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Death by

chocolate

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Oedipus

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Bulldogs have some to do

work

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TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

134th YEAR ISSUE 8

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

MSU prepares for campus-wide switch to Canvas School leaves Blackboard for new system Spring 2019 COURTNEY CARVER STAFF WRITER

Following its announcement over the summer, Mississippi State University is currently piloting a new learning management system called Canvas by Instructure. All courses will switch from Blackboard to

Canvas in the spring.

Lead Instructional Tech Specialist Tina Green has worked at MSU since 1999, and during her time here, she has been involved with many of the transitions between learning management systems.

“We have 61 pilots, and I have been a part of every pilot we had,” Green said.

“I’ve never had piloters more excited to use a product, and I’ve never had piloters catch on so quickly.”

The pilot group includes courses from all eight colleges at MSU. The chosen instructors began training

with Canvas over the summer.

Department Head of Communications John Forde is piloting Canvas to his students in Principles of Public Relations. Over the summer, Forde missed training due to a family emergency; however, he found Canvas was easy to learn, despite having gaps in training.

“There was a three-week gap between when I went to one training and the next training,” Forde said. “I was planning to go to all of it and get my class all set. I just turned it on and ‘click-boom.’ I made notes on my cellphone, and I

don’t know if I have even had to go back to them because it is so intuitive.”

While those in the pilot program are already trained on how to use Canvas, professors, instructors and graduate assistants can attend the “Getting Started with Canvas by Instructure Learning Management System” workshops in McArthur hall. Green leads these hands-on workshops by showing faculty members the different functions of Canvas, while they mimic her from the perspective of a student or in the view they will see as instructors.

CANVAS, 2

Professors, students participate in walk out Nation-wide event supports victims of sexual assault KATIE POE

NEWS EDITOR

The line “We can do better” was chanted by professors and students on the Drill Field of Mississippi State University on Monday afternoon as they gathered in support of the women who accused Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

People across the country participated in solidarity with this walk out event in support of believing the accusers, specifically Christine Belsay Ford and Deborah Ramirez.

Katie Poe | The Reflector

About 30 people, a mixture of both professors and students, joined the walk out Monday.

English associate professor Shalyn Claggett attended the walk out and held a sign with the words “We believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford #BelieveSurvivors” written in black.

Claggett said she regularly follows posts

What you need to know for Bulldog Bash this week:

Maroon Market

What: Local artists, businesses and food vendors Where: Main Street When: 3-6 p.m.

The Lineup 3-6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Location

Local artists Bedon Ric Wilson The Mowglis The All-American Rejects

Local artists will play downtown on the Local Stage in front of the Courthouse. The other bands will perform on the Clark Beverage Main Stage, which is at the intersection of Main Street and Jackson Street.

Tips

• Avoid traffic and catch a shuttle at one of its three stops: Old Main Academic Building, the intersection of Maxwell Street and Russell Street, and the intersection of Jackson and East Lampkin.

• Bring cash. Some vendors may not be able to process credit cards.

• Download the Bully Walk app to navigate your way around the event.

TUESDAY HI: 86 LO: 71 SKY: Cloudy with rain POP: 55

WEDNESDAY HI: 81 LO: 67 SKY: Cloudy with rain POP: 67

THURSDAY HI: 79 LO: 65 SKY: Cloudy with rain POP: 59

on social media about victims recounting their experiences of sexual assault, and she believes people should support them, as well as Blasey.

“I think we’re mostly reacting to the story of Kavenaugh and Ford, and the kind of, frankly,

horrifying lack of sympathy and belief in what seems to be certainly a credible claim that deserves to be investigated,” Claggett said.

“I came out to support this because I think it’s important to believe women who have been victimized and assaulted, but what has been really disturbing to me is that a lot of people, in reaction to women sharing this information, don’t believe them. It’s very frightening, so I think it’s important that we come out and support people who have absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose, and despite that, they say something. This is a critical moment in history in our country.”

Also attending the walk out was English professor Kelly Marsh, who extended the support of Blasey and Ramirez to any victim of sexual assault, especially within the MSU community.

WALK OUT, 2

Emma Moffett | The Reflector

Graduate Assistant Gabby Steele navigates Canvas, an online learning management system.

ECAB begins semester with two business pitches EMMA DRAY BRASWELL STAFF WRITER

The Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Board (ECAB) hosted its first meeting of the semester Friday, and heard two new pitches for a music app and nonprofit.

ECAB hosts a monthly meeting on the third Friday of each month, where students and faculty members can present their different business ideas to the board.

The ECAB meeting is a way for entrepreneurs to be awarded grant money to further their ideas.

Jeffrey Rupp, the E-Center’s director of outreach, said the event is

similar to the show “Shark Tank,” where people present business pitches to potential investors.

Freshman Amanda Swanton, a student who presented a nonprofit idea, described what the meeting was like.

“I gave my presentation, and everyone sat and listened; and as soon as it was over, they asked questions about my cause, what we would do with the grant, how we would market it and they also asked questions about our advisory board,” Swanton said.

Before pitching at the board meeting, entrepreneurs are required to complete the first step of the VentureCatalyst program.

ECAB, 2

Graduate student earns Astronaut Scholarship HANNAH BLANKENSHIP STAFF WRITER

Last Wednesday, senior civil engineering major Phong Ly of Brandon became Mississippi State University’s first-ever recipient of the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship. The award presentation was held in Mitchell Memorial Library’s John Grisham Room and featured astronaut Jerry Ross was the keynote speaker.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which began with each of the original Mercury 7 crew members sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship, has grown to award 50 scholarships of up to $10,000 each to deserving students studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) across the nation.

