SIDELINES Middle Tennessee State University
Aug. 28, 2013 // Editorially Independent // mtsusidelines.com
A NEW TRADITION
Welcome to delicious.™
Culver’s of Murfreesboro
TN-0000903342
8
Welcome Back MTSU! Snackpak Meals $ Under
5
2411 Medical Center Pkwy | 2993 S. Rutherford Blvd | Murfreesboro, TN
culvers.com
CONTENT
Sidelines Lens
NEWS
3 4
5
A student’s guide to James E. Walker Library By Mamie Nash Student Union Commons open for events By Sinclaire Sparkman Crime Briefs Staff Report
FEATURES
6
Raising awareness for veterans one sip at a time By Sherwine Lucien
COVER STORY
8
Hello, Conference USA By Sam Brown
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
10
11
12
Live on the Green: a survival guide By Lauren Mandrell “Orange is the New Black” gives a behind the the bars glance By Claire Osburn New adult store seeks to take stigma out of sex shops By Noel Heath
SPORTS
Grid Iron Preview 13 MT By Jordan Mayton
OPINIONS
14
Snowden and Assange in the new ‘cult of personality By Quint Qualls Where we are almost 50 years later By Emily West
2 SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Students from The Point of New Vision volunteer during move-in day weekend to help students get settled. Photo by Kyle Bates.
Sidelines Staff Emily West Editor-in-chief editor@mtsusidelines.com
Bailey Robbins Connor Grott Features Editor Assistant Sports Editor features@mtsusidelines.com asstsports@mtsusidelines. com Amanda Gambill Kim Barker Managing Editor Assistant Features Editor Quint Qualls managing@mtsusidelines.com asstfeatures@mtsusidelines. Opinions Editor com opinions@mtsusidelines. Lindy Matthews com Online Editor Claire Osburn online_editor Arts & Entertainment editor @mtsusidelines.com ae@mtsusidelines.com Christine Craft Designer Chris Bishop Noel Heath design@mtsusidelines.com Online Director Assistant. A&E Editor online@mtsusidelines.com asstae@mtsusidelines.com Matt Masters Maime Nash Lauren Mandrell Online Photo Editor News Editor Assistant A&E Editor photo@mtsusidelines.com news@mtsusidelines.com asstae_online @mtsusidelines.com Kyle Bates Sinclaire Sparkman Print Photo Editor Assistant News Editor photoprint@mtsusidelines. commnews@ Sam Brown com mtsusidelines.com Sports Editor sports@mtsusidelines.com Leon Alligood Daniel Jansouzian Adviser Assistant News Editor leon.alligood@mtsu.edu asstnews@mtsusidelines.com
NEWS
A student’s guide to James E. Walker Library By Mamie Nash News Editor New updates have been made to the James E. Walker Library, with tools continuously added to facilitate student success. Available cutting-edge technology includes approximately 400 computers, 100 laptops, printers, scanners and software for video and audio editing. The Digital Media Center offers monitors, scanners and tablets. Extra Wi-Fi ports have also been added, eliminating dead spots in the building. “Spaces are available all over the library,” said Kristen Keene, external relations. “We have group study rooms and rooms to practice presentations, complete with recording devices so you can watch yourself and fix things.” Students can reserve both of those spaces online. Individual study spaces and designated quiet zones are all over the library. The group study areas are very popular with students. “It’s my favorite part of the library,” said Daniel Oswald, a junior
aerospace major. The reference desk on the first floor is also another helpful resource for students, with staff available to assist in finding and citing sources. Twenty-our thousand students used this service in the last year alone. The tech service desk is staffed with people to help with formatting laptops, and it offers services such as poster printing and lamination work. For students who struggle with their writing, the University Writing Center is the place to go. “The Center is to help students hone their writing skills. It offers graduate assistance, students helping students,” Keene said. The library is used by a vast number of people, with 30,000 students visiting per week last semester. The website was visited more than one million times in the past two semesters, and 9.4 million pages were printed in the computer labs. Printing has been offered for free in the past, a service that may or may not be continued for free in the future. “It’s just too up-in-the-air at this time,” Keene said. Free laptop access is also avail-
able. Students may check out a laptop for four-hour increments, and they may take them anywhere on campus, from classrooms to dorms. Job opportunities also exist in the facility. More than 200 student workers were employed at the library last year, a mixture of work-study, scholarship recipients and regular hires. “There’s a lot of kids that have library experience, but we also have graphic designers in the Digital Media Studio, computer science students for the tech department. We couldn’t do it without our students,” Keene said. Library hours were extended last semester, a change made by the new dean, Bonnie J. Allen, at the request of students. “Our tagline for the year is ‘Dedicated to Student Success’,” Keene said. “We’ve always been that way, but now were saying it out loud. We’re totally dedicated to students and want to help them succeed.” Maime Nash can be reached via email at news@mtsusidelines.com. Tweet her @Sidelines_News.
