M
90 years
THE MUR R AY STATE
NEWS
of excellence
January 19, 2017 | Vol. 91, No. 14
The Face of a Nation Matthew Parks || Staff writer mparks6@murraystate.edu
D
espite Hillary Clinton earning 2.8 million votes more than her opponent, Donald Trump won the 270 electoral college votes to grab hold of the presidency. On Saturday, he will officially become the 45th President of the United States. The inauguration events will begin early Friday morning on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, with the inauguration ceremony taking place at noon EST on a specially-built stage capable of holding 1,600 people, according to the city of Washington’s official website. The event will be covered by every major media network, and will be live streamed online on inaugural. senate.gov - the website of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Performers at the event include the Talladega Marching Tornadoes, the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Jackie Evancho, as well as invocations by six members of the clergy. The event has drawn controversy from critics of the president-elect. Petitions have been aimed at the Rockettes, one of the performing teams, demanding that the Madison Square Garden Company not force team members to participate who don’t wish to. Another petition has garnered more than 21,000 supporters against the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which is part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as many members of the church are in disagreement about the decision to let their group perform. Trump has also drawn criticism in response to the lack of any major musicians or celebrities agreeing to perform, and for his decision to drop Charles Brotman as the inauguration announcer who has filled the role for the past 60 years. In response to performance criticisms, Trump tweeted, “The so-called ‘A’ list celebrities are all wanting tixs to the inauguration, but look what they did for Hillary, NOTHING. I want the PEOPLE!”
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia
Trump’s 100-day plan
Matthew Parks || Staff writer
•
mparks6@murraystate.edu
• Trump proposed his initial 100day plan during a campaign speech in October in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and later released it as a written “contract” to voters to show his commitment to the plan. He plans to carry out all of the proposed actions within his first 100 days of office. Trump broke down his plan into three main categories: cleaning up Washington, protecting American workers and restoring rule of law. A comprehensive list of Trump’s 100-day plan can be found at TheNews.org.
• • • • • •
A proposed Constitutional amendment to impose term limits on all Congress members A hiring freeze on all federal employees to reduce the federal workforce A requirement that for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated Renegotiate or withdraw from North American Free Trade Agreement Withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Labeling China as a currency manipulator Lifting restrictions on the production of energy reserves, including shale, oil, natural gas and clean coal Lift the roadblocks to allow infrastructure projects, like the Keystone Pipeline, to move forward
• • • • • •
Cancel payments to U.N. climate change programs Canceling every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Barack Obama Replace Justice Antonin Scalia’s position in the Supreme Court Cancel all federal funding to ‘sanctuary cities’ Remove illegal immigrants from the country and cancel visas to foreign countries that won’t take them back Suspend immigration from ‘terror-prone’ regions where vetting cannot safely occur “All vetting of people coming into our country will be considered extreme vetting,” Trump said.
Trump’s cabinet picks
Ben Carson
Andrew Puzder
Rex Tillerson
James Mattis
Betsy DeVos
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of Labor
Secretary of State
Secretary of Defense
Secretary of Education
Tillerson is currently the CEO of ExxonMobil and has no diplomatic or political experience. He has faced scrutiny over his possible ties to Russia and the Middle East. His time as head of a large oil company and the potential for restriction manipulation for personal gain are at the forefront of critics concern.
“Mad Dog” Mattis is a former Marine Corps general, who is known for his outspoken style, tough policies towards the Middle East and self-proclaimed love of war. The appointment of Mattis will require a waiver from Congress since he retired from the military just three years ago.
DeVos, billionaire and head of the American Federation for Children, backed Marco Rubio but accepted Trump’s nomination after he won the election. DeVos and her foundation are advocates for charter schools and school vouchers.
The former Republican candidate accepted Trump’s nomination after several months of deliberation. He has received criticism both for backing Trump, who attacked him with fairly-heated rhetoric during the primaries, and for his lack of experience in the area.
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Puzder is the head of CKE Restaurants, which includes major chains such as Hardee’s and Carl Jr’s. He is a staunch opponent of minimum wage increases for employees.
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January 19, 2017
Beaver Dam rest stop on temporary hiatus Matthew Parks Staff writer
mparks6@murraystate.edu
Beaver Dam rest stop, a popular welcome center along the Western Kentucky Parkway, shutdown on Jan. 8 with plans to reopen in the future, resulting in more than a dozen job losses. While initially employees of the rest stop said the shutdown would be permanent, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released a statement on the day of the facility’s closure that the shutdown would actually be temporary. KTYC said they planned on reopening the facility as soon as possible. Many Western Kentucky residents have come to view this rest stop as a staple over the years, as is evidenced by the influx of posts on the rest stop’s Facebook page mourning the shutdown. Beaver Dam was a popular stop not only for locals, but also for many Murray State students who utilized the facility when traveling to and
from their hometowns. Students from the Lexington and Louisville metro areas frequent the stop, as it marks the halfway point of the trip and is one of the few rest stops available. Hayley Morford, senior from Lexington, Kentucky, said she stops at Beaver Dam almost every time she travels home, and was there just days ago on her way back from Winter Break. “I can’t believe that the rest stop is shut down even temporarily,” Morford said. “It was an extremely convenient place to stop on my way back home, and it was great to be able to pull off and get gas or food without having to get off the interstate and search for a gas station in a town you’re not familiar with.” In a statement about the facility, Asa James Swan, chief of staff for KYTC, said, “The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is currently in a bidding process. After the current vendor turned in an incomplete
McKenna Dosier/The News
The statement from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet did not address the jobs lost as a result of the closure. application, the cabinet was forced to actively begin seeking a new one for the Beaver Dam rest area. We are eager to get a new contract in place to reopen this popular rest area as soon as possible.” While the KYTC release said reopening the facility is a prior-
ity for them, there is currently no timeline or estimated date for the facility to reopen. The closure came about because of an agreement with the location’s vendor expiring. According to the KYTC statement, this forced the state department to close the location
until drawing up a contract with a new vendor because of “liability issues.” Employees at Beaver Dam were only given a two-day notice before the facility shutdown, resulting in outrage from the employees. Vickie Morris, formerly a
shift manager at the rest stop, said 13 employees worked at the facility and all lost their jobs upon closure with no word about when the facility might reopen. “For me, it’s devastating,” Morris said. “We all try to make a living. And to say in two days, ‘Hey, you’re not going to have a job,’ what are we supposed to do? We can’t file for unemployment until our last day and it sometimes takes three weeks to a month to file. People have bills to pay.” The Arby’s restaurant attached to the rest stop was also closed down, but a representative from Arby’s could not be reached about the job losses or whether the restaurant will reopen with the rest stop in the future. The KYTC did not address the job losses and whether or not former employees would be re-hired upon reopening in their statement Sunday. Food and gasoline is available nearby at U.S. 231 Beaver Dam exit 75.
Students and faculty lead march Lindsey Coleman Staff writer
lcoleman7@murraystate.edu
A local group of activists planned the March for Equality and Social Justice to take place on Saturday, Jan. 21 in light of the recent Presidential election. Tim Johns, media coordinator for the event, said the mission statement for the march is as follows: “The March for Equality and Social Justice is a celebration of the principles of democracy, a demonstration of solidarity with the disenfranchised and a demand of our government/leaders that they uphold the United States Constitution and be accountable to those principles of equality and justice for all.” He said many of the president-elect supporters think Trump’s controversial rhetoric will not affect his policy making. He said those planning the march are skeptical, vigilant and proactive. “We will not remain silent or fearful in light of threats against democratic values and the rule of law,” Johns said. “We hope that our march will help the
Murray community and beyond understands this.” He said the march is not to be viewed as a protest against anyone. Instead, he said it is a celebration of democratic principles and values achieved in America. The idea for the march originated from Murray State faculty member Sarah Gutwirth and her husband. “My husband, Peter Murphy, and I were discussing our sense that the particular political events and discourse of the last year required us, as concerned citizens, to take some kind of political action,” Gutwirth said. “We decided a march to coincide with the National Women’s March was a good idea.” Planning began around Thanksgiving and Gutwirth said around 40 people attended a preliminary meeting in support of the march. From there, students, faculty, staff and community members joined together to plan and promote the march. “We hope the march is just the first and the most symbolic stage in a program of real commitment to social change and positive social activism for causes we believe in, like equal-
ity of opportunity, equal pay for equal work, absence of racial and religious, ethnic or sexual identity discrimination, living wage and labor unions and social programs that support seniors and the needy among others,” Gutwirth said. Although Gutwirth said the language of 2016’s presidential campaign left many people feeling threatened and alienated for their racial, ethnic or gender identity, she said this march can offer a sense of restoration. “The purpose of this march is to make a beginning to build back a sense of a country where we can all belong and feel valued and proud to be citizens,” Gutwirth said. “We believe in the dream of Martin Luther King, in the immigrants’ dream of a multicultural multi-ethnic America, in Barack Obama’s dream of a United States of Hope.” Elaina Barnett, senior from Shelbyville, Kentucky, has been involved in the planning of the march and lead the Student Liaison Committee. She said her participation in this event stemmed from a need for empathy and compassion instead of hate rhetoric.
As a student, Barnett said she hopes her peers will participate in the march and take part in social activism and action instead of just talk and slander. “We have to take accountability for our actions or lack of them, and we have to educate ourselves so our actions and words are a choice and true reflection of our compassionate ideals, not just a mindless reflection of our community, family, friend group or favorite social media page,” Barnett said. “We did not make this world this way but we have to hold ourselves accountable for what happens now, because now we are becoming active independent players in how this society and world functions.” Johns said anyone interested is invited to attend. Participants will meet in the Faculty Hall parking lot at 10 a.m., and the event will conclude at the court square around noon. After the march, individuals like Brian Clardy, professor of English and philosophy, will speak and regional musicians, like Fate McAfee and Melanie Davis, will perform at the court square, Johns said.
