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5-3-2012

May 3, 2012

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Thursday, May 3, 2012 Volume 1, Issue 15

MISSISSIPPI GIRL AMERICAN IDOL

MICHAEL BECKER/FOX| The Daily Mississippian

From Russia with Flair Weekend Wanderer: Mississippi Native Skylar Vision Quest at Nanih Laine Lights Up the Ameri- 4 6 Waiya 8can Idol Stage 2

05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 2

COLUMN Weekly Top Zen: Meekly Stopped

you because you are old enough out a column once a week for a home. getting carried away with myself. to handle it by now. The Daily good three years or so. A man Maybe I’m just tired of the This is nobody’s fault but my Mississippian and I are separat- can only take so much before he charade. Week after week, it’s own. I entered into this relation- ing. simply freaks out and starts look- the same old thing. The spark ship knowing the risks. I knew it Now now, there is no need to ing at independent blogs late at has gone out from our rela- wasn’t going to be forever. I’ve panic. Dry your eyes, child. I night while his Daily Mississippi- tionship. You never even write enjoyed being around both you BY ANDY PAUL think deep down in your heart an is out being printed by some me hate letters anymore to see and The Daily Mississippian. It @anandypaul you knew this was inevitable. grimy press assistant. But that’s how I’m doing and wish me the has been a wonderful run, one Sometimes relationships just hit neither here nor there. The point worst. Maybe if you just stepped which has hopefully entertained Hey, come on in. Take a seat roadblocks around which they is, I’m leaving. up your commitment a tad, this you while developing my skills as on the sofa. How was school to- simply cannot maneuver. Like Yes, it’s been a wonderful run. wouldn’t have happened. I could a writer. I wish nothing but the day? That’s good to know. Keep graduations. Or affairs with oth- But like Kanye West’s tweets, stick around for a second senior best for both you and the news- up the hard work. I just know it er publications such as literary Sarah Palin’s relevancy and my year — a victory lap — and we paper of which I’ve grown so will pay off in the end. So ... lis- journals and online magazines. countless, tired, filler jokes about could try and make this work. fond. I hope that someday a new, ten. We need to talk about some- Listen, this is nobody’s fault. them, all good things must come I’d come home from a long day more responsible and caring thing. This has been in the works It’s especially not your own. to an end. I’m reaching the end in the classroom, and you’d be writer will come along and give for a long time, and there really Well, maybe it’s your fault just a of the line, and I don’t think I’m there with a nice, big dinner you that which I never could: A is no other way around it. I’m little bit. After all, you did kind adequate enough to watch over waiting for me. sense of decency, integrity and not going to sugarcoat this for of put pressure on me to turn the column I’ve come to call Wait. I need to stop this. I’m tact. Thank you, and so long.

