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SPORTS | 8 125th YEAR | ISSUE 31 @REFLECTORONLINE f /REFLECTORONLINE
JANUARY 31, 2014
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Starkville police chief candidates announced BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday the city of Starkville Board of Aldermen will interview four candidates for the Starkville Police Department’s chief position.
Frank Nichols and Bobby Grimes from Starkville, Frederick Shelton from Columbus, and James Reed from Jacksonsville, NC are the candidates. In December, David Lindley, SPD’s former police chief who had been with the force
for 38 years, retired after being placed on an administrative leave by the Board of Aldermen. Scott Maynard, Ward 5 alderman, said the Board of Aldermen will interview four candidates for the police chief position next Tuesday.
“One of the candidates is internal, and three are external. One of those is from out of state, North Carolina, and the other two are local to the Golden Triangle,” Maynard said in an email. Former Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Sistrunk said she is
surprised there are four candidates because she was only aware of two. “Not having a police chief was disappointing. I am very comfortable with John Outlaw serving as the interim chief. I think the police force as a whole are well-trained
and professional. I hope the aldermen do what they need to do to get the best qualified person that they can for that job,” Sistrunk said. Former city administrator Lynn Spruill said the chief of police position is critical to the future of our city. SEE CHIEF, 2
Tea party benefits children’s hospitals BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer
Mississippi State University’s Intelligent, Dignified, Elegant, Ambitious Leaders (I.D.E.A.L. Woman) and Miss Riverland 2014 Jasmine Murray will join forces in co-sponsoring a “Princess Tea Party” in the Fos-
ter Ballroom of the Colvard Student Union at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Jasmine Murray, Miss MSU 2012 and Miss Riverland 2014, said the “Princess Tea Party” is an event that incorporates her platform of “13 going on 30” and is a source to support the Children’s Miracle Network. SEE TEA PARTY, 3
DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
Tiffany Patterson, Diaspora Studies of the History and American Studies Department at Vanderbilt, gave the lecture “Slavery in the U.S. and other areas of the Atlantic” on Thursday in the Mitchell Memorial Library as part of the “Created Equal” events hosted through February. Other events include film viewings related to civil rights history.
Library hosts civil rights events BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer
On Wednesday, the Mississippi State University libraries and African American Studies Program began hosting a series of film screenings, discussions
and seminars about America’s civil rights struggle in the Mitchell Memorial Library Auditorium. After receiving a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities and Gilder Lehrman Institute of American
History, the MSU libraries and African American Studies Program presented “The Abolitionists” film Wednesday with the discussion and seminar on Thursday. Presentations will continue with the viewing of “Freedom
Riders” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 and the discussion and seminar at 3 p.m. on Feb. 11. The final film “The Loving Story” will be viewed at 7 p.m. on March 3 with the discussion and seminar at 3 p.m. on March 4. SEE EQUAL, 3
TORIA CARTER | COURTESY PHOTO
Jasmine Murray, Miss MSU 2012 and Miss Riverland 2014, works with I.D.E.A.L. Woman to host the “Princess Tea Party,” which benefits the Children’s Miracle Network. The event will include tea and tea cakes as well as performances by Models of Distinction and I.D.E.A.L. Woman members.
Professor challenges students to apply teachings to personal lives BY PRANAAV JADHAV Staff Writer
With one PhD and four post-graduate degrees in different streams including philosophy, applied mathematics, theological studies, physics and geophysical sciences, William Kallfelz has taught classes in mathematics, environmental ethics, statistics, religion, business ethics, philosophy, medical ethics and logic among others at Mississippi State University. Kallfelz said at the age of 21 he wanted to be a monk and
has attended a monastery. He said he read a lot of literature and practiced yoga as a teenager but always wanted to be an engineer. “The reason why I got a master’s in religious studies is because I loved the idea of reading theology, and my real interests have been more in the theoretical side,” Kallfelz said. Kallfelz has taught at MSU since 2010 for various departments. Whit Ables, junior biochemistry major who was enrolled in Kallfelz’s religion class in spring 2013,
said Kallfelz constantly challenged students to apply the knowledge learned in class to their personal lives. “He asked us to see the beauty and spirituality in the ordinary and the mundane, to view the world in a newer, fresher way. One of the many outstanding qualities I recognized from Dr. Kallfelz is his unceasing willingness to get to know every one of his students,” Ables said. “He made an effort to not only be a professor, but also to add the human element and personalize the teaching and learning experience.” SEE KALLFELZ, 2
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DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
William Kallfelz, MSU professor, engages and bonds with his students by bringing his experience studying at a monastery to the classroom. He focuses on pushing his students to look at the world through different perspectives, acknowledge beauty and grow spiritually.