Photo courtesy of the March for Equality and Social Justice
An estimated forty people attended the preliminary meeting held in Faculty Hall.
Photo courtesy of the March for Equality and Social Justice
The march is not identified as a protest, but rather “celebration of democratic principles.”
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Jan. 24: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe Jan. 31: Cheaper by the Dozen
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January 19, 2017 News Editor: Abby Siegel Assistant Editor: Alicia Steele Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
POLICE BEAT Jan. 11
6:48 a.m. Public Safety received a call from the alarm monitoring company for a trouble alarm at the Paducah campus. The building coordinator was notified. 12:06 p.m. A person accidentally dialed 911 at Old Richmond Residential College. Officers were notified and conducted a check of the person.
Jan. 12
2:06 p.m. Public Safety received a fire trouble alarm at the Wellness Center on the alarm center computer. Facilities Management was notified and the alarm panel was placed in trouble until further notice. 8:03 p.m. A caller reported a theft of property. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft by unlawful taking under $500.
Jan. 13
10:02 a.m. A caller reported being stuck on an elevator in Faculty Hall. Officers and Facilities Management were notified. 9:42 p.m. The residence director at Old Franklin Residential College reported conducting a fire drill. Officers and the Central Heating and Cooling Plant were notified and the drill was completed at 9:50 p.m.
Racer One Stop now open Ashley Traylor || Staff writer atraylor@murraystate.edu
The Racer One Stop created a ‘one-stop shop’ for students to receive information from various offices and ask questions during the first week of the spring semester in one location. Fred Dietz, associate vice president of enrollment management, said the Bursar, Registrar, Scholarship and Financial Aid offices will be set up in the Stables of the Curris Center Jan. 17-20 and Jan. 23 to answer students’ questions. The offices will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 17, 18, 19 and 23. Friday, Jan. 20 the offices will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plan is for the Racer One Stop to become a regular event at the beginning of each semester. Dietz said they are planning a shop for Fall 2017, but it will likely be stretched over two weeks. “I think it will be a success,” Dietz said. “We want to serve students better, and this a great vehicle to make it happen.” Student Government Association president, Clint Combs, said the idea came from the president’s office, and a committee was formed to plan the details. The student senate also gave feedback as the details were worked out. Combs said he believes this is the perfect opportunity for students to work out last-minute questions they have at the beginning of the semester because the business offices, which are usually located in Sparks Hall, will be centrally located. “Like many new initiatives, I think many students will be unaware of its existence,” Combs said. “However, as this Racer One Stop becomes a semesterly event, I believe students will really take advantage of it.” Ali Lampert, junior from Utica, Kentucky, said The Racer One Stop is a positive addition to Mur-
Jenny Rohl/The News
Corey Austin, Financial Aid associate director, answered questions Kyle Lawson, freshman from Morganfield, Kentucky, had during Racer One Stop. ray State. She said the task of collaborating with the offices falls on the student so having all the offices located near the heart of campus effectively accommodates the students’ needs. Lampert said she communicates with Sparks Hall via email because it is out of the way, but she visits the Curris Center frequently. Because of the convenient location, students will utilize the Racer
Lindsey Coleman || Staff writer lcoleman7@murraystate.edu
Jan. 14
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
2:13 a.m. Public Safety received an emergency callbox activation at Old Richmond Residential College. Officers and the on-call residence director were notified. 12:34 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop on Regents Drive. A verbal warning was issued for failure to obey a traffic control device.
Jan. 17
2:04 p.m. A caller reported a non-injury motor collision in the Stewart Stadium parking lot. Officers were notified and a collision report was taken. 10:39 p.m. A caller reported a possible domestic violence complaint in the 600 block of College Courts. Officers were notified and an information report was taken. Racer assists – 0 Motorist assists – 1 Arrests - 0
Alicia Steele, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
Love Police Beat? You can check it out every week online, too, on TheNews.org.
One Stop, she said. “Racer One Stop further demonstrates Murray State University’s dedication to creating a positive, supportive environment for its student body,” Lampert said. Signs are posted throughout campus informing students of the event, and emails were sent to students, faculty and staff with the dates and times of the Racer One Stop.
Bring Back initiative benefits nonprofits
1:57 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop at state Route 121 and Bailey Road. A verbal warning was issued for expired registration plate and the passenger was cited and served a criminal summons for theft by unlawful taking under $500. 11:57 p.m. The Murray Police Department requested assistance at Campus Evolution Villages North. Officers were notified and an information report was taken.
4:45 p.m. A caller reported a parking complaint at Old Richmond Residential College. Officers were notified. 9:46 p.m. Public Safety received a fire alarm activation at Hester Residential College on the alarm center computer. Officers, the Murray Police Department, the State Fire Marshall’s Office, the on-call residence director and the Central Heating and Cooling Plant were notified. Activation was due to burnt food.
Page 3
Chalice Keith/The News
Students sorted items that were collected during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bring Back initiative.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the office of Multicultural Affairs organized a Bring Back initiative to support local nonprofit organizations. Donations from students and community members were collected in the Curris Center Jan. 16, and after a breakfast and keynote speaker in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, items were sorted and delivered to Need Line, Soup for the Soul, Angel’s Clinic, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Gentry House and Merryman House. S.G. Carthell, senior director of Diversity Initiatives, said the office of Multicultural Affairs partnered with United Way, community representatives and various offices on campus to make the Bring Back possible. He said the goal was to coordinate a way for people to give in an organized way and make a difference. “This is an ongoing effort to bring community and the university together,” Carthell said. Wuanya Banks, junior from St. Louis, and member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, said her involvement with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration stemmed from her sorority’s values, which are sisterhood,
scholarship and service. She said she is involved with the office of Multicultural Affairs and various service projects. She said she felt like the Bring Back celebrated the ideals Martin Luther King Jr. supported during his lifetime. “I definitely think Martin Luther King was all about serving the community,” Banks said. “Martin Luther King said that when he died, he didn’t want anyone to say anything about him except that he served.” Jarred Frazier, senior from Paducah, Kentucky, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, said part of his admiration of Martin Luther King Jr. comes from King’s membership in Alpha Phi Alpha. Frazier also said King was influential because of his consistency in what he believed. “I propose this year as a year of purpose,” Frazier said. “As far as involvement, I’m going to be involved in as much as I can, not because I’m in Alpha, more than that…. because I’m an African American man. We have to make a voice.” He said it’s more than black and white, and he encourages involvement with many different people through the office of Multicultural Affairs. “For us, there’s no black, white, yellow, green… We’re all one,” Frazier said.
Science center named after former dean Ashley Traylor || Staff writer atraylor@murraystate.edu
Murray State alumnus, Jesse D. Jones, funded Murray State’s new science resource center in honor of his friend and former dean of the college of science, Gary W. Boggess. Stephen Cobb, dean of the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said Boggess started the first science resource center on campus, located on the third floor of Blackburn Science Building. The new resource center will be on the second floor of the new Engineering and Physics Building, which is currently under construction. Cobb said the new building is scheduled to be completed in the spring, and classes will meet in the new building starting Fall 2017. Jennie Rottinghaus, director of development for Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and Cobb both said students can expect new features that will give them a competitive advantage when applying for graduate school and jobs. “These features will be central to the student-centered experience that Murray State University strives to achieve and that other universities may not be able to offer,” Rottinghaus said. The features include individual work areas for students and conference tables for group work. There will be presentation rooms for students to practice project presentations, and the facility will have camera capabilities for video conferencing and live interviews. Tutoring will be available, as well as a graphic
Kelli O’Toole/The News
The Murray State Engineering and Physics Building is scheduled to be completed by the fall 2017. designer for assistance in developing portfolios, printing and copying. “It adds a really personal touch to what we are able to do to provide space, and to provide access to staff and to provide access to the technology, they need to be able to prepare these presentations and to be able to teleconference with other professors anywhere in the world,” Cobb said. Gary W. Boggess joined the Murray State faculty in 1966 as a chemistry professor, and 12 years later, he was named dean of the college of science, according to an article published by The Murray Ledger and Times. He served the Murray State
campus community for 31 years, before retiring in 1997. In 1993, he received a grant to develop the undergraduate curriculum, and in 1995, he received another grant for the renovation of Blackburn Science Building, according to The Murray Ledger and Times. His proposal, “Development of a Learning Center for the College of Science”, was also funded by the National Science Foundation. “He was a really strong leader in helping us develop our science and engineering programs to what they are right now,” Cobb said. Neil Weber, former Murray State
professor, had previously worked under Boggess. He said Boggess hired him at Murray State, and he sees Boggess as a friend. “Dean Boggess was and still is deeply committed to the highest level of science education,” Weber said. Rottinghaus also had praises about the former dean. “Dr. Boggess is one of the most beloved retired professors and administrators in the history of Murray State,” Rottinghaus said. “He was a champion for students, faculty and staff during his tenure and continues to be even now that he is retired.”