THE FACTS -More than 400 computers are in the library. -More than 30,000 students visit the library per week. -More than 9.4 million pages were printed last year. -The library employs 200 student workers.
TIMES TO VISIT Mondays - Thursdays 7 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fridays 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays 1 p.m. - 2 a.m.
SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 3
NEWS
Photos by bailey robbins and emily west.
Student Union commons now open for events
By Sinclaire Sparkman // Assistant News Editor
4 SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
The grassy area in front of the Student Union building is now available for student activities and events. With the opening of the Student Union Commons, events on the Keathley University Center Knoll are now limited to informational and promotional tabling. Loud music and large events that block the sidewalk are no longer allowed. Many students have felt hindered in their trek from one side of campus to the other by the traffic that builds at the Knoll during large events. “The Student Union was built with the mindset that most outdoor student activities would take place in front of this building, known as the Commons,” said Danny Kelley, assistant vice president of student affairs. “This space is much more conducive to outdoor events with a more expansive lawn for students to gather on during events. This was not the case with the KUC Knoll, which often created challenges with keeping the sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic.” Although some student leaders are concerned that their events will not be as successful because of the move to the side of campus with less traffic, freshmen have been encouraged to use the Student Union building. “Making the move to the Commons will be an excit-
NEWS ing change because it is an open space for students to do various activities. It’s a beautiful lawn, and there will be plenty of traffic coming in and out of the Student Union,” said James Lee, president of the Student Government Association. Combined with the new parking garage by the Recreation Center, this will cause a “natural shift” in the flow of student traffic around campus, according to Jackie Victory, director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. Amplified sound up to 75 decibels will be allowed on the Commons during the week, as agreed by the deans of the Honors College and the College of Education. Events involving live bands or anything louder than 75 decibels will have to take place in front of the Recre-
ation Center or during the weekends from Fridays at 3 p.m. until Sunday evening. “Events such as yard parties, dunk tanks, fairs, et cetera, will not be allowed on the KUC Knoll. These events will need to move to the SU Commons,” said Cynthia Stone, student unions facilities director. Students who want to reserve space on the Commons should submit a Use of Facilities Form to Cynthia Stone in the Student Union. Additionally, if amplified sound will be used an Amplified Sound Form must also be submitted. Sinclaire Sparkman can be reached via email at commnews@mtstusidelines. com. Follow her on Twitter@Sidelines_News.
CRIME BRIEFS
TRAFFIC E. Main St. Aug. 22, 11:52 p.m. Authorities issued Christopher L. Duncanson, 22, a state citation for driving on a suspended license and failure to yield. TRAFFIC Greek Row Aug. 21, 1:18 p.m. A complainant reported that her vehicle was struck while parked on campus. WARRANT MTSU Police Department Aug. 20, 5:56 p.m. Authorities arrested Jonathan Radley, 21, for active warrants.
THEFT Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building Aug. 20, 10:21 a.m. A complainant reported that food was stolen. TRAFFIC Off Campus Aug. 18, 2:46 a.m. Authorities issued Mark P. Brothers, 47, a state citation for registration and light law violations. ALCOHOL MTSU Campus Aug. 17, 2:46 a.m. Authorities arrested Hunter B. Fann, 23, for driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia.