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NEWS
2 | FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
KALLFELZ
THE REFLECTOR
continued from 1
John Bickle, head of the philosophy and religion department at MSU, said Kallfelz’s teaching reviews have been near department averages, which are high compared to both College of Arts and Sciences and university averages. “I should note that the better, more interested students give him very high marks. He’s been especially liked by students who take his environmental ethics class, and he’s worked with some of those students on the sustainable environments projects university-wide. He’s outstanding as a team player. He’s taught every course I’ve asked him to each here at MSU,” Bickle said. Sarah Weems, senior accounting major at MSU, said she enjoyed being under his instruction, and he was always enthusiastic about the subject matter and engaging. DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR “My true appreciation for MSU professor William Kallfelz has taught classes in different fields including math, Dr. Kallfelz came from the few discussions we had out- religion and environmental ethics. Kallfelz has been teaching at MSU since 2010. side of the classroom setting. “Some days the magic is bond with his students in an academic philosophy over the He is a true student in that he there and some days it is not. unique manner. His eclectic ed- past 40 years is increasingly inseeks out understanding in It is good if I get positive feed- ucation in hard science, philos- terdisciplinary. several areas, not to boast at back, but I get a lot of intrin- ophy, religion and mathematics “One of my goals as departhis achievements, but to sim- sic satisfaction coupled with his ment head here at MSU has ply learn,” Weems said. “His when I feel I extensive world been to make our department lack of arrogance made him have engaged allow reflect this broader national Some days travels very approachable. This I par- an audience, him to converse trend. William is one person the magic ticularly appreciated because and they are with students doing exactly that, both in his is there and from he has been exposed to several coming to class diverse teaching, research and service to some days backgrounds,” the university and community,” cultures and experiences that for a reason,” lead to very interesting, ex- Kallfelz said. Davis said. “He Bickle said. “His multi-disciit is not. It is good temporaneous conversations.” learns the names plinary background from very Paul Leone if I get positive Kallfelz said he sees teach- Davis, senior and interests strong programs prepared him ing as a craft and the rewards interdisciplin- feedback, but I get of his students well for this new emphasis in he has received from his work ary studies ma- a lot of intrinsic mastering the academic philosophy.” havw kept him motivated to jor, said his ex- satfisfaction when I art of practical Kallfelz said there are sacred teach. perience with feel I have engaged a p p l i c a t i o n , moments in teaching and an which draws the important factor that goes into Kallfelz has students into a good day at work is grace. been refresh- an audience, and they are coming to “A gardener has to prepare the lesson. This ing. provokes inter- the soil, but what happens af“The profes- class for a reason.” est and passion ter that is not up to him. I realsors in the phi- -William Kallfelz, for the particu- ly think there is an element of losophy departlar subject mat- grace. You have to make an efment have been MSU professor ter he teaches. fort to prepare yourself for beinteresting and These qualities ing receptive, but sometimes challenging, but Dr. Kallfelz adds an additional create an atmosphere of com- it happens and sometimes it dimension to his instruction. fort and familiarity to beckon a doesn’t, and when it happens His diverse experience and ex- person to sit and contemplate.” I really think there is nothing I Bickle said a strong wave in have done,” Kallfelz said. tensive education allow him to
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BAD D WGS
Tuesday, Jan. 28
• 7:50 p.m. A student reported her bag stolen from the Colvard Student Union. • 9:07 p.m. An officer responded to Moseley Hall for possible alcohol violation. • 9:12 p.m. A student reported she was assaulted while walking through Hilbun Hall. • 9:36 p.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and student referral for minor in possession of alcohol in Moseley Hall. • 9:42 p.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and student referral for minor in possession of alcohol in Moseley Hall. • 9:55 p.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and student referral for minor in possession of alcohol in Moseley Hall. • 9:59 p.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and student referral for minor in possession of alcohol in Moseley Hall.
Wednesday, Jan 29 • 1:39 p.m. A student reported a composite was stolen from the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity House. • 5:15 p.m. A student reported missing items from the Humphrey Coliseum. • 11:02 p.m. A student reported a suspicious incident in Hurst Hall concerning her roommate.
Citations:
• 19 citations were issued for speeding. • 25 citations were issued for disregard of a traffic device.
CHIEF Spruill said public safety is the most fundamental role that a municipal government plays in its citizens’ lives making this decision a pivotal one. “The previous chief made huge strides in fostering professionalism through national accreditation. The next Chief needs to understand and maintain that progress,” she said. Spruill in an email also said she believes outside leadership can bring fresh perspectives but the new way of thinking needs to outweigh the benefits of someone
continued from 1 who understands the community. Kenneth Spencer, Mississippi State University’s interim police chief, said MSUPD and SPD do not have a formal partnership, but, as any other law enforcement agency, MSUPD and SPD assist each other whenever needed. “MSU is in the county, which falls under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s department, but because the university has its own police department, we handle all our law enforcement efforts on the MSU campus and any of its properties,” Spencer said.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 | 3
NEWS
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
Campus organizations collaborate to promote diversity, unity BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY Staff Writer
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at Mississippi State University demonstrated unity in students during its Umoja event on Tuesday. Founded in 1979, HCDC was originally known as the Office of Minority Affairs. In 1991, it was renamed the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center in dedication to Richard E. Holmes, the first African-American alumnus of MSU. Ra’Sheda Forbes, assistant director of HCDC, said its mission is to create a home away from home for students, presenting an atmosphere where
students feel comfortable and providing them with a support system. “We strive to make sure that all of our freshmen and transfer students are adjusting to college life well,” Forbes said. “We don’t only want them to succeed academically. We want them to develop relationships that will give them comfort and allow them to grow as people.” Forbes said HCDC expands unity among students through their Peers Assisting With Students (P.A.W.S.) program, in which transfer students and freshmen can be paired by discipline with other students. “This is a way to help students integrate socially and become a part of the campus en-
DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
vironment,” Forbes said. “They host programs such as Umoja, to develop relationships which are critical to retention.” Forbes said the Umoja program strived to fulfill the goal of HCDC by allowing various student organizations to perform and different organizational booths to present information. “The term Umoja is Swahili for ‘unity,’ which coincides directly with the general purpose of HCDC,” Forbes said. “This means bringing different students together so that they will feel comfortable and can discover things they would like to do or be a part of.” Simone Carson, former P.A.W.S. president, said Umoja consisted of performances by the MSU Fashion Board, Models of Distinction, Sigma Lambda Beta, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Terpsichore, Starlight Dancers and Omega Psi Phi. “What makes this program significant is the fact that we are showcasing minority campus organizations and minority students,” Carson said. “The program featured a scavenger hunt that basically allowed students to go to different booths and find answers to a questionnaire that asked about each organization. This was our way of bringing various students and organizations together.” Carson said Umoja was a success, with high participation from around 250 people and presented booths set up by Active Minds, Black Student Alliance, Society of Hispanic Engineers, Blitz! Show Choir, African Student Association, Men of Excellence and I.D.E.A.L. Woman. “HCDC is always searching for different ways to incorporate unity,” Carson said. “Hopefully in the future other ways to unite
DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
campus can be established that can further help bring campus together.” Cedric Gathings, director of HCDC, said its connections with the Department of Housing and Residence Life, Parking
Services, The Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Counseling Services ensures their reliability when students need assistance. “We can help students when they don’t know the right ques-
DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
tions or who to reach out to for help,” Gathings said. “HCDC works hard to bring students together and is a great place for students to spend their time studying, hanging out or receiving help.”
DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center hosted its Umoja show Tuesday in the Colvard Student Union. The Umoja event, which means “unity” in Swahili, focused on unity.
EQUAL Stephen Cunetto, librar- film viewing are very imies systems administrator, portant. “We’re not just having said the film viewings and seminars are part of NEH’s movie night,” Middleton said. “We’re project to have showcasing continuing We’re not films on a conversations just having night differabout the civil ent from the rights struggle. movie sem“Dr. Midnight. We’re actual inar presendleton and I tation so our applied for the showcasing guests will NEH grant, films on a night be able to see which provides different from the the extended funding to put documentaon this series actual seminar and to show presentation so our tion, and the next day they the films,” guests will be able Cunetto said. to see the extended will be able to hear an “They give us expert in the the films and documentation, field discuss the public and the next day them. People p e r f o r m a n c e they will be able will have an rights to show to hear an expert opportunity the films.” to participate C u n e t t o in the field discuss in the dissaid the film them. People will s c r e e n i n g s have an opportunity cussions, and that’s what’s and discus- to participate in important to sions open up us.” conversations the discussions, Mi d d l e t o n about different and that’s what’s said the Civil cultures and important to us.” bridging gaps -Stephen Middleton, Rights Movement of the between them. 20th century “The Gild- MSU African has made toer Lehrman American Studies day’s society and NEH see director more free. the movies as “The Unia way of having a discussion about the versity is an intellectual films and the themes that community where there is are found within them,” a free flow of ideas and a range of subjects,” MidCunetto said. Stephen Middleton, dleton said. “This film seMSU’s African American ries certainly allows the Studies director, said the university to have converstructure of viewing the sations about not only Affilms and having discus- rican-Americans, but the sions and seminars after the United States and how it
continued from 1 has evolved along the lines of civil rights.” Middleton also said the film viewings tie into MSU’s strategic plan to advance diversity. “The idea of changing views and changing lives allows people of a different background to discuss a movement that ultimately opened the United States to all people,” Middleton said. Middleton said he hopes the film viewings and seminars will help people take pride in the growth of this nation, realizing that every community and country has problems. “It’s one thing to have a problem or face a challenge and stay there,” Middleton said. “What’s true for this country is that we didn’t stay with those problems; we’ve made progress. This is an opportunity for people to realize what we have achieved over many decades.” Frances Coleman, dean of libraries at MSU, said the cooperation between MSU’s libraries and African-American Studies program in sponsoring the presentations is something she feels proud to be a part of. “We are helping everybody to better understand history, and we do this while representing all of our students and all faces of history,” Coleman said. “NEH sponsoring these screenings is a great representation, and we are excited to be presenting things that will help our students.”
TEA PARTY “‘13 going on 30’ is geared toward girls in the community by helping them understand the importance of not growing up too fast or making adult decisions before they have to,” Murray said. “This theme matches perfectly with the tea party.” Murray said the tea party is a fantastic way to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network and have an amazing time in the process. “Incorporating my platform with this is going to be amazing because the girls will get to see age appropriate attire during a fashion show and hear from an incredible speaker while helping out a very worthy cause,” Murray said. “Having girls in the community come to this tea party helps them learn about both of these platforms while having fun.” The tea party will feature WCBI’s Aundrea Self as mistress of ceremony and Amy Tuck, the former lieutenant governor, as guest speaker. There is a $5 admission fee. Murray said she hopes all who come and participate
will gain a sense of the Children’s Miracle Network’s mission and the significance of their contributions to it. “I have had the opportunity to visit places like Blair E. Batson Hospital and LeBonhuer Children’s Hospital, and I have come to realize the urgency needed to help provide care for children that are in need,” Murray said. “Someone out there needs our help, and just $5 can go a long way.” Toria Carter, outreach coordinator for the I.D.E.A.L. Woman, said she is proud to co-sponsor with Murray to raise money and help support Murray’s platform. “This program will help little girls preserve their youth and understand not to grow up too fast. It also allows us to present our ideals about education and understanding professionalism,” Carter said. “Combining our ideals and supporting Jasmine’s platform is great to put together when it comes to inspiring young girls and having a chance to make a positive difference.”
continued from 1 Bianca Tatum, president of I.D.E.A.L. Woman, said the program will include tea cakes and tea, along with performances by Models of Distinction and members of I.D.E.A.L. Woman. “I’ll be speaking during the program, discussing things that will benefit the social and mental growth of young girls as well,” Tatum said. “We are reaching out to girls that may not have it all, and I want them to know that we care and there are people out here who will help them reach their journey.” Murray said this is her second tea party, the first was in April 2013, and girls of all ages are invited to attend. “You are never too young to start learning,” Murray said. “I want our community of girls to also understand that ‘13 going on 30’ was created to help them be the best they can be. My platform stresses the importance of being age appropriate as a young lady and really enjoying your time as a teen and preteen.”