Page 4
January 19, 2017
The News
Opinion
Opinion Editor: Hallie Beard Phone: 270-809-5873
Our View
Connor Jaschen Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 cjaschen@murraystate.edu
When the saints go marching
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Austin Gordon
During his farewell speech, President Obama offered a timely and direct call to action to the American people: “if something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere.” For part of the nation, the inauguration of President-elect Trump on Jan. 20 will be a celebration, a step toward change and revived greatness. For the other part, the event will be a somber reminder of the work to be done in our communities, networks and mindsets. For both camps, the event will undoubtedly be a call to action. It’s the ultimate American
mantra - pull yourself up by your bootstraps and do something. It seems, though, that it is unclear what “doing something” means for non-Trump supporters. Exhibit A: the March for Equality and Social Justice to happen on Saturday, after the inauguration, in Murray. According to the event’s Facebook description, “the March for Equality and Social Justice is a celebration of the principles of democracy, a demonstration of solidarity with the disenfranchised, and a demand of our government/leaders that they uphold the United States Constitution and be accountable to those principles of equality and justice for all.” It’s a lovely statement, and it clarifies that the event is not a protest, but rather a political
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observance. What exactly, though, does it actually mean? If the march attendees are going to “demand” something of their government, will they be contacting local or national officials during the gathering? Or, is the presence alone of likeminded individuals in a small Kentucky town loud enough for the leaders in Washington to hear? Other posters on the event page make it clear that the march is a time to express disappointments in Trump’s discourse and election – but is a group expression of disappointment effective in making any group receive the treatment they deserve? Or will this demonstration unfortunately fulfill the stereotype of both
SHOW UP. DIVE IN. PERSEVERE.
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- PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FAREWELL ADDRESS
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The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.
Between You and Media
TheNews.org The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Submissions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the university. The News reserves the right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Monday of each week via email to hbeard2@murraystate.edu. Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News. The News strives to be the university community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate. The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies. The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official publication of Murray State University. The first copy is free. Additional copies are available for 25 cents at 111 Wilson Hall.
millennials and college students that we are overly sensitive and prone to trendy yet fruitless protests? As a media organization, we understand the power of communication and effective reporting – shedding light on an issue by way of writing, videography or recording can certainly lead to action and increased awareness. We’re also aware that talking about something – or, more fittingly, writing a critique of something only a small amount of people will consume – is akin to a small group of people comforting each other through a brief walk and discussion. Intention is not the same as action, and unfortunately, concerning marches like this one, it’s very unclear if any measurable, advantageous action will take place. It isn’t that small marches cannot be successful - in February 2016, the March for Education proved to be highly impactful, and many legislators engaged in discourse with students about the issue as state news outlets noticed their efforts. The March for Equality and Social Justice, however, seems to lack the vital specificity – not to mention a date that would make the efforts a prevention of Trump’s comments rather than a recap – it needs in order to be worthwhile. Perhaps the march attendees will attempt to communicate with Trump supporters in hopes of expanding their opinions, or help “the disenfranchised” by volunteering at the local soup kitchen or women’s center. In the meantime, The Murray State News staff will be hosting a sixteen-week march for campus information and media awareness to take place between the walls of 111 Wilson Hall, wherein we express our thoughts about the state of the university and demand our printer uphold the principle of black ink that doesn’t smudge.
Medium matters Rachel Wood || Contributing writer rwood7@murraystate.edu This Winter Break gave us a lot of hits on the big screen that you might have seen – ”Rogue One,” “La La Land,” “Hidden Figures”. One film, however, was one you probably (or at least should have) skipped. “Assassin’s Creed” opened on Dec. 21, 2016, netting only $14 million on its release weekend. The film garnered extremely low reviews from critics and audiences alike, thereby adding to the pile of flopped video game adaptations. I haven’t had a chance yet to see the movie myself, so I’m not here to comment on the quality of this particular movie or the accuracy of the reviews. Instead, it brings up a bigger question – why do video game films always fail at the box office? If you didn’t know already, these sorts of films are rarely successful; “Resident Evil,” “Mortal Kombat” and “Tomb Raider” are just a few examples of other victims. These types of films rarely break even with their budgets, let alone become popular with audiences. “Assassin’s Creed’s” $50 million domestic total – a mere third of the “Rogue One” opening weekend earnings – and an average rating of barely 2.5 stars give us an opportunity to look at pos-
sible causes for audience disappointment. Franchise popularity doesn’t seem to be the problem. The “Assassin’s Creed” games sold more than 77 million copies within the first 6 years of sales, a sizeable sum in the video game industry. Therein lies the first issue, though; fans are attached to the story in its original medium, encouraging them to buy a new game when it’s released. Now, changing the presentation of a narrative isn’t a problem across all media; many famous Hollywood films are adaptations of novels, after all. However, there is a commonality across film/literature that isn’t shared with video games – player interactivity. When you watch a TV show/movie or read a book, you don’t get to influence the story as it unfolds. Player interactivity is key for a video game narrative. Many games, “Assassin’s Creed”
“
Why do video game films always fail at the box office?
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included, are praised for their utilization of player input and the intense effects it can have on the outcome of the narrative. Unlike with novels, the choices and mistakes of the player can literally change the ending of the story, a trait that obviously cannot be transferred into a cinema. Studios and producers need to start realizing that games are their own medium, not just a “playable movie.” Player choice, character customization and incredibly detailed storylines are just some of the reasons people choose to play video games. It’s unreasonable to think that a game like “Assassin’s Creed,” with its abundance of side quests and lore, can be condensed from a 15-18 hour single-player campaign into a 2.5 hour film. Narrative is extremely important for both games and films, but a narrative based in player influence simply cannot be adapted into a nonreciprocal plotline. Maybe games with more straightforward plotlines would create a better starting point for screenwriters. Perhaps studios are simply choosing the wrong video game stories to retell on the silver screen, but really, I wish they’d just stop trying to produce these adaptations altogether.
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Hallie Beard Opinion Editor
Dylan Doyle Junior from Marion, KY
John Muenzberg Lecturer of philosophy
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Rachel Wood Junior from Birmingham, AL
The News
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January 19, 2017
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Jeers to ... Beaver Dam
Cheers to ... Campus Lights
Dam it! Our favorite rest stop has been temporarily closed, and it’s a travesty. That stop had everything – an Arby’s, plenty of gas pumps, a plethora of snack choices and bathrooms with a reasonable amount of stalls. Rest in peace, Beaver. Rest in peace.
It’s lit, fam. Campus Lights is coming up this weekend, so you better buy a ticket and get yourself a seat in Lovett Auditorium. The show is entirely student-run, so going to see it is a nod to your fellow classmates. Get ready to be dazzled, y’all.
CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to ... New beginnings
Jeers to ... “Spring”
Maybe last semester was a bit rough for you on the grades front, the style front, the relationships front...we don’t need to discuss it. You know what, though? This is a fresh start. The spring semester is the most exciting because waiting for you at the finish line is either a glorious summer vacation or graduation cap. You. Got. This.
Ah, the spring semester, the time when students spend half their money on coffee and ways to get warm and the other half on Spring Break trips they can’t afford. Considering the bizarre weather we’ve had this winter, maybe the “spring” part of Spring Break will come early and it’ll be sunny all semester long.
Cheers & Jeers is written by The Murray State News’ Opinion Editor. Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to hbeard2@murraystate.edu Rational Animal
John Muenzberg Contributing writer jmuenzberg@murraystate.edu
A vaccine for fake news
Recently, people began to discuss the appearance of fake news reports. These reports are not just partisan news coverage nor simply mistakes. They are intended to deceive people. As the number of sensationalist news ads sprung up on Facebook, investigators discovered many of the stories were created by teenagers in Macedonia for the purpose of driving traffic to their websites so they could earn money from ads. Whether these stories affected the election outcome may never be known. Even if the story was shared a million times, it does not mean that it changed people’s minds. The lack of data on their effectiveness on the 2016 election should not diminish the concern about the potential for this strategy. Traditional safeguards such as U.S. libel laws are ineffective with the World Wide Web. Germany has passed a law to fine the propagator of fake news, e.g.,
Comic
Facebook, in addition to the originator, since the originator may not live in the country. Facebook has since announced a method to identify these fake stories. One might ask how we can teach people to recognize which stories are fake. The answer is not a single skill but the host of skills that we call critical thinking. The fact is Murray State professors are already teaching you to identify problematic sources such as fake news stories. The fake news from the election were made-up stories that were invented to deceive people in order to generate ad revenue. This is different from both satire and falsehoods. Fake news is intentionally false. It is a lie and distinct from a mistake. Satire, such as The Onion, is fictional, but the intention is to generate entertainment because we know the story is false; the absurdity makes it funny. Other falsehoods, such as journalistic errors, are not intended to deceive. Journalists make mistakes, but reputable organizations change sto-
ries or offer retractions. Publications that do not admit to mistakes, especially when there is clear evidence to the contrary, demonstrate deception, rather than a mistake. The methods of determining accurate stories from inaccurate should be known to all Murray State students because they are taught in your classes, especially in the humanities and liberal arts classes. First, think critically about the argument presented. Ask if the story as presented is the most likely explanation. When examining historical evidence, one should not jump to the most sensational story or overlook holes in the theory. When examining scientific data, one should not assume that the data only supports your hypothesis but should ask if other hypotheses can also account for the data. When doing research, professors ask you to evaluate the sources that you use. In academics, we focus on academic sources because their goal is to be truthful, not deceiving. Nonacademic sources also meet this
criteria, but we must determine if the source we are using shares this goal. Reputable sources are known for only publishing information that they can verify with multiple or dependable sources. The publications do make mistakes, but they do not intend to deceive. Related to evaluating sources is properly citing sources. You should cite your sources not just to exonerate yourself of plagiarism but also to prove that your information is from reputable sources. While it can seem pedantic for your professor to focus on citation formats, the goal is to free you from other people’s deceptions. Many people are concerned about learning how to evaluate fake news, but universities are already teaching these skills. It is part of a well-rounded education and is a core competency of the University Studies program. Some people argue that we need to not just teach facts but also teach students how to think. The response is that we are already doing that.