SIDELINES GENERAL INTERESTS MEETING WHEN: September 5 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Mass Comm Building Room 101 We are looking for writers, photographers and students involved in social media. No prior experience is required. SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 5
FEATURES
RAISING AWARENESS FOR VETERANS ONE SIP AT A TIME
REVEILLE JOE
Matthew O’Dell
However, treating customers with coffee addictions and scrumptious scones is only a cover for the 29-year-old vetSherwine Lucien eran of the war in Afghanistan. Contributing writer O’Dell’s mission is to help men and women just like him, Sandwiched between taller war veterans affected by their brick offices of gift store and service. a law office in downtown “My dream was not coffee. Murfreesboro is a coffee shop, It is the mission that this place diminutive by comparison to allows me to pursue,” he said. its neighbors, but with a big In 2008 after a deployment, mission. O’Dell struggled with postMatthew O’Dell is the owner traumatic stress disorder while of Reveille Joe, a coffee joint he was at home. filled with artwork, oversized “Things were so hard for me red bean bag chairs and couch- when I got back,” the veteran es deep enough to sink into said, rubbing his blond goatee. comfortably. “I didn’t leave my house for A chalkboard sign perched two weeks. I was so depressed. on the cracked Murfreesboro I couldn’t eat. I ate maybe square sidewalk announces the crackers during the day. There day’s special and sometimes a was nobody around that I could pithy quote. talk to. I reached the lowest
6 SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
point of my life.” His hazel eyes are intense as he explained that darkness completely engulfed him. He struggled during that time with living and whether he should take his own life. He knows risks exist if PTSD is not treated or managed. “You learn to adapt to your surroundings in an attempt to live life as full as possible,” he said. He points to the decorated red and black tattoo sleeve on his arm. One reads “must not sleep, must warn others.” The tattoo is a reminder not to be apathetic or complacent. In December 2012, O’Dell moved to Murfreesboro after his last tour in Afghanistan to be closer to family. His move to Murfreesboro marked his 57th move since his childhood. He
would have previously called Lincoln County, Ky., his home. When O’Dell came up with the idea of a coffee shop, he wanted the name to reflect his passion for helping other veterans. He married “reveille,” a French word that means to wake up and Joe, as in “joe,” a slang term for coffee, but also for his late grandfather. His grandfather was a big Folgers coffee drinker, and they often shared cups together. His grandfather, Joe Padgett, was a veteran, who served in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. “He wasn’t the most decorated Marine. He didn’t charge a hill, but what he did was lead a life that was honorable,” O’Dell said as he leaned closer to compensate for the cacophonous sound of the coffee bean
“My dream was not coffee. It is the mission that this place allows me to pursue.”
Matthew O’Dell
FEATURES grinder. “He was always giving. He was always focused on the people around him.” O’Dell is emulating his grandfather’s mindset. The coffee shop serves as an avenue for a community of veterans and to raise awareness for the issues they face upon their return from war. “I want to wake up the people,” he said without hesitation. “Wake up the community to the issues at hand, and how to fix those issues.” O’Dell can relate to his grandfather as not only family, but as a fellow soldier. O’Dell enlisted at 19 and served eight years in the military. He said his grandfather held up the values of the Marines like honor, courage and commitment. “He passed in 2011,” the 29-year-old man said. “I miss him every day.” Now he said that home is where his coffee shop is. Murfreesboro has adopted him. O’Dell said he is only returning the kindness and help he received. He wants to help the
veterans of the community, whether it is through students, connecting them with counselors or with budgets and resumes. “Twenty-two veterans a day are dying — dying from suicide,” O’Dell said. “Not from car crashes, not from war, it’s from the inability to seek help, the inability to find people who care about them, the inability to find that there is hope out there.” O’Dell promotes some through social media, but he finds that the best way to pass the message about the purpose of his company is word of mouth. He spreads it by taking the time to connect with his customers and revealing his story. “I’m able to work with organizations like these: Not Alone, A Soldier’s Child and the Bravo Organization on MTSU’s campus,” he said. But keeping business alive and the coffee good is his first priority. He traveled across Tennessee in search of the best
coffee for Reveille Joe. His goal was to find a coffee bean distributor within 50 miles, and he decided upon a local company based in Franklin. He confessed that he has made some mistakes along the way, but other business owners downtown have taken him under their wings. Despite his missteps, he finds his rewards in the little things: his grandfather’s photo hanging on the back wall surrounded by the work of local artists, local talents taking the stage, friends sitting across the table from one another with a cup of Reveille Joe coffee. O’Dell explains his job isn’t about cups of coffee, but about
the lives he can touch, and perhaps, even save. He says it’s about stemming the loss of veterans to suicide by raising awareness of their needs through his work. His hand touches his chest, his eyes gleam and said, “it is my responsibility to wake” the men and women who served their country. What other assignment could a place named Reveille Joe have? Photos by Bailey Robbins and Matthew O’Dell.
ORDER NOW PIZZAHUT.COM
ORDERING ONLINE IS AS EASY AS CHANGING YOUR MAJOR…AGAIN.
$
®
8
LARGE 1-TOPPING PIZZA
No coupon required, just valid College Student ID. Offer Expires 12/31/13
528
Dine-In • Delivery • Carryout
1112 Mercury Blvd. • 615-896-0657 Add Breadsticks & 2-Liter
5
$
$
Delivery & Carryout only. Upgrade Breadsticks to Cheesesticks for $1 more.
