Double Decker and the Oxford economy

Making Life Delicious and Nutritious

The South continues to rise, or at least expand. For the sixth year in a row, Mississippi has tipped the scales as the most obese state in the country. Many people have taken matters into their own hands around the state, including Dr. Kathy Knight. Her nutrition intervention program called ‘Eating Good and Moving Like We Should’ targets children and families all over the Delta.

“We just can’t seem to get a big handle on it,” Knight said. “It’s a growing problem.”

In Bolivar, Coahoma, Panola, and Quitman counties, the program has served over 3,200 children in two and a half years. The program provides evaluation of the health status of children nutrition and active lifestyle education by a registered dietician or health educator, school gardens for hands on nutrition education and physical activity, community healthy cooking classes, community outreach at local functions and a community weight loss group.

‘The thing about this program is it’s not a particular set of rules” Knight said. “It’s a way of involving the community with the school and it may look different in every community that we are in but the goal is to get children to make healthier choices.”

Apart from her program, Knight is the Interim Chair of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi. After graduating Ole Miss as a biology major, she married her husband and went to Mississippi State where she earned her Masters in Nutrition and later went onto Auburn to get her Ph.D. Knight followed her husband back to Ole Miss in 1985, not knowing there was a job opening.

“I wasn’t expecting there to be a job open but I applied and got the job,” Knight said. “It was pretty coincidental and pretty great.”

As Interim Chair, Knight makes sure that everyone above her and everyone below her has everything they need to do their job. She also makes sure that students have everything the need to be successful, whether it be meeting to talk about their schedule or pitching in as a teacher for their classes. Knight says her favorite part of her job is that every day is something new and exciting.

“Most days I really and truly my day is never the same,” Knight said. “When I come to work I don’t know what I am going to be doing that day.”

When a long day is over, Knight laughs when she talks about dinnertime. After being around food all day, the last thing she wants to do is make an extravagant meal.

“I love to cook when I have time,” Knight said. “By the time I get home from work I just want something quick and healthy…there are no gourmet meals every night like all of our friends think.”

From Tech Savvy to Musical Prodigy

Broken laptop? He can fix that. Internet down? No problem. For any of your technology needs, Nathan Robbins is ready to save the day.

An experienced professional in the field of technology, Robbins plays a crucial role in the Ole Miss community.

“I work in the Office of Information Technology here at Ole Miss. I am second-tier and do a lot of server work, as well as desktop support,” he said.

The Office of Information Technology, located in Weir Hall, is the source for students and faculty members to identify and repair any technological issues they may have. With various computer classes, students have the opportunity to learn about the latest technological developments, including products of the future.

One of these upcoming products is Apple’s new Mountain Lion, scheduled for release this summer.

“I think it will be a great new operating system. It seems to add a ton of features that iPad and iPhone users love directly to the desktop or laptop experience,” he said.

As far the Mountain Lion’s success, Robbins said that it is all about the consumers. Whether people enjoy technology for its features or for the ability to control their own experience, it is important to consider both sides. This is an aspect that Robbins believes Apple tends to do well, but there is always room for improvement.

“Apple seems to typically try and balance the appeal of their products to these two audiences, but in some cases (and some opinions) goes a little too far with making things simple to use. In other words, to power users it sometimes seems they are taking away functionality and control and replacing it with a pretty interface that works for "most" people,” he said.

Since the Mountain Lion is not yet available, Robbins added that time will tell how it is received and how its features and “enhancements” will appeal to users.

Adapting to new technology may be a struggle for some, but for Robbins the transition comes naturally.

“I’ve had a pretty extensive background with technology of all types,” he said. “I also own a computer business in town and previously worked as a Network / Security Engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers.”

Originally from Pontotoc, Miss., Robbins majored in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University. After working for the Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, he moved to Oxford and started his own computer business.

While he may be an expert in the field of technology, Robbins also has a passion for the music industry.

“I…play in several local bands, some of which have toured all over the US and overseas. I also am one of the original organizers and co-directors of the Oxford Music Festival, which was recently held here in town. I've always had interests in technology and music, and even have a small recording studio here in town,” he said.