Readers, I’m not here to list off what my 2017 resolutions are. Instead, I’m here to give each of you one, and you probably need it: Buck up and get off social media. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, whatever apps to which you’re currently and embarrassingly addicted. As a struggling social media addict myself, I know just how difficult it is to put down the phone or close the laptop when mindless scrolling has become integral to your normal routine, but you must do it. Here’s why: Besides randomly reconnecting with old friends, none of the reasons you keep scrolling through Facebook or Twitter are really that important. If one of those sites is your main source for news, there’s an easy fix for that: read a real news source, in print or online, and you won’t have to sift through your grandmother’s commentary on the story first. Throughout the election season, I heard so many fellow classmates, professors and friends complain about what ghastly thing they saw someone say on Facebook, what idiotic sentiment someone expressed on Twitter. Whether you like to admit it or not, those infuriating “comment trolls” or uninformed yet vocal internet addicts enthrall you. You’re obsessed with them, and their ludicrous arguments reel you in and keep you coming back for more. If you’re as tired as you claim to be, readers, of the ill-equipped talking heads of social media, stop consuming their material. It isn’t a complex problem. I’m not asking you to delete all your accounts and go off the grid – I get it, social media is important for networking and even required for some jobs. I still have my accounts, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to delete them completely any time soon. What I am asking you to do is to stop relying on those sites to pass time, be informed or speak to your friends. I used to spend hours wasting time on those sites each day and night doing absolutely nothing, and I felt illogically compelled to log on and start scrolling as a default action in my life. It’s pointless, draining and simply not a healthy habit to have. Now that I’ve stopped using social media so much – usually only getting on to check work-related notifications or event details, though I still post my fair share of unnecessary and stupid statuses – I’ve stopped missing it. Only a few months ago, Twitter was my autopilot, and I’d probably spend half my day with the screen up. Now, I haven’t scrolled through the 140-character monotony in a while, and none of the accounts/ jokes/information I loved before have even crossed my mind. Humans are creatures of habit – we all know this, though we’re reluctant to put it into practice. If you begin the routine of quitting something, you’ll eventually conquer and let go of that vice. Maybe social media isn’t a problem for you at all, but there’s another computer-related hold you cannot release. Figure out what it is, and make a change. We love to complain about there not being enough hours in the day to complete our tasks, but we usually don’t consider those hours of media consumption as part of the problem. Try a few days being disconnected, and see how much time you suddenly have. Maybe you’ll even crack open a book or have a good conversation. The possibilities are endless, friends. Go discover what those are, and if you post about it online afterward to seek validation from that beautiful, rich friend from high school whose Like means everything to you, I’ll personally track you down and confiscate your device. Happy New Year! hbeard2@murraystate.edu
Buying textbooks by Selena McPherson
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January 19, 2017
The News
Sports Editor: Sarah Combs Assistant Sports Editor: Collin Morris Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
Sports
Rifle shoots for third Withrow win
Chalice Keith/The News
The Murray State rifle team sets their focus at Pat Spurgin Rifle Range in Murray. Blake Sandlin Staff writer
bsandlin1@murraystate.edu
After a long drought in which the Murray State rifle team didn’t see the range for nearly two months, the team is poised to continue their shooting as they head into their next and final regular season match at the 2017 Withrow Invitational. The team picked up right where they left off in 2016, with a decisive win last weekend in their fourth tri-match
against the University of Kentucky and the University of Mississippi. The Racers, led by Robert Broadstreet’s school record tying air rifle score of 597, shot 4,708 to top Kentucky and Ole Miss, who shot 4,664 and 4,624, respectively. The team’s shooting as of late has earned them a third place ranking in the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association’s first poll of the new year, behind only Texas Christian and West Virginia. In a season of consistent shooting, the rankings have been relatively stagnant
throughout, as the top three teams have managed to remain near the top of the rankings all season. Head Coach said he believes his team’s continued success can be attributed to their commitment to hard work in training. “I think our commitment to the process allows us the chance to stay consistent,” Lollar said. “Our training is focused on giving our best effort on each shot, no matter when it is, training or match. When every shot is handled the same way, physi-
cally and emotionally, you have a chance to be consistent.” The Racers will hope to ride their momentum into their next match on Friday as they welcome a talented eight-team field to Murray State to compete in the 2017 Withrow Invitational. They will again get the chance to collide with the likes of fifth-ranked Kentucky and 13th-ranked Ole Miss, as well as other talent like 10th-ranked University of Memphis. As far as improvements go, Lollar said his team will continue to train in hopes of per-
fecting their shooting to the best it can be. “We will continue to work on process,” Lollar said. “We will always be working on making decisions and shooting the shots we want to shoot. Our goal is to shoot our shots, the way we want to shoot them. That never changes. We expect our best on everything we do, on and off the field.” While the Racers are approaching their last match before the OVC Rifle Championships, Lollar said there isn’t any added importance to this
next match. However, he says this last match will give him an opportunity to see how his team stacks up before postseason play begins. “It always helps to shoot good,” Lollar said. “Every match is a chance to compare yourself to someone else, so this is our chance to see where we are.” The 2017 Withrow Invitational will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range in Murray and will be the team’s last match before opening postseason play on Feb. 4.
Breaking into OVC top ten Collin Morris
Assistant Editor cmorris29@murraystate.edu
While classes halted for winter break, the Murray State women’s basketball season and the illustrious career of seasoned Head Coach Rob Cross continued. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Cross earned an unprecedented achievement as his team’s 80-62 win over Mississippi Valley State catapulted him onto the list of winningest coaches in OVC sports history. Cross, who succeeded Head Coach Jody Adams in 2008, has compiled 117 total wins throughout his nine-year career with the Racers, placing him just above conference rival and former Austin Peay State Head Coach
Susie Gardner. “There are three coaches in the OVC in the top 10 in career wins right now that are active and the other two are Larry Joe Inman and Kevin McMillan,” Cross said. “So to be in the same group with those two people and the person I passed being an old friend in Susie Gardner at Austin Peay who was in the 10 spot - that means a lot to be mentioned with those types of names but it’s more about what our student athletes have achieved.” The achievement will be added to Cross’ extensive resumé, as he is also one of only two OVC Coach of the Year recipients to have coached the Murray State women’s basketball team, as well as the only coach to have led the team to an
BATTLE
OVC Regular Season Title with their 16-2 season, both of which came in his rookie season as a head coach. Cross is also the winningest coach in Murray State’s history and also currently holds the record for the longest home winning streak for his 21-straight wins in the 2008 season, as well as the longest outright winning streak with 11-straight games in the 2009 season. Of all his accomplishments, however, Cross says he prides himself most on the academic success of his teams. “It’s something that means a lot to me because it means I’ve been able to stick around and help our student athletes get their degrees,” Cross said. “I’m more proud of the fact that our graduation rate is almost 100
percent since I’ve been here than I am of [moving into the top 10].” In 2009, Cross also coached the first and only Racer to earn the ESPN The Magazine: Academic All-American of the Year award, which is only one of his many achievements on the academic front. Cross has an extensive history of players earning similar awards and sending more than 50 percent of his players to the Dean’s List. Teams coached by Cross also have an average grade point average of 3.0. Cross hopes to extend his record even further toward the no. 9 spot at 4 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 21 in Cookeville, Tennessee, as the Racers will look to earn points for the Battle of the Border rivalry against Austin Peay.
of the
Jenny Rohl/The News
Head Coach Rob Cross is the most winningest coach in Murray State history.
BORDER
Points earned Volleyball 3 pts Football 3 pts Soccer 1.5 (Tie) CC 6 pts Volleyball 3 pts
Points earned Soccer
1.5
1.5 (Tie)
The News
Sports
January 19, 2017
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Basketball picks up OVC play over holidays Dec 31 Tennessee State 92-83
Jan 5
Jacksonville State 76-63
Jan 7
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Tennessee Tech 67-71
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Jan 12 Eastern Illinois 83-72
Jan 14 SIUE 67-59
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Bryan Edwards Staff writer
bedwards16@murraystate.edu
Following their winning weekend last week, the Murray State men’s basketball have another two games in slate for the opening weekend of the spring semester. After defeating Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville last weekend, the Racers currently sit with a 10-9 overall record and a 4-1 record in the OVC, which places them in first place in the Ohio Valley Conference’s western division. The Racers return home after posting a 3-1 record in their four-game road trip. The Racers will be returning to the CFSB Center for the first time in 2017 and will play host to the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. Head Coach Matt McMahon is happy to be back home and said the team is ready to play
in front of the Murray State crowd. “The CFSB Center is one of the top environments in the country,” McMahon said. “We certainly look forward to getting back out on our court in front of our fans.” The Racers have been led by their top two scorers, junior guard Jonathan Stark (20.6 PPG) and junior forward Terrell Miller Jr (14.8 PPG) but have seen a resurgence of play from the team’s leading scorer from last season in senior guard Bryce Jones. Since conference play began, Jones has averaged 15.8 points while shooting 60 percent from beyond the arc. Jones credits former OVC Player of the Year and current assistant coach for the women’s basketball team Aubrey Reese for his play. “I went back to what makes me who I am, and that’s being a hard worker,” Jones said. “I talked to Reese and he told me to stick with what made me
who I am, so I went to the gym and worked until I was happy with my shot again.” The trio of Stark, Miller and Jones lead the Racers into a matchup against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, who sit at 8-12 overall and a 1-4 record in the OVC. Although the Colonels have a losing record so far in the season, McMahon said he doesn’t want to take them lightly. “Eastern Kentucky is a good basketball team, they have a really good leader in Nick Mayo and a great freshman guard in Asante Gist,” McMahon said. “We expect a tough game and hope to come out with a win.” Following the matchup against Eastern Kentucky, the Racers will hit the road again for the first of two meetings against the defending OVC Tournament Champions of Austin Peay. The two teams will go at each other in another chapter of the 2016 Heritage Bank Bat-
tle of the Border. Austin Peay currently sits at 6-13 overall with a 2-3 record in the OVC. The Governors are led by Josh Robinson, who averages 21.8 points and lead the team with 66 assists for the year. Robinson was named the OVC Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 8, averaging 31 points in two games over that week. The Battle of the Border is a 67-point competition between the two schools and the points are awarded for performances both on the field and in the communities. Murray State currently leads Austin Peay State 16.5-1.5 after five events, with the next installment of the rivalry being when the two basketball teams square off on Saturday, Jan. 21. The Racers look to improve on their record and keep their momentum when they host the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. on Thursday Jan. 19 in the CFSB Center.