553
Expires 12/31/13
TN-0000921553
16
5 Breadsticks + 2-Liter
Pizza & Wings Large Pizza, Up to 3 Different Toppings + Order of 8 Bone-Out WingStreet Wings ®
$1 more for Bone-In & Traditional Wings. Additional charge for Stuffed Crust, Specialty or Super Premium Pizzas.
Expires 12/31/13
Valid with other offers on this page. Prices, participation, delivery areas and charges, and minimum purchase requirements for delivery may vary. Cash value 1/20¢.
One coupon per order. Not valid with other offers or promotional pizzas. Additional charge for extra cheese and duplicate toppings. Wing types and flavors vary by location. Additional charge for Bone-In or Traditional Wings. Delivery areas and charges may vary. Cash value 1/20¢.
©2013 Pizza Hut, Inc.
©2013 Pizza Hut, Inc.
MIDDLETENN/7.46x8
MIDDLETENN/7.46x8
TN-0000919574
SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 7
519
COVER STORY A W NE A
W E N
A YE
R
P At hot hl os et b ic y s B C re om tt m Tur un n ic er at an io d ns M
T
A
NE W
ST
AR T
E NC RE
E NF CO
Hello, Conference USA By Sam Brown // Sports Editor Since 2000, Middle Tennessee Athletics has competed in the Sun Belt conference, but after 13 years, and a final cold shoulder last bowl season, the Blue Raiders have taken their talents to Conference USA. The move to C-USA brings new opportunities to Middle Tennessee. C-USA boasts a better postseason representation than the Sun Belt in all sports, especially in basketball and football, which typically receives more attention and national media coverage when the postseason rolls around. It will boost revenue significantly ––––— a fact MT Athletic Director Chris Massaro is not shy about discussing. The new deal could mean $600,000 more for MT in just its first year. “It’s a better TV contract, and there’s a better basketball history and bowl history, so things that would drive conference rev8 SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
enues that Conference USA has been better at,” Massaro said. Previously, MT was only able to budget between $30,000 and $40,000 for its year-end distribution. However, new members of C-USA will start to see six digits. According to Massaro, C-USA estimates the average distribution to be about $650,000 to $675,000. Exposure is harder to quantify than dollar amounts. The Sun Belt broadcasted 18 national and regionals games last season. C-USA boasted a number closer to 80 broadcasts.
we did,” Kilgore said. For MT, the move to C-USA offers much more than just a better chance for more sports to compete in postseason play. The conference will now broadcast on CBS and the recently launched Fox Sports 1 network. “Just that kind of exposure helps your recruiting,” Massaro said. “It helps your corporate sponsorships. It gives you an awareness with your fans. You’re more prominent in the newspapers. You’re more prominent on the Internet Better chance at a bowl because it’s just perceived as a better brand.” More online prominence Not getting a chance at a aids coaches in presenting their bowl game last year did not sit well with MT starting quarter- school’s name to attract young athletes considering collegiate back, Logan Kilgore. sports. After finishing 8-4 in footFootball Coach Rick Stockball, bowl committees snubbed still knows the value of such MTSU. extensive coverage. The Sun Belt reportedly “Obviously, the more you’re pushed for 7-5 Western Kenon TV, the more national expotucky as the final conference bid despite Blue Raiders had a sure you get, so you’ll be able to get better re“I think the depth of the league, top in more cord and to bottom, is going to be better.” homes,” beat the Stock–Kermit Davis Hilltopstill said. pers at “More high school kids will home. be able to watch us play on “In Conference USA, any Saturday afternoons and Sateight-win team is playing the urday nights, so as we expand postseason, and to have an eight-win season and not be in in to Florida and Alabama and the postseason is a heartbreak, Georgia — the states that we’re and it’s inexcusable. So we had recruiting — I think it would to get out of there, and I’m glad give us a chance to showcase
COVER STORY our product a little bit more to kids that might not have had the chance to see us when we were in the Sun Belt.”
TV deal brings exposure The fan popular Lady Raiders baksetball teams also supports the move. When senior forward Ebony Rowe was visiting New
York during the summer, she was spotted in the crowd of the “Today Show” sporting the school’s colors and cheering, “Go Blue Raiders.” “The fan support has been amazing,” Rowe said. “The fans are really making the move with us, which I think just makes everything ten times better and more special.” The exposure in C-USA that the basketball programs are expected to receive provides a better opportunity for the teams’ talent to be showcased. “This Fox [Sports] 1 Network is a huge deal. I don’t think that we’ll really see the effects until everyone’s gone through a year and watched all these games on TV,” said Kermit Davis, men’s basketball coach. Though the added exposure is a perk, Davis is more concerned with the overall depth and competition of a new conference. “I think the depth of the league, top to bottom, is going to be better,” Davis said. “I think the homecourt advantages throughout the league are going to be better, tougher places to play as far as crowds, and I think that the TV exposure Senior Lady Raider Ebony Rowe Photo courtesy of MT Athletic Communications
that the league will give us over a period of time.”