MOVIE COLUMN It’s finally here: The summer movie line-up So let’s talk about what’s com- released overseas and is getting Stewart will react to being near there’s “The Amazing Spider- ing out this summer or, as it shall rave reviews and breaking box someone so masculine, for once. Man.” Yes, I do think it’s stupid now be known: the “Dear God, office records. Expect a similar I bet she stammers and blinks a that they’re already making a Why Has ‘Think Like A Man’ reaction when it’s released here, lot. “Spider-Man” reboot, but I’m Been Number One At The Box and also expect to see me there The movie I am most excited perfectly willing to give it a shot. Office For Two Weeks? Can We shortly after my last class Friday for this summer is Ridley Scott’s It can’t be worse than “Spider- BY JOSH PRESLEY Please Never Have That Hap- afternoon. Don’t try to, like, talk “Prometheus.” I like the fact that Man 3.” [email protected] pen Again?” summer. to me or anything, though. so much about this movie re- I’m sure all those movies will be First up in the DGWHT- After that is Tim Burton’s mains a mystery despite the fact fun, but we’ll really just be mark- LAMBNOATBOFTWCWP- vampire movie, “Dark Shad- that they release a new trailer or ing time until “The Dark Knight Oh, boy, it’s finally here. The NHTHA summer is the afore- ows,” starring, you guessed it, viral video for it roughly every Rises,” which is supposedly the summer movie season officially mentioned “Avengers.” Movie Johnny Depp. I didn’t care any- other day. I’m very much look- final installment in the current kicks off tomorrow with “The fans have been waiting for years thing about this until I saw the ing forward to Scott’s return to Batman franchise. I’m oddly not Avengers,” and I can finally stop to see “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” trailer a month or so back, and sci-fi, and this quasi-“Alien” pre- as excited about this one as I am scraping the bottom of the bar- team up on the big screen, even it actually seems as though it will quel looks like it will be a glori- “Prometheus” and “The Aveng- rel for stuff to review. It couldn’t before the after-credits teaser in be pretty entertaining. After that ous return, indeed. ers,” but that may change as it come at a more perfect time ei- the first “Iron Man.” Marvel has is “Men in Black III” because Then you’ve got “Rock of draws nearer. I think it’s because, ther. The movie all of us geeks slowly been building to this over the world has been clamoring for Ages,” which I’ll not be see- at least so far, TDKR has been have been chomping at the bits the past few of years, using “Iron a third “Men in Black” movie. ing unless held at gunpoint, significantly less hyped than pre- for will arrive, and on the last Man,” “Iron Man 2,” “The In- That was sarcasm. I know it can “Brave,” “Abraham Lincoln, vious Bat-movies and the other day of classes, no less. Yeah, I’m credible Hulk,” “Thor” and be difficult to tell in print. Vampire Hunter,” “GI Joe: Re- big releases this summer. This is pretty excited. I stop short of go- “Captain America, The First Next up is “Snow White and taliation,” which might be fun (I a great idea because it’s pretty ing all-caps, though. Wouldn’t Avenger,” to build their cine- the Huntsmen,” starring Bella didn’t hate the first one as much well-hyped anyway just by being want to overdo it. matic universe. It’s already been and Thor. I wonder how Kristen as a lot of people did), and then a new Batman movie, and too much hype can ruin a film. A few more big movies come out after this, but I’d be lying if I said I was excited about any of them. Check back with The DM over the summer, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see get your morning fix what I thought of some of these movies. And, I swear, if you talk during “The Avengers” or bring a crying baby, I will sigh loudly and say nothing. MEET TWITTER!

The Daily Mississippian T he ST udenT n ewS paper of The u niverS i T y of Mi SSi SSippi

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El enis alissequam quametum accum veliquate duisim num zzrit niam deliquat nullandip eniatet nim aut diatueraesto commodolorem venim augue conulla mcommy nostion ulputpatio dolore tat, secte mincili quisis zzrit lorpero et aliquat. delessectem iriurer sisim eu feuis dit, commolortis nis dit doloreetum Oboreet iure modolobor in et aliquisisit in hendips uscipsusto od tate do MALLORY SIMERVILLE CAIN MADDEN KELSEY DOCKERY EMILY ROLAND deliquat nullandip eniatet nim aut diatueraesto commodolorem venim corperate min heniamc onsendreet am vent dit nim quisi tem dio consenit zzrit lorpero et aliquat. praesequatet augait nonse feu feugiam dolenim nostrud et incilis exercipi- lifestyles editor editor-in-chief design editor copy chief Oboreet iure modolobor in et aliquisisit in hendips uscipsusto od tate sis niamconulLis augiat lortionse vel dolendi onsectet volotionsectetue eu do corperate min heniamc onsendreet am vent dit nim quisi tem dio feuip esectet la ametuero conulluptat. deliquat nullandip eniatet nim aut consenit praesequatet augait nonse feu feugiam dolenim nostrud et diatueraesto commodolorem venim zzrit lorpero et aliquat. incilis exercipisis niamconulLis augiat lortionse vel dolendi onsectet Oboreet iure modolobor in et aliquisisit in hendips uscipsusto od tate do voloborer alis nit nim zzril dolore magniam, sum nonse er augait nis corperate min heniamc onsendreet am vent dit nim quisi tem dio consenit LAUREN SMITH dolessit, volorem dolut alis nosto et non ullum ilisim volorper iriure et praesequatet augait nonse feu feugiam dolenim nostrud et incilis exercipi- If you would like to submit work or inform us of upcoming events, num quate molore dolobortinim ipis aliquam cortie et, vel ipsum et adio sis niamconulLis augiat lortionse vel dolendi onsectet volotionsectetue eu odolutatem volore coreet, sim alit nibh exer sim acipissit iure magnim feuip esectet la ametuero conulluptat. deliquat nullandip eniatet nim aut managing editor ese dolobor tionsectetue eu feuip esectet la ametuero conulluptat. El enis diatueraesto commodolorem venim zzrit lorpero et aliquat. alissequam quametum accum veliquate duisim num zzrit niam augue Oincilis exercipisis niamcon diatueraesto commodolorem venim zzrit contact us at [email protected] conulla mcommy nostion ulputpatio dolore tat, secte mincili quisis diatueraesto commodolorem venim zzrit lorpero et aliquat. delessectem iriurer sisim eu feuis dit, commolortis nis dit doloreetum Oincilis exercipisis niamcon 3