Football expects small class for National Signing Day Bryan Edwards Staff writer
bedwards16@murraystate.edu
Although the season is over, the Murray State football team wasted no time with its offseason schedule by preparing for the upcoming spring scrimmage and bringing in some new faces for the approaching season. The Racers finished their 2016 campaign with a 4-7 regular season record and a 4-4 record in OVC play. Head Coach Mitch Stewart said he was pleased with how his team played this season but expects bigger things this offseason and moving forward into next year. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Stewart said. “We lost a couple big players this year, but we have a lot of people coming back and we’ll be
able to have spring practice because of that and all of the coaches are excited to get everything ready for next season.” After the season ended, the Racers began building their roster for next season, which included a Division 1 transfer and verbal commitments from one high school quarterback and two junior college transfers. The Racers received two verbal commitments from players that will be transferring to play for Murray State for the upcoming season in offensive lineman J.R. Burns from Northwest Mississippi Community College and defensive end Kenney Wooten from Itawamba Community College. Burns started in 20 games for the Rangers, helping them win the 2015 National Championship. The Corinth, Mississippi native anchored
a Northwest Mississippi offense that averaged 30.1 points per game last season. Wooten started in 19 games during his career at Itawamba, recording 49 tackles over two seasons. Last year, Wooten recorded 5.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. The program also received word that they would be adding two quarterbacks to the roster. Wayne County High School quarterback Preston Rice and Old Dominion University quarterback Shuler Bentley will be enrolling in classes and beginning their Murray State careers this spring. Bentley, a redshirt junior, threw for 1,498 yards and 12 touchdowns in his last season at Old Dominion and was a four-star recruit coming out of high school Rice threw for 3,075 and 37 touch-
downs while running for 739 yards and 16 touchdowns. Rice finished his career with over 10,000 passing and holds the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association record for total touchdowns with 141 (93 passing, 48 rushing). “The class is great so far,” Stewart said. “We had some needs that we needed to take care of and it’s a good thing that we could pull in some players in between semesters so we can see them make mistakes before there is anything on the line for them in a game.” With National Signing Day approaching on Feb. 1, Stewart said he expects to have a smaller class. “We’re looking at about 20 recruits for next season,” Stewart said. “Our recruiting staff has come up with some creative ways to use some numbers and scholarships in different
ways to help maximize the number of people we will be bringing in, and if we bring in 20 players for next year I’ll feel really happy with the class and where we are for the next season.” Stewart also talks about how helpful the other staff and faculty are to help in the recruiting process. “The greatest recruiting tool we have at Murray State is the people,” Stewart said. “We have many professors that are willing to come out on a Saturday and talk to the players about their majors and what to expect, and we have a staff that loves hanging out and developing players to their full potential both on the football field and in the classroom.” The Racer football team hopes to see many new faces come to wear the blue and gold when National Signing Day rolls around.
The Murray State Adventures in Math and Science (AIMS) Program is currently accepting applications for its Summer Program being held May 28 - July 3, 2017. Applications may be picked up in Room 252 of the Blackburn Science Building.
Application deadline is January 30, 2017.
the poet and the pipes
Skills Needed: Residential Advisor Positions - summer camp counselor experience preferred. Experience working with low-income, first-generation, high school students preferred. Teacher/Instructor Positions - Mathematics, Science, Science Research, English, Composition & Literature, Foreign Language, Computer Literacy/Technology, Financial Literacy, Elective Courses (i.e. P.E., Journalism, Arts & Crafts, Hip Hop Dance, Cooking, etc.).
Also, the MSU Talent Search Program will be hiring staff for its ACT Summer Boot Camp. Positions available will be: Residential Advisors and ACT Boot Camp Instructors (College Seniors, Graduate Students, and/or Bachelor Degree Students). The ACT Boot Camp will be 1 week long and will be held on the Murray State University Campus.
CELEBRATE ROBERT BURNS, THE GREATEST POET IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, IN A SCOTTISH SETTING BEYOND COMPARE.
Join the Western Kentucky Highland Society for their annual tribute to Robert Burns at the Murray Women's Clubhouse on January 28, 2017. Doors open at 6:00 PM and dinner is served at 6:30 PM. Enjoy bagpipes, a Scottish menu, the traditional toasts to: Mr. Burns, the Haggis, the Lads and Lassies and more. Raffle and silent auction of Scottish items will take place before the final singing of Auld Lang Syne. The dinner is $25.00 per person for Society members and $30.00 for the general public. Prepayment is required using the paypal button at the website, below. Refunds only if the dinner is rescheduled due to inclement weather. Reservations and prepayment must be received by January 23, 2017.
All applicants must be 21 years old before the Summer Program begins. Interviews will be conducted in February. All applicants must be enrolled in college or a college graduate (2 or 4 year degree). Please include résumé and three professional references with application. Stephen Keene
270-809-3368 skeene@murraystate.edu
Kim Johnson
270-809-5682 kjohnson90@murraystate.edu
Teressa Hill
270-809-5429 thill5@murraystate.edu
More information, reservations and tickets at: www.murraykyhighlandgames.com/burns-supper.html
The News
Sports
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January 19, 2017
Here’s what you missed Basketball Men start conference play 4-1 Bryan Edwards || Staff writer bedwards16@murraystate.edu
Kei he N th/T ews
Lori Allen/The News
Head Coach Mitch Stewart and the Murray State men’s basketball team set their sights on Eastern Kentucky this Friday.
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The Murray State men’s basketball team continued play throughout the holiday season and began OVC play on New Year’s Eve. When classes were dismissed and finals concluded at Murray State, the Racers were sitting at 5-4 overall after defeating Detroit Mercy 86-76 at home in the final game of the fall semester. In their first game of Winter Break, the Racers shot a season low 28 percent from the field in a 78-46 loss McMahon against Evansville. No player for Murray State was able to record more than nine points in the contest. The Racers responded with a 103-65 win over Bethel but then fell in three straight contests, including a 77-62 loss to Wright State in the CFSB Center. The loss was the team’s first at home this season. After getting back on the winning track with a win over Brescia 99-83, the Racers opened OVC play against Tennessee State at home. After trailing for the majority of the contest, the Racers were able to pull away in the end thanks to 20 point efforts from junior guard Jonathan Stark and senior guard Damarcus Croaker. The team started the new year strong after defeating the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State 76-63 on the road, giving them a 2-0 record in the OVC. Head Coach Matt McMahon said he believes the team is starting to realize their roles and play together. “Chemistry is so important, and the players are starting to buy into their roles,” McMahon said. “I like where we are as a team and that will give us an opportunity to keep getting better as we go through
the league schedule.” The Racers then traveled to Cookeville, Tennessee, to take on the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. The Racer offense stalled early, trailing 21-6 in the first 11 minutes of the game. The Racers responded with a 25-8 run to end the first half but were unable to capitalize on the momentum and lost 71-67. McMahon was happy with the way the team bounced back in the first half but was hoping that the team could keep the lead in the end. “Whenever you go down 21-6 in the game, it really puts you in a tough position for the rest of the game,” McMahon said. “There were a couple of occasions in the second half where we would get our lead to five, but we would either give up the ball or give up a three. We were never able to extend the lead to put ourselves in a better position to win the game.” The Racers traveled to Charleston, Illinois, to play against Eastern Illinois in an OVC West Matchup. In a competitive game, the Racer defense stood strong through the final seven minutes to help the Racers win 83-72. After closing their four-game road trip with a 67-59 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Racers are sitting at 10-9 overall, with a 4-1 record in the OVC, which leads the conference’s Western Division. McMahon said he was pleased with how the team has played over the break, especially since the team came back from Christmas but still sees areas that need improvement. “We learned a lot from the nonconference schedule and have shown improvements as a team since Christmas,” McMahon said. “We’ve played great in conference play, but we need to work on consistency on both sides of the ball.” Murray State students will be returning for the spring semester just in time to watch the Racers play against Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19 at the CFSB Center.
Racers stay hot in winter
Collin Morris
Assistant Sports Editor cmorris29@murraystate.edu
In the midst of the mild winter weather, the Murray State women’s basketball team was still able to stay hot. Since losing their final game of the fall semester in five-point loss to the University of Evansville, the ladies have raced to the season finish line at a breakneck Cross pace, winning eight of their last 10 games and four of their first five conference matchups. The run began on Dec. 10 with an overtime thriller against Northern Kentucky in which the Racers edged out a 72-69 win on the backs of senior guard LeAsia Wright and junior forward Ke’Shunan James, who both poured on more than 20 points. The Norse were defeated after missing a shot to tie at the buzzer. Next on the Racers’ schedule was Division III opponent MacMurray College, who they defeated by a margin of 56 points. Murray State put five players into double-digit scoring figures while holding the Highlanders to 23 percent shooting and all but one player to under seven points. Following their brief stay in Kentucky, the women’s team then traveled to Kansas for the Shocker Winter Classic hosted by Wichita State. In the first of their two games played in Wichita, the Racers defeated the University of the
Incarnate Word 72-68 behind another disseminate offensive performance for the team. Four players again scored in double figures and the team posted a season-high 41 percent shooting from behind the arc. The Wildcats of Abilene Christian University then handed the Racers an 81-57 loss to close out the tournament. After losing their 2-0 scoring lead earned on the first basket of the game, the Racers trailed the Wildcats for the remainder of the game. The final non-conference game matched the women’s team with Mississippi Valley State. This time, Wright and James combined for more than half of the team’s points, scoring 45 on 75 percent shooting from the floor and 60 percent shooting from three. Conference play for the Racers then began with a comeback win against Tennessee State. After trailing 34-27 at halftime, a 53-38 second half performance on 50 percent 3-point shooting resulted in an 80-72 victory and 1-0 start. Jacksonville State fell victim to the Racers next, losing 71-64 and never once leading the Racers despite mounting a similar second half comeback of their own. The Racers’ first and only conference loss to date came at the hands (or claws) of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Jasmine Borders, junior guard, led Murray State in scoring for the game with 17 points on 44 percent shooting, while James
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followed with 16. Wright had an abnormal night, shooting 27 percent and scoring only 6 points. A bounce back win came shortly after, as Murray State defeated Eastern Illinois (who currently sits at 1-5 in the OVC) by a score of 92-74. Wright and James returned to form, both scoring more than 20 points, and junior guard Bria Bethea contributed an additional 16 points on 40 percent shooting. Finally, in their most recent contest, the Racers topped Southern Illinois University Edwardsville by a score of 84-77. Wright and James scored 23 points each, and Wright recorded a double-double with 12 total rebounds, as well as 4 steals on the defensive end. As a team, Murray State shot 50 percent from the field, going 30-60, and 43 percent from 3-point land on 13-30 shooting. On defensive, the Racers forced 21 points on turnovers. Despite the team’s recent success, particularly in conference games, Head Coach Rob Cross intends to keep its focus. “We just worry about the possession we’re in, whether it’s in practice or in a game,” Cross said. “We’re just focused on the process and staying in the moment. Nothing is decided, and we’re a little more than a quarter through the conference season, but in this league we say it every year – nothing is going to be decided until the last night of the season. That’s when you’ll know who’s in the tournament and what the seeds are.” Conference play will continue for the women’s basketball team at 4:00 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 21, in Clarksville, Tennessee, as its welcomed by the Governors of Austin Peay State.
Women’s Track & Field
Racers make improvements, set multiple personal records Blake Sandlin || Contributing writer bsandlin1@murraystate.edu
Murray State’s women’s track team might have been experiencing a sense of déjà vu this last weekend upon entering the VU Multipurpose Center at Vanderbilt for the second consecutive time in a little over a month, but that didn’t stop them from competing with some of the NCAA’s top contenders. The first invitational, the Vanderbilt Opener, included 10 teams, including the University of Louisville and Memphis University, along with many teams that are also a part of the OVC, such as Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay
State. The most recent, the Commodore Invitational, invited a much tougher field, including nationally-ranked schools like eighth-ranked Louisiana State and 11th-ranked University of Tennessee. Despite the talented field, the Racers were able to focus on their own performance and compete with some of the best in the country. By doing so, they were able to capitalize on their second opportunity to compete at Vanderbilt, placing highly in numerous events and improving on their times, setting new personal records. For the sprinters, sophomore Tamdra Lawrence improved on her 24.46-second time in
the women’s 200-meter set at the Dec. 3 meet, finishing with 24.32 to place ninth. Her performance this last weekend set her new personal best. Junior Taylor McCammon showed an improvement in her 60-meter hurdles time, surpassing her previous time of 8.79 to give her an 11th place finish out of 33 runners. In the 400-meter, senior Taylor Adcock shed a second off of her original time to finish with a 1:02.18. Junior Rebekah Priddy set a new personal record in the 800-meter with a time of 2:27, earning her 27th place out of 37 runners. She also set a new personal record in the mile run, finishing in 28th out of 72 runners. Moving to the field events, McCammon in-
creased her long jump from 5.4 meters on Dec. 3 to 5.7 meters at the Jan. 17 meet. Shot put also showed big improvements, with freshman Jewel Wagner increasing her distance from 11.96 meters to 12.43 meters, freshman Destiny Carey increasing from 11.36 meters to 12.55 meters and sophomore Christina Meinhardt increasing from 11.33 meters to 11.93 meters. While only two meets into Murray State’s 2016 indoor season, the team has already managed to improve on their previous times and is aiming to keep a steady pace as they carry their momentum into their next meet when they take action at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 to compete in the Gladstein Invitational in Bloomington, Indiana.
Murray State completes its second straight meet at Vandy Blake Sandlin || Contributing writer bsandlin1@murraystate.edu
Murray State’s women’s track and field team kicked off their new year this last weekend, traveling to Vanderbilt to compete in the Commodore Invitational in just their second match of their 2016 indoor season. The Racers joined a stacked lineup of opponents at the VU Multipurpose Center, home of the Commodores. This meet was their second consecutive trip back to Vanderbilt, as they officially began their indoor season at the Vanderbilt Opener on Dec. 3. The team faced off against multiple non-conference opponents, with the University of Alabama, Auburn and Louisiana State all in attendance. They were also joined by familiar OVC contend-
ers Austin Peay State and Belmont. For the sprinters, sophomore Tamdra Lawrence set her personal record and snagged a 9th place finish out of 77 runners in the 200-meter with a time of 24.32 seconds. Junior Taylor McCammon finished in 11th in 60-meter hurdles, finishing in 8.77 seconds. In middle distance, freshman Norma Abdur-Rafia had the Swieton highest finish for the Racers with her 57.65 in the 400-meter to claim 19th place. The 800-meter had junior Rebekah Priddy claiming the Racer’s top finish and recording her new personal best with a 2:27, helping to give her 27th place overall.
In relay, the Racer’s team of senior Tia Weston, freshman D’Myia Thornton, sophomore Ida Mutai and Lawrence grabbed a 7th place finish out of 11 teams in the 4000-meter DMR to lead their team. Priddy set a personal record in distance, and had Murray State’s best finish of 28th place out of 72 runners in the mile run, finishing in 5:14. In the field events, Racer sophomore Rachel Gootee and junior Christina Meinhardt finished with 25th and 26th place performances in weight throw, respectively. McCammon put up a 5.70m in long jump to earn a spot in 13th place out of 35 participants. Despite competing in an invitational packed with power-conference opponents, Head Coach Jenny Swieton expressed pride in her team’s ability to start their season off on a strong note. “I am happy with the start to the season, it was
great to see such high-level competition so early,” Swieton said. “It really shows everyone what it takes to be at the highest level. Now we can get back to work and make the necessary improvements to be where we want to at OVC.” Swieton was especially pleased with the performances by her freshman newcomers. “I was really happy with how most of the girls competed given the level of competition,” Swieton said. “Our freshmen really showed they will make an immediate impact on the program as well.” The Racers will now turn their focus onto their upcoming meet, as they will be traveling to Indiana University to compete in the Gladstein Invitational. The two-day invitational kicks off at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 20th and will be held at the Gladstein Fieldhouse in Bloomington, Indiana.
January 19, 2017
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The News
Features
Features Editor: Gisselle Hernandez Assistant Features Editor: Emily Williams Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
Places You’ll Go A bucket list for Murray State students before they graduate.
Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu
Rooted in tradition, family and higher education, Murray has many unique experiences to offer students. Some experiences are labeled as “musts” by locals and students. Here is a list of things exclusive to Murray to indulge in before students leave in May. Taking your place in the tradition Great Beginnings Each fall, students make their way back to campus. Freshmen are invited to be involved with Great Beginnings, a week of seminars, games and fun designed to help students get acclimated to campus and hopefully meet new people. Some of the events during Great Beginnings attract more than just first-year students. Tom Deluca, a hypnotist, comes every year, and students line up outside of Lovett Auditorium hours in advance to get a good seat. Students also heavily attend the midnight water balloon fight. Last year, thousands of balloons were filled and piled on the football field for the event. Ghost Tour Murray State’s campus is full of stories left untold, except on the ghost tour given during Great Beginnings. Keri Mogan, junior from Paducah, Kentucky, said she has had the pleasure of taking the tour as a Great Beginnings leader for the past two years, and it still gives her chills. Mogan said the tour focuses on certain buildings on cam-
pus that are said to have spirits roaming the halls. “The ghost of the elevator man in Old Fine Arts is always a favorite,” Mogan said. “He supposedly died working on the elevators, and he takes people down to the basement where they can only get out with a key.” All Campus Sing In the spring, students look forward to All Campus Sing. Students have been known to sleep on the steps of Lovett Auditorium all night just to secure a good seat for the performance. All Campus Sing is an all-day event where most organizations on campus sing and dance on the steps of Lovett Auditorium in competition. The Quad is packed with hundreds of people. Professors know students are either focused on rehearsing or securing their blanket space on the Quad, so sometimes classes get canceled. Campus Lights Another spring semester favorite happens in January: Campus Lights. This year’s performance of “Sister Act” marks 80 years for this historic musical, which is entirely produced and performed by students. Shoe Tree One of the more famous Murray State landmarks is the shoe tree located in the Quad. It is a tradition for couples who met on campus and got married to nail a shoe on the tree. Recent graduates Eric and Carlie Schadler nailed their shoes to the tree in December 2016, one year after they
were married. Carlie said the couple met while “benching,” another Murray State tradition where students pack the benches on the main walk through campus and people-watch. She said Murray State will always be special for her and her husband. “It is where we had some of the best years of our lives,” Carlie said. “Having our shoes on the tree allows us to leave our mark on the place that brought us together.” Murray eats College students are infamous for eating junk food constantly, but no Murray State student should graduate without trying Matt B’s Main St. pizza. Matt B’s is known locally to have the best cheese sticks in town, especially when paired with their homemade honey butter. If students don’t like pizza, then there is always Burrito Shack, Belew’s Dairy Bar, Sammons’ Bakery, Murray Donuts or H.R.H Dumplins of Murray. Murray State also hosts Midnight Breakfast every semester during finals week. Professors – and even the president – suit up with aprons and ladles in Winslow Dining Hall and serve the students. After experiencing all of these events and foods that Murray has to offer, students can’t forget about the view from the 8th floor of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building. From there, students can see all of campus from a whole new perspective. Senior Allia Earick, from Murray, said she loves her hometown and all it has to offer. “The best advice anyone can give is to get involved and get out and explore,” Earick said.
Photos courtesy of McKenna Dosier, Emily Baucom, Chalice Keith and Jenny Rohl/The News
80 years of tradition lights up the stage
Emily Williams
Assistant Features Editor ewilliams15@murraystate.edu
Murray State’s very own Campus Lights will take the stage for its 80th consecutive year with a student-produced and performed production of “Sister Act” in Lovett Auditorium on Jan. 20, 21 and 23, maintaining a cherished tradition on campus. Since it was founded in 1938, Campus Lights has been contributing to the rich history and variety of Murray State traditions, and this year will be no different. The musical serves as an opportunity to provide scholarship funds for upcoming Murray State music students and is the philanthropy of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Sigma Alpha Iota.
Hunter Carter, senior from Madisonville, Kentucky, said Campus Lights was originally a fundraiser to pay for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s charter. However, as World War II began many brothers were drafted, which prompted Sigma Alpha Iota to step in, help out and keep the tradition alive. Today, the musical remains a joint effort between the two. Carter said originally, the fraternity wrote their own shows and performed them for Campus Lights, but about 20 years ago they began to buy rights to shows and perform Broadway musicals. “We wanted to pick a show that was fun and well-known,” Carter said. “Our cast is having so much fun putting it all together.” Cole Lawrence, recent Murray
State graduate from Benton, Kentucky, is serving as the artistic director of this year’s musical and said Murray State students can expect the show to be very bright. “It’s going to be really colorful this year,” Lawrence said. “The lights are going to be really bright, the costumes are all really bright and colorful, there’s a lot of dancing and singing. It’s a comedy but there are a couple of serious songs. It will probably still make people cry.” Jessica Wiggins, junior from Cadiz, Kentucky, and member of Sigma Alpha Iota said the show to be performed is picked yearly by members of the Board of Producers in a meeting where each organization is given the opportunity to voice their opinion on what they think the show should be that par-
ticular year. “I really think the audience can expect to feel a wave of emotions with the show this year,” Wiggins said. “It’s just a fun-filled, comedic show. It’s a great kick for our university.” Wiggins said she thinks Campus Lights has been through the thinnest of the thin and the thickest of the thick, having started back before World War II. “Campus Lights is the longest running, student-organized show production in the South. Period. In the entire South,” Wiggins said. “I really feel like that shows how awesome Murray State is by showing their support for Campus Lights. Without our organizations, faculty and staff, we wouldn’t have Campus Lights because they are the ones who keep it running.”
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January 19, 2017
Art students gear up for spring semester Graphic courtesy of Austin Gordon/The News
Sydni Anderson Staff writer
sanderson33@murraystate.edu
If people couldn’t tell by the winter-themed painting spread across Winslow’s Hart-facing windows this winter, the Organization of Murray State Art Students is active on campus. Caitlyn Hemingway, vice president of OMAS, said, last semester was “the most active OMAS has ever been on and off campus.” During the fall semester, OMAS participated in the Murray State Homecoming parade by dressing up as zombies. In addition, OMAS had a booth in Tent City, partnered up with the printmaking students for “Monster Mash” where they sold buttons and treats, and selected a weekly “Artist of the Week” whose work was posted on OMAS social media accounts. Shelby Clark, senior from Louisville, Kentucky, said her favorite event was tent city. “We had to be creative in what to sell to raise money for the club and make fools of ourselves luring people in to buy iced coffee,” she said. Hemingway said OMAS has been planning for the spring. To start off the semester, OMAS is holding a Welcome Back party with food and fun for “new and old faces” inter-
ested in art. The organization is also planning on participating in the Murray Art Guild’s Empty Bowls project. Empty Bowls is a workshop where people buy a bowl, decorate it, and donate it to the Empty Bowls dinner to raise money for families in the community with food insecurity. “It’s a reminder that there are people in the community that do have empty bowls,” Hemingway said. Every spring, OMAS hosts a themed art show in the Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery. Clark said she is very excited for the annual student show. “Last year I had work chosen [for the show] and won an award but I was not involved in OMAS. I am very excited to be behind the scenes and help put on the show!” she said. Savannah Young, president of OMAS, is also anticipating the arrival of the show. She said they usually go all out with the decorations and entertainment for the opening night. “Musicians, great food, kooky costumes – we even had a belly dancer perform for us last year,” Young said. It will also be Young’s last OMAS art show. “It will be the last time that I plan out this event and celebrate with my art family before I graduate and pass the torch on to the talented students that will uphold our traditions
as well as make new and exciting ones,” she said. Not only looking to showcase art, OMAS is scheduling a day for gallery hopping in Paducah, Kentucky. OMAS is also screen-printing their own shirts and having a “tie-dye extravaganza.” There is also talk of a performance art event. “Instead of just traditional walking through a gallery we want to get into performance art and explore that. We’re not seeing too much of that in the department,” Hemingway said. OMAS’s “Artist of the Week” will also continue into the Spring semester. Eriko Whittaker, freshman from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, said she is excited to simply be among the other artists in OMAS. “In my opinion, art is best when art is shared, for I believe it enriches our lives,” Whittaker said.
Photos contributed by Organization of Murray Art Students
Springing into the new semester The new year always has a way of providing people with a newfound sense of excitement. It may be hard for students to appreciate all that spring semester can bring with the cold winter air still whipping them every time they step outside, so here are a few things to look forward to: Greek Spring Recruitment If you’ve thought about joining a Greek organization and missed fall rush, here is your chance! Rush events for both sororities and fraternities go from Jan. 23-30. Check out these organizations and take an opportunity to find your home away from home on campus. Spring intramurals Out with baseball, softball and football and in with the spring sports! Intramural sports like volleyball, basketball, soccer, racquetball and water polo will be available this semester. Residential colleges, clubs and Greek organizations have a chance to put together teams and compete in these sports. For people who are looking for a less competitive option, ‘B’ team is also available for people to play against each other for a more relaxed experience. Career Fair Graduating soon and worried about future career plans? These career fairs could possibly be the solution to all of that! The fairs are March 14, March 15 and April 14, and each fair will focus on certain majors. Check the Murray State website for more information, and don’t forget to dress your best because business professional is required to attend.
Campus Lights Each spring, Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha sponsor a musical production. This year is the 80th annual production, and they have chosen to put on the musical “Sister Act.” The cast and crew arrived back in Murray early to make this production ready in time for opening night. It will be showing in Lovett Auditorium Jan. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 with a student ID. Miss MSU Get your ball gowns ready, ladies! Each spring the Campus Activities Board branch of the Student Government Association puts on a beauty pageant for 15 lucky ladies. After being nominated, nearly 40 women are interviewed and 15 are then selected to compete. A series of interviews, semester-long practices and the final pageant then decide who the winner of the scholarship prize will be. Other awards are given, like Miss Congeniality, Most Photogenic and People’s Choice. Last year’s winner, Tanelle Smith, made history by being the first ever African American winner. She also received a scholarship of $850.
All Campus Sing Spring on Murray State’s campus means one thing: All Campus Sing time! This year’s All Campus Sing will be the 59th annual event. Students from organizations spanning from Greek life, residential colleges and academic organizations all get the chance to perform their routine on the steps of Lovett Auditorium. This singing and dancing competition is the philanthropy event of Sigma Alpha Iota and always a favorite among students. Many parents and alumni travel from across the country to watch this event, and it is even live streamed online. Last year’s grand champion was sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma. Fun in the sun As the semester progresses, the weather will continue to get warmer, which means all of the best warm-weather activities will be available again. So grab your hiking boots and head to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Warm weather also means it’s time for Belew’s Dairy Bar and Dairy Queen to open back up, so you can forget your New Year’s resolution to get skinny and start binge eating ice cream and burgers! If you’re looking for some fun around campus, it’ll be warm enough to set up a hammock in the Quad again.
Photos courtesy of McKenna Dosier, Jenny Rohl and Chalice Keith /The News
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Step Show and other spring Greek philanthropy events Alpha Phi Alpha’s spring philanthropy is the Step Show competition. For the event, teams practice a step routine and then perform them in a competition. The step show is an event that many students attend. Other philanthropies to look forward to are Watermelon Bust for Lambda Chi Alpha, Pie A Pi for Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Sig’s Philanthropy Challenge. Spring Break While this isn’t a campus activity, it’s one that is highly anticipated by most students. Whether some students will be taking off for the beach, hitting the slopes in the mountains or spending some relaxing time at home, Spring Break is a great time to decompress midway through the semester. Commencement Attention all seniors, whether you like it or not, graduation is approaching! Although this event is scary for some, it is a big milestone in life nonetheless. Each year, spring commencement sends a new class of alumni out to see all that an education from Murray State can give you. It’s time to show the world what Racers are made of!
The News
Features
January 19, 2017
Page 11
Under the ‘Passengers’ not “out-of-this-world” No more hiding Radar
Just So You Know
ing being a malfunction. One would think this is where hysterics persist, but after Lane’s panic subsides, it’s not long before mood shifts. Preston and Lane becomes lovers trapped within the confines of the spaceship. A lot is thrown at viewers in “Passengers.” In the midst of chaotic action and the passionate vigor, the audience is forced to process what exactly is going on. Viewers might ask themselves, “What would I do in Preston’s situation?” The back-and-forth pondering of whether waking Lane up was wrong or justified is reflected well within Pratt’s portrayal of Preston. Along with this dilemma is still the problem that Preston and Lane are doomed to die alone together on the ship unless they figure out a plan. On top of that, numerous other issues come into play (think: asteroids and gravity disappearing). It may be overwhelming to keep up with for some. It can be argued that the main downfall of “Passengers” is the script. Pratt does a swell job of conveying a character who is both a charming lead
Nick Erikson || Staff writer nerickson@murraystate.edu
Photo courtesy of watchplayread.com
A not-so-unfortunate series makes its way to Netflix After making its way to the big screen in 2004, a compilation of Lemony Snicket’s beloved series of books entitled “A Series of Unfortunate Events” has been remastered as a Netflix original series starring Neil Patrick Harris and it’s definitely worth a peek, even if you aren’t familiar with the books. After the three Baudelaire children tragically lose their parents in a fire, they are left to face several difficult (and definitely odd) circumstances and to uncover dark family mysteries. Dramatic with a comedic twist, it’s one of those that will likely have you binge watching.
It’s not uncommon that action films intertwine themselves with romantic subplots. However, sometimes when the line is blurred, it becomes confusing and loses its train of thought, as well as the viewers’ attention. This is the case with the new sci-fi thriller “Passengers.” What could’ve been an enticing plot becomes a clustered, watered-down “Titanic” set in space. Two of Hollywood’s most beloved and attractive stars, Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, are the film’s eyecandy. Jim Preston (Pratt) is on board an interstellar cruise ship, the Avalon, along with more than 5,000 others heading to a distant planet. Things head south when Preston wakes up from suspended animation about 30 years into the 120-year journey and cannot go back into hibernation. Alone, aside from a robotic bartender, Preston contemplates suicide. Refusing to die alone, he awakens another passenger, Aurora Lane (Lawrence). Preston lies to her about her awaken-
Photo courtesy of youtube.com
You Me at Six still has it Nick Erikson || Staff writer nerickson@murraystate.edu
Photo courtesy of pinterest.com
Chris Thile released a new tune and all of Murray State should be stoked about it Former music major at Murray State, Chris Thile, has just released a new single in collaboration with well-known jazz pianist Brad Mehldau. This is the first single Thile has released since 2014 and it’s just the kind of jazzy, mellowed-out feel that your morning coffee playlist is missing. With some soulful piano by Mehldau combined with Thile’s godlike mandolin playing, the new single “Independence Day” will leave you feeling just a little bit more classy and well-rounded. It also has the potential to make you swell with Racer pride, as if you needed any more. So if this one has yet to make it to your queue on Spotify, make it a point to check it out and unwind after the first week of classes by listening to it. Preferably while taking a bubble bath. That’s not too weird, right?
and stressed to the brink. However, since he is alone besides Aurora and the robot, there is only so much intriguing dialogue. Once Lane comes into play, things pick up. Yet, her character development is far less than Preston’s. We don’t learn much about her besides that she is a pride-seeking writer, and she primarily serves as Preston’s love interest. With that being said, she does complement Pratt’s character well, and the two certainly do look good together on screen. “Passengers” is undeniably a gorgeous film from a visual standpoint. It has the polish and glamour of other noble space flicks like “Gravity” and “Interstellar.” Even the acting is on par. However, it falls short of what it could have been. Rather than telling a story of love and adventure, it becomes overly ambitious. Viewers might spend more time reflecting on their own morals rather than the explosions and sex on screen. A wonderful concept, but “Passengers” isn’t quite “out-of-this-world.”
When bands blend genres both seamlessly and proficiently, it’s not hard to see why they catch attention. When rock band You Me at Six mixed conventional indie guitar noodling, vengeful lyricism and guest vocals from a metal screamer in 2011, the band earned their way onto the Billboard charts and pushed millions of fans from different demographics in their direction. Now, after vanishing from the music scene’s radar these past few years, the rockers from Surrey have reemerged with their newest endeavor, “Night People.” Nine years since their praised debut album “Take Off Your Colours,” the five-piece band proves they still have some bite with their bark. While the group has always had a knack for writing gritty rock music, they’ve also been able to create some infectious hooks. On “Night People,” arena-friendly choruses are plentiful and in the vein of larger names, including Fall Out Boy and other upcoming
bands such as PVRIS. The record kicks into gear with the title track. Frontman Josh Franceschi utilizes his smooth croon to its full potential, and the band delivers three minutes of foot-stomping, guitar-wailing blues. “Looks a lot like heartache,” Franceschi sings over the airy verses of “Heavy Soul.” It’s not long before the track explodes into a pounding chorus full of bass drum and keyboard pads. Nashville producer Jacquire King, known for his work with Kings of Leon, really helps harness the southern twang that emerges both here and throughout the duration of th album. “Swear” builds off of a swift, pounding snare introduction and shortly follows suit with a demanding bass line. Franceschi sings, “Who really wants to hear the sound that comes out of your mouth?”, while guitarists Max Helyer and Chris Miller provide an energetic backdrop, as well as lush harmonies as a complement. “Plus One” serves almost as a homage to the classic rock idols who inspire the band and comes equipped with ballsy, soaring solos.
From the Snow Patrol vibes in the verses of ballad “Take on the World” to the melancholic, laidback strums and arpeggios of closer “Give,” the band creates a mesmerizing atmosphere of emotions. This is not to fail to mention the feeling of nostalgia. Whatever listeners may feel during this album’s duration, it’ll hit hard and bring back memories of simpler times from the past. Perhaps that was the band’s intention all along. You Me at Six’s “Night People” holds its weight against the band’s past discography. The band has given the album its own unique personality, never “reinventing the wheel.” Layers of pop-rock guitars meet a soulful side of Franceschi’s voice, unlike anything heard before. Still, the band has proven their songwriting skills have improved with age. There’s something to be found for everyone here, given these 10 tracks full of authentic passion and top-notch, dynamic musicianship. Expect to see the quintet at a sold-out stadium across the States soon.
I’ve written a column about mental health before for Suicide Awareness Month, but despite it being 2017, certain Gisselle Hernandez stigmas Features Editor surrounding mental health are ever-present. I’m really, really thrilled to see it is being addressed more than in past years when if you were depressed, people thought you were weird or something was wrong with you. But there’s so much more work to be done. Over the break, I read this fascinating novel by Jennifer Niven about a young man suffering from bipolar disorder. In her author’s note, she said she lost two people in the span of 14 months - one to cancer and one to suicide. She said the reactions could not have been more different - “people rarely ever bring flowers to a suicide.” This generation, despite all the criticism we get, understands better than anyone we should speak up if we feel something is wrong. In my family, especially amongst the older generations, topics like these are taboo, and I am tired of having the deteriorating health of a relative because of depression be swept under the rug. Or it being blamed on something else. Or just labeling it as “being sad.” It’s infuriating. So much is targeted at young women who are insecure about their bodies to do this regimen to get thin fast, or to get the new must-have concealer to cover those freckles, or give up foods that make them happy because they want that summer body. All these women who try these things aren’t receiving what they need most: happiness with who they are. As the charming “Stranger Things” star Shannon Purser said, scrolling through social media feeds, you see more articles of “Ways to lose weight fast” than “Ways to improve mental health.” Those with visible illnesses receive more sympathy and support than those suffering internally. Just this week I saw an actual article – an entire news story – about Kendall Jenner breaking out in acne. Are you serious? The entire piece was about her pimples. Literally. How can these women not feel criticized or the need to always be glammed up with makeup if they are dragged for being less than perfect? Instead of focusing on how the glam life is making models break out in acne, we should focus on how crazy the modeling life is that it sends people into deep depression (see: Cara Delevingne.) People suffering from mental illnesses need as much support and help as those with the cancer. We need to stop acting like it’s something to be ashamed of or something that doesn’t exist, because it is very much real. People need to know they’re not alone. And neither are you. ghernandez1@murraystate.edu
Soundbyte “Sliced bread is the best thing since you.” -Ellen DeGeneres, wishing Betty White a happy birthday
Photo courtesy of teamrock.com
Out this week
Photo courtesy of barnesandnoble.com
Read It
“My Life, My Love, My Legacy” Coretta Scott King
Photo courtesy of movieinsider.com
See It “Split”
Photo courtesy of genius.com
Hear It
“Only the Lonely” Colony House
Photo courtesy of indiewire.com
Rent It
“The Whole Truth”
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Play It
“Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King”
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January 19, 2017