OPINION
4 | FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu
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FACE-OFF: State-of-the-Union Obama’s use of executive powers
INTERNATIONAL INK
ith 55 sentences beginning or containing the personal pronoun ‘I,’ President Obama sent a strong message from the State of the Union address that he clearly does not second-guess the usage of executive powers on a series of issues in the upcoming year. After five years of combat with his Republican colleagues, Obama certainly has realized the hard way that it is high time he takes matters into his own hands. On issues of immigration reform, minimum wages and fixing the broken economy, Obama plans to go all out by himself. Peter Baker of the New York Times said in an article on Wednesday that Obama used his annual State of the Union address to chart a new path forward relying on his own executive authority. “But the defiant with or without Congress approach was more assertive than any of the individual policies he advanced,” Baker said. Ravi Perry, assistant professor of the department of political science and public administration at Mississippi State University, said most people perhaps agree that this year is the last full year Obama has the presidential muscle and relevance with mid-term elections coming up in November. “I think it is late. He should have been using his executive powers since the beginning. I think he has an opportunity and after he has tried in so many instances, and no matter your partisan point of view, it is the reality that he in fact has tried to work with the Republicans on key issues and has been unsuccessful,” Perry said. Experts have argued that Obama has pushed the limit on executive powers when it comes
THE REFLECTOR
to national security. Ilya Somin, professor of law at George Mason University School of Law, said in an email he thinks there are cases where the Obama administration has pushed executive power too far in the national security field. “The most significant example was waging a war in Libya in 2011 without congressional authorization, which is required by the United States Constitution,” Somin said. The bi-partisan stand-off between the Republicans and Democrats cost the United States economy billions of dollars, when eight million federal workers were out of work for 16 days. William Saletan, columnist for slate.com, said in his article after the shutdown titled, “You’ll Pay For This GOP,” if Republicans stage another big fight over the next debt ceiling, then that would be three in a row. It might facilitate a significant political development — the transformation of debt payment into a national security issue. “Republicans could become the deadbeat party. Obama seems quite willing to attack them from this angle. And in framing economics as the key to American power, he has reality on his side,” Saletan said. Every American president has left a legacy — some we regret and some we cherish. Obama will want to leave his own as the commander-in-chief and as the head of the state. He has long understood there is less time on his platter and more work to be done. It will be futile to waste time in congressional bureaucracies, which some call the redtape. When Washington’s fighting “prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy — when our dif-
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PRANAAV JADHAV Pranaav Jadhav is a junior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
ferences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States — then we are not doing right by the American people,” Obama said. David Nakamura, journalist with The Washington Post, wrote in an article Obama sought to restore public confidence in his presidency after a dispiriting year, pledging to use his White House authority with new force to advance an agenda that Congress has largely refused to support. “Obama announced a list of executive actions that he will pursue in the coming months aimed at slowing the widening income gap among American families, which the White House has called a top priority for the year. Among them were plans to raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers to $10.10 an hour,” Nakamura said. As Americans, we can only hope that issues are addressed and policies are passed. After all, who wants to see the world hegemon shut down its government over personal differences? I believe with the State of Union’s dynamic address, there were glimpses of a young Obama, charged to change America.
merica, now is not the reform. But that’s not how our system works. That’s not how our time for small plans.” As the crowd of 84,000 democracy functions.” Even showing an understandsupporters packed into Denver’s Invesco Field rose to their feet ing as to the limits of executive in applause, President Barack orders hasn’t stopped Obama’s Obama maintained that small administration from imposing plans had no place in his White new regulations on the Internet, House. But that was August energy production and religious 2008, and since then change has institutions. Executive orders come to America. Part of that have granted amnesty to certain change is that apparently now is categories of illegal immigrants and carved out exceptions and time for small plans. Obama made clear in his State delays in the healthcare law for of the Union address that he will certain groups. Obama has shown a readiness do the things Congress won’t. Where they refuse to act, he will to circumvent congressional powuse his executive powers to fill the er in favor of executive decision making. void. But And acwhile this The president’s cording to talk might pen is a Matthew sound like powerful tool, Spalding, leadership, it opts for a but it can’t make director of the B. Kensmall plan edits to the Constituition. neth Simon in lieu of a Center for bigger, more He should venture for American difficult idea. real compromise on Studies, this E x e c u t i v e real issues and focus potentially actions can on efforts to put that violates the be powerful, Constitubut cannot pen to work signing real tion’s sepcompare to legislation.” aration of actions taken powers. by Congress. “This violates the spirit — and First, what are executive orders? While there is no specific men- potentially the letter — of the tion of executive orders in the Constitution’s separation of the Constitution, they have become legislative and executive powers accepted as an assumed power of Congress and the president,” of the president, allowing him to Spalding said. Congressman Eric Cantor reprovide guidance to the executive branch agencies and officers. But leased a report investigating these orders have many limits. Obama’s executive actions and The president cannot issue execu- found that “...in some instances, tive order that contradicts current President Obama attempted to law, nor can it be used as a tool to garner legislative authority, failed and then acted unilaterally in create law. President Obama recognized the defiance. In other instances, the limits of executive orders during president never even sought to the 2012 election when he said, find consensus and instead, ig“The idea of doing things on my nored Congress and its authority own is very tempting, I promise from the outset. In speeches, the you, not just on immigration President has proudly acknowl-
JOJO DODD JoJo Dodd is a sophomore majoring in economics. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
edged that he has acted without Congress, contending that he has no other alternative.” If Congress doesn’t do what Obama wants, he ignores it and does it anyway. He is the kid that loses at Monopoly, so he decides to flip the board. These unilateral moves are not only arguably unconstitutional, but they are trivial in comparison to the goals Obama has laid out in past years during his candidacy and presidency. So if this is small, what does big look like? Big plans look like Ronald Reagan working with a Democratic-controlled Congress to save Social Security, address immigration and accomplish real things. Big plans look like Bill Clinton working with a Congress that impeached him to accomplish welfare reform, a tax cut and four balanced budgets. Big plans are difficult to accomplish, but the ends justify the means. Big plans require putting your neck on the line. Big plans require real compromise — something to which President Obama gives little more than lip service. The president’s pen is a powerful tool, but it can’t make edits to the Constitution. He should venture for real compromise on real issues and focus on efforts to put that pen to work signing real legislation.
