Volume 100 Issue 33
Thursday, February 4, 2016
www.studentprintz.com
State breweries lobby for direct sales Kendra Smith-Parks Printz Reporter
The Mississippi Brewer’s Guild members, legislators and all Mississippi breweries are coming together to draft a sales bill and modernize the strict distribution laws in Mississippi to benefit smaller businesses. The Mississippi Brewers Guild will present a draft of House Bill 1158 to allow all breweries to sell on-site. Legislature will divide the bill into two parts, regulating the Mississippi large craft breweries and small craft breweries. Although the definition of small and large breweries remains unclear, the draft has limitations according to size that would allow the breweries to sell up to 2,000 barrels, or 10 percent, of total production depending on the larger quantity. Mississippi currently houses a three-tier distribution system prohibiting breweries from selling beer over a certain quantity or to be taken off-site. Forty-eight other states hold the same three-tier system. However, these states have managed to reserve their laws in order to give smaller breweries the opportunity to bring in a higher profit. Beer enthusiasts fought for highgravity beers and the ability to home brew, and are continue to fight for Mississippi’s right to fair brew laws that many other states have legalized. Matthew McLaughlin, general counsel to the Mississippi Brewer’s Guild and one of the bill drafters,
discussed a common misconception regarding the modification. “It’s essentially on-site selling and drinking that is being focused on,” McLaughlin said. “We are one of the last two states left without the rights to any direct selling. Most opposed are generally people who are under the impression that is is detrimental to the three-tier system, which is not the case.” According to the Mississippi Brewer’s Guild, out of the 30 million cases of beer sold in Mississippi each year, 90,000 of those cases are produced by state breweries. “If Mississippi made regulatory changes these numbers would increase significantly,” McLaughlin said. “The bill would give so many breweries the freedom to have a chance at being a competitive growing market.” The bill would allow breweries like Hattiesburg’s Southern Prohibition to sell six-packs, pints or half pints and for consumers to fill up their beer growlers. The bill would also allow one off-site retail in the same county, which could include a fully functioning taproom or brewpub. Emily Curry, sales & marketing representative at Southern Prohibition, discussed regulations effect on Southern Prohibition and other smaller breweries and how they will benefit from the bill. “The next step for Southern Prohibition is that we need to pass a few laws for us to see beer in the taproom,” Curry said. “We are one of two states that are not allowed to sell beer at the brewery. There are a lot
Southern Miss Now
Hannah Heneghan/Printz HB 1158, if passed, would allow breweries such as Southern Prohibition to sell directly from their brewery.
of restrictions to become a brewery.” Curry said that right now, laws are tough. “For now, we should just want to grow and keep making amazing beers,” Curry said. “There is such an industry to be made if change is accepted.” Mississippi legislators united to try to expand the growing craft beer culture. After supporting the organization Raise Your Pints 2013 effort, Toby Barker, state representative for District 102, will support of the bill. “The effort to modernize is the next step in microbreweries
because these are generally ran by young professionals,” Barker said. “By creating these products we are getting a large surge in Mississippi factoring. We should support it even if it does tweak long held institutions.” Barker plans on introducing being a cosigner of the bill and possibly plans on co-sponsoring alongside, Patti Willis, state representative for District 95. The official bill will release as early as the next couple of weeks to the public and is currently in the final stages of drafting.
Miss. flag controversy continues with new bill Printz Reporter
The battle over the confederate flag continues to unravel across the nation as protesters supporting and opposing the symbol take matters
into their own hands. State Sen. John Horhn filed a bill asking state lawmakers to make a decision to either keep or change the state flag once and for all. The requested bill introduced to the Mississippi
Fadi Shahin /Assistant Photo Editor Protestors in front of campus rallying in favor of returning the state flag.