05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 3

CAR COLUMN Test Drive: 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Yellow Jacket beit never in a Challenger. It was used on the Chrysler 300 letter series that raced in the Grand National series back in the 1950s. It is a good-sounding number, especially when written BY MATTHEW BISHOP above the word “Hemi.” So when [email protected] somebody rolls up next to you at a red light and sees the red numbers “392” on your fender, they know In the two years that we have you mean business. been doing test drives, we have This leads me to the most im- done almost every modern pony portant factor to muscle car buy- car, ranging from a base V-6 Mus- ers: Performance. The SRT 392 tang, to the Camaro SS, to the hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with venerable Mustang BOSS 302. the quarter mile in 13 seconds flat One vital car that we were miss- at 112 mph. These are fast num- ing, though, was the Challenger. bers, but it is only on par with the Well, we finally got a hold of one, cheaper Camaro SS and Mus- SUSIE HOLT | The Daily Mississippian and it’s the bad-ass of the Chal- tang GT, despite the fact that it suspension system, which, when the manual. Oh, and leave it out Kardon sound system ($1,995), lenger line-up, the SRT8 392. has a more than 50-horsepower in sport mode, manages body roll in the hot, Mississippi sun long 5-speed automatic ($995), naviga- Better yet, it has the special edi- advantage. This can mostly be at- and provides excellent feedback enough without a sunshade, and tion ($545), Goodyear all-season tion Yellow Jacket package, which tributed to its hefty, two-plus-ton from the steering. you’ll have the stylized “M” from tires ($150) and the aforemen- comes with the school bus-yellow weight and the sluggish 5-speed Now to the optional five-speed Mopar branded on your hand tioned gas guzzler tax ($1,000), paint, blacked-out grille, exclu- automatic transmission. automatic transmission with from the chrome shift handle. and the as-tested price comes to sive 20-inch aluminum wheels But to be fair, equipped with which our test car was equipped. Being a big displacement, V-8 $54,040. If you have to have the with painted black inserts, retro- the Tremec six-speed manual I’ll start with the good things: It usually doesn’t equate to good fuel Yellow Jacket package, hurry, as looking, vinyl stripe down the side transmission and optional Good- held the gears all the way to red- economy, but the cylinder deacti- they are slated to only make 1,000 with “Yellow Jacket” written in it, year Eagle F1 Supercar tires, you line in manual mode, and it had vation feature on the automatic of them in 2012. paddle shifters for the automatic could shave a tenth or two off the cool-looking chrome, T-shaped cars helps ease the pain a little bit Dollar for dollar, the Challeng- transmission and a two-mode ac- 0-60 time and get the quarter mile handles. and returns an EPA-rated 14 mpg er SRT8 392 may not be the best tive suspension system. in less than 13 seconds. For the bad, it had lazy shift in the city and 23 mpg on the value for strictly performance, To give you a little background, Its weight is an advantage in times in automatic mode and highway. But this still isn’t good as there are cheaper, higher-per- 392 means 392 cubic inches (6.4 respect to ride quality, however, is slow to downshift and would enough for the muscle-car-hating forming cars, like the Mustang liters), which is the displacement as it is, by far, the smoothest and seem more at home in a Cadil- EPA, and they will still charge you BOSS 302. But a car with 470 of the engine, and it’s good for most comfortable ride of any lac DTS than a 470-horsepower a $1,000 gas guzzler tax. horsepower, a ride that won’t send 470 horsepower and 470 pounds muscle car ever. But this doesn’t muscle car. So if you want the real The base price of a Challenger you to the chiropractor and an per foot of torque that peaks at equate to sloppy handling like muscle car experience or sub-five- SRT8 392 is $43,995. Add in the appearance that garnishes stares 4,200 rpm and has a redline of most smooth-riding cars, thanks second 0-60 times, then manual Yellow Jacket package ($1,495), at every corner, will always be a 6,400 rpm. Now, Chrysler has to the new two-mode adaptive mode is a must. Or you could just Mopar interior appearance group blast to drive and own, and you used the 392 moniker before, al- save a thousand bucks and get ($945), 18-speaker Harmon can’t go wrong with that.

