Volume 81 Issue 16

M THE MANEATER

The student voice of MU since 1955

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Vol. 81, Issue 16

january 21, 2015

city council

Columbians take aim at Tobacco 21 law HAILEY STOLZE Staff Writer

Anger and disappointment arose from many students and Columbia residents almost as soon as City Council passed the Tobacco 21 initiative on the evening of Dec. 15. If current petition efforts are successful, the controversial law could be placed on the ballot.

Tobacco 21 made the sale of tobacco products in Columbia illegal to those under the age of 21. Additionally, City Council passed ordinances regulating e-cigarettes.

Former First Ward Councilwoman Ginny Chadwick sponsored the ordinances. She resigned from her council seat Jan. 5 amid a recall effort after she voted against a bill decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana cultivation.

Spencer Pearson, Mid-Missouri NORML vice president and host of the Bowl After Bowl podcast, said he was one of the upset Columbia residents. He quickly started organizing petition efforts to repeal these laws.

“I also don’t think that the law accomplishes what it pretends that it will accomplish,” Pearson said.

“It hurts our local businesses and tax revenue and doesn’t really stop anybody from getting cigarettes.”

He first organized a referendum petition. A referendum petition does not repeal a law but could suspend or annul a law that has not yet gone into effect. To be successful, the petition needed to obtain 3,209 valid voters’ signatures. However, Pearson ultimately fell short of that goal.

Pearson attributes the shortage of signatures to the 20-day limit set on referendum petitions and time

of year the ordinance was passed.

Because Tobacco 21 became law close to the holiday season, he said many potential signers weren’t in town.

“It was the worst possible time in the entire year to start trying to get 3,000 signatures on a petition,” Pearson said. “There were a lot of factors working against us.”

The 20-day time limit starts once the legislation passes, meaning the clock started ticking after the Dec. 15 City Hall meeting.

“Twenty days is an incredibly short amount of time to be able to mobilize,” Pearson said. “We didn’t even have time to write and start printing out petitions until, you know, four or five days in.”

Currently, Pearson said, a draft initiative petition is being edited.

An initiative petition that garners the requisite number of signatures creates a measure citizens vote on in an election. Pearson said he hopes the petition will be finished within the next couple of weeks, in order to have it on the April ballot.

Pearson said the initiative petition should be achieved easier than the referendum petition for various reasons.

For instance, since three tobaccorelated ordinances passed, in order to repeal them all, they had to have three different referendum petitions.

With the initiative petition, however, they are able to write a new ordinance, requiring only one signature per person.

The initiative petition also doesn’t have a specified deadline to be valid. Pearson said this gives the writers more time to plan out the petition, in order to have a more coordinated approach.

They also only need 2,567 valid

voters’ signatures for the initiative petition, nearly 650 less than the referendum petition.

Fourth Ward Councilman Ian Thomas said petitions are an important part of the checks and balances on government power, but he would prefer to see the petition fail to gather adequate signatures.

“I believe we have passed an important piece of legislation that will benefit the health of Columbians and advance the national public health movement,” Thomas said in an email.

“While a few people feel very strongly about this issue, I do not believe there is enough opposition to the raising of the legal age of tobacco purchase to 21 to enable

them to collect the required number of signatures without enormous effort,” he said. “During the campaign, I did not hear a lot of opposition — there were the convenience store owners and a few people who felt government was overreaching.”

Third Ward Councilman Karl Skala said Tobacco 21 was far from a split decision, passing with a vote of 6-1.

“When it comes to individual issues, I think that there is a danger of legislating by petition, and that’s not why we elected people to represent their constituents,” Skala said.

Skala stands by his decision to vote in favor of this legislation.

Source: www.cdc.gov

“This was a public health decision, trying to interrupt the supply chain to keep both tobacco and vaping products, which I see as an enticement toward tobacco for youth,” Skala said.

MU senior Jake Loft, who is running for the First Ward seat vacated by Chadwick, was instrumental in petition efforts, Pearson said.

“One of the things that I’m running on is individual liberty,” Loft said. “I believe that the right for an adult to purchase tobacco and the right for businesses to sell tobacco to a person under 21 is something that needs to be protected. As a city councilman, I (would) work to protect that.”

BEN KOTHE // GRAPHICS MANAGER

higher education

Spain-Johanson report highlights increase in tuition, student loans

page 3

page 9

Missouri legislators are making higher education a lower

Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain and MU junior Gunnar Johanson are producing a report on tuition and higher education funding for MU administrators and students to refer to when

NEWS

Decades-long advocacy for MU was honored at the 2014 Geyer Awards.

discussing tuition and funding issues.

Johanson said the overall theme of the report is that higher education is becoming more of a personal benefit for

MOVE True/False partners with Imago for an art exhibit based on its 2015 theme.

individuals instead of a public good for the state, as tuition increases while state support is on the decline.

cont. | Page 4

page 15

Staff Writer

funding priority and causing students to contribute more to increasingly expensive tuition, based on recent research by an MU administrator and a student.

Vice Provost for

page 13

TAYLOR BLATCHFORD

SPORTS

The historic streaks continue for J’den Cox and Mizzou wrestling.

SPORTS

Shamburger has become the Tigers’ source of consistency and passion.

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THE MANEATER | ETC. | JANUARY 21, 2015

M THE MANEATER

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NEWS

MU, city and state news for students

Oct. 15, Uber Comes to Columbia 2014

dec. 1, 2014

3

An Uber Problem The city of Columbia has had issues dealing with the ride-sharing service since its introduction to Columbia.

city officials ask uber to hold off on operating until regulations are established.

Dec. 5, 2014

four uber drivers are arrested in columbia for operating a taxi cab without a business license.

Source: uber.com, gocolumbiamo.com

Feb. 2, 2015

A city council meeting will discuss uber and what regulations should be used.

BEN KOTHE // GRAPHICS MANAGER Mental health

Counseling Center opens 24-hour crisis hotline Students are now able to consult with a counselor 24 hours a day with the Counseling Center’s new ProtoCall crisis hotline.

ALANA SAAD Reporter The MU Counseling Center launched a new afterhours crisis hotline Tuesday to make assistance available to students 24 hours a day.

The center is contracting with ProtoCall, a company that specializes in providing after-hours services to university counseling centers and other mental health systems. ProtoCall has worked with counseling centers since 2005 and offers its services to more than 50 universities, according to the company’s website.

Students calling the center after the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will have the option to leave a message with the center or be routed to a ProtoCall counselor if he or she wishes to speak to someone immediately. Any undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled at MU is eligible to use this service at no additional cost. The counseling center provides individual and group therapy, crisis intervention and other assistance.

Counseling Center Director David Wallace said the center began searching for an after-hours service after Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin requested the center offer a 24-hour crisis intervention program.

Wallace said ProtoCall was highly recommended by peer institutions.

CRISIS | Page 6

Ride-sharing

Uber brings troubles to Columbia RUTH SERVEN Staff Writer After four Uber drivers were arrested in December for operating without proper licensing, city officials have been scrambling to craft new regulations that will accommodate Uber without alienating existing taxi services.

Since its entrance into Columbia in August, the ride-sharing company

has been dogged by legal trouble and lack of regulations.

“We only got about two days’ notice before they arrived,” Deputy City Manager Tony St. Romaine said.

“We were surprised, to say the least.

We weren’t ready for them at all.”

City officials asked Uber to refrain from charging for rides until regulations could be updated, but after a brief promotional period, Uber drivers began charging for rides.

Uber maintains that it is a ridesharing company and shouldn’t be subjected to the same rules as taxi companies, but St. Romaine dismissed the distinction.

“If you ask any reasonable person, they would say Uber is a taxi company and they should have to follow the same rules as the other taxi companies in Columbia,” he said.

uber| Page 6

alumni association

Parson, Pfeffer given 2014 Geyer Award JENNIFER PROHOV Staff Writer A state senator and a legislative advocate were named as recipients for the Mizzou Alumni Association’s 2014 Geyer Awards on Jan. 12.

The two men, Wally Pfeffer and Missouri Sen. Mike Parson, R-Wheatland, were commended for their efforts to influence higher education public policy in Missouri at a reception for the award. Recipients are chosen based on their advocacy and contributions to MU. The award was named after Representative Henry Geyer of St. Louis, who authored the Geyer Act of 1839 that established MU, said Lesa McCartney, chairwoman of the Mizzou Legislative Network (MLN),

a Mizzou Alumni Association group.

The award was first presented in 1992.

“This award recognizes the work of public officials and citizens who have made a positive impact on higher education and Mizzou,” McCartney said.

Parson said he was grateful for his award.

“I am very humbled and honored to receive this award,” Parson said.

“Ten years ago when I entered into the legislature, I would have never thought I would be the recipient of such an award.”

McCartney said Parson advocated for higher education as a state representative and Missouri senator.

Parson has developed legislation in the Missouri House and Senate to

support higher education for years. “ This past year, he was instrumental in shepherding Senate Bill 723 to final passage and also strongly supported House Bill 2012,” McCartney said. “Without his support, it is unlikely that either bill would have obtained final passage.”

The two bills regulated funding going toward higher education.

“My work throughout my time in the legislature supporting education reflects my commitment to higher education, specifically my work last year through Senate Bill 723 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 39 to support repairs and renovations to the university’s infrastructure,” Parson said.

honor | Page 6

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THE MANEATER | NEWS | JANUARY 21, 2015

Tracking tuition in Missouri Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain and junior Gunnar Johanson hope to give new urgency to the push for greater higher education funding in the Missouri General Assembly.

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According to Spain and Johanson’s research, student tuition at MU has nearly doubled over the past 20 years. In 1994, tuition was $158.76 per credit hour in 2013 dollars, which has risen to $274 per credit hour for fall 2013.