STEP INTO MY OFFICE
Campus road closings leave students in quite a jam
D
ue to the fact college campuses have pedestrians spread over a large area, roads will inevitably be difficult to navigate. I had to use my GPS in my car for my entire first semester at Mississippi State University to find my way around campus even though I knew how to get there on foot, and there were no closed roads then. Even without construction, it takes a while to figure out the best way to get around. New one-way roads and closed roads complicates it even further. Not only is the road behind Davis Wade Stadium closed, but the four-point stop between the north side dorms and the post of-
fice is also closed. This presents a problem for both commuters and students on campus. All of those roads were easier ways to get from point A to point B. For example, students used those roads to get from Main Street back to campus, to get from North Zone to Stone Boulevard or as a way to get to the south side of campus. Staff parking around Butler Hall will also be more difficult. For future incoming freshmen and visitors, navigating around campus with a GPS will be even more of a challenge. These roads are not closed for simple, maybe one-to-two week repairs. The four-point stop is closed for construction of a new parking garage. There is no doubt
that staff and students need bet- bers and construction projects at ter parking, but this should have the same time double the difficulty happened a of driving few years ago. and parking This presents a With the inaround camproblem for both pus. creasing numcommuters ber of enterThis new ing freshmen, closed road and students o n - c a m p u s on campus. All of those limits parkparking has ing for become more roads were easier to way North Zone. d i f f i c u l t . get from point A to point Though MSU has un- B.” North zone dertaken a lot has a large of new renolot behind vation and construction projects Griffis Hall, this road closing while the university has grown in particularly hurts Hull, Critz and size. These projects should have Sessums Halls. The parking behappened before MSU really hit hind and in front of Hull Hall, its growth spurt. Increased num- already limited, now lost another
North Zone road behind the post office. Those parked around Critz and Sessums have to drive further out of their way, and their limited parking is affected as well. Obviously, no one can act on these complaints because the road construction progress is already in motion, but MSU needs to do a better job helping visitors and new students know the best driving routes to take. Orientation leaders give students great maps of the Drill Field and various buildings and dorms, but no one ever explains best driving routes. GPS and smart phone maps don’t take certain closed roads into consideration, either. Those in charge of potential students, visitors, new
GENY KATE GURLEY Geny Kate Gurley is a sophomore majoring in special education. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.
students and events need to specifically direct on campus students on the best ways to drive to certain other areas on or around campus.
LET’S PLAY THIS BY EAR
Since when is two inches of snow a state of emergency?
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L
et’s just get this out of the tive of sleeping in their vehicles, way: the weather lately schools or office buildings. has been insane — not These apocalyptic images secretly check your boyfriend’s would lead one to believe the old Facebook messages crazy. city of Birmingham had been I’m talking full-fledged, Britney hit by a record-breaking blizSpears circa 2007, frantically zard, “The Perfect Storm – shaving her head, certifiably Snow Edition,” but the reality insane. This week, on multi- is quite the contrary. All of this ple occasions, I have seriously turmoil was caused by just over considered petitioning to be- two inches of snow and ice. gin construction on an under- Daily life came to a complete ground tunnel system so that I halt, and the city was, quite litwon’t have to spend the first 10 erally, in a state of emergency minutes of each because of of my classes two measly The weather defrosting. inches of lately has However, deprecipitabeen insane ... spite the bittion. ter cold and For comBritney Spears intense wind circa 2007, frantically parative chill, Starkville purposes, has been lucky shaving her head, according enough to es- certifiably insane.” to CurrentResults. cape some com, Vail, of the more treacherous weather that has Colo., gets about 1.5 inches of plagued our fellow southeastern snow every single day of Janucities, specifically Birmingham, ary. This phenomenon raisesAla. Social media was swamped with videos and pictures of several questions. How could masses of unattended cars lin- such a seemingly small bit of ing the highway like a scene inclement weather create such from “The Walking Dead.” Sto- distress? Why was Birmingham, ries have been circulating about a fairly large city, so ill-prepared people walking miles down the to cope with this storm? What interstate in the snow to get could have been done differenthome or choosing the alterna- ly to prevent the chaos?
Brian Barrett, a writer for Gizmodo.com and a native of Birmingham, provides an interesting perspective regarding these questions in his article, “Why the South Fell Apart in the Snow.” Barrett first informs the reader what an oddity this type of weather is to this geographical region, stating that, until the present week, it had not snowed in Birmingham in the month of January for 21 of the last 30 years. He goes on to say, “Birminghamians need snowplows like New Yorkers need tornado shelters.” Barrett then said that Jefferson County (where Birmingham is located) filed for “what was at the time the nation’s largest-ever municipal bankruptcy” in the year 2011. According to Barrett, “Birmingham is not equipped to handle snow of any magnitude, because it normally has no reason to be, and even if it did, it couldn’t afford to.” On a large scale, this frightening truth should serve as a wake-up call to the southeast. If the monetary resources to respond to this type weather do not currently exist, the budget should be restructured immediately, regardless of how rare this genre of storm may be. The
SHEALY MOLPUS
Shealy Molpus is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
very essence of retaining safety within a state rests in being prepared for rare circumstances. On an individual scale, as citizens of this area, we need to take note of the situation at hand and learn from it. While we, as a region, are no strangers to the threat of dangerous weather, we must expand our awareness to include the winter months. As funny as it is has been to watch my roommate put on seven T-shirts and waddle out of the door like the little brother from “A Christmas Story” every morning, this weather has unveiled a very serious issue — we are unprepared, and that must change.