Physics professor proposes free online textbook Meghan Burk
STATE
Lora Lavigne
ON CAMPUS
legislature includes establishing a commission to redesign and revamp a replacement flag, excluding the Confederate emblem. The South Carolina church massacre helped spark the national movement and call of action among southern states, such as Mississippi, that prominently incorporate the “Stars and Bars” in its flag. Enraged by past events, protesters from all walks of life have reached out to voice their beliefs on this controversial topic. “That symbol demonstrates nothing but violence and remembrance of such a disheartening time,” said junior media production major Tobias Griffen. “It is imperative that we take advantage of this opportunity and set an example for the younger generation, portraying that we can unite together to fight for a
greater cause.” In October, USM president Rodney Bennett ordered the state and universities flags be removed and replaced with American flags half an hour before a demonstration in opposition to the state flag was scheduled to take place on campus. Donald Holmes, Southern Miss alumnus and Ph.D. student at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, expressed that the removal of any monument from a location does little towards the advancement of this nation if laws still uphold structural racism. “This issue is deeper than a flag, but it is a good place to start,” Holmes said. After the flag was removed, the Student Government Association passed a resolution stating that INITIATIVE CONT. ON PG. 2
Concerns about textbook costs are on the rise among college students nationwide. Each semester begins with finding which textbooks are required, price-comparison and the daunting decision of whether to rent or buy. Michael Vera, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Southern Mississippi, created a proposal called “Electronic Resources for Introductory Physics” to ease the burden for students. The idea behind the proposal is to help encourage the use of free online texts. “Dr. Vera has piloted the use of an open, free, online text for our algebra- and trigonometry-based general physics course that is available through the OpenStax College at Rice University,” said Chris Winstead, professor and chair for the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “However, no such resource is available for our calculus-based course sequence.” Vera said the material covered in the introductory physics course hasn’t changed in decades. Textbook companies are not only producing new editions but spiking the price at $200 or more in many instances. Whether electronic books are as good as physical books depends on how each student learns; however, there are pros and cons to weigh. “Not every subject would be able to transition to this free online text due to updates to certain subjects, such as [introductory biology courses],” Vera said. “Introductory physics is all about can you systematically solve a problem, carefully read it, figure out what you got and what you want to execute it.” “Dr. Vera could reduce student costs for many years to come and provide an easily modified platform for improvements that actually impact students learning,” Winstead said.
INFORMATION
Page 2 | Thursday, February 4, 2016
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EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail. com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
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DIRTY BIRDS • •
On Monday, Jan. 25, at 4:01 p.m., fraud was reported at the Union Hub plaza. The case remains open. On Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 11:21 a.m., harassment was reported at the Gulf Park Barber Building. The case remains open.
POLICE CONTACT INFORMATION • • • • • •
When reporting, the following information should be provided: Nature of the crime or emergency Name, address and phone number of the caller Location of incident Description of the scene and suspects Description of any vehicles involved, especially license plate numbers
INITIATIVE CONTINUED no state flag would be raised on campus as long as the confederate emblem was in it. “As Mississippians, it is our responsibility and duty to remain loyal to our culture,” said junior nursing major Chandler Hardin. “I believe in keeping our traditional flag because it is (a part) of our nation’s history,”. Enthusiasts of changing the flag expressed that this is not an attempt to erase history, but an effort to create a symbol that represents all Mississippians. Supporters of the Flag for All Mississippians Act — Initiative 55, have scheduled a rally in February at the state capital to demonstrate their significance for voting the initiative into action. Sharon Brown of Jackson is the sponsor of the
initiative that would create a new flag with no Confederate emblem or reference to the Confederacy. She and other supporters are still gathering the 107,000 signatures needed to get the proposed amendment on the ballot. “Our motto is ‘the hospitality state,’” Brown said. “But, unfortunately, the flag does not represent that.” Recollecting to Mississippi’s last public vote in 2001 on the status of the state flag, voters chose by a 65 percent margin to preserve it. 15 years later, questions are beginning to surface on whether or not the symbol represents either heritage or hatred. Rafeal Sanchez, sponsor of Initiative 58 and of keeping the traditional flag of 1894, has expressed that media and individuals from outside the state have made
it their agenda to attack the state and the beliefs that Mississippians holds dear. “The legislators know that if the people vote on this again, the outcome will be the same as it was in 2001,” Sanchez said. Gov. Phil Bryant said he respects the 2001 vote, but thinks if a redesign is to be considered, it should be done by another statewide vote rather than by the legislature. “I feel that the state flag of Mississippi is a symbol of who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going,” Sanchez said. “You can’t build a future by erasing the past.” While state officials continue to debate on the status of the state flag, a proposed design can be completed by the end of the year and unveiled for the state’s bicentennial celebration on Dec. 10, 2017.
NEWS
STATE
Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Page 3
Oyster season set to reopen soon Mary Alice Weeks Printz Reporter
After a series of unfortunate events that led to an unexpected closing of several oyster beds in Mississippi coastal waters, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources hopes to soon reopen oyster season. On Dec. 11, the Gulf Coast experienced what has been referred to as the state’s worst toxic algae bloom in recorded history. Toxic algae blooms, known as “red tides,” occur naturally in oceans all over the world. The blooms contain a pigment that can cause the water to appear reddish-brown, giving the phenomenon its name. According to post-doctoral researcher Inia Soto Ramos, the blooms observed in the Gulf Coast are often made up of Karenia brevis, a species of microscopic, photosynthetic dinoflagellates that contain neurotoxins. At elevated concentrations, these toxins can cause shellfish poisoning and high fish mortality. If released into the air, these toxins can also cause respiratory problems and other forms of irritation to people and other animals up to seven kilometers from the shore.
