Sidelines Online - 11/11/2010 by MTSU Sidelines

VOL. 87 NO. 19

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010

Explosion unnerves employees By CHRISTOPHER MERCHANT, AIMEÉ SCHMITTENDORF

Photo by Jay Bailey, photo editor

Representatives from Hangzhou Normal University, the Chinese institution in partnership with MTSU, tour campus with President Sidney McPhee on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, in an attempt to better understand teaching methods and facility design concepts in Tennessee.

More than 100 people were evacuated from RockTenn Company yesterday when a boiler room exploded, injuring none of the 15 employees who were inside the two-story room at the time of the incident. Preliminary investigations suggest that a low-pressure tank fueled by natural gas and propane malfunctioned and ignited, demolishing the walls and ceiling of the boiler room, said Owen Roper, a production overseer at the plant. All of the employees at the facility were accounted for, Roper said. “It sounded like a war bomb,” said Jimmy Harris, a mobile equipment mechanic who was the last person out of the boiler room.

East meets West through joint venture By CHRISTOPHER MERCHANT Assistant News Editor

Representatives of MTSU’s partner institution in China said they would like to bring teaching methods and facility design concepts back with them when they return home later this week. The delegation came to Tennessee on a mission to learn more about the academic practices used by educators from kindergarten to the university level, said Lin Zhengfan, the former president of Hangzhou Normal University, by means of a translator. “I have been to many schools in China, but I have never seen one this nice,” Zhengfan said, adding that he plans to report the group’s findings to the university’s current president with suggestions for changing the teaching atmosphere and techniques overseas. This visit marks Zhengfan’s second stay at MTSU, President

Sidney McPhee said. One of primary focuses of the visit has been an examination of the differences between urban and rural education. On Tuesday, Zhengfan highlighted how varied the learning conditions are at primary schools in developed areas and provincial villages during a slideshow presentation entitled, “The development and future perspective of the primary school teachers in the rural areas in China.” The stark contrast of the facilities was immediately evident, as city schools appear modern and pristine, and rural locations are often built of timber and earth. “The majority of the students [in China] are in the countryside and rural area,” Zhengfan said during his speech. “If we do not understand China’s rural areas, then we do not understand China.” Two graduate students accompanying the delegation expressed interest in how lan-

EXPLOSION, PAGE 4

Technology increases bullying By TAYLOR HIXSON Staff Writer

Photo by Jay Bailey, photo editor

MTSU President Sidney McPhee and Lin Zhengfan, a representative for Hangzhou Normal University in China, test out workout equipment in the Heath, Wellness, and Recreation Center on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, during the delegate’s visit to MTSU.

guage and science are taught to primary school students at rural schools, Zhengfan said, as they had already observed teachers instructing their classes at The Discovery

School at Reeves Rogers, Siegel Middle School and Siegel High School in Murfreesboro on Tuesday morning.

Bullying is now easier than ever with avenues like social media websites and texting open for teenagers and young adults to use, according to a Harris Poll released in September. According to the poll, erasing something from cyberspace is much more difficult than stopping “malicious gossip.” In 2010, teenagers are more often looking to suicide as their way out of a bullying situation. One out of four teenagers said they are sometimes bullied to a point that makes them feel angry or upset. Another one out of four teens said they would not tell anyone if they felt like hurting themselves, according to the poll.

CHINA, PAGE 3

BULLYING, PAGE 2

Environmental ethics course to be offered next semester By JORDAN BRIEN Staff Writer

The philosophy department is adding a new “Environmental Ethics and Native Wisdom” class to its curriculum next semester that will offer a Native American perspective on how to live holistically. Phil Oliver, a philosophy professor in the College of Liberal Arts, said he will teach the course, which will include curriculum from his past environmental ethics classes, such as climate change and industrial agriculture, but the new class will now include a section on indigenous people’s philosophies. Oliver said he was inspired to teach the class with a native twist after Scott Pratt, a philosophy professor at the University of Oregon, visited MTSU to lecture about how modern day Americans can learn more about environmental sustainability by examining nature through the eyes of ancient civilizations. The class would incorporate three new texts, Oliver said. “Red Alert,” written by Daniel Wildcat, is a book Pratt considered to be essential for the class. It examines the damaging ways in which daily habits affect Earth and draws upon ancient Native American wisdom and nature-centered beliefs to advocate a modern strategy to combat global warming.

“The class will be different because it will look at indigenous people’s development of ‘native wisdom’ and how we are connected to the planet,” Oliver said. Oliver said he would also be using the book “Native Science” by Gregory Cajese, which explores native astronomy, cosmology, psychology, agriculture and the healing arts. Another book, “Whole Earth Discipline” by Stewart Brand, supplies a holistic approach to environmental ethics, he said. Charles White of Students for Environmental Action said he wishes classes like this would be required of all students. “It’s exciting to see a class like this being offered because an integral part of SEA’s vision for MTSU involves requiring classes or parts of classes that discuss a wide variety of topics regarding sustainability in the past, present and future,” White said. Oliver said the class would look at what lessons might be learned about living lightly and harmoniously on Earth from native and indigenous peoples. This not only includes native American sources, but also imaginative and fictitious ones like “Avatar,” and how the lessons in that story may either complement, challenge, or contradict the dominant western scientific-technological worldview.

Features: A&E page 5 FEATURES page 6 OPINIONS page 7

North Carolina mountain retreat no longer South’s best-kept secret Page 6

Photo by Jay Bailey, photo editor

Nora Maznavi (Left) and Hamza Perez (Right) speak to students, faculty and staff on Nov. 10, 2010, in the Learning Resource Center about their roll in “The New Muslim Cool,” a documentary that attempts to break stereotypes against Muslims through hip-hop.