Ly, one of these 50 highly qualified young students, will receive $10,000

in scholarship award money, as well as the chance to meet and network with many influential figures in the STEM field. From now on, MSU will award an astronaut scholarship to a student every year, thanks in part to the generosity of MSU alumnus Ray Gildea.

Tommy Anderson, director of the Office of Prestigious External Scholarships in the Shackouls Honors College, said the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s decision to partner with MSU in awarding an Astronaut Scholarship every year is a testament to the high caliber of students which MSU’s STEM programs produce.

Ly said he was grateful for the support and generosity of those who made the scholarship possible.

“Thank you so much for providing this opportunity and really believing in the talent that is here at MSU,” Ly said.

Ly will use the award

FORECAST: This week’s weather will bring in rain and storms with temperatures possibly dipping into the mid-60s. Temperatures could rise into the 80s, and the rain will subsequently cause humidity.

Courtesy of Accuweather

Hannah Blankenship | The Reflector

Phong Ly, a civil engineering major of Brandon, Mississippi, celebrated becoming Mississippi State University’s first-ever recipient of the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship last Wednesday.

money to help pay for graduate school, where he plans to focus on the environmental side of civil engineering. He currently does not have any plans to work in the space industry, but did mention NASA

Reader’s Guide: Bad Dawgs Life&Entertainment Opinion Contact Info

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Puzzles Classifieds Sports

offers a variety of job opportunities for almost any degree.

Anderson said Ly is a wonderful student who has taken advantage of the mentorship and resources MSU offers.

ASTRONAUT, 2 Policy: Any person may pick up a single copy of The 3 Reflector for free. Additional 3 copies may be obtained 5 from the Henry Meyer Student Media Center for 25 cents per copy.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

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CANVAS

BAD DAWGS Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 Student had a seizure in Hathorn Hall. Subject was transported to OCH. Employee reported receiving counterfeit money in Account Services.

Student reported being harassed from a subject she met on Tinder.

Student reported her bicycle stolen from George Perry.

Student reported someone poured soap in her drink in Rice Hall.

Student transported to OCH from outside Nunnelee Hall for Medical assistance.

Student reported her cell phone stolen from Rice Hall.

Friday, Sept. 21, 2018 Student reported his iPad stolen, last seen in McCarthy Hall.

Parking services reported a vehicle along with the wheel locks missing from engineering alley.

Student reported leaving his wallet on a S.M.A.R.T. bus.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 Non-resident/visitor transported to

OCH from Sanderson Center for medical assistance.

Two juveniles were arrested on campus for possession of stolen property. Subjects were released into the custody of their guardian.

Student transported to OCH from intramural field for a possible broken ankle.

Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 Student reported his bicycle stolen from Davenport Hall. Bicycle recovered earlier that same day by an officer.

Notable Traffic Citations Student issued Justice Court citation for speeding 43/20, suspended driver’s license and a switched tag on Stone Boulevard.

MSU citation issued for careless driving on Barr Avenue.

Nine MSU citations issued for speeding, the most notable of which was 46/20 on Stone Boulevard.

Justice Court citation issued for speeding 59/30 on Blackjack Road.

Justice Court citation issued for speeding 49/30 on Blackjack Road.

Green said 208 people, both students and faculty, are trained as of Friday.

These workshops started Sept. 12 and will continue until Sept. 28. The specific times and dates are on the event’s page.

Graduate Assistant Gabby Steele earned her diploma from MSU last spring and is pursuing her master’s in business administration.

Steele attended the workshop for her assistantship because she assists with a Principles of Marketing course. As a graduate at MSU, Steele said she is more experienced with Blackboard. However, she finds the transition from the current learning management system to Canvas is more userfriendly.

“I feel like the transition is really easy, especially when you come to trainings like this where you can kind of play around with it and see some of the capabilities and advanced features,” Green said.

With all of the technical components, professors and instructors are able to publish and unpublish their materials for students once their materials are ready; however, everything for the semester could be posted at once. On the first day of Forde’s public relations course, he released all 14 chapters.

“I think the only concern is you can produce

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so much content, you want to be sure that students don’t get overwhelmed,” Forde said. “It probably worked out better and I will probably do this in upcoming semesters where I don’t release 14 chapters a semester. The really cool thing is it is so easy to publish and unpublish.

Students cannot see it until it is published.”

As faculty members prepare for the transition from Blackboard to Canvas, they are able to view their pages under the student view.

“Blackboard, to me, is more complicated.

Canvas is very easy to maneuver and operate.”

- Kelsi Goudeau, junior communication major “As far as I can tell, the quizzes and tests are easy to follow for my students,” Forde said. “There’s a student view for faculty, and I use it to take the quizzes.”

Junior communication major Kelsi Goudeau is in Forde’s course and has used Canvas before. She

ECAB

transferred from Southwest Mississippi Community College, where Canvas is the primary learning management system.

“I’ve only ever used Canvas, so for me, it was more of a transition from Canvas to Blackboard,” Goudeau said.

“I honestly don’t see many disadvantages with Canvas.

I love the features and really love how you can see everyone that is in your class, and it has an easy layout for grades.”

According to Green, Canvas offers a more user-friendly layout, easier communication between students and instructors, and allows written, video or audio comments between students and instructors on assignments.

Canvas is the primary learning management system for Southwest Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi and many other schools. This allows the transition from Blackboard to Canvas to be very smooth for many students, Goudeau said.