As an active contributor to both technology and music, Robbins is able to stay up to date with the fast-paced world and its frequent changes. As far as where those changes will lead, Robbins says that it is almost impossible to know.

“I think it is difficult to predict where technology, as a whole, is headed. In the 80s, everyone said there would be time travel, flying cars, and all kinds of outrageous stuff in the 2000s. But technology will always be an integral part of our lives, and as we evolve I think it will continue to evolve with us.”

Technology Savvy Classrooms

Teachers are now integrating technology into their classrooms by using forms of social media and online learning systems. Today more students are required to submit their assignments on Black Board and communicate with their teachers through email. Although technology is speedy and convenient, is it a hindrance to the classroom?

The University of Mississippi’s English professor Wendy Goldberg is one of many teachers who has transformed the learning environment in order to adapt to the technological savvy world we live in today.

“It can be a hit or miss. It is not an automatic win to use technology,” she says.

Through the use of Jimdo, Google Sites, and discussion boards; Goldberg has efficiently integrated learning with technology. She explains that the task is not appearing to be cool to the students; instead contextualize the social media sites into the lesson, and students will respond better to the changes.

Using the internet in the classroom can take away from the learning environment. The teacher becomes more of an organizer whether than a teacher. Their main objective becomes setting dates, goals for the students to follow whether than being a dispenser of the information.

Goldberg requires her student to be activating participants. To overcome the communication barrier, each student is required to schedule meetings with her before all major assignments and to participate in group activities. She also requires them to use discussion boards, so there will be more student participation.

“What works with students really well is Jimdo,” she says. “I think they enjoy it the most.”

Jimdo is a blog where businesses or persons can socialize and display information. Goldberg uses Jimdo to introduce her students to different forms of media. During the year, each student is required to write a research paper on a topic of their choice. The students then team up into groups and use Jimdo to collectively and creatively display their paper on a blog.

Although Goldberg uses the internet as a major tool in her classroom, it is a facilitator and not a factor. The use of learning sites and emails helps her to be more available to her students.

“In the past I’ve actually chatted with students online to go over papers and answer questions,” she says.

Any teacher can learn from Goldberg's efforts to efficiently integrate the classroom with technology. It does not hinder her students, but instead it enhances their learning experience.

Obesity Rates Continue to Soar

As obesity rates continue to rise, the South, particularly Mississippi is one of the main areas that continue the unhealthy ways of life.

The rates in America continue to rise at a rapid rate. It is now one of the biggest debates in the upcoming presidential race dealing with health care. Mississippi is one of the fattest states with more than 30 percent obese according to CDC website.

Emmy Parkes, an instructor at the University of Mississippi nutrition school doesn’t think the numbers will turn anytime soon. “I think the numbers will eventually reach a plateau. I don’t see it going down anytime within the next two to three generations.” The South has a higher obesity rate because of money issues. The southern states are poor, and obesity has a correlation with that, Parkes explained.

Since vegetables and fruits prices are higher it is harder for the rural population to buy healthy foods. While fast food restaurants are offering full meals for $1, it is easier for them to take the less nutritious route.

“Food insecurity is one of the biggest problems. Food insecurity is when people don’t have access to food so they over eat at the current meal. They don’t know where their next meal is coming from. It is also means they lack healthy foods consistently so they buy more cheaper fattening food,” Parkes said.

One of the biggest topics that cause much debate is the healthcare system. Many of those who need the help are those with weight problems. “Our current health care system doesn’t pay for a trip to the dietician such as Weight Watchers. It pays for weight loss surgery. When I worked at the hospital in Jackson, I saw many insurance companies pay for weight loss surgery and recoveries,” Parkes said.

Since this is one of the biggest problems occurring in neighbor’s backyard, the Oxford community can help. Ole Miss students can help by supporting building local parks, farmers markets, and tracks. Inactivity is one of the biggest problems for the citizens of the state. In order for the state’s obesity population to decrease, they must exercise. The Farm Bill is also up for reauthorization, which helps citizens buy nutritious foods. This bill can help give the southerners the hope for the future. For now, the entire community can help by the South live healthier lifestyles with just a touch of support.

