August 2020 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

INSIDE

ROOTS RENDEZVOUS / SAFARI ROOM / MANNY SETHI / TASTY TABLE / IRON BRUSH MURAL / BUSINESS BUZZ AUGUST 2020 /

VOL. 15, ISSUE 8 / FREE

Remembering Country Fiddler and Patriot Charlie Daniels

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS: 2006–2020 Middle Tennessee’s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

PAGE 10

THE COOL UNDER GROUND Tour two Tennessee caves, including the home stage of Bluegrass Underground, at The Caverns

10 Fun, Free And Kid-Friendly Places To Visit In Murfreesboro PAGE 16

TICKET GIVEAWAY

ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY FOUR-PACK FOR A CAVE TOUR AT THE CAVERNS

Rutherford County Mayor Ketron Issues Face Covering Order PAGE 24

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Contents

ENTER TO WIN

A FOUR-PACK OF TICKETS TO TOUR THE CAVERNS

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

5 Letter

CHARLIE DANIELS

WORD FROM THE EDITOR No apologies

Remembering country fiddler and patriot, 1936–2020

THE CAVERNS

Discover natural wonders, perhaps a deep personal revelation in caves. Tennessee caves

HOMESCHOOLING IN TN

Options for schooling at home, available. and the many curriculums available

FUN AND FREE

A look at the many free and family-friendly locations to visit in Murfreesboro.

FACE-OFF

Rutherford County community divided over Mayor Ketron’s face order. covering order

6 Events

CALENDAR Bird Hike, Night Hike, Car Show for Special Kids, Kayak Float, and more

8 Sounds

GARDENING Prune your tomato plants for productivity.

18 Food

REVIEW Tasty Table and Olive Branch Bakery

20 Art

MURAL Iron Brush Mural Co.

ROOTS RENDEZVOUS Pastime Barber Shop to host Aug. 8 broadcast with Balsam Range, Rhonda Vincent and others.

EXHIBIT Biennial 2020

CONCERTS Borostock, Dirt Road Daisies, Southside Saints, and more

22 News

ALBUM REVIEW Safari Room

Art Director:

Sarah Mayo

Copy Editor:

Steve Morley Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

11 Living

Advertising:

Maddie Morgan

21 Review MOVIE Radioactive

FAKE NEWS Tennessee House speaks out against media sensationalism.

Contributors:

Jennifer Durand, Laura Lindsay Zach Maxfield, Caleb Nix, Edwina Shannon, Mike Sparks, Jay Spight, Shaterial Starnes, Andrea Stockard, Phil Valentine

OP-ED House Rep. Mike Sparks defends Rep. John DeBerry T-BONES AND POLITICS Republicans welcome Dr. Manny Sethi. BUSINESS BUZZ Lazydayz RV, Trek Bicycles, Murfreesboro Axe, Hungry Bear HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS Floativation, Part 9 FINANCIAL COACHING Addressing root issues BBB TIPS Employment scams

32 Opinion LIVE . . . WELL Come alive.

PHIL VALENTINE Hydroxychloroquine SPORTS TALK Leagues back in action.

Copyright © 2020, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 714 W. Main St., #208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

714 W. Main St., Suite 208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 • 615-796-6248 To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com

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The Murfreesboro Pulse

Gary Walker, founder of The Great Escape, which operates a store in Murfreesboro, died at the age of 87 in July 2020.

R.I.P. AUNT JEMIMA. For 131 years flapjack eaters have enjoyed pancakes made from Aunt Jemima mix, and (since the 1960s) many have topped their cakes with that sweet syrup bearing the Aunt Jemima name. Yes, brand founders based this character on a slave. Yes, modern American society does not approve of the enslavement of other people. Still, many family members of the numerous women who have portrayed Jemima over the years did not agree with the rebranding. At least 10 women have professionally played the part of Aunt Jemima, hosting pancake demonstrations, appearing in ads and acting as company spokespersons. This could be a story of how these women helped families of all races enjoy a simple pancake around the breakfast table. It could be a tale of how the character evolved over the past 131 years. A tale about how the portrayal of black women has drastically changed from the plantation slave to a respectable woman with equal rights and nice clothes and earrings who likes to cook breakfast for her family, like so many other mothers around the world. But that’s not divisive enough for the angry mob of 2020. The mob has killed Aunt Jemima and says the brand and this American icon’s history must be cancelled and erased, sending a mixed message to the family members of the Aunt Jemima actors. Should they be proud of their relatives’ role in the advertising industry and promotion of a fun breakfast brand that many enjoyed, or should they be ashamed of the company’s perpetuation of a culture so unwoke in 2020? A vigil on the Square for Jemima will be forthcoming this month. It will not be silent, because silence is violence. Look out, Mrs. Butterworth. They will come for you next, and they are blinded with rage and justice. So, if the system is tilted against the poor, if the criminal justice system preys upon the black man, please protesters, demand the thorough and relentless investigation of George Soros, the Clintons, Zuckerberg, Bezos, the Bush family . . . there’s a good chance some of these people and others in positions of great power could be found guilty of some activities far worse than anything George Floyd may have done. Journalist Lives Matter. Demand justice for Bernell Trammell, the outspoken Wisconsin man and publisher of eXpressions Journal, who was murdered last month. Somehow there’s an idea out there that

feeling guilt for the actions of someone else is something to be promoted, that apologizing for the actions of others is necessary, and that some should be intimidated into issuing an insincere apology to appease the offended. I came to the conclusion long ago that I do not feel guilt for something someone else has done. Nor do I intend to apologize for things that I am not truly sorry for. We can learn lessons from one another, learn how to act or how not to act. I will repent for my own sins if needed, but I do not intend to offer an “apology” on someone else’s behalf. What do you think? I tend to believe that refraining from apologizing for the actions of others, or for actions that one is not sorry for, may lead to a greater sense of peace, both individually and collectively. If it weren’t a potential means of collecting data on participants that could be used in the future for nefarious purposes, I’d suggest that it’s about time everyone took one of these genealogy DNA tests to prove that almost everyone is now “multi-racial.” A column in last month’s edition of the Pulse regarding various negative outcomes resulting from fatherless homes was taken by one reader as placing “the blame on single mothers,” or “singlemother shaming” or some sort of attack upon the mother. Many logical and loving people see that column and those statistics, if placing “blame” anywhere, as placing it upon the father. That’s the missing component here. If a mother is doing the best she can to raise a child by herself, why would anyone place blame upon her? I believe a big point of these types of columns is to send a message to the fathers who just don’t want the responsibility of helping guide their offspring towards making good life choices, and who fail to recognize that this irresponsible mindset could create lots of problems that affect not only the child but the rest of society. Let’s focus on the solutions, rather than blame. Anyway, those fresh summer peaches are delicious, and hockey is back! Enjoy some playoff hockey in solitude—or at a local establishment with a face covering policy acceptable to you. Live your life. Get some fresh air.

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

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Events

CALENDAR / AUGUST 2020

BY ANDREA STOCKARD and 29, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Learn about the animal’s fascinating adaptations and natural history. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

THROUGHOUT AUGUST CLASSIC MOVIES AT PREMIERE 6 THEATER Premiere 6 Theater (810 NW Broad St.) will screen classic movies throughout August. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Shrek, Roman Holiday and Deadpool will play through Aug. 6. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, North By Northwest and Annie will play Aug. 7–13. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Steel Magnolias, Space Jam and Wayne’s World will play Aug. 14–20. And Batman Begins, Casablanca, National Lampoon’s Vacation and Free Willy will play Aug. 21–27. For more information and showtimes, visit murfreesboromovies.com.

THROUGHOUT AUGUST SENIOR STRETCH AND MOVE CLASS Join the St. Clair Senior Center at Barﬁeld Crescent Park, Pavilion #5 (697 Veterans Pkwy.) every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in August for an outdoor Stretch and Move exercise class from 8–9 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and hand weights if you would like. Ages 60 and up are welcome. For more information, contact pfaist@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-848-2550.

THURSDAYS POOL TOURNAMENT AT VAN’S Van’s Bar and Grill hosts an 8-ball pool tournament every Thursday at 7 p.m. Registration is $20 and opens at 6 p.m. The tournament is double elimination. Payouts depend on number of entries. Van’s Bar and Grill is located at 2404 Halls Hill Pk.

THROUGH AUG. 14 CAMPOLOGY The Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) hosts Campology, Aug. 3–7 and 10–14 with limited capacity in-person sessions. Camp group will rotate between interactive museum exhibit exploration, science experiments, art activities, wetlands discovery and outdoor play. For more information, visit explorethedc. org/camps or call 615-890-2300.

AUG. 5 ARTIST HOSTS STAINED GLASS PENDANT CLASS 6 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

AUG. 11 RUTHERFORD CABLE AUGUST BREAKFAST MEETING

AUG. 8 BIRDING HIKE The Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent park (401 Volunteer Rd.) leads a birding hike with an experienced naturalist on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 8–9 a.m. Both beginning and experienced birders are welcome. A brief review of birding methods and common species is discussed before the hike. Expect to walk up to three miles round trip on rocky surfaces both paved and natural. Bring binoculars or borrow some at the park. Ages 10 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or emoorman@murfreesborotn.gov. Local artist Fiona Dowd helps participants create their own stained glass pendant using the Tiffany stained glass technique in a three-hour class Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m.–noon at Gateway Island and Reception Center (1875 W. College St.). All supplies are provided. Cost is $45 and ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

AUG. 5 AND 12 OUTDOOR PAVILION CRAFT PROGRAM Outdoor Murfreesboro teaches a 30-minute nature craft for ages 2–8 at Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park, Pavilion 9 (401 Volunteer Rd.) Wednesdays, Aug. 5 and 12, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. All supplies are provided. Space is limited to 10 children each week, so call 615-217-3017 to register in advance. Cost is $2. For more information, contact outdoormurfreesboro@murfreeborotn.gov.

AUG. 6–9 THE TEMPEST AT THE WALNUT HOUSE The Walnut House (116 N. Walnut St.)

now features live theatrical performances including Shakespeare’s The Tempest, scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 6–8 and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 9. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit walnuthousemurfreesboro.com or call 615-705-7897.