“Blackboard, to me, is more complicated,” Goudeau said. “Canvas is very easy to maneuver and operate. I never asked anyone at SMCC for help using Canvas, and I have had to reach out to multiple people for help with Blackboard.”

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This first step is a pitch to peers rather than to a board of faculty and professionals. Once students pass the first step, they are awarded $500 with the chance to successfully gain more money to kickstart their business plans into action.

“Students who have gone through our first step are allowed to come pitch their ideas in front of our board,” Rupp said.

ECAB can grant a student up to $7,500 through the process.

A majority of people

pitching their ideas are students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, though faculty and staff are allowed to come pitch to the board, as well.

“Right now, we have over 100 active students, and we have 39 majors represented in that,” Rupp said.

On Friday, there were two students who pitched their ideas to the board.

One student presented an app that brings bands, promoters and agents together so they can connect.

MusicaForum is meant for music gurus to find shows and look for new talent, said JD Walters, senior business information systems major, who pitched the idea. It is a performance platform meant to connect people in the music industry and provide entertainment more efficiently.

“I am hoping to make this a nationwide thing where it can be seamless for small businesses to easily get shows organized,” Walters said.

Rupp said Walters’

pitch needs to be built on before they grant it funding at the next level, but ECAB invited him to come back and pitch again soon.

“We would like him to come back again this fall to answer some more questions and build on the idea,” Rupp said.

Next, Swanton pitched her idea and the board granted her $2,000 so she could further the outreach of a nonprofit organization she runs.

This nonprofit is a 501c3 charity called the A85 Cure Foundation Inc. Its goal is

to raise awareness for the medical condition Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which occurs when a change from lying to standing causes an immense increase in heart rate.

“This organization is about everyone who suffers from this, because there’s an average of 750,000 Americans suffering and about three million more around the world,” Swanton said. “Our goal is to connect them and share their stories.”

This nonprofit

WALK OUT

organization strives to put POTS on the map to ensure the public is aware of the condition.

Rupp pointed out how unusual granting money to a nonprofit organization is for ECAB, but also made it clear that Swanton made a compelling and impressive argument as to why she should receive such a grant.

ECAB meetings take place in McCool Hall, where students can come and present their ideas, get feedback and possibly receive a grant to push their business ideas into action.

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“I decided to participate in the walk-out on the Drill Field today to demonstrate my solidarity with Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez, and to communicate to survivors of sexual assault here on campus that they will be heard, believed and supported,” Marsh said.

During the event, Director of Gender Studies Kimberly Kelly said she came to the Drill Field to show her opposition to Kavanaugh possibly being selected to be a Supreme Court justice.

“Feeling the conviction that that is something I desperately do not want to

have happen in this country, along with the treatment of Dr. Ford, which is so typical of survivors who report are treated by police officers, significant others and the judiciary, knowing that she was being treated so poorly I knew that we needed to speak up and say that there are people who do believe you, who do believe sexual assault survivors,” Kelly said.

Some professors gave students the option to participate in the walk out. Gracie Huddleston and Ellie Saget, who were attending Madison Henson’s sociology class, said even though they

STARKVILLE ALDERSGATE

United Methodist Congregation Rev. Jamie Bailey, Pastor 820 Evergreen Street Starkville, MS 39759

Welcomes ALL Students!

Starkville Aldersgate and Reverend Bailey invite you to make us your Church home while at MSU

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Church School 9:00 a.m.

E-mail: starkvillealdersgateumc@gmail.com Tel. (662) 323-4657

@starkvilleAUMC @starkvillealdersgateumc

participated in the event and walked out of class, they were still counted as present.

Spanish associate professor Sol Pelaez, who organized the campus event, said there was a sister walk out in downtown Starkville the same day. She said about 30 participants took part of the one on campus.

“It was very moving for many of the participants,” Pelaez said. “Students, faculty and staff, who had been victims of sexual abuse need to know that they have support here on campus.”

On the Drill Field,

Pelaez read from a paper and cited some statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She said only 33 percent of teenagers abused by a partner tell anyone about it, and 43 percent of dating college women report experiencing abusive behavior from a partner. She also said one in five women are sexually assaulted during their college tenures.

“We want justice,” Pelaez said. “I believe all survivors have a fighter core, and with support, become stronger... Our message was: we are here for you, whenever you are

ready to support you in any manner you need. Our message is for Dr. Ford, who we support in this difficult situation, and for everyone else. All in all, we want a fair and honest justice system that protects the victims.”

Those who have experienced sexual assault can contact Student Counseling Services at 662325-2091, which allows students to meet and speak confidentially with mental health counselors.

Those who need medical attention can go to the Longest Student Health Center, where the staff can perform a Physical

ASTRONAUT “Phong’s a remarkable student; he’s been a pleasure to work with. The thing about Phong that I think is the most exciting is that he understands

Evidence Recovery Kit in cases of rape or sexual assault. Information shared with the center is also confidential.

For victims who would like to report a sexual assault, contact Title IX Coordinator Brett Harvey at 662-325-5839 or by email at titleix@msstate. edu. For someone who is unsure whether they want to submit a formal complaint, they can call the MSU Safe Line at 662325-3333. The phone is managed by counselors at all times, and they can help one find a sexual assault advocate. This process is also confidential.

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the value of mentorship,” Anderson said. “He sought that mentorship out through the civil engineering faculty and research mentors. He’s

also willing to mentor other students at the university. He’s going to be an outstanding scholar, researcher and industry leader when he gets out of here.”