Officials closed all beaches and seven zones of shellfish beds on Dec. 10. While the beaches reopened about a month later, the oyster beds have remained closed. Ramos, who specializes in using satellite imagery to track harmful algae blooms, said the blooms observed in Mississippi waters originated in the northern panhandle of Florida and were transported to our coast via currents and circulation. “It’s rare to see these blooms in this area,” Ramos said. “This is not one of the places that it’s common year, like in Florida, Texas and Mexico.” Mississippi Department of Marine Resources public affairs director Melissa Scallan said unseasonably warm temperatures are the cause. “With all the warmer weather we had in December, it just allowed the toxin to grow, and then the winds and current moved it from Florida and it continued westward,” Scallan said. Scallan said MDMR was able to confirm that the toxins had left the water around Jan. 18. She said high demand from surrounding states caused a delay. “We had to have those water
samples tested at FDA certified labs,” Scallan said. “They [Alabama and Florida] were having their samples tested too and only a certain number of labs are certified by the FDA.” Scallan said MDMR received the clean results from the red tide samples the same week they were completing an emergency oyster relocation carried out due to the tides and the Bonnet Carré spillway’s opening, another event that endangered shellfish beds. The spillway’s opening followed the same heavy rains that cause record flooding in Missouri and other states along the Mississippi River. Oysters depend on an ideal balance of saltwater and freshwater, which was disrupted by the large amounts of freshwater entering the Gulf after the spillway was opened. After a heavy rush of freshwater that followed a drought in 2011 caused of 85 percent loss of oyster populations, Scallan said the MDMR wanted to take precautions this year to ensure the occurrence would not happen again. MDMR employed local fisherman to relocate the oysters from the beds that were threatened to other reefs. According to Scallan, 40,000 sacks of oysters were relocated in three days.
Courtesy Photo An influx of toxic algae blooms caused a high mortality rate during December, temporarily closing oyster season in the state.
Scallan said the only remaining obstacle preventing MDMR from reopening the closed beds is receiving the results of water sample tests taken from the Pearl River. When the Pearl River floods and crests, levels of bacteria must be checked to verify that contaminated water is not entering the reefs. Recent heavy rainfall prevented these tests from being completed, since the river continues to flood and crest periodically. Todd Rosetti, sales manager of Quality Seafoods in Biloxi, said the recent events in the Gulf have not caused his business any trouble. “The closed zones are from Pass Christian Harbor all the way to Hopedale, Louisiana, and we are currently buying from zones ten and eleven on the other side of the Mississippi River.”
Rosetti said the mishap is not costing any more to buy from these zones. “The market hasn’t really edged up,” Rosetti said. “Maybe a dollar a box when it was real tight around Christmas and New Year’s, but we have plenty of oysters to sustain demand.” With the precautions taken and the careful monitoring of water quality, MDMR hopes to redeem this year’s oyster season sooner rather than later. “We hope we will be able to open season then keep it open, giving everyone a couple of months of really good oyster fishing,” Scallan said. Oyster season typically runs through mid-April. “Mississippi has a reputation of having the safest oysters of any other gulf state, and we want to continue that and make sure they are safe for people to eat,” Scallan said.
FEATURE ON CAMPUS New constructions to enhance safety, mobility Page 4 | Thursday, February 4, 2016
Garrett Minta Printz Reporter
On Jan. 25, The University of Southern Mississippi initiated two projects: A pathway along Ray Guy Way to McCarty and Scianna Hall and a band tower for Pride Field, contracting with Gulf Breeze LLC. The Mississippi Department of Transportation funded the pathway project from funds allotted by the Transportation Alternative Program alongside the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). USM provided 20 percent of the funding while MDOT matched the 80 percent. The TAP funds will pay $683,560, and USM will pay $171,000. “If it’s a million dollar project or above, then we have to send all the paperwork to them and get approval, they review the plans and all that,” said Chris Crenshaw, associate vice president for Facilities Planning and Management. “If it’s under a million dollars, then we don’t have to go through the IHL.” Crenshaw said the project has been in the waiting for funding for years. Crenshaw said the pathway would be a good addition to the campus and should help the mobility of students. Tom King, commissioner of the Southern District of the
NATIONAL
Cam Bonelli/Printz Southern Miss begins construction on new pathway and band tower construction on Pride Field.