AUG. 7, 14 AND 28 WHAT’S UP NIGHT HIKES Visit the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Fridays, Aug. 7, 14 and 28, from 8–9 p.m., for discoveries under the night sky. Late summer nights are great for spotting owls, bats, frogs and insects, discovering glowing eyes and ﬁnding other fascinating critters that are active at night. All ages are welcome. Admission is $3 per person or $10 per family. Reservations are required by contacting efann@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

AUG. 8, 15 AND 29 ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS The Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) offers a short program introducing one of their educational animals Saturdays, Aug. 8, 15

Celebrate a successful year and recognize outgoing and incoming board members with awards and fun at the monthly Rutherford Cable meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 7:15–9 a.m., at the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.). A Zoom meeting is an option for a discounted price. Members and guests are welcome with a fee. Bring plenty of business cards and grab a card from the basket to make an additional connection, For more information, contact yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

AUG. 12 RAPTOR RHAPSODY Have you ever looked an owl in the eye, glared at a red-tailed hawk up close, or checked out a falcon’s wings? Get up close and personal with a live bird of prey and learn about these master predators of the sky at the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5–6 p.m. All ages are welcome; Raptor Rhapsody is held rain or shine. For more information, contact dthompson@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

AUG. 13–23 WILSON COUNTY FAIR LIVESTOCK SHOWS Although the 2020 Wilson County Fair will not include rides and concerts, livestock shows will take place as planned at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. In addition to various divisions of cattle, goat, sheep and hog shows, the Birthing Barn will also have horses, pigs, goats, sheep and cattle scheduled to give birth during these dates. According to organizers, youth and agriculture education are very important to the fair and they want to support young livestock exhibitors during this time. Many kids who are involved with youth livestock and agriculture programs gain entrepreneurship skills and self-conﬁdence, and learn responsibility, social skills, competition skills and the care and

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

Tennessee home at the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10–11 a.m. Learn about some native owl species and their adaptations, and then we dissect owl pellets. Ages 6 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-2173017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.

development of animals. For more details on show times, visit wilsoncountyfair.net.

AUG. 14–16 BOROSTOCK23 The Boro Bar and Grill will host its 23rd installment of Borostock Aug. 14–16. Friday, Aug. 14, features Los Swamp Monsters, CowPunx, Cletus Rubenowitz and Joey Fletcher. Saturday, Aug. 15, includes performances by Angelina Clare, Drive-In Romance and No Frequency Collective. And Sunday, Aug 16, will feature Narwhal Empire, Revenue Man and Dave Massey. The Boro Bar and Grill is located at 1211 Greenland Dr. Check out facebook.com/ theborobarandgrill for live stream broadcasts and more information.

AUG. 15 MACHINE FALLS HIKE Meet Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation staff at Machine Falls (Short Springs Natural Area, Tullahoma) for a guided fourmile hike on natural surfaces at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. Machine Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Tennessee. Bring your own drinking water and water shoes; if you get close to the falls, your feet will get wet. The hike includes two steep sections—one downhill and one uphill—but many say the view is well worth it. This hike is for ages 16 and up. Call 615-2173017 for information.

AUG. 15

AUG. 22 SNAKES: MARVELS OF NATURE

AUG. 15 CAR SHOW TO BENEFIT SPECIAL KIDS Northside Baptist Church (655 W. Thompson Ln.) will host a car show for Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center from 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. All makes and models are welcome for display. The entry fee is $20 per car and $30 per vendor. Awards will be given and the event will include a DJ and food trucks. Sponsored by Bedford County Ford. All proceeds beneﬁt Special Kids. or visit 2ndservicedivision.org.

AUG. 18 AND 25 SENIOR GREENWAY STROLL The St. Clair Senior Center will host strolls along the Greenway at Stones River Battleﬁeld (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and at Thompson Lane Trailhead (2240 N. Thompson Ln.) on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 8:15–9:15 p.m. Enjoy the fresh

CREATE A WALKING STICK

air, get some exercise and enjoy socializing with others out of doors. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Ages 60 and up are welcome. For more information, contact pfaist@murfreesborotn. gov or 615-848-2550.

AUG. 22 OWL PELLET DISSECTION Discover more about the owls that call

Express your artistic side by creating your very own walking stick followed by a short hike at the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10–11 a.m. Ages 4 and up are welcome. For more information, contact apool@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

AUG. 29 NATURE PAINTING Local artist Bobbie Ventura leads a class in nature painting at the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.–noon. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com and is limited to 5 people. All supplies are included in the registration fee. Ages 10 and up are welcome (under 13 must be accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or bventura@murfrees borotn.gov.

SEPT. 3 2020 SPECIAL KIDS BANQUET Virtual guests get to experience an online program, auction and more to support the continued work of Special Kids from the comfort of home Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6–7 p.m. Supporters who would like to donate additional funds to match “typical” seat and table costs can do so while checking out. All proceeds directly beneﬁt the children. For more information, contact rbraziel@specialkidstn.com or visit specialkidstn.com.

AUG. 15 2ND SERVICE DIVISION FUNDRAISER 2nd Service Division will host a fundraising event for veterans at The Grove at Williamson Place on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a cornhole tournament at noon, speakers Byron Graham and Don Warren at 1 p.m., and food from The Chicken Shack Express and Slush and Dessert Truck. Children and well-mannered pets are welcome. 2nd Service Division is a nonproﬁt dedicated to helping veterans in Middle Tennessee through ﬁnancial rehabilitation, home remodels, counseling services and more. For more information, call 615-715-6869

Introduce yourself to the world of snakes at the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Saturday, Aug. 22, from 3–4 p.m. Learn about the natural history of snakes and discuss behavioral and community ecology, biodiversity and conservation of snakes in Tennessee. Enjoy a colorful presentation and see a live snake up close. Ages 8 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.

SEPT. 5 AUG. 29 FAMILY KAYAK FLOAT Grab the family and get paddling with Outdoor Murfreesboro on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. All equipment and instruction are provided. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. Register at murfreesboroparks.com. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Cost is $15 per person. For more information, contact 615-2173017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

YOGA AT THE ISLAND Improve balance and ﬂexibility while helping reduce stress. Meet at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.) the ﬁrst Saturday of every month from 9–10 a.m. for a free yoga class. Beginning and intermediate levels are welcome (ages 13 and up). For more information on this and other classes, contact bjohnson@ murfreesborotn.gov. BOROPULSE.COM

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Guide to Homeschool Curriculums

EDUCATION

3 OPTIONS FOR HOMESCHOOLING IN TENNESSEE IN TENNESSEE, parents have the option to educate their children in grades K–12 at home. The Tennessee Home School law (Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3050) states: “A home school is a school conducted or directed by a parent or parents or a legal guardian or guardians for their own children.” A parent may withdraw their child from the public school system and register for home-schooling at any point in the school year. Parents desiring to home-school may do so by choosing one of the following three options:

IINDEPENDENT HOMESCHOOL Register with the local school board by submitting an intent to home-school letter. Do this before the new school year begins so the state does not consider students truant. This can also be done at any time during the school year. REQUIREMENTS: • Physical evidence of parents’ high school diploma or GED. • Reporting of attendance to the school board yearly. The attendance requirement is four hours per day for 180 days. The school

year runs from July 1 to June 30. • Students in fifth, seventh and ninth grades are required to take standardized state tests. If the student tests below grade level for two years in a row, the superintendent may require them to attend physical school if they have no learning disability. • Students returning to public school must be tested to determine their grade level. • Parents of high schoolers create their own transcripts, diplomas, etc.

CHURCH-RELATED UMBRELLA SCHOOL With this option, a child is viewed legally as a private school student learning at a satellite location (your home), and the parent is considered the school’s faculty/teacher. This schooling option operates under the Jeter Memo: thefarmschool. community/satellite-campus/enrollment/crs-law-jeter-memo/ Some (not all) umbrella schools may require a statement of faith at the time of registration. The Farm School in Summertown, Tennessee, is the only umbrella school in the state that is not related to a specific religion.

Register directly with the umbrella school and they will handle the necessary paperwork to transfer from public school. Each umbrella school has its own registration deadline, determines its own testing, curriculum requirements and attendance-reporting requirements. Some do not require standardized testing and give parents the freedom to choose their own courses and curriculum, while others have more specific requirements. REQUIREMENTS: • Most require that one parent must have a high school diploma or GED. • Four hours of learning per day for 180 days per year. The school year runs from July 1 to June 30. • Most require parents to submit an education plan before each semester. This usually entails a list of planned courses and curriculum for the semester. • Most offer counseling and advising services, official transcripts and an official diploma for high school students (this may incur an additional cost). • Students returning to public school must be tested to determine their grade level.