COLUMN Well, if it sucks, it sucks.

BY MALLORY SIMERVILLE Edition should represent the tiful decorations supplied by ing me so well, just as Christ the new lifestyles editor, pa- [email protected] art and works of the students my Young Life girls? Or the has loved us. And I am sorry tience, superhuman strength at Ole Miss. We hope, and I pseudo-version of me that that every time you visited and a great sense of humor. A majority of the people hope, that it becomes a rep- my roommates made to have Oxford this year, we spent a It’s been real, DM. Realer who have picked up The resentation and outlet for cre- someone who was actually majority of our time in the than I ever imagined. Grove Edition this semester ativity. home? Or without the InDe- Student Media Center. I owe In farewell, I leave the staff were either confused, thrilled Without the staff and a sign extraordinaire Darren you a million Ajax dinners. and the readers with my re- or had no idea what it was group of people who went Sanefski? But as this year comes to a cently infamous statement, or why it existed. And as the with my crazy ideas and ridic- Bottom line, I couldn’t. close, I wish Kristen Stephens, “Well, if it sucks, it sucks.” editor and semi-creator of the ulous plans, The Grove Edi- And to this day, I still don’t Grove Edition, I have felt con- tion would not have existed, understand how Cain Mad- fused, thrilled and had no idea especially if Victoria Boat- den trusted me with the what was going on at various man and I had not stayed up amount of responsibilities he 5K walk/run points during the semester. all night before the first one did, Or how Jacob Batte and I As I sat on my couch and was published. survived fall semester as news prepared to write this farewell How could I have survived editors. column, it was somewhat dif- without the many meals my And to the other Jacob, my and 10K Race ficult to think of bright and BFF, Adam Blackwell, sup- Jacob, your patience amazes shining moments. This year plied? Or therapy Tues- me, especially with the amount May 5, 2012 has been hard; it’s been filled days with Lauren Smith and of ranting and exhaustion you The start and finish points will be at with hard work, little hours of Kelsey Dockery? Or the beau- dealt with. Thank you for lov- sleep and plenty of editing, the circle on campus. The race starts at 0800 on May 5. Participants reading and thinking of head- must register online by May 3. lines. What was simply an idea The registration fee is $25, and became a reality for The DM participants can register online at staff as I transitioned from Facebook.com/eliterebelrun city news editor to lifestyles, and during that transition, The event will benefit The Grove Edition was born. the Veterans Home and I hope after a semester of awareness for issues with publishing, the Grove Edition returning Vets (PTSD, injuries, disabled access, etc), in $50 prize for the 1st place 10K has become a joy to pick up. Alice & Co. addition to benefiting the runner (only the 10K gets cash Thursdays are now my favor- student cadets of Ole Miss prize). Additional ite days of the week, and not Army ROTC. just because they have become medals will be provided. my Fridays. I have loved read- Hair • Nails • Skin The first 50 people to sign up receive a Sponsored By ing each article and column certificate for a free scoop of ice cream from and working with reporters, and I hope that mentality will 1729 University Avenue • 234-3896 continue to exist. The Grove 4