Mississippi Department of Transportation, said the project will include a raised crosswalk over Eagle Walk that will run to McCarty, ensuring safer means of travel for pedestrians and those with disabilities. “It will benefit [the university] immensely, making a ten-footwide bike and walking path. It will connect dorms and make paths safer for our students,” King said. King said the university had this large pathway planned for years in an attempt to connect the entire campus by pathways
to ensure ease of travel. King said the crosswalk would help to ensure safety and to keep incidents from occurring. “The crosswalk will provide a safe method of transportation, a safe pathway rather, for students traveling from Golden Eagle Avenue to Scianna Hall,” said Michelle Shinall, the assistant director for marketing and campus relations at the Physical Plant. “It will also benefit those with disabilities with improved access for those traveling that area with disabilities.” Shinall said the proposed
deadline for these projects will be late in the fall and students will pay for the $1,090,429 initial budget of construction of the band tower that is being built on Pride Field. According to the Institutes for Higher Learning of Mississippi (IHL), the project was named “Pride Field Turf and Fencing,” which was put forth in March of 2015 with the intent of resurfacing the field with “synthetic athletic turf” and creating a fencing around Pride Field that would resemble the brick-and-iron gate fencing seen
around the campus. On Sept. 17, the IHL heard a request of USM from a budget addition proposal in the September IHL Board Book to increase the budget to $1.315 million with the addition of a new band tower. This addition would cost an extra $225,000 with no change to the method of using student fees for funding. General contractor B.W. Sullivan manages the project. “If we put down the turf first, then we would have to rip the turf out so we could lay the footings for the band tower,” Crenshaw said. Catherine Rand, director of bands and professor of music, said she felt joy at being able to teach from a new tower that will help students and teachers by providing more space. “The old tower was wooden and couldn’t have as many people up there, but now the Dixie Darlings director will be able to stand and give direction, and the color guard director can give directions,” Rand said. The band tower will see completion by the end of this year. The pathway’s building is expected to improve accessibility for the Southern Miss community, and the renovation of the band tower is intended to convenience the Pride of Southern Mississippi.
UConn’s all-black dorms spark controversy Nicolas Kubicki Printz Reporter
Residence Life’s mission can be summarized in one sentence: to create a living and learning community for students. The University of Connecticut’s Resident Life department aims to do just that with its “Living and Learning Community” programs. One program that draws controversy is the Scholastic House of Leaders who are African American Researchers & Scholars, stylized ScHOLA²RS. According to the mission statement on the University of Connecticut webpage for the program, ScHOLA²RS is “designed to support the scholastic efforts of male students who identify as African American/Black through academic and social/ emotional support, access to research opportunities and professional development.” The mission statement says the program is intended to increase retention and graduation rates among black males at the school, a demographic that has been significantly lower than other groups. For instance, only 55 percent of African American male students graduated in six years, the lowest of any racial
group at the University of Connecticut. Compare that to an overall graduation rate of about 80 percent for white male students, the largest group at the university, according to Boston.com. Recently, Internet users accused the program of segregating living quarters. “Participation is entirely voluntary and its programming will be open to all in the university community, not only black male students,” said Stephanie Reitz, spokesperson from the University of Connecticut. The website for the ScHOLA 2RS program echoes this under its FAQ section. Reitz said that this is not the only Learning Community program at the University of Connecticut to focus on race or gender, and that their La Communidad Intelectual program is a thriving community with a very similar focus, and that the Women in Math, Science and Engineering program was their first and most successful program of this sort, according to Boston.com. “This learning community will not be separate, nor is the building only going to house this group of students,” Reitz said. “Rather, this will be one of several learning communities whose residents live in Next
Courtesy Photo
Gen Hall, along with other students who aren’t in learning communities.” According to snopes.com, the currently under construction Next Gen Hall will house over 700 other students who will also be participating in other Learning Communities at the University of Connecticut. For instance, the ScHOLA2RS program will be sharing a floor with Innovation House, a “living and learning community designed to fuel the innovative
spirit, creativity, and ‘can-do’ attitude that enables students to take charge of their own destiny,” according to the university’s website. Erik Hines, faculty advisor for the program, defends it as well. “It is a space for African American men to one, come together and validate their experiences that they may have on campus,” Hines said. “Number two, it’s also a space where they can have conversation and also talk with individuals who come from the same background who share the same experience.” “Some other universities already have programs like this in place,” Reitz said. To name a few, the University of Minnesota has the Huntley House, established in 2012, and Rutgers College established the Paul Robeson Living-Learning Community in 1976. The University of Iowa also recently announced a plan for a similar learning community. Anthony McNair, senior therapeutic recreation major and a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, said initiatives like this could prove to be beneficial. “As a member of my fraternity, we have to uphold certain standards to remain a member, and it really keeps me involved
and on my toes,” McNair said. “The sense of community and involvement I have is helpful to keeping me on track.” Opponents of the plan are encouraged to look to the emergence of African American Greek life on predominantly white institutions and the effect they have on student retention and graduation. A study published at Clemson University in 2011 remarks that African Americans involved in Greek organizations show higher retention and involvement rates overall, and it suggests that the implementation of a learning community similar to the one being instituted at the University of Connecticut could be extremely beneficial as well. However, McNair said that while the program may work in Connecticut, he does not see a reason for the University of Southern Mississippi to take up a similar initiative. “We have so many opportunities for involvement, I just don’t think we’d need to do the same thing,” McNair said. Only time will tell how effective the program will be, but for the meantime, the university will push forward. At the time of this article, 12 students had already stepped forward to be part of the program next year.
