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Janitorial outsourcing: the economical choices
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ST YLI A L P ON TER FASHI N I W TER CAL O WIN P L O H S
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
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Emily West >> Editor-in-chief
Amanda Gambill >> Managing editor
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NEWS The Bragg Innovative News Network The Bragg Innovative News Network launched this week as an effort to converge the work of the three student media entities into one. The merging is not to take over any one media, but to richly enhance it with long-form journalism written and told through video and sound. Nine students from Sidelines, MT10 News and WMTS created this network out of a class this fall and named it after John Bragg, whose name is embossed outside of the mass communication building. “Thank you for doing this for my family,” said David Bragg, a circuit court judge for Rutherford County and John Bragg’s son. “I am just so proud of the news coming out of MTSU.” BINN aired its first broadcast this week with stories populating inthebinn.com along with multimedia to accompany each piece. Below is a sampling of what students worked on throughout the semester with news stories and profiles ranging from university legends to interviewing the lieutenant governor and Tennessee speaker of the house. A lack of assurance According to CNN, the president’s approval rating landed at around 41 percent at Thanksgiving, but confidence in the commander in chief isn’t the only part lacking. Americans show even smaller amounts of confidence in the nation as a whole. As shown this week on the Bragg Innovative News Network, hear from college students and professors who say they’re embarrassed of this nation, and what they think Americans can do to fix it.
A look at Islamic culture Fourteen months after the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro opened its doors in Rutherford County, animosity, federal court dates and disputes over land continue to happen. However, opposition against the ICM reaches as high as top officials in the state government. Some of the state’s legislatures such as Ron Ramsey, lieutenant governor, still have strong feelings that link back to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “They took down the two tours in the name of Muslim,” Ramsey said. The Bragg Innovative News Network takes an in-depth look at the controversy with a university professor, the imam and other state legislatures. The Unknown Architect In asking students if they know who James “Boots” Donnelly is, most of their answers were wrong. Those on campus don’t seem to remember his legacy much less know his name. Students at Knoxville know who Phil Fulmer and General Neyland are, and Eastern Kentucky students know who the legendary Roy Kidd is. At Middle, the man who led the University into the 1-A division, guided them to nine top 20 regular season finishes, built tennis courts, locker rooms and the much needed Rose and Emmitt Kennon Sports Hall of Fame is rarely recognized. He even put on his cleats and pads to suit up as Blue Raider when he attended the university as a student.
“In my years of playing there the thing that I cherish the most is that I had great teammates, great friends,” he said.
Just a few years ago, judges had no discretion when it came to sentencing.
The guidelines were mandatory and had to be followed in a manner that This week the Bragg Innovative News largely favored the government and Network catches up with former Blue not the defendant, according to U.S. Raider football coach James “Boots” District Judge Todd Campbell. Donnelly as he discusses his time at MTSU, the transition to the 1-A level The courts were made to impose fixed and how life off the field couldn’t be sentences – no matter how grossly any sweeter. unreasonable the judge may have found them. A question of faith “What we have a duty to do is to According to Association of Religion sentence the individuals before us,” Data Archives, Rutherford County Campbell said. “Everybody’s got a religions traditions in 2010 had more different circumstance. The crime is than 150,000 people in the county different, personal history is different, who did not fall into the 236 religious the victim is different.” groups that exist here. The U.S. Supreme Court made sweeping changes to criminal On a campus of 23,000 students only prosecutions in 2005 when it ruled two religious groups exists that do not in United States v. Booker that fall into any type of Christianity with the sentencing guideline scheme no concrete statistics of what students unconstitutional if it was mandatory. believe. Just last week a Giles County man After several discussions with was sentenced in U.S. District Court students and professors who belong in Nashville. He faced between to various religious sects, they have 22 and 27 years in prison for his reached the conclusion that campus participation a 20-person drug is diverse in religion, but they are not scheme; however, his sentence was sure how far that diversity reaches. reduced to 54 months because he was in the lower tier of the drug ring “It seems to me that religiously when and dealt only small quantities of it comes to statements of faith that marijuana – something not possible it’s diverse,” said Adam Gadmoski, in the criminal sentencing era before senior philosophy major. “But I have United States v. Booker. noticed that the majority of Christians aren’t engaging on an intellectual Individuals are still falling through level with their faiths. Other religions the cracks, though. seem more engaged.” “The tools are there,” Campbell said. Check back with BINN this week to “But a lot of people have grown see what campus believes and how up in the guideline system. There’s far tolerance and religious diversity institutional inertia against the extend. variance system.” Falling through the cracks
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NEWS
What is the SGA? By Daniel Jansouzian, Taylor Davis, Chelsea Newton, and Noah Gass Alex Beecher contributed to this report.
