great for people who had their mind’s set, she said formal rush allows potential rushees to see all the qualities of every sisterhood. “All of the sororities are great,” Wojcik said. “We’re all great in different ways.” Rushees will find their new homes at bid acceptance at 4 p.m. Monday. “In making spring recruitment slightly more formal,” Wood said. “The ultimate goal is to help potential new members find their new home. This helps us do that.”
Art Spotlight The Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery routinely exhibits the works of nationally-acclaimed artists. For the month of January, the work of Pinkney Herbert is on display for the Murray State community to admire.
McKenna Dossier/The News
Monday
8:30 Brain Blast Tournament
Tuesday
Open Mic Night
Wednesday Live Acoustic Music Dart Tournament
Friday Live Music
Saturday Free Jukebox
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Features
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January 28, 2016
Pop Culture Corner FEATURED TWEETS
#StateOfEmergencyIn5Words Orlando Jones
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#StateOfEmergencyIn5Words Ladies and Gentlemen...President Trump. 3:21 pm 25 Jan 2016
Joe Boyd
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#StateOfEmergencyIn5Words Matt Damon needs rescuing. Again. 2:48 pm 25 Jan 2016
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#StateOfEmergencyIn5Words IPHONE FELL IN THE TOILET 11:57 am 25 Jan 2016
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#StateOfEmergencyIn5Words My iPhone battery just died! 2:43 pm 25 Jan 2016
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Rapper B.o.B. Declares Earth is Flat Rapper Bobby Ray Simmons, better known as B.o.B, has started a war on Twitter with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, claiming that the Earth is, in fact, flat. Simmons tweeted a string of high-altitude photographs, accompanied with his reasons behind his belief: “A lot of people are turned off by the phrase “flat earth” ... but there’s no way u can see all the evidence and not know... grow up.” The “Airplanes” singer went as far as to drop a diss-track, which samples Tyson himself.
7B Rantings of a foreign woman
MOVIE REVIEW David Bowie leaves mark in ‘Dirty Grandpa’ earns title new album ‘Blackstar’ as dirtiest film of the year reference to Christianity, Bowie’s low crooning could nerickson@murraystate.edu make anyone’s hair stand on end. All good things must “Something happened on come to an end. The life of the day he died. rock legend David Bowie Spirit rose a metre and abruptly came to a tragic stepped aside. end due to cancer on Jan. Somebody else took his 10 of this year, shortly after place, and bravely cried; his 69th birthday. Millions I’m a blackstar, I’m a blackmourned Bowie’s passing as star.’” the news swept the planet. Lead single from the reFortunately, and quite bitcord, “Lazarus,” brings the tersweet, the world is left atmosphere of being at a rewith Bowie’s final musical laxed club on a rainy Friday work. Only two days before night. A saxophone plays a his death, Bowie released sorrowful melody, while an his last album, “Blackstar.” upright bass and drum duo T h i s keep the album beat going. stands Filled to on it’s the brim own as with emoa beautition as he ful testasings of ment and the past, musical Bowie ung o o d leashes a bye to a breathtakbeloved ing pericon. formance, If one bound to m u s t bring a pinpoint tear to lisone thing Photo courtesy of store.davidbowie.com teners evBowie did erywhere. best in his work, it would “I’ve got scars that can’t be be his versatility. Known seen,” Bowie sings. for his distinctive vocal Album closer, “Dollar techniques, Bowie seamDays,” was a genius choice lessly mashed different asto end on. Beginning with pects of music in his own. the sound of the turning On “Blackstar,” Bowie manof pages, this track enaged to form a concoction compasses the beauty of of genres and influences. the entire record. Somber Whether it was the melanpiano chords, trumpet and cholic, saxophone-infused a groovy bass line carry jazz, intense drum’n’bass, the track, unveiling a mesor gritty electric guitars, merizing saxophone solo this record has many colors. about halfway through the Even with only seven tracks song, followed by a delicate on the album, Bowie, along wall of guitars and string as with a handful of notable the song fades out. Bowie studio musicians, created makes a call to his impendsome of the most memoraing death from his cancer, ble material out of his 25his fans and the music inalbum catalog, which spans dustry on this powerful more than five decades. ending to an album. “Cash Opening up the album is girls suffer me, I’ve got no the title track, “Blackstar.” enemies,” Bowie cries out. This song stands out as Bowie undoubtedly inbeing significantly longer spired musicians over the than the other six tracks, last several decades, from clocking in at an impresGerard Way of My Chemsive 10 minutes long; it ical Romance to Charlie begins with eerie, clean Puth. “Blackstar,” without guitar arpeggios, a layer of a doubt, will prove just as haunting vocal harmonies influential to future genjoins the mix, backed with erations of musicians as a groovy drumbeat. There Bowie’s past work has. The are enough electronic talent to be found within sounds deep in the backthe record, from Bowie’s ground to give the track a smooth vocals, to ingefeeling like this could be nious instrumentation and featured on a sci-fi horror genres infused into the flick soundtrack. Bowie’s seven tracks, is very evilyricism on this track brings dent. Bowie might be gone, the unsettling, dark atmobut his mark he’s left on sphere of the music to the the world with his art will forefront. Touching on exbe cherished forever, and ecution, death and a subtle “Blackstar” is no exception. Nick Erickson Staff writer