ACCREDITED ONLINE SCHOOL This is basically online private school. It is a less common option for the average homeschool family due to higher cost and lack of freedom to choose your own curriculum. Accreditation is not an important factor to most homeschool families and colleges. However, for quality education, it could be a good choice. Some well-known accredited online schools include: aoacademy.com calverteducation.com/academy is.byu.edu/home Learn more about Tennessee’s Homeschooling laws: tnhea.org/homeschool-law mthea.org/is-it-legal.html hslda.org/legal/tennessee

14 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

WHEN CHOOSING A HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM that’s a good fit for your family it is important to consider your children, yourself and your situation. Different homeschool styles go with different homeschool curriculums, and learning about the different approaches will help you to choose. For more in-depth tips on how to begin, visit thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschooling101 Free: Easy Peasy, allinone homeschool.com An Old Fashioned Education Discovery K12* Freedom Homeschooling Guesthollow.com (science) Khanacademy.com* Little House Kindergarten Readworks.org* Storyline Online The Good and The Beautiful jennyphillips.com (language 1–5) Charlotte Mason (“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life”): A Gentle Feast Ambleside Online Beautiful Feet Books Blossom & Root* Five in a Row Heart of Dakota Magic Forest Academy Queen Homeschool Sonlight The Good and The Beautiful jennyphillips.com Trail Guide to Learning Winter Promise Classical (emphasizing history, literature and language): Classical Conversations Classical Academic Press The Good and The Beautiful jennyphillips.com Learning Adventures Memoria Press

My Father’s World Rod and Staff Publishers Tapestry of Grace Veritas Press Distance/Online Learning: Abeka Distance Acellus Power* Alpha Omega’s Switched on Schoolhouse Bob Jones University Distance Learning Bravewriter* Calvert Homeschool* Essentials in Writing/Literature* K-12* Liberty Online Academy Memoria Press Next Level Homeschool* Oak Meadow* Storyline Online* Study.com* Supercharged Science* Time4Learning* Veritas Press Traditional (a traditional schooling approach at home): Abeka Alpha Omega’s Switched on Schoolhouse Alpha Omega’s Life Pacs Bob Jones University Bookshark* Calvert School* Christian Light Christian Liberty Press Critical Thinking Co.* Masterbooks Rod & Staff Publishers

Unit Studies: Five in a Row Gather Round Homeschool Konos Magic Forest Academy* Moving Beyond the Page* My Father’s World Our Star-Spangled Banner Story Tapestry of Grace Trail Guide to Learning Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett Winter Promise Other A Journey Through Learning (educational lapbooks) All About Reading* Answers in Genesis Apologia Science Clear Water Press Writing Curricula* Easy Grammar Systems* Geography Matters Guesthollow.com Human Body Detectives* Institute for Excellence in Writing Jump-In Writing with Sharon Watson Little Passports* MEL Science* Mystery of History Notgrass History Pandia Press* (science, history) Real Science 4 Kids* Singapore Science* Story of the World Timberdoodle Zeezok Publishing *secular

Living

Fun,Free

and Kid-Friendly

Places to Visit IN MURFREESBORO

BY LAURA LINDSAY

ate summer and early fall are great times to be outside having fun and getting some fresh air in Middle Tennessee. There is a lot to explore in Murfreesboro, with many outdoor attractions accessible at no cost. SPLASH PAD AT FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY Children can splash and play in the splash pad fountains during warm weather. The fountains light up in brilliant colors at night for a neat art display. Cornhole boards are also set up on a large turf area nearby for anyone to use. This also has ample room for kids to run around and burn some energy, or for families to spread out and have a picnic. The soda fountain and ice cream shop, Sodabar, is located at the Fountains if you want to purchase a cold treat to enjoy. Fountains occasionally projects movies and sporting events on a big screen at this area. IF YOU GO: 1500 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro

CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE This replica of an early Tennessee village, known as Cannonsburgh, represents about a 100-year period from the 1830s to the 1930s. Guests can self-tour the buildings, including a gristmill, schoolhouse, telephone operator’s house, a museum, a doctor’s office, general store and blacksmith’s shop, view the antique tractor exhibit and explore the creek on the property. IF YOU GO: 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro. Buildings are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays from 1–4 p.m. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD This 570-acre park located along Stones River commemorates the Battle of Stones River, a key part of the American Civil War. Guests can visit the Stones River National Cemetery where 6,850 soldiers are buried and see the Hazen Brigade Monument, the oldest American Civil War monument standing in its original location. Visitors can walk, run or bike on trails in the park. The Murfreesboro Greenway leads into the park as an access point for visiting bicyclists and pedestrians. IF YOU GO: Open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at 3501 Old Nashville Hwy.

BARFIELD CRESCENT PARK Visitors can enjoy this large community park, which offers seven miles of easy to moderate hiking and walking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course that goes in and out of the woods, and 12 private campsites. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the park trails. IF YOU GO: 697 Veterans Pkwy., Murfreeboro; the park closes one hour before sunset.

HOP SPRINGS Set on 84 acres of land, Hop Springs includes wet and dry dog parks, a walking trail and a disc golf course, which all ages can enjoy for free. Hop Springs is also home to a brewery and outdoor music venue. IF YOU GO: 6670 John Bragg Hwy. Open 1–9 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday

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MURFREESBORO MURALS Find the murals in town and take some pictures. IF YOU GO: Underpass of Broad Street and West Main Street, Dreamingincolor at 504 N. Maney Ave., The Bug Man building at 314 W. Lokey Ave., Dave’s Cave at 216 W. Vine St., Catron & Fowler, Attorneys at Law, 303 N. Walnut St., Slick Pig, 1920 E. Main St., Northfield Elementary School, 550 W. Northfield Blvd., and Patterson Park, 521 Mercury Blvd.

MURFREESBORO GREENWAY Enjoy hiking, walking, running, bicycling and in-line skating along 13 miles of Greenway trail, or paddle alongside the Greenway trail on the Stones River. The Greenway connects historical sites, parks, neighborhoods and businesses throughout Murfreesboro. It is also a conservation corridor preserving natural and cultural resources. Trailheads include Broad Street, Cannonsburgh, Cason, Fortress Rosecrans, General Bragg, Manson Pike, Old Fort Park, Overall Street, Redoubt Brannon, Thompson Lane and West College Street. A few of the trailheads are at historic areas. The Thompson Lane Trailhead accesses the McFadden farm property, where an engagement in the Battle of Stones River occurred. The Redoubt Brannon Trailhead is right across the street from the remains of Redoubt Brannon. Redoubt Brannon was used by Union troops to guard Old Nashville Pike and the L & N Railroad. IF YOU GO: Open from daylight to a half-hour before sunset.

OAKLANDS PARK This park is located beside the historic site Oaklands Mansion. Park guests can stroll around the grounds and hike on the trail during regular park hours at no charge. The park is home to The Trail of Trees, planted with trees that are indigenous to Tennessee. Each tree is identified with a marker. The Quercus Alba/White Oak, called “The History Oak,” towers above the park. It sprouted in the 1770s and is now 60 inches in diameter. Oaklands Park is a registered arboretum, meaning that a large majority of trees in the park are native to the state and labeled with their common and botanical names. Oaklands Park also hosts a large natural wetland area where visitors can see a variety of native flowers as well as animals such as turtles, snakes, frogs and a variety of birds. IF YOU GO: 423 Roberts St.

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THE WETLANDS AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER From The Discovery Center parking lot, trails travel through flooded willow swamps, mature hardwoods and open water wetlands that provide for a wide variety of species to be found. Spring and fall songbird migration can be excellent. It is good place to view wildlife and guests frequently see and can get up-close photos of birds, wood ducks, raccoons, cranes, frogs and otters. Many kinds of birds reside in the area. Look closely through the wetlands and woods, and you might see a night heron. IF YOU GO: 502 SE Broad St. Open from daylight until a half-hour before dark

GATEWAY ISLAND The College Street trailhead connects to Gateway Trail and Island. Gateway Trail is a loop circling a small lake. Gateway Island has the lake, wildlife and cascading waterfalls available to view. IF YOU GO: 1875 W. College St., Murfreesboro. Open daily from daylight til 10 p.m.

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Food

 RESTAURANT

From left: Turkey and goat cheese wrap in a spinach tortilla, chicken salad on a croissant Right, clockwise: Club sandwich, crunch bar, Oreo cake

Seat at the Table

Local restaurant, coffeehouse, catering company extends an Olive Branch to the hungry STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

asty Table and Olive Branch Bakery took over a historic building on Church Street in early 2019 and now offers delicious, colorful and fresh breakfast and lunch options four days a week, and runs its catering operation out of there. For the busy local professional who wants to shop local, quick lunch options can sometimes be limited. Tasty Table and Olive Branch Bakery has pre-made sandwiches, wraps and salads ready to go in the cooler. Individually prepared by an independent local business, these can make nutritious, quick lunch alternatives to sometimes greasy fast-food drive-thru fare. Those fine selections may include the turkey and goat cheese wrap, with spinach and a delicious, sweet and spicy strawberry jalapeño jelly, wrapped in a spinach tortilla. Tasty Table also serves a creamy chicken salad, available as a sandwich on a croissant, whole wheat, brioche or gluten-free bread. The adobo chicken wrap, filled with red pepper hummus, adobo seasoned chicken

18 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

breast, havarti cheese, spinach, avocado and ranch, or the Cashley, stuffed with ham, pepperoni, horseradish peppercorn spread, Swiss cheese and greens, burst with flavor and nutrients. The blackberry bacon grilled sandwich makes a popular warm item, containing local blackberry jam, bacon, havarti cheese and jalapeño slices. “It’s so good!” Lisa Blythe says. “I know it sounds like a strange combination, but the different flavors accent each other perfectly.” Most sandwiches are $9.50 and come with one side item. “Everything was super tasty at this table,” another local diner, Angelique Slone, said. “Loved the horseradish Parmesan dip.” Many of the ladies who enjoy the eatery describe it as “cute”—and it is. Sunlight pours onto the exposed brick walls and hardwood floors of the building, as coffee beans fill glass jars throughout the space and cookies and other baked goods sit on

display in the case with everything neat and tidy, creating a modern coffeehouse-meetsSouthern tea room atmosphere. But there’s nothing frou-frou about the wraps and sandwiches. These are manly, meaty and flavorful while still being colorful, creative and balanced with fruits and veggies. “Great place and great food in an awesome atmosphere,” Kari Spruyt says. The restaurant has a rotation of daily specials, such as an open-faced roast beef sandwich, and other options. It also serves breakfast selections—like breakfast casserole, maple French toast bake, quiche, frittata, bacon and eggs or avocado toast—until closing time, at 2 p.m. “There aren’t many great breakfast options in Murfreesboro, but this place is definitely at the top of the list,” Brian Threet says. “Great food, amazing coffee and the location itself is in a cool old building with a lounge upstairs and a peaceful outdoor courtyard.” Molly Brown says she is a “huge fan of their breakfast quiche and avocado toast.

My favorite lunch items are the turkey goat cheese wrap and the blackberry jam grilled cheese paired with the Tuscan soup,” with her favorite baked item being the blueberry muffin. With breakfast service going into the afternoon, go brunch with an egg, sausage, bacon and cheddar biscuit sandwich.