05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 4 From Russia with Flair

BY EVERETT BEXLEY reers. Back home, Butko styles Miss. [email protected] photo shoots for Russian pho- “I really love the profes- tographer Daria Zaytseva and sors here,” Butko said. “They Junior art majors Kate But- owns an online watch store, make learning personal, which ko and Daria Katrich are not Milkwatch.ru. She also operates is something Russia doesn’t al- strangers to constant stares. a personal blog, thekatemind. ways offer.” Everything about the two Rus- com. Katrich’s goal is to own an One such professor is Kori sian exchange students seems to art gallery or become a curator. Forrest, whom Katrich and grab attention. They both said their biggest Butko had as an instructor for Their fashion is often the first challenge in America has been Religion 101. thing to catch an eye. Leather forming meaningful connec- “Professor Forrest truly seems shorts, cat-eye sunglasses and tions. to love her subject,” Butko said. vintage accessories are all sta- “As an exchange student, I try “She reminds me of Indiana ples in their daily uniform. Ex- to be friendly to everyone here,” Jones, except as a woman.” otic accents only heighten their Butko said. “Yet some people Forrest said the high regards striking impression. To Butko, seem uninterested in getting are mutual. 20, and Katrich, 21, being to know us and other foreign- “Kate and Daria have an in- unique is nothing to be afraid ers. It’s sad because we have so credible work ethic — not to of. much to share with one another. mention they’re such cool dress- “I see people staring at us all I guess I want more from people ers,” Forrest said. “They’re not the time, probably because of than they’re willing to give.” afraid to be different.” what we wear and how we talk,” Katrich expressed a similar Forrest agreed that Ole Miss Butko said. “But being different sentiment. students, both foreign and do- makes me feel good.” “The American attitude mestic, should get to know more seems polite and easygoing. It’s about each other. Beyond the clothes and ac- Phillip Waller | The Daily Mississippian easy to have conversations with “(Exchange students) can cents, Butko and Katrich said Daria Katrich (left) and Kate Butko (right) pose outside in the Grove. they are more normal than the almost anyone here,” Katrich teach us how many different average on-looker would think. said. ways there are of looking at the Rowan Oak, the campus and truly find the soul of the city.” “So many students come “But I also feel like people world,” Forrest said. “We should the balcony at Square Books, Butko and Katrich are two of from so many places, but we’re need to open themselves up learn that they’re humans, too. it feels like a beautiful movie or approximately 800 internation- all basically young people with more. They come to conclusions We have more in common than novel,” Butko said. “I’m thank- al students who enrolled at the an interest in life,” Katrich said. about us too quickly. We’re not we think.” ful to this town for making me University of Mississippi during “Yes, we have different ways of all in the Mafia, and we don’t As Butko and Katrich pre- feel artistic.” the spring semester, which ac- expressing ourselves, but there all carry bottles of vodka in our pare for their return to Russia, “Oxford has such a special counts for approximately four is still a common denominator pockets.” they look back on the last five atmosphere,” Katrich said. “Its percent of the student popula- inside us all.” Despite these difficulties, the months and what they have giv- history and character are mys- tion, according to the Univer- The two Moscow natives said two students said they still man- en them. terious to me. I think you need sity’s Office of International they are pursuing creative ca- aged to find the good in Ole “When I think of places like to live here for a long time to Programs. 5

05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 5 Photo Essay: 2012 Double Decker Arts Festival By Austin McAfee Want to see your photos here? Contact [email protected].

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05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 6 Weekend Wanderer: Vision Quest at Nanih Waiya