To students interested in applying for the Astronaut Scholarship, both Ly and Anderson stressed taking advantage of the resources at MSU, particularly the office of Prestigious External Scholarships, mentorships and research opportunities.

Anderson encouraged students to start as early as possible in laying out a plan to be competitive for prestigious external scholarships.

As the keynote speaker at the award presentation, Ross delivered an inspiring account of his journey to a successful career in the space industry.

Ross, veteran of seven space shuttle missions and a joint world record holder for most spaceflights, offered encouragement to young

people when he recounted how he did not get into the Air Force test pilot school on his first try.

“Things don’t happen in life in a straight line, from A to B,” he said. “Never give up. I didn’t let it stop me and I was fortunate enough to ultimately get where I wanted to go.”

Ross concluded his speech by remarking on the necessity of perseverance in order to achieve success.

“That’s why I’m here today, that’s why I wrote my book: trying to encourage young people, trying to show them that I was just a normal kid; but I had a dream, I set a goal for myself, I studied hard, I worked hard and I didn’t give up too easily when things didn’t work out the first time,” Ross said. “And I think that you’ll find out that any other human being who would be considered a success is going to have a very similar story.”

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 @REFLECTORONLINE

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Career Fair brings job and internship opportunities to MSU NICOLE RIGBY

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mississippi State University Career Center will host a Career Fair on Sept.

25 and 26 in the Humphrey Coliseum. A wide range of technical and non-technical companies will set up booths to give information about their organizations, and recruit students for full-time positions as well as internships.

This semi-annual event began in the Union Ballroom with only a few organizations. Now, it has grown to be so large, it must be held in the Humphrey Coliseum.

There will be two days for this event, with a total of 194 companies visiting MSU. Day one will have non-technical companies recruiting business, arts, science and agricultural majors. Day two will center around technical majors, like construction, engineering and architecture. Since there are so many organizations participating, the technical slots sell out quickly. To compensate, engineering firms and other technical careers will come to day one.

Leslie Neal, coordinator and manager of marketing and events, said this event is especially useful for engineering students,

since there is an entire day centered on companies looking for potential engineering employees.

“Dean Keith has really been pushing the engineer students to come to come to day one because there are some firms that decide to come day one, in hopes that they will get attendance there too,” Neal said.

Since the companies are not required to come on a certain day, Neal recommends checking the Career Center website to see what day each company will be set up. Neal said job fairs help individuals develop an understanding of what the working world is like outside of college.

The purpose of this event is to not only to help students find a job after graduation, but to also provide networking opportunities.

All academic levels are encouraged to attend.

Even if a student is not graduating within the next year, Neal said it is still a good idea to go out and network. Many companies offer summer internships and co-op opportunities to build students’ resumes and skill sets.

Students should come prepared to meet potential employers and should be dressed for success.

Women are encouraged

to wear slacks or kneelength dresses/skirts, avoid provocative clothing and wear comfortable dress shoes. A blazer or cardigan will also help in creating a professional appearance.

Men should wear slacks, a collared shirt and ties or bowties. Blazers and sports jackets are not required, but can help build a positive impression. Make sure to wear dark socks and match belts with shoes and clip loose strings.

It is recommended to bring 20 to 25 resumes to hand out to job recruiters.

While the Career Center offers resume critiques during the semester, they are not providing critiques until after the career fair is over. However, the Career Center has resources on their website for building a strong document.

Personalized business cards could also help you stand out to recruiters.

Heather Woodall, the senior coordinator at the Career Center, said this event continues to help students find opportunities so they can continue their success after graduation.

“I think the career fair is very successful,” Woodall said. “We do have a large number of students who come and are able to get co-op and internship positions.”

3 Rosalind Hutton

Classical Week brings ‘Oedipus’ to MSU EMMA DRAY BRASWELL

Classical Week, an annual event hosted by the Shakouls Honors College, will include a performance of “Oedipus” at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the Griffis Courtyard, and the first lecture from the Orators.

The production of the play, as well as the scholarly lectures, are designed to introduce campus students to ancient Greek history, and will specifically focus on “Oedipus” this year.

Donna Clevinger, the director of the play, senior faculty at Mississippi State University and MSU communication professor, said the version of the play from Bernard Knox provides an interesting and pensive translation. Clevinger said she is impressed by how much work the performers have put in for the performance.

“This cast has been outstanding to work with,” Clevinger said. “They have done everything I have asked them to do to prepare for their parts in the play.”

Sinclair Keyes, a student playing the queen’s lady

in waiting, said rehearsals began with auditions and went on for approximately five weeks. She said they were intense and, at times, time-consuming.

“We’ve put in a lot of work, actually because it was such a short timeline,” Keyes said.

Since auditions, Arvind Loganathan, who plays Tiresias the blind prophet, said the practices, despite being consistent and intense, have been an enjoyable experience.

“We’ve been rehearsing three to four times a week, and as the play’s been closing up, we’ve been rehearsing five to six times a week,” Loganathan said.

Many of the students starring in “Odeipus” have limited theater experience, but chose to audition entirely based on their passion for Greek history and their desire to learn about theatre.

Loganathan, a freshman at MSU majoring in biological engineering, said he auditioned for this play because he wanted to involve himself in something outside of his typical skill set, and all the students are glad for this opportunity to express their

passion for theater.

“College is a new experience; I want to try new things at college,” Loganathan said. “I’ve never done theater prior to this, so it’s pretty exciting to me.”