FEATURE School of rock: Band balances academics, shows Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Page 5
ENTERTAINMENT
Jack Hammett Managing Editor
Hattiesburg’s underground punk nation swells and bursts when its citizens commune for its regular three- or four-hour grooving spree. A great chunk of this grooving happens because of the local powerhouse bands who organize these ordeals themselves. However, things are not always about cutting loose. Enter Dumspell, whose members contribute to these well-puttogether blowouts but still manage to go to college. “The hardest part is always balance,” said Mary Spooner, Dumspell vocalist and senior English major. “I’m in a band, graduating early, completing an honors thesis and trying to stay involved on campus. Shows are planned weeks in advance. I don’t always know yet what assignments or engagements I have that week or day, but I usually just say,
‘Yeah, what the hell.’” Spooner said making the time for going to shows and playing out is “always worth it.” “Playing shows with Dumspell is cathartic,” Spooner said. “I get to yell, and be sassy and say whatever I want. Plus, I get to do it with some of my best friends.” Dumspell guitarist Olesya Ufimtseva earned her psychology degree in December. As such, she achieved the balance between going to college and playing shows. “It can be tricky to find times when all of us can practice,” Ufimtseva said. “My schoolwork always used to be put on the back burner, so I’d have more time to practice [and] play shows. I still graduated though, so it’s totally doable.” Ufimtseva said the solution to achieving this balance is to “never stop rocking.” “Stay in school and get a degree, though,” Ufimtseva
said. “I’m going to hang mine in the bathroom.” Dumspell guitarist and senior Cody Bass is working toward his graphic design degree. Bass said his biggest challenge is managing his time. “It’s hard to stay on top of things sometimes when you’ve constantly got homework, band practice, tests, shows and more to worry about,” Bass said. “It gets stressful, but I’m used to it and wouldn’t have it any other way. Being busy keeps me feeling refreshed and creative. I think if I weren’t at least a little stressed all the time, I would lose my mind because I’d be too bored.” Bass said his secret to staying afloat is keeping track of his school and band schedules by writing everything down. “[Spooner] has really made me realize how helpful that is, because she’s always writing stuff down in her planner,” Bass said. “I used to not be very organized, but
Cam Bonelli/Printz Dumspell vocalist Mary Spooner belts during the band’s set at Spice World on Jan. 21
I can’t afford to not be anymore with everything I have going on.” According to Dumspell members, playing and studying is feasible as long as there is some degree of time management.
Dumspell performs regularly at the Porn Hall. To learn more about this band and listen to their music, visit their Bandcamp profile. Their latest release is a self-titled demo.
ON CAMPUS
#TBT: How the Golden Eagles got their name Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
Forty-six years ago, the Student Printz covered a different kind of election. The paper published weekly updates similar to the 2016 presidential election polls. Students did not vote for the new face of the U.S. presidency but the new face of The University of Southern Mississippi. After its foundation in
March 1910, the first USM athletes were labeled Tigers, or Normalites and continued to change over the next 60 years. None of the mascots stuck. In 1924, the USM altered the mascot again to the Yellow Jackets. This title held for about 15 years but failed along with its predecessors. A perfect opportunity to revitalize the face the school arose in 1940 when it was renamed Mississippi Southern
Courtesy Photo
College. The student body voted the team names be changed to the Confederates. The shortlived title lasted less than a year. Confederates were booted and Southerners were in. Second only to the Golden Eagle name students proudly identify with today, the Southerners had the longest standing team name to date. Ten years later, the nature of this title was exposed when officials approved General Nat as the official mascot for the Southerners. The mascot resembled General Nathan Bedford Forrest of the Civil War. This cavalry leader became the war’s most feared commander for his raiding style and refusal to surrender. The mascot represented the college for the next ten years. In 1971, athletics abruptly changed mascots. Instead of cheering for the Southerners, fans would now be cheering for
the Miners, but not for long. Six mascots in sixty years left the campus without an identifiable name or face. This is when the student body took over. In 1972, the Student Printz started regular coverage on the election to choose a mascot. Editors promised to feature all the options on the ballot before voting commenced in midOctober of that year. The first suggested name was the Golden Eagles, but this is not the happy ending — yet. Students considered 400 suggestions, but only a few made it to the ballot: Raiders, Timber Wolves, War Lords and the tried-and-true Southerners. On Sept. 21, 1972, an Editors Note was published on the front page of the Printz. “Among the five names on the ballot is Golden Eagles,” the Note said. “Suggested by several alumni, students and USM friends, this nickname has
strong support because of the eagle’s physical characteristics . A member of the falcon family, the eagle is noted for its strength, size, graceful figure, keenness of vision and powers of flight.” Throughout the next few weeks, the possibilities of other names were discussed in the paper. When October rolled around, students began to pour into the commons to vote. Executive members of the Alumni Association, faculty and staff also voted for their favorite mascot name. After six months of campaigning and 60 years of uncertainty, the university still had no answer. The Southerners and the Golden Eagles scored so closely a runoff election would determine the winner. The results were announced at the beginning of a Saturday football game in November. The rest is history.
