Battle of the bars

Erin Boozer

Contributing writer

Ding!  Ding!  Ding! 

“Let the battle begin!” 

The announcer’s voice rattles the speakers, and tension is in the air.  This will be a battle like no other.  Because the two opponents have stark similarities and definite differences, no one can predict how this epic battle will end. 

In one corner is the defending champion.  With annual global sales averaging $2 billion, this competitor is going to be tough to beat.  Since the 1930s, Snickers candy bars have been a staple in the American snack industry.  82 years later, this small treat stands at the top of the leader board. 

In the other corner is a fairly new face.  It may be small in stature, but sometimes, less is more.  Since late 2009, the Slim-Fast snack bar has provided consumers with the same ingredients as its opponent, but with less calories. 

As each competitor warms up, the crowd goes wild.  Everyone knows that at the end of the night, someone will be defeated. Since the rise of the diet snack bar, consumers and dietitians  have debated about the differences between these products.  They have contemplated whether or not diet snack bars are actually healthier, and whether or not there is even desire for such product. 

Each bar is packed with caramel, nougat and peanuts and covered with delicious milk chocolate.  The time has come.  It is time for the battle of the bars to begin!

Ding!

Round one.  This round is a battle of target markets and marketing strategies.  Each bar must showcase its ability to appeal to the consumer based upon a number of criteria.  The first punch is delivered by the Slim-Fast bar.  It hopes to use its ability to gain popularity by targeting on-the-go dieters. 

Dieting has become trendy in today’s society among adults, especially women.  In fact, 67 percent of women are trying to lose weight according to ScienceDaily.com.  Many women work, take classes, have families, and are involved in their communities.  As a result, it looks like the Slim-Fast bar has chosen a great target market to help defeat the competition. 

Snickers strikes back by targeting a less specific group of consumers.  Its strategy is to simply reach the general snackers of the world.  No specific age, gender or race has been specified by this bar.  The Snickers bar fights for people who want to munch on something sweet and are not concerned with health. 

As the clock ticks, suspense builds.  The last half of the round will focus on each bar’s goals and how strategies help accomplish such goals. 

The Snickers bar steps up.  This treat has big goals and even bigger strategies to help it stay on top.  Mississippi University for Women marketing professor Dr. Dee Dee Larson knows how important marketing is to the success of a product.  She, like many consumers, has taken note of Snickers’ goals and advertising.

“Snickers uses television advertisements with catchy slogans and humor to accomplish their marketing goals,” says Larson.  “They want people to feel like they deserve a Snickers.”

In addition to memorable advertisements, Larson also comments that product placement and intensive distribution are key components in the Snicker bar’s strategy.

“When marketing to consumers who have a snack craving, it needs to be everywhere and easy to grab,” says Larson. 

The Slim-Fast bar has taken a hard hit with the Snickers’ successful marketing.  Can the Slim-Fast bar pack a big enough punch to win this round?

“Slim-Fast bars have a website on their packaging with a diet plan, other products, how to connect with other dieters, and resources on dieting.  That’s good for their target audience,” says Larson. “It’s more of a lifestyle website than focusing on this one product.  That’s smart advertising.”

However, there is a weakness that makes Slim-Fast’s marketing pale in comparison to Snickers’.  Because of their lower production, the Slim-Fast bar does not produce high profits like the Snickers bar.  With limited funds, the Slim-Fast bar cannot do as much advertising as the Snickers bar.  As a result, the Slim-Fast snack bar has less effective marketing and less success as a chocolate bar.

Although the Slim-Fast bar put up a good fight, it’s the Snickers bar that has been most successful in the marketing strategy round.  Each opponent returns to its side of the arena to prepare for round two.

Ding!

Round two.  The competitors return from their corners to prepare for the nutrition battle.  While these bars appear to have the same ingredients, looks can be deceiving.  First up is the Snickers. 

With a thick layer of milk chocolate, creamy caramel, fluffy nougat, and salty peanuts, the Snickers bar has a lot to offer.  However, behind the decadence lies unseen faults that may weaken this strong competitor.  According to nutritionist Janell Aultman, the Snickers bar is packed with large amounts of the wrong things.

 “A Snickers bar is high in saturated fat and calories - 280 for a snack.  It has no fiber, and it’s mostly empty calories with no nutritional value,” says Aultman.  “You would have to run 2.8 miles to burn off one Snickers.”