SGA is broken up into the senate — where each senator represents 500 students in their school — and the executive board. The executive board has an elected president, executive vice president, vice president of marketing, vice president of campus relations and homecoming director. It also consists of two appointed positions, philanthropic coordinator and attorney general. The senate presents legislation in their meetings that directly impacts the student body. According to Deb Sells, vice president of student affairs, the bills then go to her for approval. Based upon cost, budget and/or staffing implications, other administrators directly affected must review the legislation. Sells will then inform the senate whether or not the bills were approved.
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Participation in Student Government Association elections reached a new low last spring with only a little more than 2 percent of the 25,000 student population choosing to cast a ballot. In fact, for the past 40 years, the number of students engaging in campus voting has been trending downward, a fact that does not bode well for the student-run institution that, in the past, has brought significant changes to MTSU and been a way for thousands of students to become involved and engaged in student government.
But their work has also been credited with garnering student support for the new $65 million Student Union Building.
Turnout started declining after the ‘73 election when 2,008 students (22 percent of 9,119) voted. Over the next four decades the numbers continued to decline, even as enrollment nearly tripled. Last spring, only 700 chose to vote in the online election.
But there’s no doubt that participation by the average student is much less today than in decades past. In 1973, for instance, not only did 2,008 students cast a ballot in that year’s main election, but a week later, 1,750 students returned to participate in a runoff election. In the spring of 2013, despite attempts to increase voter awareness, only a fraction of the university’s student body voted, even though they didn’t have to go to a polling station but could vote online.
But the decline in participation is not only with voters, but also with candidates. In last spring’s election several college senatorial seats went uncontested. The top tier of the SGA was no different. The executive board, which includes the president and three vice presidents, also ran uncontested
how it came to be
Through the decades, there’s no doubt that SGA, and its predecessor, ASB (Associated Student Body), has played an influential role in campus affairs. According to records of the studentrun organizations, members worked to make improvements in campus life In recent years, senators have successfully sought reforms in safety concerns, the addition of new park benches and placing signs at every parking lot to indicate permit colors.
“It doesn’t take a bill or resolution for SGA to make a difference,” Jazmin Mercer, an at-large senator, said. “It is about the interpersonal relationships with students. The biggest difference is to let the students know we are here to listen and to help. The goal of SGA is to physically, socially and academically better the campus.”
Kyle Murray, a senior nursing major, commented that he was aware of last year’s election, but did not know how to vote. “I get emails every so often from SGA about stuff that I don’t care about,” Murray said. “I feel like they have a very limited reach as far as if they say something, one in 20 to 40 people on campus are going to know about it.” Jasmine Abram, a senior criminal justice major, said SGA should be more visible. “I feel like SGA should hold some more events, and it will get people to come out, and then they will learn
more about SGA’s background and history,” Abram said. Jackie Victory, director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, suggested that some students do want to get involved but they are shy and don’t know how. She said that in an effort to change that, SGA could try more face-to-face reaching out instead of only social media and email. One way for SGA to reach out to students, as suggested by interviewees, would be to include a brief overview during freshmen orientation. Ideas for legislation are not limited to senators alone. According to the constitution of the SGA, any person considered a student by the university is entitled to participate in the process. Students may not be aware of the role they can play in SGA’s policymaking decisions due to a “lack of marketing,” said Chris Hardman, graduate student senator. “SGA needs to communicate with students [by] offering meetings with [them] not just having an open door,” Hardman said. Coby Sherlock, 2012-13 SGA president, acknowledged the link between the number of ballots cast and the declining number of people seeking election. One of the reasons voting was low was all executive positions were uncontested, said Sherlock, a 2013 graduate who now works in the university recruiting office. When he ran for president in the spring of 2012, several positions, including
NEWS his race, had multiple individuals running. “If, as a student, there is no competition, why vote?� Sherlock observed. James Lee, current president, joined SGA to interact with as many students as possible. “I felt like I could be a voice to students who felt underrepresented,� he said. The SGA president serves on university President Sidney McPhee’s personal cabinet that meets every Monday. This means he is in a position to make suggestions to the highest executives on campus and be in on all decisions made, Lee said. There are 56 senators and seven executive officers for a total of
63 SGA members. Each member is expected to give a minimum of 12 hours in service to the senate. In addition, they must maintain a 2.3 cumulative GPA, and each senator much research and propose a minimum of two pieces of legislation per semester. SGA uses programs, such as student appreciation week, information booths, meet-and-greets with students in class and personal conversations around campus, to reach out to and involved more students, Lee said. “But there is always a target audience that doesn’t get reached,� Lee acknowledged. He encouraged all students to vote. “You have a choice in who represents you as students,� he said.