OPINION
Page 6 | Thursday, February 4, 2016
NATIONAL
Donald ‘trumped’ at Iowa Caucus J.D. Rimann Printz Reporter
To the surprise of many, Donald Trump failed to do nearly as well as projected on Monday at the Iowa Caucus. Pundits and pollsters pegged Trump as the man to beat in Iowa. Trump fell to second and barely maintained that, holding off Sen. Marco Rubio by a mere percentage point. At first seemingly statesmanlike following his loss and briefly congratulating Ted Cruz before heading off to New Hampshire, Trump reversed his course yesterday and laid into Cruz, Iowa and the entire Republican Party. The magnate alleged illegal voter fraud and demanded a do-over of the entire Iowa caucus. If the caucus
was done again, there is a good chance that Rubio would pass up Trump, but the New York demagogue is likely unfamiliar with Wilde’s dictum: “There are two great evils in this world: one is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.” Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, the Democrats have had their own post-caucus issues. Hillary was declared the official winner, but not before allegations of voter fraud from sources slightly more reputable than Trump, and an instance of a delegate being awarded to Clinton over Sanders on the basis of a coin flip. But enough of the soap opera that is the Iowa caucus every election and the GOP Primary of this particular one: let’s look at state of the race for the GOP.
At this point, there are really only three plausible Republican candidates in the race: Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Yes, the tragic trio of governors — Jeb Bush, John Kasich and Chris Christie – are all trying the McCainesque strategy of ignoring Iowa and betting everything on winning the traditionally more establishment-friendly New Hampshire. The problem with this strategy is obvious to anyone who bothers to glance at a poll: it is completely doomed and utterly quixotic, much like John Kasich’s campaign. Trump leads the polls in New Hampshire by double digits and has for months. Yes, he led in Iowa and lost there on caucus night, but he never lead Cruz there by
the margin he leads the field in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, the second place in New Hampshire is currently held by Cruz, followed closely behind by everyone else, with most polls placing the charismatic and rapidly rising Rubio at fourth and closing on the top three. In other words, the top three from Iowa are looking increasingly likely to be, in whatever order, the top three finishers in New Hampshire as well, especially with Rand Paul dropping out yesterday. His right-leaning libertarian supporters will likely now support either Cruz or Rubio. On the Democratic side, Martin O’Malley (finally) dropped out of the race, leaving Hillary Clinton and Bernie
Sanders at 49.9 percent and 49.6 percent respectively. Clinton beat Sanders in Iowa but is a double-digit underdog to him in New Hampshire. However, the closeness of the race in Iowa in spite of Hillary’s impressive organization and ground game (and Bernie’s lack thereof) should raise some red flags for the Democratic Party. The fact that things were as close as they are, and the fact that Clinton, almost losing in Iowa again after pouring so much time and money into it, may speak to the amount of voter disillusionment and fatigue with Hillary than to the simple appeal of Bernie. Only time will tell, but if voter fatigue is real with Hillary, that could be damaging in a primary but deadly in the general election.
ENTERTAINMENT
REVIEW: Gooding Jr.’s acting only crime in ‘American Crime Story’ Jonathan Urbina Entertainment Editor
On Tuesday night, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk gave America the chance to relive one of the most high-profile murder cases in history with their new FX miniseries, “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson.” The show was met with both high expectations and sharp concern. Would Hollywood be able to recreate such a vivid time in history? Or would the portrayal fall flat as a sad attempt at trying to capitalize on a notorious murder? In case you aren’t familiar,
from 1994 to 1995, the world stopped and tuned in to follow the fate of O.J. Simpson - famed running back - after he became a lead suspect in the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, his exwife, and Ronald Goldman, a waiter. The trial’s spectacle was so huge it pushed racial tensions to the brink. Even as the racial divide grew wider, the question of whether he did it seemed to loom over almost everyone. After more than eight months of back and forth and the trying on of the infamous blood stained glove, the court system answered that question by finding Simpson
not guilty — spoiler alert. I was born the month after the whole frenzy began. In fact, the victims’ bodies were found on my father’s birthday. Growing up, I was told the story of the O.J. trail as if it were an old folk myth of some sort — never fully being able to grasp the impact it had on the country. That is why I marked my calendar to watch this show. The series opens with Simpson (portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr.) catching a limo from his home to LAX for a Chicago flight, the night he allegedly slaughtered his ex-wife. The scene is eery. If
you’ve read the court documents of the case, or even searched wikipedia about it, you would know this scene plays a crucial time in the prosecutor’s murder timeline during the trial. That scene represents the last time the world saw Simpson as a hero, without the aforementioned looming question being tossed around. From that moment on, the series begins to unravel and the plot thickens. We meet the slew of characters who were made famous in the 90’s trial, like Marcia Clark (Sarah Paulson), Robert Shapiro (John