Photo courtesy of screencrush.com
Zac Efron and Robert De Niro play grandson and grandfather in highly vulgar film. Adam Winn || Staff writer awinn@murraystate.edu
Theater goers that are looking to watch a movie filled with depth and meaning are going to be very disappointed while watching “Dirty Grandpa.” However, audiences who are looking to watch a movie filled with non-stop raunchy moments and a straight-forward plot are sure to have a good time viewing this film. The film may be about a guy taking a road trip with his grandfather, but this is definitely NOT a film that the viewer would want to watch with their own grandparents. The movie starts off with Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) attending his late grandmother’s funeral. After the funeral, his grandfather, Dick Kelly (Robert De Niro) asks Jason to drive him down to Florida so he can supposedly relax and unwind at his beach house. Reluctant because his wedding is the following week, Jason eventually agrees to escort his grandfather, much to his fiancée’s (Julianne Hough) dislike. When Jason meets his grandfather the next day, after much manipulation and trickery, Dick convinces Jason to go to Daytona Beach with the hopes of doing lots of drugs and getting laid. Along the way, they run into a group of people, including a girl named Lenore (Aubrey Plaza) who is attracted to older men, and Shadia (Zoey Deutch) whom Jason recognizes from one of his freshman college classes. What follows next is a weekend that’s so wild and full of alcohol, drugs and sex that not even the audience could see it coming. This film, at its core, is nothing more than a sex
comedy and is so raunchy that it makes “The Hangover” look like “Sesame Street” by comparison. The storyline is very predictable and doesn’t have any real purpose behind it. The script is mainly comprised of offensive humor and fart jokes. Once the viewer doesn’t set his/her expectations too high and accepts that this film was made for nothing more than to gain laughs, he or she is likely to have a good time watching. De Niro is arguably one of the greatest actors of all time, but he’s never played a character this vulgar before, and, like all of his other roles, he does a fantastic job at it. His acting is definitely one of the best parts about this film. Efron does a decent job playing the role of an uptight lawyer that seems to have his whole life planned out for him already. Other than that, he doesn’t really bring much to the film, except spending a good portion of his role doing drugs and getting naked. The film also has a good supporting cast, featuring comedic roles from Aubrey Plaza of the television show “Parks and Recreation,” Julianne Hough from the “Foot Loose” remake, and Danny Glover from the “Lethal Weapons” movies. Is “Dirty Grandpa” one of the greatest comedies of all-time? No, but if the viewer is looking to watch an amusing film filled with continuous crude moments and also watch actors like De Niro and Efron play characters outside of their normal comfort zones, then he or she is likely to have a decent time watching the movie and not feel cheated out of their money.
Ask, Don’t Assume
I hate to be playing this card here, but as a n i n t e rnational student enrolled at a univerGisselle Hernandez sity in the Assistant Features South, I’ve seen my Editor fair share of, let’s call it ignorance. Now don’t get me wrong; Murray State has a vast diversity of students and we are welcomed warmly by President Davies and most students and faculty. I have no complaints of feeling unwelcome or marginalized. However, I would be lying if I didn’t say I wish our student body and faculty were a tad more informed on their foreign classmates and students. I understand most of you are not familiar with the differing cultures and languages across the international color spectrum, but would it hurt to ask? Many, many times I have people assume that English is not my native language (which it is). I can see why they would think that; with my accent, it’s pretty easy to think it’s a foreign language to me. The thing that irks me, though, is most people do not bother to ask. They keep thinking that I don’t know certain “American” phrases or mention to others that Spanish is my first language. I have had professors tell me they are surprised that my writing is eloquent since English isn’t my native language, which earns an eye-roll from me pretty much every single time. It is common courtesy to just ask; this way, we keep from judging you as being ignorant. Assuming certain traits about someone who isn’t from here just goes to show you don’t care enough to know the truth about them. Even if you don’t, it’s better to just ask lest you come off as disrespectful. Numerous international students face this problem daily, too, and not just about what language they first learned to speak. There are common misconceptions about the locations of our countries as well. When someone tells you the name of his or her country, don’t retort, “Oh, that’s in South America, right?” For the umpteenth time, NO, it isn’t. Instead, if you ask us to show you where it is, we will do it gladly. We won’t bite. Probably. Assuming that Belize is somewhere in Asia (it’s a whole other continent, for crying out loud!) shows how uneducated you are to the point of being offensive. Besides, if you are curious enough to ask, you might learn a cool thing or two from where they’re from. For instance, Belize is in Central America, not Asia, you uncultured individuals.
ghernandez1@murraystate.edu
Out this week
Read It
“Breakdown” by Jonathan Kellerman
See It
“The Finest Hours”
Hear It
“Matter” by St. Lucia
Rent It “Burnt”
Play It
“This War of Mine: The Little Ones”
8B
The News
January 28, 2016