voter turnout In 1973, 2,008 students voted of the 9,119 enrolled, which means 22 percent voted.
By Daniel Jansouzian, Chelsea Newton, Taylor Davis & Noah Gass. Alex Beecher contributed to this report. PhotoOo
In 1983, the university saw a decrease to 17 percent of 10,984 enrolled students voting. Only 1,847 votes were cast. Votes dwindled even further in 1993 with only 13 percent of a 17,383 student population. As little as 2,342 votes were cast. The year 2003 showed no improvement with 9 percent voting out of a student population of 21,744. Only 2,015 votes were
Photo by Cat Murphy.
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opinons
Net neutrality The Internet we know and love may soon be altered to allow telecommunications companies to discriminate against certain websites. The Internet is probably the only true freedom you have. You can pretty much do whatever you want, and as recent headlines concerning the Bitcoin (digital, unregulated currency) have indicated, it is an economic and social force. Despite an overly vigilant National SpyAgency and some easy-to-avoid viruses, the Internet is a pretty decent place to spend time. That is all likely to change within the next few months when the second most powerful court in the United States rules on net neutrality. The Circuit Court ofAppeals in Washington D.C., will soon rule on a case that threatens to strike down existing net neutrality rules. Net neutrality is the idea that all data on the Internet should be treated equally. Under the current Federal Communications Commission regulation, companies and governments are prohibited from discriminating against certain sites or differentially charging users for access.Why is net neutrality important? Because it stops Internet service providers from blocking websites or altering their accessibility. This latest attack on digital freedoms is a part of the larger war being waged on torrents, or pirated media files. In particular, sites like ThePirateBay and ISOhunt — which provide the download links for pirated files — will be subject to serious prejudice. Comcast has already tried to block its users from accessing these “peer-to-peer sharing” websites but has been largely halted in its attempts by the FCC. If the ruling from the D.C. Circuit Court strikes down net neutrality regulations, torrents could be a thing of the past. I only hope that this FCC regulation is upheld, so that I can go back to browsing pictures of cats doing karate without having to get the explicit permission of telecommunications. Quint Qualls //Opinions Editor
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you are why the sga lacks Only 600 students voted in last year’s elections for the Student Government Association.
founded on individuals having the right to make their own decision and casting their votes.
Let’s stop right there before we proceed any further and hope that you see the problem. Last year we had a little more than 25,000 students. In doing the math that means about two percent of campus voted. For me, that’s a huge problem and red flag something is wrong.
I was not a die-hard fan of either candidate last election. I didn’t litter the back of my Camry with either candidate’s bumper sticker. I wasn’t openly cheering every day for Mitt Romney or President Barrack Obama, but I still went and exercised my right anyways.
On a national scale, 18 to 24-yearolds were not the majority in the last election. Exit polls from CNN, The Washington Post and Gallup showed that only 11 percent of the votes were students our age. We don’t have an excuse not to show up to use an electronic machine that takes all of five minutes to maneuver when casting your vote.
Other countries fight to have the rights we whine about. We used to care. We used to not be this way. According to the United States Census Bureau, the nation saw almost 80 percent of the population turned out to vote in the late 19th century. The last time we had more than 60 percent of the population vote in the 20th century was Kennedy’s election. From 1960, you can watch voter turnout plummet up until 2008 when we hit 53 percent of the population coming out to vote. We almost hit 53 percent last in last year’s 2012 election.