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Travolta), Robert Kardashian (David Schwimmer), Johnnie Cochran (Courtney Vance), Faye Resnick (Connie Britton) and Kris Jenner (Selma Blair). The ensemble cast seems perfectly hand-picked from the heavens — a television dream. However, from the get-go, it is clear who is carrying the series (hint: it’s not Gooding Jr.). Surprisingly enough, Paulson proves to power through as the case’s prosecuting attorney. Known for her stint on “American Horror Story” — the Murphy/Falchuk counterpart — she captivates the audience with her no-BS attitude. Her episode highlight would be her back-andforth phone conversation with Shapiro. The pair on screen seem like a recipe for television gold (look at me, already predicting a few Emmy’s). However, while the show has strengths, it also has weaknesses — for instance, the main character. I wasn’t around when Simpson was in his prime and this trial was unfolding, so what do I know? But what I will say is that Gooding Jr.’s performance falls mostly on deaf ears and seems basically like a missed opportunity for an actor to challenge himself. That being said, only one episode has aired. I’m confident that the tables will turn with Gooding Jr.’s portrayal of Simpson. We’ve barely scratched the surface of the series. There are many characters left to meet who played major roles in the trial, like Faye Resnick, whom we meet briefly in the premiere episode. Whether the series fizzles out over time or not, I’ll be watching. Not only am I sucker for hot topics, but I am also intrigued to know as much as I possibly can about this time in history that my parents refer to as “the O.J. years.” “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson” airs on FX Tuesday’s at 9 p.m.
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Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Page 7
Wins, losses for USM on signing day Deantae Smith Sports Reporter
The first Wednesday of February marked the beginning of a new season — recruiting. National Signing Day is the litmus test for when coaching staffs see if their long trips crosscountry, persistent phone calls and in-person meetings will actually pay off. With less than a week into his hiring as the 21st Southern Miss head coach, Jay Hopson was concerned with keeping those precious 11 verbal commitments to Southern Miss. After Todd Monken’s departure on Jan. 24, Hopson was formally hired on Monday, just two days before National Signing Day. “I want to start this program and build it the right way,” Hopson said. “We have basically 11 initial scholarships. We are going to honor those scholarships.”
Hopson started behind the eight ball, but he was able to go through Signing Day without much disappointment or tribulations. Nevertheless, he did let some recruits get away from him. The first disappointment for Southern Miss came by the way of long-time recruit Marquez McNair. The Hinds County Junior college wide receiver decommited from Southern Miss to sign with University of Texas-San Antonio on Monday evening. Days before signing day, McNair reassured Golden Eagle fans that he remained committed and also added that he liked the Hopson move. “Great hire,” McNair said in an interview with the Hattiesburg American. “Ready to get this thing back rolling.” Another solid recruit that slipped through the Southern
Miss fingers was KaDerrion Mason, a three-star defensive end from McComb. Mason held offers from California, Kentucky, Memphis and Southern Miss, among others. Mason committed to the Golden Eagles on December 22, just four days before USM took on Washington in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Mason never said that he was flipping, until Signing Day when Louisiana Tech announced that it has signed the talented defensive end. On the positive side, several recruits stuck with the Golden Eagles even though USM was going through a head coaching change just 10 days away from Signing Day. Hopson was hired within days of Signing Day, and solid recruits such as Laurel’s Keon Howard, Bassfield’s Racheem Boothe and Spanish Fort’s Jacob Johnson all stuck with their word and
Signees to Watch in 2016 Jacques Turner | D’Iberville, Miss. | 6’ 1”, 247 lbs. • Played in MS-AL All-Star game • Had 93 tackles and 7 sacks in senior season • Season-high 15 tackles for loss as a senior
T.J. McGinnis | Sandhill, Miss. | 6’ 2”, 200 lbs. • Played in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game. • As a senior, recorded 57 tackles and six tackles for loss • Rushed for 1,834 yards and 20 TD’s.
Wyatt Richtofen | New Iberia, La. | 6’ 4”, 306 lbs. • Second Team All-USA Louisiana • Team finished 12-1 on the season, and going 5-0 in the district
Lorenzo Danztler | Starkville, Miss. | 6’ 1”, 221 lbs. • 6A State Champion • Recorded 53 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks • Rated three-star recruit by 247sports.com and ESPN.com
Keon Howard | Laurel, Miss. | 6’, 221 lbs. • Passed for 3,317 yards and 43 TD’s as a senior • Also rushed for 456 yards and three scores on the ground • Rated three-star recruit by 247sports.com and a 2015 Dandy Dozen
Racheem Boothe | Bassfield, Miss. | 6’, 210 lbs. • Played in MS-AL All-Star Game • Recorded 101 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. • Rated three-star recruit by 247sports.com
committed to Southern Miss. Howard, a Dandy Dozen dualthreat quarterback recently decommitted from Memphis and held an offer from Minnesota. On the eve of signing day, Howard spoke on why Southern Miss was an option. “It’s a great fit to have a chance to go out and compete right away,” Howard told the Hattiesburg American. Howard passed for 43 touchdowns while only throwing 12 interceptions. Howard also rushed for three more touchdowns for the Laurel Tornadoes. The Golden Eagles emphasized building in the trenches as they signed defensive linemen Lorenzo Dantzler and Jacques Turner. On the offensive side of the ball, Cru Birdyshaw, Jacob Johnson and Wyatt Richthofen were all brought in to greatly upgrade an already deep offensive line.