The Dish RESTAURANT:

Tasty Table and Olive Branch Bakery LOCATION:

215 N. Church St., Murfreesboro PHONE: 615-482-0543 HOURS: Wed.–Sat.: 8 a.m.–2 p.m. PRICES: Blackberry bacon grill

or chicken salad sandwich with one side: $9.50; Turkey goat cheese, adobo chicken or Cashley wrap: $9.50; Quiche slice: $5.50; Crunch bar: $3.25 Summer salad: $10.50

ONLINE: tastytable.net

S T E A K • S E A F O O D • PA S TA • W I N E • W H I S K E Y

Catering Available

HAPPY HOUR MON – THURS 4 PM TO 7 PM SAT 11 AM TO 3 PM 223 West Main Street Murfreesboro 615-203-3498 alleyonmain.com

Or have cake for lunch if you want. In addition to decadent cakes, such as Oreo and peanut butter, the Olive Branch Bakery features chocolaty Crunch Bars with marshmallows, crisped rice and fudge, macarons and other treats. Steering towards vegetables, vegetarian selections include salads, carrots and hummus, mango cucumber slaw and the Three Cheese Grill, blending cheddar, havarti and Swiss cheeses. Whether a diner desires coffee and cake, avocado toast, a salad, bacon and eggs, a grilled cheese or adobo chicken wrap, enjoy it comfortably downstairs, upstairs or within the outdoor patio area of Tasty Table and Olive Branch Bakery (pets welcome). Even though “weddings are a little different this year, catering is big for us,” according to Jacqueline Edwards, who runs Olive Branch Bakery, while her business partner, Laura Gossett, operates the Tasty Table restaurant. The bakery sells custom wedding cakes, and catering possibilities range from roast

sirloin, honey barbecue chicken, Tuscan herb chicken, pork tenderloin, Cajun shrimp, fried chicken and smothered pork chops to fajita taco bars, pasta bars, quiche and salad bars and potato bars. Gossett offers a wealth of flavorful marinated chicken options: tomato basil, orange citrus, Mediterranean lemon, rosemary butter and red wine glaze, among others. “We had a small wedding reception catered by Tasting Table,” Tamara Sullivan said. This included pork tenderloin, Parmesan crusted chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and roasted veggies. “All the guests raved about the food—loved both meat selections!” Heather Green also used Tasty Table to cater her wedding recently. “Walking up to the reception, I could smell how fabulous the food was,” she said. “Everything tasted good and was beautifully presented. The truffle mac and cheese was by far my favorite, but everything was good! I’m happy and all of my guests were happy! I highly recommend them.”

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Art

 MURAL

 EXHIBIT

 “Moving Mountains” by Savannah Phouthavong, paint, fabric and spray paint on canvas “Ghostbusters Ghost Cluster”  by Tony Rodriguez, digital media

Biennial 2020 Showcases Work From MTSU Faculty

Iron Brush Mural Company Completes Colorful Work on Walnut Street THE ARTIST MOMS OF THE IRON BRUSH MURAL COMPANY, Cara Brown and Cynthia Wallace, completed their latest outdoor creation in late July, and the colorful artwork quickly became a popular photo backdrop near downtown Murfreesboro. The mural, on the building of Catron & Fowler, Attorneys at Law, 303 N. Walnut St., features the three stars of Tennessee placed upon nine planks of various colors. “We love getting to add beauty and color to our hometown,” the duo posted from the Iron Brush Mural Company Facebook account on July 23 in celebration of the work’s completion. Find more work in Murfreesboro from The Iron Brush Mural Company at Donut Country, Rocket Shirts, Garage Barre and New Vision Baptist Church; learn more or contact the artists at ironbrushmurals.com or by calling 615-900-5580. 20 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

MTSU DEPARTMENT OF ART AND DESIGN WILL PRESENT AN EXHIBITION of selected works by faculty members entitled Biennial 2020: A Faculty Exhibition of Art and Design. Scheduled in the Todd Art Gallery, Todd Hall, Room 224A, the exhibit opens the department’s upcoming fall exhibit calendar and will be in place Aug. 24–Oct. 17, 2020. Representing the department’s course areas of art education, foundations, graphic design, illustration and studio art, which includes ceramics, painting, print media and sculpture, the Biennial showcases an outstanding fusion of art from Art and Design’s many components. A partial list of participants includes Erin Anfinson, Michael Baggarly, Stefanie Cobb, Douglas Dabbs, Kimberly Dummons, Kelsey Duncan, Nicole Foran, Jarrod Houghton, Noël Lorson, Mark Mcleod, Paige Medlock, Jean Nagy, Kathleen O’Connell, Sisavanh Phouthavong, Tony Rodriguez, Nicholas Satinover, Sheri Selph, Stephanie Simkin and Tanya Tewell. The exhibit is multipurposed in its presentation. It introduces the artwork of newer faculty to art and design students. More broadly, it serves as an update to the ever-evolving artistry of the department’s senior professors so that art students, the campus community and the public have the opportunity to witness an exceptional and expressive statement of contemporary visual art at MTSU. Organizers intend for this “Sediment Sentiment” exhibit to engage its viewby Nicholas Satinover ers, whether they be university students or lifelong learners in what Dr. Paige Medlock, art education, sees as visual art’s cultural significance, creating a space where viewers can pause, reflect and shift the way they see themselves, their context, the artwork and the artist’s context, and potentially allow a new perspective to shed light on thinking and being in the world. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For parking, directions and more information, contact 615-898-5532 or eric.snyder@mtsu.edu.

Review

MOVIE

RADIOACTIVE DIRECTOR Marjane Satrapi Rosamund Pike, Sam Riley, Anya Taylor-Joy RATED PG-13

Radioactive is a biopic of one of the greatest geniuses of the 20th century, Marie Curie. Not only did she break gender barriers by being the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (and the first person to join the very elite group of two-time winners), but her discoveries of the radioactive elements radium and polonium also broke scientific barriers and ushered the planet into the nuclear age. If the previous paragraph represents the limits of your knowledge on the fascinating character that is Madame Curie, consider yourself in good company. The film attempts to fill in the gaps between the most commonly known facts about Marie Curie but, in typical biopic fashion, does so in the form of

a capital “P” Performance from its lead. As is often the case for films of this ilk, there are undoubtedly already articles circulating with headlines reading “how Rosamund Pike became Madame Curie for her latest film” and so on. To that, I’d answer simply, she acted. She acts steadfast and obstinate against the all-male science ministry which refuses to respect her lab space. She acts focused but softens as she falls in love with Pierre Curie (Sam Riley), the one scientist who appreciates her for her intelligence, in the second

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act. She acts heartbroken, she acts resolved, she acts despondent and she acts bold, all in the course of under two hours because this is a movie trying to adapt a novel that is trying to capture a life, and that doesn’t even cover the flash-forwards to non-narrative scenes showing the lasting (and mostly harmful) effects of her work on a global stage. It is unfortunately to the film’s detriment that it tries to put Curie’s intimate personal struggles in the greater context of her work’s legacy, which would remain largely un-

known to her even upon her death, rather than focus solely on her unique life, remarkable in itself. If there’s one thing the audience doesn’t need to be shown (three times, no less), it’s her explosive legacy. Stylistically speaking, for a subject that could have thrived as a television mini-series, it ironically resembles a cheaply made TV show. Radioactive is awash with neons, haloed overexposures, Instagram-filter tinting and candy-bright color saturation. I can almost guarantee it’s because director Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis, The Voices) wanted to make the film “glow.” But instead of an inspired visual theme, it comes across as overused and heavy-handed. This is a shame, because it occasionally works, especially when backed by a score that incorporates synth arpeggiation into its classical instrumentation. Ultimately though, while Radioactive has all the elements of an interesting and engrossing story, they—like Curie’s discoveries—were sadly misused. Radioactive is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. — JAY SPIGHT

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News

 OPINION

BY REP. MIKE SPARKS

Tennessee House of Representatives Speaks Out Against Fake News, Sensationalized Media Coverage IN THE EARLY MORNING OF June 19, just before the Tennessee House of Representatives adjourned for the session, it passed a resolution “to memorialize the mainstream media for sensationalism to advance their political agendas” and to “congratulate the people of Tennessee for clearly seeing that the mainstream media has sensationalized the reporting on COVID-19 in the service of political agendas.” This resolution, like many that various legislative bodies pass, carries no legal consequences or penalties for those who “break the law,” but serves to commemorate, recognize or denounce a particular individual or group, in this case “the mainstream media.” Still, enough members of the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee House felt strongly enough about the idea that coverage of the 2020 pandemic and other issues has become sufficiently skewed and sensationalized to justify such a resolution prior to adjourning for the year. The Tennessee General Assembly did not have a strong voice in the emergency state policies related to COVID-19, as most shutdown orders came directly from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in the form of emergency executive orders. Micah Van Huss (R-Jonesborough) introduced House Resolution 340, which passed the house basically along party lines, 55–19, and speaks out against “fake news.” According to the resolution, “Some news outlets are more interested in entertaining their viewers than informing them of facts. These same media outlets are also interested in representing opinions as facts and in promoting their own political agenda; during the COVID-19 pandemic, the media shamed and criticized those who wanted to reopen their businesses, gather at the beach, or attend church services; however, the mainstream media is now largely dismissing social distancing narratives when it comes to mass demonstrations.” It continued illustrating what Van Huss sees as hypocritical contrasts in coverage related to those protesting government shutdowns and prohibitive executive orders, often portrayed as selfish, misinformed, privileged whiners, with those involved in Black Lives Matter demonstrations, often portrayed as heroic social justice warriors. “The dropping of mask-shaming reveals a political agenda and double standard on the part of some members of the mainstream media, who have been consumed by pandemic reporting almost exclusively for months,” the resolution reads. “Reporting on protests and riots with the same vigor would require 22 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