The Slim-Fast bar appears to have an advantage in the nutrition round, but will it be enough?  There are, in fact, 180 fewer calories, nine grams less fat, 21 fewer carbohydrates and 85 milligrams less sodium in a Slim-Fast bar than in a Snickers bar.  This is good news to those who are in need of a quick and healthy way to snack.

“The Slim-Fast bar is a good alternative for those trying to lose weight,” says Aultman.

To conclude this round, a final punch is thrown by the Snickers bar, but the Slim-Fast bar dodges the heat and proves to be a recommended alternative to its 280 calorie opponent.

Ding!

Round three. This will determine who will go home a champion and who will continue to struggle for success.  The bars are facing their toughest judges yet - college students.  A blind taste test based upon 13 attributes such as taste, quality and satisfaction will help these students choose which bar will win.  In this test, 18 MUW students were given a chart to record their thoughts on such attributes.  They were to place a mark in each column to indicate whether the attribute was underwhelming, overwhelming, or just right.  The final determining factor was the students’ overall opinions of each bar after they considered how they ranked each attribute. 

Results are tallied, and a decision is reached.  While only four votes separate the two competitors, the Snickers bar wins the battle as the most satisfying chocolate bar!  Selena Otts, a junior business management major at MUW, comments about this conclusion on behalf of students and consumers.

“If I’m going to eat a chocolate bar, I’m not really going to pay attention to the nutrition,” says Otts.

While she recognizes that the Slim-Fast bar is the healthier option, Otts, like her peers, prefers the appearance and taste of the Snickers bar over its less satisfying and more healthy opponent. 

Ding!  Ding!  Ding!

As the crowd exits and the lights dim, each bar returns to its shelf.  The battle is over.    

Safely spring breaking all year long

Lizzie Locker

Editor

I have never been much of a Spring Break party girl. I usually spend that week of March at home relaxing, or taking a weekend trip with one of my parents or my sisters.

But this year was different. I decided that as a senior, I have a right to go out with a bang – to make my final Spring Break into an adventure to remember.

My week turned into two separate trips to opposite ends of the Southeast region. I first spent four days in Raleigh, N.C., followed by a weekend at a sci-fi convention on the Gulf Coast. It was a pretty intense adventure, and over the course of the week I spent a total of 37 hours driving, put almost exactly 2,000 miles on my car, and listened to three days worth of music on my iTunes. In addition, I had a year’s worth of fun in one week.

All this traveling, though, taught me a lot. I made a list of tricks and tips that helped me travel cheaply, safely and comfortably – and now I’m sharing them with you, my fellow students. So, whether you’re spending a weekend across town or a month across the country, here are a few things you’ll probably want to keep in mind.

Take care of whatever is getting you to your destination. Whether you drive a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle or a boat, it’s important to remember that you are dependent on that vehicle. If it breaks down, blows a gasket, or fails you in any way you could end up stranded. In order to really take care of your vehicle, you need to really know and pay attention to it. I’ve had my little station wagon – who I think of as a person, and who I’ve named Goldilocks - for nearly three years now, and I am very in tune with her. I know exactly how many miles she gets to the tank, depending on my average speed. I know exactly what mileage she can get to before I need to change her oil. And I know what brands of gasoline and oil she can use most efficiently. I’ve found that it helps a lot to think of your car not as a tool, but as something you have a partnership with, something which gives only as good as it is given.

Know how you can get help in case of an emergency. I have a membership with AAA, and I can’t tell you how often I have used it in the last year. For a small monthly fee, drivers can get great benefits from services like AAA and Sam’s Club. You get a toll free number to call in case of any emergency – a wreck, a blown tire or a failed engine. They’ll even come unlock your car if you lock your keys in the car! I think services like this are absolutely invaluable, especially when you plan on making long trips on your own and won’t have a parent or friend nearby to come rescue you. However, if this isn’t an option for you, know who you will be able to call in case of an emergency. For example, my father keeps a copy of the regional yellow pages in his car so he can call locksmiths or towing services.

Over-pack! If you’re driving, and especially if you’re driving your own car, I’ve found that it’s in your best interest to over-pack. Extra socks and underwear are of course necessities, but I also always toss in things that may come in handy in odd situations – hand santizer, a bottle of aspirin, Band-aids, a notebook and extra pens or a couple of sandwiches for the road. Little things like that might not seem necessary, but chances are you will end up needing or wanting them. I feel like it’s better to have them on hand just in case than to have to spend part of my trip budget to get them when I unexpectedly find that I require them.

Meet up with people. Anywhere you go in the world, there will be someone you know – a relative, a family friend, a friend-of-a-friend or even a social club alum. And in my experience, people are more generous and more understanding than they are usually given credit for. Usually if you let someone know you’ll be in the area, they will be very understanding and helpful in whatever way they can be. I always try and meet up with people when I travel, and when it is convenient for them I try and spend a night or two with them. It’s a lot more fun than staying in a hotel, a lot more comfortable – and yes, it is quite a lot cheaper! Even if you just crash on the couch for one night or drop by for dinner, it’ll be a huge help for your budget. Also, it’ll be more pleasant!

Hopefully these tips will help you all year round, not just on your Spring break trips. Happy traveling!

Getting to know the president

Danton J. Thompson

Managing Editor

Dr. Jim B. Borsig has been adamant about his open-door policies on student interaction since being formally instated as MUW’s new president back on Nov. 1. I had the chance to sit down with him and ask him questions chosen by students from all across campus this past Wednesday.

How are you liking it here?

I grew up in Jackson; spent a lot of time visiting all over the state. I love it here. I love the campus, and I really like the community. This is a great place to work and a great place to live.

Are you out and about around campus?

I am just this afternoon. I visited with everyone out at the Room Draw. I was over in Cochran with the CAs and the housing folks. I am in the Rec Center three or four times a week in the evening, so I’m beginning to see people there that I recognize, and from the treadmills. I’ve discovered that we have some pretty good pool and ping pong players. I’ve been eating in Hogarth almost every day that I’m not booked to do something at lunch. A couple of weeks ago I spoke to the MSMS students one afternoon in Nissan. I’m trying to go to the play the first week of March.

Do you know of any upcoming student events that you would like to attend or be a part of?

I spoke at 100^th Night a couple of weeks ago, but outside of the Honor’s College I’m not exactly sure when certain events will be held. I’ve been working with Leander Williams to see about setting something up with the SGA at noon in Hogarth to let the two of us sit there at tables and have students come up and ask us questions. I want to try and do that at least once every semester. I’m looking for opportunities to do those kinds of things. I’m happy to do anything around campus.

Leander and I, a couple of weeks ago on chicken day – which, I now understand how important that is here – one of my early weeks here, an e-mail went out informing everyone that chicken day had been moved to Thursday because of a delivery issue, and now I know why that was important. But a couple weeks ago he and I had lunch together and we walked through every table and talked to the students. I ask everyone the same questions I asked you; I stop students on the sidewalk and talk to them. I actually had a student come up about a month ago who knew that my Ph.D. was in public administration who was thinking about getting a master’s in public administration and cornered me on the sidewalk to talk about going to graduate school. I’m hoping that happens more and more.

We have great students. Someone asked me yesterday, “What’s my favorite part about this job?” and it’s the students. I haven’t met a student that I’ve had a conversation with that did not have it nailed down on why they were here, where they were going, what they were doing next and what they’ve done to prepare themselves for the real world. This is a very intelligent and very focused campus. We say the words about a private university experience at a public university price, but it really is that. I’ve started saying that every time I talk about this school. That is who we are. I want Mississippi State, Alabama and Ole Miss to keep growing, because the larger they get, the more students are going to be looking for an experience like we can offer them on our campus, and I think that is why a lot of students come here.

After being here officially for almost two months, have you seen anything around the campus that you would like to change immediately?

No. You’ve probably heard me say that I want the university to focus on recruiting, retaining and graduating students. Enrollment numbers are important to me, but the number of students that end up with a degree, preferably in four years, is really the number that matters to me. I can’t think of anything more tragic than someone enrolling in college, borrowing student loan money and not finishing their college degree. That, to me, is something that we have got to minimize from happening to our students here. There is nothing really that I want to have changed, but I want to emphasize these areas. We’re doing lots of terrific things in the areas that I’m interested in. I want to make sure that we have everything lined up, that we’re leveraging each other’s efforts and getting the maximum impact for the resources.

I do want to get us into a little bit stronger culture of looking at data and measuring and benchmarking what we do. I really believe what you measure is what gets done. This is a liberal arts university, and I am a liberal arts graduate. We know how to talk and debate and ask questions. I want to introduce and make sure that we have evidence to go along with that conversation so that we’re constantly able to improve.

Do you have any information on the current state of the dining facilities?

I can tell you what I do know, and I’m probably the last step in the process. There is a selection committee that reviewed the proposals that we received. I think we received five proposals and we had two presentations, one from Sodexo and one from Aramark. I think that the reaction to those presentations will be put in writing. I’m not sure when that committee is going to recommend a single vendor to begin negotiating the contract with. As far as I know, that hasn’t happened yet. It hasn’t left that stage, but it is apparently down to those two vendors and the process is continuing.

With the opening of Poindexter, how do you plan on helping recruit students to music related programs and activities?

I’ve had a couple of conversations with faculty in that area, and I think that the opening of that facility, getting music back into Poindexter, the terrific acoustics in there and the appearance of the building will help recruit students. I think that having music scattered across campus during the time that Poindexter was being renovated has been a challenge for both students and faculty. I know that the choir just made a trip to Memphis, which was somewhat recruiting. I think that reaching out to the community and where students are like high schools and other places and bringing them on our campus to use the facility is how we recruit more students. I have confidence in the faculty in that area to tell us what we need to do to recruit students, but I think that just getting back into Poindexter is going to make a huge difference.

Do you have any plans to renovate any of the abandoned buildings on campus to create new dorm rooms?

The planning for what happens next really will begin probably during the summer. We’re going to lay out a process to have what I keep describing as a conversation. We have lots of plans. We have many plans. We need those plans, and we don’t need another plan. What I do think we need is to have a conversation to say, “Here are the three to five things that are really important and let’s focus on those for the next several years.” The quality of residence halls is one of those things that is on that list. I have not walked through all of them, and I understand that there’s been some work done on some of these things that I’m not familiar with, but I look forward to digging into that a little bit more. You have to constantly renovate residence halls to make sure that you’re providing what students want. I would like to see the enrollment grow to where we could renovate other buildings. Our research shows that if you live on campus, then you’re more likely to stay in school than if you live off campus, particularly if you’re a freshman or a sophomore. I think we have the opportunity to use some of the vacant buildings, but some have been slated that there is no use for them. I am optimistic that we are going to be able to renovate some buildings and get one or two of them back on line.

Would you like to guest host on the SGA Radio Show Wednesday at 2:00 pm?

I would be glad to! How about Wednesday Feb. 29?

What is your favorite kind of music?

I actually like almost every kind of music. There is some country that I don’t like, and I must confess, I never did like disco. Alternative rock would be what I would say is what I currently listen to the most.

Do you have a favorite band?

For somebody my age, alternative rock is like Coldplay, someone like that. So Coldplay would be one of the ones I would pick out of that. I have to confess that I like Jimmy Buffet, but he’s a Southern Miss graduate, he was in school just in front of me, so there’s probably some connection there. I probably listen to more alternative rock than anything. I don’t know much about it, but I like jazz also. I usually have jazz on in the background when I’m reading, or writing or working. If I had to pick a jazz artist, it would be Dave Brubeck. I’m a Charlie Mingus fan, too.

Do you play any instruments or sing?

I don’t play any instruments but I do sing, not great, but I like to sing.

Would you be interested in playing Rock Band with students?

Yeah, I could do that.  I am up for almost anything. I’m not very shy or very conventional. I would be glad to do that. I did a little bit of theater and musical theater in high school.

Do you play any video games?

I’m actually kind of opposed to video games, and the last that I owned was actually an Atari, which I wish I had now because it would probably be a relic for the Smithsonian. But I’m not much of a video gamer unless I get to count Angry Birds on my cell phone. Tetris and Angry Birds on my cell phone I can play. I actually think I would like the video games, but I’ve just never gone there yet.

Dr. Borsig closed out the interview by saying that he is available anytime and would love to have an interview at least once every semester.

Valentine's Day: where is the love?

Alex Woolbright

Contributing Writer

Every year on Feb. 14 we exchange flowers, candy, and other gifts as tokens of love, all in the name of St. Valentine. An array of articles on the Internet can tell college students all that is needed to know about the holiday: how it began, what type of gift to buy a loved one. There are even playlists for Valentine’s Day parties to either make the giddy lovebirds rejoice or to induce vomiting from the singles of the world.

Regardless of relationship status, one cannot possibly escape the endless rows of stuffed animals and boxed chocolates, much less the incessant talk of plans for celebrating — or for some, mourning — that Valentine’s Day brings.  

When exactly did Valentine’s Day change? It feels as if only a few years ago we college students were participating in the yearly elementary ritual of buying cards, having our mother tell us how to spell classmates’ names, and then rejoicing at the paper bags full of cards and candies we received. No one was ever left out, and everyone was made to feel special. It was an excuse to spend the day celebrating, skipping schoolwork and sporting some type of festive pink or red gear.

Sadly, the moment at which Valentine’s Day took on a new meaning does not have a precise date. Perhaps middle school changed everything when we as teenagers become much more aware of the opposite sex. Maybe it changed when it became optional and suddenly took on a new meaning.  No matter what the explanation may be, it is fascinating to see the reactions to the holiday — particularly on MUW’s campus now that we have all reached adulthood.

When speaking to students at the University, the cliché feelings of adoration and hatred prevail.

Nikki Rister, a senior political science major from Mobile, Ala., believes that the holiday does not change much for her, even though she is in a relationship.

“For me, I am lucky enough to know that my significant other is thoughtful and giving year-round. So while the sentiment is nice on Feb. 14, I know Feb.16 will see no difference,” said Rister.

Some students think Valentine’s Day is more about commercialization and making a flashy statement.

“Coming from the girl that’s never had a Valentine other than her father, it’s a day that men can make up to their significant other by buying them fancy gifts or taking them out on the town. In my opinion, love should be shown everyday, not just on Valentine’s Day,” said sophomore pre-nursing major Elizabeth Gainey of Star, Miss.

Others have more of a whimsical attitude toward the holiday.

“Valentine’s Day is a chance to show the love to everyone, man,” said senior communication major Corbett Estes of West Point, Miss.

Perhaps students should not focus on their love or hatred of the holiday, but rather, take it as an opportunity to appreciate what they do have.  Though the days of elementary parties and pre-made cards for classmates cannot be relived, we can take a piece of that giving spirit with us into adulthood. Relationship status aside, Valentine’s Day reminds us to show love and appreciation to those we care about most.

 Maybe this idea is best summed up by sophomore elementary education major, Linsey Boatner.

“I think that you don’t have to go all out for Valentine’s Day, but it’s nice to set aside time together. My fiancé and I aren’t exchanging gifts. We are just cooking dinner and setting aside time to be together. Something out of the ordinary that shows you care is what I think it should be about,” said Boatner.

Students start talking

Alex Woolbright

Reporter

Mental health on college campuses does not receive nearly the amount of attention that it deserves. Many students who need mental health services often refuse to seek help or walk into a counseling center. “Let’s Talk,” a program sponsored by the MUW Counseling Center, is seeking to erase any negative stigmas associated with counseling and get students talking.

The program seeks to reach out to students who might not typically use counseling services for a variety of reasons, ranging from cultural beliefs to stigmas associated with counseling, even if students would benefit from them. Informal confidential consultations are offered to students who may need only a one-time service, or so students can be referred to traditional counseling services if needed. It aims to engage students prior to any formal counseling.

By venturing out of a traditional office setting — services will be provided at the Stark Recreation Center — the program puts students at ease and makes them more comfortable about talking. Informal conversations provided by the program can help individuals to lay a foundation for more formal counseling. Often after meeting with a counselor at “Let’s Talk,” the initial problem is solved. However, if formal counseling is needed credibility has been established between the student and counselor.

Perhaps what is most important about “Let’s Talk” is that it’s described as more of a supportive consultation rather than actual counseling. Students can simply drop by and feel free to talk about anything they like. Conversations do not have to focus on major issues, but can simply discuss an environmental or interpersonal stressor.

The program was founded at Cornell University and, because of its success, has quickly spread to other campuses across the nation. Alicia Mainka, a counselor at the MUW Counseling Center, heard about the program through the University of Mississippi, which is also implementing it. She contacted Cornell to receive permission to use the program and hopes to see it thrive at MUW.

 “Let’s Talk” at MUW is starting off small, but the program hopes to reach a variety of students. Services are offered on Wednesday’s from noon-2 p.m. at the Stark Recreational Center.

“We hope that student response will allow us to expand to other sites on campus on various days. The goal is to help students be successful at MUW,” said Mainka.