Sidelines - Online 11/06/2013

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MTSU

SIDELINES

A LIFE AWAY FROM CAMPUS

11// 6// 2013 E D I T O R I A L LY INDEPENDENT

S T N E T N CO

3 NEWS 5 OPINIONS 6 FEATURES 8 COVER 10 SPORTS 12 A & E

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Emily West >> Editor-in-chief

Amanda Gambill >> Managing editor

Stacy Busch >> Online Editor

Chris Bishop >> Online Director

Mamie Nash >> News Editor

Sinclaire Sparkman >> Assistant News Editor Daniel Jansouzian >> Assistant News Editor Bailey Robbins >> Features Editor

Maranda Faris >> Assistant Features Editor

Claire Osburn >> A&E Editor

Noel Heath >> Assistant A&E Editor

Lauren Mandrell >> Assistant A&E Editor Sam Brown >> Sports Editor

Connor Grott >> Assistant Sports Editor Quint Qualls >> Opinions Editor Christine Craft >> Designer

Matt Masters >> Online Photo Editor Kyle Bates >> Print Photo Editor

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Leon Alligood >> Adviser

NEWS

Bullying

in Rutherford County Schools small compared to state level Rutherford County reported 44 cases of bullying in the Tennessee Department of Education’s first Bullying and Harassment Compliance Report released in October. This report was put into effect last year when the Tennessee General Assembly adopted Public Chapter 992, which requires a yearly report from the Department of Education on the number of bullying cases brought to the attention of school officials the previous year.

total. Rutherford had no cases pending when the state released the report. Three elements made up the main body of bullying are ag-

“Bullying is a specific type of harassment. In its true form, bullying is peer abuse.”

Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Rep. Charles Curtiss (D-Sparta) sponsored the antibullying legislation.

gressive behavior, a pattern of repeated behavior and actual or perceived imbalance of power or strength.

The state showed 7,555 bullying cases in the 2012-2013 school year, and 72.51 percent of those cases were confirmed as bullying after investigation.

Tennessee Local Education Agencies are now implementing initiatives to prevent bullying, according to the report.

Rutherford County reported three cases involving race, color or national origin, two cases involving sex or gender-based discrimination, two cases involving disability and five cases involving the use of electronic technology. These types of cases are examples of the type of bullying students experienced and contributed to the county’s

The report describes the difficulty in distinguishing peer conflict from peer abuse, which accounts for the large gap between reported and confirmed bullying cases. “With increased awareness of bullying comes increased –and at times, overuse – of the term ‘bullying.’ Continued education and training will aid students,

By Mamie Nash & Daniel Jansouzian // News editors

The U.S. Department of Education found 46 schools had antibullying laws in 2011.

staff, administrators and community members to accurately identify behavior as bullying, conflict, harassment or simple childish behavior,” the report read. MTSU students seem to believe bullying is something that happens on an elementary or high school level and not on a university level. Harassment appears to be the term used to describe bullying, and the university’s harassment policy is a good enough prevention measure, students said. “Bullying seems to be no real issue, probably because of the policies we have in place,” said Brandon Loso, senior liberal arts major and homecoming director. “Maybe more with social groups.” Caryria Davis, freshman fashion merchandising major, said bullying is probably not a problem in college because people are more mature than they were in high school and things do not bother them like they used to. “People reflect off of other people that they see and do what they do,” said Keiosha Wright, freshman computer information systems major. “So if people around them mature, they start to mature too.” According to the Department Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies, heightened visibility of the problem with

bullying has been created due to school shootings and highly visible suicides among children, linked to chronic bullying. The analysis showed that increased depression, substance abuse, aggressive impulses and school truancy are all long-term consequences associated with bullying, which have put pressure on the government to intervene. Key findings of the conducted case study, performed in order to assess the changes created by state and district bullying policies, showed that 46 states have bullying laws. Three out of those 46 prevent the behavior without defining it. Thirty-six states specifically address cyber bullying. Ahmed Boulad, freshman computer science major, said he has never personally experienced or witnessed bullying, but could see how it could carry on into college. “Probably why it is not seen as much in college is because everyone is here for the same purpose,” Boulad said. “[In high school] you’re forced to go, but in college you choose to go to learn.”