Size may not be everything, but it does mean something when those three newly signed offensive linemen total over 900 pounds combined. Kwadra Griggs, a December enrollee out of Itawamba Community College, threw for over 2,100 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. JUCO wideouts Isaiah Jones and Allenzae Staggers both are transferring from junior college powerhouse East Mississippi Community College. Jones caught 19 receptions for 239 yards as a sophomore. Staggers caught 37 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns as a Lion. Southern Miss is in solid shape heading into next season. Hopson arrives to a program that is in position to add another conference division title, returning a core that has experienced the ups, downs and the 2015 turnaround.
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Page 8 | Thursday, February 4, 2016
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Coaching change sways recruit’s decision
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Kyle Williams
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Sports Reporter
Planning for college can be one of the most stressful events in the world. There are many factors to consider: if a certain school is too far from home, too expensive for your parents to pay for or if one will even get accepted into the university. These are common concerns that students take into consideration before deciding on where they will further their education. For an athlete, the process may be a little more complex. Not only are athletes taking those questions into consideration, but they must base decisions on what is best for their athletic career. Lastly, will they actually play for the school they commit to? The process of committing to a school for the next four years can be hard. One three-star recruit in particular, who wished to remain anonymous, held offers from Southern Mississippi, Tulane, Southeastern Louisiana and Western Kentucky. “The full scholarships and partial scholarships I received were a true blessing,” the recruit said. “My parents are not the wealthiest people. It may seem a little arrogant, but I only looked into schools that offered me a full scholarship.” On the top of the list for this recruit was financial assistance. Like many other students, the biggest factor for choosing the right school was being able to afford it. In this case, the recruit had no problem with financial help, as three of the five schools to offer him offered a full scholarship (Tulane and Western Kentucky were the only two to offer partial scholarships). “I was not being arrogant but worrying about football and
school, without worrying about how I would pay for it, played a major key in my decision,” he said. The recruit narrowed his choices down to SELU, Southern Miss and Incarnate Word. Due to the quality of the scholarships, the recruit needed to examine the locations of the universities. “I am from New Orleans, where I have had my share of distractions,” he said. “In order for me to really feel at home, I needed a place that had a fair population but not too many people to where I become distracted from my mission.” Very rural areas and overpopulated areas are places the recruit wanted to shy away from. “Southeastern would be a great place for me if I was just a student, but when I visited on game day, the students were not really in attendance for the game nor did much support show up to the game.” the recruit said. He took his next visit to The University of Southern Mississippi. “USM was one of the best (places) I visited,” he said. “The atmosphere on game day was indescribable. It was exactly what I was used to. High energy, very welcoming and high competition.” Southern Miss had many aspects that seem to fit the approval of the recruit. Lastly, came the trip to San Antonio. “Whether I was on the campus of (Incarnate Word) or just touring the city, it felt like a spaced-out New Orleans,” the recruit said. “Attendance at the game was outstanding. Everyone seemed to be big fans of the football team and really showed it when I visited.” After taking his visit to Incarnate Word, he already knew the two destinations he would entertain.
Although the schools that offered gave him the financial assistance that he wanted, they just did not check off all the boxes that he was looking for. “I narrowed my schools between USM and (Incarnate Word) due to the fact that they had what I needed,” the recruit said. “I could tell that all the coaches had a vision of what they needed to do to win” The recruit changed his game plan when news broke that Todd Monken would be resigning from his position to become the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just 10 days before Signing Day. The next coach was Jay Hopson, who just got off the plane after spending four years at Alcorn State. “You never know if a new coach will honor the scholarships that have already been offered. The risk in waiting to see if the coach will or won’t was too much to take in,” the recruit said. “Also, I didn’t know who the [expletive] this new coach was.” The recruit made it clear that both teams were neck and neck before he committed to Incarnate Word. “I had intentions of playing under Monken because I knew what he was about,” the recruit said. “After numerous conversations, I could tell the man was legit and was about winning. I could not get the truth out of a new coach in just a week.” It was not the easiest of choices for the recruit, but Incarnate Word’s consistency seemed to be the deciding factor as the recruit made his commitment official on National Signing Day. Although Hopson may very well be as successful, if not better than Monken, the ground that a new coach loses after he gains a job so close to signing day is insurmountable with some recruits.