DeBerry’s Ouster Proves Democrats Lead Party of Intolerance

the media to directly criticize those same groups they have consistently sought to promote.” The differing coverage of protests that the bill points out is certainly an interesting study in media issues, but some members of the media took offense at the resolution, saying it does not specifically define what “mainstream media” includes, that it lumps all journalists, writers and broadcasters into the same vague category and that the term “mainstream media” can mean vastly different things to different people. Also, “fake news” has become somewhat of a buzzword, a vague insult that can mean different things to different people. This term could be applied to reports that contain totally fabricated and false information. Other times, a media outlet sometimes quotes a source in good faith, but perhaps the source was either misinformed or lying. Others use the phrase “fake news” to describe the distribution of information that may be entirely accurate, but the consumer doesn’t find it to be particularly newsworthy. Many consumers do share the representative’s sentiment that many large media outlets hammer the same talking points over and over, coming across as propaganda aimed to steer society in a certain direction rather than presenting the highest-quality information possible and a wide range of opinions on that information in an effort to enlighten and educate the public. Savvy observers may get the impression that mainstream media seem to thrive on such topics as fear, conflict, pitting two groups against one another, fear, the country’s on fire, the economy’s collapsing, more fear, we’re all doomed, and here’s the weather (and it could be the storm of the century!). Although massive media companies may fill much of their coverage with speculation and conjecture, the opinions of “experts” and entertainment-driven exchanges that may more closely resemble professional wrestling than intelligent debate and discussion, supporters of free speech will defend their right to do so. Viewers may turn away if they are able. Along with free expression rights, consumers have a right to tune in, read and follow what they wish as well. They can have their preconceptions and biases reinforced by their media outlet of choice, or read a wide range of perspectives. Or, whatever their opinions may be, Americans may start a blog, column, publication, podcast or video channel of their own, and really exercise those free speech rights. — BRACKEN MAYO

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA have always been a contact sport—often times, they get downright nasty. The most egregious display of political betrayal I have witnessed in my lifetime is what happened to Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis. Back in April, the Tennessee Democratic Executive Committee voted to take DeBerry off the ballot. They met in an online meeting a few days after the April 2 candidate filing deadline. In an interview with the Memphis Flyer published April 15, DeBerry said he had no prior notice about the committee’s intention or vote. He was “ambushed and blindsided” by the action taken against him, he said. DeBerry’s Republican and Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna), Democratic colleagues in the Minority Leader Karen Camper (D-Memphis) and Rep. John General Assembly expressed DeBerry (D-Memphis). The bust is disappointment and outrage by of Sampson W. Keeble, Tennessee’s the Democratic Party’s actions. first African-American state representative, a Republican who served “The people of his district in the Confederate army. Keeble have sent DeBerry to Nashville served as a state rep from 1873–74. to be their voice 13 times. If someone believes their voices and values are better fits for a district, I encourage them to file for office and make their argument to the voters,” said Rep. Karen Camper, the Democratic House Minority Leader. Rep. Joe Towns (D-Memphis) also expressed his anger, calling the move against DeBerry “a draconian attempt to perceive how a ‘lesser than’ people should behave or vote,” and “this racially motivated and bullying attempt will not be tolerated.” Giving his annual report at his presidential library in Atlanta in 2018, former President Jimmy Carter warned his party, “Don’t go too far to the left. Independents need to know they can invest their vote in the Democratic Party.” DeBerry, a popular and extremely influential 26-year lawmaker and pastor, is known for working across the aisle and getting things accomplished for his district. He was simply kicked off the ballot. What has happened to DeBerry is nothing more than modern-day persecution. I’ve often called Rep. DeBerry the “E.F. Hutton of the Tennessee General Assembly,” drawing from the late-’70s investment firm slogan “when E.F. Hutton talks, people listen”— When Rep. DeBerry talks, people listen—including our governor. DeBerry knows his district, and he sees firsthand the brokenness of families, high fatherless rates, drug addiction, alcoholism, homelessness, lack of opportunities and other issues affecting urban areas. Tennessee needs Rep. DeBerry. He brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience to the Capitol that has helped create good public policy. DeBerry has more influence than the entire Tennessee Democratic Party combined. The absurd effort to remove him is the equivalent of taking Peyton Manning off the field during the Super Bowl. The good news is that we recently passed legislation with overwhelming Republican and Democrat support enabling him to get back on the ballot, and he will seek a 14th term this fall as an independent. Rep. DeBerry, please know that you have touched thousands of lives in cities and towns across Tennessee, and all of your friends are totally behind you. I know you will be back in Nashville serving your district again next year, and I look forward to continuing to partner with you for the betterment of all Tennesseans. The voice of the people—not merely a select few—will once again prevail.

News

FACE-OFF Rutherford County Community Divided Over Mask Mandate BY BRACKEN MAYO TWO WEEKS after distributing a statement that he would not issue an executive order requiring those in Rutherford County to cover their faces while in public, Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron announced that he would officially impose a countywide mask mandate, which began on July 22, in response to the COVID-19 virus. “Rather than strongly encouraging wearing a mask, we are requiring it,” Ketron said. “Some of our citizens and visitors just are not taking this health event seriously enough. We have got to do everything we possibly can to slow the spread of this virus in our communities.” The order had an immediate polarizing effect upon many Rutherford County residents, with many voicing strong opposition to, or support for, the mayor’s Declaration of Public Health Emergency. “My body, my choice,” Nick Bethea said. “I won’t put one on ever.” “I still won’t be wearing one,” Jonna Lilly posted on the Rutherford County Government Facebook page. Tina Shawntay stated “This is a complete violation of our constitutional rights! 24 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

This is not a Middle Eastern country.” And Michelle Lilly said that she did not intend to comply with the directive. Others, many of whom had been pushing for government officials to implement such mandates, celebrated the order as a positive development for the community. “Finally,” Amy Stewart Tollefson said. “Thank you, Mayor Ketron, for doing the right thing to protect the people of Rutherford County even if some of them are too dumb to know it!” Cheryl Wolfe posted. “If wearing a piece of cloth over my face potentially saved the life of another human being, I’ll gladly wear one,” said Amanda Harden. “And if they prove to be ineffective, if my biggest inconvenience is wearing a piece of cloth over my face, then I am happy with having to wear one.” The order came after 41 deaths due to COVID-19 in Rutherford County over a four-month period, according to statistics from the Tennessee Department of Health. While COVID-19 remains a hot topic throughout the summer of 2020, many don’t believe the number of cases and deaths warrant some of the drastic measures taken by some government officials. “[He] just lost some votes,” Patsy Harris said after Mayor Ketron issued the mask order. “We all have been completely lied to and the government (as a whole) is using this for their own agenda,” Josh Gibson wrote in reply to the declaration on social media. “Does the virus exist? Yeah, of

course, but it has been grossly overplayed and inflated.” Jeni Smith speculates that “it’ll go away after the November election.” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee tweeted a plea for Tennesseans to “take the politics out of masks.” Ironically, in the same tweet, he called the wearing of a mask, which so many governing executives have ordered, a “personal decision.” Some observers, though, say they feel like the politicians themselves put the politics into masks by constantly talking about them, and requiring or suggesting their use. “Masks are being politicized because they’re being forced on us,” a Twitter user known as Chelsea Mae tweeted. Other Tennessee residents see wearing a mask, in itself, as only a slight inconvenience, but still a symbol of submission by the masses to the government executives (or the “Deep State,” in the opinion of some). Another Rutherford County resident asks if this mask exercise could be a social experiment preparing the population to more easily accept a vaccine, a microchip, vital sign monitor, internal cashless payment device or a Biblical mark of the beast. Jason Boling says that “requiring a mask to protect the minority who suffer severe cases is like setting your house thermostat to 50 degrees so your perishable food doesn’t spoil. Keep the vulnerable isolated and let asymptomatic people go about normal life.” Even though Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said “please” when he asked residents to abide by the mask order, local

. . . the administration changed positions on a mandate on the wearing of face coverings “after input from local mayors who comprise the Rutherford County Mayor Caucus and other stakeholders, including MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, state and local health experts and civic and business leaders.” resident Brian Davis called those supporting mandatory face coverings “gutless” and “brainwashed,” among other things. Rutherford County Public Information Officer Ashley McDonald said that the administration changed positions on a mandate on the wearing of face coverings “after input from local mayors who comprise the Rutherford County Mayor Caucus and other stakeholders, including MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, state and local health experts and civic and business leaders.” The mask requirement did not apply to those outdoors, in their own residence or automobile, ages 12 and younger, those with an underlying health condition, attending a house of worship or gathering at a voting site. Additionally, a statewide executive order issued by Gov. Lee specified that residents should create their own face coverings out of cloth; “surgical masks and N-95 respirators should be reserved for health care workers and first responders,” Lee’s Executive Order No. 54 stated. According to the Rutherford County Mayor’s Declaration, a violation of the county’s mask order may constitute a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious of Tennessee misdemeanors.

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News

2020 T-BONES AND POLITICS JOE CARR HOSTED THE ANNUAL T-Bones and Politics event on July 18 at the Messick Farm in Lascassas, continuing the Rutherford County summertime tradition of celebrating conservative thought and patriotism. The campaign of Dr. Manny Sethi made the event a stop during the candidate’s packed statewide tour as he runs for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat of outgoing senator Lamar Alexander. At the event, Dr. Manny’s campaign continued to push the message that he is the most conservative choice for the Senate seat, and to position himself as a political “outsider,” someone who has “never run for anything,” Sethi told the crowd in Lascassas on a hot summer evening. All of the proceeds from the 2020 installment of T-Bones and Politic went to the Sethi campaign. “The people don’t want a political insider,” he said. Sethi emphasized to the crowd his stance as pro-life, pro-gun, pro-Trump and proAmerica. “America is the single greatest country in the history of this planet,” he said. Sethi told the story of his parents moving from India to the U.S. to seek a better life for their family. His mother and father went on to become the only two doctors in the Coffee County community of Hillsboro. But as far as the family’s immigration into 26 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Manny Sethi (left) with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