BY MADISON RUTHVEN folk were still wet, and Aba Iki is [email protected] such a swell guy, he laid them on the Mother Mound to dry, and The subject of this week’s ar- the Choctaw tribe was born. ticle is a bit out of the ordinary. In the Treaty of Dancing The plan was, in a nutshell, to Rabbit Creek, the Choctaw Na- travel to what used to be Nanih tion was forced to cede much of Waiya State Park and have a vi- its land to the U.S. government. sion quest in an all-but-unchart- The property eventually be- ed sacred cave that belongs to came a state park, failed to gen- the Choctaw Nation. I’ll be the erate revenue, fell into a state first to admit that I know next of disrepair and in 2008 was to nothing about vision quests, given back to the Choctaw, like but according to Wikipedia, a a stolen toy that an elementary vision quest is a turning point school bully finally got tired of in life taken to find oneself and playing with. Anyway, that’s en- one’s intended spiritual and life tirely enough history for now. direction. Given that I am one- While we were surveying the sixty-fourth Choctaw on my surrounding land from the top father’s side, I feel like I have of the mound, an adorable every right to experience this black and brown Dachshund sanctified rite of passage for (That’s a Wiener dog. You myself, and, yes, I do indeed see should get out more.) material- how that may or may not make ized, seemingly from nowhere. any sense whatsoever. I promptly named him Cody, Regardless of my entitlement, and we proceeded to lavish him my professional team of investi- with love and fierce cuddles. He gative journalists (whomever I accompanied us in our explo- could convince to come) and I ration of the mound and the departed for Winston County. nearby swamp, until he found After a two-hour drive and some a decomposing deer carcass to directions from a friendly local, wallow in. We didn’t cuddle him we found the Nanih Waiya cer- much after that. As would later Madison Ruthven | The Daily Mississippian emonial mound. Derived from be apparent, Cody was the clos- Weekend Wanderer, Madison Ruthven, and friends enjoy wilderness nightlife by the light of a fire. the Choctaw word meaning est thing to a spirit animal we “leaning hill,” the mound is would find on our vision quest. looked that gate straight in its bitten you.” I stepped over a in a cave that doesn’t exist. Af- 25 feet high, 218 feet long and We continued our journey, smug, judgmental face and, snake, and to this day I remain ter a short period of debate 140 feet wide. While the actual leaving the mound to search for with the fire of combat glinting bite-less. and confusion, we unanimously date of origin is unknown, pot- the caves. I had only vague di- in my eyes, I whispered softly, We searched the grounds for voted for, “Screw it, let’s just go tery shards found on the sur- rections by word of mouth as to threateningly, “Go ahead, bro. the better part of two hours, camping.” face of the mound date as far where the caves were, and find- Take a swing.” Needless to say, ultimately in vain. We trudged Two hours later, we found our- back as 100 B.C. to 400 A.D. ing any mention of them on the the gate was beside itself with back to the car in defeat. While selves in Morton at Roosevelt The cultural significance of the Internet is all but futile. fear, completely unhinged. Af- we were discussing how to sal- State Park, a park none of us mound is widely acknowledged, Therefore, we engaged in ter that little confrontation, we vage our vision quest, a dark had ever been to before or but the legends surrounding it the tried and true method of were on foot, and my friends all truck sped down the dirt road knew anything about. We had have been somewhat obscured finding a friendly-looking local hated me a little more because and came to a stop beside us, an hour to make camp, which by time. The legend I person- and asking for more directions. nobody appreciates a good pun towing behind it a cloud of dust. we did. We met a pair of mid- ally believe, for no reason at all, Nobody knows an area better these days. Out of the truck emerged two dle-aged disc golf enthusiasts, is that Aba Iki, or “The Father than a local. After a short drive The trek to our destination cowboys. Like, real cowboys. had a drink or maybe slightly Above,” brought the Choctaw down the dusty roads of Win- consisted of a mile and a half As in, they proceeded to herd more, then rendezvoused at tribe forth from the nearby ston County, we came across of dirt roads. We began our cows. Only in Winston County. their camp for grilled venison caves. Because the Choctaw our sign. And a locked gate. I search for the caves, which took Anyway, we asked them for any and barbecue. Even though we us through a labyrinth of trails information they had on the started our day expecting to be meandering through swampy caves. They informed us that somewhere entirely different, terrain. At one point, while the caves were all but extinct. we still had a great road trip, keeping my eyes trained on the The main cave apparently made some new friends and surrounding marshy banks, I collapsed after the state tried had a wonderful time. heard a member of my team to build a pavilion over the top Sure, it would have been great exclaim, “Did you just step of it. The second, smaller cave if the caves still existed and we over a snake!?” I had, indeed. had also given way, leaving only had gone ahead with our vision It was a water moccasin, to be the third cave, which was about quest as planned, but there’s exact. Also known as the cot- two feet in diameter on the sur- something to be said for playing ton mouth, it is a dangerously face. It led to a slightly larger it completely by ear. poisonous snake native to Mis- cavern, which was not even big When things get confusing May 3, 2012 sissippi. I would like to take this enough to stand upright in. As and the plan gets shot to hell, opportunity to refute, once and disappointed as we were, there there’s nothing to fall back on for all, the old Southern adage, was nothing to do but move on. except improvisation. Well, “If it was a snake, it would have We couldn’t have a vision quest our plan did indeed get shot to hell, and we did indeed impro- vise, and it turned out as good or better than the plan would have. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t the kind of vision quest we were looking for, but the kind we needed.

Madison Ruthven writes for the Daily Mississippian and kicks boring in the face for fun. Ask him how at [email protected] 7

05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 7 Double Decker Festival records another success