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NEWS Campus religious organizations show limited diversity By Alex Beecher // Contributing writer The religious organizations at Middle Tennessee State University have seen a drop in diversity this year due to the current cycle of student interests, according to the Leadership and Service department. Nineteen out of 30 students said they were Christian in an unscientific Sidelines poll taken in the Student Union building. Six out of 30 said they were not religious at all, while four considered themselves to simply be “spiritual.” One student out of the 30 was Muslim. Only two students polled were members of a religious organization on campus. They were both Christian. Those who were involved in a religious group were avid supporters and were happy to express the benefits of fellowship. “I love being with other people who share my values, especially in college,” said Bonnie McCabe, the president of MTSU Catholics. Most students who were not members of a religious group said the biggest factor in their lack of involvement was having a tight schedule. Many students live in Franklin or Nashville and go to work after a long day of classes. “When it’s a religious thing, I think it’s good because you can share interests, or ideas or beliefs with other people, and just being around people who agree with you is good … so it’s just support,” said Jude Smith, a member of an off-campus, non-denominational Christian organization called Eastgate Creative Christian Fellowship located in Donelson. (continued on page 16)

Same sex couples denied benefits due to state law By Cole Hodge // Contributing Writer Photo by Kyle Bates // Photo Editor The unversity’s discrimination policy strictly prohibits discrimination of any kind, ensuring equal opportunity for everyone, yet same-sex couples on faculty and staff still do not have the same benefits at Middle Tennessee State University as heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are barred from listing their spouses as dependents because Tennessee has yet to recognize same-sex marriage, and their marriage is void under state law. This is due to Article XI, section 18 in the Tennessee Constitution. Same-sex couples do not have the same legal benefits as married couples, and their marriage is not considered legal in most states. Tennessee is one of those states, and the issue resides with state legislature, which means MTSU must comply. “Middle Tennessee State University, as far as benefits are concerned, is a state of Tennessee agency, and benefits provided are done by the state of Tennessee as defined by the state plan document,” said Lisa Batey, director of MTSU’s benefits department. The State Plan document reads: “Article XI, Section 18 of the Tennessee Constitution provides that a marriage from another state that does not constitute the marriage of one man and one woman is ‘void and unenforceable in this state.’” “Until state legislature accepts them legally, there will be no policy at MTSU,” said Wendy Brown, a specialist in the university’s benefits department. While the university continues to support gay and lesbian students, same sex couples are still battling for the same rights that heterosexual couples have. (continued on page 16)

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opinions

Caitlin Salhany (XO) Andrea Segroves (ADPI) Liz Shaughnessy (XO) Jordan Smith (XO) Lyndsey Spurlock (ADPI) Tasha Storie (KD) Caitlyn Taylor (ADPI) Taylor Thompson (AXO) Tabitha Tucker (AXO) Miranda Villanueva (KD) Macy Vincent (AOPI) Madison Walley (ZTA) Amber Wade (ADPI) Shelby Wade (AOPI) Taylor Ward (KD) Chlow Wims (ZTA) Mary Whitnel (KD) Kayla Williams (ADPI) Joanna Wilson (AXO) Bethany Wolaver (AXO) Jessica Woodruff (XO) Caylor Wrinkle (ZTA)

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Christina Mahan (AXO) Tandra Martin (ADPI) Natalie McCleary (AOPI) Shelby Melton (KD) Samantha Mercer (ADPI) Anna Miles (XO) Chandler Miller (XO) Virginia Miller (ADPI) Sydni Miller (AOPI) Olivia Mitchell (AXO) Brooke Morrow (KD) Morgan Murphy (ADPI) Katherine Myers (ADPI) Kilee Nunez (ADPI) Macy Oldham (XO) Erika Ose (KD) Rachel Osteen (ADPI) Olivia Oversteet (AXO) Nola Pass (KD) Shannon Pelynio (ZTA) Kelley Peters (AOPI) Lindsey Pierce (ADPI) Kelsey Poore (AOPI) Kiersten Potts (ADPI) Karianne Prince (AXO) Samantha Pulido (KD) Zoe Rall (AXO) Jamia Richmond (ADPI) Emily Riddle (AOPI) Paige Roach (ADPI) Chasity Robbins (ADPI) Courtney Rodman (KD) Morgan Sager (ADPI)

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Lauren Foley (KD) Katherine Gaitley (ADPI) Hannah Gallivan (XO) Rachel Gallivan (XO) Faith Gallagther (AXO) Taylor Gray (XO) Ginny Hadley (ZTA) Sarah Hardison (ADPI) Allyson Harvy (ZTA) Sarah Hagood (ZTA) Laken Hibdon (ADPI) Hannah Holladay (ADPI) Leah Hollingsworth (XO) Meredith Holt (ADPI) Megan Hutson (XO) Whitney Hyder (AXO) Alyson Jackson (XO) Emily Rose Jacobsen (AXO) Ashley Johnson (AOPI) Cassandra Judkins (ADPI) Meagan Klein (ZTA) Kaitlyn Kelly (ADPI) Taylor Kelly (XO) Lindsey King (XO) Morgan King (AOPI) Lindsey Kneeland (XO) Kassidy Kominos (ADPI) Jessica Kubalak (XO) Carlee Lane (KD) Brittany Lee (KD) Lindsey Lewis (XO) Olivia Lovell (KD) Rachel Maddox (AXO)

“All you really need to know for the moment is that the Universe is a lot more complicated than you might think, even if you start from a position of thinking it’s pretty damn complicated in the first place,� Adams wrote.

1

Kristina Amsler (ZTA) Asia Bailey (AOPI) Kacie Barlow (AXO) Kelley Benson (AOPI) Regan Best (ADPI) Katherine Bibee (ADPI) Emily Bleuze (ZTA) Andrea Brink (AXO) Chandler Broadbent (AXO) Emily Brown (XO) Alana Burns (AOPI) Kelsi Carter (AXO) Chelsea Cates (AOPI) Cayla Clark (KD) Katie Clark (AOPI) Korby Clements (AOPI) Haley Cobb (AXO) Stacey Coker (AOPI) Kelsey Crumbaugh (KD) Abby Davis (XO) Taylor Debord (ADPI) Courtney Delay (ADPI) Kelsey Dempsey (ZTA) Aubrey Denton (ZTA) Desiree Destefano (ADPI) Destiny Destefano (ADPI) Ally Donnell (AXO) Katherine Driver (ADPI) Rachel Earthman (AOPI) Alisha Everette (ZTA) Brooke Faulkner (XO) Haley Ferrell (AOPI) Sarah Fitzpatrick (ADPI)

Yes, the world is a big, scary place, and often it just seems like too much to take in, but it’s not so bad. Just don’t panic and always know where your towel is.

atheism: the logical solution

If everyone was just nice to other people and didn’t kill or steal (which seems eerily familiar to the core teachings of Jesus Christ), I think the world would be a much more peaceful and verdant place. I think it’s possible to have a meaningful existence without blindly accepting a religious doctrine and going around killing people who think differently.

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Honestly, I don’t think it’s postally beyond the realm of reason. sible for anyone to have all of the answers to the big questions in Religion and spirituality are faithlife — least of all me. That’s what based and nothing more. makes me an atheist, I suppose. By Quint Qualls // There are very few absolute For me, the purpose of life isn’t truths in this world. Even gravity Opinions Editor happiness, success or truth. It is to is considered a “theory.� I think have a meaningful trip from start the problem arises when people “Isn’t it enough to see that a to finish and to actually feel ‘alive’ start thinking they have gained an garden is beautiful without having in the process. absolute understanding of the Unito believe that there are fairies at verse and then force it on others. the bottom of it too?� Douglas “The chances of finding out Adams wrote in “The Ultimate what’s really going on in the UniHitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.� verse are so remote, the only thing A lot of good elements exist with religions, though. Religion generto do is hang the sense of it and ally provides a moral code for keep yourself occupied,� Adams people who wouldn’t otherwise I think it’s plain to see that most wrote. have one. religious texts are filled with contradictions and conclusions people A lot of problems exist with modIt would just be nice if people acmade before science was really ern religions in their individual tually accepted religion for what it a ‘thing.’ I’m still a bit unsure capacities, but I think the biggest is: a reasonable way to live one’s of what to think about “life, the problem is a human one. People, life and not necessarily the outline Universe and everything,� but I especially educated people, try to of all that’s ever been and ever am fairly certain we haven’t quite use reason and logic to describe will be. figured it out yet. spirituality, something that’s to-

SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 5

FEATURES

Y

. . . t I y u B u o

You Break It By Natalie Shipley // Staff Writer Broken glass covers the floor, and it’s all my doing. When I take a step there’s a crunch of what is left of wine glasses, shot glasses and a Mason jar underneath my boot. I put the baseball bat back in the corner and breathe. This is no accident or even the consequence of alcohol induced clumsiness. This is Make A Break, a new business in Murfreesboro, dedicated to breaking things on purpose. Proponents say it’s a great stress reliever and a thrill fix. “Make A Break is a business for people who may be seeing red,” said Bryan Lavender, the owner of the unique store at 730 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Lavender, 29, is a 2009 MTSU graduate with a degree in business administration. The dream of owning his own business became a reality when he opened Make A Break in September. The business is not located in an abandoned warehouse, like you might think. Instead it’s in a strip mall with low-key businesses, 6 SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com

New Local Business in Murfreesboro

such as an insurance company and oriental restaurant supply store nearby. “It’s not the most ideal location, but we like the industrial feel to it,” Lavender said. Building to break Lavender was introduced to the breaking business when he watched a news special featuring Sarah’s Smash Shack, a business in San Diego, Calif. “I watched video after video on the business and interviews with the owner, Sarah,” Lavender said. “I learned as much as I could.” Although he grew up and works full time in Nashville, he decided to bring the business to the university’s town. “Murfreesboro is home to 26,000 students that are always ready to experience new things. Students who are wanting to get away from the stress of school end up going to the bars, and you can only go to the bars so much,” he said, confident of his decision. Lavender was aware of the struggles he would face when putting his business plans into action. Unfortunately, his original inspiration of Sarah’s Smash Shack closed its doors in 2009. So, Lavender extended his research by contacting another business, Anger Room, located in Dallas, Texas. “Finding insurance probably took the longest amount of time, and, ironically, the company that

insures Anger Room was able to insure us as well,” he said. Lavender has not faced any challenge alone. A close-knit group of friends makes up the staff. Aubrie, Lavender’s wife, is his biggest supporter. Her reaction to his extreme business idea was positive

“Make A Break is a buisness for people who may see red.”

“My wife said, ‘Let’s do it, let’s establish this business before we start a family,’” said Lavender with a smile. Though it specializes in destruction, Make A Break is an environmentally friendly business. “Everything here is recyclable, even down to our business cards,” Lavender said. All the glass and cardboard that the breakables are stored in is taken to a recycling bin located right outside the door. “We might be destroying stuff, yes, but we aren’t creating waste,” Lavender said, adding Make A Break’s green style of business is a top priority. Smash it Make A Break customers range from stressed out, 9-to-5 employees to curious college students. To participate, an accident waiver and release of liability form must be read and signed by all customers. The form states all participants may not be under the influence of any substance. All participants must be 18 or older with identification. However, 16

HOURS: Monday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday: Noon-11 p.m. Address: 730 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Unit 4

Phone: (615) 521-9230 EMAIL: smashboro@gmail.com Facebook.com/makabreakllc

FEATURES or 17 year olds may participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Then, before the fun can begin, participants suit up. The navy blue suits hanging along a wall may remind some of what Michael Meyers closet might possibly look like. Vibrant colored masks displayed on a shelf behind the counter is Make A Break’s way of adding a unique and fun look to prevent injuries. Customers have the choice to break glass with an extreme disguise. “The masks were ordered from a company in Thailand. We were able to choose the designs we liked best. The most popular mask seems to be the Death Star mask which resembles the U.S. troops,� Lavender said proudly. Suited up customers then enter a room especially designed for destruction — ironically named the “break room� — and gone are the visions of the strip mall version of Make A Break from the mind. The plywood stage and large sheets of metal covering the wall behind the stage resemble the abandoned warehouse originally imagined. A window gives spectators a safe way to watch and to take pictures of the chaos unfolding on the other side of the wall. Lavender’s movements were calm and unaffected, because to him, breaking glass is just another day

at the office. Amanda Curran, an employee and close friend of Lavender, pushes a metal cart into the room displaying the assortment of shiny glassware customers will soon reduce into a million tiny pieces. Both rooms have a stereo with the option to connect a smartphone or iPod to heighten the glass smashing experience. Hint: select Rage Against the Machine. Five different packages ranging of glassware provide options for the individual on the way home from work or for the whole office to come in and take a break, such as “Ladies Night,� which includes two wine, three daiquiri and five shot glasses. Prices range from $10 to $30. Naturally, Make A Break has experienced mixed reviews from the community. “People said I was crazy and would be closed in a couple of months,� Lavender said. “But, on the flipside we had people who were so positive about the business. I would say feedback was 40 percent negative and 60 percent positive.�

“People said I was crazy and would be closed in a few months. But, on the flipside we had people who were so positive about the business. I would say feedback was 40 percent negative and 60 percent positive.�

Customers may begin with nervousness as they throw a shot glass against the metal wall. By the second throw, that feeling subsides and confidence grows. Grab a golf club or a baseball bat and quickly begin to stress break away.

Â

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COVER

A Life Away from Campus living simply but purposefully

By Bailey Robbins >> Features Editor

A few years ago, Johnny Ruhl sat in the quad for a couple hours before a single person would approach him. Like he does now, he toted a bag that read, “If you have any questions about Christianity, please ask.” Today, he never sits alone. “Now, people go by, and they’ll see that there is always somebody there,” he said smiling softly as his silver beard hugged the shape of his face. “I’m sure most of the campus still thinks that I’m a homeless guy that sits out in front of the library, but of those who pay attention, I think very few of them think that. It took a while, once there were students there, it gave permission to come and talk.” He didn’t just stumble upon the university, and sit down in the quad. In the late 60s, Ruhl was a student of animal science before switching to sociology. By 1970, he dropped out as a junior. Though, he has had many experiences since leaving, Ruhl still considers the campus to be the beginning of his life expedition.

The journey of living simply About 40 years ago, Ruhl’s father purchased 223 acres of land for $79 each. Though a significant chunk of it has been sold now, Ruhl still lives off the land as modestly and mindfully as he did then. Somewhere between Woodbury and Murfreesboro, Ruhl whittles away at a piece of wood near the foot of his gravel driveway. It’s an unfamiliar setting to those who know him from sitting in the quad. Here, he resides atop a wooded hill where there is no sound of students walking briskly to class or bikes zipping by, just the sound of trees swaying in the gentle breeze. “I can find people, that’s not a problem,” he said softly. “I can find pavement. I can find cities. It’s finding quiet that’s a lot harder. So, I would rather live in the quiet and have to search for people than live in the city and be searching for quiet.” Aside from the symphony of crickets and the occasional croak of a frog, Ruhl’s home remains relatively quiet. He lives there without electricity, computers, television sets or cellphones. He heats his home with a fireplace and illuminates dark rooms by flashlight or candlelight. The telephone is the only other link to Ruhl, but it is about a quarter mile from his home inside of an old barn he built. “I come down here every morning between 6:30 and 7:00,” he said facing the wooden building. “This is my connection to the outside world.”

The trek Though he doesn’t connect with the world electronically, he still connects with it physically. By the age of 18, Ruhl had lived 16 different places. His father was in the Army, so he and his three siblings had to grow accustom to making new friends and adapting to different cultures. “Living in so many cultures and having to always be the stranger certainly somehow affected me,” he said thoughtfully. “I tell people you don’t become

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COVER

“So I wasn’t looking for Christianity when I found it.”

a strange adult without being a strange child. I didn’t understand people.” Ruhl lived through the 60s and 70s when understanding people’s motives and learning to harmonize with others was significant. During that time, President John

“I’m sure most of the campus still thinks that I’m a homeless guy that sits out in front of the library ...”

F. Kennedy had been assassinated, President Richard Nixon had lied and the National Guard killed Kent State University protesters. Because of this, Ruhl and his generation felt that the elected leaders were not doing their job. He then left in search for guidance where he eventually hitchhiked more than 40,000 miles. “It was really just that feeling like, ‘We got to do this ourselves, because we can’t trust the people that are in charge,’” he recalled. “So that was when I decided to go out and see if I could find what was real. And, along with that I rejected the church. There was no power that was evident in Christianity, we were looking for something real ... So, I wasn’t looking for Christianity when I found it.”

Back where he started Though the scenery has changed significantly since he last attended the university, Ruhl still manages to walk the same grounds with the same quiet demeanor – except now, not only does he sit in front of the library sharing his life findings, he also teaches a course.

“So that was then I decided to go out and see if I could find what was real. And along with that I rejected church ...” “It’s interesting,” Ruhl said. “I’m teaching a class that I’m paying to take.” Ruhl is currently enrolled in a backpacking course, but after the instructor quit, he took over the role of teaching. So, once a week, Ruhl and students venture away from

campus to various hiking trails, where he shares his outdoor knowledge. Though he isn’t being compensated for it, Ruhl doesn’t display any resentment toward the fact, because he loves to teach. “If you search for something for a long time, and you get to the point where you have given up looking for it – and then you find it – you should want to share it with people,” he said about his hitch hiking experiences. “And, I really did.” He is there, not to approach, but to be approached. As Ruhl sits upon the bricked stadium seating of the quad, students see a familiar face or sign of interest and sit down. There he converses about the many miles and cultures he has encountered, and shares any answers to questions students might have about his travels or life itself. Photos by Bailey Robbins.

SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 9

SPORTS

MTSU professor runs across

runs across America Sam Brown // Sports Editor

Fifty half-marathons in all 50 states adds up to an accounting professor checking off a goal on her bucket list. When Paula Thomas, a long-time distance runner, crossed the finish line in Chicago, Illi., she had already completed about 75 half-marathons. She said that she came up with her goal of running the races a few years ago as a way to travel the nation. “I thought it would be a great way to see our country in a different and exciting way,” Thomas said. Thomas, who has been teaching at the university since 1989, is older than your typical marathon runner, but her age is neither slowing her down nor something she is ashamed. “I used to lie about my age, but I’ve quit. I’m 57 years old, so my goal was to do it before I turned 60. I’m thrilled to say I finished three years early,” said the twice-over alumna of the university. She attributes completing her goal ahead of time to good health and good luck with planning and scheduling. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure how the body would hold up. I had a plan that it was a year at a time, but I really seriously reassessed it every six months so I would always have a ‘I’m definitely going to do these’ and ‘If life is going well I’m going to squeeze these in.’” Because Thomas always ran marathons often and whenever they could fit her schedule, her training program wasn’t something she started and did until completion. She tried to stay fit and ready for a race any day.

“I think I just kind of constantly stayed in a training mode so that on any given day I was hoping to be ready to run a half marathon,” she said. All of Thomas’ hard work, persistence and determination paid off in September when she crossed the finish line of the Chicago HalfMarathon. Thomas ran the last race in the company of her son, daughter, sister and friend Carol Womack. She said that when she got to the finish line, it meant a lot to her to see a group of seven supporters, including her younger daughter and her husband waiting for her in shirts that read “Team Paula.” “I knew they cared but to care enough to come all the way to Chicago for me was really nice,” Thomas said. For Thomas finishing the Chicago HalfMarathon was the ending to a great adventure she had set out on and that she couldn’t have hoped to cross the finish line in a better way. “All holding hands; it was absolutely a picture perfect ending,” she said. Thomas isn’t finished yet. Before completing her goal this year, Thomas also ran in the tragic Boston Marathon that injured so many and struck the heartstrings of the nation. “Just to look over at those medical tents and know what they had been through. It was so quiet; it was so deserted,” she said. Despite the tragedy, Thomas plans to return to Boston to finish the race she never had the chance to finish. Photo courtesy of MT Athletic Communications.

10 SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com

SPORTS

MTSU breaks ground on

$3.7 million indoor tennis facility Sam Brown // Sports Editor The end of October marked the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s history when the school broke ground on a new $3.7 million indoor tennis facility. The building will feature eight indoor courts, locker rooms, an electronic scoreboard, pro shop, lounge area and meeting area. The facility comes in thanks to the university’s $80 million Centennial Campaign. The state-of-the-art facility, which is being built on Old Fort Parkway, will allow the university to grow its tennis program and offer a lucrative destination for conference events and championships when placing bids against competing Conference USA universities. “We are stepping up our game in all 17 sports as we make our presence known in Conference USA,� said Sidney McPhee, university president, at the groundbreaking. “This facility will make the Murfreesboro area a tennis destination. It will allow us to bid to be the host of major competitions, including the C-USA championships, which in turn will create economic opportunities for the city and for the country.�

The new facility will also bring relief to tennis players on MT’s men’s and women’s rosters. Instead of driving to Nashville to work out at indoor facilities, players will now be just minutes from campus allowing them more opportunities to train and to focus on their matches and opponents. As construction is underway on the Blue Raiders’ new home, the tennis teams will continue to compete at the Buck Boldin Tennis Center this season. They can look forward to using their new home when the gates are expected to open in fall 2014. The facility is just one of many expansions that the university has added to improve its athletic programs. The Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium was recently upgraded to host the high school Spring Fling championships every year. Expansions such as the Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium upgrade or the new tennis facility come in thanks to the university and the city of Murfreesboro’s collaboration. Photos courtesy of MT Athletic Communications.

APPLE ONLY

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A&E er, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong’o and Brad Pitt.

12 Years a Slave: a beautiful portrayal of a cruel reality Brad Belemjian // Contributing Writer

“I don’t want

to survive.

Solomon Northup utters these words after being told by a fellow slave how to stay alive.

Northup, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a free black man living in New York when he is kidnapped .” and sold into slavery with no way of contacting his family. Based on a true story, Northup must endure devastating cruelty by the hands of multiple slave owners, but he will also experience true humanity in an otherwise inhumane world.

I want

to live

The most notable comes from Fassbender (“Shame,” “Prometheus”), who plays Edwin Epps, a cruel slave owner whose primary goal is to degrade and dehumanize his slaves. Fassbender portrays Epps in such a cruel manner that I felt truly upset. While that may seem to be an unreasonable feeling toward a character, it just shows how committed Fassbender is to his character. As much as I want to say that everyone should go see this film, a part of me says not to. The violence on display is cruel, brutal and disturbing but never goes over-the-top to the point of becoming unnecessary. This film deserves to be commended for its careful use of graphic violence that strengthens the film with a balance between cruelityand context, which is difficult to perfect.