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LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
Regional Readings: Redbud Reading Series kicks off, spotlights two regional debut novelists BY GENY KATE GURLEY Staff Writer
With Starkville’s new reading series, associate professor of English Michael Kardos works to move author visits from academia into the Starkville community. The Redbud Reading Series begins Friday at Nine-twentyNine Coffee Bar on Main Street with Book Mart and Cafe and features debut novelists Matthew Guinn and Michael Piafsky. By bringing in these two writers, Kardos said he intends to showcase the rich literary talent in our region. “Here are a couple of excellent novels by two writers who are particularly adept at talking about fiction — what it does and how it works,” Kardos said. “Here’s a chance to meet two writers of debut novels that are getting lots of buzz. That should appeal to anyone who’s a reader and a lover of good fiction, regardless of major or academic course of study.” The featured novelists,
MATTHEW GUINN | COURTESY PHOTO
MICHAEL PIAFSKY | COURTESY PHOTO
Matthew Guinn, left, and Michael Piafsky, right, are regional writers who will read from their debut novels Friday at the first installment of the Redbud Reading Series. Associate professor of English Michael Kardos created the series to move readings from academia into the Starkville community. Matthew Guinn and Michael Piafsky, are both Southern writers debuting their first novels. Matthew Guinn of Jackson, Miss., will read from his novel, “The Resurrectionist.” His story weaves the history of a resurrectionist responsible for procuring human corpses for doctors’
anatomy training with Dr. Jacob Thacker, a medical resident facing an ethical dilemma after his medical school’s campus renovation unearths the bones of dissected African- American slaves. Thacker has to make the choice between obeying the school’s dean’s decision to cover it up or to risk his
career to force his school to stones and the unconscious is very male ... It is beautiface its dark past. awareness of the passage of fully written and deeply reThe Starkville Dispatch time. The 78 cards of the warding. Piafsky is heading quotes Andre Dubus III’s Tarot deck frame the nar- toward becoming a major praise of Guinn’s novel’s rator’s story as he journeys writer.” Kardos said he hopes the exploration of complicat- through the phases of his ed, nuanced issues. Dubus life from childhood to old event will draw a range of members of the Starkville notes Guinn dares “to step age. community, inside into the long shadand outside of Misow of class and race Here’s a chance to sissippi State Uniin this country, a versity and the Enshadow into which meet two writers of Guinn shines a debut novels that are glish department. “I thought it natural-born stogetting lots of buzz. would be fun to ryteller’s illuminatThat should appeal to start up a series at ing light.” Guinn also calls the debut anyone who’s a reader and a lover Nine-twentyNine “riveting and beau- of good fiction, regardless of major because they have a great vibe,” Kartifully written.” dos said. “And the “The Resur- or academic course of study.” Book Mart has rectionist” was - Michael Kardos, been very supportnominated for the co-director of MSU’s creative ive of writers from Edgar Award for writing program the region. So it the 2014’s best just seemed like first mystery nova natural fit — a el published in America. Booklist calls Piafsky’s way to bring more authors Piafsky, director of cre- debut novel “a slow, won- to town and a way to supative writing at Spring Hill derful read that slices a plement the literary events College in Mobile, Ala., will midwestern boy’s life into going on on campus each read from his novel, “All the vignettes. The story is deliv- semester.” The first ever installment, Happiness You Deserve.” ered with a holism evocative An everyman searches for of a John Irving novel (the hopefully to be followed by truth and meaning in a father, Garland, even tries many more, of the Redbud life fraught with unsettling to influence the protagonist Reading Series will be Frichallenges, joyful mile- to wrestle in college), and it day at 4 p.m.
Cedric Burnside Project sings the blues at Dave’s BY DAVID LEWIS
range of musical genres and styles. Both R. L. Burnside and R. L.’s close friend, Junior Kimbrough, are two of As the birthplace of the the largest influences on Ceblues, Mississippi and its peodric Burnside’s music. ple have a special heart for William Harris, sophoblues music. Friday, Dave’s more anthropology major at Dark Horse Tavern will host a Mississippi State University, blues protégé in concert. Mishas experience working with sissippi Hill Counblues archives. Harris try Blues musician spent his winter break Cedric Burnside The style of music large volumes will fill Dave’s with that Cedric plays has archiving of work by the Burnside his soulful tunes. been used to bring and Kimbrough famiBurnside was together communities lies at the Blues Archive raised in Philadelphia, Miss., by his for years and was de- section of Special Collections J.D. Williams grandfather, blues signed specifically for Memorial Library at the legend R.L. BurnUniversity of Mississipside. As a result, people to have a good time,” pi. Cedric Burnside -William Harris, Harris said Cedric is a product of the sophomore anthropology major Burnside’s music stems Delta blues culture. with blues archiving experience directly from the blues R.L. Burnside, bethis grandfather played. ter known as “Big THE CEDRIC BURNSIDE PROJECT | COURTESY PHOTO “This is the music he Daddy,” was a vital Cedric Burnside, grandson of blues legend R.L. Burnside, plays at Dave’s Dark Horse was raised with and grew up member of a very specific shows. Tavern Friday. Burnside’s music is an amalgamation of blues, funk and soul stylings “I also remember playing playing,” he said. type of blues music: North In the interview with Pen- that draws on his musical heritage while crafting a new generation of blues music. Mississippi Hill Country some juke joints, and the Blues. In a TV interview police would show up. They nington, Cedric Burnside with Ty Pennington, Cedric would have to hide us, me even said his grandfather inBurnside said the heritage of and my uncles,” he said. “We spired him “to the fullest.” “His music incorporates the of the younger generation of said he has high hopes for FriHarris said Cedric Burn- droning electric blues-boogie the blues.” blues music has pervaded his were underage, and we were day’s performance. side’s musical style draws from dance rhythms of Mississippi the band also.” life. Cedric Burnside’s music, “Cedric may be the best Due to his deep musical his heritage but also pulls to- blues with other genres like while innovative, includes a drummer this state has pro“I was a blues baby, a blues kid and now I’m a blues background, Cedric Burn- gether multiple influences to funk and soul,” he said. serious attention to craft. Ce- duced, and he is one hell of a side’s tunes pull from a wide create an amalgamated sound. man,” he said. Harris said Cedric Burn- dric Burnside said he focuses guitar player,” he said. “(He) side’s patchwork sound was on his music above all else. always gets people on their a groundbreaking move for a “That’s my heart and soul,” feet, and I expect the same blues artist. Burnside said. Friday night.” “He took a more innoThis passion translates to Harris said attendees can vative turn by adding his Burnside’s live performances. expect a fun and intense atown components from other Kerry Bayhi, Cedric Burn- mosphere. styles, including soul, funk side’s manager, said Burnside Friday’s performance will and hard rock, hoping to naturally shines onstage. serve the same function that form a sound of his own,” he “The best way to see or lis- Harris said the blues has said. ten to Cedric is live,” he said. served since its inception — Harris believes this is what “He has an unbridled ener- to bring joy and fraternity helps Cedric Burnside main- gy and love for the music he to those who lend a listening tain the interest of younger plays.” ear. audiences while still holding David Hood, owner of “The style of music that THE CEDRIC BURNSIDE PROJECT | COURESY PHOTO to the traditions of Blues mu- Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, Cedric plays has been used to Cedric Burnside plays both guitar and drums at his live shows, which Kerry Bayhi, sic. said Cedric’s drumming, as bring together communities Burnside’s manager, said are the best way to hear Burnside’s music. Burnside began Pennington also points to well as his guitar playing, for years and was designed touring at age 13 and said he can remember shows at which he and his band members the youthful sounds of Cedric mark him as one of Missis- specifically for people to have were the only entertainment yet had to hide if police entered, as they were underage. Burnside and notes he is “sort sippi’s finest musicians. Hood a good time,” he said. Staff Writer
At the age of seven, Cedric Burnside picked up the drums and later began to strum the guitar. By the age of 13, Cedric Burnside was touring and can recall memorable experiences from his time on the road. He said his underage status gave him trouble when law enforcement disbanded
SPORTS
8 | FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com
THE REFLECTOR
STAT OF THE DAY: The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will square off Sunday for only the third time since 2001.