In my political science classes, I hear the excuses: that it’s stupid that voting is done on a Tuesday, they don’t think their vote matters because of lack of swing state status and they don’t want to vote if they don’t like either candidate. I’ve heard “Why should I care?” echo far too many times. I understand their perspectives, but that doesn’t make them valid. Go early vote if you don’t want to wait in long Tuesday lines, do research of how your vote will affect your state even if you don’t live in a swing state and please realize you will never 100 percent like one candidate. The exercise of our right to vote is important, otherwise you wouldn’t have it. The Revolutionary War wasn’t fought so you could sit on your butt with your apathetic attitude. I am proud of the fact that we live in a democratic nation. We were
Why am I shocked that students will not vote for SGA president if they won’t even cast a vote for something on the scale of the United States president? I guess I shouldn’t be. But without the SGA, you wouldn’t have a Student Union, signs telling what is green parking and what is not or have the ability to drop that class you hate once the semester began. We have them for a reason. SGA is here to serve us. They are supposedly your campus voice. If we don’t use them, we make them useless. Make the SGA do something because obviously your snarky social media posts and voter silencer aren’t working. Emily West//Editor-in-chief
SPORTS Plentiful amount of bowl bids exist for streaking Blue Raiders // Connor Grott Assistant Sports Editor Following a time-expiring touchdown from Logan Kilgore to Tavarres Jefferson against Marshall University, a game-winning Cody Clark field goal against UAB and two blowout wins against Florida International and Southern Mississippi, the Blue Raiders are a lock for their fourth bowl game bid and first bowl appearance since the 2010-11 season. After the Blue Raiders picked up their seventh victory of the year by knocking off Southern Mississippi 42-21 in their last road contest of the season Nov. 23, Middle Tennessee now boasts their fourth bowl eligible season out of the last five. The jump to a better conference improved the Blue Raiders chances of earning a bowl bid this season after producing an eight-win season last
year as a member of the Sun Belt. Last season left them heartbroken with no bowl bid for the team. C-USA offers six bowl bids compared to the two that the Sun Belt offered. Those six automatic bowl bids consist of: The Liberty Bowl, The Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl, The Heart of Dallas Bowl, The Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl, The Military Bowl and the familiar New Orleans Bowl. Out of the six bids and the current conference standings, the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl in St. Petersburg and the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl in Honolulu are the top destinations for the Blue Raiders. The Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl pits a C-USA team against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference, while the Hawai’i Bowl consists of a Mountain West Conference foe.
The Liberty Bowl is the least likely destination for the Blue Raiders. The Liberty Bowl typically pits the C-USA champion against a member out of The American or Southeastern Conference, with the exception coming in the 2011 bowl season when the SEC used its vetoing power to block C-USA champion Southern Mississippi. The conference invited Cincinnati to play Vanderbilt instead. East Carolina and Marshall sit atop the East Division with Middle Tennessee in the third spot. ECU and Marshall faced off Friday, Nov. 29, to determine the C-USA East Division champion, therefore eliminating Middle Tennessee from a C-USA championship opportunity in their inaugural season in the conference.
MT still won their game against UTEP Miners on Nov. 30, which could give them a better bowl spot. The Blue Raiders have appeared in just three bowls, posting a 1-2 record in those games. MT lost in the 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl against Miami (OH) and lost against Central Michigan in the 2006 Motor City Bowl. The Blue Raiders lone bowl victory came in the 2009 New Orleans bowl in a 42-32 victory against Southern Mississippi.
Photo by Brett Turner.
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FEATURES It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas inside the large, southern home on Middle Tennessee Boulevard. With porcelain Santa Clauses, Nativity scenes and life-sized nutcrackers adorning the home, University President Sidney McPhee gives all the decorating credit to his wife, first lady Elizabeth McPhee. The McPhees are the 10th family to have moved into the home since it was built in 1911. He worked on making the university into the institution students have today, but the president acknowledges that much of the work could not have been done without the support of his wife of 33 years.