“12 Years A Slave” is a prime example of how violence is measured by its context, not by the amount of it.

ty

“12 Years a Slave” proves to be an incredibly rare film with powerful performances that drive the harrowing narrative. McQueen proves to be among the best of modern directors.

His deliberate balance of graphic violence and a compelling narrative levitate the film to memorable heights that few films have achieved. While not for everyone, “12 Years A Slave” is a film that is begging to While many films in the past have incorporated themes of American slav- be experienced, understood and remembered. ery, none of them have truly depicted the horrors of enslavement. McQueen removes the filter and presents the audience with an unflinching experience in a way which only a few films, such as “Schindler’s List,” have given. “12 Years A Slave” is director Steve McQueen’s (“Shame,” “Hunger”) third feature film and a devastatingly beautiful one at that.

From brutal lashings to horrific lynchings, “12 Years A Slave” is an undeniably hard film to watch. However, McQueen’s careful use of the heavy subject matter and expert storytelling draws you in and refuses to let go, even after the film has finished. A film such as this requires committed performances from talented actors and actresses who are not only willing to portray but become their characters. Fortunately, the entire cast gives powerhouse performances. Ejiofor truly seems to understand his character’s sorrows and gives a performance that will not be forgotten. He is silent throughout a portion of the film, where his character’s suffering is displayed only though his distant gaze. The supporting cast consists of heavyweights such as Michael Fassbend-

12 SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com

A&E

A slow revolution

Brewing company crafted with a university taste Lauren Mandrell // Assistant A&E Editor

Business is brewing for one local company nestled off the beaten path 30 miles from campus. The Turtle Anarchy Brewing Company has been open a little more than a year as family business that can make any student feel instantly at home. Located across from subdivisions in Franklin, it’s hard not to get to know the employees. The brewery is a beautiful large room with four tanks that are constantly crafting its satisfying product.

The beers are also not bottled yet, mostly due to the need of higher production and affordability. To compromise, the brothers might plan to go the route that others, such as Oskar Blues, have gone with canning. “There’s a lot of benefits to cans over bottles,” Mark said. “For the consumer, they cool down faster in the fridge, and you can bring them anywhere glass can’t go because you can’t break a can and stab somebody.” Mark, the oldest, is the brains behind the beer. His passion is obvious, and he can answer any consumer’s questions. “I always knew I wanted to open my own business. It was just figuring out what that was,” Mark said. Students can stop by during business hours on Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Franklin at 216 Noah Drive. Be sure to try their newest flavor, Smoked Porter when it’s released. This local beer will do anything but disappoint.

The three brothers — Mark, Andrew and David Kamp — own the business and have been home brewing for much longer than Turtle Anarchy’s initial opening. The brothers began when the two oldest, Mark and Andrew, moved down to Middle Tennessee to go to the university. The youngest joined the other two when he moved down for college, too. Andrew is a current student, finishing up his sixth year with a business management degree, while David recently graduated with a digital animation degree. There is clearly a lot of passion and love poured into their family business. “When we came up with the name Turtle Anarchy it was kind of our take on the craft brewing revolution,” David said. “It’s a really slow revolution, and it’s winning people over one pint at a time.” The brothers even have a wide variety of names for their products, such as Another Way to Rye and Aurumglass. Students don’t have to look far to try a taste with the Murfreesboro, Franklin and Nashville Mellow Mushroom serving the brews on draft. Of course, a better experience might be had in their taproom, just bring your own snacks. Their fans might have to wait a little longer for a higher gravity content as the business is still trying to obtain a license for it.

SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13

A&E

Barry Gibb:

scene more than five decades ago, they were labeled as a comedy trio. The boys were 12 and 9 when the band formed. “I think a lot of success that we had was almost lucky or accidental,” Gibb said. “We were always searching, and we never really had an identity, never really knew who we were … We didn’t even know we were a pop group when we were kids.”

‘seizing life and sleeping late’

Gibb graced the university with his celebrity presence recently and lectured and performed for students and community members in Tucker Theatre.

Claire Osburn // A&E Editor

While Gibb is a music icon on the outside, in reality he is a down-to-earth guy, who possesses a pure, unconditional love for his craft.

He played solo acoustic renditions of classics, such as “To Love Somebody” and the Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road.” Before the performance, Gibb toured the Center for Popular Music. “Apart from [visiting MTSU], I’m gonna hang out with TG Sheppard and Kelly [Lang] and hope to see Ricky Skaggs while I’m in town because he’s a great friend, and hit the record store,” Gibb said. “I love early bluegrass, so, for me, that’s what I gotta go find, any chance I get.”

After countless hits, accolades, producer credits, major life events and five children, Bee Gee’s rock star Barry Gibb is in the midst of his first-ever solo tour and shows no signs of slowing down.

“I think the reason that we did make so many good records was because we never stopped; we never wanted to be out of the studio,” Gibb said. “We would spend hours and hours in there playing around and adding harmonies.”

“Having lost all my brothers and dealing with that factor of life, the idea of seizing life is now more important than anything else,” Gibb said in an exclusive interview

This love continues today, not only through touring, but with writing and recording new material.

with Sidelines. “I seize life, and I sleep late.”

“At the moment, we’ve been in my studio at home, so I’m back to analog,” Gibb said. “I’m sort of leaping out of the digital world and going back

When Barry Gibb and his brothers, twins Robin and Maurice, came onto the music

“Having lost all my brothers and dealing with that factor of life, the idea of seizing life is now more important than anything else. I seize life, and I sleep late.”

14 SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com

A&E

to how I used to make records, which is multi-track tape and Ampex and actually having faders and a console. I don’t like Pro Tools. I gotta get back to the white noise, that’s what I call it.” In the meantime, the touring will continue. Even as a seasoned stage veteran, Gibb still gets nervous about performing live. “‘Terrified,’ I think, is the better word. Like the bullfighter gets terrified going into the ring,” Gibb said. “Just keep doing it. You never get over your nerves. [After] the first couple songs you start to get comfortable and the more comfort you get, the less nervous you are. Try to make friends with your audience as soon as you can.” The legend also offered advice for aspiring musicians. “Wanting it badly enough that nothing is going to get in your way and being completely determined in what you’re doing and having your own opinion of yourself and not allowing other people to tell you whether or not you’re good or bad, just get on with it,” Gibb said.

“The older I get the more I know that I can’t do it forever, so I try to make it count every time.”

It’s a good thing Gibb followed his own advice. Now, new and longtime fans have the opportunity to see him perform. The current performances may vary from those in the early days, but family still remains an essential part of music for Gibb, with his son Stephen and Maurice’s daughter Samantha joining him on tour. “Its a whole different stage of life, and Maurice’s daughter, she’s a wonderful singer, and Steven’s an incredible lead guitarist, and also a wonderful singer, so it’s just like the evolvement of the family. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Gibb said. No matter who is on stage with him, Gibb always tries to please the audience and continue making music. “I’m out there trying to continue the lifespan of the music, that’s what I care about,” he said.

Photos by Brett Turner.

“So many people told us we weren’t gonna be successful, so many, and they were experts, so be careful of the experts.”

SIDELINES | Nov. 6, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15

JUMP (continued from page 4) (continued from page 4)

Hanan Kazem, the vice president of the Muslim Student Association, is an exception. She enjoys the challenge of juggling school, work and her leadership position.

“[MT] Lambda has provided support for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff and raised awareness among the non-gay campus population,� said Pippa Holloway, a history professor and LGBTQ rights activist.

“It’s good to stay busy. You’re in college. Do the most you can do; do the best that you can. I just want to keep a good balance,� Kazem said. Other reasons for not joining were a general lack of interest, followed by insufficient information on religious organizations’ existence. One student said that she was unable to find an organization that fit her beliefs.

In 1988, the university’s Lambda organization was founded. The organization continues to be a social outlet for students, as well as being a political outreach organization for individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.

Out of the 21 groups listed on myMT, only two were not Christian missions: the Jewish organization, Hillel, and the Muslim Student Association. “It really depends on the climate of the students at that time, and it’s constantly changing. We have had a Baha’i group in years past; we had a Pagan group in years past,� said Jackie Victory, the director of Leadership and Service.

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“It’s not about ‘gay’ rights. Homosexuals are people too. This is about humanitarian issues,� said Josh Rigsby, Lambda president. Although Lambda has had good experiences with the university’s acceptance of sexual orientation discrimination, larger issues that affect the LGBTQ community at the university are with state laws and policies. “When any problems have occurred, MTSU has stepped in and taken care of the problem immediately,� Rigsby said.

Sinclaire Sparkman, assistant Lambda and other LGBTQ news editor, contributed to this report. organizations have made strides to improve the livelihood for same-sex couples and LGBTQ individuals, but even after all of these efforts, there remains sig-

Although no official roster exists for organizations, Victory said a “large chunk� of students were involved in Christian organizations this year. Victory also said a lot of religious groups operate off-campus.

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