US Economy Tested by High Oil Prices

                                       
                                            Mr. Taylor Smith, Proffesor of economics

US Economy Tested by High Oil Prices
By: Chris Wiese
February 23, 2012

The United States economy is once again being tested. A spike in gasoline prices is threatening to put out the flickering flame of the US economic recovery. Just as the US has weathered the storm from disasters such as Japans earthquake and tsunami, the Arab Spring, and Europe’s debt crisis, this is another potential hit to economy.

Taylor Smith, an Ole Miss graduate and current economics professor at his alma mater, thinks the US economy is in far better shape to absorb the blow of rising gas prices.

“This is the dark cloud in an otherwise brightening domestic economic picture. It's something we need to watch right now, but not panic about yet.”

He is not saying that the Economy has fully recovered, there are areas of concern. “The Arab Spring scared a lot of people because oil supply could be cut off and drive up the gas prices higher than ever,” Smith said. “European Debt is another area of concern, that is flat out scary.”

There are reasons to be concerned, but Smith sees the Economy currently in an upswing. “GDP is increasing, unemployment has finally started to ease and growth is picking up.” The economy is in good shape as of now, but Smith cautions not to get too excited.

“We are one misstep away from another recession,” he said. Smith describes the economy as “very fragile.” The constant fluctuations are starting to wear on US consumers. 

“Consumer confidence is high, and then a little scare such as an increase in prices at the pump has them thinking another crash is coming,” Smith said. “Everyone is just waiting for something to go wrong.”

Smith sees the fluctuations as a normal thing. He thinks people are just paying more attention to the market and are more sensitive since the recession.

“Look, the market is never going to be constant,” he said. “It has and always will fluctuate.”
The increase in gas prices isn’t necessarily an indication of another recession coming, but that the demand for gasoline is rising. We just notice the price increase more on a product that we rely on. If a pack of gum doubled in price, we wouldn’t even bat an eyelash.

“Americans rely on gas so much that any increase in the price will cause a stir,” said Smith. He thinks that the strengthened economy is ironically the cause of higher gas prices. This is just a little bump in the long road to recovery.

Smith concluded, "If this is biggest concern right now then I don't think were headed back into recession."

What Black History Is About

Black History Month can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Some would say it is because of Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and others would say because of the Civil Rights Movement. Most people only celebrate Black History Month in February but Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies Maurice J. Hobson said that he celebrates it year round.

Dr. Hobson is not only a African American Studies professor, he is also apart a historically African American Fraternity. When asked what Black History Month Means to him, Dr. Hobson takes a deep breath:

"It is a very serious attempt for the United States to reconcile and acknowledge the existence of African Americans."

Dr. Hobson elaborates, "And so now the movement, particularly for African American history, is to kinda really talk about aspects of culture and resistance and spirituality and religion and everyday life. I do acknowledge Black History Month but I celebrate Black history everyday of the year."

Being that Dr. Hobson is African American himself and that he attended college and played football for Alabama, one would automatically assume that he went through his share of racial opposition and or discrimination. On the contrary Dr. Hobson said that it wasn't until he spent time in the North that he actually experienced racial problems.

"When I moved to Champagne, Illinois is when race became very prevalent to me. Most of my really racist experiences have been felt outside the South and I guess that's because my comfort zone is in the South."

Dr. Hobson told of some racial opposition he has experienced here at the University as well.

"As a professor here at the University of Mississippi you would be amazed at the emails I get from random people who ask me particular questions about African American studies or say they don't understand why it even needs to be acknowledged. There have been many times when I'm walking through campus with a shirt and tie and a woman would clutch her bag."

Dr. Hobson said that even in his neighborhood people won't speak to him because he is the only African American in the neighborhood. Although there are some negatives, Dr. Hobson sees a lot of change university wise as well.

" There is movement here. This university is not the same university it was 20 years ago, let alone 30 years ago."

For last remarks, Hobson had one last thing to say.

"The study of African Americans is not a course for African Americans, it's a course about African Americans."