THE COMPETITION Marshall
Hosting tournament
Aside from basketball and Old Dominon football, MT will have the opportunity to host the conference volleyball tournament East Carolina Nov. 21-24. “I think it’s a nice feather Charlotte in our cap that a new school is hosting the conference tournament for the first time,” said Alabama-Birmingham Matt Peck, volleyball head coach. Peck is entering his 10th Florida Atlantic season with the Blue Raiders and is the winningest coach in school history. Florida International “I think that the conference probably looked at the fact that we have hosted the Sun Tulane Belt Tournament twice,” Peck said. “We have the highest RPI ever of both conferences, Southern Mississippi both Sun Belt and Conference USA, six consecutive trips, until last year, to the NCAA Louisana Tech tournament. “I think they kind of did the math and realized that OK, Rice if Middle hosts it, there is a good chance they might make the finals, which means there Tulsa will be a good crowd here.” Sam Brown can be reached via email at sports@mtsusidelines.com. Follow him on Twitter @sidelines_sports.
Northern Texas UTSA UTEP
SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
2013
Live
on the
green: a survival guide By Lauren Mandrell Assistant A&E Editor
around alone and always be aware of your surroundings.
For music lovers, the end of summer is anticipated by the return of the Live On The Green concert series at Public Square Park. Nearly 15,000 people attend a single concert, so the question has been raised, “How can I survive this concert series?”
Loads of police are at these concerts, so don’t do anything stupid for them to single you out. No one wants to deal with that when they’re trying to have a good time.
Food trucks are always open to satisfy your cravings. Bring cash because not every vendor takes a debit or credit card. You can’t eat food like this in Murfreesboro.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.
friend, but that everyone is there to have a good time, so let them. But most importantly, enjoy the free music. Lauren Mandrell can be reached at asstae_online@ mtsusidelines.com. Follow her on Twitter @A&E_Sidelines.
You are watching three different musicians at the show. Mostly, just be smart at the concerts. Remember that Chances are you don’t want to stand the whole time. Don’t strangers aren’t always your
10 SIDELINES | August 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Local Natives
St. Paul & the Broken Bones
Leagues
Joe Robinson
Lulu Mae
sept. 12
Many types of people will attend these three remaining shows, which means sketchy people will, too. Do not walk
Robert Randolph & the Family Band
sept. 5
REMAINING LINEUP >> >> >>
aug. 29
With any concert, people fear having their belongings lost or stolen. Don’t bring huge purses or backpacks to these concerts because you will be worrying about them the whole show. Guys, be kind and hold your friend’s or girlfriend’s stuff in your pockets – they’re deep for a reason.
forget a blanket or lawn chair. You will want a place to sit eventually.
Moon Taxi The Weeks The Wild Feathers
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Orange is the New Black” gives a behind the bars glance By Claire Osburn A&E Editor As a long-time fan of writer/producer Jenji Kohan, I eagerly awaited the arrival of her latest Netflix original series from the moment I saw the first preview. After devouring all 13 episodes of “Orange is the New Black” in the three days following its July release, what I had found was a delightfully quirky show that combines prison life, discovering oneself and the humanness of us all. Based on the memoir “Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison,” by Piper Kerman, the series follows Piper Chapman, a straight-laced, thirty-something who’s indicted for a 10-year-old drug trafficking crime and sentenced to 15 months in the Litchfield, N.Y. federal correctional facility. Part of what makes OITNB so brilliant — it has already been renewed for a second season and is Netflix’s most successful original series to date — are the characters, whose banter and relationships serve as the lifeblood of the series. Piper’s fiance, Larry Bloom, struggles to find his place in her new life behind bars, while her ex-girlfriend
The line-up
“Pornstache,” a corrupt correctional officer hellbent on sneaking in contraband and harassing the inmates. Kohan dips into her lucrative “Weeds” pool once again with Michael Harney, who plays Sam Healy, a sweet, but sad, correctional officer and social worker assigned to Piper’s case. OITNB succeeds because it gives its characters room to grow, delving into their pasts that landed them in prison. The dialogue is well written and Photo courtesy of Facebook. refreshingly realistic. Even the series opener is done in and former employer, Alex Vause, true Kohan-esque fashion, featuring serves time alongside her. various shots of inmates’ lips and Then there’s “Red,” Litchfield’s eyes, accompanied by Regina Speno-nonsense, Russian matriarch and head chef, “Crazy-Eyes,” who dubbed ktor’s “You’ve Got Time.” Indie art at its finest. Piper her prison wife, and