Muslim stereotypes challenged By BECCA ANDREWS Assistant News Editor

Puerto Rican rapper Hama Perez, who is a Muslim, said he hopes that a documentary film “The New Muslim Cool” will break stereotypes against Muslims and inspire a general movement of love. The film, which features Perez, was shown

last night in the Learning Resource Center, followed by a town-hall meeting led by journalist, activist and political analyst Bakari Kitwana. “I want for people to sit down with each other and watch the film as human beings,” Perez said, “not as Muslims or Christians or atheists, but as human beings.” Perez said that he wants to “put down ste-

reotypes” and educate his audience about the Muslim community. The documentary was originally intended to promote Perez as a Muslim hip-hop artist and one half of the hip-hop duo M-Team, Perez said. “As [filming continued], the film became less about music and more about my community,” Perez said.

MUSLIM, PAGE 2

Check out the virtual crime map, keep yourself informed about crime on campus SUNNY NO THREAT OF RAIN HIGH 76, LOW 44

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SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010

Harassment continues after high school BULLYING FROM PAGE 1

The poll called for parents and schools to take action by ensuring that bullies know the potential consequences for their actions and that those being bullied know they have adults they can turn to for help. Katie Hazlehurst, a freshman majoring in biology, was bullied as a teenager. Hazlehurst said the harassment made her feel like dying. “Today, it makes me so mad when I see people being bullied,” Hazlehurst said. In Waltham, Mass., Bentley University’s “One Goal, One Community” anti-bullying campaign is one of many that have sprouted up across the nation in reaction to bullying and bullying related suicides. The student-run program extends into local schools and nearby communities “to help change behaviors and put an end to bullying,” according to a press release from Bentley University. “Our students are providing parents and teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to help them and their children deal with a growing epidemic,” said Greg Hall, a Bentley University psychology professor. Debra Sells, vice president of Student Affairs, said she does not think numbers for harassment at the high school level and below are hopeful. Sells said she thinks bullying can be a problem with the college-student age group too, especially with those living in dorms or away from home for the first time. Sells said some people are just mean and inappropriate, but others really might be ignorant to the situation they are putting other people in due to a lack of exposure to other backgrounds. “I think that it’s a matter of degree, and it’s a matter of students developing some sense of understanding the difference between outright bullying and what might just be ignorance,” Sells said. MTSU offers programming around campus like “Domestic Violence Awareness Week” and “Diversity Awareness Week” because it helps students become more sensitive to what is harassment, what is uncomfortable language, and methods to help students feel supported when confronted, Sells said. The anonymity of the Internet can provide a cover for bullies. Some people are not edu-

cated in communicating across the Internet, which leads to unintentional harassment, Sells said. “It’s a learning experience for everybody on the cyber frontier,” Sells said. Some cases do step too far over the line and need to be reported to a faculty member if it’s in the classroom, or to Judicial Affairs if it’s outside the classroom, Sells said. “Some of it is developing a sense of judgment of what you can take on yourself and should you because you have to learn that skill,” Sells said. “Someday you’re not going to have a resident assistant.” The office does not have a direct policy against bullying, but that activity falls under a broad category of disciplinary offenses known as “conduct dangerous to self or others,” said Amanda Newman Samsel, coordinator of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services. Conduct dangerous to self or others is defined as behavior that is dangerous to any person’s health, safety or personal well-being such as physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment of any kind and harm inflicted on self, according to the 20102011 MTSU Rights and Responsibilities of Students. “We take threats of any kind seriously,” Samsel said. In 2009, Judicial Affairs received 91 instances of conduct dangerous to self or others, 67 of which were for disorderly conduct. However, there is no way to tell how many of those cases were from bullying, Samsel said. Ryan DeBooy, a senior majoring in international relations, is a resident assistant for the second floor of Judd Hall. DeBooy said he is a strong advocate for mediation. “Talking about problems solves problems,” DeBooy said. DeBooy said people should not be afraid to confront the bully because it all comes down to communication. Kristen Bean, a freshman in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, said she was bullied when she was a teenager. “Bullying makes you feel as if you’re not wanted,” Bean said. Bean said she decided to stand up to the bully by asking why she was being victimized. In Bean’s case, the bully told her it was the only way they knew how to deal with their own problems, she said. Bean said talking out problems helps,

Photo illustration by Jay Bailey, photo editor

According to a Harris Poll, which was released in September 2010, one out of every four teenagers said they are sometimes bullied to a point that makes them feel angry or upset. whether it is at home, at school or with friends, because it is important to figure out how the bully feels. “Everyone has an issue, and everyone needs to talk about it,” Bean said. Rachel Nutt, a senior majoring in journalism and Spanish, said she was a victim of cyber bullying when she started college. She said the bullying started in high school, but the same people continued to her harass her once in college. “People bully over text messaging because they feel more disconnected,” Nutt said. The office takes preventative measures against conduct dangerous to self or others by offering outreach through a required CUSTOMS session and in University 1010 courses. “We let them know we aren’t just an office for people when they’re in trouble, but we’re

here when they need it,” Samsel said. The office also offers mediation services if students have issues with a roommate or another student through Judicial Affairs, Samsel said, but both parties must be willing to participate for it to work. “We do unfortunately see the cattiness on Facebook,” Samsel said, adding mediation is an informal process compared to the disciplinary process. “The fun part is creating sanctions that are unique to that individual, because what works for one student might not work at all for another,” Samsel said. Sanctions for actions have included expelling the student, withholding a degree, writing papers, and giving presentations to a student organization, Samsel said. “Our office tries not to be cookie-cutter in nature,” Samsel said.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

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is looking for a Spring 2011 editor-in-chief. 4

FEATURES

There’s an

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

Facebook

Weather Ch.

Pandora

Google Search

67%

50%

38%

26%

Blackberry OS

Facebook

Google Maps

Weather Ch.