Event gives warm welcome to Dr. Manny Sethi Senate campaign BY BRACKEN MAYO the country, he explained, “They stood in line and waited their turn,” the son of immigrants said as the crowd erupted into applause. “We need someone with a spine in the senate,” Sethi continued. He went on to cover various issues of national importance, bringing jobs back to America, ending the war and charging those who have damaged, defaced or destroyed historical statues with federal crimes. “These people burning, looting, rioting in the streets, they hate America,” Sethi says. The physician says healthcare is a huge issue facing the nation, and, in simple terms, says he will address that issue by advocating for price transparency, getting the government out of the insurance business and encouraging Americans to focus on prevention and healthy lifestyles rather than treatment of disease. Sethi helped launch the Healthy Tennessee organization, which travels throughout Tennessee and provides free health screenings at health fairs in partnership with other organizations and local officials to promote a healthier Tennessee, with the goal being to “help the least of these.” The Sethi campaign continues to cast his leading challenger for the senate seat, Bill Hagerty, as a buddy of Mitt Romney—who voted to impeach President Trump and who marched with Black Lives Matter—and Dr. Manny says that he supported Trump throughout the 2016 primaries, but Hagerty

was a Jeb Bush delegate and donated to Marco Rubio’s campaign. Among the other candidates for the Republican nomination for the U.S. senate seat is Rutherford County resident Aaron Pettigrew. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, of Kentucky, spoke in support of Dr. Sethi at the T-Bones and Politics event. “I’m not supporting many candidates. I’m supporting Dr. Manny because he’s a conservative,” Paul said. “We need Republicans who will vote against this monstrous debt. “We borrow against our kids and our grandkids. It’s delusion,” continued Paul, who recently authored and released the book The Case Against Socialism. “Many of you have had to cut 10, 20, 30

percent [of expenses] from your business in order to survive a year,” Paul told the crowd of Rutherford County business leaders, government officials and political activists and observers. “Government never does that! We shouldn’t be angry, but we should stand for what we believe in.” He went on to say, regarding the sweeping government orders regarding COVID-19, “The governor [of Kentucky specifically, but applicable to many states] shut down the businesses. How do we get beyond that? Just pass out money? Open up the economy and let us work!” to loud applause from the crowd. “Individuals will make their own decisions on what they are comfortable with.” Paul also indicated that he would support Republicans who made efforts to scale back the United States’ involvement in lengthy and expensive foreign conflicts, noting the U.S. military has been in Afghanistan for 19 years. “It’s time to end perpetual war,” Paul said. “The president said in his State of the Union that great countries don’t fight perpetual wars. I couldn’t agree with him more. It’s time to end the war.” Among the other supporters of the Dr. Manny campaign present, former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp lauded him as “someone who will not kowtow to the establishment. . . . I believe conservatism can save America,” Wamp said. J.T. Cooper, a musician and an Army veteran who survived the Black Hawk Down incident in Somalia, sang his patriotic tune “I’m Gonna Stand” at the T-Bones and Politics event. “I’ve walked through the valley of PTSD,” he said. Cooper referenced Dr. Manny’s time serving patients at the VA. “If you spend your time being a doctor for my brothers and sisters, you have my vote,” Cooper said.

RE-ELECT

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Trek Bicycle, Murfreesboro Axe, Amelia’s Closet, Jersey Mike’s, Petland, LazyDays RV, Steered Straight

as they build their skills so they may acquire long-term sustainable employment in the community,” Amelia’s Closet Executive Director Jody Powers shares. Amelia’s Closet works to remove employment barriers for economically and socially disadvantaged individuals and at-risk and marginalized populations, with the goal of ending poverty cycles and other results of hopelessness.

BY BRACKEN MAYO Gary Walker, founder of the retail chain THE GREAT ESCAPE, which carries records, comic books, movies, video games and other pop culture products and operates a store in Murfreesboro’s Jackson Heights Plaza, died at the age of 87 in July 2020. The farm boy from Romance, Missouri, developed an interest in country music early in his life. He went on to attend Southwest Missouri State College and, while still a college student, Porter Wagoner, Carl Smith, Brenda Lee and others recorded songs written by Walker, and his wife, Peggy Jo. Walker moved to Nashville in 1956 and over the next decades became heavily involved in the Nashville music industry as a “song plugger,” recording artist, songwriter, recording studio owner, artist manager, music publisher and record label owner. In the spring of 1974 Walker began selling comic books as a hobby after his son, Greg, developed an interest in collecting them. By the fall of that year, Walker quit the music business entirely to sell comic books full time, at flea markets in Nashville, Memphis and Louisville and at other shows and events. Walker opened The Great Escape’s first brick-and-mortar location on Division Street in Nashville in 1977. Today the company operates stores in Nashville, Madison and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Louisville and Bowling Green, Kentucky, as well as online at thegreatescapeonline.com. Rob and Candace Baker became the majority owners of The Great Escape in 2018, although Gary’s son Greg retained an ownership stake and continues to serve as vice president of the company. Eric McGill has big plans for his new massive property on the Murfreesboro Public Square. McGill purchased two adjacent properties, totaling over 19,000 square feet, at auction on July 30. After placing the $810,000 winning bid for the structures, formerly the Rutherford County Judicial Center, McGill, who also 28 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

A JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS has opened at 2113 Memorial Blvd. Chris Brown owns and operates this franchise location of the sandwich shop. PETLAND has opened at 433 N. Thomp-

 TREK BICYCLE and SANITAS MEDICAL CENTER will become tenants at Parkside Murfreesboro, the same retail center on Memorial Boulevard where Climb Murfreesboro, Primrose Table and The Rain Tree Salon and Spa operate. Trek, one of the global leaders in the design and manufacture of bicycles and related products, will open a corporate-operated store in Murfreesboro during a year that leisure bike sales have jumped. Sanitas Medical Center will provide primary and urgent care. Sanitas serves more than 5 million people globally, with 50 medical centers across the United States. This will be Sanitas Medical Center’s ﬁrst location in Middle Tennessee. owns WHISKEY DIX SALOON on West Main Street, said he plans to renovate the smaller of the two buildings, 124 N. Maple St. as rentable office space. In the main building, 22 N. Public Square, he intends to open a restaurant and bar with live entertainment and even a rooftop patio area.

be housed in the former REOX AUTOMOTIVE garage space, just across the parking lot near Toot’s. “Our newest program and additional facility will provide paid internships for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other employment obstacles

MUFREESBORO AXE has announced that it will move its axe-throwing operation to 211 W. Main St. and will share the building just off of the Murfreesboro Public Square with THE EMPANADA SONATA.

Murfreesboro nonprofit AMELIA’S CLOSET is expanding its mission of helping those struggling to find employment enter the workforce. Since 2015, Amelia’s Closet has helped prepare the unemployed, those released from jail, rehab and shelters, and the otherwise disadvantaged for sustainable employment by providing professional attire, tips for successful interviews and makeovers. Once an individual is hired, she is provided a week’s professional wardrobe from the Amelia’s Closet collection, located in the Jackson Heights Plaza on Broad Street. A new program will

 HUNGRY BEAR CHEESESTEAKS AND WINGS

is now open at 2830 Middle Tennessee Blvd. next to Cup Pop.

son Ln., next to Plato’s Closet and Play N Trade. The store sells a variety of pet food, grooming supplies, toys and more. To view puppies available for adoption locally, visit petlandmurf.com. The Quick Stop Food Mart at 760 E. Northfield Blvd. has become LA FRONTERA CARNICERIA Y TAQUERIA (butcher shop and taco restaurant) offering hot Mexican food items and fresh meat cuts. BOUNCEU has closed at 1222 Park Ave. STEERED STRAIGHT will move its thrift

store into that space. The founder and operator of VIRUS SHIELD, Cash Finerd, has recently moved to Murfreesboro. The product, VS-1000 (Virus Shield) is a multi-purpose, germicidal, virucidal and fungicidal surface cleaner that kills 99.999% of Coronavirus. It deodorizes, disinfects, cleans and sanitizes hard, nonporous, non-food-contact surfaces. Finerd owns a plant in Indiana and makes it there, and will ship the product anywhere—to nursing homes, hotels, schools, fitness centers, churches, tanning salons, households or otherwise—though he wants to let the people of Murfreesboro know they can purchase Virus Shield without paying the shipping fee. To learn more or to order visit virusshieldusa.com or call 615-295-6981. La Flor De Michoacan, an ice cream and paletas shop at 1002 Memorial Blvd., has rebranded and will now operate as SCOOPY’S ICE CREAM BAR. Clothing company H&M will host its grand opening at the Avenue on Aug. 13.

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 Florida-based LAZYDAYS RV, which sells, services and rents recreational vehicles, has announced plans for a Murfreesboro location. The dealership will sit off of Salem Road near I-24 and the coming Costco. “Tennessee has a very large community of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Lazydays Chairman and CEO William P. Murnane. “We are thrilled to expand our footprint in the state of Tennessee.”  CLOSINGS CORNER The last remaining JACK IN THE BOX in Murfreesboro has closed.

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HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS

Floativation

Part 9

BY STEVE MORLEY When I’m in the middle of a dream / Stay in bed, float upstream . . . (“I’m Only Sleeping,” The Beatles) If you caught July’s installment of Floativation, you’ll recall that it kicked off with a Beatles lyric about “floating downstream” from “Tomorrow Never Knows.” “I’m Only Sleeping” (excerpted above) extols the comparable pleasures of “floating upstream,” also in the figurative sense. Examined side by side, the two Beatles songs (both recorded in April of 1966) reveal a degree of thematic similarity: that of escape, both from physical activity and from the overloaded conscious mind. Both songs were initiated by John Lennon, who had adopted a very sedentary lifestyle when at his English home, away from the madness of touring. One lyric in “Sleeping” observes the constant movement of a society running everywhere at such a speed / ’til they find there’s no need. Lennon’s endorsement of slowing down the pace of life has only become more applicable in the decades since. This is one of the primary reasons to consider the benefits of a float tank like the ones I’ve been using for months now at local sanctuary Float Alchemy. And the release found in floating is what Lennon had in mind with both songs . . . the reason why they’re mentioned here. Before float tanks came along and presented Lennon with a quantum leap forward in promoting total, drug-free relaxation via sensory deprivation, the 30 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

homebound Beatle would settle for limiting activity mostly to mental pursuits such as reading and writing, and sleeping as much as possible. Fellow Beatle Paul McCartney would typically wake Lennon in the early afternoons after traveling to his home to commence songwriting sessions like the one in March 1966 that yielded “I’m Only Sleeping.” Sleeping, even a catnap, has numerous known benefits. But a prolonged, conscious experience of the brain’s serene theta state, which occurs as sleep first descends, is usually not one of them. In a float tank, a sustained theta-wave experience is indeed quite possible, allowing one to hover on the blissful brink of sleep without drifting off. You can relax your tired frame on a mattress or sofa, but only in a float tank can every muscle relax simultaneously and the blood circulate unimpeded throughout the entire body. The low-gravity environment in the tank allows the spine to stretch as much as an inch, and permits relief for sufferers of chronic pain. Sleep is a healing and essential respite from mental and physical activity, but a session in a float tank actually prompts the brain to release a flood of endorphins in response to the deep relaxation that occurs. These neurotransmitters can help relieve pain, decrease anxiety or depression, and enhance mood. Floating also decreases chronic muscle tension and creates greater awareness of less noticeable areas of tension and imbalances. In fact,