BY ALEX DEJOY on our economy,” Mary-Kath- began with the Double Deck- but it’s nice to continue to sup- mately 165 art vendor booths [email protected] ryn Herrington, the director of er spring run and the Double port our local musicians. There filled with vendors from across tourism for Oxford, said. Decker road race. The overall was always a full crowd at the Mississippi and the tri-state Each year, students, parents, The weekend kicked off Fri- winners of the spring run 10k Oxford American Magazine area were set up. locals and people from across day night with performances at were Barnabas Kirui in the stage, too.” “My favorite part about the South head to Oxford for the Caterpillar Main Stage by male division and Sheryl Chat- Fourteen acts performed over Double Decker was all of the a weekend filled with entertain- Charlie Mars, Deer Tick and field in the female division. the course of the day: Rooster booths set up,” Helaina Craig, ment, and The Double Decker Iron and Wine. Restaurants The Square attracted many Blues, Star and Micey, Grace a biochemistry junior, said. “It Festival packed people onto and bars around the Square visitors on Saturday. Local res- ASkew, Jimbo Mathus & Tri- gave me a chance to see some the Square this past Friday and also benefited from the influx taurants set up food booths on State Coalition, George Mc- pieces that you wouldn’t nor- Saturday in honor of local art of people Friday night, and ad- the Square; there were 22 in Connell and the Nonchalants, mally see around town.” and tradition. ditional security measures were total. Restaurants located on Patterson Hood, Funky Meters, Each booth provided differ- With an estimated 55,000 put in place to keep crowds un- the Square were also open for Mavis Staples, Elemovements, ent styles of art ranging from people in attendance through- der control. business to provide more food Machine Gun Kelley and the higher-priced items to lower- out the course of the weekend, This year, Double Decker options. G-Men, Kenny Brown, Minor priced items. There were items stores and restaurants were also recognized the 175th anni- Throughout the day, bands Adjustments, Rocket 88 and for people of all ages, and each packed, and parking was hard versary of the town of Oxford, played on the Caterpillar Young Buffalo. booth attracted the attention to come by. No one seemed to a celebration that will continue Main Stage, as well as on the People crowded the stag- of festival visitors. mind, though. With the sun until July 4. Oxford American Magazine’s es and balconies around the People piled into the Square shining down and a weekend Herrington said the 175th 20th Anniversary Stage, which Square to listen to the acts per- to catch a glimpse of the items of beautiful weather, Double anniversary added more spon- showcased bands local to the form during the day and into for sale, catch a quick bite to Decker was the perfect excuse sorships, which allowed for a Oxford area. the night. eat and simply enjoy the city of for a walk to the Square. bigger budget for musical tal- “I am a huge activist for the The layout of the stages was Oxford. The festival gives locally- ent and more banners to hang local music scene in Oxford, different this year, allowing for “I don’t think I have a favor- owned Oxford businesses the around town advertising the and I was very excited about a better flow of traffic. ite part of the festival; the com- chance to welcome more people event. the addition of the local mu- “We’re always looking at how bination of everything is what than normal into their stores, The premier sponsors of this sic stage,” Caroline Hourin, a to improve logistics and behind- it is really about,” Hourin said. and many clothing stores offer year’s festival were C Spire public relations and promotion the-scenes stuff, but overall we “The art, food and music come discounts to customers. Wireless, Baptist Hospital, Re- volunteer for this year’s festival, were very pleased with how the together beautifully to provide “It fills our hotels, drives gions Bank and the University said. “I think it’s great to have event went,” Herrington said. an enjoying cultural experience people into our restaurants and of Mississippi. famous acts travel to Oxford Throughout the surrounding for all who attend. It’s all smiles shops and leaves a big impact Saturday morning, the day to perform for Double Decker, area of the Square, approxi- at Double Decker.”

May 9 & 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tad Pad (Tad Smith Coliseum)

Student ID *You must be a student. All faculty, staff or anyone else who is not a student must pay $45 to receive a yearbook. Also, ALL student fines must be paid to receive a yearbook. 8