Sophia, a Toward the end of the series, cortransgendered inmate, who styles hair rectional officer Susan Fischer muses in exchange for prison commissary to Piper that everyone makes mistakes goodies. and even she could be in prison Natasha Lyonne takes the face of The only difference is she didn’t former drug addict and lesbian Nicky. get caught, which perfectly captures She is one of the best performers of the underlying theme of the show: the series, followed closely by Taryn Manning, who plays “Pennastucky,” humanity. a former meth addict turned religious anti-abortion activist and Piper’s arch- Claire Osburn can be reached at enemy.” ae@mtsusidelines.com. Follow her on Pablo Schreiber delights and Twitter @A&E_Sidelines. disgusts as one of the few male leads in this female-dominated series as
“Red” Kate Mulgrew, “Mercy” Piper Chapman Taylor Schilling, “The Lucky One” Larry Bloom Jason Biggs, “American Pie” Alex Vause Laura Prepon, “That 70’s Show” “Crazy-Eyes” Uzo Aduba, “Blue Bloods” Sophia Laverne Cox, “Bored to Death” Nicky Natasha Lyonne,“American Pie” “Pennsatucky” Taryn Manning,“Sons of Anarchy” “Pornstache” Pablo Schreiber,“Weeds” Susan Fischer Lauren Lapkus, “Are You There, Chelsea?”
SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 11
THE BODY BOUTIQUE
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT New adult store seeks to take stigma out of sex shops
By opening The Body Boutique in a By Noel Heath Assistant A&E Editor populated, safe area, Baldwin hoped
to take the discomfort out of buying sexually intimate products. Among the many locally “You should be able to trust your owned restaurants and partner and be open to whatever you shops along Murfreestwo decide,” she said. boro’s Public Square The response from surrounding is a new adult novelty store local businesses and clientele has aptly named The Body been more positive, and business has Boutique. boomed since opening day. Baldwin Owner Sarah Baldwin never expected to hit a break-even opened up the store at 123 point within the first six months, S. Church St., June 28 so she was surprised to come close intending to take the within this year. stigma out of intimacy Despite rumors of neighboring by offering local couples businesses being displeased with the and singles an outlet to arrival of a sex store, Baldwin said purchase adult novelties in a comfortable, nonjudgmental setting. “Most shops like this make people feel uncomfortable,” she said. “They’re placed at the edge of town where people are afraid to visit them.”
12 SIDELINES | August 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
everyone on the square welcomed her through gifts and thanks for the attention her shop has brought to the area. “I think people were afraid of what the store was going to be, and they’re realizing it’s not what they thought,” she said. “I don’t have porn.” The shop is classified in the same business zone as retail establishments such as Victoria’s Secret and Spencer’s. Anything slightly resembling pornographic material is respectfully covered, and potentially more offensive merchandise is located toward the back of the store. Baldwin has placed curtains on the front windows to respect younger and more conservative pedestrians’ eyes, though the law does not require them for her type of establishment. “I chose to put them up because children do walk by here. They don’t need to see that,” she said. “I’ve got two grandchildren. Do I want them coming in and playing with dildos? No.” Focusing on adult toys and intimate items for couples, the shop carries everything from racy costumes and gifts to sex swings and vibrating toys. Baldwin believes “sex between two people should be consensual, trusting and fun.”
“I’m not a big bad person. I just like
sex.”
With more than 23 years of experience in the medical field and a held position as manager of a primary care office, Baldwin advocates safety and education in sexual activity. She is eager to answer any questions or concerns her customers have. “I have a background, and I feel like people need to be educated and need to feel comfortable,” she said. “That’s why I opened this kind of store.” Already carrying several supplements and vitamins, Baldwin plans to add natural health and beauty products to her selection of merchandise and keep in line with the values of other local businesses to put personal wellness first. An avid believer in community, Baldwin also plans on hosting a different event once a month to support a community member with their individual skill or venture. The store is hosting a “Sexy Pampered Chef” party Aug. 28 where customers can sample various desserts. Similar to many entrepreneurs, she had a dream and successfully brought it to life. Baldwin’s daughter will become co-owner of The Body Boutique when she turns eighteen in next few months. While many may think that is unconventional, Baldwin considers it both a learning experience in the world of business and as promoting safe and healthy relationships. “I’m not a big bad person. I just like sex,” she said. Noel Heath can be reached via email at asstae@mtsusidelines.com. Follow her on Twitter @AE_Sidelines.
