MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY TE-TM I mI m mm

EDITORIALLY INDEPENDENT MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 VOL. 87, NO. 26 | QUOTE OF THE DAY 5 "If all the economists were laid end to end, they'd never reach a conclusion." George Bernard Shaw McPhee decides President eliminates sweeping changes

By MARIE KEMPH Campus News Editor

More than a year after the MTSU administration began the college restructuring process, President Sidney McPhee announced none of the existing colleges are going to be disbanded, but plans to add the University College and College of Education will go into effect as of the 2010-2011 academic year. The Presidential Response to Interim Provost Recom- mendations on Restructuring Colleges was unexpect- edly released to the public last week, following months of brainstorming sessions and meetings, which were spearheaded by multiple committees from all of the university's colleges.

File Photo "We started this process a year and a half ago, and Students gather on campus last year for MTSU's annual Take Back the Night rally. This year's event received large turnout with students went through a very comprehensive set of recom- all supporting the end of domestic and sexual violence. mendations," McPhee said, adding he approved 70 of the 129 restructuring recommendations submitted Women 'Take Back the Night' throughout the past year. RESTRUCTURING, PAGE 3

her father from the time she Vigil, rally was 8 years old until she was shines light on 16. Jordan said she had dealt with the lows of the emotion- Republicans al spectrum for some time, sexual assault even resorting to attempt- ing suicide - through it all, By TYLER MARTIN kept a message Contributing Writer she said she bring debate of hope. "If I am ashamed [about * MTSU's Take Back the my past], my perpetrator Night rally, which is part of wins," she said. "He then has to campus a national event for the pre- me locked in a cell." vention of sexual violence, Jordan said this cell is what By ROZALIND RUTH, MARIE KEMPH Community News Editor, Campus News Editor culminated Tuesday with keeps people from mov- a keynote speech by Delo- ing past traumatizing life ris E. Jordan, sister of the events similar to the ones Six Republican primary candidates vying for the U.S. Con- renowned basketball legend, she experienced. gress's 6th District seat participated in a forum Thursday and Michael Jordan. Jordan played the song discussed a variety of topics, including the War on Terror, il- Women in Action pre- "Said and Done" by Mary legal immigration and issues involving education. * pared for the Take Back the J. Blige at the conclusion of Steve Gill, who is a well-known Tennessee radio commenta- Night march by handing out Photo courtesy of Langfield Media her speech, and said it rep- tor and conservative political analyst, moderated the forum. T-shirts, buttons, bull horns Deloris E.Jordan, the keynote speaker at MTSU's Take Back The resented the way she felt MTSU's Raider Republicans sponsored the event alongside * and protest signs. The signs Night, helps fight against sexual violence at an event. in life. Snodgrass and King Pediatric Dental Associates. including messages contend- "It was uplifting and very The forum comprised state Sens. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, ing, "We must reclaim our held my own life hostage," of domestic disputes, rape positive," said Allison Lay, and Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville; Gary Mann, owner of GDM bodies and voices," and "I am Jordan said. or abuse. senior organizational com- Motorsports; Kerry Roberts, owner of the Bike Pedlar; re- powerful and peaceful." She -said communica- Jordan talked about the munication major. "Her story tired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Dave Evans; and Lou "Every time Ispeak [about tion is key to weakening the pain that she had suffered was a story of triumph." Ann Zelenik, former chairwoman of the Rutherford County sexual abuse] I am break- powerful pain that seizes throughout her life. She said Republican Party. ing the chains that have and takes hold of victims she was sexually abused by VIOLENCE, PAGE 3 DEBATE, PAGE 3 Confucius Institute opens for public

STAFF REPORT the creation of the institute. ping Zheng, professor of electronic media com- a Chinese instrumental ensemble performed to A delegation from the People's Republic of munication, in a press release last week. close the event. China visited campus to formally recognize the According to the Confucius Institute website, The institute will provide language and MTSU celebrated the grand opening of the launch of the cultural institute. it is a nonprofit public institution designed to culture classes, teaching resources and other Confucius Institute on Wednesday with Chi- Chinese dignitaries, including the vice mayor enhance the understanding of Chinese language assistance for current and future Chinese lan- nese music and dance performed by students of Hangzhou in China's Zhejiang province, were and culture, facilitate engagement with China guage teachers at K-12 schools. It will also from Hangzhou Normal University. in attendance for "An Oriental Monsoon," a pre- and create opportunities for exchange and col- host the Chinese Proficiency Test, which is de- The performance was held in the Hinton sentation created for the grand opening of the laboration with American communities. signed to promote a better understanding of Music Hall of the Wright Music Building, Confucius Institute at MTSU. Some of the musical performances included Chinese culture. which featured performers that included stu- "After several months of preparation, of famous Beijing operas, popular folk [Con- renditions To read more, visit us online. dents and faculty from the Chinese university, fucius Institute at MTSU] is now ready to offer songs, and even a piece from the musical "The 'n h C'' the-- institution '-I- collaborating with MTSU in services to the community," said Director Guan----Sound of Music." Prize-winning folk dances and I- www.mtsusidelines.com-- INDEX Former Blue Raider MGMT's new album, MONDAY FORECAST Opinions Chris McCoy is "Congratulations," pages 4, 5 selected in seventh Sports disappoints fans. page 6 round of 2010 NFL Draft. FEW SHOWERS Features ONLINE 30% CHANCE OF RAIN page 7 IN TODAY'S ISSUE MTSUSWDEINES.COM HIGH 61, LOW 45 . PP I Pcaa s8~ 2 SIDELINES MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 www.mtsusidelines.com Textbook Brokers opens near campus

added a new service: It now buys, sells and repairs used Nintendo Wii, Sony PlaySta- Second location tion and Xbox 360 video games and video game consoles. gives students "Xboxes tend to break easily, and we do most repairs for under $80," Batcheller said. more options Batcheller said even with the book rental websites like Chegg.com, Textbook Brokers By TAYLOR HIXSON has not been negatively affected or expe- StafFWriter rienced a decline in sales because it also offers a rental option. Textbook Brokers expanded to a second "There are a lot of people that come in location two weeks ago by opening a Ru- at this time of the semester and rent the therford Boulevard location in order to book they need for two weeks before the fi- serve more students. nal," Batcheller said, adding that both loca- The new store is in the University Square tions offer rental books that are custom for Shopping Center in the suite previously MTSU courses, unlike online competitors. occupied by The Chicken Shack. Rob- "People can rent furniture and televi- ert Batcheller, manager of Textbook Bro- sions, why not books too," Batcheller said. kers, said the Greenland Drive location Alexandria Milan, sophomore chemistry will remain open, as it has for the past major, said she shops at Textbook Brokers five years. for the cheaper prices. Batcheller, "I spent $530 my who man- "I spent $530 m11y freshman freshman year at ages both B Phillips Bookstore," locations, year at Phillips I3ookstore. I Milan said. "I went said Text- to Textbook Brokers book Bro- went to Textbool kSBrokers the the next semester kers wanted and spent only $200 to expand next semester and spent only on four books." because it is .r Milan, who lives at outgrowing $200 on four books." Campus Crossings Af the location ALEXANDRIA MMILAN South, said the new on Green- SOPHOMORE CHEMI STRY MAJOR location is going to land Drive. be much more con- The com- venient because it is pany wanted an additional location that is so close to her apartment. Photo by Jay Bailey. photography editor A new location for Textbook Brokers opened two weeks ago, giving students convenient for MTSU students on the other "I'm going there in a week to return my a second option when buying and selling their used books. side of campus. books," Milan said. "The new location has a lot more parking Batcheller said, with close to 50 stores and is more convenient, but we offer the across the U.S., the company can afford "We do the work for you," was required in class for a grade," same services: buying and selling books to pay students more money when they Batcheller said. Pothikam said. every day," Batcheller said. sell back their textbooks and can buy back Even though the "we do the work" atti- However, several students find Textbook Textbook Brokers does buy-backs every most books that are no longer being used at tude might seem easier for students, some Brokers to be an easier and cheaper alter- day so students can bring in a book they do MTSU; a competitive advantage over other students prefer to peruse the aisles to get native to Phillips Bookstore in the Keathley not need any longer at any point during the local bookstores. everything they need. University Center. semester, Batcheller said. "We can pay for books that MTSU is not Alisia Pothikam, junior economics ma- Justice Adams-Courtney, sophomore Batcheller said in order to stay competi- using anymore and send them to another jor, has only bought one book from Text- preveterinary major, said the new loca- tive with local bookstores and online book location," Batcheller said. book Brokers, and she said her boyfriend tion is more convenient to her campus selling services like Amazon.com, Text- The biggest difference between Textbook had a bad experience that makes her fear- dorm room, and that she has a good im- book Brokers will share online price list- Brokers and other bookstores, Batcheller ful of relying on the company. pression of the business because of positive ings before students buy their textbooks to said, is its general store style set up. He said "The employee got him the book he peer reviews. make sure they are getting the best deal. students bring in their class schedules and needed for class but neglected to get "I heard they were cheaper and give you Batcheller said Textbook Brokers has also an employee will grab the book for them. him the second part of the book, which back more money," Adams-Courtney said.

ER 2010 MTSU student candidate MIDDLE TENNESSEE loses bid for city council STATE UNIVERSITY Moss receives fewer than 3 percent of votes from residents By DANIEL VAUGHAN Graduate Early! Contributing \Vriter And start your career or graduate school faster The MTSU student who campaigned for a seat on the Murfreesboro City Council lost Tuesday, garnering fewer than 3 percent of the votes cast Catch Up! by local residents. Take summer classes to get back on track. Thomas Conner Moss, junior political science major, received 450 votes in the election, accord- Ahead! ing to the Rutherford County Election Com- Get mission, placing him in last place behind the Complete prerequisites for your major or for graduate school. seasoned professionals. Incumbent councilmen Shane McFarland Learn Online! and Doug Young retained their seats, placing Moss, junior political Take online classes and earn first and second in the race with 3,120 votes and Thomas Conner credit wherever you are. 2,813 votes, respectively. Challenger Madelyn science major at MTSU, finished last in the Murfreesboro City Council election Tuesday. Scales Harris placed third with 2,397 votes, re- Enjoy Flexibility! placing incumbent David Edwards, who fin- future election cycles. Classes are offered in a variety of time frames...morning, afternoon, ished in fourth place with 2,088 votes. "We need to run at least one voter registra- According to the election commis- tion drive on campus a year," Moss said. "That and evening. sion,' 6,660 Murfreesboro residents voted is something I will be working on the next few either through early voting sites, absen- years at MTSU." tee ballots or voting precincts on the day Lisa Almy, sophomore political science of elections. major, had a chance to meet Moss before go- Moss expressed disappointment in the day's ing to the polls and said that although not all voter turnout. * Full Term MTSU students are residents in the traditional 1 (13 weeks): May 17 - August 13 "I wish [the] turnout was higher," Moss said, sense, they still contribute to the local com- * May Term S1 (3 weeks): May 17 - June 5 "and I'm disappointed people didn't get more munity and should have a voice in the city's * June Term S2 (5 weeks): June 7 -July 9 involved in the process." decision making. Moss said he believed voters' perceptions "I think that having an MTSU student on * July Term S3 (5 weeks): July 12 - August 13 about his lack of experience coupled with low the council would dissipate the stereotype that * June/July Term S4 (10 weeks): June 7 - August 13 voter turnout largely factored into his loss. many have of students," Almy said. "Having a * RODP Term R (10 weeks): June 7 - August 13 Fewer than 12 percent of the more student on the council would show that many than 59,000 registered Murfreesboro vot- MTSU students are looking to stay within the ers cast a ballot for the citywide elections, community and actually care about the place which also included mayoral and school they live in." board elections. Robb McDaniel,a 12-year resident ofMurfrees- Mayoral candidate Tim Davis unsuccessfully boro, spoke with Moss before voting and offered If you have any questions or just want to talk about tried to unseat Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy advice to the budding politician. Bragg, and he also expressed disappointment in "I told Moss that the biggest problem he faced summer possibilities, please feel free to contact us. voter turnout. going into the election was a constituency that "Voter turnout is horrible," said Davis, prior was not traditionally registered in these elec- Web: www.mtsu.edu/summer to election results being reported. "All I need is tions," McDaniel said. "I'm glad he is running Email: [email protected] 3,001 votes to be the mayor of 110,000 people - because MTSU students do need to be involved this system favors incumbents." in their community." Voice: 615-898-5783 Moss said he would work on "voter registra- tion efforts on campus and the community" in To read more, visit us online. MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, isan equal oppotunity, nonracialy identifiable, educational institution that www.mtsusidelines.com does not discriminate against individuals wilthdisabilities. order to help increase voter participation during ~slL~r~~BB~dls~s~r~-_~--~s lL-- ,P~ S~a~~C-gld~~ i~lqeI, a- -- - " ~"""~e~""Lrs~."~e l www.mtsusidelines.com MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 SIDELINES 3 Students rally against violence VIOLENCE a mile in her shoes." "I support any efforts FROM PAGE 1 they make to stop domes- tic violence," said Eric Since her freshman year, Samuels, junior philoso- Lay said she has been a part phy major. "I can stand of the student-lead group looking silly for 10 minutes Women in Action, which if it means someone will helped put the event togeth- pay attention." er with the June Anderson Shelly Wright, a coun- Women's Center. selor for college students There was also an open- suffering from abuse, said mic session before the that Women in Action will march where people were continue doing this every able to speak about their April to support sexual as- experiences, read poetry sault awareness month. and highlight all of the ser- "High school and college vices available to students age students are particular- if needing help coping ly vulnerable," Wright said. with any abuses they may "One in four girls deal with have suffered. abuse by the age of 18." "This is an opportunity Wright led the candlelight to empower and educate," vigil to close the evening. Jordan said. "I don't stand The event was brought to here for myself, I stand for an end with the lighting of those who can not stand candles to symbolize light- Photo, courtesy o morguele.com for themselves." ing the struggle .of women In an effort to pay tribute to victims of felonies, victims As the group prepared to and the nessesity of speak- families and Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole, march around campus, it ing out against violence. employees planted trees Thursday. handed out women's shoes "When we bring our sto- to the men in the group. ries to light we light the * ruePnoto People put on these heels in road to a safer future," Students march against sexual violence at last year's "Take Back order to symbolically "walk Wright said. Victims the Night" event. This year's event was held on Tuesday. Congressional primary visits MTSU memorialized

DEBATE "Lets keep the money here," Roberts load in this worldwide fight against terror- FROM PAGE 1 said. "I think it will dramatically improve ism." by planting our schools. Untie the hands of teachers Tracy expressed similar sentiments. Chelsea Curtis, president of the Raider and administrators and let them do what "You can count on me to stand up and Republicans, said despite the low student is in the best interest of our children." push hard against the administration with turnout, she thought the event was a suc- Tracy and Mann both said they agree the a string backbone and tell them we need to new life cess because of how many people from the Department of Education is not the best fight back for this country." Tracy said. MTSU community came to hear the pri- way to facilitate Americans' education. Roberts said the War on Terror is a "ji- mary candidates. All of the candidates came to the consen- had," and it is important for Americans to "I couldn't have asked for a better mod- sus it is important for America to remain a know who their enemies are in the con- witness coordinator for erator," said Curtis, junior political science presence in the War Against Terror. flict. Parole the board, has worked major, adding that she was pleased all of Evans, who has served 41 years in the "We have to wake up -we have to call it for the BOPP for 20 years the Republican candidates attended. what it is and we have to deal with it," board holds and has worked for the Participants had two minutes to intro- "The DREAM Act is absolutely the Roberts said. state of Tennessee for 25 duce themselves and two minutes to an- Continuing the discussion on for- remembrance years as support service swer each of the five questions asked by the wrong thing to do. We're going to eign policy, the forum participants were ceremony for victims. moderator. have to be tough and be strong asked what their stance was regarding "I talk to a lot of the Among the topics discussed, the candi- the DREAM Act and other immigra- By GARRETH SPINN victims, because they just dates disagreed about issues involving gov- against illegal [immigrants]" tion policies. :-SnaffWrirer need someone:to5talk to," ernment mandates of education. "The DREAM Act is absolutely the .Burrus, said .ahut her "I'm a true advocate of vouchers, and I JIM TRACY wrong thing to do." Tracy said. "We're years of service helping believe any federal dollars that come should TENNESSEE STATE SENATOR going to have to be tough and be strong The Tennessee Board crime victims. not come with ties or strings that come against illegal [immigrants]. of Probation and Pa- Burrus has been coordi- back to Tennesseans, any federal dollars U.S. Military, said that he believes the fight We need to get right back to our basics, role observed and paid nating tree plantings in all should come as block grants," Zelenik said against terrorism is one that must continue we've got to protect our borders and finish tribute to victims of of the Board of Probation about her plans for education if elected. to be executed. the wall." felonies to a group of 40 and Parole Board eight While Zelenik and Black both agreed "We must deal with the terrorism, and Mann said that while he is not soft on il- board employees, vic- districts: Memphis, Nash- that vouchers are the best way for the gov- we must deal with it wherever that terror- legal immigration he does think some sort tims and their families, ville, Knoxville, Jackson, ernment to address education funding, ism has its center of gravity, and today we of policy for young illegal immigrants who by planting remembrance Chattanooga, Kingsport, Roberts disagreed. see those centers in both Iraq and Afghani- entered the United States as children with trees Thursday. Dyersburg and Clarks- "I am pro-voucher, pro-credit, some- stan," Evans said. "If we are not fighting their parents, should be available. Charles Traughber, ville. Each tree represents thing like that - but I'm not really in favor terrorism there, then there will be more at- chairman of the Board a different parole and of the system, because I believe the Depart- tacks on our homes. of Probation and Parole, probation district. ment of Education needs to go." Roberts It is in our best efforts to be aggressive planted the hardwood Bob Duffey, deputy dis- said concerning the federal level expecta- and seek our support and assistance from sapling at the board's trict director of the board, tions teachers are held to. NATO allies requiring them to carry their Murfreesboro office. said while the Murfrees- An attached placard in- boro crime rate has rela- dicated it was a memo- tively decreased, the com- rial to individuals vic- munity's population has timized by crime in the substantially increased. Restructuring proposal finalized local community. As a result, the area is like- The Tennessee Board ly to see more criminals formerly known as the College of Ed- were of upmost importance: the ex- of Probation and Parole committing felonies. RESTRUCTURING ucation and Behavioral Sciences, and tent of general support by faculty and is a seven-member board "There are 7,200 felony FROM PAGE 1 the leadership studies program will be staff, how much of a disruption any that decides if lawbreak- offenders in Murfrees- housed in the College of Business. change would cause, and if the cost ers will be released from boro and [at the board], Early childhood education and pro- outweighed the benefits with those incarceration and given we're trying to make them Diane Miller, interim executive vrice fessional counseling will be absorbed proposed changes. parole on a community- aware of what they're do- president and provost, submitted the into the new College of Education The majority of approved recom- based supervision. ing to these victims," Proposal for Restructuring Colle'ges along with all of the education-re- mendations have been administrative, "Victim input is an Duffey said. on April 1, and McPhee's formal re- lated programs that currently are a McPhee said, but a massive overhaul important part of parole "Victim input is impor- sponse was not slated for release u:ntil part of the College of Education and of departments within the College of consideration," Traugh- tant in the parole process," May 1. Behavioral Sciences. Liberal Arts would have, directly af: ber said in a press release Traughber said. "Victim "Throughout the course of this pro- McPhee rejected an original recom- fected students. Thursday. "Our victim coordinators guide crime cess, I was asked many times why we mendation to split apart the College "Part of this whole review is that coordinators guide crime victims through the were considering the possibility of of Liberal Arts and merge various de- even though we have to reduce our victims through the pa- parole process." making changes to our existing budget, looking five to 10 years role process." college structure," McPhee said down the road, how do we position Traughber said vic- in the presidential report. "Al- "I wanted to make it clear MTSU to continue to be a strong tims' families are pro- though this process resulted in from the beginning, the aca academic institution," McPhee vided help with filling a considerable amount of spir- said. "In that light, how should we out impact statements, CDs . Tapes ited dialogue and debate about demic structure was not nec- look academically?" notified and guided Records Jewelry how, or even if, we should reor- essarily connected to reduc- Despite earlier perceptions and through the parole- ganize our colleges - it, more the subsequent student protests hearing process. New & Used CDs - Records importantly, provided a much- ing the budget." during the spring of 2009, McPhee "Victims can even 125 Lasseter Dr. Monday - Saturday needed opportunity for us to SIDNEY MCPHEE emphasized that although there testify via video, if that Murfreesboro, TN 11 a.m. to7 p.m. consider the growing needs of PRESIDENT OF MTSU was a correlation between bud- meets their needs," our university." get cuts and college restructur- Traughber said. 615-890-9168 During an interview Friday, ing it was not the primary motive Ruth Burrus, victim vjsa McPhee elaborated on the college re- partments within the College of Basic behind it. structuring process. and Applied Sciences and the College He said the university had not ex- Among the recommendations that of Mass Communication. amined the structure of each college were approved by McPhee last w eek McPhee said as he looked at the rec- for 20 years. were the departments of commu ni- ommendations made by the provost, "This initiative was not focused ex- 291po Old Fort Pkwy/Murfreesboro, TN cation disorders, leadership stud ies, he had to consider several factors. clusively on budget cutting," McPhee early childhood education, and pro- "I wanted to make it clear from the said. "The reality is, however, we have fessional counseling. Those depaart- beginning, the academic structure was to deal with a $34 million reduction 615.225.0281 ments are the only programs that vgill not necessarily connected to reducing in our budget by July 2011. f Mon - Tues: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm be relocated. the budget," McPhee said. "That was We have gone through the whole Wed: 9:oo am - 5:oo pm The department of communicati ion one of those clear messages we wanted process of identifying areas of the Thurs - Sat: 9:oo am - 6:oo00 pm disorders will be a part of the Coll ege to get across." budget that we're going to reduce to *o~ -e f*ind * * e of Behavioral and Health Scienc Cfes, Of those factors, he listed three that Iget to that $34 million." r~ a skw~s~~s6: 4 SIDELINES MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 www.mtsusidelines.com

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EAS FOR STIMULATING THE ECONOM + - State expects $1.4 billion fromrimarijuana sion could be spent devoted fewer people had used more ed out that federal law Californians could to things that pose a greater severe drugs, such as cocaine, trumps state law regardless threat to civilians. crack, amphetamines, ecstasy of Bartkowicz's compli- Opponents of the movement and opiates, in Amsterdam ance with state legislation. vote to legalize its use argue that the legalization of than in San Francisco. This Federal interference with marijuana would generate could be because those pur- state law could increase Marijuana legalization fornia's economy but also more users. In a study released chasing marijuana legally with legalized possession will be on California's bal- our nation's economy could in the American Journal of stand less of a risk of being in California. lot this November. The state use a bit of stimulation. Public Health in 2004 that exposed to other drugs that il- If California legalizes is faced with a $20 billion This year, the national compared marijuana usage in legal dealers may sell. marijuana, it could be the deficit. Advocates for legal- drug control budget is $15 Es Io que ella dijo San Francisco to usage in Am- Cannabis legalization at a beginning of new legisla- ization in California expect billion. The Office of Na- sterdam, where the possession state level would raise a new tion in other states. Since (That's what she said) that legalizing, regulat- tional Drug Control Policy of cannabis is decriminalized, issue: the inconsistency of California became the first ing and taxing marijuana has requested $15.5 billion decriminalization did not state law versus federal law. state to legalize medical will raise $1.4 billion for for 2011. This budget in- heroine, but a substantial raise the amount of users. This issue was recently marijuana in 1996, 14 states the state. cludes funds for commu- amount would be saved. In Amsterdam, 38 percent called to attention after a have followed. If the law passes, it will nity law enforcement, re- The National Drug Con- of survey participants had medical marijuana grower In November, Califor- be legal for those at least 21 habilitation programs and trol Strategy Data Supple- not smoked marijuana in in Denver was federally nians will make their opin- years old to possess or use preventative measures, such ment released from the the past year, while 32 per- charged with illegal cultiva- ions known. Until then, na- marijuana. It would only as advertising campaigns. It White House in 2009 docu- cert of participants in San tion, though he was insis- tional groups that support be legal to possess up to an does not include the amount mented more than 14 mil- Francisco hadn't. tent that he was compliant legalization will encourage ounce. Driving while under spent each year to imprison lion drug related arrests in The study, The Limited Rel- with state laws. According others to donate to their the influence, usage in front drug offenders. 2007. Marijuana possession evance of Drug Policy: Canna- to the Denver Post, federal cause -.$4.20 at a time. of minors and drug pos- Of course, with the legal- accounted for nearly 6 mil- bis in Amsterdam and in San prosecutors said the grow- session on school grounds ization of marijuana, not all lion of these arrests. The Francisco, surveyed 4,364 in- er, Chris Bartkowicz, had Krissy Mallory is a senior would be prohibited. of this would be saved due to time spared by law enforce- dividuals who had smoked at more plants than the state majoring in journalism and I daresay I'm not alone in efforts to deter more serious ment by not arresting peo- least 25 times in their lifetime. law allowed. " Spanish. She can be reached thinking that not only Cali- drugs, such as cocaine and ple for marijuana posses- The survey also revealed that Prosecutors also point- at [email protected]. Legalize it...commercial gambling that is Resulting taxes would benefit Tennessee just as they have Nevada and 11 other states

The federal government has at- nomic development, and infrastruc- "As long as no one's complain- tempted to subsidize hurting indus- ture improvements, among other ing to the chief, and we've got no tries by throwing money at them and state and local programs," the AGA's one out killing people over the hoping that economical problems will website states. money they're losing, then it's simply go away. The amount of gambling revenues kinda looked at as water under These shortsighted decisions are depend on how long commercial the bridge," one Murfreesboro pushing the United States deeper into gambling has been legal, the amount police officer told the Pulse. debt while at the same time failing to of casinos that have been built, and "What's the big deal if some assist the country in the long run. state tax rates on gambling. Basically, idiots want to lose their welfare Creating more permanent and less Tennessee is sitting on a gold mine that checks or drug money?" costly systems of generating tax rev- From the opinions editor could assist with all of the budgetary This "bridge under water" is enues is one possible way to help not slashing that is taking place. And all something that everyone can only the current economy, but also class has plenty more legalized addic- the state has to do is merely pass leg- see for themselves by simply future economies. One such possi- tions and nonessentials to choose from islation, albeit a drawn-out and pains- walking into various gas stations bility - simply allowing commercial already: alcohol, drugs, etc. Like with taking process, that would legalize around Murfreesboro. The city is gambling to take place - is something alcohol specifically, the free-market commercial gambling. undoubtedly not the only one in that I strongly support for Tennessee. decision to gamble or not to gamble Tennessee - or in all other states I believe it would help generate large should be left to the individual, not 'Water under the bridge' where gambling is illegal for that amounts of tax revenues in the state, the government. matter -where illegal gaming ma- as well as show other states where it is Whether morality is an issue or not, Every night across Tennessee, gam- chines can be found, unheeded by also illegal that this is one thing that no one can deny the financial advan- bling laws are essentially broken as police. So again, if people are doing will help keep schools educating, roads tages of gambling. In friends and acquain- it, and authorities are letting it hap- functioning and parks beautiful. big, bold letters across . - . tances circle around pen, why not legalize it and make a Tennessee law defines gambling the Tennessee Lot- ~ . , , . poker tables and play dollar or 10 off of it? as "risking anything of value for a tery's website reads the made-popular-by- Since several forms of un-tax- profit whose return is to any degree the phrase: "More State Revenue* TV game Texas Hold able gambling exist, the next ques- contingent on chance, not including than $1.6 billion Colorado $88.4 'Em. tion for lawmakers would be: lawful business transactions." While raised for education," Since social gam- "How are we going to create high gambling devices are illegal in the which equals to about Illinois $566.8 bling is illegal in the revenues if people are going to be state, licensed horse racing and Ten- a $230 million an- Indiana $838.2 state, theselawbreakers 'backwoods' gambling?" nessee's lottery system are legal. "And nual average since its could, hypothetically, In accordance with figures from don't forget, the largest volume of le- 2003 inception. Iowa $324 be charged with mis- the 12 states where commercial gam- gal gambling today takes place on the In 2008, the 12 Louisiana $626.3 demeanors. Though bling is legal, there does not seem to be stock market," George Ignatin, a pro- states where com- hard statistics on so- much ofa problem with generating tax fessor of economics at the University mercial gambling is Michigan $321.6 cial gambling tend to revenues. Yes, people are still going to of Alabama at Birmingham, told the legal collectively gen- Mississippi $326.9 be merely estimates participate in social poker games, and school's magazine. erated $5.66 billion ississippisince it's done under yes, gas station gambling machines It seems quite contradictory for in tax revenue from Missouri $442.8 the radar, it's common will still exist, but I would contend that Tennessee's politicians to say they are casinos, according to knowledge among the allure and atmosphere of casinos allowed to operate the monopolis- the American Gam- Nevada many Americans that would play a major role in their viabil- tic, statewide casino that is the state's ing Association. State New Jersey $426.8 it happens and it hap- ity. After all, why do people go to bars lottery while also saying commercial revenues ranged from pens a lot. when they can buy alcohol at cheaper gambling companies cannot exist. South Dakota's $15.4 Pennsylvania $766.6 Sometimes, though, prices elsewhere? One rationalization, perhaps, is million to Nevada's South Dakota $15.4 illegal gambling is Plus, as far as illegal gaming ma- based on a moral reasoning that says $924.5 million; gam- done in clear public chines are concerned, local authori- Photocourtesy morgmlc.com, A ss oc ia ion money should be spent on something bling taxes contrib- Souce: AmericanGaming t nmifions view on gaming ma- ties would have more of an incentive more wisely than gambling, especially ute to one-third of ("r. cI, con.... " ,,,,'"' chines at gas stations to crack down on them if a portion of by lower-class citizens. This argument all of Nevada's general taxes. in Tennessee, even with police pres- their paychecks were coming from tax GAMBUNG, PAGE 5 is contradictory of the state's lottery "The revenue from those taxes ben- ent, according to a 2008 article by The revenues from their legal competition, and further flawed because the lower efits education, public safety, eco- Murfreesboro Pulse. commercial casinos. Pass your collegiate expertise onto incoming freshmen Customs orientation is right around the corner, and that means hoards have any advice that you wish you had heard as a freshman, e-mail it to of new students will be flocking to MTSU all summer long. [email protected] for possible publication in Sidelines' Customs issue. Many of them have no clue what they're getting into as far as col- Please include your full name, year in school, major and telephone num- lege is concerned, but we want to help them find out beforehand. If you ber for verification.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY Sports S Editor in Chief Advertising Community News A&E Business Follow us on Twitter Andy Harper Steven Curley Eveon Corl Alex Moorman Rozalind Ruth* Laura Aiken @MTSUSidelines IDELINES [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Middle Tennessee State University Managing Editor Photography Opinions Campus News Adviser Follow us on 1301 East Main Street P.O. Box 8 Dustin Evans* Jay Bailey Michael Stone* Marie Kemph Steven Chappell Facebook MTSU Murfreesboro, TN 37132 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] gJ Sidelines Editorial: 615-904-8357 Fax: 615-494-7648 Production Manager Features Multimedia Asst. News Advertising Checkus out Advertising: 615-898-5240 Fax: 615-904-8193 Chris Carter Emma Egli* Larry Sterling* Christopher Merchant Jeri Lamb * denotes member on Youtubc [email protected] [email protected] of editorialboard You youtube.com/ www.mtsusidelines.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] mtsusidelines I Sidelines is an editorially independent newspaper affiliated with Middle Tennessee State University and f the College of Mass Communication. www.mtsusidelines. com MONDAY, APRIL 26,2010 SIDELINES 5j www.mtsusidelines.com MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 SIDELINES 5

Create less costly The finer things... ways to generate tax revenue * GAMBLING FROM PAGE 4

If commercial gambling was legalized in Tennessee, casinos would have to obtain permits and go through recertification pro- * cesses, and gambling laws, as they are in states where it is legal, would have to be very strict. Nevada, for example, has extensive and very specific laws, which ,. are controlled by the Nevada Gaming Commission and the State Gaming Control Board. Since Nevada was a pioneer in legalizing commercial gambling, doing so in 1931 in an effort to help the state financially during the Great Depression, it would be wise for Tennessee lawmakers to confer with Nevada gambling officials regarding the necessary moves required for running the most well-oiled casino system possible. That way, as Tennessee is structuring its ordinances, per- mits and regulation techniques, it can do so quickly, correctly, ef- ficiently and at less of a taxpayer expense. "Ulrik hated when his wife would knit him a new sweater" While commercial gambling facilities in Tennessee would pro- vide a place for patrons to feel the rush of slot machines, black- ByJEREMY BALL [email protected] jack and roulette, it's also important to remember the jobs that StaffCartoonist * would be created through casinos and the departments that monitor them. Further, if Tennessee were to legalize commercial gambling, it would, as it has done for Las Vegas, increase tourism levels. Since Tennessee borders six states where casinos are illegal - Mississippi After college, what's next? and Missouri beat the Volunteer State to the punch - Southern gamblers, honeymooners and tourists alike would think more be- fore throwing away the Tennessee travel brochure. Work hard during life's roller coaster and you will succeed Lawmakers might argue, though, that since cities like Las Ve- gas, which attracted more than 51 million visitors in 2007, cycle There are mindsets that ening." You raise your arms sibilities and determine pri- through large amounts of tourists, crime rates would increase due are very important for you and "scream" to the top of orities to do what needs to to these influxes. FBI data from 2007 offers a contrary perspec- to reflect on. your lungs with excitement. be done. . tive to that rational, for it was that year in which Las Vegas' crime For example, when you The coaster continues to You can choose to do * rates were lower than many other popular tourist destinations, graduate from college and race around the turn with nothing, and let things stay including Nashville. venture out to the "real blinding speed. and into the way the way they are. After all, who goes on a vacation to create mayhem for the host world," will you have the a straightaway. This is the easiest choice be- city? I would assume that most tourists would not spend big bucks positive energy and mind- The way life compares cause it involves being men- for travel, lodging, etc. to run the risk of being arrested. set of a winner? Or will you to a roller coaster is that tally and physically lazy. It's important to remember also that anytime a place has a be a pessimist and expect life has plenty of high and The result of this choice tightly packed population, crime is going to happen regardless of the worst? The virtual truth happy moments, as well as is having the wrong priori- that location's industries. You must choose to set some low moments. The ties and making bad deci- It's a no-brainer. and achieve your own spe- starts to beat faster and thrill in the ride of life is sions. This leads to bad To some, the decision to legalize commercial gambling in Ten- cific life plan - most people stronger, while at the 'same minimizing the low mo- consequences, ensuring nessee may.be a no-brainer. The millions of dollars worth of tax refer to this as goals - and time you experience those ments while enjoying and chaos and poverty to the benefits from in-state and out-of-state tourism are just waiting to you have to be able to recog- "wonderful butterflies" maximizing the highs: ex- next generation. be discovered. nize the process to achieve dancing in your stomach. citement, laughter, peace, Right now, I could be Since the Tennessee lottery's 2003 inception, state these goals. On the way up, you see joy, romance, wonder, dis- doing any number of politicians can no longer hide behind issues of moral- Many people have goals the "beautiful blue sky," covery, nature, true un- fun activities, but this is ity; the state needs this new source of tax revenue and it needs but very few follow through and you're so high above conditional love and all the more important - writing it now. with the systematic se- the ground you feel as if you other precious gifts that life this information for you Of course, if all states began jumping on the gam- quence of simple actions can touch the clouds. Your has to offer. is priority. bling bandwagon, the attraction and need for tourists to necessary to realize the mind races with thoughts Are you allowing the "cir- Look, my mindset is this: travel to Tennessee for a legal casino would fall. This is potential outcome. of joy and happiness. cumstances of life" to dic- If I help enough people ac- why Tennessee needs to act now so it will not be left in Just imagine life being You've finally reached tate how you live, and the complishtheirgoals, dreams the dust. like a rollercoaster - fol- the top, and as the coast- decisions you make? and desires, then I will be Millions of dollars would be turned into tax revenues from its low me, take a deep breath, er pauses for a brief mo- Are you looking for ob- rewarded accordingly. legalization, more jobs would be created, and our state would feel let it out and again once ment, you deeply breath- stacles to keep you down, or This is the mindset of a less of a financial burden during bad economic times and would more. Roller coasters are in, breath-out...your heart are you looking for oppor- "winner." This is the mind- be able to create more prosperity during good ones. perhaps one of the most races and pounds your tunities to raise you up? We set of a "champion" in life. thrilling of all rides at chest like the beat of a all have to make decisions What's your mindset? Michael Stone is a seniorjournalism major and entertainment parks. thousand drums, the an- that will affect things in a opinions editor of Sidelines. He can be reached You see yourself strapped ticipation reaches a point of positive or negative way. Tim Johnson is senior [email protected]. in and ready to launch. As "pure exhilaration." You can choose to change majoring in Spanish and the coaster powers the up- Suddenly, the coaster the way you think by open- politicalscience. He can be ward incline, your heart drops at the "speed of light- ing your mind to new pos- reached at [email protected].

According to Tennessee Board of Regents' policy: "Any person who has served as the president of an institution under the Board of Regents for a period of not less than ten (10) years and has attained the age of sixty (60) while being employed by the Board may, upon approval of the Board, be retired as President Emeritus of the institution where he/she served a minimum of ten (10) years. For presidents hired after September 1, 2002, this will be an honorary title earned through service with no material benefit other than the honor associated with its grant- ing. Only for presidents hired prior to September 2002, an annual salary of twenty percent (20 percent) of his/ her last year's salary... may be paid." President Sidney McPhee was hired in 2001, making him eligible for the bonus. He'll have met the 10-year requirement after the 2011-2012 school year, and it will be about another five years after that until he's met the required age limit. If he was able to take the bonus right now, it would equate to about $52,000 a year. I'm glad the TBR fixed this policy to where a "presi- dent emeritus" doesn't receive a financial bonus. To me, this represents undeserved earnings and spending. -Michael Stone, [email protected]

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sets "higher standard"

By ORRIN MCULLOUGH Contributing Writer

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has seen and created much change since he was selected to lead the league in August 2006. He is probably most well known for his creation and ag- gressive enforcement of the NFL's relatively new personal conduct policy, announced in April 2007. Several players have been suspended from NFL par- ticipation due to their inability to comply with Goodell's policy. Some of these players include Brandon Marshall, Rodney Harrison, Marshawn Lynch, Larry Johnson, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry, Rocky Bernard, Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth. Adam "Pacman" Jones was the first player to be punished by Goodell. Jones was suspended for the entire 2007 season and part of 2008 for numerous off-field scandals. Jones was interviewed by police on 10 different occasions between be- ing drafted and his suspension. Photo by Jay aioley, photography aedtor Goodell's most recent action under this policy was the Brazilian-born MTSU men's tennis player Victor Melo, sophomore, returns a serve against East Tennessee State University on March 28. suspension of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roeth- lisberger, who was accused of sexual assults by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia a few weeks ago. Denver ends Blue Raider men's season Despite allegations made by the young woman and several of her friends, Georgia police found that there was not suf- MTSU Dispatch of Denver's Weihs and Jens Workfield, the team's tough schedule included 15 ficient evidence to charge Roethlisberger. Although Roeth- but couldn't secure the point as Rich- ranked opponents. Peers finished with lisberger was not found guilty of any crimes, Goodell felt it ard Cowden and Shaun Waters fell to a 19-4 record, earning the Melbourne, necessary to take action. Roethlisberger has been suspended The season concluded for the Blue Fabio Biasion and Enej Bonin 8-4. Australia, native a ranking of 34th in for the first six games of the 2010 season. Raider men's tennis team Saturday "Going into the match we knew it the nation. "In your six years in the NFL you have first excited, and as the team fell 4-1 to the University would be tough," head coach David "There are certainly some positives now disappointed a great many people," Goodell said in of Denver in the semi-finals of the McNamara said. "The doubles point from today that makes me excited for a statement to Roethlisberger. "I urge you to take full ad- Sun Belt Conference Tournament in proved to be the telling tale. We had an next year," McNamara said. "This year vantage of this opportunity to get your life and career back New Orleans. opportunity at one doubles being up has been a big learning and growing on track." No. 34 John Peers managed to earn 6-3 and break point. We had another year for everyone. There are going to be Many feel that Goodell has done an effective job of pro- the only point for the Blue Raiders, opportunity at 6-5. However, to Den- some changes made that will help the tecting the NFL's reputation, as well as the reputation of defeating Denver's Yannick Weihs ver's credit, they played well." future of this program." NFL players, coaches, and owners alike. There are also those in dominant fashion, taking straight In singles competition, a dominant Peers will compete in the NCAA In- who feel that Goodell has failed to draw a clear line showing 6-1 sets. performance by Landwerlen, defeating dividual Championships in May, and what crimes are punishable to what measure. The Pioneers began the match by MT's Wishing 6-2 and 6-0 in straight the pairing of Peers and Melo will soon In August of 2007, Goodell suspended Dallas Cowboys taking the doubles point, with the first sets, Cowden retiring from his match in find out if they will compete in the quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson and former New England pairing of Andrew Landwerlen and Da- the second set due to injury, and Waters NCAA Doubles Championships. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison for substance abuse. Wil- vid Simpson eking out a tough 9-7 win falling to Denver's Bonin 6-4 in both John has earned the right, so I son received a six game suspension while Harrison escaped over Peers and No. 87 Kyle Wishing. sets sealed the win for the Pioneers. am looking forward to the oppor- with only a five game suspension. Goodell said that Wilson The Blue Raiders answered with Victor The Blue Raiders finish the season tunity he will have in a month," received a stiffer penalty because the league held "people in Melo and Matthew Langley disposing 7-20, a perhaps misleading record as McNamara said. authority in higher regard than people on the field." Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall was suspended for three games in 2008, while with the Denver Broncos following domestic disputes with one of Marshall's former girlfriends. NFL draft creates buzz, confusion Many may argue whether or not Marshall's three-game suspension measures to Roethlisberger's six games. Fans quarterback Tim Tebow. gitimate pro prospect in Jimmy may end up being a defin- may ask, "Is a domestic dispute only half the crime of an Yes, McDaniels clearly isn't Clausen, is a reach at best. ing move. Had the Rhodes alleged rape?" This also begs the question of whether Ro- V afraid to build a team the way They're not the only team Scholar played his senior year ethlisberger was punished for his alleged actions or for the he wants to. But the way he that people simply can't fig- at Florida State, he very well negative position he put himself in. wants to build a team certainly ure out, though. The Buffalo could have gone three or four Did these players damage their personal reputation and isn't looking like the rig way ills and Jacksonville Jaguars rounds earlier. the reputation of their teams more by being accused of a so far. Especially wheny S~slliavefans of either team The Oakland Raiders might crime or participating in actions that show a lack of morals reasoning for taking Thomas' sc their heads, as the have had one of the most com- and better judgment? ahead of clear No. 1 rece 4~sgeaed at No. 10 to get petent drafts out of any team Goodell defends his actions by saying that NFL players er Dez Bryant is bec i~ e he Califo rn defensive tackle in the league, which should are held to a higher standard due to their influence on fans Useless "reminded m Brdon Tyson lu certaly a first prompt many to wonder if the across America. As they should be, Mr. Goodell. Information MarshaL' aybe spinody round talentbut uld staff locked owner Al Davis in a shot 'remind McDaniels a have been on the board latrn closet for three days. The NFL draft has always if the Jag scodhvefud Former Alabama linebacker been a gamble, no matter how a way ototraown...- Rolando McClain can start sure scouts and "experts" are, right away to help on defense, one way or another, about value picks Bruce Campbell a pick. and Jared Veldheer can shore The 2010 edition will be no up the offensive line, and then different, but that doesn't mean scouts finally bringing in an at least we can't debate over which all said the be absolute- serviceable quarterback in Ja- teams hit the jackpot, and same thing, ly thrilled son Campbell. The Raiders' which teams may need to think that his me- that Geor- weekend marked a departure about front office restructuring chanical and gia Tech from previous strategies of go- pretty soon. tangible is- Phootn , a, grew defensive ing after the flashiest player Can anybody explain to me sues are just MYRONR ( L; SAFETY end Derrick possible. Instead, every move too much to SiXTH ROUN SEELECTION BY Morgan what's going on in Denver? TENNES. ,E TITANS M o r g a n was sensible. Head coach Josh McDan- overcome slid to No. While nobody will know iels gets there a year ago, then at the speed the pro game is 16 in the first round. Morgan anything certain about this trades pro bowl quarterback played at, then I'm inclined to was above and beyond the best class for several years, the draft Jay Cutler and all-pro receiver agree with them. end in this class, a position of weekend is a good barometer Brandon Marshall for picks The pick would have been dire need for the team now that of which teams are heading in that turn into solid running fine if it came in the late second Kyle Vanden Bosch is gone. the right direction, and which back Knoshawn Moreno, re- or third round, but 25th over- Drafting safety Myron teams need to re-think their ceiver Demaryius Thomas and all, and before a much more le- Rolle in the sixth round building strategy. WWW.mtSUSidelie~s.com MIOND>AY, APRIL 26, 2010 SI DE UNIi;S N

HAVE YOU EVER ARE YOU PLANNING ON WATCHED A TAKING SUMMER CLASSES? WATCHED A

~ TELL US ONLINE AT FEATURES 33%NoPROBATE? BASED ON VOTES FROM MTSUSDELINES.COM MTSUSIDELINES.COM The intriguing sound of 'silence' Students rave on as campus life continues uninterrupted

By STEVEN QUALLS select which one to listen to. Contributing Wriiter While the two channels provided listeners with multiple options, it was Blasting light in various colors the far-reaching range of the head- swirling all around you, intense beats phones that gave all of those who par- * jumping your heart in a syncopated ticipated in the disco room to roam. rhythm, the constant pulse of fun "They have a pretty gigantic echoes all around you - but no one range," Huber says. "They actu- else can hear it. ally reach inside all of the buildings Students and faculty alike were around here." encouraged to put down their pen- Students couldn't help but take ad- cils and dance to the beat of their vantage of this, wearing them around own headphones as the MTSU campus and adding a little more ex- quad played host to a silent disco citement to their classes. last Tuesday. "I've had these headphone on pret- Sponsored by the MTSU variety ty much all day," Lallavee says. "I committee under student program- took them to my 1:00 class, my 2:40 ming, the silent disco provided stu- class, and I will probably take them dents the opportunity to let loose in a to my 4:25 class - my professors have unique, as well as quiet, way. not said a thing." More importantly, it provided For some, the concept of a group MTSU professors with the luxury of of people dancing to music no being able to teach their classes with- one else can hear is intriguing out having to worry about the deaf- and entertaining. ening sound of bass disrupting their "To me, it's always been about riveting lectures. walking by and seeing a whole bunch "We're never allowed to throw con- of people dancing and not hearing certs out in the quad because of the any music," says Matt Petree, senior * sound ordinances," says Jason Hu- basic and applied sciences major who ber, president of the variety commit- performed at the disco under his DJ tee. "But it's a perfect venue to throw name Petree. "Everybody's going a concert, with the high traffic and 'what's going on here;" they inves- on a gorgeous day like this." tigate it further and figure out it's a Local disc jockeys, including Beat silent party." Repeat and DJ Schtompa, provided Lallavee agrees that getting the op- the music for all who partook in portunity to jam out to some local the silent disco between noon and 6 DJs while still attending class is al- p.m. All of the DJs who performed ways a great idea. " donated their time to give students a "The music is great and it's free concert. a beautiful day outside," Lalla- "All of the DJ'S are doing it for Photo by Chris Donahue, staff photographer vee says. "But I will be the first MTSU students danced and partied at the silent disco on Tuesday, April 20, on the The Quad. free," Huber says. "So that's definitely one to admit that it's all about the a big deal for us." party-like atmosphere." Becoming ever more popular "It just felt really good to get in there Headphones were provided to stu- volume knob on them, and they're Whatever reason participants thanks to its yearly appearance at ma- and move a little," Dana Lallavee says, dent attendees, and with two chan- all wireless," Huber says "They're all chose to give as to why the silent jor music festivals such as Bonnaroo, a senior recording industry major. "I nels feeding in to the headphones coming off of a transmitter at the top disco was special to them, one thing the silenit "disco provided students had never done anything like that on simultaneously, dancers were treated of the tent. remains clear. For six hours, MTSU with a much-needed break from the campus - for once, I didn't hate that I to a little bit of variety. The two channels allowed two DJs students were dancing to the sounds end of semester stress. had to be on campus all day." "They've got an A/B switch and a to spin at once while listeners got to of silence.

' Photo by Chris Dotnhue. staff phI iltgrph r MTSU theater students, who organically created the entire script and score, perform in the last public showing of 'Appalachian Roots' before the begin a tour of six shows in Northern Ireland. Theater students revive their 'Appalachian Roots'

By EMMA EGLI Northern Ireland. ally good for the actors to be able to do that." will stay there for three weeks, performing Features Editor This isn't your average run-of-the-mill the- Halladay looked to professional Appala- at different locations, including the Ulster ater production. Not only are the actors bring- chian singer and teaching artist Carol Pon- American Folk Park where they will also host It doesn't take much to capture a child's at- ing to life the roles of the charming children der for advice on making the show authentic. workshops for children. tention. However, maintaining it is another they play in "Appalachian Roots," it's the hard After collaborating, Halladay asked Ponder Halladay says she thinks their show will story entirely. For the 11-member cast of"Ap- work they put into writing the script them- to be in the production and take the role of have a profound impact because it will help palachian Roots," a play centering on folk- selves that makes the show so remarkable. the schoolteacher. bridge the gap between the Roman Catholics tales in a coal mining community, keeping "They started doing research last summer "I grew up in Appalachia and my family and Protestants who have been in religious their audience enthralled during the 75-min- and the beginning of fall semester on stories has been in the mountains of North Carolina conflict for some time. ute show isn't a challenge. and conditions living in Appalachia," Halla- since the 1700s," Ponder says. "A lot of these "They do have problems with prejudice Looking around the audience - a mixture day says. "We decided to set it in the 1920s in stories have roots in Irish stories." there, but it's religious," Halladay says. "But of children, young adults and parents - every- a one-room schoolhouse in East Tennessee." With singsong stories like "Opossum," a tale two schools, one Catholic and one Protestant, one is completely enthralled with the actors' The play revolves around a group of chil- about a self-admiring opossum that learns are coming together to see the play." performance at the Theatre at Patterson Park. dren who are in the middle of rehearsing their an unfortunate lesson about being vain, and Ponder says the integration between And it's quite obvious that the actors are feed- spring program they plan on performing for "Whitebear Whittington," an Appalachian school systems has been a recent, but ing off the positive responses radiating from their parents. Just as they begin acting out version of Beauty and the Beast, children get difficult process. their spectators. the folk tales, the coal mine sirens sound - a to sing along and participate with the cast. "Even if you know that in your mind, ac- But the challenge lies in what the student signal that there has been an accident in the "All the teachers have said they weren't sure tually seeing it in action is almost shocking cast will be doing next - taking their show to mines where their fathers work. if their kids would sit still for an hour and because we are so used to integration be- Ireland to perform for children in poverty- "They keep practicing their spring pro- 15 minutes," says Elizabeth Williams, senior ing based upon race," Ponder says. "One of stricken areas during the summer. gram, but now the story and the music take theatre performance major and actress in the the things the Ulster American Folk Park "I wanted to go somewhere where there's a on a different meaning," Halladay says. "It play. "But every single child just sits there and does very much on purpose is bring the two little more need for something like this," says strengthens them and prepares them for stares intently." groups together." Jetta Halladay, theater professor and director- what's to come." Halladay says she and the rest of the cast The cast members all agree that after all the who is making this opportunity possible. The group has performed for more than scripted the show in a way that the students research and work they put into the produc- Thanks in part to funding from a fac- 1,500 children in elementary schools across are often out in the audience interacting with tion, "Appalachian Roots" will translate well. ulty research grant, undergraduate research Tennessee since the fall, every time adapting the children. "The show is already life changing," Hal- grants, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the show to the space they are performing in. "In some ways, the children become part laday proudly proclaims. "The students have study abroad department, college of liberal "The fun part about this show is playing in of the show," Halladay says. "The action hap- done a marvelous job - now to perform it for * arts and the speech and theatre department, different spaces," Halladay says. "We have to pens around them as much as possible." a different culture will be really interesting to the cast will be performing six shows in change the show for every new space, so it's re- The cast will travel to Ireland in May and see what kind of response we will get." Ib~i~ ~5iS~i~l~~~3~a~s~epaBa~ezm,~:~$2i~:~ 8 SIDELINES MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 www.mtsusidelines.com

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