leon carrubba | the reflector
Outfielder Derrick Armstrong (left) takes a swing while pitcher Jacob Billingsley (right) tosses a pitch during Sunday’s scrimmge. MSU opens the season Feb. 14 against Hofstra.
Diamond Dogs back in full swing By kyle Cupples Staff Writer
With three two weeks left until the start of the 2014 campaign, the Mississippi State University Diamond Dawgs began their first spring scrimmages last week. Everyone who wears Maroon and White knows what happened in the 2013 baseball season and the run the Dogs made in Omaha. Although MSU took home the National Runner-up trophy, they put a spark into Bulldog
Nation. The Dogs brought a community together and redefined what being a Bulldog is all about. The 2014 squad will return 26 players from its College World Series team. Replacing outfielder Hunter Renfroe and shortstop Adam Frazier will be a difficult task. However, pre-season All-American pitchers Jonathan Holder and Ross Mitchell will return back to Dudy Noble Field. Mitchell, the left-handed pitcher from Smyrna, Tenn., said he seeks to improve and is impressed by the new incoming pitchers.
“It has been really cool to watch this freshman class come in and grow,” Mitchell said. Two of those notable freshmen are Dakota Hudson and Austin Sexton, who earned starts in last weekend’s scrimmages. Both Hudson and Sexton started off with two scoreless innings. MSU will also welcome back right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff to the mound after he underwent season-ending surgery a year ago. Woodruff said he felt great after weekend workouts
and is ready to get back in action. “(I) feel wonderful — 100 percent, and I’m ready to go,” he said. “Just get better each week, and just try to be 110 percent by the time the season starts.” Head coach John Cohen enters his sixth year as the Bulldogs’ skipper and said he is ready to get back to the diamond as well. “We are off to a good start, but we still have a long way to go,” Cohen said. “We have great leadership on this club, and the guys are really coming along.”
The Bulldogs open play on Feb. 14 against Hofstra University. The first 16 games will be in Starkville with matchups against Memphis, Holy Cross, Mount St. Mary’s, Eastern Illinois, Michigan State and South Alabama. The Dogs will then head off to Tucson, Ariz., for a tournament to face University of Arizona and the University of California at Santa Barbara before starting the conference schedule. Along with the return of the team, Mitchell said fans can see
a return of the beloved Bench Mobb. “Last year (The Bench Mobb) just kind of happened and continued throughout the season, so it will be probably the same thing this season,” he said. The Bulldogs do not seem fazed by the offseason hype and continue to work on the little things in order to get back to Omaha for a 10th time in the program’s history. The dogs are preseason No. 2 in the nation according to “College Baseball Newspaper” and No. 8 according to Baseball America.
Bulldogs ready for National Signing Day, Feb. 5
ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL: By Blake Morgan Staff Writer
With college football’s national signing day just a few days away, teams have put the finishing touches on their 2014 classes. According to ESPN, Mississippi State University currently ranks No. 13 in the country with 18 commits to date. The Bulldogs are also ranked No. 13 in the SEC. Commitments to date: Jamoral Graham: 5’11” 180 pounds ATH Graham is the highest-rated player for the Bulldogs. He is speculated to become a cornerback once he arrives on campus. Graham will be one of the fastest players in the class. Jesse Jackson: 6’1” 195 pounds WR Jackson is the only other player in MSU’s class that is rated in the ESPN top 300. He is touted as a big-time deep ball target and could push Joe Morrow for playing time once on campus.
Aeris Williams: 6’0” 210 pounds RB Williams, a West Point product, will look to continue the trend of strong running back play at MSU. It may be a few years until he can earn regular playing time, but he has the potential to be very good. Elijah Staley: 6’6” 208 pounds QB The dual-sport player, also a basketball recruit, has had a rocky senior season. He was asked to leave the football team mid-season after several disagreements with the coaching staff. He will be hoping to take Dak Prescott’s role in the offense in a few years. Geri Green: 6’4” 215 pounds OLB Green garnered scholarship offers from several SEC schools. He should fit in well with the other linebackers with his long, athletic frame. Lashard Durr: 6’1” 181 pounds ATH Durr will most likely become either a wide receiver or a cornerback. He has tre-
Men’s Basketball SATURDAY
SHOW DOWN Texas A&M 3 Florida @ 3 p.m.
mendous leaping skills, which could make him an ideal redzone threat for the Bulldogs. Brandon Bryant: 6’0” 185 pounds ATH Bryant has been the center of some controversy over the past few weeks. Bryant took an official visit to Southern Mississippi even after the commitment to MSU. It is expected that he will honor his commitment to the Dogs, though. Will Coleman: 6’6” 250 pounds DE Coleman is the best junior college player MSU has committed. He is a huge player. He will try to fill the void of Denico Autry as the big defensive end that rushes the passer. Deshon Cooper: 6’4” 215 pounds OLB Cooper will likely be redshirted his first year on campus. He is an athletic player but needs to add strength to compete at the SEC level. Darrion Hutcherson: 6’7” 260 pounds TE Hutcherson was a highly sought-after junior college
Georgia Auburn @ 12:30 p.m. Arkansas LSU @ 4 p.m.
player, and he committed to the Bulldogs just a few weekends ago. He will be a big target for Prescott to look at when the team is in the red zone. Dontavian Lee: 6’0” 205 pounds RB Lee will probably be looking at a redshirt year. If he wants to make the field for some playing time this season, he will have to highlight his terrific route-running ability out of the back field. Chris Rayford: 5’11” 183 pounds CB Rayford is a guy that could contribute right away on special teams due to his size and quickness. Rayford could get some looks in the secondary next season if injuries strike again. Nick Fitzgerald: 6’5” 208 pounds QB Fitzgerald joined the team during winter break, after graduating early, and impressed the coaching staff with how well he kept up with the veteran players. Do not be
surprised if Fitzgerald pushes Staley as the incumbent behind Prescott for the years to come. Logan Cooke: 6’4” 200 pounds K/P Cooke has a tremendous leg. He could contribute right away in the punting game. He has shown improvements over the past year in field-goal kicking as well. Braxton Hoyett: 6’3” 274 pounds DT Hoyett will need to continue to improve his technique and keep hitting the weight room when he gets to campus. He is not very athletic, so the key will be improving in other areas during his first season. Deion Calhoun: 6’3” 300 pounds OG Calhoun has the size and tools to contribute one day down the road. He will be going through the development process at MSU with the hopes of one day starting. Jordan Harris: 6’5” 299 pounds OT Harris is another player that
11 Kentucky Missouri @ Noon Mississippi State Vanderbilt @ 4 p.m.
has the tools and potential to compete some day down the line. A redshirt year and a few years learning technique will go a long way for him. The one MSU wants? Tee Shepard, a cornerback, is high on MSU’s list. He has had trouble staying in school, though, so the real question would be if he qualifies. Biggest need? Offensive line is the biggest need so far for the Bulldogs. They have lost out on recruiting battles for almost all of their offensive line targets. Look for MSU to turn up the intensity for their last few offensive line targets. What to look for on NSD? Last season, literally days before national signing day, Fred Ross switched his long time commitment to MSU seemingly out of nowhere. It is very difficult to predict these kinds of things, but do not be surprised if MSU comes away with a flip or two as the deadline approaches.
South Carolina Ole Miss @ 12:30 p.m. Tennessee Alabama @ 8 p.m.
zack orsborn | the reflector
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 | 9
SPORTS
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
COACH’S CORNER
Super Bowl XLVIII
showcases offensive, defensive bout
M
ost people might least a few days after. I did not think Valentine’s decide who I thought would Day is the second win this game until I wrote holiday of the year, but it is this column, and to be honnot. Super Bowl Sunday has est, I am still not sure. Both become a global phenome- of the teams are that good. Right now, the betting non. The National Football odds say the Broncos are a League’s final game always three-point favorite, but if dominates television ratings you ask me, this one is a pick in the United States, but now ’em. I honestly do not know it has become a major event how either team could truglobally. Almost everyone watches ly be considered a favorite the Super Bowl, even if it is in this strength-on-strength just for the commercials or to matchup as the Broncos and their No. 1 offense take on go to a party. Regardless of which teams the Seattle Seahawks and their actually make it, the game is No. 1 defense. History is on the Seahawks’ already a huge deal. But the fact the best team from each side. In the five times the topconference will play makes ranked ofthis game an even fense has bigger deal. played the Since the NFL In the five best defense playoff format times the in the Super expanded to 12 top-ranked Bowl, the teams in 1991, defensive this year’s Super offense has played team came Bowl will be only the best defense out on top the fourth time in the Super Bowl, four of the the No. 1 seeds in each conference the defensive team five times. Also, in met in the final came out on top the three game. four of the last five prior matchThe last time it ups of No. 1 happened was for times.” seeds from Super Bowl XLIV each conferback in 2010, a game that also involved Pey- ence, the NFC team has won ton Manning when the Colts all three times. If you look at the 13 Super took on the Saints. The biggest championship Bowl winners since the year game perhaps in American 2000, seven of those teams sports is a mere two days were top five in defense, and away, and I cannot wait to see only two were top five in ofit. Super Bowl XLVIII is one fense. The message is pretty clear. of the most intriguing matchups I have seen in a Super Defense wins championships, and that is why I pick Seattle Bowl in my lifetime. Typically, I can make my to win this game. I could go into a big solilprediction about the game the night after the conference oquy of football reasons to championship games or at break down this game, but it
FORREST BUCK Forrest Buck is a senior majoring in kinesiology. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@ gmail.com
would be pointless. I could honestly make a strong case for why Seattle can win the Super Bowl, but I feel I can also make just as strong a case for Denver. I cannot tell you I honestly believe that the Seahawks defense that allowed just 14 points per game and that only allowed more than 30 points just once all season was going to hold the Broncos under 30 points, but the truth is the great Peyton Manning, with two weeks to prepare for an opponent, most certainly could drop 30 on Seattle. I cannot say for sure that the Broncos, who average 38 points per game, will even eclipse the 30-point mark against the Seattle defense. Normally when I make a prediction, if I am right, I am the first one to point it out to everyone and say, “I told you so.” I will not be doing that after this game if Seattle wins. Both teams are really good, and both are talented enough and well-coached enough to be champions. I just hope we see a great game between the best of the best in the sport, and I fully expect we will.
LEON CARRUBBA | THE REFLECTOR
SEASON FINALE
a puck in the goal while defenseman Joey Weigand (bottom, left) and a pair of Bulldogs (bottom, right) push the puck in the offensive zone during a game against Ole Miss earlier this season in Tupelo, Miss. The Mississippi State University Ice Dawgs wrap up their 2013-2014 hockey season this weekend at the Mid-South Ice House in Olive Branch, Miss. MSU will hit the ice to take on Memphis Friday at 9:15 p.m. and return to drop the puck against the Tigers Saturday at 4:15 p.m.
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