ESPN

Pandora

51%

34%

28%

19%

18%

Other Smartphones

Facebook

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

STAFF REPORT

By MARIE KEMPH News Editor

iPod / iTunes

58%

FAIR, PAGE 2

Ofﬁcer assaulted; third suspect sought

Republican candidate highlights economic agenda

Facebook

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

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.

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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

VOL. 87 NO. 03

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

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SIDELINES THURSDAY, October 14, 2010

DOES EDUCATION JUSTIFY BUYING A SMARTPHONE?

e rec

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.

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DEADLINE: Wednesday, Nov. 24

Photo by Jay Bailey, photo editor

Students watch “The New Muslim Cool,” a documentary that attempts to break stereotypes against Muslims through religion and hip-hop, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in the Learning Resource Center. Afterward students were given the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with Hamza Perez and Nora Maznavi, the couple who were covered in the documentary.

Hip-hop unites Islamic community MUSLIM FROM PAGE 1 “The New Muslim Cool” depicts Perez not only as a hip-hop artist and a man of faith, but as a father and a husband. His courtship and eventual marriage to his wife was shown, along with the birth of their first child together. Family is a central theme of the documentary, particularly in regards to Perez’s predominantly Catholic family accepting his Islamic faith. A main conf lict within the film is the raid of Perez’s mosque, which he said forced him to come to grips with the realities of being a Muslim in a post-9/11 America. He said he faced discrimination at his job, when he was fired without legitimate explanation by authorities in the jail where he taught spiritual classes. After the screening of the documentary, Perez described his conversion from Catholicism to Islam. Perez was a drug dealer as a young man and lived with three other men in housing projects in Massachusetts when one of his room-

mates left because he was uncomfortable with a situation going on in the house at the time. Perez said he went looking for his roommate and discovered that he had been taken in by the Muslim community, and his friend had converted to Islam. “He just looked like he had tasted happiness,” Perez said. “I embraced Islam upon seeing him, right there in the middle of the street.” Perez said he has since witnessed many people convert to Islam. The residents of the housing projects in Massachusetts underwent a mass conversion soon after he converted, Perez said. Perez’s family has also undergone a transformation since he embraced Islam. He said his father had converted Sunday, and his grandmother converted in April after seeing the documentary. Perez’s passion also affected students who were in attendance for the film and lecture. “This was a good experience,” said Amber Hansen, a junior majoring in violin performance. “I wish more people had known about it.”

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SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010

Chinese delegates examine Tennessee’s education system CHINA FROM PAGE 1

The delegation plans to visit rural schools later this week, including Jones Cove Elementary School, Pittman Center Elementary School and Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, which are all part of the Sevier County School System in East Tennessee, Zhengfan said. “I think [the delegation] will find that our rural schools are much better equipped,” said Nadine Harris, an assistant professor in the College of Education, who has visited rural schools in China. “I’m encouraged that China is going to address rural schools.” The Chinese government consists of a single-party socialist republic that is controlled through a dual leadership system theoretically shared by the Communist Party of China and the Central People’s Government. Government officials are looking to equalize the level of training provided to teachers in rural areas and improve on the quality of equipment and materials that educators use during class by 2020, Zhengfan said. “Even in tough economic times, other governments are putting money into education,” McPhee said. “In the West, when we have tough times, education is the first thing to get the axe.” However, federal funding is not the only solution to the struggles of any academic institution, McPhee said. Zhengfan said incentives should be offered so that teachers will be more interested in teaching in rural areas, such as paying them a special bonus, giving them more opportunities for promotion, and special training at urban schools. Chinese institutions should also consider sending trained teachers who are currently working at schools in metropolitan areas to smaller villages, Zhengfan said, and the amount of money provided by the government to rural schools should be increased. Hangzhou Normal officials have begun constructing a new campus, Zhengfan said, and the institution has received government funding to support the project. “The provincial government has put billions of dollars into the new campus,” McPhee said. The delegation took note of environmentally friendly programs and equip-

Photo by Jay Bailey, photo editor

President Sidney McPhee (Left), Lin Zhengfan (Middle), a representative from MTSU’s partner school, Hangzhou Normal University in China, and other representatives discuss teaching methods and design concepts Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, at the cafe in the James E. Walker Library.

ment on MTSU’s campus, Zhengfan said, adding that Hangzhou Normal officials are determined to limit the university’s use of electricity on the new campus by utilizing natural light. “What we take for granted, they view as a bare necessity,” McPhee said. Of particular interest to the delegation was the recycling program at MTSU and exercise equipment with digital displays powered by the motion of the operator at the Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center, McPhee said. MTSU has been in a partnership with Hangzhou Normal for five years, McPhee said, and the collaboration has involved cooperative academic curriculum, and student and faculty exchange programs. In addition, the cooperative partnership was one standard that qualified MTSU to host a Confucius Institute, McPhee said. MTSU is one of about 80 such locations in the country, said Thomas Tozer, director of the Office of News and Public Affairs. “There is no doubt that there is importance in working with China,” McPhee said, adding that China had surpassed Japan to become the second-

Photo by Jay Bailey, photo editor

Andrew Johnson (Left), a freshman majoring in aerospace, President Sidney McPhee (Middle) and Lin Zhengfan (Right), a representative for MTSU’s partner school, Hangzhou Normal University in China, discuss a model glider Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, Johnson was working on in the James E. Walker Library.

largest economy in the world behind the United States. Zhengfan plans to meet with Gov. Phil Bredesen to tour the Tennessee State Museum and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and the delegation will conclude its

trip Saturday by attending the football game between MTSU and the University of North Texas.

Todd Barnes, staff writer, contributed to this report.

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Late Night Specials Start at 10 pm

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SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010

Kappa Delta to celebrate female empowerment this weekend STAFF REPORT

Photo by Aimeé Schmittendorf, opinions editor

The Murfreesboro Fire Department survey RockTenn property Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, after a boiler exploded, demolishing a two-story room shortly before 9 a.m.

Community rumbles due to RockTenn boiler blast EXPLOSION FROM PAGE 1 Harris said he thought that the entire building was coming down. “I was scared,” Harris said. The tank operates at about 400 degrees, Roper said, and it is used to produce paper for corrugated cardboard boxes at the RockTenn facility at 370 South Rutherford Blvd. The location was previously the site of Southern Container Corp., which was acquired by RockTenn in 2008. As a result of the explosion, there was a large natural gas leak that filled the surrounding area that could be smelled down Rutherford Boulevard, Roper said. Immediately after the explosion, white smoke billowed out of the remains of the boiler room and could be seen from Church Street more than 1,000 feet away. “I pulled up for a load and started to go in, and that’s when it happened,” said Steve Hargis, a truck driver for Brown Trucking Co. Firefighters with the Murfreesboro Fire Department cut off the natural gas line and electricity to the building, said Roger Toombs, a chief with the Fire Department. Firefighters took natural gas readings in and around the building.

Photo by Aimeé Schmittendorf, opinions editor

Jimmy Harris (Above), a mobile machine operator at RockTenn, gazes at the wreckage of the two-story boiler room that exploded on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Harris was the last employee to evacuate the building after the explosion and said he was happy all of the employees made it out unharmed.

The faulty tank was designed so that it could operate on natural gas or propane, so that if one fuel system failed the other could take over, Roper said. No estimates on the cost of replacing the boiler had been reported, Roper said, nor was there a projection for how much the time lost as a result of the eruption cost

Theft

the company. However, plant officials said they plan to get assembly going again today, as the evacuated employees were sent home yesterday morning. “We will pick back up tomorrow, with limited production,” Roper said yesterday, adding that assembly will be down to about a third of the normal level.

STAFF REPORT

A Tennessean who served in World War II is scheduled to receive the 21st annual Joe Nunley Award as part of the Veterans Day observances at MTSU on Saturday, according to a press release. Charles A. Jones, who served in the U.S. Army 88th Infantry Division in Africa and Europe, is a resident of McMinville and served for 23 years as the state adjutantquartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Tennessee. A catered lunch is planned to begin at noon in the Rose and Emmett Kennon Hall of Fame, followed by the awards ceremony at 1 p.m., before the football game between

MTSU and the University of North Texas. Veteran and active-duty servicemen from every branch of the U.S. military have been invited to bring their families to the 29th Salute to Armed Services Day, an annual Veterans Day commemoration at MTSU. A Veteran’s Memorial Service is planned to begin outside of the Tom H. Jackson Building at 11:30 a.m. Sixteen alumni officers have been invited as guests by President Sidney McPhee and his wife, Liz, for the day’s events, according to the press release. Free tickets to the game will be provided for veterans, active-duty personnel and their families. The MTSU Reserve Officer

Training Corps cadets plan to lead the veterans onto Horace Jones Field of the Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium when the Band of Blue plays each branch’s official song during the halftime salute, according to the press release. The U.S. Marine Corps plans to collect new toy donations at the gate of the stadium for the annual Toys for Tots charity drive. MT Athletics and the department of military science are collaborating on other activities, including a possible flyover by either the U.S. Army National Guard or the U.S. Air Force. Other sponsors of Armed Services Day include State Farm Insurance, Barrett Firearms, the Army National Guard and Dollar General.

Vandalism Traffic

Nov. 8, 11:06 a.m.

Kirksey Old Main A complainant reported that a computer had been stolen from a classroom.

Nov. 5, 1:47 p.m.

Greek Row A complainant reported that a window at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon House had been broken at the fraternity house.

Division Street A complainant reported that his vehicle had been struck while parked in the Division Street parking lot.

Vagrancy

Nov. 5, 1:46 p.m.

Drunkenness

Nov. 8, 12:08 p.m.

Nov. 7, 1:25 a.m.

Murphy Center Tennis Court A person who is not a student was issued a trespass warning and escorted

The Quad Brannen Foust, 21, was arrested for public intoxication.

On Campus

Off Campus

Performing Arts:

Events:

Concerts:

SGA Student Appreciation Week Snack Attack

Styx

Rocketown Tickets: $16

Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Ryman Auditorium Tickets: $39 - $65

Events Policy

Jazz Ensemble Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Wright Music Building Hinton Hall FREE

“Le nozze di Figaro” MTSU Opera Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Wright Music Building Hinton Hall Tickets: $10

Stones River Chamber Players Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. Wright Music Building Hinton Hall FREE

Nov. 11, 2 p.m. KUC Knoll FREE

“Student Appreciation Week” SGA Cook-out Nov. 12, 11 p.m. KUC Knoll FREE

Video Game Night Nov. 19, 4 p.m. Keathley University Center FREE

Jo Dee Messina with Nashville Symphony Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Allen Arena Tickets: $19-$104

Liza Minnelli Nov. 13, 8 p.m. Tennessee Performing Arts Center Tickets: $75

AP Tour Nov. 13, 6 p.m.

Sidelines welcomes current campus and community events submitted by all readers. Please e-mail events to slcampus@mtsu.edu or slnews@mtsu.edu, and include the name, date, time and location of the event, as well as your name and a phone number for verification. We reserve the right to refuse events at our discretion as our space is limited.

Sidelines is the editorially independent, nonprofit student-produced newspaper of Middle Tennessee State University. Sidelines publishes Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters and online during June and July. The events listed are not necessarily associated with Sidelines or MTSU.

CRIME STOPPERS

Nov. 5, 1:25 p.m.

Keathley University Center A complainant reported that a backpack had been stolen outside of the lockers at Phillips Bookstore.

Campus set to observe Veterans Day

LOCAL EVENTS

CRIME BRIEFS

Theft

Members of the Kappa Delta Sorority of MTSU are teaming up with fellow members from Vanderbilt University to co-host “International Girls Day,” a holiday created by the Greek organization’s national headquarters to celebrate female empowerment at a young age. The event will be held Sunday at Vanderbilt and will include scavenger hunts, skits, line dancing, snacks and an award ceremony. The theme of the day will be “She Can Do Anything!” The goal is to give girls the confidence to achieve their dreams, according to a press release from the MTSU chapter of Kappa Delta. “International Girls Day is an amazing event that helps to instill confidence in young girls,” said Kristin Nugent, vice president of community service of Kappa Delta at

MTSU, in the press release. The sorority is holding the event in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee for Brownie Girl Scouts in the second and third grades. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m., and the closing ceremony will be at 4:45 p.m. “Through encouraging these girls to follow their dreams, this Kappa Delta celebration will show attendees that if they can dream it, they can achieve it,” Nugent said. “International Girls Day” is not just being recognized in Tennessee. There are more than 250 celebrations taking place around the world. It was created by Kappa Delta Sorority on behalf of the Confidence Coalition, an alliance of organizations, companies and individuals committed to promoting confidence in girls and women, according to the press release.

from campus.

Theft Nov. 8, 3:06 p.m. Business and Aerospace Building parking lot A complainant reported that some parts of a motorcycle had been stolen.

Theft Nov. 8, 10:11 p.m. Intramural Field A complainant reported that a wallet was stolen.

A cash reward of up to $300 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons who stole a black Liz Claiborne wallet from a picnic table at Walnut Grove by Peck Hall sometime between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Oct. 5. A cash reward of up to $300 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons who stole a black Padagonia backpack in the cafeteria area of the

Keathley University Center sometime between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 11. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons who unlawfully entered a black Toyota parked in the Bell Street parking lot and stole a Vera Bradley wallet sometime between 6:20 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Oct. 12. A cash reward of up to

$300 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons who stole a black GAP backpack that was left next to the lockers at Phillips Bookstore in the Keathley University Center sometime between 12:15 p.m. and 12:20 p.m. on Oct. 12.

was left in front of the lockers at Phillips Bookstore in the Keathley University Center sometime between 1:10 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. on Oct. 13. Also stolen was a Toshiba laptop computer, which was inside of the backpack at the time of the theft.

A cash reward of up to $300 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or person who stole a black Old Navy backpack that

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact the MTSU Office of Public Safety at 615-898-2424. All callers will remain anonymous.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY presents a SIDELINES production “SIDELINES and the Search for New Contributing Staff” starring NEWS SPORTS FEATURES OPINIONS PHOTOGRAPHY with ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT GRAPHIC DESIGN and ONLINE

AND THE SEARCH FOR NEW CONTRIBUTING STAFF executive producers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR visual effects PRODUCTION MANAGER music ADVERTISING MANAGER MAY CONTAIN AWESOME PEOPLE AND AMAZING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

to pick up an application MASS COMMUNICATION Room 269 for more information SLEDITOR@MTSU.EDU

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SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

M.I.A. evolves with unique sound New album focuses on political injustices, violence By ROZALIND RUTH Arts and Entertainment Editor

M.I.A. is back. Soaring from the success of her last full-length album “Kala,” and having her hit song “Paper Planes” sampled in the T.I. song “Swagga Like Us,” the Sri Lankan-British rapper reloads with the sometimes heavy but always entertaining album, “Maya.” Born Maya Arulpragasam, the somewhat self-titled CD by the artist is branches out from the light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek, “gangsta” impression she has been labeled as in the press. This album manages to keep the fun beats, but in true M.I.A. fashion, has a huge political message. Among Time Magazine’s 100 most inf luential people, the rapper uses her inspirations from all around the world, both positive and negative, to send a message to her listeners. The dance beats of songs, like “The Message,” make her audience consider the repercussions of society today. “Headphones connected to iPhone/ iPhone connected Internet/ Internet connected to the Google connected to the government.” The truth is, M.I.A. has never strayed from controversy in her songs. All of her albums have exhibited her interest in world injustices. The difference with “Maya” is the blatancy of her political message.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

This album is also much more harsh on listeners’ ears. At first encounter the album seems over produced. There are lots of dissonant sounds layered on top of each other into beats that many other artists wouldn’t dare tackle, like chainsaws and impact wrenches layered into a beat. M.I.A. somehow manages to be overproduced and low-fi at the same time. One connection that must be made when listening to this album may seem odd at first but is totally fitting. The musically catchy, but heart-wrenching lyrics of “Maya” and the occasional Rastafarian inf luence is incredibly similar to “the only band that matters,” The Clash. The heavy, f lowing bass lines of “It Takes a Muscle” take the Jamaican inf luence not only in sound, but in message, something The Clash knew all about. The legendary band’s inf luence can also be seen later on in the

album with the paranoid, buzzy, British-pun k li ke “Born Free.” Sidenote: The short film music video for “Born Free” is astounding, but very graphic. If the violence of war is palatable for fans, it’s a must see. Watch it at miauk.com. Fans of the Photo courtesy of Google Images band Sleigh Bells, which rappers fail to do – evolve. recently release an amazing alHer sound, while remaining bum under M.I.A.’s record lable identifiable, has changed as she N.E.E.T., will enjoy the sam- has changed as a person. One pling from the song, “Treats,” can tell the more involved she featured on “Meds and Feds” has become into the music inTrack 10 of “Maya.” dustry the less jungle of Sri LanThroughout her musical ca- ka and the more concrete jungle reer, M.I.A. has done what many

The weekly Sidelines crossword puzzle

nearly

her sounds have become. Fans who fell in love with her debut album “Arular” but were less impressed with “Kala” will not welcome “Maya” with open ears. But, those who enjoy the change and new excitement of an artist will find that this album will fill a need in their sound collection. When first popping this CD into the system, it can seem over produced. This is likely to be followed by pressing the skip button to see if it ‘gets better.’ Hold tight. There’s more. When the songs are fully absorbed – listened to, not just heard – it is understood that they need to be like this. The music isn’t over produce, just complicated. There needs to be that noise to understand the urgency and grittiness of her subject. This chick knows what she’s doing, and she’s one of the only ones that does it right. She is a pioneer.

Foretold by Cosmic Roz Sidelines Residental Psychic and Arts and Entertainment Editor

horoscopes CAPRICORN

The gifts of fate are being put together for you soon, but you’re used to that by now. You will receive a combined birthday and Christmas gift… again. Sorry dude.

Chances are you’re going to forget something totally important because the moon is in your memory month. The stars want to remind you about the third Thursday of this month. It’s CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 22 called “Thanksgiving.”

Life is happening all around you, but don’t let that get you in a hurry. Go slow on the streets around campus. There is a police officer in the house of traffics.

The sun is your guiding star. Unfortunately for you, we just wound back our clocks. Less sun equals less success in your life celestial failure.

DEC. 22 - JAN. 19

AQUARIUS

JAN. 20 - FEB. 18

LEO

JULY 23 - AUG. 22 Classes are nearing an end. Too bad you forgot to go to your 8 a.m. lecture. Sorry, but the stars aren’t interested in helping you learn geology.

PISCES

VIRGO

FEB. 19 - MAR. 20 Crossword courtesy of bestcrosswords.com

1- Erupts; 6- A great deal; 10- Floating platform; 14- Christmas song; 15- Ashtabula’s lake; 16- “Night” author Wiesel; 17- Responsible; 19- Verdi opera; 20- Not emp.; 21- Sisters; 22- Totter; 24- Mine entrance; 25- Distasteful; 26- Heed; 29- Launching of a rocket; 33- Glacial ridge; 34- Bottom of the barrel; 35- Bread spread; 36- Airline to Tel Aviv; 37- Scoundrel; 38- Don; 39- Baptism, e.g.; 40- Dutch cheese, wrapped in red wax; 41- Animal; 42- Sample; 44- Bestows; 45- Revenuers, for short; 46- Ale, e.g.; 47- Peace salutation; 50- “Chicken of the sea”; 51- Soft food for infants; 54- Exclamation to express sorrow; 55- Treatment of obesity; 58- Hindu princess;59Bibliography abbr.; 60- Artist Rousseau; 61- Ancient Athens’s Temple of ___; 62- Engrossed; 63- Alleviates;

ARIES

The stars want you to mix it up this month. Do some thing special. You should change your Facebook picture. You’ll get more “likes.”

LIBRA

MAR. 21 - APR. 19

SEPT. 23 - OCT. 23 There’s a large gas cloud around Uranus this month. Stay away from broccoli and green peppers.

DOWN 1- Sign of injury; 2- Sheet of stamps; 3- Formerly, formerly; 4- Exclamation of surprise; 5- Thin; 6- Inclined; 7- Globes; 8- “... ___ the cows come home”; 9- Pericarp; 10- Ready-made clothing; 11- Put ___ on it!; 12- Bona ___; 13- Drop of water expelled by the eye; 18- Undoing; 23- Approves; 24- Collapse of the lungs; 25- Lower portion of the small intestine; 26- Ogles; 27- Long Island town; 28- Glide along smoothly; 29- Started; 30- New York city; 31- Sumptuous meal; 32- Armed strongholds; 34Water-repellent cloth; 37- Recall; 41- Respire; 43- ___ little teapot...; 44- Actress Rowlands; 46- Constructed; 47- Franklin D.’s mother; 48- Banned apple spray; 49- Alley; 50- Pitfall; 51Fasteners; 52- Area of 4840 square yards; 53- Pitchfork-shaped letters; 56- Loss leader?; 57- Actor Stephen;

AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22 This month, luck and money are in the forecast, meaning that you’re most likely going to rob a bank. However, next month forecasts that you will be caught.

ACROSS

TAURUS

This month is marked by opposite celestial formations. You have a tough shell, so stay away from soft-shell crab.

SCORPIO

APR. 20 - MAY 20

OCT. 24 - NOV. 21 “No Shave November” will treat you well. That beard you’re working on is coming in nicely. This month is your destiny.

GEMINI

November 4 Solution

MAY 21 - JUNE 20

It’s never going to be perfect. Get used to disappointment this month as Saturn enters into the country music house. Your dog may run away. Your car may break down. Life sucks.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV. 22 - DEC. 21

The planets are asking you to think long and hard before making any longterm decisions. Maybe that tattoo of a wolf holding a man by its ears is not the best idea.

www.mtsusidelines.com

SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010

FEATURES

DO YOU THINK MUSIC CAN UNITE CULTURES?

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH BULLYING?

Follow Buck Creek Road Photo courtesy of Jack Kemph

Jack and Connie Kemph (Not pictured) enjoy Nantahala National Forest scenery on July 2, 2008, while parked on the side of U.S. Highway 64 in Highlands, N.C.

Highlands is a priceless paradise worth every penny. By MARIE KEMPH Managing Editor

I still don’t like taking the “scary way,” known to the rest of America as U.S. Highway 64. When you’re driving up the side of the Southern Appalachian Mountains to reach the highest town east of the Mississippi River, the idea of a parachute suddenly seems appropriate. Just like my grandmother, I prefer to reach Highlands, N.C., by way of Buck Creek Road. This beautiful getaway is perched 4,118 feet above sea level atop the highest crest of western North Carolina. Samuel Kelsey and C.C. Hutchinson founded Highlands in 1875. Since then, this magnificent haven has evolved into a marvelous hideaway of summertime bliss for those brave enough to venture up the elevated path. In 1973, my father’s parents, Kemph and Grandma K., traveled from Auburn, Ala., to visit Mr. and Mrs. Hollis, the former a business partner of my grandfather. While they were enjoying a Saturday afternoon drive, my grandmother noticed an area of undeveloped land, and the owner just happened to be on the property, preparing to put it on the market. “Mother wasn’t one to make those kinds of decisions so quickly, but when she made her mind up that was that,” my father, Jack Kemph, explains as he chuckles with delight. “They bought that land for $5,000. Your grandmother wrote the check right there on the spot.” Apparently, she didn’t mind the drive too much. I don’t remember my first trip to Highlands. At the time, I was only 3 months old. It was Christmas 1982, and construction was almost complete on the two-story, gray and white house my grandmother had designed. For my grandparents, North Carolina provided an escape from the sweltering Alabama summers. Situated on Maplewood Lane just outside of downtown, its proximity to the arts, culture and magnificent waterfalls makes this home

an unapologetic treasure. Its chest filled to the brim with golden nuggets of laughter and Parisian lace kisses, gifted from the heart of a feisty, yet gracious Texan, my beloved Grandma K. More than 35 years later, prospective homebuyers won’t find a piece of prime real estate like that anymore – much less for that

amount of money. Nowadays, the average home costs more than $650,000, and Forbes magazine recently listed it as the 499th most expensive zip code. Clearly, the best-kept Southern secret is out. The year-round population of Highlands swells from 3,200 to more than 18,000 visitors every summer, and the number of places visitors can rent for a few nights has ballooned as well. Nevertheless, the Old Edwards Inn is still the best place for weary travelers to lay their head in style, while still receiving small town friendly service. Those of you not interested in purchasing a mountain lodge, you still have the chance of making priceless memories to last

a lifetime. For you grandparents reading this, take note. It’s not the toys or clothes grandchildren remember, it’s the time we spent eating strawberries sprinkled with powdered sugar, while we watched the fireworks display during the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration. It’s moments captured by an old Kodak camera, featuring my brother and I curled up next to Kemph while we took a nap after an eventful day of exploring the Nantahala National Forest, which means “land of the noon day sun” in Cherokee. Often times, we’d come home with a knee scrape or two after chasing down slithery salamanders. Not only is Highlands the salamander capitol of the world, it boasts the same title for lichen, a colorful algae that can be found peeking out of almost every crevice and rock, especially near the waterfalls. In this land of granite and waterfalls, glittering jewels cascade down from tall boulders, splashing to thunderous applause. Each stone has been smoothed over by wet diamonds century after century, and you can even walk under Dry Falls to watch the never-ending show without being drenched. Avid hikers who enjoy a strenuous climb should try Whiteside Mountain, a landmark that straddles the eastern continental divide between Highlands and Cashiers. There are various ways of reaching the top, depending on your comfort level. If you’re not an experienced mountain climber or wayward traveler, it’s still worth taking one of the alternate paths.

You’ll know you’ve made it to the top when you see “Alt. 4,930 ft.” carved into rock. While you wander along the trails, be sure to keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, which will be flying above or nesting alongside granite sheets that poke out from the mountain sporadically. In 1985, falcons were reintroduced to Whiteside through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species Program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Having an opportunity to see these amazing creatures is worth the effort. If the outdoor adventures and summertime extravaganzas weren’t enough to pique your interest, the numerous antique shops, art festivals and renowned restaurants, like Wolfgang’s, are sure to tickle your fancy. Highlands is more than just a mountain retreat. Transforming into a relaxing getaway or fun-filled vacation, this Southern pleasure is sure to delight even the most discriminating traveler. As far as I’m concerned, Highlands is priceless. It’s been almost two years since Kemph passed away and 15 since my grandmother saved a spot for him in Heaven. Even though the “scary way” isn’t quite as frightening as it used to be, I still turn left onto Buck Creek Road for one reason: That’s the path Grandma K. followed.

527 West Main Street • Murfreesboro 615-439-6090 Full Menu THURS., NOV. 11 FRI, NOV. 12 and Drink Ladies’ Night Tim Bogle ACOUSTIC Specials UPSTAIRS Drink Specials till 1am Every The Last Straw Ladies FREE Night MAIN FLOOR Guys $5.00

21 & Up

SATURDAY, NOV. 13 TUES., NOV. 16

Joe Harvy Band $2.50 Budweiser Family Bottles

Blues Jam

SUNDAY, NOV. 14

with members of The Last Straw

$25 Cornhole Tournament 50¢ Miller Lite

NO COVER

WED., NOV. 17 Freak Out with DJ Brandon Wahl and DJ Coach, ANIMAL HOUR 8 to 11 NO COVER

Photos courtesy of Jack Kemph

1982: (Left) The Kemphs celebrate Christmas Day in the unfinished Highlands house. (Right) Connie smiles at 3-month-old Marie shortly after opening presents on Christmas Day. 1984: Grandma K. gazes lovingly toward Marie, sitting on Kemph’s lap, in Auburn, Ala. 1986: Kemph poses with Marie and her brother, David, at the highest point east of the Mississippi River. 1993: Twenty years after purchasing the land, Kemph (Not pictured) snaps a photo of the house. 2007: Visitors walk down Main Street on a warm June day. 2008: Marie, the Kemphs and Ryan Burton (Right) celebrate Connie’s birthday on July 5 at Wolfgang’s.

www.mtsusidelines.com

OPINIONS

SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010

Sidelines is the editorially independent, nonprofit, student-produced newspaper of Middle Tennessee State University. Sidelines publishes Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters and online during June and July. The opinions expressed herein are those of individual writers and not necessarily Sidelines or MTSU.

ROVER needs community support

Murfreesboro needs to invest in public transportation. ROVER-CITY Bus Service is Murfreesboro’s current public transportation system, and it operates from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for certain holidays. ROVER has been in service for three years and has many regular riders, yet the city’s transportation system has pretty much stayed the same despite the increasing population, and rider requests for more service. The buses are not getting the necessary maintenance, there are not enough backup buses, and drivers are not provided with enough benefits. The main reason for this is that Murfreesboro depends too much on federal grant money to fund ROVER,

J. Johnson

Our Take and city officials have not been willing to spend the necessary amount of money to compensate for where the grant money ends. A recent survey asked ROVER riders how they felt about the service and what they would like to see added. The survey found that the majority of riders want extended weekday service and

weekend service, followed by bus shelters and service in the Cason Lane area. Many riders who took the survey were hopeful that the city would fi nally listen to their requests and expand service but were disappointed to learn that the ROVER schedule would stay the same. One rider said, “What was the point of that survey if they’re not going to listen to what we have to say?” The survey got many riders’ hopes up only to make them feel neglected and confused. ROVER is important to the residents of Murfreesboro because it provides transportation to those who cannot afford vehicles or cannot operate a vehicle because of a disability. Public transportation is important in helping to

reduce poverty, unemployment, and homelessness because it provides reliable transportation to those who need to fi nd and retain jobs. Right now, the limited schedule of the buses makes it difficult for many to find jobs because most do not start and end within the 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. time frame. Most jobs also require employees to work on weekends and ROVER currently offers no service on weekends. The buses also provide transportation for seniors, in addition to the disabled, thus giving them the means to live and travel independently. Public transportation should also be important to the students of MTSU because it is another option to driving a car to

school. Instead of spending an hour looking for a parking spot on campus, students could take ROVER to school and then use MTSU’s Raider Express to get around campus. An online petition has been started requesting the City of Murfreesboro expand ROVER services. I encourage everyone to sign it and contact the City Council to let its members know that Murfreesboro residents want and need public transportation to be expanded. For more information, visit change.org.

J. Johnson is a sophomore majoring in graphic design in the College of Liberal Arts. She can be reached at jjohnson_00@hotmail.com.

Parking is a Problem

University name change long overdue

Before my fi rst class, several students congregated in the hallway of Peck Hall, and the subject of the name change came up. As a resident of Murfreesboro, who has lived here for more than 21 years, I am supportive of the name change. The name change is long overdue. One of the students in the group said his issue with the SGA proposal is that there are other things that should be of higher priority. He was especially concerned with parking. I would really like every individual on this campus who has complained about parking this semester to visit the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University or Lipscomb University. Almost every college in the state, and even across the country, has parking issues. This is not a problem solely on this campus. Before the complaints start f lying, do your homework. Our school is currently in the process of building a parking garage to help curb the perceived parking

shortage on campus. Although the student body did not support this idea initially, it is a step in the right direction to help with the parking problem. One of the people complaining about parking was not aware the garage was being built. I would also like to point out that there is a parking lot on Rutherford Boulevard that is never full. I lived at Campus Crossings North, rode the bus to class every day for a year, and never had an issue getting to class on time. The buses are much more dependable now than they used to be, and this is a viable option for parking. People who complain about having to get to school early to wait for a bus are getting to school early to find parking, so what is the difference? As for the name change itself, it is proven that schools that do not have the word “state” in the name receive more funding than schools that do. There are exceptions to this, like Louisiana State Univer-

sity and Ohio State University. However, both of these schools receive funding for athletic teams. It is also worth noting that most merchandise now simply says “MT,” leaving off the “SU,” thereby making current merchandise sellable after a name change is implemented. Overall, I believe the name change should definitely be a priority. It is a change that is long overdue and one this school and community deserves. I highly suggest anyone who would like to learn more about the pros of the name change to check out the Facebook group “I Support the Name Change to University of Middle Tennessee.” They have a note entitled “MYTHBUSTERS -- JUST THE FACTS ABOUT CHANGING THE NAME” that will shed light on the issue. Michele Royer is a senior majoring in psychology. She can be reached at mcr2t@mtsu.edu.

Nov. 10 at 11:22:15 a.m. Due to the construction of a new Education Building and Student Union Building the parking lot beside the University Honors College has been reallocated to faculty and staff parking only. Sidelines has noticed that regardless of the time of day, the lot is almost always empty. So, we have decided to continue to run a photo of the parking lot that is timestamped until the problem is addressed.

Professor responds to parking lot photo In the interest of journalistic equality, publish a time-stamped photo of the almost always empty parking lot open to students on the east side of Rutherford Boulevard along with your weekly photo of the University Honors College faculty parking lot. Driving and parking are privileges, not rights, and

demand for parking spaces is not constant. Oversimplification of the issue by posting photos will not solve any “problem.”

Tony Johnston is an associate professor in the department of food science and agribusiness. He can be reached at johnston@mtsu.edu.

SIDEFACTS FACT: Honeybees can be used to detect explosives. Everyone has heard of dogs on a bomb squad. But unknown to most people, honeybees have an equally keen sense of smell. After all, bees are able to track the faint scent of pollen on the wind all the way to a flower. These tiny sniffers are trained in bomb detection by being exposed to the odors of common explosive ingredients. Whenever they flick their proboscises (mouth parts) correctly, they are rewarded with sugar water. Fact courtesy of omg-facts.com

For the real deal, the bees are strapped to small tubes inside a box. They are then placed inside the area in question, and a video camera equipped with pattern recognition software detects any proboscis motion.

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SIDELINES THURSDAY, November 11, 2010