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SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 4, 2010
Student debt increases LOANS FROM PAGE 1 This gainful employment clause in the set of regulations is mostly directed at for-profit universities that often offer job placement as the main reason students should attend their universities, while many of them don’t provide any real data or statistics on their graduation or job placement rates. Of all higher education students, for-profit institutions, like the University of Phoenix, Full Sail University and Strayer University, embody merely 11 percent of students, yet 26 percent of all student loans and 43 percent of all loan defaulters come from these types of universities. Under new regulations, for-profit universities will be required by the DOE to present accurate job placement records and graduation rate statistics to applicants and new students. The regulation is designed so that students will also gain protection from insistent or misleading recruiting practices that can contribute to massive post-graduation debt. The median federal student loan debt sus-
tained by students earning associate degrees at for-profit institutions was $14,000, while most students at community colleges that offer similar programs do not borrow at all. “While a majority of career colleges play a vital role in training our workforce to be globally competitive,” Duncan said. “Some bad actors are saddling students with debt they cannot afford in exchange for degrees and certificates they cannot use.” Consumers will also have more access to effectiveness and graduation rates of career colleges and training programs, as opposed to state universities and community colleges. Eaton said that because loans have been sold to the government in the past five years, students should be aware of who services their loan debt. She also said that keeping track of your loans could make the difference of “living like a college student now, or for the rest of your life.” “Mslds.ed.gov is a website that allows students to check their current loan debt,” Eaton said. “It is extremely important to keep track of your loans yourself. It will allow you to be more cautious of the money you’re spending towards your future.”
Oil spill, landfills topic of lectures GARBAGE FROM PAGE 1
“I feel like I got more power from his opinion,” said Alandrea Cox, a sophomore majoring in chemistry. “It’s good to hear somebody say the truth--that there’s a problem with corporate America.” Rathje’s lecture was based largely on his book, “Rubbish: The Archaeology of Garbage,” and he spent much of the time explaining how Americans misunderstand how foods affect their health, what types of products are biodegradable in landfills, and how the general population’s consumption levels are misreported. “There are two things I wanted to achieve in that lecture:
No. 1, let’s get a [less] decadent mindset, and No. 2, large garbage cans get the opposite effect that we want,” Rathje said. Rathje is the founder of the Garbage Project, which studies fresh refuse to document household food waste by excavated landfills, and he detailed that work in “The Garbology of Us.” “We’re looking at America from the back end… and that’s really what the garbologist project is all about,” Rathje said, who also serves as profess emeritus at the University of Arizona. Gill said he wanted students to leave the symposium more engaged with the community around them. “I want students to know that sociology is an exciting discipline,” Gill said. “It gives
individuals insight into realworld problems.” Meredith Dye and Brian Hinote, both of whom are assistant professors in the department of sociology and anthropology, served as co-chairs for this year’s program committee. The symposium was sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, the department of sociology and anthropology, the MTSU Distinguished Lecture Series, the College of Graduate Studies, the University Honors College, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service, Students for Environmental Action, the MTSU Sociology Club, the Middle Tennessee Anthropology Society, in addition to student fees. Marie Kemph, news editor, contributed to this report.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
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is looking for a Spring 2011 editor-in-chief. 4
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for that Percent of Apps Smartphone Users Have:
Until small-business owners feel more confident about the economic climate, the unemployment rate will not improve, said state Sen. Diane Black while attending the Rutherford County Community Fair on Saturday. “I believe we should cut taxes and make less mandates, so that [smallbusiness owners] can keep their money in their pockets, grow their businesses, and hire more people,” Black said, referring to the lingering high-unemployment rate that has plagued the country for more than a year. Black narrowly won the Republican Party’s nomination for the 6th Congressional District in August by 31 percent, defeating Lou Ann Zelenik and state Sen. Jim Tracy, both of whom are Rutherford County natives. Zelenik fell short of victory by fewer
FEATURES page 4 OPINIONS pages 5, 6 SPORTS page 7
Photo by Chris Donahue, staff photographer
State Sen. Diane Black attended the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Community Fair on Saturday to discuss her upcoming election and show respect to the people who lost their lives on 9/11.
than 820 votes, and while Tracy finished third by only 15 fewer votes districtwide, he won by a large margin in Rutherford County. “I would be honored to be their representative,” Black said, speaking of the crowd outside of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office this past weekend. “I will represent the people of this district, [and] their values.” Black said she believes Rutherford County residents are family oriented, fiscal conservatives
Problems in Uganda heighten, international efforts must gain priority Page 5
looking to elect politicians who will understand that members of U.S. Congress have been irresponsible with taxpayer dollars. The Gallatin native has campaigned in Rutherford County several times since winning the GOP ticket on Aug. 5 in an effort to gain support from voters who are used to having a Murfreesboro native represent them – Democratic Congressman Bart Gordon. BLACK, PAGE 2
Google Maps
Weather Ch.
Pandora
48%
47%
46%
27%
Google Maps
Weather Ch.
Pandora
Google Search
67%
50%
38%
26%
26%
Blackberry OS
Google Maps
Weather Ch.
ESPN
Pandora
51%
34%
28%
19%
18%
Other Smartphones
Google Maps
Weather Ch.
Pandora
YouTube
39%
33%
21%
20%
19%
Information courtesy of The Nielsen Company, www.nielsen.com Page design by Andy Harper, production manager
Authorities are searching for a third suspect wanted in connection with the assault of an MTSU Office of Public Safety sergeant on Aug. 29. Campus police said Sgt. Misty White was pushed down concrete stairs and thrown into some bushes, while trying to arrest MTSU student Zakiya J. Brown for disorderly conduct. Detective Lt. Jason Wofford said two men intervened during the arrest about 10:43 p.m. After a physical altercation, he said the two men got into a white Volvo sedan and tried to hit White with their vehicle. “Sgt. White could have been seriously hurt due to this subject’s reckless disregard for her, as well as the public’s safety,” Wofford said. “Turns out the driver had a
warrant out for his arrest for violating his probation.” The driver, Micah J. McClure, was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, Wofford said. The other male suspect escaped. Brown was arrested two days later for disorderly conduct and evading arrest. Other details weren’t immediately available. “We are working very hard to identify the third, and final, suspect and would very much like the public’s help in this matter,” Wofford said. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 615-893-7867 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if information leads to an arrest.
Romantic comedy breaks out of typical mold “Going the Distance” for viewers MOSTLY CLEAR 10% CHANCE OF RAIN HIGH 87, LOW 59
On
STAFF REPORT
By MARIE KEMPH News Editor
iPod / iTunes
58%
FAIR, PAGE 2
Officer assaulted; third suspect sought
Republican candidate highlights economic agenda
Android OS
By GARRETH SPINN Staff Writer
Everyone hates going into a record store – whether it’s a chain like Best Buy or an independent store – and being belittled by an employee over what we choose to buy. We want lots of music to choose from, and a great staff to talk to about the latest and greatest releases. But how many music fans go to actual record stores anymore? Not many. Still, thousands and thousands of music lovers go in and out of Nashville all the time and most seem to stop at Grimey’s New and Preloved Music in West Nashville. Robert Plant, Elvis Costello and Sonic Youth are just some of the famous faces to grace Grimey’s during an average day, along with many of my MTSU peers. Grimey’s has come a long way from its beginning in 1999. Founder Mike Grimes had an office job at Sony Music and was a part-time touring musician for Bobby Bare Jr., but after growing tired of working for a big corporation, he wanted to be his own boss. Grimes opened his business as primarily a used CD store, and it wasn’t until the summer of 2002 that Grimey’s carried new CDs. At this point, he needed help. He asked Doyle Davis, then manager of The Great Escape in Nashville, to leave his job and buy into Grimey’s. After the partnership was forged, Grimey’s truly took off; it was able to stock plenty of new CDs and vinyl LPs. “BecauseNashvillehadnoviablerecord
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Lost in Attacks on 9/11
Next year, for the 10th anniversary, the Sheriff ’s Office wants to ring the bell at the same time as all the other police and fire departments across Tennessee, Cassidy said. Country-music singer Lane Turner started the remembrance ceremony by singing the national anthem. After the anthem was sung and the fire bell rung, members from Tennessee Chapter 1 of Rolling Thunder, a nonprofit organization that honors prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action, were present to raise the POW and MIA f lag. “This started out as a f lag ceremony nine years ago with about 20 people,” Cassidy said. “It’s grown into a community gathering because everyone wants to get involved.” The coordinators of the event predicted between 5,000 and 7,000 people would attend the ceremony this year, Cassidy said.
’s ey Grim
Nine years after the devastating terrorist attacks on the United States, the local community gathered together at the Rutherford County Sheriff ’s Office on Saturday to remember the tragic loss of the more than 2,900 victims of 9/11. “We are here to remember the unfortunate accident of 9/11,” Deputy Greg Dotson said. “We are trying to renew the bond that [the community] had before the event and hopefully make Total number killed: 2,976 it stronger.” While the events that transEmergency response workers killed: 836 pired nine years ago cause many Countries who lost citizens: 90+ to call to mind the horrific tragedy of the terrorist attacks, Photos by Jay Bailey, photo editor the purpose of the ceremony The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Fair Saturday brought Murfreesboro locals together for a day of reflection and remembrance for the people lost during the 9/11 attacks on America. Saturday was to strengthen the bond between neighbors, officials said. Jimmy Cassidy. “But, while risked their lives to save oth- cause more firefighters died on “The purpose for our event we are here, we want to make ers, 21 locally elected officials 9/11 than police officers,” Dotis to get involved in the com- sure 9/11 is something we rang the Murfreesboro Fire son said. “We respect the sacrimunity together [and] to have don’t forget.” Department’s bell. fice of our fellow police officers, fun,” said Sheriff Office ComIn order to commemorate the “We did a fire-bell salute but the ringing of the fire bell is munity Service Coordinator victims of 9/11 and those who rather than a 21-gun salute be- more symbolic.”
looking for.” Students like Brodie and Sheridan are using smartphone applications to enhance their education experience and better their grades. While researchers and educators are constantly being forced to discover innovative ways to encourage students, these applications seem to be doing that for them. Currently, MTSU is working on adopting a technology called Tegrity. Carlos Coronel, director of the College of Business Computer Lab, is spearheading the initiation of the technology on campus. The way it works is students will be able to download the Tegrity application to their phone and use it to access D2L. From there, D2L will already have students’ courses listed, like it does now, but students will be able to listen to lectures in case they are absent from class or just need to relisten to previous lectures if some concepts may have been confusing. A media convergence is on the horizon. However, Coronel emphasizes that “it is only a portal for information, not where you will actually learn it.” Even though smartphone applications cannot completely replace a classroom experience, students and educators can probably agree that having access to these applications will encourage students to engage in more than just tapping, scrolling and clicking in the realm of social networking.
co bl nti nues it’s nota
or
By CHRISTOPHER MERCHANT Assistant News Editor
iPhone OS
By JANANI WEBB Contributing Writer
school for personal issues and needed to catch up on his academia. When he was able to regain stability, Brodie realized he had a critical analysis of a short story due in English that very same day, and he didn’t have time to sit down at a computer and do it. Brodie pulled out his smartphone and used the Google Search application and the Microsoft Word application to do some quick research and type his paper. “I wrote the entire paper, emailed it to myself and printed it when I got to school,” Brodie said. Now, when Brodie isn’t rushing to meet a deadline, he still uses these applications on his phone to aid in the demands of his studies. He is currently taking astronomy, and as a part of his night lab requirements, he has to identify the stars that are out on certain nights. Using the free downloadable application Google Sky Maps, Brodie is able to go outside and immediately locate the position of the stars. Google Sky Maps provides a GPS and can pinpoint exactly where stars are in relation to the person holding the phone, so that he will know where to look. “It’s especially helpful to have on a cloudy night when it’s hard to see the stars,” Brodie says. “I can just look [beyond] the clouds, because I know exactly what I’m
su cce ss
Locals come together for 9/11
ARE YOU TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT THE MOSQUE DEBATE?
Smartphones enhance education Tap. Scroll. Click. MTSU students are doing much more than just texting and socializing these days. They have moved past using smartphone applications to simply update their Facebook and Twitter accounts and have adopted applications that fit the needs of their collegiate lives. Smartphone installations are improving the college experience. Freshman Kara Sheridan is taking an introductory course in music. One day in class, she had been assigned to identify a song just by listening to it. She had to give the title and artist of the song. “I knew it was B.B. King,” Sheridan declared. “But, I didn’t know the name of the song.” Sheridan was eventually able to identify the song as “Stormy Monday” by using an application on her phone called Shazam. This application has the ability to recognize a song and then give the name and artist. It was free for her to download, and it is available everywhere Sheridan goes. So, even when she is in the car listening to the radio and can’t identify the name of the song she’s listening to, she can tap on Shazam to record and recognize it instantly. This application enables her to connect with a passion: music. “I use it every day,” Sheridan said. John Brodie, a junior majoring in nursing, also appreciates the value of smartphone applications. Brodie missed a few weeks of
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010
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SIDELINES THURSDAY, October 14, 2010
DOES EDUCATION JUSTIFY BUYING A SMARTPHONE?
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store thatdealt in new music and had not for years, many folks in the industry embraced Grimey’s and really supported Mike and Doyle’s efforts to bring new music retail to Music City,” says Anna Lundy, the manager of Grimey’s. Grimey’s was earning a name for itself. It prided itself on offering a vast selection of music, a fun atmosphere and its very friendly staff, noting that it had no “Jack Blacks” on staff, a reference to Black’s music elitist character in “High Fidelity,” a movie about a record store similar to Grimey’s. The store’s growth was getting to the point of overflow, so Grimes and Davis decided to find a new home for Grimey’s in June of 2004. The new location would
provide more space for records and for bigger and better bands to come in and play. The new store is an old, brick apartment building that looks like anything but a record store. It appears to be kind of dilapidated and rundown. In the basement of the store, there is a bar and venue appropriately named “the basement.” The outside of the venue and the store itself is decorated with stickers and flyers of bands that have passed by through the years. The inside of the store is jam-packed. There’sjustenoughroomforarowofpeople to get through each aisle. Its cramped space is often overlooked due to the massiveness
of the s t o r e ’s selection. “There’s no limit to what you can find [in the store] genre-wise,” says Clay Gill, an MTSU alumnus who earned a degree in recording industry management. “They also function as a box office – selling tickets to some of Nashville’s best live shows.” Most people would think a store like Grimey’s would suffer greatly under the wrath of the Internet and illegal downloading. Lundy, however, claims true music fans haven’t lost interest in physical music. “We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of young people buying vinyl, and I personally think this is largely because in the end, many music fans really love the physicality of the format,”
Photos by Chris Donahue, staff photographer
(Top) Ryan Musante looks at Grimey’s wall of novelties. (Left) Anna Lundy sells Jesse Jarnow a copy of “More Fun in the New World” by X on vinyl. (Right) Customers flip through Grimey’s extensive collection.
Lundy says. The store’s greatest success, though, is its involvement with Record Store Day. Record Store Day is like Christmas for the record junkie. Customers pour into record stores around the country and get their fix, snatching up rare Record Store Day exclusives, picking up Record Store Day swag, and watching bands like the Avett Brothers and MUTEMATH play in the store. Grimey’s was a part of the Alliance of Independent Media Stores, an organization that spearheaded the inception of this nationwide event. During the past three years, Record Store Day has become more and more popular, creating a crazier atmosphere annually. “Giving away free stuff to our customers is great,” Lundy says, “and, it’s really fun that all the record labels get excited and make products specifically for independent stores.” While Record Store Day is Grimey’s shining day, it doesn’t matter what day customers visit the store. Grimey’s is the place to go while visiting Nashville. Its rich history, fun atmosphere, knowledgeable staff and endless selection make it a perfect home for a music fanatic. Upon arrival at Grimey’s, music lovers might stumble upon fun moments like David Byrne from Talking Heads riding his bike into the store or hearing a crazed fan asking Robert Plant if he remembers when he was in Led Zeppelin. It might seem crazy, but it’s a normal day at Grimey’s.
Applications are available in the Sidelines office, Mass Communication Building, Room 269. We are also hiring the following positions: Managing Editor Production Manager Online Editor News Editor Assist. News Editor
Features Editor A&E Editor Sports Editor Opinions Editor Copy Editors
DEADLINE: Wednesday, Nov. 24
Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Thomas
Kaitlyn Thomas smiles Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, while enjoying a day of relaxation in Peru.
Number of volunteers rises PEACE FROM PAGE 1 “Every day, Peace Corps volunteers strive to make a difference and have improved the lives of millions of people, not just in communities around the world, but also in their local communities in the United States once they return home,” Williams said. One Peace Corps Trainee said she is looking forward to exploring opportunities in a new community. “I love the idea of integrating into a community very different from what I am accustomed to and becoming part of that community,” said Kaitlyn Thomas, who is took her post in Peru this month. “I want to teach them about American culture and traditions, but at the same time teach Americans about Peruvian culture and traditions.” Primarily, the focus of her visit will be promoting healthy and sanitary habits in rural communities and healthy sexual behavior, Thomas said. The three posts that grew the most were Rwanda, with a growth of 210 percent, Georgia, with a growth of 125 percent, and Ethiopia, with a growth of 94 percent. The growth of posts across the world was due to requests for more volunteers by host countries, according to the press release. Fiftyone of the posts increased in size, represent-
ing more than half of the Peace Corps. In addition, three new posts have been opened, and one in Madagascar has been re-opened. People considering serving in the Peace Corps should be aware of potential culture shock, Thomas said. “Everything concerning Peace Corps is usually a long and potentially frustrating process, but if you are patient and flexible, you can make it through,” Thomas said. “My best advice is just laugh at anything and everything. Make sure you do your research because the Peace Corps is not for everyone.” The organization also reported a large amount of diversification among its volunteers. Nineteen percent of the volunteers are minorities, and 60 percent are women. While the average age of volunteers is 28, 7 percent are older than 50, and the oldest volunteer is currently 86. Ninety percent of the volunteers hold at least a bachelor’s degree. While the Peace Corps received nearly 13,500 applications for volunteers in 2010, fewer than half of them have been placed in overseas assignments. There are more Americans applying to serve with Peace Corps than there are positions available, according to the press release, and roughly one in three applicants will serve with a Peace Corps program oversees.”
NAACP offers scholarships to minorities College students offered funding in an effort to modernize programs STAFF REPORT
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has redesigned applications for both of its scholarship programs as part of its process of modernization, according to a press release. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Scholarship Program is accepting applications for the 2011-2012 academic year. “We are proud to announce the opening of this year’s application process and to assist the next generation of civil rights defenders in pursuing their degrees at the
nation’s top colleges, universities and law schools,” said Karen Thompson, director of the NAACP’s Scholarship Program. The scholarships are designed to provide “important financial and practical support to young people who will shape and mold our society and advance the cause of civil rights,” according to the press release. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund and the Earl Warren Legal Training Program are designed for high school seniors and college freshmen who are “committed to social justice” and “have a demonstrable interest in advancing the cause of
civil rights.” Herbert Lehman is a former governor and U.S. senator from New York. The scholarship was named after Lehman “in recognition of his integrity, persistence and valor on behalf of numerous civil rights causes.” Earl Warren who served as chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court led the fight to “end school segregation and transform America’s legal landscape” in cases like Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, according to the press release. “As a central part of its mission, the Legal Defense Fund has helped students achieve their educational goals with undergraduate and law scholarships for over 50 years,” Thompson said.
CRIME BRIEFS Traffic Nov. 1, 12:02 a.m. Ezell Hall parking lot Eric Adler Yocum, 20, was issued a state citation for having expired registration and f inancial responsibility.
Vandalism
his parking permit in his vehicle. The student said he found the permit on the ground.
A complainant reported that her vehicle had been struck while parked.
Traffic
Traffic
Nov. 1, 6:45 p.m.
Nov. 2, 12:16 a.m.
Greenhouse parking lot A complainant reported a hitand-run accident.
MTSU Boulevard Edward King, 26, was issued a state citation for driving with a suspended license.
Nov. 1, 8:42 a.m. Greek Row – Pi Kappa Alpha House A complainant reported that a window had been broken.
Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft Nov. 1, 8:49 p.m.
Alarm
Greenland Drive parking lot B A complainant reported that his black Hyundai Tiburon had been stolen.
Nov. 2, 4:50 a.m.
Nov. 1, 2:42 p.m. James E. Walker Library A complainant reported that his cell phone had been stolen.
Theft Nov. 1, 6:04 p.m. University Honors College parking lot A student was issued a Dean Citation for failing to display
Vandalism
Lyon Hall A f ire alarm reportedly malfunctioned and went off. The Murfreesboro Fire Dept. found no sign of f ire.
Nov. 1, 8:53 p.m. Bell Street parking lot A complainant reported that his vehicle’s taillight had been damaged.
Traffic Nov. 1, 10:05 Greenhouse parking lot
Burglary Nov. 2, 10:32 a.m. Business and Aerospace Building Several faculty members reported that text books had been stolen from their off ices.