During that time, state funding for higher education fluctuated, according to the report. In the 2013 fiscal year, funding for the Missouri Department of Higher Education made up nearly 5 percent of the overall state budget, the second-smallest portion of the budget since the peak of 6.7 percent in 2001.

Spain and Johanson said they based their research on data from various state budget offices and government archives. They said they hope to complete the report by the end of the 2014-2015 academic year.

The report also highlights a shift in loans provided versus grants and scholarships for higher education. The Missouri Student Loan Program made up 57 percent — about $46.7 million out of $81.5 million — of the overall financial aid appropriations in 1994, and about 68 percent — nearly $220

million out of $321 million — in 2013.

MDHE Director of Communications Liz Coleman said the allocation of funds for higher education depends on a variety of factors.

“For state-level programs operated by the MDHE, the Coordinating Board of Higher Education approves a budget request each year, which is submitted to the state budget office for approval through the state appropriations process,” Coleman said in an email.

Coleman said the General Assembly ultimately determines the state budget for higher education.

“The MDHE coordinates the budget requests from the state’s public colleges and universities and provides those requests to the state budget office,” Coleman said. “The department also provides information about the need for funding to support higher education in Missouri and provide higher education opportunities to as many Missourians as possible.”

Johanson said there could be a number of causes for a decreased focus on higher education, such as the Hancock Amendment, which requires new taxes to be approved by

Tuition on the rise

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the general population, and the 1992 introduction of term limits for state representatives, which he said could affect legislators’ priorities while in office for a shorter period of time.

Johanson said student apathy on tuition and funding issues could be another major cause.

“There are more and more students that come to the university and don’t really care about state support, or outof-state students that don’t care what happens in the state legislature if they’re only here for four years,” he said.

Johanson became interested in state funding of higher education as a cabinet member of the Missouri Students Association his sophomore year. He continues this work as an intern for Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, where he prepares briefs on a number of issues, including higher education.

When he started his research, Johanson said he wanted to discover what MU students could do to help their peers who struggled to afford higher education through his research of public education funding in Missouri.

Johanson said he hopes the report will elevate conversation about higher education funding.

“ The state of higher education in Missouri is overshadowed by a lot of other issues, especially on campus,” Johanson said. “For a long time, Missouri was a beacon of higher education, and the state supported it and many students were able to go to many different campuses. That’s just

not the case anymore. The state support is starting to dwindle, and a lot more is coming from student tuition and student money, putting a higher burden on the students.”

Spain said he believes student leaders have an important role in understanding the issue and educating other students.

“This is an issue that is affecting higher education across the country,” Spain said in an email. “Our campus leaders have been working with leaders across higher education and with elected officials to address this trend. The concern is how it will impact financial accessibility to higher education.”

Johanson also said he wants more students to be involved in the conversation.

“I don’t think we’re going to see state support for public higher education grow until the students demand it,” he said. “My main goal is to get students educated about who they’re voting for, what their representatives are voting on and if there is a role we can play in the conversation.”

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain BEN KOTHE // GRAPHICS MANAGER

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TheManeater.com

Terry Nickerson, co-owner of Taxi Terry’s, said he has not been impressed with Uber’s operations in Columbia.

“Uber has no respect for rules and regulations and authority,” Nickerson said. “They have a good business idea, but their strategy across the country has been to show up and begin giving rides without waiting for the OK from the cities, and I don’t think they’re going to change. I think if they don’t like what the city decides, they’re going to continue operating in the closet.”

Nickerson said that after watching the success of companies like Uber and Lyft, he wants to develop an app for Taxi Terry’s that will be appealing to college students and smartphone users.

“Anyone who operates a business in Columbia would be stupid if they don’t tap into the college market,” Nickerson said. “But they’re not our foundation of our business ... If someone chooses to ride with Uber, I just ask that they do their homework. If you do your homework and check on these people and see what they’re up to, I guarantee that you’ll want to ride with Taxi Terry’s.”

Uber maintains that its ridesharing, or, as St. Romaine calls it, “transportation networking,” is a modern and safe improvement upon other methods of transportation.

According to information on its website, DUI rates decline by 10 percent in cities where Uber operates.

"In 260 cities and 53 countries, Uber is transforming the way people move around their cities,” an Uber spokesperson said. “In the U.S. alone, 22 jurisdictions have now adopted permanent regulatory frameworks for ridesharing, a transportation alternative that didn’t even exist four years ago.

We look forward to continuing our work with the city of Columbia and are committed to the riders and drivers here who want safe, reliable, hassle-free options."

Uber already requires background checks for its drivers and inspections for their cars. Proposed regulations by the city of Columbia would enforce almost identical checks and inspections but would be conducted by the city.

St. Romaine said he used Uber in San Francisco and Chicago and appreciated the convenience and simplicity of ordering a ride on his phone.

“As a user, I am very impressed with the service,” he said. “But as an administrator, I have found them very frustrating to work with.”

City Council is due to debate taxi and transportation networking company regulations Feb. 2.

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said. “I believe offering full crisis intervention during the day and after-hours urgent support allows us to provide excellent service to our students and our entire campus community.”

Hutton said she believes the new service will allow students to receive care more quickly.

“We know that the sooner someone receives treatment, the more likely they are to make a full recovery and remain successful in school, relationships and in attaining life goals,” Hutton said.

“Having one consistent service will ideally allow students to get the help they need sooner, feel better faster and get on with life.”

Students can call the Counseling Center at (573) 8826601 or go to 119 Parker Hall.

The center has on-call therapists available for students during business hours.

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staff will be able to securely access information about calls, enabling them to follow up with callers when appropriate.

“Because we can review the calls, we’ll already know what concern led them to reaching out for support,” she said.

Meyer said the center will continue to collaborate with MU and Columbia police departments’ crisisintervention-trained officers when a student is experiencing immediate risk of harm to self or others.

Christy Hutton, the Counseling Center’s outreach and communications director, said she will be actively involved in monitoring calls and following up with callers.

“I am particularly happy to be able to offer our campus community effective mental health services for urgent issues every hour of every day,” she

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“I had heard from campus after campus who have utilized this approach, who have consistently praised it and talked about how effective it is at other universities,” he said. “This service (brings) us full circle in strengthening our ability to respond to students’ needs after hours. Now it is truly 24/7.”

Wallace said the Division of Student Affairs, the center’s parent department, will provide funds of $1,200 necessary to launch the program, but the overall cost and future source of funding the program have yet to be determined.

Anne Meyer, associate director for clinical services at the center, said she oversaw the process of setting up the new after-hours

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COURTESY OF MIZZOU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

phone service and hopes the new program will act as an expansion of existing services after regular business hours.

“This service is essentially an extension of the MU Counseling Center,” she said. “Calls will be logged into a secure, (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)-compliant database, and our daytime staff will be able to review all calls that have come into ProtoCall.”

Meyer said ProtoCall’s services are provided by licensed mental health professionals who have been trained in the Counseling Center’s protocol.

“This service will provide very tailored after-hours support for our campus community, as ProtoCall staff design their call parameters and train their licensed clinicians based on information specifically about our campus,” Meyer said.

Meyer said Counseling Center

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Continued from page 3

Continued from page 3

State Sen. Mike Parson has pushed higher education funding and support throughout his long career in the Missouri General Assembly.

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CRISIS

UBER

“I had the opportunity to testify on several issues that came out well,” Pfeffer said.

Pfeffer also spoke on how integral MU students are in his work and how his work has impacted them.

“The students have been some of our most important partners in the last few years because funding from the state and governor directly impacts tuition and staff salaries, and as a result directly impacts the value of their education,” Pfeffer said.

Pfeffer said he was honored to receive the award and was happy to see the acknowledgement of longtime efforts.

“It’s a recognition of the work that so many of us have done over the years to try to influence the political process in a positive way for higher education and our university in particular,” Pfeffer said.

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COURTESY OF MIZZOU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Wally Pfeffer, a Columbia insurance agent and MU alumnus, most recently served as chairman of the Mizzou Legislative Network.

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But Parson stressed the importance of continuing the work.

“We need to continue to make higher education accessible and affordable for all,” Parson said. “It is through our higher education efforts our state will prosper and thrive for decades to come, as a skilled and educated workforce is created.”

Parson said students and their education will play a significant role in the future of the state.

“There will come a time when the reins of our nation's governance will be passed to the next generation,” Parson said. “We have a duty to prepare our youth, to educate them, to guide them and to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in today's global market.”

these individuals are doing in order to advance MU. “Due to the incredible efforts of these award recipients and previous award recipients, the students of the University are benefiting from state funding that supports the higher education provided by a nationally recognized AAU university — with quality faculty, facilities and research,” McCartney said.

“Their education holds value and benefits for their future.”

Pfeffer has been heavily involved in the advancement of MU through public policy.

While serving from 2009-2013 as the chairman of the MLN, he testified before House and Senate committees regarding the advancement of higher education.

There, he discussed equalizing state- funded scholarships, 50/50 capital matching , consolidating extension districts and other types of funding towards higher education.

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McCartney also detailed the accomplishments of Pfeffer, a current member of the MLN. “For over twenty years, Pfeffer has been one of the most active legislative advocates for the University of Missouri,” she said.

From 1995 to 2011, Pfeffer served on the board of the MU Political Action Committee and was Chair of the Committee from 2005 to 2011. From 2009 to 2013, he served as chairman of the Mizzou Legislative Network. During the past legislative session, Pfeffer worked to promote passage of House Bill 2012 and Senate Bill 723.

“In addition to Wally’s contributions legislatively, Wally has been a life member of the MAA for 30 years and has contributed his time and efforts to the university in many other ways,” McCartney said.

McCartney said she hopes students will recognize, respect and value the work

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HONOR

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THE MANEATER | NEWS | JANUARY 21, 2015

FORUM Diversity

Cultural exchange a valuable part of education LORETTA LEE When you walk around campus, you see different faces. You might sit in the same class with one or two students coming from another country. More and more students from around the world come to MU year by year. They are students from China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Africa and many other places around the world. This university becomes more diverse when students from around the world choose MU, but what does it mean to local students?

As an international student myself, I urge all of you to get to know the students coming from another country. International students came to America to pursue a better education and to learn about U.S. culture. Meanwhile, American students can often learn new things about other cultures from international students.

Just the other day, when I was working at school, I saw a stick-looking snack candy. I did not know it was something edible. I asked my co-worker what it was, and I know now that it was a “Pixy Stix,” which is basically sugar infused with different flavors. It is the little things like this that we international students learn about U.S. culture every day.

At the same time, U.S. students can learn from international students about their cultures and their experiences. For instance, as a student from Hong Kong, China, I have shared a lot of my thoughts and explained to my fellow U.S. students the “Umbrella Revolution” that has been taking place the last few months.

To me, these kinds of knowledge-exchanging relationships create a win-win situation. While the students from another side of the world came here to study and to learn about another culture, local students can also gain knowledge of these other cultures and values. The experiences of other students cannot be taught by textbooks.

I urge all local students to talk to both new and old students who came from another country, ask them about things you are curious about, see what is different and what is the same about your cultures. I promise you, learning other cultures from a real person is eye-opening and you will definitely learn a lot.

The first time I came to the States, I was so excited to meet new friends. However, I found that the norm is that Asians hang with Asians. I did not understand this grouping routine. I saw that Asians seemed to do all things together, like studying or eating at the same table. I have to admit that talking and communicating is way easier and more convenient when you are speaking your own language to others. But then I wondered, "What do I get out of my experience in America if I still speak my first language at all times?"

I remember asking one of my American friends, “Why don’t Americans talk to Asian girls?” and his response confused me: “Because you girls look … intimidating.” I was shocked.

Just try to talk to us. Be patient, as English is not always our first language. You cannot imagine how it feels to be 8,000 miles from home in such an unfamiliar school setting.

So, please try to talk to your international schoolmates in your classes from now on. You will gain more knowledge, and you might even be astonished by what it is like outside of the U.S.

A PLACE FOR FREE EXPRESSION We want to hear your voice.

Submit letters to the editor at: www.themaneater.com/letter-to-the-editor

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FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION EDITORIALS REPRESENT THE MAJORITY OPINION OF THE MANEATER EDITORIAL BOARD

Tobacco 21 infringes on personal liberty, hurts local businesses On Dec. 15, Columbia City Council voted 6-1 to pass Tobacco 21, a bill limiting tobacco sales in Columbia to persons over the age of 21, into law.

Almost immediately, efforts to stifle the law began — most notably a petition to put it to a citywide vote.

There are a number of problems created by Tobacco 21: economic, legal, moral and practical. We think the council’s stated rationale for implementing the law — protecting youth and avoiding the long-term medical consequences of smoking — are insufficient to justify the host of negatives it brings, and we hope the law is swiftly erased from the books.

Council members who voted in favor for the bill (6-1) say the law will dissuade Columbians under 21 from starting or continuing to smoke, saving the city and its residents money from reduced health problems down the road. The public health costs imposed on Columbians by the tobacco use of their fellow citizens was described by Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe in December as being equivalent to “18 dollars per pack.”

But most people aged 18-20 in this city are college students who, besides having little voice in city politics, are often only temporary residents of Columbia. Public health savings for Columbians that could result from this one-dimensional law are nebulous, uncertain and quite possibly trivial.

In the immediate and very real present, the decision by City Council to not allow anyone under the age of 21 to purchase cigarettes tangibly hurts small businesses in Columbia. City Council is

supposed to serve and promote Columbia businesses, not negatively impact their income. This new law will send people to stores on the outer limits of the city — where 18-year-olds can legally purchase tobacco. The amount of revenue that will be lost by Columbia businesses due to this law will significantly outweigh the number of people ultimately dissuaded from smoking due to it.

Another major issue with passing Tobacco 21 is that it re-routes a significant portion of tobacco sales in the city from legal channels to illicit ones. By restricting adults from purchasing tobacco products without barring them from actually using tobacco (or providing increased resources to help them quit), the city has simply eliminated the legal manner of obtaining tobacco products — which will only lead to a higher frequency of illicit tobacco sales and exchanges.

Making it illegal to purchase, but not illegal to use tobacco products, for adults under the age of 21 doesn’t make a significant impact on the amount of citizens who use these products.

Perhaps City Council failed to consider the obvious case study of alcohol. By no means does the current drinking age of 21 actually prevent 18 to 20-yearolds (and younger) from drinking.

It simply makes alcohol procurement, consumption, inebriation and aftermath more illicit and more dangerous.

Most importantly, this law is a public health decision that infringes upon an adult’s personal health decisions. It assumes responsibility for adults judged to otherwise be responsible for their

choices and the resulting consequences.

No adult who walks into a convenience store is doing so having freshly emerged from under a rock. Everyone knows that tobacco products have negative health benefits. It is discussed in advertisements, in health classes and even directly on the boxes of cigarettes.

Adults who smoke understand the risk that they are taking when they smoke — and that it’s their choice to make.

There are other, more effective ways to reduce the amount of citizens who use tobacco products, with raising taxes on tobacco products probably being the most effective method. Barring consenting adults from making the decision to smoke is not the right way to reduce the amount of smoking in Columbia.

Following the vote, Mid-Missouri NORML Vice President Spencer Pearson organized a referendum petition in order to annul or suspend Tobacco 21. Though it did not gain the requisite number of signatures in time, Pearson is now helping organize an initiative petition. If the petition receives 2,567 valid voters’ signatures before April, then there will be a measure that citizens can vote on in the April election.

We support the efforts made by Pearson and by many others to petition for a measure that citizens can vote on in the upcoming April election. Receiving citizen input on a law that directly affects citizens is an important step that City Council should have taken months ago.

These petitions are a smart step to be made toward reversing this problematic law.

politics

Evaluating the true enemy in the Paris shootings LILY CUSACK Terrorism recently became the pressing issue worldwide once again.

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, two gunmen, Cherif and Said Kouachi, entered the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. They shot and killed 12 people, including eight journalists, two police officers, a caretaker and a visitor, while yelling, “We have avenged the Prophet Muhammad” and “God is Great” in Arabic. The brothers claimed their reason for the shooting was offensive cartoon images of the Prophet Muhammad. They were captured and killed that Friday during a shootout with police.

Meanwhile, another gunman, Amedy Coulibaly, took several people hostage at a kosher supermarket in Paris. He was shot dead that same day, and the police freed 15 hostages while finding the bodies of four others. Another gunman in a Parisian suburb also shot and killed a policewoman around this time. It is thought that these two incidents were connected to the magazine shooting.

French officials have begun to crack

down on citizens by arresting people who have glorified terrorism or have made racist remarks regarding this event. Response to the event has been very popular in social media with the phrase “Je Suis Charlie” (I am Charlie) trending around the world. Nearly four million people marched in France in the week after the attacks to condemn terror and defend free speech, according to Radio Free Europe.

It is difficult to discern whether or not the world is protesting for the right reasons. It seems that in trying to explain the reasons for the shooting, many people have blamed the whole religion that the gunmen were acting under. This is not new territory.

Islamophobia has been on the rise in the world for years, largely in response to the actions of a few radical Muslims.

However, it is extremely irresponsible and demeaning to put the whole faith under scrutiny. Although the gunmen found their inspiration within their religion, their actions do not represent Muslims. As shown by surveys from Pew Research and others, the majority of Muslims around the world are seriously concerned about fundamentalism and also reject al-Qaeda, the Taliban and

violence in the name of Islam.

Nevertheless, people make sweeping judgments based on a small minority of the group to explain the inexplicable.

According to The Independent, 26 mosques in France have so far been attacked using firebombs, gunfire, pig heads or grenades. Islamophobia has also been on the rise in France, with reports of over 50 incidents since the attacks.

It is extremely judgmental of society to attack innocent people just because they happen to practice the same faith as these terrorists. In fact, the terrorists shot a Muslim policeman, and a Muslim shop assistant hid 15 hostages in the kosher grocery’s freezer.

It is quite obvious that the vast majority of Muslims do not subscribe to radical fundamentalists.

The recent shootings in Paris are disappointing and saddening. It is frightening to know that terrorists are still rampant in this world. However, it is also frightening that people feel the need to blame a whole subset of the population because a small minority of their faith reacts in a violent way.

Muslims are not the enemy; terrorists are.

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THE MANEATER | FORUM | JANUARY 21, 2015

self-help

Making New Year’s resolutions stick JORDAN SMITH January is well under way, people, and that can only mean one thing: we’ve all broken a few resolutions already. But the great thing is, that’s completely okay.

One of the main reasons why people break their resolutions so soon is the resolutions that they've set are very lofty and out of reach. No more sugar! Lose 20 pounds! Stop procrastinating!

While none of these goals are implausible or unattainable, they’re not goals to be achieved in a matter of days or even weeks. Change takes time, and you’ve got to be willing to continue trying even if you've misstepped in order to truly make progress.

Everyone has been there: It’s Jan. 3 and you really need a cookie. So … you eat one. And then you feel awful and gross and completely discouraged. You maybe even let this slight deterrent steer you away from reaching the bar you set for yourself. You tell yourself that you’ve already broken your resolution, so what’s the point anyway? Obviously, you won’t be able to successfully stick to your promise, so you might as well stop trying now. Or you could just wait until Feb. 1 to try again, because science says we all stick to resolutions better at the start of the month!

Yeah … no.

It’s all in your head. There is no right time to start anything. There will never be a specific day that is more effective than any other. The right time is whenever you decide it is, and it’s okay if that time isn’t right now. What’s not okay is letting one minor indiscretion keep you from achieving your ultimate objective. This can be incredibly detrimental to your self-confidence and sense of worth.

Placing all of your value in your ability to successfully execute goals isn’t just unrealistic; it’s unhealthy. You’re going to be unsuccessful with a good amount of your endeavors. But beating yourself up doesn’t make you succeed; it’s what makes you truly fail.

Change comes from loving yourself and wanting better for your mind, body and soul, not from trying to become a person very different from who you are. Change doesn’t have a beginning or an end; change is so constant that you don’t feel a difference until suddenly there is one. So start today, start tomorrow, start next week. Just decide to start.

The best way to build confidence is to start small. While your end goal can be as infinite as you choose, the steps leading up to that ultimate goal should be incremental. If you want to lose 10 pounds, don’t begin day one by drastically restricting your diet and exercising for much longer than your body is used to.

Instead, make smarter choices with your food and fitness: eat some fruit with your breakfast and take the stairs instead of the elevator. As you successfully complete these simpler tasks and you’re feeling more self-assured, day by day you can increase the intensity of your efforts.

When you do take that first plunge into achieving your goal, document it. Begin a journal or a blog, take photos, share your journey on social media. Having physical evidence that you are taking an active role in your life is a huge motivator in your process, especially if you hit a lull and are feeling unexcited about your ambitions.

Most importantly, keep at it! It’s okay to fall off the wagon, as long as you don’t let a momentary indiscretion lead to complete surrender. And remember that goals don’t rely on a certain day on the calendar, they rely on you!

campus issues

Time to take stalking seriously Making jokes and downplaying the relevance of stalking will only lead to more problems, not solutions.

JALEN MOSBY It’s a new year and semester on campus and everyone is re-adjusting to not getting enough sleep and actually having responsibilities. As the new semester starts and classes change, we all have to get used to new schedules and responsibilities. I think this is a great time to take new steps so we can get to a better place as a campus.

One thing that a lot of people, including myself, tend to overlook is that January is Stalking Awareness Month. Today, we are all quick to refer to someone as a “stalker” in a joking matter or joke about “stalking” someone’s Facebook page.

But stalking is a serious matter that should be talked about and combated today, when there are so many cases of stalking and assault being brought up around us.

The official definition of

stalking in Missouri is “purposely, repeatedly and intentionally harassing or following someone,” according to MU’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center.

Stalking is a national problem and has recently been a major issue on college campuses. Many stalking cases have been connected to sexual harassment and assault cases, which are both prevalent issues on college campuses all around the country.

It is important to realize that anyone can be a victim of stalking, considering how much of our personal lives is readily available online. With one Google search, you can learn where someone works, goes to school and even where they live.

This makes it easy for stalkers to come into contact with their victim if they don’t already know them personally.

According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, almost seven million people are stalked in America in one year. According to a CDC report published in September 2014, 15.2 percent of women have been stalked in their lifetimes, compared to 5.7 percent of men.

We all need to sensitize ourselves to the high occurrence of people being stalked and sexually harassed and assaulted today. We live in what some would call a rape culture and

I don’t want our campus to be that.

Victim-blaming and trivializing survivors and their stories is not OK. We as a campus and community should all be of one accord when it comes to protecting and supporting one another, especially women, as they are continuously targeted.

The RSVP Center is promoting awareness on stalking on its Facebook and Twitter pages with its 31 Days of Awareness event during the entire month of January. This is a great way to get informed about stalking and what you can do as an individual to protect yourselves and your peers. But as January comes to an end, we still need to learn about these issues that affect all of us, and simply going online and doing research can be a great start.

I think it’s important to always have your eyes, ears and hearts open so stalking and other assaults can be prevented in the future. If you or someone you know thinks that they are being stalked or has been stalked before, you can go to the RSVP Center, located in the lower level of the Student Center, to get help.

Your name and story will be kept 100 percent confidential, and the center is staffed with professionals who know how to handle your experience, no matter how sensitive or personal it may be to you.

relationship advice

Save the arguments for the big stuff Avoid getting hung up on who’s in your significant other’s Snapchat story and focus on the more important issues.

BRITTANY EMOND Often, I see girls being the epitome of a “crazy girlfriend.” Of course, crazy can be defined in many different ways, and people never fail to redefine it in their own absurd manner. The “crazy” I’m talking about here is the girlfriend who obsesses over the little things.

When talking about difficult relationships, you sometimes hear the words “pick your battles.” Yes, you need to pick your battles, but you have to pick them wisely.

When you’re in a relationship that is going so well, it’s easy to freak out when something little goes wrong.

Girls ask fight-provoking questions like: “Why is she on your Snapchat best friend list?” “Who was that girl that just hugged you?” “When was the last time you took me on a date?” and “How come you never kiss me in front of your friends?” Those are just a few.

The result of these smaller, petty fights is never meant to be fatal to the relationship. Girls who ask these questions often are only looking to fix the current relationship. They figure if they can bring up the problem and get through it, their

relationship will be better than it was before.

Don’t be that girl. I’ve found that a lot of these smaller fights come from jealousy and dissatisfaction, which can sometimes come off as unattractive to your significant other. Usually, no one has made a real mistake in these small cases; someone is just blowing things out of proportion. Although fights are inevitable in every relationship, sometimes it is not worth the energy to fight over the smaller things.

However, it is extremely necessary to argue over the big things. By big things, I mean cheating, affairs and anything else that could be considered detrimental to a relationship. Usually, these involve someone making a big mistake.

In contrast to the small fights, big fights can threaten the future of a relationship, and that alone scares people. Yeah, it may suck that your boyfriend has a girl you hate as one of his Snapchat best friends.

And yeah, you’re willing to spend a couple days fighting about it. But no, you’re definitely not ready to call it quits over something as stupid as Snapchat.

The timeline of these big fights is much longer and takes a lot more energy. With that being said, it’s still worth it to fight about something real rather than something petty, despite the emotional toll.

I definitely believe in forgiveness … when there’s a reason to forgive. I do believe that people can change as well, although that does take time.

However, I see too many people

handing out forgiveness cards like free hugs.

When someone has caused you so much pain and hurt time after time, how could you possibly still want to go back to them? I pondered this question for a while and came to one simple conclusion: When you’re that in love, sometimes you don’t know your life any other way.

It’s hard for people going through relationship tragedies to think about how their life will be without their significant other. This is especially prominent in long-term relationships. People ask themselves, “What will it be like waking up without a ‘good morning’ text?”

“Who will I ask to lay in bed with me all day and do nothing?” “How will I deal with them not being around?”

My response to those questions is simply, “It’s going to be okay.”

Breakups take lots of time and adjusting, but ultimately if you know you’re in a bad situation, it’s the best thing for you. These big fights are the battles that you should choose to undertake. Don’t let someone get the best of you just because you don’t know what your life would be like without them.

In the future, realize that the small things aren’t always worth your energy, and the big things almost always are. Sometimes what seems like it will hurt you the most, will be the best for you in the long run.

MOVE

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The key to your entertainment

EMIL LIPPE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Imago Gallery & Cultural Center is hosting a new exhibit, "The Long Now," through January in partnership with True/False Film Fest. Participants in the gallery were asked to interpret this year's True/False Film Fest theme, "The Long Now."

taylor’s turntable

Why 2015 is looking bright for music

film festival

‘The Long Now’ art exhibit at Imago FAITH SALAMON Reporter

TAYLOR YSTEBOE

Last year was quite a year for music. We heard established artists like Sun Kil Moon and The Antlers growing stronger, but we also caught a glimpse of new artists such as Hozier and Benjamin Booker striding forward to lead the pack.

But guess what? I have a feeling that 2015 will be even better. I predict that this year is going to offer brilliant pieces from the usual suspects, along with some hidden gems due to two rising trends in the industry.

First off, it has become ordinary and even expected for new albums to come in a variety of formats. The most treasured format, of course, is vinyl. Its recent renaissance (documented in #MOVEgoeslong No. 2) has brought on the rebirth of the album as a statement. In the ‘60s, when The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was hailed as the epitome of artistic evolution, the album was realized as a vessel to convey the overall theme. However, the digital age ushered in a false idol: the single.

Thankfully, the vinyl gods drowsily reemerged from their slumber to convince artists to think of the album as a piece of art, as a novel, where all the elements work harmoniously. When you put a record on, it’s more difficult to skip to the next song than if you were listening to your iPhone. Now, artists are more conscientious when selecting songs for their album, and even the track order because it all affects the listener experience. Undoubtedly, many of the albums in 2015 will be released as vinyl in

column | Page 12

The True/False Film Fest is partnering with Imago Gallery and Cultural Center to give the people of Columbia an art exhibit composed of 14 pieces that embody the theme of this year’s festival, “The Long Now.” True/False has been held annually for 12 years, but Imago’s involvement is new this year.

“The gallery is partnering as a promotion for (True/False Film

Fest),” gallery manager Bobby Schembre says. “We are also hosting their box office.”

The promotion is benefiting both parties, as the opening night of “The Long Now” exhibit drew a crowd of around 100 people.

The pieces of art on display differ on many scales. The exhibit features everything from photographs to a handcrafted expansion loop.

Some pieces are black and white; some incorporate the entire color spectrum. At first glance, it is

hard to tell what groups the pieces together, and how they represent the same theme. But “The Long Now” manifests itself differently through the exhibit A piece titled “The” “Long” “Now” by artist Gabe Meyer is composed by nine side-by-side images of a woman’s profile edited to look slightly different. The description next to the art calls it a portrayal of “psychedelic stillness.”

art | Page 12

food

Donut Wars: Harold’s and Strange open up shop SHATYA INTHARAPHET Reporter Long johns, bismarcks, and fritters, oh my! Columbia is finally getting its own local doughnut shop — make that two. Though Harold’s Doughnuts and the St. Louis-born Strange Donuts became staples of Columbia gastronomy in 2014 through food-truck appearances and special local partnerships, 2015 will see physical stores open for both.

After months of anticipation and guest appearances around downtown CoMo, Harold’s Doughnuts finally arrived on Jan. 16. The cozy shop is owned by Michael Urban and his wife Karli. Michael is a Washington, Missouri native and Mizzou alumnus.

While studying at MU, he recognized Columbia’s need for a good doughnut

donut | Page 12

GLAZED AND CONFUSED Six sweet facts about the humble doughnut

1847

Doughnuts are invented by a New England ship captain

Feb. 13

Strange Donuts comes to CoMo

Doughnuts are consumed in America each year

Jan. 16

Harold’s Doughnuts opens

June 5

National Doughnut Day

of doughnuts consumed annually are eaten in the summer.

BEN KOTHE // GRAPHICS MANAGER

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THE MANEATER | MOVE | JANUARY 21, 2015

Date night at Where to: Get your nails done Flat Branch Beats and Eats

Columnist George Schramm reviews Flat Branch Pub & Brewing.

GEORGE SCHRAMM Welcome back to the books, and school, and studying.

We are now working towards spring break and fighting for those spring break bodies. To me, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to start writing a food column and binge-watch a few seasons of “Friends.” So while the rest of you indulge in protein shakes and bland chicken breast, I will be eating at as many local restaurants as I possibly can. The point of this is to showcase what local restaurants have to offer to us as Mizzou students. Each restaurant has a specialty or a wonderful atmosphere to offer. I will go.

I will eat. And I will share my opinions of the places with you, dear readers.

Columbia has a great downtown area with shopping, dining and bars galore. At 115 S. Fifth St., across from the Islamic Center of Central Missouri on the brick streets, sits Flat Branch Pub & Brewing. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years after opening in 1994 in a renovated 1927 brick warehouse, a design that adds to the austerity of the classic brewhouse feel. With table seating and a bar area available, the pub works for all occasions. Whether you want to stop in after work for one of the roughly eight craft beers and watch a game, or sit down to dinner with your significant other, Flat Branch Pub & Brewing is the place for you.

As far as the Columbia restaurant market goes, Flat Branch is extraordinarily diverse. The restaurant offers half-priced wood fired pizzas and appetizers after 10 p.m., making it a great place for a late night snack after a long day of studying (wink wink). With four bigscreen TVs, the venue is also a great place to catch a game at the bar. But if conversation is more your style, the outside patio is open during warmer weather with ivy-covered fences surrounding the patio, setting the stage for those warm weather adventurers trying to get some grub.

Like with most things, let's begin at the beginning: the appetizers. My favorite thing to do on a Flat Branch date (get your pens out and take notes, this is a life lesson) is to order the Soft Pretzels for two, with the Spinach Artichoke Cheese dip. Order one pretzel with salt and one without so you can have the best of both worlds. There is a lot of debate as to whether women like food to be ordered for them or not; I guess it varies on a case-by-case basis. In my opinion, showing a clear understanding of the culinary confections offered at any given restaurant is slightly impressive.

There are many choices for a main entree. The pub offers traditional pub food (i.e. Catfish and Chips, Meatloaf, Prime Rib, etc.), but my favorite selection from Flat Branch is one of its sandwiches.

The extensive menu, which I am fairly positive (but not yet certain) changes during the summer, has a long list of burgers and sandwiches that are phenomenal.

My parents always make a point of bringing me and my older brother here when they visit, so I have had the chance to try a variety of items on the menu. You cannot go wrong with a Flat Branch burger. Period. No matter what you like, there is something here for you.

Now for a pro tip: My absolute favorite thing at Flat Branch is (drum roll please) … the Stout Brownie. This delicious morsel is made with a stout beer crafted in the brewery, smothered in locally made ice cream, and topped with caramel and chocolate sauce. No matter how much food you just ate, you will always have room for this dessert. You might want to get two spoons, though.

TELLOR LIBBYE | PHOTOGRAPHER

An MU student receives a manicure at Varsity Nails on Jan. 19. Varsity Nails is located at 208 S. Ninth St. in Columbia.

NATALIE HARSHMAN Reporter Winter break has come to an end and students will once again populate Mizzou’s vast campus to start the new semester.

While getting back into the groove of things, you might miss those lazy days of break not worrying about homework or bundling up to walk across campus to make it to your next class. Whether you need a relaxing getaway or to fix the chipped nail you noticed while spacing out in class, MOVE has got you covered.

For your ease, we’ve rounded up three different salons around town to satisfy every type of spa day and to indulge in a worry-free pampering session.

First up, with the closest location to campus, is Varsity Nails, 308 S. Ninth St. As it’s just across the street from campus, you can easily make your way there. You can book online from the comfort of your room, choosing from their various selections and reasonable prices.

A traditional manicure starts at just $19 and includes shaping nails to your taste, grooming cuticles, buffing nails, a sugar scrub for exfoliation and a hand and arm massage. Acrylics start at $35, and a gel manicure will run you $44. Also offered are services to keep up with your manicure to make it last. Their pedicure selection ranges from $32-$49 with each option including a pedicure soak and relaxing foot and leg massage.

If you’re in the mood for a full body treatment, take advantage of their package deals starting with their “Varsity

Manicure & Pampered Pedicure” at $43, which includes shaping your nails, grooming cuticles, buffing nails, a sugar scrub, a hand and arm massage and an OPI nail polish of your choice followed by a relaxing pedicure.

While you’re visiting, you can also treat yourself to their other salon services such as waxing, brow/eyelash tinting or eyelash extensions. With multiple varieties on their nail services including nail art, French manicure, Paraffin Wax and removal and reapplication services, Varsity Nails has all your needs to fulfill that spa daydream of yours.

Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; http:// www.varsitynails.com.

The Natural Nail Care Salon, 3304 W. Broadway Business Park Court, is all about, well, natural. A standard mani includes shaping, sealing, buffing, exfoliation scrub, cuticle care, treatment and a hand and arm massage, which ranges from $23 to $32. If you prefer shellac to other polish, the prices are $45 to $48. Staying true to their namesake, Natural Nail Care Salon does not offer acrylics, instead sticking only to natural nails to make you look your best, without any fake add-ons. Their pedicures range from $30 to $38 with the Essential Foot treatments, $50 to $58 with the Foot Spa treatments and $60 to $68 with the Foot and Leg Spa treatments.

All services can have add-ons, including Nail Art, Paraffin Wax, Hand Masks and removal services. The salon has the perfect option for parties or groups with their nail bar, set up like a bar to have all your friends side-by-side while they

take care of the pampering. If you’re not quite satisfied with merely having your nails and toes done, The Natural Nail Care Salon is a full service salon offering hair service, skin care, specialty skin treatments, permanent cosmetics, waxing, spray tans, eyelash and brow tints and massages. All you have to do is choose from their endless selections, book an appointment and walk through the door to be carried away into spa day bliss in this salon.

Open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; http:// www.naturalnailcaresalon.com.

4 Seasons Nails, 21 Conley Road, Suite T, has all the colors you need to pop in summer, make a statement in winter, and give you the hottest color around.

Offering manicures from $20 to $35 and pedicures $22 to $35, the salon focuses solely on nail treatments. Their gel polish is guaranteed to be strong and flexible, have a longer fill cycle and have no harsh chemicals to ensure the best results.

With a gel fill at $18, you can keep your manicure going for weeks. A manicure and pedicure package starts at $32. Add an airbrush design for $8 to have nails that stand out, and don’t worry about a chipped nail — 4 Seasons offers nail repair or cut down for $2. A polish change starts at just $5 for your hand and $8 for your toes, so don’t despair if you need that new color for the new season. 4 Seasons has got you covered.

Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m.

6 p.m.

Pass the Popcorn

Cooper shines in ‘American Sniper’ CALEB BISHOP “American Sniper” is a profoundly poignant character study on Chris Kyle, a bear of a man from Texas credited with over 160 kills as a Navy SEAL. Not to spoil anything, but it should be mentioned that he did, in fact, shoot and kill who he believed to be the bad guys. The subtle brilliance

of the balance between the war scenes overseas, the bloodless domestic battles and the psychological skirmishes at home and abroad makes for a thoroughly engrossing 134 minutes of non-stop conflict, even if most of it isn’t physical.

The movie shows who Kyle was, and demonstrates his change over the years as he wrestles with moral gray areas in order to save his fellow Americans from whoever

and whatever might be trying to kill them. My point is, if you know you are going to hate this movie before you give it a chance, don’t knock Eastwood for “glorifying” anything, even if he does leave some of the messy parts of Kyle’s life out.

First and foremost, Bradley Cooper’s performance as Kyle is reason enough to see this movie.

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of this movie is the effectiveness and uniqueness of its sound, while only sparsely using music.

If you’ve seen enough war movies, you know that they tend to be chaotic, loud, and frantic. “Sniper,” on the other hand, uses its extended periods of calculated, fragile silence to portray the horrors of war and just how tense everything is debatably even more effectively than the scenes when bullets are flying. The delicacy of the situations slowly waxes and wanes, and every little gust of wind, knock on a wall, or click of a gun adds to the intensity of the scenes, leaving you ample time to watch Kyle weigh out decisions and grapple with what he wants to do, what he should do, and how he should go about saving as many lives as possible. This makes for a satisfactorily uncomfortable viewing experience, as it should be.

Potentially the most remarkable thing about “Sniper” is the deft way that Eastwood handles this appalling story. If you’ve ever heard the name Chris Kyle, then you know exactly how this story ends, but Eastwood ensures that the inevitability of tragedy never takes away from the potency of the film. For a director that is decidedly hit or

miss, Eastwood seems to have found his niche with “Sniper,” especially with the heart you can feel riddled throughout this movie by Eastwood and Cooper.

Although the film never explicitly diagnoses Kyle with post-traumatic stress disorder, it seems to act as a dreadful, yet respectful, representation of its effects and the battle it triggers.

All in all, in a world where certain pieces of propaganda portray all warriors as psychopaths or criminals, “Sniper” seems to make an honorable counterargument out of respect for a man who simply desired to defend his country and protect his fellow Americans.

Pass the popcorn if: You want to see a grounded portrait of the war in Iraq and the effect it has on the soldiers involved; you want to see Bradley Cooper give the performance of his life; movies that make you mentally wrestle with things don’t deter you.

Pass it up if: The main character’s role as being a slightly hyper-patriotic military man offends you; slightly irregular pacing and a few unrealistic occurrences would bother you; you are for the terrorists.

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soundscapes.

And I would be completely remiss as a music columnist if I did not include that Sufjan Stevens is rising from the ashes to release “Carrie & Lowell” on March 30 after a five-year albumreleasing hiatus. Named after his mother and stepfather, Stevens will enchant us with his folk roots and remind us that his absence was certainly worthwhile.

So buh-bye, 2014, with all of your demos, EPs and LPs. Here’s to you, 2015. Here’s to great albums and even greater musicians. Do me proud.

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Establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s best with 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” Cooper has outdone himself with “American Sniper.” He bought the rights to this film and was a producer for it, so he was very passionate about the project to begin with. He only talked to Kyle one time on the phone before his untimely death, but continued to work with a vocal coach, Kyle’s fellow soldiers, and footage of Kyle to truly capture his essence on screen, all while putting on 40 pounds for the role.

Being from Texas, I can attest to the fact that he absolutely nails the Texas accent without being cheesy about it, which is a nice change of pace. Not only is it Cooper’s paramount performance thus far, but also one of the most passionate performances I’ve seen in the last few years. Cooper also outshines his counterparts in the film.

Sienna Miller is competent as the distressed wife, but it would have been nice to see more than just that side of her. For such a major character and influence in Kyle’s life, she is reprehensibly static.

Another noteworthy portion

when British quartet The Slow Show, signed to the independent German label Haldern Pop, steps out on the scene with their debut album, “White Water.” The Slow Show is honing in on their simple style to layer complex sounds.

“White Water” will surely not disappoint.

Of course, some artists are bound to release superb albums no matter what.

Father John Misty, or Josh Tillman of Fleet Foxes fame, is releasing “I Love You, Honeybear” on Feb. 10. As his second fulllength album, this 11-track work promises to reach higher in its lyrical touch and its envisioned

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way, independent musicians are learning each step of the recording business. By refining their skills and becoming selfreliant, they become masters of their craft and attentive to every last detail from start to finish.

Filmloom, an unsigned folktronic outfit from Michigan, is releasing its debut album, “Perennial,” on March 14. The duo creates mesmerizing and cinematic tracks with a keen eye for traditional instruments like the trumpet and experimental leanings toward electronic undercurrents.

The year 2015 will keep cranking out gems, such as

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vinyl. Though already on stands across the globe, George Ezra’s “Wanted On Voyage” is finally being released in the U.S. at January’s close. The bluesy-pop English singer-songwriter has captured many a heart thanks to his husky voice and his catchy melodies in hits like “Budapest” and “Blame It On Me.” The second trend, and perhaps most logical reason as to why albums will be better, is because artists are becoming better.

Let me explain. Many artists have signed their Declaration of Independence from major record labels, whether they are financially able or not. Either

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addition to other mediums.

A man who has released his music on vinyl for his whole life will debut his 36th studio album on Feb. 3. That’s right, good ol’ Bobby Dylan will be releasing “Shadows In The Night,” an album of 10 Frank Sinatra covers re-imagined. Each track was created in no more than two takes as Dylan wanted to give raw life to these classic songs.

Even young twentysomethings release their work on

Extended hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to midnight allow customers to experience a cool, exclusive atmosphere with donuts. It’s on these days that the “Strangers” often make their debut.

There’s Lakota versus Kaldi’s, and Shakespeare’s versus Gumby’s, and now there’s Harold’s versus Strange. Hold on to your long johns — this just might get ugly. Both offer their brand’s apparel online and in-store, so choose your colors now. But whether you’re feeling Strange or happy to hang with Harold’s, something awesome this way comes. New Year’s resolutions be damned.

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its unconventional collaborations with local chefs affectionately known as “Strangers.” “Classics” like Glazed, Fritters, and Long Johns go for $1, while “New Creations” like Campfire and Gooey Butter sell for $2. Strangers like Chicken and Waffles and Pizza are $5 each. After opening in October 2013, co-owners Corey Smale and Jason Brockman have garnered quite the following through their loyal fans and highly active social media pages.

They keep their fans hungry and excited with constant Instagram and Tumblr updates.

When fans are ready to “Get Strange,” the shop is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.

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morning. Get there early if you want to snag some.

You may have heard about the St. Louis-native Strange Donuts from the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival or from its regular appearances at Logboat Brewing Co. Gooey Butter, anyone?

Strange’s “dones” run the gamut from Blueberry Lemon Streusel, to the fiery Strawberry Jalapeño Fritter, to the opulent Raisin Pear Spice Chutney and Creme Fraiche with a Rosemary Port Reduction (say that five times fast)!

Strange is set to make its CoMo debut Feb. 13, alongside fellow St. Louis joint Seoul Taco.

Strange Donuts is known for its funky original flavors as well as

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shop. So he and his wife Karli began experimenting in the kitchen using family recipes. The shop’s name comes from Michael’s grandfather, Harold, who loved his mother’s craft doughnuts.

This family legacy inspired the Harold’s Doughnuts motto, “Love your craft.”

The result? Amazing housemade donuts crafted just for you by a team of “Doughnut Artisans” who are just like family. Craft doughnuts are all about making

every doughnut with the same level of excellence as the first.

It’s about loving what you do.

Customers can choose from many different flavors including White Chocolate Red Velvet, Boston Creme, Maple Bacon and Old Fashioned. However, these are just a few of the delicious treats Harold’s has to offer. “Doughnut Artisans” make different flavors each day in-store, and are always cooking up new ideas in the kitchen. Classic doughnuts like Glazed start at $1 a pop, while specialty doughnuts like Maple Bacon are $2.

Harold’s opens at 6 a.m., and so far, it has sold out of each day’s doughnut lineup by mid-

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"Pastpresentfuture" by Yourself "Sketch of Scarlatti Sonata K34 (as Argo Navis)" by Kerry Hirth "Expansion Loop with Flare" by Matt Moyer "The" "Long" "Now" by Gabe Meyer "Response Time" by Scott McMahon and Ahmed Salvador "Epiphany" by Shannon Soldner "St. Mary’s Flood Album – page 44" by Scott Patrick Myers "Breath" by Natalie Shelly “The Long Now” art exhibit at Imago Gallery will end on Jan. 30 after 25 days on display.

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describes as a “two-tiered jury.”

Narrowing the exhibit down to 14 pieces was a collaborative effort between the staff of Imago and True/False.

The pieces that were chosen to be included are: "Aquatic Dance" by Lampo Leong "The Light" by Li Lin "Window on the World" by Amy Meyer "Icosahedron on Blue Plane" by Clint McMillen "Avoidable collision nearing from behind" by Ian Shelly "Cernunnos Arabesque" by Madeleine LeMieux

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On the same wall hangs “Epiphany” by Shannon Soldner.

This painting shows a woman facing away and grabbing her head in apparent agony. It is said to depict a moment of tortured enlightenment.

Many of the pieces do not feature humans at all. Kerry Hirth’s “Sketch of Scarlatti Sonata K34 (as Argo Navis)” uses colors to demonstrate changes in

abused and shared their stories in the film “Private Violence” by Cynthia Hill.

Imago’s involvement in the festival this year has created an opportunity for even more money to be made for the True Life Fund. The pieces featured in “The Long Now” exhibit are all for sale.

Ten percent of the profit made from these works will go towards the True Life Fund. The other 90 percent is for the artists to keep.

The pieces range in price and medium.

Sixty submissions were evaluated by what Schembre

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harmony throughout Scarlatti’s Sonata in D minor.

The theme is supposed to be open to interpretation, following True/False’s goal to make its audience “think critically.”

This call to a deeper understanding of other viewpoints is a significant part of the festival’s mission. One nonfiction film is chosen each year as the recipient of the True Life Fund. The money raised towards this fund is presented to the subjects of the winning film.

Last year, the money raised was divided between four women who had been domestically

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THE MANEATER | MOVE | JANUARY 21, 2015

SPORTS

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THE BEST SOURCE FOR MU SPORTS

MIKE KREBS | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Missouri freshman J’den Cox wrestles Eastern Michigan’s Anthony Abro at Hearnes Center in Columbia on Feb. 8, 2014.

wrestling

The ‘Tiger Style’ streak continues: 19 straight dual wins J’den Cox’s 41-dual winning streak is the longest current streak in NCAA wrestling.

QUINN MALLOY Staff Writer When Missouri wrestling head assistant coach Alex Clemsen decided to leave the University of Virginia in 2014 after five years and five top-30 finishes at the NCAA National Championship, he did it for family.

Clemsen hails from Moberly, Missouri, just up Highway 63.

His wife, with whom he went to high school, is originally from Columbia.

“It was a really good fit, personally and professionally.”

Clemsen said.

As it turns out, Clemsen came home just in time to be part of the longest winning streak in Missouri wrestling history. The Tigers have won 15 straight duals to start the season, for a total of 19 straight duals dating back to last year.

Clemsen credits the team’s fast pace and aggressive approach, known as Tiger Style among Missouri wrestlers and coaches, as part of the reason behind its sustained success.

“We really just want to preach Tiger Style,” Clemsen said.

“Going out there and imposing your will, giving yourself a lot more opportunities to win than your opponent.”

Among the team’s top

performers is sophomore and reigning national champion J’den Cox. He has accumulated 41 straight wins over the past year, which currently stands as the longest winning streak in the NCAA. “All I’ve been doing with my 41-game win streak is trying to do my part for the team,” Cox said. “That’s all I’m doing every time I step onto the mat.

Just preparing every week to help my team prevail and stay on top.”

Even as the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at 197 pounds, Cox’s focus remains on the entire team.

When he takes the mat in the final matches of a dual, Cox

WIN | Page 15

Tigers on a roll

Source: MUTigers.com/Mizzou Athletics BEN KOTHE // GRAPHICS MANAGER

basketball

Shamburger provides passion, consistency to young Tiger team Shamburger leads the Tigers in minutes, assists and free throw percentage.

WILL JARVIS Staff Writer Among changing young faces and unpredictable play,

one thing stays consistent on the Missouri men’s basketball team — 5-foot-11-inch senior guard Keith Shamburger. He has provided stability and poise on a team in dire need of both.

“He’s a guy that knows how to play,” Missouri coach Kim Anderson said after the Tigers’ victory over Lipscomb earlier in January. “He’s got good experience and he has maturity.”

That maturity has been a staple for the Tigers, who currently sit in last place in the Southeastern Conference with a combined record of 7-10 and a conference record of 1-3.

W hile underclassmen have often struggled to stay composed down the stretch in big games, Shamburger has been the most dependable free throw shooter on the team, shooting .896 from the line —

second-best in the SEC. Shamburger’s teammates have failed to mirror his consistency. Anderson talked after the team’s 51-59 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers about how important it is for the Tigers to avoid making simple mistakes.

“The margin of error for this team is not very big,” Anderson said. “We have a full roster again, so maybe we can use

some of the guys who haven’t been playing to help us out.”

While many underclassmen have provided isolated sparks throughout the season, Shamburger has been a steady fixture at guard, averaging more minutes than anyone else on the team: 34.4. The senior also leads the Tigers in assists with 55 on the year.

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Way-Too-Early Preseason

ANDREW MCCULLOCH Staff Writer

#1: Ohio State As the defending champs, Ohio State will own the No. 1 spot in the polls until they’re dethroned. The Buckeyes return the core of their championship roster, but they also have three starting quarterbacks coming back to Columbus. Urban Meyer has a tough decision to make come August, but no matter their quarterback, the Buckeyes will be one of the nation’s elite.

#2: Texas Christian

THE MANEATER | SPORTS | JANUARY 21, 2015

Top 25

With the college football season over and the inaugural College Football Playoff in the books, Maneater staff writer Andrew McCulloch offers his ridiculously early Top 25 rankings for next year.

Todd Gurley, but they’ll have 2014 SEC Freshman of the Year Nick Chubb stepping in. Chubb ran for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns in only half a season as the starter.

Georgia also brings back four starters along the offensive line and star receiver Malcolm Mitchell. If they can avoid any major slip-ups, the Bulldogs should be playing for an SEC Championship in December.

#7: Southern California

His departure may be a blessing in disguise for the Rebels, who return 17 total starters. With the exception of Wallace, all of the Ole Miss’ offense returns captained by star receiver Laquon Treadwell and tackle Laremy Tunsill. And with defensive end Robert Nkembdiche leading the nation’s No. 1 defense, the Rebels should take another step forward in 2015 and compete for the SEC title.

#12: Auburn

under his belt, the sophomore will be one of America’s top rushers in 2015. The defense took a hit when defensive coordinator John Chavis abandoned ship for Texas A&M, but Les Miles should have another topflight group ready to step up.

#17: Arizona State Todd Graham and the Sun Devils were a few plays away from playing for a Pac-12 championship, but Arizona State might actually realize that goal in 2015. A strong defensive unit returns nine starters, and starting running back D.J. Foster elected to return to Tempe for his senior season. The Sun Devils have a brutal schedule, including Oregon, USC, UCLA, Texas A&M and in-state rival Arizona. If Arizona State can navigate that difficult slate, then a second Pac-12 championship appearance will be awaiting.

The Horned Frogs were shut out of the CFP, but that didn’t stop them from making a statement.

TCU blasted Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl and put the rest of the college football world on notice. The Frogs return 10 starters from one of the country’s most efficient offensive units, and if that production continues, it’s easy to see why they would be at the heart of next year’s playoff discussion.

The Trojans are becoming a sexy top-five pick entering 2015, but don’t buy the hype just yet. USC loses its best offensive and defensive players to the draft, receiver Nelson Agholor and defensive end Leonard Williams. That’s not easy to replace, especially when you consider the Trojans’ thin depth chart. But quarterback Cody Kessler will be one of the nation’s best, and USC should finally be back to competing for championships.

Auburn loses its starting quarterback along with its leading receiver and rusher. But the Tigers made a major offseason acquisition with the hire of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. Auburn was downright dreadful defensively last season, and Muschamp brings that unit instant improvement. Gus Malzahn’s high octane offense will click again and Auburn will be one of the top dogs in the SEC.

#3: Baylor

#8: Alabama

#13: Arizona

Coach Art Briles thought his squad was also wrongfully excluded from the CFP, but the Bears didn’t do themselves any favors blowing a 20-point fourth quarter lead in the Cotton Bowl. Veteran quarterback Bryce Petty is gone, but Baylor returns 17 total starters for 2015.

With all nine offensive and defensive linemen coming back, Briles might just have his most physical team to date.

It might come as a shock to see Alabama ranked so low to start, but Nick Saban has his work cut out for him. Star receiver Amari Cooper is gone. So are quarterback Blake Sims, running back T.J. Yeldon, linebacker Trey DePriest and safety Landon Collins. All in all, the Crimson Tide return nine starters and only two on offense. The talent is there, but can Saban weather the attrition and get his squad back to championship form?

Arizona showed you every reason not to be excited for 2015 with the way its season ended. Oregon smashed the Wildcats in the Pac12 Championship and they choked late in the fourth quarter of the Fiesta Bowl to lose on the last play of the game. But with quarterback Anu Solomon and All-American linebacker Scooby Wright coming back, the Wildcats have enough weapons to stay competitive in a murderous Pac-12 South.

#9: Notre Dame

#14: Clemson

Assuming quarterback Everett Golson elects to stay in South Bend, the Fighting Irish are going to be scary good in 2015. Notre Dame returns 19 starters, the most of any top-25 team. The team’s top five rushers and top three receivers are back, including all five starting offensive linemen. On the opposite side of the ball, 10 starters return from a young defensive unit and two more come back after serving academic suspensions during 2014.

The Tigers are another trendy pick entering 2015, but there isn’t a whole lot to back that up.

Clemson demolished Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl, but coach Dabo Swinney only gets 10 starters back from that squad. The Tigers will hurt from a ton of attrition in the trenches, most notably All-American defensive end Vic Beasley. Clemson should still be the favorite to win the Atlantic Coastal Conference, but the Tigers still have a lot to prove before they can be taken as serious playoff contenders.

This one might surprise you, but the Razorbacks were a few plays away from a 10-win season in 2014.

Arkansas suffered close losses to Alabama, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Missouri, all of which could have easily gone their way. The Hogs’ rushing attack will continue with the two-headed monster of Jonathon Williams and Alex Collins returning. The Razorbacks also return quarterback Brandon Allen and four starters on the biggest offensive line in college football.

Arkansas is a legitimate threat in the SEC West.

#4: Michigan State The Spartans ended their season in a big way with a miraculous Cotton Bowl comeback, and they look ready to take the next step.

Michigan State only lost two games in 2014, to Oregon and Ohio State — the National Championship participants. Quarterback Connor Cook did this team a big favor by opting to return for his senior season, and with a top-five defense, the Spartans are a legitimate threat to steal the Big Ten title.

#5: Oregon Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota is gone and that loss can’t be overstated. But even without the best player in college football, the Ducks are still legitimate playoff contenders. Oregon also loses standout cornerback Ifo EkpreOlomu and half of its offensive line.

But Mark Helfrich has a system in place, and the Ducks won’t rebuild but reload. Another Pacific-12 Conference championship is well within reach.

#6: Georgia The Southeastern Conference won’t (shouldn’t) have a squad in the top five to start next season, but don’t sleep on Georgia. Sure, the Bulldogs lose star running back

#10: UCLA

#18: Georgia Tech The Yellow Jackets showed their full potential when they pulled off late season victories over Clemson, Georgia and Mississippi State. The Orange Bowl champs lose a lot of offensive weapons, including their two leading rushers and receivers.

But quarterback Justin Thomas is back to lead coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense. The defense returns eight starters, and in a weak ACC, the Jackets should be an early-season favorite to win the conference championship.

#19: Arkansas

The Bruins didn’t live up to the hype in 2014, but hype machine is already back up and running in Pasadena. Quarterback Brett Hundley is off to the National Football League but the other 10 offensive starters are back. The Bruins were plagued by youth and inexperience with 50 underclassmen on their roster last season. But with another offseason and some veteran leadership, UCLA should go toe-totoe with Oregon and USC in the Pac-12.

#15: Boise State

#20: Florida State

The Broncos flew under the radar for most of 2014 but earned a huge Fiesta Bowl win over Arizona to cap off another 12-win season. They lose quarterback Grant Hedrick and running back Jay Ajayi, arguably their team’s two best players. But Boise State returns 33 of 34 linemen throughout the program, and that depth in the trenches will make them a favorite in every game this season.

#11: Ole Miss

#16: Louisiana State

The Seminoles won 29 games in a row before being bounced from the CFP by Oregon. But 2015 will have a different feel to it. Former Heisman winner Jameis Winston is gone, and so are most of Florida State’s other weapons. Three offensive starters return, and if the ‘Noles can’t come up with an immediate solution at quarterback, this season will be a huge step back for a program that dominated college football for the past two seasons.

Bo Wallace ended his Ole Miss career with his most embarrassing performance of the season.

Running back Leonard Fournette burst onto the scene in his freshman season and with another offseason

#21: Wisconsin Things were looking pretty grim in Madison heading into bowl

season. The Badgers were blasted in the Big Ten title game, coach Gary Anderson took another job and star running back Melvin Gordon declared for the draft. But Wisconsin rebounded with a big bowl win over Auburn to gain some momentum heading into the offseason. In a weak Big Ten West, the Badgers should have a clear path to another championship game.

#22: Tennessee Coach Butch Jones is one of the nation’s top recruiters, and his efforts are beginning to pay off. With three classes now under his belt, Jones’ players are finally starting to take the field. Last season was huge for the Volunteers, as it saw them return to postseason play, and a blowout bowl win was an added bonus. Tennessee will take another big step forward in 2015, and the Vols will be looking for an SEC East title.

#23: Stanford Stanford had a bit of a down year in 2014, but with a favorable schedule ahead, things appear to be looking up. Next season, the Cardinal will play UCLA, Oregon, Notre Dame and Arizona in Palo Alto, with their biggest road matchup coming at USC. Quarterback Kevin Hogan returns as a fourth-year starter, and coach David Shaw will have another stingy defense.

#24: Oklahoma State Nobody ended the year with more momentum than Oklahoma State. The Cowboys lost five straight games before rallying to beat rival Oklahoma to gain bowl eligibility. Then they went and upset Washington in the Cactus Bowl to finish with a winning record. Oklahoma State returns two starting quarterbacks in a passheavy offense that will keep them in any game this coming season.

#25: Missouri Mizzou did the unbelievable in successfully defending its SEC East Championship. The Tigers will try for three in a row in 2015, but it will be their tallest task yet. Star defensive ends Markus Golden and Shane Ray are gone, as are Missouri’s four leading receivers and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Marcus Murphy. The Tigers have a lot of talent to replace, and quarterback Maty Mauk must show some major improvement this offseason. But as we saw in 2014, never discount Gary Pinkel’s squad.

Others to watch: Minnesota, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Utah, Virginia Tech

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THE MANEATER | SPORTS | JANUARY 21, 2015 For Your A-moose-ment

Meet the new and improved Antlers BRENDAN SIMPSON I have some news. I don’t want you to be disappointed in me, because you shouldn’t be. I’m a proud Antler.

Contrary to popular belief, us Antlers aren’t bad people. Well, not all the time, at least.

We are just a misunderstood breed of college students that really like Mizzou basketball.

Yes, before I go on, we did get kicked out of two games last year. But only two.

Some are under the impression that we didn’t go to a single game last year because we were intercepted in the Hearnes Center parking lot, only to be whisked away by MUPD, never to be seen again.

Well, if you’ve gone to any basketball games lately, you know this is not the case. On the contrary, our rowdy group of guys has rebounded quite nicely, turning more to creativity than crudeness.

For example, the Jan. 17 game versus Tennessee.

Instead of going to the game in our classic black shirts emblazoned with the familiar gold “A,” the Antlers donned the garb worn by the people that call Rocky Top home.

In fact, many people have taken notice of the improvement. Coach Anderson and his staff, coach Robin Pingeton and her comrades and even some fellows in the athletic department (although a certain Mr. Alden still isn’t the biggest fan of the group) have begun to praise our dedication to the program.

The Antlers started in 1976 in a time where Mizzou basketball was in a dark place. Hearnes Center seating was awarded by a lottery system; a person or group could enter their names to get season tickets in the student section.

The original Antlers scored tickets in the front row of section A16, and were some of the only fans in the arena.

The name originates from a combination of the Missouri Waltz and Saturday Night Live, believe it or not. On a Sunday game in ’76, after watching SNL the night before, the hooligans in the front row put their hands next to their heads during the Missouri Waltz, like one of the part-time players on the show the night before.

As the band played and the crowd swayed, a journalist across the court from the student section said, “Look at those kids, they look like a bunch of Antlers!”

And that day, the group was born.

As of late, the Antlers have had little trouble with event staff with their signs or in-game antics and have created new, less raunchy chants.

Recently, our group has even taken the support of the team one step further: We have become a part of the recruiting process for the basketball program. Whether it be via Twitter or appearances at recruits’ visits to Columbia, we’ve tried our best to persuade potential future Tigers.

The recent increase in involvement has led to a turning of the heads, so to speak, when our group moves forward in the stands before we are supposed to. Our group’s activity has lead to some airtime on ESPN, as well as the Mizzou Arena Jumbotron, with some good words from the season ticket holders in the crowd.

Now that those pesky Antlers are doing their part, it’s time for the rest of the student section to do theirs.

Although the team’s record is not as good as in seasons past, this year is a rebuilding year, with a new coach, new staff and an almost entirely new team.

The team plays better with the support of a huge crowd, pumping energy into the team. So take a page out of the Antlers’ book: Be loud, be proud and show up to watch your basketball team, ‘cause they need you now more than ever.

TEAM Continued from page 13

“I had someone call me the other day and say this is my last three months of college basketball,” Shamburger said. “So, that is how I have to look at it. I am trying to get as many wins as I can and go from there.”

The senior has taken that message to heart, playing his best in SEC play the past few weeks.

In conference play, the guard is posting an astounding seven assists per turnover ratio, earning him the nickname “Shamburger Helper” on Twitter.

His assists have been plentiful, but much of his effort can’t be seen on paper or stat sheets.

Shamburger’s effort was most obvious during a close loss to Xavier in December, when the senior flew across the court, diving for loose balls and knocking over Gatorade buckets in pursuit of the bouncing orange rubber.

And when that effort doesn’t result in one of those coveted wins he strives for in his final months of college basketball, the disappointment is obvious.

“It’s easy to talk about liking to win,” Anderson said after that Xavier game. “But does it really bother you when you lose? I think it bothers (Shamburger).”

It bothered him so much that the guard tried to fight back tears as he discussed the loss in the postgame press conference.

Those coveted wins have been hard to come by for the senior this season, and the first four

WIN

Continued from page 13 said, he wrestles for all the guys that went before him.

“I’m wrestling for my teammates, the people I’ve gone through thick and thin with,” Cox said. “I’m willing to fight for them because you know what they’ve been through and they know what you’ve been through.

You’ve been through these trials and these struggles and these fights together, you’ve been through being tired and the seven-mile runs together. It builds that relationship and that trust.”

The wrestling squad returns seven starters from last season, creating a sense of unity within the team. Cox said this camaraderie has been a catalyst for their winning streak.

“We really believe in each other,” Cox said. “I think that comes with being a close team. It’s a lot easier to go on that mat knowing that you have nine guys behind you, cheering

MIKE KREBS | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Missouri guard Keith Shamburger (14) in action Saturday at Mizzou Arena. Tennessee beat Missouri, 59-51.

conference games haven’t exactly been promising.

The tears haven’t been seen since Xavier, but the disappointment is still obvious in the senior’s eyes.

Nonetheless, he’s doing his best.

“I just have a different mindset period, now,” Shamburger said.

“This is my last three months, so I just have to make a push and do as best as I can.”

you on, wanting you to do well.”

Yet, Clemsen points out, one of the pitfalls of having a tightknit team is wrestlers becoming too invested in each other’s performances.

“The closer they are, the more susceptible they are to getting caught up in their teammates’ matches,” Clemsen said. “We talk a lot about, hey, if you take care of you, that takes care of your brother; and I think the guys have done a good job of doing that.”

Clemsen also credits the team’s success to the the team ability to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand.

“They really don’t even talk about the streak; it’s more just one dual at a time,” Clemsen said. “The guys have done a really good job of saying, ‘Hey, this is the weekend that counts right now.’ I think if you get into that routine, then in March it’s nothing different, just, ‘Hey, this weekend counts.’”

Cox has embraced this attitude, providing an example for the team.

Although he says his long-term

goal is winning another national championship, he’s taking things one step at a time.

“The last thing on my mind is nationals,” Cox said. “The reason that is the last thing on my mind is that it’s the last thing on the schedule. I have other people to wrestle before I get there. As far as nationals go, we’ll open that door when we get to it. I’m staying focused on here and now.”

While the team remains focused on the present, Clemsen allows himself to look ahead. He considers the team’s future bright.

“The exciting thing is that I think our team is by no means ready for March,” he said. “We’re performing at a very high level, yet I don’t think we’ve seen close to our best wrestling yet. That’s encouraging as a coach, because sometimes you get nervous; you think, ‘Oh gosh, my horses are running really fast right now. They might be peaked out.’ I don’t feel that way, and I know the way our team works. When March comes around, we’re going to be scary good.”

M

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