05.03.12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 8

Mississippi native Skylar Laine lights up the American Idol stage

BY MEGAN MASSEY duced her to country music at common for the producers to [email protected] a young age and instilled in her change the challenge at the last a love of old country artists like minute, which often results in “What are you going to sing Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Wil- song changes that have to be for us?” liams Sr. As she’s grown, she has made in five minutes or less. “Pistol Annie’s ‘Hell on held on to that love of country Their weeks, weekends includ- Heels.’” music, adding a few new coun- ed, are filled with rehearsals, in- And so our journey with Bran- try artists to her lists of favor- terviews and Ford video shoots. don native Skylar Laine begins. ites like Jason Aldean, Brantley Her mom described Sky- As soon as she burst into song Gilbert and Miranda Lambert. lar’s life as being in a “bubble” in her American Idol audition, She’s even performed a few of since she’s been on the show. the judges, along with Ameri- her favorite artists’ songs on the She lives in a mansion with cans across the country, were show, like Lambert’s “Gunpow- the other contestants and lives smitten. It was an easy decision der and Lead” and Aldean’s and breathes American Idol; for the judges — Skylar was “Tattoos on This Town.” it’s all her schedule allows. But Hollywood-bound. She made Her journey to American her mom also believes that in it through week after week and Idol was long, but fairly smooth. a way, her tours as a child with has now found her way into the She received an audition pass “Annie” and “Les Miserables” top 5, securing a spot in the in Meridian, which guaranteed gave her a point of reference American Idol tour that begins her a spot in the actual audi- for what her American Idol life after the season ends. tions and kept her from hav- would be like, just on a smaller Every time she steps on the ing to wait in the long lines we scale. Mrs. Harden said Skylar stage, the room lights up and have all seen on the audition is someone who is level-headed ignites with energy, but the episodes of Idol. She made the and doesn’t give into “extreme American Idol stage is not the first cut, which her mother said emotions,” a trait that would first that she’s encountered. was easily the hardest, and went not fit well in the “go, go, go” Mary Harden, Skylar’s mother, through three more before she lifestyle that comes with being a said Skylar started singing “as auditioned in front of the celeb- contestant on the show. soon as she could talk.” At age rity panel judges we see on TV Before her life was changed six, she traveled with her mom — Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez forever, Skylar was just an or- to New York to audition for and Randy Jackson. dinary, teenage Mississippi girl. the national tours of “Annie” Since that audition, her sched- She enjoyed hunting, going to and “Les Miserables.” She had ule has become increasingly the reservoir and hanging out parts in both shows and traveled more demanding. After she re- with friends. She excelled aca- the U.S. and Canada perform- ceived her “golden ticket,” she demically, graduating a year ing. After the national tours, she spent two weeks between Los early from high school and get- toured for two years with the Angeles and Las Vegas. After ting a scholarship for Hinds international tour of “Les Mis- she made it into the top 42, Community College’s two-year erables.” Skylar also performed she moved on to Burbank to nursing program. She was ac- in countless local theater pro- rehearse for the “Sing for Your cepted in the RN program in ductions in Jackson, as well as Life” round. From there, she re- October, which means that, taking home the trophy from a turned to Vegas where she sur- as of July, she probably would number of talent shows. vived the cut to make it into the have been an Ole Miss nursing Michael Becker/Fox | The Daily Mississippian It has become clear on Amer- top 24. She turned 18 in Feb- student. But, needless to say, her been very appreciative of the a first-year law student on cam- ican Idol that country music is ruary and flew back to LA not plans were altered. support that she has received pus, all about Ole Miss football, her specialty, which, according long after to begin preparing for Mrs. Harden said now that from her home state. Skylar has the Grove and Hotty Toddy. to Mrs. Harden, is no surprise. the live shows. Skylar’s career plans have deep roots here at Ole Miss. Her Her uncle is the assistant bur- Skylar’s “Papaw,” who in her The live shows are a rush. changed due to her success on dad is a 1974 Ole Miss graduate sar, and on the American Idol Idol audition described her voice Contestants receive their “chal- American Idol, ”the Lord has and was a trainer on the foot- website, she made it official that as sounding like a “little mead- lenge” 10 days before the live another path for her future.” ball team. Her dad also taught her favorite football team is the owlark,” and her father intro- performance, but it’s not un- Skylar and her family have her and her sister, Blair, who is Ole Miss Rebels. “The main thing that Skylar and our entire family would THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI like for everyone at Ole Miss and in Mississippi to know is how incredibly blessed we feel Gertrude C. to call Mississippi our home,” her mom said. “My husband has said that the people in Mis- ord ord sissippi support their own, and we have, through this experi- ence, come to realize just how F true that statement is. It is un- enter enter believable and incredible how The University of Mississippi much love and support that we have felt on this journey. I stop for the Performing Arts several times every day to say, C CYo ur Key to Culture ‘Thank you, Lord.’ We have been blessed beyond measure.” And Mississippi couldn’t be more proud of Skylar. As soon as she finished her rendition of “Hell on Heels,” Jennifer Lopez said, “Well, we ord know exactly who she is, and that’s part of what I love about F FORD her.” That’s part of what we enter love about her, too. She’s a dedicated performer who is ap- The University of Mississippi CENTER preciative of her supporters and C hasn’t forgotten the people who have helped her get where she Glenn Miller Orchestra for May the Per 27forming at 3 Arp.m.ts is. Keep up with Skylar by watch- ing American Idol on Wednes- day and Thursday nights at 7 Tickets: UM Box Office 662.915.7411 or www.fordcenter.org on FOX. FORD

GERTRUDE CASTELLOW CENTER The Gertrude Castellow Ford Center Ford Center for the Performing Arts

for the Performing Arts