Meet the McPhees:
A couple bonded by more than just campus 8 SIDELINES | Dec. 4, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Seeing the couple mixing with political figures in a professional setting, it is difficult to imagine the two relatable, love-struck college students before they married.
A budding relationship Sidney, a Nassau, Bahamas native, was a Texas transfer attending Prairie View University for a degree in psychology when he first met Elizabeth. The couple started their relationship as close friends,
though they were two different personality types. “I was a good, Christian young man that stayed in my residence hall, and she was the one that came to throw rocks at my window to get me to come out,” he said jokingly, as she shook her head. The couple eventually went their separate ways, only to reconnect a few years later.
An artistic duo Though he wasn’t the one “throwing the rocks,” the president has a side to him that suggests a bit more than the college-aged Romeo who sat quietly inside his dormitory. “I would be a rock star,” Sidney said dreamily as he discussed where be he would be if he weren’t a part of campus. He plays various instruments from piano to drums to a few woodwinds. “I have this fantasy of being on stage playing any instrument and being a part of a very successful rock band.” While he may not be a rock star, he does let his creativity flow elsewhere. Framed pictures of China and India photographed by him
FEATURES
On the other end, Elizabeth has a hand in the art of fashion. The recently retired third grade teacher is well known for the various hats she wears. Today, she owns more than 300 hats that have set her apart from the rest of the university’s first ladies. Her interest in hats began while visiting with Sidney’s family in the Bahamas. She attended church with his mother and quickly realized
“I am tired, but I am inspired,” Elizabeth said looking at her husband. “When I see my husband working hard, it inspires me to work harder.”
Inspiration for the future With his photography connections available through China, the president is aiming to bring more students to the university from other cultures. “We are looking toward establishing more of a family [atmosphere] with a diverse student body,” he said. It is clear that even after 13 years of leadership, the McPhees still have a few hidden quirks that most in his Blue Raider family don’t realize.
Lady McPhee is the same way, and she values the people she has surrounded herself with during her time at the university. “One of the most important things for me are family and friends,” the first lady said while looking in her husband’s direction. “And once you are a friend, I will do anything [to help] you.” Noah Gass //Contributing Writer
“One of the most important things for me are family and friends,” the first lady said while looking in her husband’s
direction.““And once you are a friend, I will do anything [to help]
“
“A publisher [with] CCTV – a main TV station in China – picked up my [photography], and I signed a contract to produce the book,” he said.
Whether it’s a growing collection of hats or photography, the McPhees are continuously inspired by one another and creating a leadership role for the university.
“What most people don’t know about me is that I was a shy young man, and what motivates me to go that extra mile is that I’ve got this fear of failure,” he said honestly. “I have had to work very hard to overcome that and overcome being shy.”
‘
He makes appearances at schools in Beijing and various universities abroad. This connection with China has resulted in several foreign exchange programs for the university, as well as leading the president to create a photojournalism book “China Through the Eyes of an American University President.”
it was expected of her to wear a hat. From that time on, her collection has grown to the point that a shelf a few students built for her crumbled under the weight of the accessories.
“
line the walls of his home, representing his work to bridge cultures and communicate with others all across the globe.
you.” Photo by Matt Masters.
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COVER
university outsourcing Looking around the halls of some of the busier buildings on campus, students will now see custodial workers in green shirts doing the dirty work. These employees, who are contracted by an outside company, are making the university’s in-house custodians nervous for their job security. A staff of 23 in-house custodians cares for the university’s buildings, but 85 workers employed through a contract with SSC Service Solutions, a Knoxville-based corporation, now perform the main bulk of custodial labor.
SSC has been providing outsourced custodial labor for the university since 2009, but the university has been using contracted custodial services for nearly 15 years, according to Joe Whitefield, executive director of Facilities Services. “Cost savings and operational flexibility are the significant benefits,” Whitefield said. The Facilities Services Department oversees all the nuts and bolts of the university. They keep the lights on, they keep the buildings at a comfortable temperature and they make sure things remain
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clean. The Tennessee Board of Regents allows for contract labor as long as “the services are in fact needed.” And Human Resources of MTSU will not allow a service contract if it is “being used in lieu of proper employment,” according to the Policies and Procedures of MTSU’s Contracts Office. Facilities uses contract labor because of the “economical advantages,” according to Whitefield. According to the SSC website,
the company stated they “have every desire to keep the same productive employees” that the university already employs. But Whitefield said no MTSU in-house custodians have become SSC employees under any contract agreement. MTSU custodians are concerned about the security of their job in the face of a continual increase of contracted custodial labor. “There hasn’t been any talk recently about you guys are going to lose your jobs, but it’s always there when you’re a state employee,” said Michelle Harris, a state employed custodial worker
at the university. Harris is part of the two woman Clean & Green crew. She and her coworker, Vickie Brown, are responsible for cleaning the James E. Walker Library in the morning, and they then ride carted bicycles around campus picking up trash and recyclables until the afternoon as part of the outdoor day portering custodial initiative. Harris and Brown previously worked as custodians in the Murphy Center until the university signed a contract with SSC Service Solutions to outsource the custodial labor force of the building. Of the 73 buildings that Facilities provides custodial services, 57 of them are now serviced by SSC employees. Twelve of the buildings are taken care of by in-house employees and the remaining four are residence halls, which have their own in-house custodial staff. The Student Union Building and the Keathley University Center are also cleaned by outsourced custodial labor. The James E. Walker Library, Jones Hall and Forrest Hall are some of the buildings still covered by in-house custodial labor.
“As far as the state employees go, we have got only a small handful of buildings that we take care of. The majority of campus has been outsourced and is cleaned by a contract company. We consider ourselves very lucky to have a job,� Harris said. Facilities oversees a variety of services including construction administration, energy services, custodial services, environmental health and safety, recycling, the key shop, grounds services and motor pool services. Facilities costs are covered under the Program Services Fee included in tuition; each student pays $86 to keep the Facilities Department running. Some of the servicing needs of campus arise infrequently and do not demand an ongoing staff position. For example, no campus employees can service elevators, and this requires a specialized service worker to know how to fix the problems that arise. Construction projects also require outside companies to get the job done. General maintenance like plumbing, electrical and HVAC are taken care of by in-house Facilities workers. During the span of the 2012-2013 academic year, the university
COVER
needed the completion of 17,208 work orders to keep everything running smoothly, which doesn’t include the everyday upkeep of the 23 custodial staff.
spaces, Facilities uses its in-house custodial staff for 318,105 square feet out of 1,552,944 square feet of cleanable spaces. That means nearly 80 percent of custodial work is done by SSC.
Each day the work of the custodial staff, both state employees and contracted employees, cleans 73 buildings on campus. Day portering, such as spot cleaning and restocking bathrooms, has been increased with the help of SSC workers.
The Custodial Services Department plans to use more contract labor in the future. One of their goals for the 20142015 academic year is to cover the James Union Building completely with contracted custodial services.
“Having a combination of inhouse services as well as contracted services, we can evaluate the best way to provide custodial services on a buildingby-building basis,� Whitefield said.
Sinclaire Sparkman //Assistant News Editor
Photo by Cat Murphy.
The Murphy Center Athletic Complex is completely outsourced as far as custodial services are concerned. In an article published by the International Association of Venue Managers, Inc., in the spring of 2009, the manager of the Murphy Center, Rita Whitaker wrote suggesting, “you may consider outsourcing custodial and eliminate your full time custodial staff� to save money due to a $9 million budget cut the university faced that year.
Maranda Faris //Assistant Features Editor
When it comes to academic
APPLE ONLY
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A&E
Tunes to warm your heart in winter When the sun sets
behind the tree line, the
cold, crisp air nips at our
skin until we curl up with
a steamy beverage and a cozy blanket. For some,
the cold is liberating and refreshing, for others it’s an excuse to stay indoors and long for
warmer days. Whatever you prefer, here’s a playlist to get you
through the season:
12 SIDELINES | Dec. 4, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
“Lovers’ Carvings” by Bibio The soft, instrumental prelude to “Lovers’ Carvings” will make you want to go for a drive. Sure, the air is brisk, but a cracked window will make all the difference when this song gets to 1:27. Whether you’re in love this winter or reminiscing about a lover’s name “carved in walls,” Bibio will have you smiling at the winter sun by the song’s end. “Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second” by Starf****r Keep smiling because this is a song that will have you tapping your foot to its catchy bass line and four-times repeated verse. It will make a harsh winter more bearable as you bop your head
along to its fun beat and dreamy vocals. “Sentimental X’s” by Broken Social Scene On this track, Emily Haines sings about the coming and going of relationships, something the band is all too familiar with. This track will immediately win you over with its tender vocals and steady build of softly played instruments. “Cold Fame” by Band of Skulls If your heart is aching this dreary winter, find a heated place and blast “Cold Fame.” It’s a seamless, slow song with quite the satisfying build up. You’ll be singing along after the first time around.
“MS” by Alt-J It’s difficult not to let our minds wander to unfavorable places as the temperature drops and the sun begins to set much earlier than we’re used to. In “MS,” vocalist Joe Newman provides perspective as he sings, “the dark seeks dark” before a melodic guitar breakdown. “Runaway” by The National The rich, melancholic vocals of Matt Berninger are fitting for no other season but the one offering cold, bitter weather. Strings and slow drumbeats soothe the soul as Berninger sings of broken love.
A&E “Clementine” by Sarah Jaffe This is one of the most memorable tracks on Suburban Nature, as it fades in with an acoustic guitar and instantly captures us with a smooth bass line and Jaffe’s warm, honey-like vocals. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star The hauntingly beautiful voice of Hope Sandoval is a real treat from the 90s. Winter isn’t winter without the sound of “Fade Into You” echoing inside your ears for days on end. “Lady Daydream” by Twin Sister “Lady Daydream” generates a lazy, dream pop sound with an out-of-tune piano, methodical drumbeats and the whimsical vocals of Andrea Estella. It’s ideal for a day of sitting on the couch and watching the wind blow between naked branches. “The Park” by Feist Leslie Feist’s voice will send chills across your already cold body as she sings about a past lover who won’t be turning back to a simply strummed guitar. If your heart is in pieces this winter, grab a box of tissues and accept the harsh reality: “Why would you think, the boy could become the man who could make you sure he was the one?” “In Ear Park” by Department of Eagles In 2008, Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen and friends debuted the album “In Ear Park.” This track in particular features gentle, harmonizing vocals and softly plucked guitars that provide a sound reminiscent of falling snow. “Seventeen” by Youth Lagoon After a couple warm days cuddled up in blankets, “Seventeen” will have you wanting to explore what’s on the other side of your front door. Though it has a slow start, the gentle synthesizers and spellbinding vocals of Trevor Powers will force you sing along at the break down: “When I was 17, my mother said to me, ‘Don’t stop imagining. The day that you do is the day that you die.” “Shadow” by Wild Nothing Step outside again, and take a brisk walk. “Shadow” provides an upbeat, dreamy pop sound for those looking to get outside and out of bed.
“I’m In Your Church At Night” by Active Child Keep walking because this track is a myriad of harps and upbeat synthesizers that will surely have you looking around for the first glimpse of snowflakes. “Someone Great” by LCD Soundsystem For anyone who hasn’t listened to LCD Soundsystem, this song is a great introduction. The rich synthesizers create a danceable tune, though the lyrics suggest that of a broken heart. This track is bittersweet like the cloudless blue skies on a freezing cold morning. Bailey Robbins // Features Editor
SIDELINES | Dec. 4, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13
A&E
Bundle up in fashion this winter C l a i r e O s b u r n // A&E E d i t o r
>>
N o e l H e a t h // A s s i s t a n t A&E E d i t o r
Leather/Pleather Sweaters over Dresses When temperatures drop, the more layers the better, but that doesn’t mean they have to be bulky. Layering a fuzzy oversized sweater over your dresses and tights saves your skin while you stay stylish. Even better, your vast collection of spring dresses won’t have to stay cooped up in the closet for six months. This look also works great with today’s favorite sweater style: cropped. —NH
Dark Lips Pastels and summer pinks go into hibernation as darker shades of red and purple take over, complimenting everything from moto jackets to frilly dresses. Even darker colors come in a variety of shades, so be sure to pick one that compliments your gorgeous skin tone. When hard weather hits, these lip colors will have you looking tough enough to handle it. —NH
Whether in the form of a jacket, dress, skirt, boots or leggings, leather is a trend you should be rocking this winter. Worthy to be worn day or night, leather will keep you toasty, while keeping you well dressed. Jackets — in a plethora of styles and shades — can be worn over a girly frock or paired with skinny jeans and a tee. Leggings in this material can even pass for pants — perfect for lovers of comfortable fashion. —CO
Boots Boots are a style staple for every fashionista, and winter means the addition of knee-highs to fall’s mid-calf and booties. While shades of black, brown and gray rule the runways, risk takers can rejoice at the variety of prints and colors that exist. Styles ranging from combat to heeled will ensure that you have a pair of boots for every outfit. Investing in a few quality pairs will keep your feet happy and fashionable for years to come. —CO
Hats
Tights
Traditional beanies are a go-to, but for more coverage from sleet and snow try the brimmed hats that are trending this year. Felt or wool fedoras, cowboy hats or sunhats keep your hair in place and snow off your face. Black and brown are wintry staples, but one in navy, maroon or a dark green can add a much-needed pop of color during these gray months. —NH
The colors, patterns and styles of tights available for your accessorizing pleasure are endless. They can be worn under dresses, skirts and shorts, adding flair to your outfits, while also extending the life of your wardrobe. Double up tights for extra warmth or top with thigh-high socks for cute and cozy. Who said cold had to mean boring? — CO
14 SIDELINES | Dec. 4, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
A&E Lime Tiger Emporium Lime Tiger Emporium has
Shop Local this holiday season Discontinue the habit of
buying loved ones wooden angel figurines and best friend necklaces this
season. Murfreesboro is home to many different local shops that will
satisfy both those giving and receiving.
one-of-a-kind gift options that will guarantee a place on the
Carla & Co. For the lover of all things monogrammed, Carla & Co. not only sells items available to be monogrammed, but customers may also bring in outside items for engravings. Personalized gifts are not Carla & Co.’s only
recipient’s most-memorablegifts lists of all time. Art by local Murfreesboro artists is also
Surprise your favorite beer
available, as well as vintage
connoisseur with a gift from
clothing, jewelry and unique antiques are among Lime Tiger’s unique merchandise.
journals are among other gift ideas that can be found at this mother-daughter Murfreesboro business.
and friends to Mayday Brewery
Trendy Pieces
for a tour and samples.
Shop Trendy Pieces, Murfreesboro’s contemporary clothing boutique for your fashionable friends. Trendy Pieces adds a local feel to as Miss Me Jeans.
all day long or something as simple as a hat or T-shirt from the wide variety of brands made in the USA from Middle Tennessee’s outdoor store.
A cupcake may disappear after consumption, but the memory of how delicious it tasted will may be a little dramatic, but the
life this season by shopping at friend who hangs out on campus
Boro Town Cakes
remain for a lifetime. Okay, that
Satisfy the outdoor lover in your Bink’s. An Eno Hammock for the
local brewery. Bring Mayday to purchasing a jug, or bring family
purchasing popular brands such
Bink’s Outfitters
Mayday Brewery, Murfreesboro’s out of town family and friends by
expertise. A wide variety of ready-to-wear jewelry, handbags,
Mayday Brewery
gift of desert is a gift that brings
Little Shop Of Records
a smile. Boro Town Cakes offers a variety of treats including cake
Little Shop of Records is
pops, pies, cupcakes, cookies,
Murfreesboro’s answer to
cheesecakes and brownies.
shopping for all things pop culture. From vintage records to this year’s most popular albums,
Natalie Shipley >> Staff writer
Little Shop has it all from every era and genre. Support local musicians while supporting local business. Introducing your favorite music lover to new music is a gift that keeps on giving.
SIDELINES | Dec. 4, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15
OPINIONS
comic by Kari Owen
CONFUSED ABOUT THE NEW HEALTH CARE LAW? WE’RE HERE TO HELP. Just come to one of our meetings. There are no obligations. We’ll answer all your questions and walk you through how to find a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace that’s right for you. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how you might be able to get cost savings that could significantly lower your monthly payment.
ATTEND A COMMUNITY MEETING DEC 12 & DEC 20 12 p.m. – Rosenwald Community Center 565 Mason Tucker Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167 To find more community meetings in your area, visit bcbst.com/KnowNow ©BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace.