MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
NOV. 28, 2012
EDITORIALLY INDEPENDENT
Brothers’ blood runs blue on the basketball court
CONTENT
Sidelines Lens
NEWS
Fulbright push pays off in prestigious 3 University’s ranking
By Jordan Powell
makes $1 million investment in mall 4 Professor By Emily West students’ benefits increase with new 5 Transfer partnerships By Amber Dougherty
FEATURES
II: Local family finds support through inspiring 6 Part video
By Becca Andrews
COVER STORY
brothers’ bond goes beyond the court 8 Knight By Jordan Powell
RANTS AND RAVES
10
Check out local happenings By Nick Georgiou
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
‘Nashville’ over dramatizes life in Music City 12 ABC’s By Lauren Mandrell
best places to nap during finals week 13 Ten By Nick Georgiou Del Rey continues soulful reign with extended 14 Lana album
By Meredith Galyon
OPINIONS
must relax immigration views to appeal to 15 GOP more voters By Torrie Tovar
SPORTS
Belt football coming of age 12 years after join16 Sun ing FBS ranks By Mark Mize
2 SIDELINES |Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Senior marketing major Brian Morton and sophomore psychology major Bereniz Lopez experience MTSU’s culture festival in the Student Union. Photo by Davion Baxter.
Cover photo by AJ Netherland CORRECTIONS Last week’s opinion piece, “U.S. needs to change its approach to education,” was incorrectly credited to Alex Harris in the Table of Contents. It was written by Torrie Tovar. Sidelines regrets this error.
Visit us at www.mtsusidelines.com John Bragg Mass Communication Building Center for Innovation in Media 1301 East Main Street P.O. Box 8, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Editorial: 615-494-7648
Sidelines Staff Becca Andrews Editor-in-chief editor@mtsusidelines.com
Emily West Community news editor commnews@ mtsusidelines.com
Richel Albright Emily Kubis Managing editor managing@mtsusidelines.com Features editor features@mtsusidelines.com Asher Hudson Jane Horne Online director Arts & Entertainment editor online@mtsusidelines.com ae@mtsusidelines.com Chris Bishop Mark Mize Online assistant Sports editor asstonline@mtsusidelines. sports@mtsusidelines.com com Alex Hubbard Campus news editor news@mtsusidelines.com
Alex Harris Opinions editor opinions@mtsusidelines. com
Kelsey Klingenmeyer Design manager design@mtsusidelines.com Matt Masters Photo editor photo@mtsusidelines.com Rebecca Huddleston Ad manager advertising@mtsusidelines. com Leon Alligood Adviser leon.alligood@mtsu.edu
NEWS
University’s Fulbright push pays off in prestigious ranking By Jordan Powell Staff writer Thanks to a recent educational ranking, MTSU is in a new part in the academic world. The university cracked the Chronicle of Higher Education’s list for the first time as a top producer of United States Fulbright students in the 2012-13 academic year and is one of only 17 in the Master’s Institution category. The Fulbright Scholar Program is an international education grant that allows students to serve as educational ambassadors in host countries. The purpose of the grant is to further the recipient’s studies, build relationships and promote understanding between scholars from the U.S. and other countries. MTSU produced nine Fulbright Scholars since 2001, but has never made the Chronicles’ Top Producers list before. This year, the university had 13 students apply, three of whom received the award. Since 2008, the MTSU Honors College saw an increase from an average of five applicants for the Fulbright Scholar Program to around 11 students a year, said John Vile, dean of the Honors College. “Part of it has just been drumming up interest,” Vile said. “I know of people who brag that they made one nominee to Fulbright and that person got it, so they have 100 percent. And our strategy has
been different. It’s been, ‘Let’s see how many people are qualified that we can nominate, and then we’ll let the government sort out which ones will get it.’” Vile said the university’s philosophy has to do with the numbers of students who apply and the probability of winning. “You can’t win the lottery if you don’t play,” he said. “If you have 10 applicants, you have a lot more chances of three or four people getting it than if you only send two or three.” The success of the university as a top producer of Fulbright scholars is due to a joint effort by the Honors College, the study abroad office and the international relations and political science departments, said Laura Clippard, academic adviser and undergraduate fellowship coordinator. “I think that the goal of the Honors College and the undergraduate fellowship office is to consistently have students apply every year,” Clippard said. “We want to try to identify appropriate students for the Fulbright and help them through the application process.” Another key to the university’s success is a greater emphasis on internationalization. The university is encouraging more students to study abroad, and that sparks an interest in applying for a Fulbright, Vile said.
“Part of having higher numbers of Fulbright winners is educating people about the Fulbright,” Clippard said. “It’s not a study abroad; it’s not a trip you take to see the world. It is to take on the world – being a cultural ambassador is its true purpose.” One of the most recent Fulbright recipients, Kaitlen Howell, a winner in 2010, was informed about the Fulbright early on from classmates and the Honors College staff. Howell said she received information and help from Clippard and Vile starting in April 2009, six months before the application was due. The former Fulbright scholar said Clippard helped her revise and rewrite her application several times throughout the summer of 2009. “I received constant support and feedback and encouragement in the process, and they really believed in me,” Howell said. Although the university’s game plan proved itself in the last four years since the university started actively pushing Fulbright interest, Vile said the future will not always be about the accolades. “It’s a good affirmation that we’re on the right track,” Vile said. “I’m always a little nervous when somebody says, ‘Okay, you’re a top producer. Are you going to be able to do it again?’ I think we will. But, I’m honestly less concerned about . .
. ‘Did we get three this year?’ as ‘Did we have eight or more people apply?’” “Our primary objective is just to ‘Let the word go forth,’ as John Kennedy said – that we have an office that will work with students, we’re very interested in it,” Vile said. “We’ve had success, and we want to build on it.”
Kaitlen Howell, Fulbright scholar, speaks about her experiences in Germany at a November presentation in the Honors College. Photo by Taylor Humphrey.
CRIME BRIEFS ALARM James Union Building Nov. 13, 6:26 p.m. Officers responded to a fire alarm activated by a smoke detector. Murfreesboro Fire Department responded and found no fire, but smoke was present in the snack bar/kitchen area of the cafeteria. VANDALISM Davis Science Building Lot Nov. 15, 3:33 p.m. A complainant reported that his tire had been slashed. The officer observed no cut or puncture marks on the tire, but the victim believed that the tire had been deliberately flattened.
DRUGS McHenry Hall Nov. 16, 5:06 p.m. Officers responded to assist Residential Life with a complaint of marijuana being smoked in a residence hall room. MTSU administration will handle the disciplinary sanctions in this matter. No criminal charges will be filed at this time.
A complainant said the fight was between rival fraternity members. The complainant received medical treatment after the fight and had stitches in his lower lip. The victim declined to press criminal charges at this time, but preferred to work with the university administration to resolve the matter.
ASSAULT Recreation Center Nov. 18, 8:06 p.m. During an event at the Rec Center, officers observed a large fight and separated the parties involved. It is unknown, due to the large size of the crowd, who was involved. The event was closed down early and the crowd dispersed.
THEFT Corlew Hall Nov. 19, 11:57 p.m. A complainant reported her backpack stolen from the 7th floor lounge of Corlew Hall. -Rickey Fuquay
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NEWS
Professor makes $1 million investment in mall By Emily West Community news editor
After 40 years, the Hickory Hollow Mall aims to rebrand itself with a group of investors who plan to give the facility a face-lift from the inside out. MTSU professor Rajesh Aggarwal and his wife, Reita Agarwal, are a part of the investment group and desire to see the mall become more than just a place to shop. “I am a risk taker,” Aggarwal said. “I felt the chances of success are good for this project. The thought that someone would tear down this large of a structure is awful. I wanted to save it from the bulldozers.” The mall property sold for $1 million with 700,000-square-feet retail shopping space on top of 25 acres of real estate. “The price for the facility is pretty fair,” said Mark Nobles, spokesman for the investment group. “But the price doesn’t take into consideration to upkeeping the mall, since the majority of the stores are dark.” Hickory Hollow opened in the late 1970s as the primary megamall for the Middle Tennessee area. With the construction of stores such as Opry Mills and The Avenue, shopping steadily declined over the years. JCPenny left in 2006 with Dillard’s following in 2008. Both Macy’s and Sears closed in 2012, leaving the mall
With all of the changes, the Aggarwals see a different way to use the space. Reita Agarwal practices medicine locally in Rutherford County, and both envision designing half the space into a medical facility and designating the remaining area for shopping and food. “We would like to have diagnostic labs, among other things,” Aggarwal said. “We want to lease the new spaces for doctors and physicians to their medical practices.” The ideal atmosphere for the new vamping of the mall evolves from 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville. “We want to have retailers unique to the region,” Nobles said. “We want to welcome Middle Tennessee and Nashville businesses to come be a part of the mall, and we have several retailers that are already looking forward to coming back.” In addition to retail and physician’s spaces, the mall would offer a variety of dining options by way of an entirely new food court. “We want this to a The once-popular Hickory Hollow Mall was recently acquired for $1 million by a group of investors, which included MTSU profesone stop shop for food,” sor Rajesh Aggarwal (pictured above) and his wife, Reita. Photos by Matt Masters. Nobles said. “We plan with no anchor store one restaurant after 60 own business as the Nobles said he realon giving consumers since May. retailers’ leases ran out only Electronic Exizes one of the primary lots of options with “It doesn’t surprise earlier in November. As press in Antioch,” said battles of rebranding the food from all over the me that most collegeof late August, NashLeon Harris, manager mall is the already pres- world.” aged students have ville State Community of Electronic Express. ent stigma of the area. The grand reopennever been to Hickory College leases the for“Even then we would “There is no one ing of the mall is slated Hollow,” Nobles said. mer Dillard’s space as a like to see to more foot quick solution,” Nobles for spring 2013, but the “It truly was the shopsatellite campus. traffic. Hickory Holsaid. “It takes time to group has not set an ofping back in the 1980s Outside the mall, Elec- low has a persona, and change.” ficial date. with shoppers coming tronic Express sits on I think a rebranding is To help overcome from all around, seeing the outskirts as one of going to be great for the some of the current as it really was the only the only regular retail mall.” problems, Nobles said place for people to go.” businesses in the shopHickory Hollow has increased security presCurrently, the mall ping center. room for 130 retailers ence will man the store carries five stores and “We generate our to occupy the store. at all times.
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NEWS
Transfer students’ benefits increase with new partnerships By Amber Dougherty Contributing writer Following recent partnership with Jackson State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University continues to reach out to community colleges to guide students in their higher education pursuits. The university has partnerships with Nashville State Community College, Chattanooga State Community College, Motlow State Community College, Columbia State Community College, Dyersburg State Community College, Roane State Community College and the Middle Tennessee State Education Center in Shelbyville. Students from these colleges possess the opportunities to receive their bachelor’s degrees and dually enroll at MTSU. “I have been working with the presidents of community colleges on an understanding about how the university cooperates with their schools,” said Sidney McPhee, university president. “The university is developing the programs so students do not have to wait till they transfer to figure matters out with MTSU. The university is working with them in every way necessary.” The dual admissions program allows students to gain MTSU class credit while at their community college. Students can get help in course planning and other services provided by the university.
“Dual admissions allow access for community college students to get advising from MTSU in their chosen major,” said David Gotcher, assistant dean of University College in the academic outreach focus. “Academic Outreach visits the community colleges for advising on their own campus. The advising ensures a smooth pathway for the students to go down. Other services are available as well. In essence, they are MTSU students.” The partnerships will make adjustments seamless for transfers, but need to remain dedicated to their programs. “Students should be diligent in their studies and keep an open mind,” said Tori Cliff, director of communication at Jackson State Community College. “The university campus and class sizes are different from community college. Students should use the advising that is provided.” The new program make furthering degrees possible at a lower cost and the credits at community colleges equivalent to those at the university. “Community college prepared me well for MTSU,” said Roger Shaner, a junior media production major. “Going to community college first was easier on my wallet. The classes are the same quality of education and have many of the same programs.” The partnerships also are beneficial for adult
President Sidney McPhee and Jackson State Community College President Bruce Blanding seal an agreement for dual enrollment between the schools with a handshake and a ceremony. Photo courtesy of News and Public Affairs.
learners to further their degrees, while having several two-plustwo programs, degree advancement programs and articulation agreements that will strengthen communities. “There are paths that lead you down all the right courses,” Gotcher said. “The adult-learners may not know about all of the possibilities that are available.” For more information on student transfer options, visit tntransferpathway.org to see available degree options.
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FEATURES
Part II: Local family finds support through inspiring video By Becca Andrews Editor-in-chief Lacey sighs and stretches her legs out across Christopher’s lap, resting a free hand on her stomach. The other hand plays with Christian’s hair while he sits on the floor in front of his parents, who are seated comfortably side by side on their couch. They have seen their share of anger at the world and at their God. “We met in church; we went to church; I was teaching Sunday school; Chris was running the sound system at church; I was singing praise and worship; we never missed a service, we were involved as we could possibly be,” Lacey listed, frowning slightly. “We were considered leaders in our church at our age because we were so involved. And then this happens. “We don’t drink, we don’t smoke – you know, it’s like, ‘Really, God? C’mon.’ On top of that, friends around us were having babies, and they were all healthy. We were just like, ‘This is totally unfair.’” Lacey and Chris were feeling a host of emotions they had no idea how to process. They found themselves questioning God in a way they never had before. “Our pastor would try to comfort us with [Jeremiah 29:11] ‘I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you.’ And we would be like, ‘How are these good plans? How is my kid being blind and hav-
(L): Christian takes some of his first steps using a walker and encouragment from his mother Lacey. (R): Christopher Buchanan plays with his son on a Saturday morning. Photos by Emily West
ing a massive cleft; how is that good?’” As Christian stabilized and his parents fell more and more in love with him, their anger turned into hope, and the family found a new, stronger kind of faith. “It was an emotional roller coaster and definitely a jab to our faith, but it bought us to this place of strength, where it’s more than just
6 SIDELINES |Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
something to do every Sunday– it’s our lives; it’s who we are,” Lacey declares. “We have a lot more trust in God, to carry us through the difficult times, where at one point it was more of, ‘Well, nothing bad’s gonna happen,’ and that’s what our trust was in. Now it’s more like when those bad things happen, we’re gonna be okay. It’s not as scary
anymore.” *** As the video of Lacey and Christian gained popularity, support poured in from all around the globe. The family received encouraging Facebook messages thanking them for sharing their story, and some of the more dedicated “fans” sent
money and gifts. The positive feedback, they confirm, far outweighs the negative. “Any time someone says something rude, they have thousands of people harassing them back for it,” Lacey chuckles. Lacey describes herself as “high-strung,” and the assessment is an accurate one. She vocalizes her
feelings without hesitation or fear, generally letting it all out via Facebook or on her blog. Her frustration with Vanderbilt’s care has been no exception, but it caught the attention of someone who wanted to help. A new friend who found the Buchanans through their highly visible Internet presence suggested a chil-
FEATURES
dren’s hospital in Ohio for Christian’s next surgery, which aims to close his palate and form his bottom eyelids. “I’ve talked to two surgeons who would be performing the surgery up there on the phone– 20, 30, 45-minute conversations,” Lacey explains. “That’s how I know they really care about Christian. I never spoke with a surgeon at Vanderbilt.” *** At the end of each day, Lacey and Chris still strive for one thing– to be good parents. “Being a father, it’s the greatest thing I ever could have done,” Chris said. “I don’t see myself as a father of a special needs kid – I see myself as a father.” The couple hope to instill confidence in Christian, along with a firm belief in God. “I want him to stand up for what’s right and be responsible; I want him to be a god-fearing man,” Chris declares, leaning forward intently. “I’ll be teaching him things along the way that come from my own experiences. I’m not done. As I learn, he’s going to learn with me.” Lacey runs her fingers through her hair, smiles at her husband and nods in agreement. They are proud of Christian and have hope for his future. So far, they point out, he has not shown any signs of mental impairment. “His motor skills are awesome for his condition,” Chris observes. “He’ll just get up and walk to the toy box and get a toy–”
Christian plays with the front door, enjoying the light across his face, and giggles at the sounds his rocking horse makes. Photos by Emily West.
“No, he won’t,” Lacey interrupts, giggling. “He (Chris) does that all the time. He’ll be like, ‘Man, I just walked into Christian’s room, and he looked up at me,’ and I’m like, ‘No, he didn’t.’” The two look at each other and smile. Lacey rolls her eyes playfully at her husband and settles back into the couch. Over the past year and a half, they have
learned to laugh in spite of the situation.
handle of his walker. She pushes him slightly forward to encourage *** him. Shakily, he began to Lacey rises, walking take a step, deliberately over to a corner of her placing one foot in living that holds a small front of another. silver walker. Lacey and Chris are “Christian, let’s walk. transfixed. He’s probably not going “He’s never walked to do it,” she continues, this much,” she blurts. glancing back at her The next hurdles the husband. family anticipates are She leans down and the two surgeries in arranges Christian’s per- Ohio. Denied insurance fect, tiny hands on the coverage because the
procedure would be done out of state, they are waiting on the hospital to tell them how much help they can get financially through the institution. “They told us they would help however they could,” Lacey says. “ We have a little money saved up, not much, but a little. We’re gonna get him the surgeries he needs when he needs them, even if we have to
pay out of pocket for them.” The family also is looking to make room for a new addition. “We’re expecting in May,” Lacey announces, her eyes shining. Her hand gently returns to her stomach. Chris grins. “We’re hoping it’s a girl.”
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COVER STORY Knight brothers’ bond goes beyond the court By Jordan Powell Staff writer On Nov. 13, the Middle Tennessee men’s basketball team played in the state of Georgia for the first time since 1990. The win over Savannah State University was not only the team’s second win of the season, but also a special win for two brothers who took the court as Blue Raiders. Brothers Marcos and Trantell “Tweety” Knight played – and won – together in their home state in front of family and friends for the first time since joining the team. The Rentz, Ga. natives have been playing basketball together since the age of five and have the rare opportunity of playing together again on a college court. “[Tweety] knows me like the back of his hand . . . we’ve been playing together so long, we know each other. We know what the other is going to do,” said Marcos, who was recruited by Head Coach Kermit Davis out of Chipola Junior College Tweety, also a recruit out of Chipola, is joining Marcos on the collegiate level for the second time in their lives. The first time this duo competed together in college, the result was a championship with the Middle Georgia Warriors. With the Blue Raiders coming off of a historic 27-win season, the Knight brothers have the Sun Belt Conference title and, ulti-
Marcos Knight follows through after shooting a basket in a game against Alabama State on Nov. 9. Photo by Jay Bailey.
mately, a NCAA berth square in their sights. MT has competed in the NCAA tournament six times since 1975. However, the university has not sent a team to the NCAA tournament since 1989, when the team lost in the second round to the Virginia Cavaliers. Last year, the Blue Raiders were unable to snap that streak, as they lost to Arkansas State University in the quar-
8 SIDELINES |Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
terfinals of the Sun Belt Conference tournament, a loss that would cost them their ticket to the “Big Dance.” The brotherly guards hope that the chemistry they bring to the team, both on and off the court, can be a factor in bringing the Blue Raiders back into National Championship contention. “We try to keep each other together and tell each other what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong,” Marcos
said. “We coach each other a lot within the team. If one of my teammates isn’t doing something right, that they aren’t giving enough effort, we’ll go to them and tell them.” Davis said that he isn’t putting tournament aspirations on the Knight brothers, but he hopes the team will make progress with the added chemistry while building off the success of last season. “They really compete
on the floor,” Davis said. “They have a great desire to win, and when you put them both on the floor at the same time . . . that brings a lot to our team.” The chemistry that everyone sees between Marcos and Tweety did not develop overnight. “We played recreation basketball together . . . through middle school. We played together through high school, college; we’ve been playing together
for our whole lives,” Marcos said. “In junior college, we played together at Middle Georgia. We won our first ring together, so that was really special, and now we’re back together here at Middle Tennessee.” Growing up, the brothers were musicians for their church – Marcos played the keyboard, and Tweety played the drums. “We do a lot of continued on page 9
COVER STORY
continued from page 8
things off the court together,” Marcos said. “We’re really close. We treat each other like real brothers should treat each other. We do a lot for each other. We really love each other, and we’re really close off the court.” Though they claim not to have any rivalries off the court, it is not all brotherly love for these two point guards. “We got into a little scuffle earlier this year. [Tweety] was checking me. He pushed me; I pushed him. Coach Davis loved that,” Marcos said. The success that both enjoy comes from the skills that they developed together playing and sharpening each other while shooting hoops in the backyard. “We were very competitive with each other. We played a lot of one-onone in the backyard. Many times you just go out early in the morning and play; go out late at night and play,” Marcos said. Tweety said that they “compete at every position” at practice. Marcos, more of a scoring point guard, said he tells his brother to guard him in every position in order to make both of them better players. “[Tweety] is a great defender. Most of the time, I get the best of him because I’m a lot tougher than he is,” Marcos said, sharing a laugh with his brother. “We don’t let each other get away with anything.” The brothers also claim that they have a special, on-court awareness with each other.
“Tweety” Knight guards the ball against the Alabama State Hornets. Photo by MT Athletic Communications.
“We know what the other is going to do. He knows all my go-to moves, and I know all of his go-to moves,” Marcos said. Marcos added that just a glance can communicate what the other is about to do, and it allows one to play off of the other. “Whenever I see him going to a certain move, I know exactly what to do . . . It’s just nature now,” Marcos said. The Blue Raiders’ game against Savannah State University was a homecoming of sorts of the Knight brothers. The Georgia natives had the opportunity to play in front of their family and friends.
“They can watch not one, but two of their family members play,” Marcos said. “They haven’t seen us play together in about two years, so going back and playing in Georgia was a great experience for both of us and our family. We had a lot of family members come out and watch us play.” Marcos, the Blue Raiders’ top returning scorer, made a big impact in his first year at Middle Tennessee. The senior guard started every game last season averaging 11.8 points per game. Marcos had a career day at his homecoming game at Savannah State, putting up 21 points to cut down
on the Tiger’s 12-point first-half lead. Tweety averaged 8.8 points a game and was ranked tenth in the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) in steals per game during his last year at Chipola, averaging almost two per game. Tweety adds depth to the Middle Tennessee roster at guard, joining Bruce Massey who averaged 6.1 points and 1.5 steals a game last season. Being reunited on a college roster is something very special to the Knight brothers. “It’s my senior year, and last year that’s all we talked about – play-
ing with each other again, maybe for the last time . . . on the collegiate level,” Marcos said. The Blue Raiders were unanimously selected to win the Sun Belt East Division this season by the Sun Belt Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Winning the Sun Belt Conference and earning an NCAA berth is not only important to the Knight brothers, but to the team. “It’d mean the world to me,” Marcos said. “Being a senior and having my brother here in my last year with me . . . win the conference and then go
to the NCAA tournament is something that MT hasn’t done in . . . awhile.” Marcos said that the team is going to continue to work hard in pursuit of a “great experience” for them. “Ain’t nothing like celebrating with your brother, just winning the conference and then going to the NCAA tournament,” Tweety added.
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RANTS AND RAVES Wednesday, Nov. 28 PUJOL Tidballs 522 Morris Alley Bowling Green, KY Admission: $10 7 p.m. 18+
Thursday, Nov. 29
Cameras & Community Action The Frist Center for the Visual Arts 919 Broadway Nashville Admission: Free w/ College ID 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 29
Ray LaMontagne Ryman Auditorium 116 5th Ave. N. Nashville Admission: SOLD OUT or $100+ on Craigslist 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30
“Special Engagement” James Gregory, the Funniest Man in America Zanies Comedy Club 2025 8th Ave. S., Nashville Admission: $23 7 p.m., 9 p.m. 18+
Friday, Nov. 30
The Delta Saints with the Black Cadillacs Exit/In 2208 Elliston Pl., Nashville Admission: $10 9 p.m. 18+ 10 SIDELINES |Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Yes, it’s getting down to the wire. Yes, finals are coming up. And yes, we probably all need a little road trip. This show is in Bowling Green, Ky., so it’s a bit of a jaunt, but if you and some friends want to get away midweek and see some good music before the final
push, the PUJOL show might be a cool chance. With energetic tunes and a garage-inspired sound, PUJOL sounds like modern raw-rock (rawk?) should sound. His debut full-length album, UNITED STATES OF BEING, is hard hitting with tunes you’d
expect to hear at PacSun. PUJOL is named after singer/guitarist, Daniel Pujol. A road trip up to Bowling Green could be good for your heart and some local support could be good for his.
Photos have a unique ability to move us in many ways, either to action or to tears. Most of us probably take photos on a regular basis, whether it’s of ourselves, ourselves and our BFF or things in our community we find noteworthy, which is exactly what this
exhibit is all about. The Frist gave out a thousand disposable cameras for people in Middle Tennessee to photograph things that they found moving, disturbing or worth noticing. This exhibit features a collection of 500 photos and is located on the education corridor. It’s
pretty much a still-frame, exhibit-hall documentary about our own pockets of community here in Middle Tennessee. This exhibit will run until Jan. 13, so you have no excuse not to see it.
What really needs to be said about this show? It’s Ray La-FreakingMontagne. Not just a Ray show, but it’s a Ray LaMontagne show at the Ryman. Ray has songs like “Jolene” and “Beg, Steal or Borrow,” among other monster hits. His sound is uniquely refresh-
ing with steel guitars, and his soft, raspy voice singing songs about a life that sounds so rough it hardly seems possible that the life would be his. But it is, and his songwriting reflects it. The good news is that Ray is playing at the Ryman. The bad news is that it sold out. For
shows this epic, it’s kind of impossible to let you know about them before they sell out. But you can take your chances, scalp some tickets outside the venue or probably find them on Craigslist for twice what their owners paid for them.
It’s a bold statement to call oneself the funniest man in America. That claim tends to make most people skeptical from the get-go. But James Gregory has had some very real success and is a hard-working, touring performer. He’s entertained sold-out crowds all
over the country, and he continues to do so three or more days a week, 46 weeks a year. That’s a hefty touring schedule, folks. He’s been on Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy and other pretty successful radio shows. His comedy is based around a pretty unique
type of humor – his Southern drawl and zany appearance is warming, and the delivery of his bits seems so natural. If you like Southern-style humor, then you might just find James the funniest man in the world.
Nashville has this magical, uncanny ability to bring bands together. Not like a, “Hey, I know you,” kind of together – I mean like, “Let’s start a band,” kind of together. The Delta Saints formed after moving here for college and just clicked. Their roots-blues style
and modern electric twist makes them a feel-good rock-and-roll band. And there’s a harmonica. The big news here is that this show is a CD release party for their debut fulllength album. Opening for The Delta Saints are The Black Cadillacs, a six-piece rock outfit with
tunes that sounds like the Stones and The Who with a hipster spin. They have two albums out, Run and All Them Witches. Lightning 100 is putting on this show, so if that’s any indication, you’ll know it’s good music.
RANTS AND RAVES Friday, Nov. 30
Keb’ Mo’ Franklin Theater 419 Main Street Franklin Admission: $52-$72 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 1
All That Classical Jazz feat. Gershwin’s Piano Concerto Schermerhorn Symphony Center 1 Symphony Place, Nashville Admission: $23-$109 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Porter Flea Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St. Nashville Admission: Free 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 1
LambsCroft Homeless Outreach Garret Boyd Gym 3016 Nolensville Pike Nashville Admission: Free 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 2
Eric Hutchinson with Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Jessie Payo 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill 818 3rd Ave. S. Nashville Admission: $20 7 p.m.
It’s a wonderful thing to still have the Franklin Theater around, and Keb’ Mo’ is playing there three nights this weekend. He is a sick guitar player and a great blues singer. He’s had some serious TV success with the show “Memphis Beat” on TNT, which he wrote and com-
posed the theme music for. He even appeared in an episode of the show. Keb’ Mo’ released The Reflection last year, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Blues Album. This album came after two years of work and is an accurate reflection
of his deep soul, gospel, blues and American folk influences. It really can’t be stressed enough how strong of a musician Keb’ Mo’ is. He plays from the soul and is worth checking out.
Good classical music can soothe the soul. Good jazz can spice up a romantic dinner. Good classical jazz can open portals of your mind you never thought possible. And good classical jazz is happening at the Nashville Symphony this Saturday. Bramwell
Tovey will be guest conducting George Gershwin’s piano concerto with Terrance Wilson on piano. Gershwin was a master at fusing classical music and jazz, using American styling and an understanding of how humans connect to music. This show is the last of a
three night series, so try and make it Thursday or Friday. If you buy tickets to the Nashville Symphony, you get free tickets to the Frist. It can’t be said enough for college students – free is good.
We can be proud of a lot of things here in Middle Tennessee. But one thing that takes the cake around here is this – how much we love locally produced, quality, handmade things. Porter Flea is a flea market day with a massive collection of craftsmen from all over the area.
There will be vendors like Modern Arks there with some amazing handmade furniture and vendors like Shutters and Shuttles with textile and sewn goods. Just imagine, if Etsy had a flea market, this would be it. You can also bet a pretty penny that there will be
some of Nashville’s hottest food trucks on site to fulfill your craving for a cast iron chicken taco, a bowl of traditional jambalaya or a grilled cheese sandwich.
As it’s getting colder, the homeless community suffers more as the temperature drops degree by degree. This is an opportunity as we approach Christmas, to spread some cheer and holiday spirit. They are a Christian organization, but you don’t have to be a Chris-
tian to help serve people in need. LambsCroft’s mission is to provide an environment that is safe for the whole family to get involved in, and they work with schools around the area, giving them an opportunity to serve. They provide all types of care and service to those
in need from haircuts to a hot meal. The good folks at LambsCroft can use all the volunteers they can get. Consider giving the one of the most precious gifts you can give this holiday season; your time. For more info, email info@lambscroft. com.
With hits like “It’s Alright With Me,” “Oh!” and “Rock & Roll,” Eric Hutchinson is a pretty big deal. His Gavin Degrawish vocal timbre makes his tunes the kind that make you want to sway to the beat. His song “Rock & Roll” is certified Gold here in the
U.S. and Platinum in New Zealand, Australia. His first album, That Could’ve Gone Better, was released in 2003 and he’s come a long way since. His latest album, Moving Up Living Down, released earlier this year and is packed with soul driven tunes that are in
pitch with his unique sound. Opening for him is Brit rocker Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Jessie Payo. Leftwich is fresh off his first U.S. tour and is scheduling a headlining tour for later this year, and Payo is self-described as classic American music.
SIDELINES | Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com 11
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
ABC’s ‘Nashville’ over-dramatizes life in Music City
their research on more than just famous spots, they drop the names of country music royWhen ABC’s “Nashalty at a rate that would ville” premiered on make most locals sick. Oct. 10, it proved to be Most people figure that nothing but a primetime modern country singsoap opera that seems to ers are inspired by the show the city in a light classics, but mentioning really isn’t accurate. current stars four times “Nashville” is about in one episode is a little two country singexcessive. ers – one who is an The drama does a established star, Rayna good job at being a soap Jaymes (Connie Britton, opera and showing that “Friday Night Lights,” even country singers “American Horror can be the biggest divas Story”), and another in the world. Honestly, who is the next big why can’t they have thing to hit Music City, their diva moments? Juliette Barnes (Hayden They are just like any Panettiere, “Heroes,” other pop stars these “Remember the Tidays. tans”). It is very easy The most noticeto draw connections able conflict is between between the stars on the Rayna and Juliette, as show to real life country they both fight for the singers, and this makes respect of everyone the audience wonder around them, including who the stars are based each other. Rayna can’t on. accept that she isn’t But the show also what is new and “sexy” depicts the city of Nashanymore, and Juliette ville in a light that may just wants to be loved, make people who are but only knows how by not native to the area sleeping with whoever perceive it as something she thinks will get her it is not. to where she wants to Throughout the show, be. the audience is taken For the most part, to some of Nashville’s “Nashville” is just an most famous spots like over dramatized story The Bluebird Cafe, about a town that isn’t Tootsie’s and The the way the show’s Ryman, as the actors creator, Callie Khouri, name-drop the iconic who hails from Texas, places more than any lothinks it is. It is clear cal would in a lifetime. she didn’t spend time In the first episode, here and only heard Rayna asks her lead stories about the places guitarist if he would online. Maybe she and like to go get a drink at Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere star in the country music soap opera about two competing stars facing the trials of the the writers should have Tootsie’s with her. It is music industry and their personal lives. Photo courtesy of ukmix.org spent a little more time difficult to imagine a privacy and arms full of who is from Nashville walking around the Wamakes this critic wonder in Nashville before they big country singer – a demos shoved in their that this show comtermark in the Gulch, if that will be their next wrote a show about it. Reba McEntire or Faith faces from music hope- pletely distorts the way unless Old Crow Medi- stop to fabricate. Hill-esque figure – dofuls. of life here. It is rare to cine Show was playing The writers of “Nashing this because they It is obvious to anyone see a hundred people at the Station Inn, which ville” have also done would end up with no By Lauren Mandrell Contributing critic
12 SIDELINES | Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ten best places to nap during finals week By Nick Georgiou Staff writer
1. Your car.
Let’s be real. We’ve all seen the poor, exhausted soul with the classic pose of feet propped up on the window, jacket over face, as we walk the parking lot back to the car or on the way to class. And if you’ve seen it, you’ve no doubt judged. You’re forgiven. Go forth, young padawan.
2. A hammock on the quad.
There are trees here on campus that are the perfect distance apart to hang a hammock and swing yourself into slumber. Just make sure you tie it tight, or those falling dreams might not actually be dreams.
3. The Library.
Curl up on one of those awful loveseats on the second floor or find a booth near the bank of outdated, dinosaur computers to sprawl out on. If you’re not into the whole need-noise-tosleep thing, then try the quiet areas. If you don’t want to see a soul, head up to the encyclopedia section.
4. The Student Union.
There has to be some secret tunnels or some hidden compartments somewhere in the labyrinth that is the newest addition on campus. Channel your inner Indiana Jones, and try to find them. Then head up to the second floor by the fireplace. It’s warm, cozy and will practi-
cally draw the covers for you.
5. The Fitness Center.
Got some rebel hidden deep down? With loud music, very awake people and sweaty dudes in shirts that only cover up to their navel, the gym makes for the perfect place to make a statement while catching up on some muchneeded shut-eye. Want some fungus in your life? Try napping on the wrestling mats.
6. Your class.
If you haven’t done it yet, you might get away with it. If the person next to you is doing it, you’ll never get away with it. Make sure you sit somewhere new. If the professor sees you in your usual spot, he’ll know. Dark sunglasses help too.
Students take advantage of opportunities to get some shut-eye on campus. Photos by Matt Masters.
commandeer his or her couch, bed or recliner to get some temporary sleep.
7. Any upper divi- 9. Photography sion science class. Building. Skip your 2:40 class and go to the Davis science building. As you walk the halls listen for the sound: it sounds like Ben Stein using words like “mycobacterium” and “oligonucleotide synthesis.” Slip in the back, make yourself comfy and dream on.
8. Your girlfriend’s/boyfriend’s dorm.
This can get messy. There are RAs to worry about and roommates that might have a problem with it, but while your significant other is being diligent and studying at the library, you could sneak in and
Dark room. There is at least one of these bad boys in there, and there’s probably only room for one person. Take something to defend yourself from the hoards of people wanting to nap there as well and let the soft glow of the Kodak 13 Safelight Filter light set you free.
10. Jimmy Johns.
They give away free smells. They also give away free naps. When you wake up, you can buy a sandwich. Which begs another question – is the meal you eat after waking up from a nap breakfast too? SIDELINES | Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lana Del Rey continues soulful reign with extended album By Meredith Galyon Staff writer
Lana Del Rey has extended her reign as pop’s sexy, soulful diva and released a deluxe edition of her debut album, Born to Die. Born to Die: The Paradise Edition features eight brand new tracks, in addition to the 15 tracks from the original album. The release of this album came as a bit of a surprise to fans, as Del Rey told Vogue earlier this year that she probably would not make another record, saying she had said everything she needed to say in the first one. The general vibe of the new record is more soulful and less hip-hop influenced than previous songs. The first single, “Ride,” is a soulful pop ballad with a piano and string-driven melody that really shows off Del Rey’s deep vocal range. The lyrics are in her typical style, talking about dying young and escaping life’s everyday trials and tribulations. The song “American” displays a similarity with former single “National Anthem,” showing her influence from American culture by making allusions to popular icons such as Bruce Springsteen and singing the line, “Be young, be dope, be proud…like an American.” Another noted American culture reference can be heard in “Body Electric,” with the title inspired by the poem “I Sing the Body Electric” by Walt
Lana Del Ray’s latest album has more depth than her previous releases. Photo courtesy of crazybee.forumactif.org
Whitman. Throughout the song, she references Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and the Grand Ole Opry while crooning over a dark, sultry melody, making it one of the standout songs on the extended album. “Cola” and “Gods and Monsters” are two of the more explicit songs on the album and take a different direction from those
14 SIDELINES | Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
originally released on Born to Die. Both songs are also more upbeat and hip-hop influenced than the rest and provide relief from the other slower, stringladen tracks. “Gods and Monsters” stands out with a heavy drum beat and lyrics written about Del Rey’s former wild lifestyle, such as, “No one’s gonna take my soul from me, I’m livin’
like Jim Morrison” – another allusion to a historical icon. Del Rey’s cover of popular ‘50s song “Blue Velvet” was recorded to use in a promotional video for H&M, a clothing line that Del Rey recently became the face of. Her version sticks closely to the vibe of the original and makes for an interesting listening experience.
“Yayo” is fashioned more like a retro piano ballad with light percussion and strings and gives credibility to her reputation as playing the role of a lounge singer. The album concludes with “Bel Air,” a light and whimsical song that really captures the beauty of Del Rey’s voice and makes for a powerful ending.
These songs are available on iTunes in a package with the original tracks from Born to Die, or as a separate EP by themselves. If you are a Del Ray fan and already own the first album, adding these tracks to it is definitely recommended. There is a good chance that this might be our last chance to hear new songs from her.
OPINIONS
GOP must relax immigration views to appeal to more voters By Torrie Tovar Contributing columnist If Republicans want to gain more political offices in the next election cycle, they are going to need new policies – they need a change that supports all Americans, not just their party. Republicans have generally relied on white American voters. One way they appealed to voters is through antiimmigration rhetoric and policies. However, if this election taught them anything, it should be that they can no longer solely count on the “white vote.” The Grand Old Party needs a new platform before it sinks. According to the 2010 United States Census, Latinos account for 16.3 percent of the population in America, while black Americans account for 12.6 percent, making Latinos the largest minority in the U.S. This suggests that if the Republican Party doesn’t change its stance on immigration, it won’t see the inside of the White House. Most Hispanics are conservative and share GOP views, according to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal titled “Lost in Translations: GOP struggles with Hispanics.” They are not going to vote for members of a party whose policies prevent their family and friends from being here nor for a party that won’t let the children of
Torrie Tovar
illegal immigrants receive the same financial aid to go to college as the children of citizens, though these children of immigrants have been in the U.S. most of their lives. Additionally, a major-
‘‘
Most Hispanics identify as conservative, but even so, they are not likely to vote for Republicans who display anti-immigration rhetoric or who support laws and policies that stereotype Hispanics as illegal aliens. The Republican Party has to get off its high horse and accept that it cannot count on the “white vote” anymore. If it can make this change, it will broaden the number of voters it appeals to. Some Republicans are beginning to realize this. Sean Hannity, a super-conservative pundit for Fox News,
Hispanic immigrants. Hopefully other Republicans will follow in this viewpoint, and recreate the party’s core beliefs in a way that includes help for all Americans, while still maintaining its conservative principles. It seems sometimes that Americans forget this is a nation of immigrants. There have been times in the past when it has benefited our nation to seek immigrant laborers to help build this nation, such as with the railroads in the 1800s. But once the projects were done, we wished to send them all back, because this is “our”
One can only hope that our nation continues to move forward in our fight against poor policies and ignorant politicians.”
ity of the Latino population is also Catholic, which is a faith that openly denounces the use of birth control, which the Republican Party believes taxpayers should not be required to pay for. Most Latinos are against abortion as well. They believe children are a blessing from God, so not only do they see it as murder – they see it as a treachery against God. Republicans need to loosen its reins on immigration, point-blank.
recently said he now believes we should provide a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented people living in the U.S. who haven’t had any legal troubles, after we tighten our control over the borders. Additionally, Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey recently told reporters in Nashville that he felt like it was time for the GOP to take a new approach to immigration, especially considering the conservative nature of most
land. Before the Great Depression, we had people
come from Mexico, among other Latin American countries, to help build up our country. But when the Great Depression hit, Republican President Herbert Hoover endorsed legislation sanctioning that more than 2 million Hispanics – 1.2 million of whom had been born here – be exiled from the country. This was done so that American citizens could find jobs, though 1.2 million of those exiled were indeed citizens. Yet the U.S. has yet to apologize for these indiscretions – now known as the Mexican Repatriation. With Republicans’ reputation among the Hispanic populations, it is no wonder as to why they do not vote Republican. These actions are reflected in the rhetoric of the Republican Party and tend to turn off Latino voters. If the GOP would only develop more compassionate and welcoming policies for immigrants in general, then the Latino population would be
more likely to vote for Republicans. But Republican rhetoric on a lot of policies tends to cater to the nationalistic and xenophobic minds in the country. They blame all of our problems on immigrants and treat them as inferior to naturalborn citizens. Now the time has come for them to change their stance and be aware that immigrants should be treated as equals, not as if they were unwelcome pests, such as roaches or rats that need to be eradicated. If the Republican Party can overcome these outdated xenophobic policies and views, it indeed could have a shot at being in the White House come next election. One can only hope that our nation continues to move forward in our fight against poor policies and ignorant politicians. If the Republican Party doesn’t choose to move forward in its policies, they may become irrelevant in the future.
SIDELINES | Nov. 28 , 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15
SPORTS
Sun Belt football coming of age 12 years after joining FBS ranks By Mark Mize Sports editor The completion of Week 13 of this year’s Sun Belt Conference football season has yet to bring an answer to the conference’s final outcome. On Dec. 1, Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State will face off in a winner-take-all bout in Jonesboro, Ark., that will decide the Sun Belt Champion. So much for the Sun Belt not having a championship game. A record five teams have all reached bowl eligibility, despite the conference only fielding two guaranteed bowl tie-ins. With Penn State, Ohio State, North Carolina and Miami (Fla.) all having been rendered ineligible thanks to NCAA or self-imposed bowl sanctions, the possibility still remains that at least four of those teams could find themselves in no fewer than 10 different bowl destinations this holiday season. A lesson that could be taken away from what may seem to national experts as a nearly impossible season to predict in the Football Bowl Subdivision’s youngest conference is that the conference is in fact coming of age just months after conference officials learned that long-time members Florida International and North Texas would leave for ConferenceUSA. In the Sun Belt’s 12 years since adding football to its list of sports, the conference has
never before seen the level of parity that it has enjoyed this season. Middle Tennessee, which was picked eighth in the coaches’ poll, now controls its own destiny for its first outright Sun Belt title just one year removed from a (2-10, 1-7 Sun Belt) season. ULM, picked sixth, has already secured its first winning season since joining the Sun Belt and has won eight games, including an upset over SEC team Arkansas behind the arm of Kolton Browning. Western Kentucky now even has back-toback seven win seasons after struggling for a combined two in its first two seasons as a football member. The 2012 season has also been marked by a handful of high-profile, out-of-conference victories for the Sun Belt, including two SEC wins, an ACC victory and perhaps most importantly, a 6-2 record against C-USA teams, the conference that the Sun Belt is most frequently compared to. Furthermore, the Sun Belt looks to have finally established its brand of football amidst a changing college football landscape, fielding teams with wide-open offensive attacks and shedding its former reputation of being an easy victory for BCS conference teams. Prolific passers such as Browning, Kawaun Jakes, Logan Kilgore, Ryan Aplin and Corey Robinson have helped conference starting
16 SIDELINES | Nov. 28, 2012 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Quarterback Logan Kilgore is one in a host of gunslingers who are part of what has made 2012 arguably Sun Belt football’s best. Photo by Drew Gardonia.
quarterbacks throw for over 14 miles of yardage this season. Highoctane offenses have reached the endzone over 400 times this season, and conference athletic directors could soon find themselves struggling to schedule as many games against Bowl Championship Conference teams looking to pad their chances at bowl eligibility. Next season will undoubtedly involve the aches and pains that come with adding two new conference members to replace the departed North Texas and FIU, but, for now, the Sun Belt faithful can look forward to what could be an exciting finish to the 2012 football campaign.