MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
SEPT. 19, 2012
EDITORIALLY INDEPENDENT
Fall brings multitude of regional music festival options
CONTENT 3 A letter from our editor NEWS Conference allows girls to magically “STEM” 4 into science By Chris Marrano
Campus food pantry opens: homeless, low income targeted
Corrections from 9/12 issue: Cover graphic by Andrew Williams. In the cover story, “Immigrants become citizens, population more diversified,” immigrants pursuing citizenship must remain in the United States a total of five years, not months. The fee for the N-400 form is $680, not $595. In the Rants & Raves section, the incorrect art and event information was paired with Sara Evans’ performance at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend. The opinion “The problem with #whitepeopleproblems” was written by Christopher Merchant. The photo for “Blue Raider Hall of Fame adds prestigious field in 2012” was taken by Darby Campbell, not Jay Bailey. Sidelines regrets these errors.
By Alex Hubbard
professor drives innovation forward 5 Engineering By Quint Qualls home offers authentic, old fashioned activites 6 Historic By Emily West
7 Crime Briefs FEATURES your homecoming king and queen candidates 8 Meet By Emily Kubis COVER STORY The Mid-South hosts music festivals for your fall enjoyment 10 By Emily Kubis and Jane Horne ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT apps have the potential to change 12 Smartphone photography 13
13
By Lauren Mandrell
Nostalgic pastime makes a resurgence among young music fans By Jay Powell
RANTS AND RAVES out local happenings 14 Check By Jessica Kryza
Avett Brothers channel darker emotions in ‘The Carpenter’ By Richel Albright
OPINIONS interventionism exacerbates global conflict 17 U.S. By Alex Harris
Youth need to embrace liberty, reject government
18 dependence By Matthew Hurtt SPORTS Intramurals provide for fitness, friendship for 19 student body By Mark Mize
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Sidelines Staff Becca Andrews Editor-in-chief editor@mtsusidelines.com Richel Albright Managing editor managing@mtsusidelines. com Asher Hudson Online director online@mtsusidelines.com Abena Ka-Dumasane Online assistant asstonline@mtsusidelines. com Alex Hubbard Campus news editor news@mtsusidelines.com
Emily West Community news editor commnews@ mtsusidelines.com Emily Kubis Features editor features@mtsusidelines. com Jane Horne Arts & Entertainment editor ae@mtsusidelines.com Mark Mize Sports editor sports@mtsusidelines.com Alex Harris Opinions editor opinions@mtsusidelines. com
Kelsey Klingenmeyer Design manager design@mtsusidelines.com Nhu Duong Photo editor photo@mtsusidelines.com Matt Masters Associate photo editor asstphoto@mtsusidelines. com Justin Threlkeld Ad manager advertising@mtsusidelines.com Leon Alligood Adviser leon.alligood@mtsu.edu
A letter from our editor... From the day I was born, I was instilled with a belief in this country and in the freedom it is meant to stand for. I was born 21 years ago to a military family at the Naval Hospital in Bremerton, Wa., across the Puget Sound from Seattle. My father was a lieutenant in the Navy on the USS Carl Vinson. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, he promptly married my mother and went into the Navy. He always told me he wasn’t ready to settle into a normal 9-to-5 office job and wanted to see the world, so he did just that. I suspect there was more to that decision than mere restlessness. When I was 13, my eighth grade class went to Washington, D.C. to tour the city. It wasn’t a long trip, but it was the farthest I had ever been from home and from my parents. I was really excited, and my parents, my dad in particular,
Becca and her father, Mark Andrews, enjoy some quality time at her parents’ house in Bells, Tenn.
were nervous. The night before I left, my dad sat me down in the living room, directly across from his chair– that’s how I knew he meant business. He looked me square in the eyes, his own were mirror images of mine. He spoke quietly, seriously. It was the voice he used when he wanted me to listen carefully, another trait I inherited. He told me I was going to see things in the capital of America that he wanted me to think about. He told me that in visiting each memo-
rial, I would– would, not should– stand respectfully and silently, and think about the sacrifices that were made for the freedom of my country. When I got to D.C. and saw those memorials, when I stood before the Vietnam Memorial and watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, I felt something. In a lot of ways, I was too young to fully understand it, but I felt something deep and proud and somber. Several of my classmates were talking and laughing,
but I couldn’t disobey my father. I couldn’t forget the look on his face when he told me to take what I was experiencing seriously. In a lot of ways, my father shaped me. He was a strict disciplinarian, but always did so in love, never in anger. Much of my childhood was spent not wanting to disappoint him–in a lot of ways that never changed. I had excellent posture, good manners and helped my mother around the house. My father was confident in the way he ran our household, and my sister and I were expected to fulfill our duties completely. From this, I learned selfcontrol, strength and organization. I learned to love well and to think through things logically first (although I still have trouble with that one from time to time). My dad instilled in me a love for freedom, which eventually developed into a deep belief in the First Amendment and all that it stands for. He had no idea that
his little green-eyed girl would grow up to be a reporter, an advocate of freedom of the press, free speech and right of everyone to worship their own god as they feel led. Many who know me and read this may be a little surprised– I’m a selfproclaimed cynic, and I’m never the first in the room to stand up as a red-blooded American to proclaim my patriotism. However, I do have belief in freedom and deep gratitude for all that has been done to protect our basic human rights as they were intended. Earlier this week, we celebrated Constitution Day across campus. In our own little corner of the world, 300 immigrants will become U.S. citizens. They will vote in the upcoming election, and they will exercise their rights daily, ideally without fear. There is something poetic, and almost magical, about such an event taking place in Murfreesboro, a town that has been caught
in the crossfire of a battle against religious freedom. I’d like to hope that this will be a catalyst for change, an inspiration for a community that has experienced so much chaos, confusion and senseless violence over the past several years. My father and I are very different people. He’s a true Southern man, kind-hearted and fiercely protective of me, never hesitating to threaten any boy bold enough to accompany me home. He loves his small-town life and meticulously cares for his yard. He collects guns and never misses a Mississippi State football game. He teases me about being a “liberal,” and recently joked to his doctor that maybe you can’t take the country out of the girl, but that I was sure going to try. He’s also the best man I know, and I’m proud to be the American daughter of a former Naval officer, Lieutenant Mark S. Andrews. -Becca Andrews Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
Conference allows girls to magically “STEM” into science
Girls take advantage of the STEM program at MTSU year after year to learn about opportunities available to them in science and technological industries. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
By Chris Marrano Contributing writer This weekend, MTSU students and professors aim to showcase the magical world of Harry Potter for preteen and teenage girls with a passion for science and to magically break down pre-existing barriers and gender roles. Over 400 middle- and high-school girls will experience the “Science of Hogwarts” and learn about career opportunities in STEM fields on Saturday at the 16th annual Expand Your Horizons in Math and Science Conference at MTSU. STEM is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Coalition that works with Congress to promote science and math education across the United States. The “Science of Hogwarts” explores the science behind some of the most famous magic that happens at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the popular Harry Potter series. The girls will experience how levitation is created by using
special wands, make shrunken house-elf heads and learn the science behind making the tip of the wand produce light. The event has many undergraduate students acting as group-leaders for the girls, which provides the student volunteers with practical experience working with children. “Many [group-leaders] are STEM majors and believe passionately that girls should be encouraged in the math and science field,” said Laura Clippard, the group-leader coordinator and academic advisor at MTSU. “The most important thing about the event is the encouragement that girls get.” MTSU graduate student Katrina Smith began working with Expanding Your Horizons as a group leader and now runs this particular workshop. “My main goal is showing the girls science is fun and something not to be afraid of,” Smith said. For the past 16 years, Judith Iriarte-Gross,
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professor of chemistry and director of the Women in STEM Center, put this conference together to introduce girls to avenues they previously considered closed to them. “If we do not encourage girls and other underrepresented groups, we will lose our place as a world leader,” IriarteGross said. The program seeks to draw more girls into the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and combat gender stereotypes in those career paths. According to IrarteGross, the biggest takeaway for the participants is that girls can have a rewarding future in STEM. Expanding Your Horizons has around 100 conferences in the U.S. each year, but only 10 in the South. She has already made progress by helping to spread Expanding Your Horizons into the University of Memphis. This year will break the record for attendance with 448 girls registered, according to Iriarte-Gross.
Campus food pantry opens: homeless, low income targeted By Alex Hubbard Campus news editor A campus food pantry meant to serve the temporary needs of MTSU’s low-income and homeless students is open and seeking food donations after months of uncertainty. The pantry is housed and operated from the University College Advising Center in the McFarland Building. In less than two weeks, the pantry collected nearly 75 pounds of food, said Becca Seul, who helps oversee the pantry, but certain needs still need to be met. “We have a big need for breakfast-type stuff, like oatmeal and the little individual box cereal,” Seul said. “The soups and vegetables in cans are great. We have to keep in mind, we’re giving out cans, and a lot of students don’t even have access to can openers, so we have to try to get those easyopen cans if we can.” Seul also said bottled water and boxed juices also remain a need. Due to logistical reasons in accounting, the pantry will not currently accept money donations. The purpose of the pantry is to offer temporary assistance. Seul said a log will be kept, and students with a persisting need will be advised of other, larger community organizations that can help offer permanent solutions. Students seeking services from the pantry will need to bring
A campus food pantry has a variety of food to feed MTSU students. Photo courtesy of MTSU News and Public Affairs.
student identification to prove enrollment in the university. The idea of a food pantry first came up in April in legislation passed by the Student Government Association, but implementation was delayed due to concerns about which campus department would be best to oversee the operation. But Seul said this pantry began as an independent effort. “It was basically an idea between me and one of our assistant directors, Heather Arrington,” Seul said. “I do the homeless verifications for MTSU for financial aid. I’ve noticed a big increase in the homeless population on campus, foster-care students and students coming from low income, so we decided that it was something that we needed to do.” The pantry will take donations and offer services Monday through
Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and an updated list of pantry needs can be found at http://www.mtsu.edu/ advising/FoodPantry. php. Despite setbacks in its own attempt at a pantry, SGA will move forward as a partner with the advising center, leaders said. “The University College Advising Center decided that they actually had the facility and the full-time staff for them to be able to run it,” said SGA Executive Vice President Rachel Lee, a major proponent of the pantry. “They’re going to have a consistent staff to run it year after year, whereas officers and senators are going to change out by the year, and so that is one plus side for sure, just to ensure sustainability.” Although Lee and Seul both said SGA would have a role in PANTRY continued on page 7
NEWS
Engineering professor drives innovation forward By Quint Qualls Contributing Writer An MTSU research project spearheaded by an engineering technology professor recently received national media exposure and is set to move toward commercial development. Over the past five years, Charles Perry and a team of students have designed a hybrid plug-in motor, called a retrofit kit, which allows any vehicle to convert to hybrid capability. The project garnered the attention of commercial and media interests across the globe almost overnight, including ABC News’s Bill Weir and the online program “This Could Be Big,” a collaboration between Yahoo! and ABC.
Jay Perry, a graduate student in engineering technology, has worked with professor Charles Perry on the hybrid project since 2010. Photo courtesy of MTSU News and Public Affairs.
“I get calls and emails every day from literally all over the globe,” Perry said. “This includes world class automotive hybrid motor experts at other
universities and automotive engineers from major corporations.” Since 2007, Perry and a team of nine students have worked on the hybrid plug-in
prototype, which has successfully turned a 1994 Honda Accord into a fully-capable hybrid vehicle, almost doubling its miles per gallon. The prototype
kit uses space in the rear-wheel to package an electric motor. “The plug-in hybrid retrofit kit allows adding plug-in hybrid capability and perfor-
mance to almost any car with no major mechanical modification,” Perry said. Most major automotive manufacturers are now moving in the direction of hybrid technology due to economic and environmental factors. The rising cost of gas is driving many consumers to seek alternatives to traditional vehicles, which is simultaneously driving further research into hybrid technologies, Perry said. Jay Perry, an engineering technology student in the master’s program, has been involved with the research project since 2010. “A new method of transportation has to be sought out,” Jay Perry said. “The hybrid wheel-hub motor is ENGINEERING continued on page 7
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NEWS
Historic home offers authentic, old-fashioned activities By Emily West Community news editor Less than two miles from campus, the antebellum Oaklands Historic House museum is holding fall events ranging from wine tastings to mourning tours. The house has been part of the Rutherford County landscape since 1813, when James Maney started a plantation on 274 acres of land. After over 100 years of the land and house passing hands, the city of Murfreesboro purchased the property, making the Oaklands part of the historical community. In continuation of its annual events, the museum will begin its fall festivities Sept. 2021 with an all-day wash, churn and learn experience. The $5 event is geared more toward elementary children, but anyone is welcome to participate in the handson presentations. “Children will be able to learn how to churn butter,” said Mary Beth Nevills, education director of the Oaklands Historic House. “They will also get to beat rugs and wash clothing on a wash board. Children will be able to see what life was like in the 1800s.” In the same week, the museum will also host a wine tasting and dinner al fresco Sept. 27 at 425 East Main St. starting at 6 p.m. The event is presented by local restaurants, stores and media with tickets costing $55. Starting in October, the house anticipates
Oaklands Historic House is conveniently located near MTSU on North Maney Street, and hosts educational reenactments. The antebellum home, built in 1813, is also a regular staple on the holiday tour of homes in Murfreesboro. Photo by Darby Campbell
more students from the MTSU community to tour the house and visit the grounds. The last two weeks of October, the Oaklands will be hosting its annual mourning tour, which consists of a guided tour of the house and the Evergreen Cemetery. “We are going to show visitors what Victorian mourning customs are like,” Nevills said. “The shutters will be drawn and
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musical instruments closed. There is lots of superstition involved in the customs. Visitors will also get a tour of the cemetery and get a small history lesson without even realizing it.” Some MTSU students will intentionally receive history lessons, as two different departments will go to the house for trips in October. History professor
Elizabeth Gritter is taking her students to the museum in order for them to have a firsthand look at an aspect of community life in the antebellum era. “I am teaching U.S. History to 1877, and students will be able to experience a historic house from this time period through touring the mansion,” Gritter said. “It is an exhibit not only appropriate for the month of October, given
Halloween, but also it will provide a unique perspective on 19th century American history. I am a big believer in incorporating local history into my class, and Oaklands Mansion, given its historical significance and proximity to campus, provides a great opportunity for doing so.” Nursing professor Mary Lavender is also taking her students to the museum during her
class’s regular lecture time to study and learn about 19th century medicine and end-oflife practices. “I take them to the museum because most of our students are young, and they need to know how their parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents deal with end-of-life, which is the class I teach,” Lavender said. “The mansion has good examples like the black ribbons on the mirrors, and they cover the customs and rituals along with sharing how people handled death in the 1800s and early 1900s.” Regular mourning tours of the home will be open to the public for $5, and the presentation lasts up to an hour. After the Halloween season, the museum plans to host its annual field day on the lawn of the grounds for all public and homeschooled children in Rutherford County. For the remaining two months of the year, the house will be decorated for the holiday season and preparing for the tour of homes. However, Nevills mentioned that students don’t have to come for any special event or holiday season. “Students don’t always have to come for events,” Nevills said. “College students come for something affordable to do on the weekend, and I know in the past some history professors have offered extra credit for students who came on their own.”
NEWS
PANTRY continued from page 4
ENGINEERING continued from page 4
promoting and workone of the answers to ment with an industrial ing with the pantry, the the problem. It can be partner to design and details have yet to be purchased cheap, and it build the next comconfirmed. is easy to install.” mercial version of the While comprehensive Ken Gendrich, a plug-in hybrid retrofit data on the nationwide graduate assistant and kit,” Perry said. “We are trend of campus food member of the research seeking investor funds pantries and of the num- project, was first introto pay for this next ber of students in need duced to Perry’s protostage. It will cost about are not available, recent type at an MTSU Earth $1 million. This highmedia coverage, acaDay presentation. initial cost is driven by a demic studies and the “I knew immediately need for additional religenerally poor economy what it was, and the ability and performance seem to indicate both potential impact it could optimization work that have risen in recent have,” Gendrich said. is typical when developyears. “My background ining automotive technolPantries at Tennescluded industrial vehicle ogy of this type.” see State University instrumentation packagPerry said that he and at Austin Peay both es. By chance, that was hopes all of the media began earlier this year, key to the next phase of attention and publicand a 2010 study at the the project. I now have ity from national news City University of New complete confidence outlets will assist in York, cited in a Sept. 10 that this product truly finding and stimulatarticle of the Chronicle meets the fuel savings ing potential investors, of Higher Education identified.” lead the project into its found that 39 percent of The research project next phase and presstudents in the CUNY is ongoing, and there is ent MTSU as a serious system dealt with some still much to be done research institution. form of hunger in the before the product hits “Many, myself inprevious year. the automotive markets. cluded, are committed Seul said that comAccording to Dr. Perry, to creating a culture of ing forward is often the this is just the begininnovation at MTSU,” hardest part. ning. Perry said. “Dr. [Samu“We have more The next stage of the el] Ricketts in agribusistudents on this camproject will be the deness and agriscience has pus that will actually velopment of a marketbeen on this path for struggle on their own able version of the retro- years as well as many instead of self-identify fit kit, to be designed by others in engineering because they don’t want industry professionals technology, chemistry, people to know,” Seul and built in a manufacbiology, aerospace, said. turing facility. and many other departBut Seul added that “We have an agreements.” often these situations are temporary and can be dealt with quickly. Of the 48 students that she verified as homeless since March 2011, Seul said she has renewed only four to date. “From my perspective it looks like these students are getting back on their feet and are finding places to live,” she said. “We’ve given them a lot of resources in the community to help them get on their feet as well.” Charles Perry has worked wtih students on the hybrid plug-in prototype since 1997. Photo courtesy of MTSU News and Public Affairs
Harassment Judd Hall Sept. 12, 1:45 a.m. Authorities responded to a verbal dispute between a couple. No assault occurred. The male complainant reported that the female was following him and would not leave him alone. The female complainant reported that the male had taken her vehicle without permission. Neither party wished to file charges and separated for the night. Alarm Murphy Center Sept. 12, 9:12 p.m. Officers responded to a fire alarm. The fire department determined that no fire was present, and the dryers in the athletics laundry room activated the alarm.
CRIME BRIEFS
Warrant East Main Street Sept. 13, 1:23 a.m. Authorities arrested Bradley Sanders, 19, on the charge of active warrant for violation of probation.
Traffic Alumni Drive Sept. 13, 8:08 a.m. Authorities arrested Chad Simcoe, 29, on the charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespassing. Authorities also issued Simcoe a citation for driving on a suspended license, registration violation and failure to provide proof of financial responsibility. Alarm Murphy Center Sept. 13, 10:10 p.m. Officers responded to
a fire alarm near the locker room. No signs of fire were found. Alcohol Scarlett Commons Apt. 5 Sept. 13, 11:38 p.m. Authorities arrested Leo Myers, 20, on the charge of underage consumption of alcohol. Alcohol Rutherford Boulevard Sept. 14, 12:34 a.m. Authorities issued a citation to Marina Click, 19, and Catherine Arnold, 19, for underage possession of alcohol. Alcohol Rutherford Boulevard Sept. 14, 2:19 a.m. Authorities arrested Cameron McDowell, 19, and Allen Tyler, 18, on the charge of underage consumption.
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FEATURES
Meet your homecoming king and queen candidates By Emily Kubis Features editor Voting for homecoming elections began Monday and will continue through Friday. To vote, visit mtsu. edu/mymt and login with your PipelineMT information. Click “Vote Now!” beside the Homecoming King and Queen ballot. Here are the candidates:
Queen Candidates France Makabu, Senior
Major: Business administration Hometown: Paris, France Extracurricular activities: Track and Field, Sigma Gamma Rho, Chi Alpha Sigma, SUASA and the Chemistry Society I want to be queen because: A lot of people do not realize how blessed MTSU is for being so diverse…I am myself straight from France, and I realized that here at MTSU we are all Blue Raiders regardless of where we come from. I will be representative of the diversity and togetherness that lives at MTSU.
Amy Burns, Senior
Major: Exercise science Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Panhellenic Council, Physical Therapy club, Raider Outdoor Lightening Leadership, MTSU Recreation Center I want to be queen because: I am very passionate about MTSU and the Blue Raider community. I have put my all into the three years that I have been here. I would love to represent the MTSU students and would do so in the most honorable manner. Callie Durham, Senior
Major: Electronic media communication and Spanish Hometown: McMinnville, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Alpha Delta Pi, MT10, 2011 Miss Middle Tennessee Blue Raider, Phi Kappa Phi I want to be queen
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because: I have been in love with our amazing university family and involved community. I would strive to aid others in having the best Blue Raider experience possible— I already consider myself lucky to get to share these blue and white colors and MTSU emblem with each and every one of you. You make me proud to be a Blue Raider. Lindsay Cheatham, Senior
Major: General science, minor in community and public health Hometown: Addis Abeba, Ethiopia Extracurricular activities: Sigma Alpha Lamda, Chemistry Club, Delta Delta, Alpha Kappa Alpha I want to be queen because: As a Blue Raider, I am proud to represent my school and my ethnicity in a public eye. I feel like I am an absolute definition of True Blue. I’m active on campus, and maintain a good GPA. Lindsay Ryan Mann, Junior
Major: Biology Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, Student Athletic Advisory Committee I want to be queen so: I can do my part in helping build a more unified student body. I want to have fun, meet new people and enjoy some of the luxuries of being a student without the athlete attached to it. Meron Aregai, Senior
Major: Nursing Hometown: Evansville, Ind. Extracurricular activities: Alpha Omicron Pi, Panhellenic Executive Board, Student Nurse Association I want to be queen because: I am just truly passionate about [the] campus of MTSU and the people here. If I were elected homecoming queen, I would just hope to shine a positive light on just how much this campus has to offer with all of its diverse groups and the unity we can create.
Amber Page Glass, Junior
Major: Health care administration Hometown: Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Zeta Tau Alpha, volleyball, EMT services I want to be queen because: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and also when homecoming queens get the most recognition. I want to get everyone at MTSU involved in breast cancer awareness and education. It has also been a dream of mine to have the honor of being homecoming queen and representing the entire campus. Elizabeth Lambert, Ph.D.
Major: History Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: National Council on Public History, American Association of University Women,
Eta Sigma Phi I want to be queen because: I’m running on behalf of the Graduate Student Association. We would love to see our organization do well in this election to remind graduate students that they are an important part of our university’s True Blue character. We are an organization that thrives on our diversity and through our candidacy hope to showcase the many wonderful students that make MTSU a site of academic excellence and life-long learning. Tramaine Nixon, Senior Major: Public relations
Hometown: Jackson, Tenn. I want to be queen because: For many years, we’ve had the mentality that a homecoming queen should be the perfect person who makes no mistakes, [but] a queen should be someone who is a representation of the entire student body. I believe it’s time to change our mindset from what a homecoming queen should be and get in the mindset of who identifies with me.
cont. on page 9
FEATURES cont. from page 8
Hailey Horton, Senior Major: Organizational
communication Hometown: Selmer, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Alpha Chi Omega, vice president of recruitment and vice president of membership programming, student orientation assistant I want to be queen because: I am interested in running for homecoming queen because of the pride I have for MTSU. I have been involved in many aspects of campus and have thrived in my experiences. I would like to further leave my mark at MTSU by running for the 2012 homecoming court. Rachel Lee, Senior Major: Organizational
sador I want to be queen because: MTSU deserves a queen who represents a multitude of areas on campus and has a huge heart for all Blue Raiders. I believe, through my campus involvement, convictions and love for MTSU, I am True Blue and represent our students, no matter where they come from. Maggie Hunt, Senior Major: Art History
Joe Jackson, Senior Major: Business ad-
Hometown: Columbia, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Chi Omega, MTSU High Five Club, Honors Association of Art History I want to be queen because: I want to represent this great university with spiritedness and show how lifechanging a decision to join a student organization can be. This is the least I can give to the school that has already given me so much.
King Candidates Buddy Renner, Junior Major: Aerospace communication Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: SGA Executive vice president, student orientation assistant, Raiders for Christ, Centennial Student Ambas-
Hometown: Morristown, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Interfraternity Council, Sigma Pi, Raider Representative, student orientation assistant, Blue Elite I want to be king because: I want to continue voicing my enthusiasm for our university. I have had the opportunity to do it through my organizations as well as working for the Blue Elite, and this gives me a way to continue doing so.
ministration Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn. I want to be king because: I love to get involved on my campus. I have been doing so for the past four years here at MTSU, and I feel that becoming the homecoming king is one of the highest levels of involvement. In the campaign process. I hope to get to meet a lot of the great students who also go here and to get to reach out to the student body in my last year.
Matthew Hibdon, Senior
sity stands for and the values and beliefs of the students. I love this university and would love to have the chance to be a face for the student body. Brian Williams, Senior
Major: Administration and supervision in higher education Hometown: McMinnville, Tenn. I want to be king because: I have a true passion for serving others and MTSU. To truly reap the benefits of being MTSU students, we must embrace our similarities and differences while working together. Whether you are in the aerospace program, the Honors College, graduate studies or the Adult Degree Completion program, I want to represent you as homecoming king. Michael Ryne Alexander, Senior
Major: Electronic media journalism Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Phi Beta Sigma, NAACP, National Society for Leadership and Success, United Way community service organization I want to be king because: I feel as if I am a good representation of this university. I have been very involved and active on this campus since I got here, and I would like nothing more to leave my mark on this university.
that has given me so much in my four years here as an undergraduate. I have a strong pride in this university and becoming king would be nothing short of an honor. Drew Jenkins, Junior
Major: Music education and vocal general Hometown: Jefferson City, Tenn. I want to be king because: I would love nothing more than to represent the student body, the College of Music and the Department of Housing, specifically. Additional Candidates: Morriah Rosser
Curtis Strode, Jr., Senior
Major: Organizational communication Hometown: Nolensville, Tenn. Extracurricular activities: Alpha Tau Omega, SGA Homecoming Committee I want to be king because: I think that I would be a good face for MTSU as far as what the univer-
Nick Booher
Major: International relations and Spanish Hometown: McMinnville, Tenn. I want to be king because: I want to represent this great university SIDELINES | Sept. 19, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com 9
COVER STORY The Mid-South hosts music festivals for your fall enjoyment By Emily Kubis Feature editor and Jane Horne Arts & Entertainment editor The upcoming fall season is like Christmas for music lovers. This time of year is filled with countless music festivals – electronic, old school, indie rock and everything in between. And luckily for MTSU students, most of these can’t-miss festivals are taking place just a day’s drive or less away. So grab your latest paycheck, a few friends, a pre-festival roadtrip playlist and give yourself the gift of live music.
Music Midtown Festival, Sept. 2122, Atlanta, GA Two day ticket- $100 One day- $55 Foo Fighters, The Avett Brothers, Florence and the Machine, Pearl Jam, Girl Talk, Ludacris Music Midtown Festival has it all. No matter what genre you call your favorite, there will be something here for you. Headliners from across the country are coming to Atlanta for this two-day festival and at the perfect price for college students. At $55 for one day, or $100 for both, either of those prices could easily be paid for just one of the headliners. So do yourself a favor and head to Atlanta to see at least one artist that you know you’ve been dying to
see.
Boomslang, Sept. 20-23, Lexington, KY Four day, all access pass- $70 The Jesus and Mary Chain, Jeff Magnum (Neutral Milk Hotel), Das Racist, Saint Vitus These four days of rock, punk and death metal spread across Lexington are put on by the University of Kentucky’s student radio station, WRFL. It’s known for the non-commercial music that is promoted on the station, and Boomslang ultimately represents that. Check out X A M B U C A for a visual and audio-centered concert, and be sure to make it to Doomslang or Queerslang on Saturday night.
Bayfest, Oct. 5-7, Mobile, AL Weekend pass- $45 Pat Benatar, Journey, Luke Bryan, Pretty Lights Alabama’s largest music festival has shows for all ages. From Pat Benatar and Journey, to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, to Luke Music festivals around the region make for the perfect fall getaway, with something to offer everyone. Graphic by Christopher Do Bryan to Pretty Lights VIP- $75 Ready to put your of headphones and can shine and music before to Buckcherry, Bayfest My Morning Jacket, party pants on in Hotget down to the music it’s too late. will have something Young the Giant, Dilanta? I hate calling it of your choosing. Just constantly playing to vine Fits that, but what a more remember to drink lots Counterpoint, entertain you. Ninety perfect nickname for of water this weekend. bands are on the lineup, Sept. 27-29, AtlanAmerican psychedelic three days of electronic You’ll need it from ta, GA which equals your rock band My Mornand dance music? In sweating out during weekend pass costing between jamming out your multiple hour-long ing Jacket, indie rock Three-day Pass- $165 only 50 cents per band. band Young the Giant, with the main headlindance sessions. (Limited available) And what better excuse Divine Fits (Spoon’s ers, you’ll probably get Bassnectar, Pretty to head to the beach a kick out of stopping Soundland, Oct. 6, Britt Daniel and Wolf Lights, Skrillex, than for a music festiParade’s Dan Boeckner) by the silent disco. You Nashville AVICCI val? Enjoy some sunand more are heading to receive your own pair Advance tickets- $45
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COVER STORY
VIP- $250 Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Nas, Santigold A recent (and rather snarky) L.A. Times article expressed shock that Skrillex would vacate his home of Los Angeles and throw his first festival elsewhere– in Nashville, of all places, where our country-music-blaring, cowboy boot-wearing hillbillies ain’t never even heard of that-thar dubstep before. But alas, L.A.’s surprise is our gain, and Middle Tennessee has been given the opportunity to dub-out with the best of them. The Times called it “further confirmation of Nashville’s resurgent power as a music center.” Please. As if we needed confirmation.
Voodoo Experience, Oct. 26-2738, New Orleans, LA Three day ticket- $175 Green Day, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Jack White, Skrillex, The Avett Brothers
With Your Friends, Oct 26-27, Nashville, TN
Head down to the swampy south for some hot tunes in N’awlins. Beyond the headliners listed above, this fest features treats such as French-electronic duo Justice, Gary Clark, Jr., Bootsy Collins and South Africa’s Die Antwoord. Eclectic, no? New Orleans is world-famous for letting the good times roll, so pony up and get down. And while you’re there, might as well make a hotel reservation for Jazz Fest in the spring.
Two day ticket- $75 (limited quantity)
Moogfest, Oct. 26-27, Asheville, NC
Acts from many genres will be represented at the festivals, along with plenty of opportunities to let loose and have a good time. Photos courtesy of Facebook.
Nashville to spend a day at the revamped local music fest, Soundland. After being a multivenue festival since its beginnings in 2006, artists and fans can now gather at the Lawn at Riverfront Park to enjoy all that Music City has to offer. Come relish in the next big thing Nashville has to offer,
and introduce yourself to some fantastic bands that you might not have heard of.
Starry Nights Sept. 28-29, Bowling Green, KY Two day ticket- $45 Cage the Elephant, Portugal. The Man, Manchester Orchestra
Starry Nights is Cage the Elephant’s curated festival in their hometown of Bowling Green, Ky. Some might call it Bonnarroo Lite, since its three-day party also includes camping on a farm– Ballance Farms, to be specific. This year’s festival features a psychedelic line-up, and we have on good authority that the festi-
val directors are planning some non-musical events as well, including a game of capture the flag, a pancake breakfast and a glow-in-the-dark disc golf course.
Three day ticket$125-$145 Single day ticket- $65$75 Primus 3D, Nas, Santigold, Miike Snow, Orbital Ah, Moogfest. The great festival with the weird name. What’s a Moog? Well, inquiring minds, Moogfest is a festival honoring Robert Moog, an American pioneer of electronic music. No, he didn’t invent dubstep, but he did invent the Moog synthesizer. He also lived in Asheville for the last 30 years of his life, and so now we can all make a pilgrimage to beautiful western North Carolina and pay tribute to the gifts he gave us. Plus, Primus 3-D? Do you really need another reason?
Bear Creek Fest, Nov. 8-11, Live Oak, FL Three day ticket- $150 Umphrey’s McGee, Lotus, Perpetual Groove, The New Mastersounds, Billy Martin & Wil Blades Duo Arguably the jammiest listed festival, Bear Creek Festival features two Umph shows, two Dumpstaphunk shows, two New Mastersounds shows and two P. Groove shows, among several other double and single shows over the weekend. Artist Zach Deputy will also be holding a charitable disc golf game for The Spirit of the Suwannee Kids Music Camp. Ask your folks for an early Christmas present– hey, it’s for a good cause.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Smartphone apps have potential to change photography By Lauren Mandrell Contributing writer With the evergrowing popularity of the iPhone and the perpetual need to have the newest technology, our generation is finding easier ways to show off their everyday photography. This growth also seems to have brought a decline for the need for professional photographers, leaving many people scratching their heads asking why the art of photography is changing so rapidly. Many people have not realized this change, as they use applications like Instagram, Hipstagram, Hipstamatic, or even websites like Tumblr and Pinterest. Most just think they are showing their friends things they like and what they are doing, like hanging out with their cat or the design in their cup of coffee. But what is not being noticed by most of the Instagram population is that the “photographers” do not own the rights to their pictures. Instagram’s terms and conditions on their website are pretty short and fairly simple to read. It clearly states that “by displaying or publishing any content on or through the Instagram services, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royaltyfree, worldwide, limited license to use.” However, before this sentence they state they do not claim any of your photographs, a cause for
Instagram allows users to capture moments of their life and post them online for everyone to see. Photos courtesy of Sidelines editorial board
confusion for its users. The simple fact in most of these cases is that Instagram is owned by Facebook, which claims ownership to any and all pictures posted to its site. “From what I have heard among my fellow photographers is that Facebook can claim the copyright theirs, therefore, using your photograph as they please,” said Morgan Beaty, a recent MTSU graduate with a bachelor of science in photography. According to the blog DigitalBuzz, Instagram has over 40 million
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users worldwide with roughly 58 photos uploaded every second. The photos that come out of this application are not the kind that anyone would be proud of had they taken the photo with actual film and developed the pictures themselves. “Everyone is an instant pro,” said Jonathan Trundle, professor of photography, of these instant photography apps. “The magic of the unknown. Wow, what an incredible feeling.” But many people don’t know the actual basics of photography,
like framing the shot and even putting film in a camera. And according to many photography majors and minors, it takes more than that to be a photographer. “Capturing what inspires you or interests you in the moment,” Beaty said is the essence of her craft. “Every photograph needs a good fundamental configuration so that it can grab people’s eyes from a distance.” Many photography majors are not worried about how Instagram is affecting photography. Some actually find
it very helpful when trying to just take a quick picture or to show something to a friend somewhere in the world. “I have noticed that on Instagram, since you’re not worrying about proper exposure, it’s easier to think about composition,” said Olivia Throckmorton, a sophomore majoring in photography. With whatever you are trying to take a picture of only being able to fit in a small square, many would think that would deter people from using Instagram. Except
there is the advantage of getting photos faster, something that could never have been imagined even 10 years ago. These applications are certainly helping many get a better idea of what a photo taken with a better camera may look like. “Instagram is basically snapshots. I like using it to take snapshots, but that’s it,” Beaty said. Although there are new technologies and cheaper— but still fairly nice— cameras available to people, the idea and things that makes photography an art form will never change to those who have taken the time to really understand the art. “You can say that it’s unfair for those who have studied and received a degree in a certain field to have competition from less experienced photographers. On the other end of the spectrum, someone who has basic equipment, natural ability and the desire to be a photographer might disagree,” said Tom Stanford, photo editor at The Tennessean. Most photography majors and graduates aren’t worried about Instagram damaging the art form and believe it will go away in a couple of years. “I think phone photography is a toy for photographers to play with,” Beaty said. “It’s just fad at the moment.”
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Nostalgic pastime makes a resurgence among young music fans By Jay Powell Staff writer They are old, take up too much space and often times have a tendency to be extremely difficult to deal with, but somehow musiclovers keep buying vinyl records. For years, vinyl records were thought of as a bit of an obscurity. They were nothing but large, dusty relics sought after by only collectors and audiophiles. They had all but joined the cassettes, VCRs and 8-tracks in the graveyard of dead technology. Over the past few years, however, vinyl records have seen resurgence in sales. Many are still scratching their heads as to how and why such an old form of listening to music is now experiencing a sort of renaissance, causing record companies and stores to supply them in larger quantities. According to Billboard. com, last year vinyl sales totaled 3.5 million, a 25-percent increase from 2.8 million sold in 2010. That number does not include sales of used vinyl at independent music shops and thrift stores. Before, stores like Best Buy only carried a few vinyl records. Now the selection has grown into the hundreds for some stores. “I think the fact is actually some of the new artists; they’re putting albums out exclusively on vinyl,” said Justin Reed, an electronic media communications major who also hosts
Vinyl is experiencing a resurgance among a younger demographic that appreciates the authentic sound and nostalgia. Photo by AJ Netherland
“The Justin Reed Show” which airs on 88.3 WMTS Thursday mornings from 8-10. People are not just buying records of vintage artists like the Beatles – although Abbey Road was the topselling vinyl in 2011. Nine out of the top 10 vinyl records sold last year were of albums released within the last five years. With statistics like these, it is easy to say that vinyl is once again a relevant form of music. “There’s some things that you can notice in vinyl that you can’t notice in other things,”
Reed said. Fans of the vinyl record enjoy the classic sounds that come with the needle of the record player against the spinning record and the recording process. “CDs and mp3s have been cleaned,” Reed said. “They’ve taken out all of the background noise and the clicks and the pops. That’s what I like.” When an instrument is recorded, it is typically taken through the microphone and stored using analog sound waves. This preserves the most natural live sound of a recording. When the final mix is
then converted to a digital format for a CD or mp3, part of the original analog sound is lost. Instead, the digital format breaks it all down into zeros and ones, thus making it only another digital file on a hard drive. The sound will come in clear and will never wear out over time, but part of what was originally there is lost in the process. Vinyl players carry no digital characteristics and, therefore, when the album is pressed onto a vinyl record, most of the original live recording is preserved. This is what gives a record a more
“natural sound,” despite the crackles and pops that arise over time. Our ears are also made to hear things in analog. Playing a vinyl record causes the sound waves to produce a much warmer sound more soothing to our eardrums than a digital copy can provide. All technical aspects aside, there has always been a sort of romanticism with collecting vinyl records. It can be a commitment keeping a large collection of albums in a home. They are heavy, they take up space and you can’t put them all on an iPod. Some can also cost over
twice the amount of a CD or digital download if purchased new. Owning a vinyl collection can also be a rewarding experience. You appreciate the music more because you bought it at a little music shop after spending time rifling through thousands of records that have seen their years of use. It is like flipping through pages of American history, and you feel as if you own something special. Anyone can go into a local Best Buy or WalMart and buy an album, but it doesn’t leave you with the same sense of gratitude that you get from dusting off a few old LPs at an old shop. Listening to a record is also the greatest way to experience an album socially. It isn’t like an iPod where you just pop in earbuds and escape into a solitary listening experience. “Vinyl, I don’t think, will ever die,” Reed said. “It’s portable and it’s proven that you can store information on it for a long time. We still have vinyl recordings from the ‘20s, and they’re still around. And there’s always going to be somebody who has a record player in some radio station or in their man cave at home.” By putting on an album, you have the opportunity to sit around for a half hour, take turns flipping the record over or hitting the machine when it skips. It brings people closer together, the way music is supposed to.
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RANTS AND RAVES September 19-23 The Avengers 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Student Union Video Theater Student Union Building, Room 208 MTSU Campus Admission: $2
September 20-23 Corey Holcomb 6 p.m., Zanies Comedy Club 2025 8th Ave. South, Nashville Admission: $20 Ages: 18+
September 20
RAW Nashville: Ensemble 8 p.m., Mercy Lounge One Cannery Row, Nashville Admission: $10 Ages: 18+
September 21
Women and Whiskey 6-8 p.m., Tennessee State Museum 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville Admission: $40+ Age: 21+
September 21
Umphrey’s McGee with Conspirator 7:30 p.m., Ryman Auditorium 116 5th Ave North, Nashville Admission: $30+ 14 SIDELINES |Sept. 19, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
“The Avengers” has it all, and it’s not hard to see why it was the biggest movie of the summer, smashing box office records like Thor’s mighty hammer. There was great anticipation for this movie ever since the idea was hinted at the end of the individual movies.
Comic buffs everywhere could not wait to see the dynamic team saving the world. Starting off as a dysfunctional family, the group pulls it together in the nick of time. As Thor’s brother, Loki, a banished demigod, plots to destroy the earth, the team pulls together to
save it. With a goodlooking cast and nonstop action, this is a superhero movie that girls didn’t mind being dragged to by their boyfriends. An additional screening time will be on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. There will not be a 10 p.m. screening on Sunday.
Funny-man Corey Holcomb is coming to Nashville to let you know what it takes to be a baller. His diverse resume of success includes both film and television, such as NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Fox’s “MADtv,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and his
own special on “Comedy Central Presents.” His past stand ups incuded a number of comical stories about street life, poverty and women, which still make the ladies laugh due to his charming smile and big personality. You never know what is going to come out of his
uncensored mouth. Word of caution, his jokes may offend you, but you will only pout for five seconds before continuing to laugh your head off. This would be a fun date night or a good night out with friends to laugh your college worries away.
Enjoy a multi-faceted showcase from local artists who were chosen to feature their work by RAW: natural born artists, an independent arts organization for underground filmmakers, hair stylists, musicians, photographers, performing artists, fashion designers,
as well as makeup and visual artists. RAW’s mission is to provide emerging artists with the necessary tools and exposure to make a name for themselves. RAW creates its events in creative communities across the United States and Australia, and is now launching
in Nashville for the first time on Thursday. Expect an overflow of imagination and creativity as you experience various talents in Music City. There will be a cash bar for drinks, and the dress code is cocktail attire. For tickets, go to rawartists.org/ nashville/ensemble.
Women can certainly turn a few heads when they put their minds to it, especially these three women leading the way in whiskey pioneering: Troy Ball, Hollis Bulleit and Britt Chavanne. Participants will get to sample whiskeys from these women’s distilleries —
Troy & Sons, Bulleit and Willett Distilling Company — and vote in a “cocktail-off.” Of course, food will be provided at the event, because no one wants a large group of drunken women taking over Nashville, and yes, this event is for the ladies only. Guests will also
have a chance to chat with these women during a Q&A session. Ladies, ditch those spouses of yours, plan a girl’s night out and support these distinguished women mastering their unique craft.
For those of you who like jam bands, head to Nashville for this one. Umphrey’s McGee has been jamming since 1997, and to date, the band has sold more than two-million records. Rolling Stone included the band in a “Top 15 Jam Bands” list in 2009,
ranking them No. 4. For those who don’t know, a jam band is basically a group of musicians that “jam” for an extended period of time. It’s improvisational and unpredictable, which is why some people are turned off by it. The big question is who is going
to pay $30 or more to see a jam band, when you can just grab a few of your musician friends and have them “jam” in your house. If you are not a die-hard fan, then don’t waste money on this.
RANTS AND RAVES September 21
Have a case of the college blues yet? Don’t worry. Blues Fever will be at Fanatics if you need some cheering up. These four guys have been musicians for years, playing good ole Chicago-style blues that will get you grooving in no time. The group will perform
some jazzy numbers, along with some rock and R&B. You can dance or just sit back, relax with a cold beer in hand while listening to the harmonica and guitar harmonizing. Jazz isn’t for everyone, so check out the band’s material first before attending. Also, MTSU
students and staff can receive 15 percent off the menu, so don’t forget your MTSU ID when you go check out this event.
September 22
Missing those game nights that you use to have with your siblings? Student Programming is bringing it back to you this Saturday at the Student Union. They will provide the classic games for you to play and enjoy with friends such as Life, Battleship, Scrabble, Mo-
nopoly, Twister and many more. If you live on campus, take advantage of this occasion with your new roommate and your group of campus buddies for a free afternoon of old-fashioned entertainment. Even though you are now an adult in college, don’t miss out on
your chance to feel like a kid again and have a few laughs. Maybe you will find your potential college sweetheart while playing a game or two of the infamously accidentprone Twister.
There is a new trend that is expanding our food culture– the food truck– and Nashville is catching on. For those who may not know what a food truck is, it is essentially a mobile kitchen, and it is bringing a new meaning to the term “street food.”
The Lenox Village Area Business Association will present The Great Food Truck Festival, and proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. There will be 15 food trucks attending, which will make this the largest event of its type in Middle Tennes-
see. Go support a great cause while enjoying music and delicious food like Grilled Cheeserie, Jonbalaya, Mean Green Ice Cream Machine and many more. Collection boxes will be available for food donations. For more info, visit lenoxvillagearea.com.
The Boro has another metal show lined up for you to enjoy. These three performers — Iraconji, Look What I Did, and Ron Mexico — have their own unique style that will keep the show interesting throughout the night. These groups will give you heavy metal as
well as a creative fusion of pop/metal/post hardcore/experimental. Check out their music on Facebook to see why these groups have their own sound, but still have that metal influence that some people intensely appreciate. Imagine the bands Every Time I Die and
Bury Your Dead playing at the same show. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? The show starts at 10 p.m., which gives you plenty of time for a round of drinks or two.
Prepare to be “Blown Away” by country-music superstar Carrie Underwood on Sunday. Receiving her 7th nomination for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Underwood continues to enamor audiences with her gigantic voice and chart-topping hits. The longevity of
her career is a surprise considering her start as a contestant on “American Idol.” She is one of the few who made a name for herself after the singing contest, and now she is one of the reigning women in country music. Underwood recently released her fourth album
Blown Away, which received mixed reviews. Some are claiming that it is more on the pop side rather than country; nonetheless, the album has been certified platinum. Have a great night before your next week of class with country music.
Blues Fever 9 p.m., Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill 1850 Old Fort Parkway Admission: FREE Age: All
Board Game Night 4-7 p.m., Student Union Fireside Lounge The second floor of the Student Union Building Admission: FREE
September 22
The Great Food Truck Festival 5-9 p.m., Lenox Village 6901 Lenox Village Drive, Nashville Admission: FREE
September 22
Iraconji with Look What I Did and Ron Mexico 10 p.m., The Boro 1211 Greenland Drive Admission: $5 Age: 21+
September 23
Carrie Underwood with Hunter Hayes 7:30 p.m., Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway, Nashville Admission: $56+
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Avett Brothers channel darker emotions in ‘The Carpenter’ By Richel Albright Managing editor With their second major-label release The Carpenter, the brothers Avett have created the perfect album to accompany all of your fall plans. Those who have followed North Carolinabased The Avett Brothers closely could say they have been treated to a game of musicalgenre chairs. The band has been classified as country, folk, Americana, rock and contemporary bluegrass. According to iTunes, their latest album falls under the rock genre, but the harmonies of Scott and Seth alongside the acoustic guitar and banjo lead this record toward a more folk-rock sound. As you sit down to give their latest masterpiece– for the most part– a listen, make sure you’re somewhere you can enjoy a pumpkin spice latte and some beautiful scenery. It makes the album all the better, trust me. It opens with the soft, yet commanding voice of Scott Avett and an acoustic guitar on “The Once and Future Carpenter” singing about a man’s lonesome journey for life’s purpose. Lyrics like “I ain’t from Texas but I made my way from Dallas, and I know the lonesome sound is following,” and “If I live the life I’m given, I won’t be scared to die” can be the perfect accompaniment to backroads, windows-down drive to clear one’s head or just to take in the
Scott and Seth Avett tackle more emotional issues such as love, life and loss in their sophomore major label release, The Carpenter. Photo courtesy of Facebook
beauty of the changing scenery of fall. Next is the first single from The Carpenter, “Live and Die.” Scott’s banjo paired with Seth’s acoustic guitar is almost as harmonious as the brothers’s voices. This is one of the few songs that features the usually ever-present banjo heard on previous Avett albums, which is why the band decided to make it a single according to an interview with Rolling Stone. “You and I we’re the same, live and die we’re the same; you rejoice I complain, but you and I we’re the same” points to the relatability between two people regardless of their individual differences, which is a beautiful thing. The album slows down with “Winter in My Heart” as Scott and Seth sing of heartbreak and lost love. The subtle build of Joe Kwon’s cello resonates with the heartbreaking lyrics like, “It must be winter in my heart, there’s nothing warm in there at all. I miss the summer and spring, the floating yellow leaves of fall” any one who’s
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dealt with heartbreak can easily cling to these lyrics. “Pretty Girl from Michigan” seemingly starts out slow and melodic with the piano but is later joined by drums and an electric guitar. The Avett’s mentioned in earlier interviews that this album was going to be “louder” than previous albums. Unlike “Paul Newman vs. The Demons” the loudness on this song actually works well with the overall sound and theme of the album. “I Never Knew You” is somewhat reminiscent of “Kick Drum Heart” from their previous album, I and Love and You, in that the music itself is euphoric and catchy, but in this song being paired with matter-offactly lyrics lead to an ‘Oh-I’ve-been-there’ laugh such as; “Well I guess it’s kind of funny how I loved you so way back when, you say I wouldn’t know you now well I didn’t even know you then.” The folk-country sound is in full effect on “February Seven” and Scott’s oftentimes-
bristly vocals add a raw sound to this romantic ballad. A man’s journey for something true and real is halted by love– whether that be good or bad is really up to the listener. “I went on the search for something real, traded what I know for how I feel. But the ceiling and the walls collapsed upon the darkness I was trapped, and as the last of breath was drawn from me the light broke in and brought me to my feet.” And as the song ends it repeats, “Now I’m rested, and I’m ready to begin.” I could have spent the entire review dissecting each line of “Through My Prayers.” In the previously mentioned Rolling Stone interview, the band explains they have experienced much more life since starting out, and with life also comes death. For anyone who has lost a loved one– friend or family– this song will more than tug on your heartstrings, it will ruthlessly yank on them. Seth’s loving vocals are accompanied by just an acoustic guitar and cello as he opens with the lyr-
ics, “It’s hard to believe I won’t see you again.” This song is so beyond real with beautifullyharsh lyrics like, “My dream of all dreams and my hope of all hopes is only to tell you and make sure you know how much I love you and how much I always did. And yes I know you loved me, I could see it in your eyes and it was in your struggle and it was in your mind and it was in the smile you gave me when I was a kid. Feels like no one understands, and now my only chance to talk to you is through my prayers. I only wanted to tell you I care.” You will find yourself sobbing in your car before you have realized why. “Down With the Shine” is countrybluegrass through and through and gives you a chance to compose yourself after listening to “Through My Prayer.” Joined by a horn section, this song could easily make a second single for the album. Dealing with the balance between life and death is found in “A Father’s First Spring,” which many fans believe was inspired by real-life events in bassist Bob Crawford’s life. Crawford’s daughter, Hallie, was diagnosed with brain cancer about a year ago, and she spent nine months in St. Judes Children’s Hospital– she has since gone home but is still battling the disease. After hearing Crawford’s story, it is hard not to get choked up listening to this evident father-
daughter love song, “I never lived ‘til I lived in your light and my heart never beat like it does at the sight of your baby blue, God bless it your life I do not live ‘less I live in your light, I do not live ‘less in your light.” With lyrics like that, this song is sure to turn up at weddings during father-daughter dances in the coming years. “Geraldine” and the aforementioned “Paul Newman vs. The Demons” are parts of the loud aspect the band was trying for on this album. While neither song is terrible in the sense of musicality, they just do not to fit the flow and theme of the overall album, and I often find myself skipping over these two tracks. The album comes to a close perfectly with “Life.” The song keeps with the theme of softmelodic songs overflowing with perfect harmonies and powerful lyrics,“Wouldn’t it be fine to stand behind the words we say in the best of times. Oh, and you and I know all to well about the hell and paradise right here on earth,” that nearly take your breath away as the words sink in. Overall this album is beyond worth shelling out the $10 on iTunes. Words do not justly explain the powerful harmonies and melodies the Avett Brothers produce on their latest effort. Experience it for yourself; after all, good music is supposed to be shared.
OPINIONS
U.S. interventionism exacerbates global conflict
By Alex Harris Opinions editor A YouTube video mocking Islam and Mohammed has recently come under fire for inciting Muslims across the Middle East and Africa to protest and attack U.S. embassies in their region. The reaction to this video caused several embassies to be breached, flags to be burned and several deaths, including that of Libyan Ambassador Chris Stevens. Many want to blame the filmmaker for producing a culturallyinsensitive and offensive video. But, agree with his actions or not, they are protected by free speech and are no worse than the offensive mockery of any other religion. All the blame for the current situation cannot honestly be placed on the filmmaker, especially considering reports from affected nations, such as Libya, that suggest that some of the attacks had been preplanned a few months prior to the video’s emergence on the public scene. The film was only a catalyst igniting an already-existent anger, much of which is in response to U.S. and European involvement in the region since World War II. In fact, because every action has an equal and opposite reaction, it could easily be suggested that this is what has contributed to the rise of Islamic extremism and anti-American senti-
Alex Harris
ments in the Middle East. During the war, America, Britain and the Soviet Union had troops stationed in Iran to facilitate the transportation of military supplies, as well as to protect the oil necessary to run the war machine. Following the end of the war, the U.S., with the help of the U.N., forced the Soviets out of Iran, while opting to maintain a presence themselves to defend interests in the region. Then, in 1953, under orders from Eisenhower, the CIA helped to overthrow Mohammed Mossadegh, the democratically elected leader of Iran. Mossadegh was a nationalist opposed to the influence of America and the U.K. in Iran, and feared to be open to Soviet influence. He was replaced with the Shah, a leader loyal to Western interests in the
During the 80s, we involved ourselves in more global strife when we aided the Taliban in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion, aided Saddam Hussein in his war against Iran and supported the expansion of Israel’s borders. The 90s brought us the conflict in Iraq. Following the end of hostilities, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Iraq which resulted in the deaths of at least 500,000 children due to starvation. In the late 90s, the military also engaged in punitive bombing of Iraq. After several attacks by al Qaeda on U.S. embassies in Africa as a response to our poliregion. cies, the nation retaliAmerican conflict ated with bombings in with the Soviet Union, as well as support for Is- Afghanistan and the rael and the intervention Sudan. All of this culminated in the internal politics in the attacks on Sepof nations in which we tember 11, 2001. had a political interest In a letter released has defined our involvement in the Middle East following the attacks, Osama bin Laden gave since. his reasons for the vioFollowing its foray into Iranian politics, our lence. These included the sanctions imposed country intervened in a on Iraq, America’s civil war in Lebanon, support for Israel, and involved itself in IsraU.S. presence in Saudi el’s conflicts with their Arabia and across the neighbors, responded Middle East. to Soviet interventions Those attacks prowith our own intervenpelled us into two wars, tions and participated in aiding the enemies of both of which have our enemies across that lasted nearly a decade, cost the nation trillions region. of dollars and thousands Our intervention in of deaths and perpetuIran didn’t last, and in ated an increasingly 1978 the Iranian Revolution began, culminat- negative view of the American people around ing with the overthrow the world. of the Shah, the estabNow, add to this lishment of an Islamic Republic under the Aya- history of violence tollah, and the taking of the surge of forces to American hostages from Afghanistan in 2009, as well as the recent stepour embassy.
ping up of drone attacks around the world. These attacks have resulted in thousands of suspected civilian deaths, as well as thousands more injured, including women and children. It’s no wonder the Middle Eastern world is angry at us. In fact, a 2009 Brookings Institution report indicates that for every militant killed by a drone strike, there are 10 civilian deaths. And drone strikes, as inaccurate as they appear, have been steadily on the rise since Obama took over the role of Commander in Chief. This is not to suggest that our nation should not defend itself when attacked, or to suggest that al Qaeda deserved no punishment and that America deserved the violence perpetrated against it. These points should not be taken as excuses for the actions of violent extremists, but as reasons for the anger and hatred aimed at America and Europe. It should also be noted that, although religious extremism does contribute to the violent reactions across the region, extremism in all religions leads to violence and intolerance. Our actions in the Middle East over the last 60 years provide reasons for individuals to join the extremist cause. The extremists portray Americans as evil, and looking at the actions in the Middle East that are carried out in the name of America
and freedom, and is that any surprise? Before we can begin to fix our reputation and make lasting changes, we must admit that our nation’s best intentions have gone awry and produced the opposite of what is desired. America cannot continue to police the world. We cannot continue to overextend ourselves to protect the ever-increasing number of national interests we have worldwide. This is not to say that we shouldn’t support our allies, but it should be clear that what may be in our allies’ best interests are not always in our nation’s best interest. If our allies take actions that do not directly concern the safety or security of the American people, there is no need to involve national resources. Also, criticism of our government and its actions is not criticism of the American people. We are not the government. We elect the government to represent us, and when they do a bad job, such as by perpetuating failed interventionist policies, they should be replaced. However, until we admit that our global actions are not always right– until we take responsibility for the outcomes of our foreign policy– we can’t expect any change in the global perception of American imperialism. And we can surely expect more conflict. Alex Harris can be reached at opinions@ mtsusidelines.com.
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OPINIONS
Youth need to embrace liberty, reject government dependence By Matthew Hurtt Contributing columnist Welcome, freshmen. As a 2009 graduate of MTSU, I entered the job market during a very uncertain time. The economy was in the tank, and Keynesians in government were convinced that more spending and debt, billed as “stimulus,” would dig us out of the financial calamity. It’s been 40 months since I walked across the stage of the Murphy Center and collected my diploma, and unemployment has remained at or above eight percent. The national debt has soared from $11.2 trillion to more than $16 trillion. And the unemployment and underemployment rate of recent college graduates is around 50 percent. Not to mention the skyrocketing cost of getting your degree, due in part to easy credit and low interest rates. If we continue with
Matthew Hurtt
record levels of spending, the national debt will be more than $21 trillion by the time you graduate in 2016. This path is unsustainable,
Sidelines Lens
Photo by Kyle Kline.
18 SIDELINES |Sept. 19, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
and politicians in Washington seem content to keep their heads buried in the sand. But young people, like us, are more con-
cerned than ever about the size and scope of the federal government. I worked with libertyminded college students for the first year after graduation, and I was deeply encouraged by the thousands of young people with whom I interacted who wanted to restrict the powers of government. In this economic reality, we see the promise of a good job after college slipping away, and the prospect of moving back in with our parents isn’t welcoming. A study revealed that in the spring of 2011, 5.9 million young adults lived with their parents, up 25 percent prior to the recession. They’re called “boomerangers,” and, thankfully, I wasn’t one of them. But I have friends who were, and the prospect that you or someone you know may become one after graduation is very real. What’s the solution? Young people
must reject government and parental dependence and embrace liberty. The administration and your professors will tell you to be openminded and that the university setting is a “marketplace for ideas.” But, quite often, it’s only the marketplace for ideas with which the administration and professors agree. In political science courses, you’ll read Marx. In economics courses, you’ll read Keynes. There will be no mention of Bastiat or Hayek or Hazlitt or any dissenting viewpoint. And if you dissent, you’ll be called a “troublemaker,” like I was during my four years at MTSU. But to be able to put our nation on a course toward economic prosperity, we must understand the philosophical foundations of liberty. I encourage you to pick up “The Law” by Frederic Bastiat and “Capitalism and Freedom” by
Milton Friedman. Frequent websites like LearnLiberty.org, which provide quick and easy-to-understand videos about economic freedom and prosperity. It will provide a stark contrast to what you will hear in the classroom and on campus. Lastly, I urge you to join Young Americans for Liberty, a group on campus that promotes free-market capitalism and limited, constitutional government, including opposition to unconstitutional wars and an ever-expanding surveillance state. More and more young people are embracing liberty and rejecting the failed policies of the nanny state. I encourage you to join the fight for liberty today. Matthew Hurtt is a 2009 alumnus and liberty activist living in Washington, D.C. He can be reached at Matt. Hurtt@gmail.com
MTSU students participated in a caving trip through Middle Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits program, sponsored by the Rec Center. MTOP aims to get students actively involved in hiking, white water rafting and climbing. According to the organization’s website, they are “dedicated to leadership, education, teamwork, relationships, and adventure.” Cartoon by Matt Masters, associate photo editor
SPORTS
Intramurals provide for fitness, friendship for student body By Mark Mize Sports editor
According to LiveStrong.com, between 30 and 40 million children in the United States between the ages of 5 and 18 play organized sports each year. Millions of these athletes are forced to hang up their cleats for the final time after graduating high school, and for many, ending their competitive sporting careers in the prime of their athletic ability. Intramurals Coordinator David Tippett and his staff are actively trying to create a place for the aspiring athletes– students, faculty and alumni– of MTSU. “We want to get out there, and we want to have a good time and enjoy what we’re doing,” said Tippett, who graduated from MTSU with a master’s degree in recreation and leisure management. “You don’t necessarily have to be a great athlete, but at the end of the day, when it becomes playoff time, everyone wants a T-shirt, and everyone wants to compete. So, it’s on that scale of people who just want to be active and hang out with friends to people who were high school athletes or even college athletes who are just now looking for that competitiveness.” MTSU Intramurals offer a wide variety of sports, including flag football, basketball, indoor soccer, indoor volleyball and indoor baseball this fall. The department also sponsors several tourna-
Intramural volleyball team “Sunshine and His Beard” celebrate their victory in the Rec Center gym. Photo courtesy of MTSU Intramurals.
ments, such as threeversus-three basketball, softball and homecoming week activities. “I think that if you haven’t tried it, you need to. We have a wide variety of things on the schedule for a reason. We’re trying to pique the interest of everybody on this campus, and, at the end of the day, college is a stressful time. Playing intramurals is a way for you to go out and get your exercise in a controlled environment that’s going to give a little bit of competition if you want it, but if you don’t, you can get away from
things for a while,” Tippett said. Homecoming has become somewhat of a student favorite and this year’s schedule will include a dodgeball, kickball and golf tournament, yard games and a 5k run. The Sept. 29-Oct. 2 events give less-competitive players a chance to be part of the intramural action and show their school pride during homecoming week. “Those are things that people grew up playing when they were kids,” said Troy Berry, intramurals assistant. “No matter where they went
to school, no matter if they loved sports or hated sports, it’s a good way for people to come out and have fun and just spend a lot of time together.” Camaraderie is a common theme among the those involved with the intramural program, and the staff champions the family atmosphere that has been created and opportunities to build life-long friendships with those who take the field of play alongside each other. “What I think it affords is a way to meet people, a way to get involved in things with
people that you enjoy and they enjoy; you find common ground,” said Tippett. “I think we have built a family atmosphere amongst our staff and the people who work here and especially within our program. We talk about it, we preach it, that’s what we do.” For those who do not want to be a part of the on-field action, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. Tippett teaches a class on coaching and officiating intramural sports, and the officiating for MTSU’s intramural sports is done
in-house by the students and staff. The training is intensive and continues throughout the year, with a whole week dedicated to fully training officials for many of the major sports. Officials get paid by the university for their work. The intramural program gives back to community as well. The MTSU Intramurals department is involved with the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and various local religious organizations. In addition, its facilities, staff and equipment are open to a host of groups on campus, and the department has recently started a scholarship fund for the student staff to reward them for the day in, day out upkeep that it takes to keep the program running. The program truly does have something for everyone, whether you want to get involved with preparation, officiating or as a member of any of a variety of sporting teams. “The rec center in general is a fantastic place to be to just relax and meet new people and try new things. That’s what we’re trying to do. That’s what it’s all about,” Tippett said. You can learn more about MTSU Intramurals by checking out their Facebook (MTSU Intramurals), Twitter (@ MTSUIntramurals) or by calling their hotline (615-898-4FUN).
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