Clevinger, while enthused for the play, said she is equally excited for the lecture series complementing the performance.

“On Thursday, we are starting a new lecture program called the Orators.

That is a public lecturer where we invite noted scholars to bring their research that is somehow connected with the play ‘Oedipus,’” Clevinger said.

The scholars will be at MSU lecturing at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the fourth floor of Griffis Hall. These lectures will be live streamed and open to the public.

Keyes said the cast worked hard for over a month to perfect this performance, and all MSU students and faculty are welcome to come and spend an hour enjoying their hard work.

“We’ve all had a great time, and I’m excited for everyone to come and see the show,” Keyes said.

CLASSIFIEDS The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday.

The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Classifieds are listed at $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are listed at $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found items: Found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed at standard ad cost.

Part time position available.

Certified Pharmacy Tech with experience working in hospital or retail pharmacy

preferred. Call 615-2990 for more information. OCH Regional Medical Center, 400 Hospital Road, PO Drawer 1506, Starkville, MS 39760.

CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m.

Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by

email to managing@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

STAFF WRITER

Two Brothers Smokehouse to host Bulldog Bash after-party TALLY DUKE STAFF WRITER

The Bulldog Bash party does not have to end when The All-American Rejects exit the stage.

People can walk down to the Cotton District and enter Two Brothers Smokehouse to hang out, eat and listen to more great music. Two Brothers Smokehouse will host two bands, Bryce Mitchell and the Soul Exchange at 10 p.m. after Bulldog Bash Sept. 28.

Sims Koerber, the event manager and chef at Two Brothers Smokehouse, said the members of Bryce Mitchell and Soul Exchange decided to come together for this performance in order to achieve a big-band popular sound.

“We have live music every game weekend, and would love for you all to join us after games,” said Koerber.

Bryce Mitchell, a Mississippi native and Mississippi State University graduate, is a singer/ songwriter wanting a band,

including a horn section and backup singers, to accompany his music. This collaborative musical performance will consist of talented guitarists, bass guitarists, drums, percussion, saxophone and of course, Mitchell’s vocals.

“We play original music I’ve written and covers that include funk, soul and rock ‘n roll,” Mitchell said.

The band’s musical style compares to the popular 1960s band Muscle Shoals from Alabama. While the band does not expect to have any new releases soon, they hope to jump back in the recording studio next year. Expect to hear some original songs including “Soul Exchange,” “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Holy Stone.”

“We will also be performing at Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern on Halloween, and would love to see some familiar faces from this performance,” said Mitchell.

With every great live performance comes great food. Two Brothers will carry on the Bulldog Bash vendor

vibe with its late night pickup window offering their famous smoked wings and cheese fries. A beer cart will be located outside along with the bar inside, and drink specials on domestic beers will also be going on at the after party.

Colton Trigg, an MSU senior, said he has been to Two Brothers Smokehouse before and likes the convenience of the restaurant’s location.

“Their wings were out of this world, but there wasn’t any live music when I went, so I am excited to hear that they will have a band this time,” Trigg said.

Trigg said he is excited to attend this post-Bulldog Bash hangout, and looks forward to listening to the performing band.

“I’ve never heard of Bryce Mitchell and the Soul Exchange, but its name is intriguing, so I am excited to hear what they sound like,” Trigg said. “I am looking forward to sitting down at a table, eat my wings and cheese fries, and listen to some more good music.”

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 @REFLECTORONLINE

OPINION

A degree in liberal arts is worth more than you think SARAH MORGAN JOHNSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In today’s STEMobsessed culture, the value of a liberal arts degree is often non-existent. Students are seeking job security and a lifetime of stability from their expensive college education, and tend to shy away from liberal arts.

As stated by The Hechinger Report for U.S. News, a study conducted by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, shows only one out of every 20 college students are liberal arts majors.

This is a drastic change from 1967, when the rate was nearly one in five. Large universities are making substantial cuts to their liberal arts programs in order to send more funds into STEM programs. As a result, small liberal arts colleges are shutting down left and right.

“ Liberal arts are essential to society because they equip students to think critically and thoughtfully in regards to themselves and the societies in which they live.”

As an English major myself, I cannot help but feel uneasy. Is my own degree a waste of time and thousands of dollars? Does the ominous stereotype of the overqualified-liberal-artsgraduate-turned-barista hold any truth? Should it scare me away?

After some research, I do not believe so. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the unemployment rate for recent liberal arts graduates is 5.2 percent and decreases to 3.5 percent for experienced workers.

A degree in liberal arts sharpens the exact skill set so heavily demanded by employers today. The National

Death by chocolate is all too possible

Association of Colleges and Employees performed a survey seeking to identify the most valuable qualities in a potential employee.

They found 77 percent of employers ranked problemsolving skills as a top quality, and 75 percent said they were looking for an employee with strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as reported by Mark Schneider and Matthew Sigelman of the American Enterprise Institute.

Additionally, The Association of American Colleges and Universities also found 80 percent of all employers would say students should be knowledgeable about liberal arts and sciences.

Some even say a liberal arts concentration can lead to a more well-rounded individual.

According to Professor McDermott of New England College, “Studying the arts and humanities, in particular, teaches us about and helps us understand human experience, present and past, familiar and global; it helps us find commonalities and differences in our own ideas and beliefs and those of others; it gives us the tools to respond to the world we live in as thoughtful, educated citizens.”

The value of a liberal arts degree is not constricted to the outplay of future personal stability. The result it produces is much more holistic. Liberal arts are essential to society because they equip students to think critically and thoughtfully in regards to themselves and the societies in which they live.