SPORTS
MT Grid Iron 2013 Preview By Jordan Mayton Staff writer
receiver Tavarres Jefferson, who took a medical redshirt last year after an injury in the season opener against McNeese State. It is a new year, a new conference Center Micah James, running back and a new team for Middle Tennessee Benny Cunningham and wide receivFootball. er Anthony Amos are major losses After what many believed was from last year. Despite losses, offena snub by the bowl committee in sive coordinator Buster Faulkner still December and a jump from the Sun thinks the team is a step up from last Belt Conference to a reconstructed year’s offense. Conference-USA this offseason, the “We have four starters up-front past eight months have been eventful coming back, and that’s where it all to say the least. starts,” Faulkner said. “I think the Head football coach Rick Stocknumber one thing is that we’ll be still is optimistic about the upcoming deeper at the skill positions.” season. The offensive line is arguably the “This is an exciting time for all strongest cog of the Blue Raider ofcollege fans, coaches, players across fense, returning with starters Isaiah the nation, but it’s an especially excitAnderson, Jaderius Hamlin, Darius ing time for us in getting this season Johnson and NFL-prospect Josh started,” Stockstill said. “It’s a great Walker. Nick Nunez is slated to start opportunity for us to be in [Conference-USA]. It’s also a great challenge at the center position left vacant by new Atlanta Falcon James. with the new teams we play.” MT’s running back depth has With a slew of talented opponents hardly shifted because of returning on the schedule, Stockstill wants to starter Jordan Parker. The sophomore focus one game at a time. out of Norcross, Ga., led the team in “Our main focus is Western rushing as true freshman. Carolina,” Stockstill said. “I know it’s Behind Parker in the backfield is coaching cliché. I know it’s just coach redshirt-junior Reggie Whatley, who talk, but these next 29 practices will be doubles as the team’s return man focused solely on Western Carolina. where he earned Preseason All-ConI think the [Conference-USA oppoference-USA honors. nents] will take care of themselves by Smyrna native Jeremiah Bryson, the time we get to them.” senior William Pratcher and true The Blue Raiders return nine starters to an explosive offense, as well as continued on page 15...
The Blue Raiders have prepared for weeks for the first game on Thursday. Photo by Kyle Bates.
TN-0000926274
SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13
OPINIONS Snowden and Asange in the new ‘cult of personality’
We’re living in a brave new world. Leaking top-secret government information has become commonplace and national governments struggle to keep up with the “whistleblowers.” Leakers like Edward Snowden represent a new social class of techsavvy individuals who are able to threaten government entities. Snowden and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange are now international criminals who dominate the news. The name Snowden conjures up a number of divergent images. Since he leaked mass-surveillance programs, he has been called both a hero and a traitor. Snowden acted patriotically and in the interest of the public, and I feel the same way about Assange. They have challenged us to take every ounce of information carefully. The public has finally woken up to the grim realities that they have actually known all along. That’s right: the information from Snowden’s leaks was known about in 2006. Knowledge of the National Security Agency’s data-garnering scandal is actually seven years old. A story that appeared in USA Today in May 2006 outlined how the NSA had been collecting phone call records of tens of millions of Americans in the “largest database ever assembled in the world.” However, I do think a layer of danger exists to his actions, which most seem to ignore. The thing about Assange and Snowden is they appear to be selfstyled gatekeepers of information. Even if their actions were totally justifiable, the world can’t afford a trend of divulging secrets whenever someone with access to sensitive material begins to feel sanctimo-
Where we are almost 50 years later
Quint Qualls
nious. What people like Snowden and Assange have done amounts to an international incident if the level of high-echelon concern is an indicator. Whatever value the leaks held, whatever political corruption they revealed, the undeniable truth is that Snowden and Assange now have a cult of personality surrounding them. They have the ability to shape foreign and domestic policy of some of the world’s most powerful nations, but they are accountable to no one. It’s time to move beyond the individuals themselves. Instead of watching coverage of Snowden and Assange on the news each day and having an aneurism because George Orwell was right all along, people should get involved. Most of the people in power and primary policy makers are only there because they were elected. Sulking silently doesn’t accomplish anything. Quint Qualls is the opinions editor. He can be reached at opinions@ mtsusidelines. Tweet him @ QuintQualls.
14 SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Last week, I walked up the creaky wooden steps into an antique store in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. I looked down to find two large blue books coated in a thin layer of dust. I leaned down to pick one up and saw the word “Midlander” inscribed on the front. The Midlander used to be MTSU’s yearbook. Because it was the 1967 edition, I thought my dad might be in it. Yes, if you do the math that means my father is 66. Forty-six years ago he was a sophomore in college, and I found my dad at the back of the annual with the rest of the “Ws.” I bought the book for $5 and laughed with him once I got home. We flipped through the thick-paged yearbook to see how campus has evolved. Throughout the pages, I stumbled across Sidelines. The newspaper had its own two-page spread. The message the yearbook staff shared was that the newspaper was making changes. Apparently, the paper reached a new level in innovation with “new and varied headline types and a catchy new name plate.” I can laugh at that now. I can scroll down through hundreds of fonts on InDesign and choose one with the click of a button. Our designers and graphic artists can work for a few hours and make a new nameplate through various Adobe programs. We don’t have the problems the 1967 staff did. In fact, we have completely new obstacles. Journalism is changing rapidly. The staff and I are trying to best accommodate you as readers. In doing so, we are moving to a more digital friendly website where you can watch videos and view photo galleries. We want you to be involved in our conversations on Facebook, and we will be tweeting from various locations on campus and throughout the
Emily West
community from our four Twitter accounts. We want you to pick up our printed product. We are moving our racks around campus, so you can better find us on your way to class or the library. We want you to be informed of what is going on. You deserve to know. Our editorial board has 17 members. This campus has 26,000 people. If you know something we don’t, share it with us. We want to serve our readers the best we can — I want to ensure that we will be a truthful and honest. This editorial board takes their jobs seriously. They are talented, sharp, intelligent and creative. We will be dedicated to delivering unbiased news. We want to engage you in our storytelling. We want you to know your student body and your university’s issues. The Midlander’s 1967 message ended on this note: “Sidelines has a long way to go before it can truly claim to be ‘the voice of the university’ but progress is being made in the right direction.” I didn’t know what direction I was going when I arrived on campus in 2011. But with persistence and enthusiasm for writ-
continued on page 15...
JUMP continued from page 14...
them are juniors Devin Clarke and Chris Perkins. ing, I landed a staff writer job my first The two junior college standouts semester here. The following spring, I were the only early enrollees for the was the only freshman on our editorial Blue Raiders. board. Fast-forward to 2013, and I am “We’re just deeper,” Faulkner said. a third-year student in charge of this “We’re deep in the backfield, deep at newspaper. tight end, more so than we were last I would be nowhere without the two year. We’ve just got more depth as we editors before me. Because of them, I sit here today.” know Sidelines is headed in the right These weapons give senior quarterdirection. back Logan Kilgore an opportunity to We have come a long way in 46 lead the Blue Raiders to a promising years. We can have a louder voice than inaugural season in C-USA. Because anyone before us. The 2013 staff has of the unfamiliar opponents, the advantages of convergence, and we senior from Rocklin, Ca., has already have a bond across student media that been preparing. has never existed before now. “I think every team has a new This is the year that we, as student identity, and it’s just a matter of game media, become a louder voice, and we planning and executing what we draw hope it is one you choose to trust. up in practice,” Kilgore said. Kilgore is on pace to break the Emily West is the editor-in-chief. She all-time school records in both passcan be reached at editor@mtsusideing yards and touchdowns set by Wes lines.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Counts from 1998 through 2001. emwest22. “I don’t really think about stuff like that. I just try to improve every continued from page 13... day,” Kilgore said. “I try to be the freshmen Shane Tucker and Kamani best quarterback on this team and try Thomas round out the rest of the com- to put the team in the best position mittee. to win. I think all the records and acThe receiving corps may be even colades take care of themselves if we stronger, returning three starters from win games.” last season, while also signing junior On the other side of the ball, the college standouts. The depth chart has Blue Raiders return eight starters. MT Jacob Corbaley, Christian Collis, Mar- lost only three starters in defensive cus Henry, Tavarres Jefferson and Kyle tackle Kendall Dangerfield, safety Griswould all listed as starters. Behind Jajuan Harley, and defensive end
Omar McLendon. Even with these losses, the team remains stacked on defense. “Our biggest deal is consistency and emphasizing improvement on
the little things,” said Tyrone Nix, defensive coordinator. “I think if you’ll put your eyes in the right place, give tremendous effort, then we’ll have a chance to be successful
TN-0000925588
TN-0000925010
SIDELINES | Aug. 28, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15
MURFREESBORO’S
BEST
STUDENT HOUSING APPLY ONLINE TODAY
TN-0000925500
THE WOODS
UNIVERSITY GABLES
RAIDERS CROSSING
AN AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITY