ENTERTAINMENT
Need to get that special someone a special something? See page 6 for affordable ideas.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
SPORTS
TUESDAY’S ISSUE
We’re endorsing the candidates we like for SGA executive office. Pick it up next Tuesday before you go to the polls.
Brett Favre finally retired (again). See page 8 for details.
S P The
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Volume 93, Issue 39
Web, phones hurt communication in relationships
Jessica Pipkins, who recently earned her bachelor’s Printz Writer degree in psychology from USM, said people tend to Most psychologists agree use technology to instantly that communication is the communicate with loved foundation of a healthy ones out of convenience. The relationship, but technological emotional element, however, advances in the past decade - is usually lost in translation, - the Internet, e-mails and she said. text-messaging -have Pipkins added that dramatically changed the way communication between people communicate. romantic partners was more Is instant communication time-consuming, but also more helping or meaningful in hurting our the time before r o m a n t i c “It’s not that e-mails the telephone. and text messages relationships? “I love you” Carolyn Pratt, are negative means coming from a counselor at a cell-phone of communication ... screen is not USM Student C o u n s e l i n g but even just writing a as exciting as Services, said letter shows that you hearing it from a recent study have put forth some your significant done at the other faceUniversity of effort.”-Carolyn Pratt, a counselor to-face, she at USM Counseling Services said, and no California in Los Angeles self-respecting indicated that words contribute suitor would propose marriage to approximately seven in an e-mail. percent of communication. This culture of instant Body language and posture communication is already make up 55 percent and changing how some people tone of voice makes up 38 approach important romantic percent of this non-verbal milestones. The break-up communication, according to text is a recent development the study. of this culture of instant Pratt said the problem with communication, and so are e-mails and text messages is Web sites like eHarmony.com “increased miscommunication and Match.com that help bring between two people” because together soul-mate-seeking tone of voice and expression singles. are absent. “The shyest person in the “There is no substitute for world can have the confidence face-to-face interaction,” she of Beyonce on Myspace,” said said, “but we know that’s not Amanda Holmes, another always possible.” recent USM graduate with a C.J. Gross, an information bachelor’s in psychology. She technology major, said he said instant communication sends and receives as many and the Internet allow people as 20 text messages a day to represent themselves as he keeps in touch with inaccurately or be insincere his girlfriend. He admits without much consequence. that reading a text from his Pratt said instant methods girlfriend is not as interesting of communication are “very as actually talking to her, but time-efficient in a busy the short, instant messages world,” but there are better make more sense than ways to connect with loved extended conversations when ones. both of them are busy. “It’s not that e-mails and text Text messages are also an messages are negative means easy way for him to let his of communication,” she said, girlfriend know he is thinking “but even just writing a letter about her, Gross said, when he shows that you have put forth cannot call to say so. some effort.”
Alicia Ester
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Jesse Bass and Bryant Hawkins/Printz
Students running for Student Government Association executive office presented their platforms to students in preparation for SGA primaries to be held Tuesday, Feb. 17.
FACING OFF
Candidates address student body, present plans Lesley Walters News Editor
In an effort to address the concerns of the student body, the Student Government Association hosted an Executive Officer Debate last night in the Thad Cochran Center Ballrooms. While the event was not actually a debate, the candidates vying for SGA executive offices had the opportunity to sell themselves to the student body, outline their platforms and distinguish themselves from their competition. Student groups suggested questions for the candidates through an SGA e-mail address, usmvote@gmail.com. SGA officials developed the debate questions from those suggestions. The candidates answered questions specific to the offices being contested.
The first three questions went to the candidates running for the office of election commissioner: Chris Arguedas, junior speech communications major from Madison; Mandie Lozano, junior athletic major from New Mexico; and Blake Watkins, junior mathematics and psychology major from McComb. Lozano suggested providing incentives to students, like coupons at the Powerhouse, to increase voter turnout. Arguedas said incentives might be hard to come by in this economy, so making election campaigns less “boring,” and reaching out to transfer students and commuters would draw more voters. Watkins said educating voters about the candidates in each election would keep them from becoming “popularity contests.” Each of the candidates promised the audience that their
Primaries: Feb. 17 Elections: Feb. 19 Vote: Cochran Center, LAB, Cook Library, FYE Classroom election commissions would be made up of ethical and loyal aids, and that they would uphold their own duties with integrity. The next four questions were focused on how the next attorney general would balance student accountability with student advocacy and how the
Judicial Board would fulfill its duties, uphold or revise the SGA constitution, and ensure fairness to students. The candidates for the office of attorney general are: Josiah Ball, junior from Oxnard, Calif.; Zoe Beckham, junior English licensure major from Mandeville, La.; Mark Hamrick, junior from Moselle; and Jimmy Thomas, broadcast major from Mendenhall. Ball said he would “stick to the constitution” since students should adhere to the rules of the Student Handbook, but would also hold members of the Judicial Board accountable to new rules that would apply to attendance and productivity. He added that the SGA constitution should be amended to require higher grades from its officers, See SGA page 2
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Couples, singles plan for Valentine’s Day Andie Szabo Printz Writer
Ah, Valentine’s Day. What began with ancient pagan fertility festivals and Christian martyrs who broke the law in the name of love has evolved into the array of greeting cards, candy and overstuffed plush toys we see today. Just like any other year, some Southern Miss students are taking this celebration of love more seriously than others, and some are finding their efforts of affection hindered by a sluggish economy or lack-luster love life. “I think it’s stupid how people get insecure about Valentine’s Day and how they don’t have someone,” said Jazmine Doswell, a tourism management major. “It’s just a silly holiday.” The sophomore said last Valentine’s Day her boyfriend gave her “just roses and chocolate.”
INDEX
CALENDAR............................2 OPINIONS...............................4 CONTACT INFO.....................5 ENTERTAINMENT.................6
She said they are taking it more seriously this year since the holiday now marks a year-and-a-half of their relationship and they “might as well celebrate both.” The native of Mobile, Ala., said she has written a rap for him, and they plan to play with baby white tigers at a zoo in Gulf Shores. To Jeff Rogers, a sophomore from Collins, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to impress his object of affection. The German and Latin double major has been dating his girlfriend Elana for nearly seven months and will be giving her more than just a mushy greeting card to show he cares. “I decided to do a scavenger hunt that’s been a little over a month long but it ends on Valentine’s Day,” he said. “I really, really like her, and I wanted to show her I think she’s totally worthy of an elaborate scavenger hunt.”
ENT. CALENDAR...................7 SPORTS....................................8 SPORTS CALENDAR.............8
The current economy, however, is not quite couple-friendly, so some are foregoing elaborate plans for a little quality time. Ruth Poe, a history and psychology double major from Vicksburg, said she has been with her boyfriend, Drew, for seven months, and this will be their first Valentine’s Day together. “For us, it is more about appreciating each other since we can’t really afford to spend a lot,” the sophomore said. To help students in need of thrifty gifts this year and raise money for programs in their dormitory, the resident assistants of Hillcrest are offering some Valentine’s Day services. The RA’s are selling treats like Crush sodas for 50 cents and candy for $1 which they will deliver to a significant other anywhere on campus Saturday. For $5, the hall director and assistant
hall director will track down the romantic interest and sing a telegram to him or her. Hillcrest Hall Director Kati Hendraszak said valentines can be purchased in the front lobby of the dorm during the day, but students should “hurry up and buy them” since Friday is the last day to order. If the recipient of a valentine is not around to accept delivery Valentine’s Day, the gifts will be kept at the Hillcrest front desk for pick-up. Hillcrest is also holding an auction Friday at 7:30 p.m. as part of the fundraiser. Food will be provided and a live DJ will serve up music while students bid for Valentine’s Day dates. Consula Benn, a second-floor resident assistant of Hillcrest, said the bidding will start at $2. “But whether you plan to bid Jesse Bass/Printz or not, you should still come for the food and music,” the sopho- Public displays of affection are a common occurance during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day more nursing major added.
POLICY
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