What does all of this mean for liberal arts students here at Mississippi State University, a school which heavily focuses on engineering and agriculture? It seems everyone I meet is an engineering major of some sort.

It is hard to be oblivious to how many of my English classes are held in engineering buildings. I even live in an engineering living learning community.

While on the surface, it may seem everyone is chanting S-T-E-M, research shows there is real value in alternative majors. It is easy to feel discouraged by stereotypes and the decline of liberal arts majors, but, after all, with increased rarity comes increased value.

BRAD ROBERTSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Most people like chocolate. This is not exactly a controversial statement. It is proudly laid out next to check-out registers at grocery stores, enticing shoppers to add just one more item to their already full cart, thoughtlessly given as an arbitrary reward by teachers to students who answer questions correctly and all too often is associated with love, sex and romance.

See any store front display on or near Valentine’s Day if you doubt me.

The at times fascist fascination with the stuff is enough to make a man sick. I do not like chocolate. In fact, I would dare to say I loathe it with as many fibers of my being as possible. It brings no pleasure to my tongue, only bitter disgust.

The smell alone is enough to raise the threat of my lunch suddenly becoming decoration for whatever floor I happen to be situated above, and the texture is something out of nightmares. Gooey, sticky, melting between fingers—it is truly an abysmal scourge.

Now, I would not be so arrogant to assume my own tastes speak for everyone, as they clearly do not, but there is a deeper obsession with chocolate beyond any of its physical attributes.

Folks live for the stuff.

They find it strange how anyone should disagree with them. I cannot recount how many times in my life I have politely refused an offering of Reese’s, Hershey’s or any other widely-loved chocolates, only to be met with glaring eyes of fire and the all too familiar question.

“What is wrong with you?”

I am here to answer you all with one sweeping word: nothing. Chocolate is a food unlike any other in how it has been assigned a cultural significance completely separate from anything our five senses can perceive.

In the eyes of its staunchest lovers, to hate chocolate is to hate comfort, sweet, sugary relief from an uncaring world and, in the most idealistic cases, romance. I can happily confirm to you all I lack nothing for not relishing in the sticky gunk marketed as “kisses.”

Okay, guys.

Itʼs not funny anymore.

Rosalind Hutton

Fever over the treat is nothing new. Cultivation of the cacao tree began in ancient times in what is now Central America. Beans from the tree were left to ferment and be mixed with spices to make drinks.

These drinks had many cultural uses and caught the eye of European colonizers in the 16th century. Cacao beans were taken back to Europe where they were sweetened instead of fermented, and it is from this practice the modern usage of chocolate was derived. Since then, chocolate has only grown in popularity. Market demand led to colonial nations using slave labor to speed production, and the Industrial Revolution only helped this goal.

Today, chocolate is marketed to us almost effortlessly due its foothold in the zeitgeist. Walking M&Ms are as recognizable figures as Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny. The green M&M was even sexualized to arouse interest in the brand.

Kit Kat bars have a jingle which is almost enthralling if left unfinished, begging any who hear the melody to hum the last few notes.

Marketing conspiracies aside, chocolate is also just not good for you.

Commercial varieties are

packed with sugar and fat for flavor, and little else of any nutritional worth. According to Lisa Drayer of CNN, chocolate, while having some health benefits, can be quite detrimental to one’s health if eaten in copious amounts.

“Yes, dark chocolate has compounds that offer health benefits and can be enjoyed without guilt, even on a daily basis,” Drayer explains, “but the portion size matters, since too many bites can contribute extra fat, sugar and calories and negate its health benefits.”

So chocolate is good until it is not. Noted. Let us take a look at portioning then.

Surely, most people are good at moderating their intake of any sort of luxury item, right?

Well, maybe not.

The FDA does not recommend any sort of daily consumption of chocolate due to the likelihood of having added sugars when sold commercially. Excessive sugars in one’s diet is known to contribute to obesity, which in turn leads to health complications in almost every imaginable field.

Added sugars in chocolate have been a focal point of debate among school districts for years. In her article, Chris Henry of The Kitsap Sun reports how the Kitsap Public Health

District decided to continue to allow chocolate milk in public schools in the district due to fears of students drinking less milk, which has been shown to have positive health benefits, especially for growing adolescents overall.

Kitsap County decided not to go with plain milk only, despite Henry reporting how a quarter of eight-graders in the county were overweight or obese. I find it difficult to see why adding cocoa and sugar to something like milk is even up for debate when it has no tangible benefits, and in fact, might have very negative side effects for growing children.

Chocolate might be the thing you look forward to most in your day. It might be just a happy surprise which makes you smile and is then forgotten about completely as it slides down your gullet.

Regardless of its particular importance to your life, it is unfair to assume everyone shares your feelings.

And that is fine. It is okay for us to disagree. However, the next time someone does not see the joy in smearing sweetened mud on their lips, do not just assume they are the owners of malfunctioning taste buds. Do not ask what is wrong with them. Instead, ask what chocolate has done for you lately.

The #metoo movement poses problems for men and women alike

CHRIS LOWE

is a senior majoring in business information systems. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

It is with much regret I state the #metoo movement has failed in its original objective.

Like almost every other social or political campaign in this decade, it has fallen victim to radicalism and opportunism from individuals seeking to fulfill a personal agenda, with those people brandishing something with name recognition only to betray its very purpose.

To put it in plain terms: people are taking

advantage of others’ desire to bring about much-needed protection for women. This is not okay.

Considering many people will read only the headline of this article and resign themselves to calling me a sexist and rapist-apologist, I would like to go ahead and clear the air.

The #metoo movement started as one of the most overdue shifts in American priorities I have seen in my lifetime, and while it has accomplished a great deal of good and helped countless women from sexual abuse, it has simply become overshadowed by women using it to gain attention, money or revenge. As a result of these deplorable people, both sexes are suffering greatly.

Men are now afraid to compliment women in any way, touch them even in acceptable situations or

afraid to simply be alone with women at all. Doing any of these opens the door for a false sexual harassment claim, which will permanently ruin their reputations even if the claim is proven false, which is an uphill battle in the first place considering our society immediately jumps to the defense of the woman before any facts are brought to the table. We are constantly having to watch ourselves around women we do not know because in today’s climate, one bold liar is all it takes to have our lives in shambles.

We are scared to initiate sexual conversation or the deed itself because the line between creeping someone out and sexually assaulting them is getting thinner by the day.

For the proverbial cherry on top, bringing up these very concerns is taboo in many cases as we will then

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However, the price women pay for this extra security is skepticism and an armslength approach by men in dealing with them both professionally and personally.

Due to the false allegations, men now see fit to protect themselves by staying away from women entirely, especially in the workplace.

This results in fewer opportunities for women and a flat-out refusal to work with them out of fear.

To help prove this point, Katherine Tarbox of HBR outlines what she sees in finance since the #metoo explosion.

“In the aftermath of the MeToo movement around sexual harassment, I wonder how much progress we’ve really made; recently, several men have privately told me that they have no intention of hiring women for open roles, or of managing young women if they can avoid it,”

Tarbox explains.

This same article also claims many male managers are requiring women to directly report to other women, so there is no room for a conflict.

All of this is making it even harder than it already is for women to advance in America, as their coworkers and bosses are starting to avoid them like the plague, and it even extends to social interactions. How does this help women?

I believe we as a society should always give women an open channel to point out wrongdoings, but we need to come together and tackle these situations objectively and with an open mind.

I understand the need to protect victims and punish aggressors, but the way #metoo is accomplishing it is no longer viable. If it does not change soon, everyone will pay the price.

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be dismissed as feeding the system and fighting for rapists. Thankfully, many women are beginning to realize the effect it has on innocent men.

According to a Vox and Morning Consult survey, 63 percent of women surveyed were concerned about false allegations, as reported by Anna North of Vox. It is critical women understand the situation #metoo has placed innocent men in, and while I find 63 percent to be better than I was expecting, it is also disturbingly low if it is not on the rise.

Of course, men are not the only victims here, and it is almost a worse idea meant to protect women and give them a platform to have a voice, instead replacing one handicap with another.

Sure, it is much riskier to sexually harass or assault a woman these days, and this is undoubtedly a good thing.

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Column: Bulldogs have some work to do before Florida game RENALDO HOPKINS

is a senior majoring in communication.

Contact him at sports@reflector. msstate.edu

Mississippi State University fans did not see this coming, but, in all honesty, it was bound to happen someway.

This past Saturday, the Bulldogs went into Lexington, Kentucky, looking to put their contest against the University of Kentucky into the win column; but instead, got handed 16 penalties, costing MSU to give up an astounding 139 yards, as well as be on the wrong end of a record-setting night for Benny Snell Jr. as he ran for 165 yds and 4 touchdowns on 25 carries.

Aside from the numerous penalties and Snell Jr.’s performance, MSU was outmatched and outplayed, trying their best to adjust to Kentucky’s defense, but ultimately failing to get the offense rolling.

We can blame head coach Joe Moorhead’s play calling, Nick Fitzgerald’s inaccuracy and the defense’s inefficiency all we want, but the fact of the matter is the team was not as ready as the fans thought they were, and the fans did not expect Kentucky’s team. Nick Fitzgerald, a senior from Richmond Hills, Georgia, may be the Bulldogs’ feature player, but the offensive linemen and wide receivers had a very hard time playing against the Wildcats’ rough and rugged defensive front, and for the WRs, the rain

was simply a burden.

Sure, some of Kentucky’s offensive plays were made because MSU’s defense was a bit conservative; however, it was very disappointing to see our defensive line get slaughtered up front by the opposing line and the charismatic running back who had his sights set on making the Bulldogs look bad.

“One loss won’t define the season, one loss won’t define this team. I promise you this, we are working tirelessly to get this freaking

thing right.”

-Joe Moorhead, head coach Some adjustments and much needed soul searching have got to be made before MSU (3-1) play Florida (31) this upcoming Saturday.

Specifically, the wide receivers need some work.

It is obvious the rain had something to do with the dropped passes, but a lot of those passes should have been completions. At one point in the game, Stephen Guidry, a junior from New Roads, Louisiana, took his gloves off in order to

increase his chances of catching the ball, but for whatever reason, he put them back on, defeating the purpose of taking them off in the first place.

Another thing in need of addressing is Fitzgerald.

He is not a dual threat weapon just yet. It is easy to see his accuracy is a major flaw to be worked on, but the problem the offense had was that he carried the football a tad bit too much, as he had 16 carries, four more than the two running backs combined.

Granted, the running in this game was not clicking anyway with the offensive line being outplayed by Kentucky’s (4-0) defense, especially their linebacker Josh Allen who had 6 tackles, but there comes a time where there needs to be some changes on the field, henceforth subbing in sophomore Keytaon Thompson, a quarterback from New Orleans.

It is a shame Thompson is not put on the field more, as it was proven he can make things happen when he is on the field, as he has lead the team to two wins in his two career starts. It would be incredibly beneficial for MSU to consider playing Thompson more, because it can keep defenders on their toes, along with giving Fitzgerald some rest between possessions.

I am not going to put a lot of pressure on the offensive and defensive lines, other than to say in this coming week, there has to be some light bulbs going off in some heads– waking them up and letting them know Kentucky can not happen again. I will pressure Moorhead, as he chose to not feature the running backs more during

A dream start for Carrasco and soccer team HUNTER CLOUD SPORTS EDITOR

The phrase ‘SEC, it just means more’ might be an advertising tagline for the Southeastern Conference, but true-freshman Miranda Carrasco from Cypress, Texas, understands representing Mississippi State University in SEC competition, to put it simply, does mean more.

“I could not even tell you how excited I was,” Carrasco said. “I just had all these feelings rushing through me. It has always been my dream to play in the SEC. Before the game started, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, it is actually here.’”

Carrasco said the one person who understood how just much starting in an SEC match meant to her was her twin sister, who messaged her the day of the game.

“My sister texted me a sweet, long paragraph saying that I’ve worked my whole life for this,” Carrasco said. “(She said) ‘This is what you have been waiting for, so go show them what you can do and prove to them why you are there.’”

Carrasco has six assists in 839 minutes of playing time, as she started in all 10 of the MSU (8-2, 1-2 SEC) games this season.

On paper, Carrasco has a strong freshman campaign, but she believes there are needed improvements to her play.

“I think this has been a pretty good, dream start for my freshman (season), of course I can always improve and get better,” Carrasco said. “For how things started and how I have been doing, it has been a pretty good start, but it will get better–I know it will get better.”

As for the first SEC game, it was not a dream start for the team as a whole. MSU fell to Auburn

3-0 and struggled to find the synergy from the previous games. However, Carrasco said the game allowed the team to realize holes in their skills or strategies.

“You live and you learn,” Carrasco said. “That was a really good game to learn from. For me, it was my first time playing in an SEC game, so obviously it was different, the level of

“I think this has been a pretty good, dream start for my freshman (season).”

-Miranda Carrasco, freshman defender

play was different.”

Despite only giving up four goals in the nine outof-conference games, the backline of MSU has already allowed five goals in just three SEC games. The most recent of these games came as a loss to the University of Tennessee (8-1-1).

“It was a good learning process,” Carrasco said.

“We are just working on [our game play] to be not perfection, but almost to perfection, so that we can be strong and be the defensive line we know we can be.”

The team hit a school record second place in the RPI (Rating Percentage Index) for college soccer.

For MaKayla Waldner, a junior from Dexter, Missouri, this is one of the biggest accomplishment for the program.

“That’s a huge step for

us,” Walden’s said. “For as long as I’ve known, we’ve never been anywhere near the top and it’s a huge achievement for all of us.”

However, she said the team is not taking it lightly, as they still feel like they can improve. At the same time, Waldner is proud of the staff and players for working to make sure it is possible to achieve all they can.

“I think we are going to have to take that with a grain of salt and keep pushing,” Waldner said.

“No matter how high we get, even though we are number two, we can always be number one, but our program has really turned around. I’m proud of all the girls.”

Waldner said the biggest positive for the team is their environment allows for team growth, as she thanked the players and head coach Tom Anagnost for this setting.

“It is just a winning environment, very competitive, and it is not so much about individual players,” Waldner said.

“It is more collective and coming together as a team to overcome any obstacle.

It could be passing a fitness test or coming out here and trying to beat South Carolina.”

Part of the improvement and competition is seen at the attacking side of the field, as they have scored 25 goals this season, which is only seven behind what they finished with last year with seven games, a big part is due to depth at the attacking positions.

“I think we have more of an offensive line who can come in and make an impact,” Waldner said.

“Nothing to take away from our past years, but we have a deeper bench. If one of our starters get subbed off, it is not going to matter because the person coming in off the bench is just as good.”

Kentucky got you, too?

Yeah.

Rosalind Hutton

the game.

Now I know it is obvious to see there was some ridiculous officiating by the referees. A lot of those calls were absolutely non-negotiable due to the fact there were too many mental mistakes made by the Bulldogs.

But anybody with two eyes could see those pass interference calls were things of nightmares, especially the defensive pass interference call against Chris Rayford. The call in question should have been an offensive pass interference instead, as the last time I checked, a tight end grabbing your face mask while making a play on the ball is an offensive pass interference.

Is it okay to be

concerned about MSU’s football team from here on out? Yes. Should you be worried about losing to Florida this coming Saturday? Yes. But here’s the fact of the matter: Kentucky was just one game. This game can hopefully open the eyes of the team, and show them what they did horribly wrong so they can fix those mistakes and never make them again. Also, this is a chance for the coaching staff to go back to the drawing board and amp up preparation techniques for the team, because after this game, it only gets tougher from here on out.

As head coach Joe Moorhead said Monday at his press conference, one game will not define this

team, and it will not change how they prepare and get ready for their game against Florida.

“One loss won’t define the season, one loss won’t define this team,” Moorhead said. “I promise you this, we are working tirelessly to get this freaking thing right.”

While MSU will take measures to combat unsportsmanlike penalties by Moorhead limiting playing time for those players, he said he still wants players to use their emotions to motivate themselves to play hard.

When Dan Mullen comes to town Saturday it should be a much better team, one that some might say a championship standard team.

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