this was one of the unanticipated benefits I experienced. More on that in just a bit. As I’ve documented in this series (available at boropulse.com/floativation), I started floating to find out what I’d gain. In addition to receiving core benefits like those mentioned above, I was able to customize the journey for my own personal purposes. I was exploring the possibility of womb trauma, wondering whether my own difficulties with physical tension and overall unease could be traced back to a stressful womb environment. I had become curious about how the float tank might be suitable as a specific therapeutic tool addressing my own experience gestating in my mom’s fluid-deficient womb. I haven’t fully answered that question, and neither have researchers . . . yet. In an email to Dr. Justin Feinstein, a prominent neuropsychologist researching the benefits of floating, I asked if he thought the tank was capable of providing compensation for anything I had lacked in the nine months prior to my birth. If a peaceful womb experience produced a calmer human, might a peaceful tank experience show the brain how to access more calm? “These are great questions,” Dr. Feinstein wrote, “and I’ve pondered for quite some time the implications of floatation on early life adversity, including that experienced within the womb. Unfortunately there’s no data to speak to this directly, but I do think you are onto something.” He reported that he’d heard personal anecdotes about the potential benefits patients were seeing relating to early traumatic experiences. “This topic definitely needs to be systematically investigated,” he said in conclusion, wishing me well on my own investigation. So, the matter is a work in progress, exactly like me. Back in March, equipped with a custom-made CD of womb sounds and relevant scriptures, I had embarked on a float that I believed might provide a “surrogate” womb experience calmer than the one I’m pretty sure I had. I’ll be the first to admit the whole idea is a bit off the beaten path, but the mind is capable of surprising things, especially when in the calm state that a float produces. The slowed-down theta brain waves that can accompany the extreme relaxation of a float make it possible for the rational mind to loosen its usual tight grasp. This, I later reckoned, must be what allowed my mind to spontaneously visualize gauzy

silhouettes of two figures alongside me at about waist level, “seen” from an insidelooking-out perspective. A doctor and nurse at a delivery table? Well, seemingly so. The image didn’t last long, but it suggested that my subconscious mind was buying into this back-to-the-womb thing. Interesting. In my spiritually receptive theta-wave state, I was meaningfully affirmed by scriptures included on my soundtrack CD, such as before I formed you in the womb I knew you (Jeremiah 1:5) and for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalms 139:13). It was a memorable and particularly pleasant tank experience, singular among the dozen or so sessions I’d done to date. Do I still have more progress to pursue in overcoming longstanding tension and anxiety? Sure. But in reviewing the past 11 months since I began my floating adventure at Float Alchemy, I’ve gotten some perspective on the process that has unfolded. It’s been a therapeutic as well as organic one, leading to both hoped-for and unanticipated benefits. For example: After several floats, I’d noticed constriction in my hips and groin area I’d previously only been vaguely aware of at best (as mentioned above, the mental clarity of the tank experience calls attention to such things). While I always found the tank to be stress-relieving and refreshing, I often found it a challenge to fully relax my legs at the hip joints. After months of floating, I learned that Float Alchemy owner Amy Grimes’ massage expertise included a technique called Active Isolated Stretching. It only took a few sessions with Amy to begin loosening long-carried tension and expanding my range of motion. My most recent float, a few weeks ago, offered proof of the results I’d gotten: I no longer had difficulty letting my midsection relax entirely, which now easily surrendered along with the rest of my body as I lay atop the salinesupported water. This is a testament not only to the host of complementary services available from the gentle and knowledgeable folks at Float Alchemy, but also to the potential for ongoing progress that floating and deep relaxation make possible. Sounding good to anyone yet? Float Alchemy awaits, Murfreesboro. Tell ’em John Lennon sent you. Find previous installments of this series on the therapeutic resources at Murfreesboro’s Float Alchemy at

boropulse.com/floativation.

FINANCIAL COACHING

BY SHATERIAL STARNES

Address Root-Cause Issues and Take Control of Your Finances TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES

may require taking a long hard look at how you relate to money and what is of importance to you. Many of us may find ourselves in a financial pinch from time to time, but it should not be a regular occurrence. In everything there must be balance, and if you are not ready to address root-cause issues, you will have a challenge moving forward and beginning generational wealth. I know all too well. Becoming financially savvy was an extremely hard road for me. I did not grow up in a household where we discussed money or how it works. In fact, I did not have a clue. These poor financial habits spilled into adulthood and I paid a heavy penalty. The penalties came in the form of late payments, bounced checks, poor credit scores and a car repossession, to name a few. These poor decisions impacted my credit scores and haunted me for years. I realized I was stuck in a financial rut. I could not move forward and in fact was moving backwards. I had to identify the root-cause issues behind my poor financial decisions. Through this deep search of self-discovery, several things were revealed. One, I determined that shopping made me feel good. I found myself shopping when I was sad or depressed. Next, I had grown up in a state of lack and I promised myself that when I started earning money I would buy whatever I wanted, failing to realize I was living in the moment and failing to plan for the future. What a hard lesson to be learned—I had to play catch-up for the years that I lost. Lastly, I did not have an understanding of money or how it works. See, money is neither good nor bad, the trouble is in the emotions that we as people attach to the money. Someone once said money is like an unruly kid; either you will be in control or it will control you. The following are several things I had to learn about money before I could bring about financial change in my life.

 Control Credit and Debit Card Use Leave credit and debit cards at home if you are not disciplined. If you have a habit of emotional shopping, a great idea is to leave your cards at home. Get in the habit of keeping a small amount of cash with you. If you do make a purchase you can only spend the cash you have.

 Diversify Bank Accounts Open more than one bank account—one for your bills and another for savings. I would suggest you open the bank account for savings

at a bank or credit union that is inconveniently located, and without a debit card. If you have both accounts at the same bank you can easily transfer funds back and forth between the two accounts. On the other hand, if you need funds from your savings account and you do not have a debit card attached to the account, you must drive to the location and retrieve funds.

 Track Spending Track your spending habits for a week, or view your bank history for the last week. You can easily determine what is important to you. If you are spending a disproportionate amount of funds in a specific area, cut back. As an example, if you are eating out four times a week, eat out only twice within a week and create meals around what you have at home. Dining out can eat up a large portion of your budget.

 Create a Budget That Works Budgets may scare many people, but understand they are absolutely necessary. Think of a budget as a family plan or your “planning for the future” strategy. Again, track your spending and write down all of your expenses for the month. I recommend you write your initial budget in pencil. Once you pay the bill, write the “actual” amount in pen. It is imperative you revisit your budget and track your estimates and actual costs. Only then will you have a grasp of what you are spending.

 Negotiate With Creditors If you find yourself facing a financial hardship, contact your creditors. Creditors can add months of your bill to the end of your loan (credit cards, utilities, student loans, car payments and mortgage) and they will report ontime payments over the deferred period. If you have recurring debt and are constantly making poor financial decisions, I challenge you to be introspective. This advice is not for people that were impacted by the coronavirus, but for those who had ongoing issues pre-pandemic. Take this time to determine the “why” behind your financial choices. The decisions you make financially can impact your family for generations to come. Are you up for the challenge? Your future generations are counting on you to make great financial choices today. Shaterial Starnes helps individuals and businesses address behaviors that lead them to poor financial choices. For more information, visit coachstarnes.com.

BUSINESS TIPS

Employment Scams, and Legit Local Jobs BY CALEB NIX MANY ARE NOW SEARCHING for work. Beware of scam job postings, fake recruiter emails and work-at-home schemes. These cons often use real company names and can be very convincing. It may look as though you are starting a great new career, but you are really giving personal information or money to scammers. How the Scams Work You spot an ad online or receive a message from an “employer” asking you to apply for a position. The ad likely uses the name of a real business or government agency. Companies small and large—even the BBB itself—have been impersonated. You apply and get a quick response from the “hiring manager.” Many victims report doing an interview through a video chat service. After you are “hired,” the company may charge you upfront for “training” and request personal and banking information to run a credit check or set up direct deposit. You may be “accidentally” overpaid with a fake check and asked to deposit the check and wire back the difference. You may also be told that you need to buy expensive equipment and supplies to work at home. If you question the company about their methods, you’ll likely be met with a defensive response. Employment Scam, Illustrated Christine, a San Diego resident, was looking for some extra income in 2020 to support her family when she received what looked like an incredible offer. “I was emailed by this company called BSJ Shipper,” Christine told the BBB. “I worked for them for almost two months.” Christine’s job involved receiving, inspecting and resending packages—which conveniently could be done remotely. Christine’s payday came and went with nothing sent her way. Christine contacted BSJ to inquire, but the company cut off all communication. Christine had been caught up in a re-shipping scheme, through which

scammers fool unsuspecting “employees” into shipping goods purchased with stolen banking information along a complex route through the postal system. These scams are common; a 2020 BBB report found that 65% of fake online job postings are related to becoming a “warehouse distribution coordinator” or a similarly-titled position involving package reshipment. Christine advises consumers with the maxim, “If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.” Some positions are more likely to be scams—work-from-home, package reshipment and secret shopper jobs, or a job with a generic title such as caregiver, administrative assistant or customer service rep. If the job posting is for a well-known brand, check the real company’s job page to see if the position is posted there. Look online; if the job comes up in other cities with the exact same post, it’s likely a scam. Any pressure to sign onboard is a red flag. Watch out for on-the-spot job offers, and offers made without an interview. A real company will want to talk to a candidate before hiring. Be careful if a company promises you a big income under the condition that you pay for coaching, training, certifications or directories. Don’t fall for an overpayment scam; no legitimate job would ever overpay an employee and ask for money to be wired elsewhere. Government agencies post all jobs publicly. The U.S. and Canadian federal governments and postal services never charge for information about jobs or applications for jobs.  Businesses currently offering legitimate job opportunities in Murfreesboro include: Amada Senior Care eric.kabe@amadaseniorcare.com Anderson Cabinet andersoncabinetllc@gmail.com Automotive Technology & Transmissions melinda.smith6298@gmail.com Batteries Plus Bulbs gita.nightingale@batteriesplus.com Fred’s Flooring Floor Installers jodi@fredsfloors.com Loveless Fine Photography 615-890-1558 MARS Appliance service@marsboro.com Newsom’s Heat & Air newsomhvac@gmail.com Roscoe Brown roscoebrown.com/careers For more local employment opportunities, visit boropulse.com/bbbjobs. BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2020 * 31

Opinion Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

What Makes You Come Alive? “DON’T ASK WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” That is one of my favorite quotes from Howard Thurman. When you are alive you are full of energy, vitality, alertness, activity, awareness, life and spirit. This is the feeling that spurs you on to engaging more fully in whatever you are doing. This kind of aliveness and energy is what motivates others to join forces in creating momentum or change. New ideas often bring zeal to conversations and calls to action. Recently, I was asked to be a guest on a Christian Television Network show called Bridges with host Monica Schmelter. She heard me speak earlier in the year at a Christian-based networking luncheon on how God has impacted my professional life and business. I was touched that the message I had delivered made enough of an impression on her to ask me on her show. “The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer.” — Henry David Thoreau What I enjoyed about the process of being a guest on her show was the preparation in asking some preliminary questions that would help her know me and my story a little bit better. The two questions that really stood out were in regard to what I felt my ministry was (a look at what God has called you to do) and “felt needs” (what needs your ministry meets and how you connect with local people). It’s sometimes difficult looking at what we do as a ministry. Many usually only associate that with church and pastors. As I gave real consideration to the questions, I could see we all have a ministry we are tending to. I looked up the definition of “ministry” and could see that providing service or being of service with a divine purpose is a close fit without being directly related to a church organization. I encourage you to determine what your own ministry is. You may have, or have had, multiple ministries in your lifetime. Most often, these are what make you “come alive.”

I often dig deep for this answer to continue to fill and inspire me, and to keep me on the right path. I believe overall that God has called me to be an expression of radiant light and love through nurturing others. This is significantly demonstrated through my work, church, community involvement, friendships and pretty much every area of my life! As a nurturer, I would say that the art of listening to others without judgment and providing comfort, understanding and compassion are key qualities. These qualities have had a direct impact on others by providing a form of care in my business—The Nurture Nook Day Spa—and through speaking engagements where ideas are presented, exchanged and practiced, and individuals can walk away with tools that aid in looking for answers they seek to life’s challenges. “Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.” — Henry David Thoreau The other question was about the needs my ministry meets. Daily I see firsthand how humanity needs to breathe more. People crave more space in their lives for simply being. People hold a lot inside. So much information comes in moment by moment that you have to allow “exformation” (letting it out, letting it go) to occur in order not to let things get bottled up. It is also important to feed the soul. This can be done with planned or even spontaneous “time-outs” that refill your energy. My ministry (the spa) provides such time-outs for guests to feed the soul through. We also provide tools for use in daily life (for example: breathing techniques, mental practices of awareness, stretching). We are active in our community and assist with many charitable events, causes, organizations and fundraisers. I wanted to share my answers with you to give you some ideas on how to determine your own personal ministry and how it is shared with others. If you can’t wait to get up in the morning and live this, then keep pursuing what you love until you do. The world needs you to live your passion.

“It’s sometimes difficult looking at what we do as a ministry. Many usually only associate that with church and pastors . . . we all have a ministry we are tending to.”

32 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Doctors Begin to Rally Behind Hydroxychloroquine to Treat COVID Patients VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

Dr. Harvey Risch had had enough. Risch is a medical doctor with a PhD and is a professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health. He’s published over 300 peer-reviewed publications. His credentials are beyond reproach, even for the activist media. He wrote an editorial for Newsweek in which he was livid over the demonization of hydroxy. He cited study after study in which the drug had been used in hospitals around the world with amazing results. He lamented that some heroic doctors continue to save lives with hydroxy and are fighting medical boards to save their licenses. “As a result,” he writes, “tens of thousands of patients with COVID-19 are dying unnecessarily.” Think of that. Tens of thousands of people are dying just so Trump doesn’t get re-elected. A few days after Dr. Risch’s scathing editorial, a group of doctors calling themselves America’s Frontline Doctors held a press conference in Washington echoing Dr. Risch’s editorial. Dr. Stella Immanuel, a primary care physician in Houston, told of how she had treated over 350 patients with COVID, some with diabetes, some with high blood pressure, some with asthma. She had also treated numerous elderly patients. The combination of hydroxy with Zithromax and zinc had given her remarkable results. “After taking care of over 350 patients,” she said, “we’ve not lost one.” In an unprecedented move, big pharma has pressured many pharmacists into not filling prescriptions for hydroxy, and this despite the doctor’s expertise and judgment. Some pharmacists claim to know more than the doctors. It truly is shocking. Meanwhile, Moderna and others are in the final stages of vaccine trials. I have no problem with a vaccine, but if there’s something already out there that keeps COVID patients from dying, why aren’t we using it? Because President Trump recommended it, and if it does work—which it certainly appears to do—then this whole nightmare is over. The economy is instantly reopened. We go back to normal at the snap of a finger. That’s the worst nightmare of the liberals and the left-wing media. And they’re willing to kill to keep it from happening.

ydroxychloroquine is making a comeback. The most politically maligned drug in history is finally being recognized for the miracle that it is. You know the story. President Trump mentioned the potential benefits of the drug, and the left-wing media set about to destroy it. It’s rather simple, yet sad. The leftists in the media can’t have a happy ending to the coronavirus pandemic as long as Donald Trump is in office. So, a drug that’s been around for 70 years was maliciously portrayed in the media as dangerous. Even the usually levelheaded Neil Cavuto on Fox Business Channel was sucked in, declaring hysterically, “This will kill you.” “Big pharma has Cavuto and others were bamboozled by a report on a supposed study by the VA that turned out to be an observational study rather than a clinical study. That means someone took data and analyzed it rather than conducting a study themselves. That someone was Scott Sutton, who was paid to do the study by Gilead Sciences. That name sound familiar? That’s the maker of Remdesivir, a rival drug that costs thousands of dollars, while hydroxychloroquine costs just pennies. Mr. Sutton cherry-picked patients who were in the last stages of life, most dying of something other than COVID. Still, the FDA reversed its emergency-use order for hydroxychloroquine. Countries that had been having great success with the drug, like Switzerland, pulled the drug under pressure and their death rates spiked.

pressured many pharmacists into not filling prescriptions for hydroxy . . . some pharmacists claim to know more than the doctors. It truly is shocking.”

Phil Valentine is heard each weekday afternoon on SuperTalk 99.7FM in Nashville and online at 997wtn.com. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com. BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2020 * 33

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

Sports Leagues Cranking Back Up and Titans Training Camp Begins, but No Vic Beasley . . . Yet THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Let me start this article off positive, something that has been hard to do at times throughout 2020. I pray for this country. For over 200 years this country has dealt with countless incidents and we always come through stronger. America is the land of the free and home of the brave! I know I am blessed to have been born in America— and whether you realize it or not, so are you! That is why you will never catch the Train Daddy kneeling for the anthem or supporting such nonsense. I also send my prayers and regards out to you, the reader, as we as a nation deal with coronavirus and its effects. Financially speaking many of you have suffered. More importantly, it has been taxing on many Americans’ mental health. Someday in the near future coronavirus will be no more than a college class, “Coronavirus 101.” Think about that. We’re living right now through an incredibly rare moment in American history that will be well remembered and documented. I imagine history will have found us lacking in many aspects and remarkable in others. LET US TALK SPORTS! I am glad to see numerous leagues getting underway even with this virus still among us. The NBA has recently tipped off and created such a bubble that I do not think anything will be able to get through. It seems very safe. Baseball should have paid more attention to safety measures and less attention to social issues, as the commissioner of the MLB looks to point the blame amid outbreaks in the league. Commissioner Manfred said this: “The players need to be better, but I am not a quitter in general and there is no reason to quit now. We have had to be fluid, but it is manageable.” That comment upset some players and health experts, but does any comment in today’s woke culture not offend someone? Major League Baseball has already had a few outbreaks—20 cases among the Marlins and a growing number among the Cardinals. Only two weeks into the season numerous

34 * AUGUST 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

VIC BEASLEY

AJ BROWN

teams have already had their schedules beaten up due to coronavirus. No doubt the league’s protocols and each player’s responsibility have come into question. Lastly, regarding baseball, “go Braves!” It’s been a great start to the season, putting a beatdown on the Mets numerous times. “Chop On” or “For the A,” whatever slogan is more appropriate. I do not care! I just love seeing the Braves win. Basketball is one of the easier sports to create a bubble around. With that said, there will be no excuse for the NFL when the season kicks off. The billion-dollar machine known as the NFL better get this right and be taking notes. I am all for player safety and also for the fans of the game, but an absence of football would equal real depression for many Americans. It’s great to see the Predators on the ice again! Hopefully they will advance and play some good hockey. It was refreshing to see a league not disrespect the anthem! It upset the progressives; I even saw the hashtag #kneel4hockey trending after opening weekend, as mad fans took pictures of themselves kneeling because the league was not. I won’t say anything else about that, except I’m laughing right now! Faaaang Fingers! TITANS FOOTBALL Alright, let us get into what really matters—Titans football. Training camp has started and aside from one of the Titans’ biggest off-season additions, outside linebacker Vic Beasley, not showing up, everything looks good. All reports state the genius Titans GM Jon Robinson has talked to Beasley and told him his absence is unexcused. Robinson also told the media Beasley stated he will report at some point. Not a good way to start your one-year $9 million prove-it deal. The 2016 NFL sack leader gave no call, no excuse and told nobody why he was not at camp. Players have

MARLINS

the choice to opt out of the season, but they do not have the option to be non-communicative. If Beasley remains absent it will start costing him a lot of money. Say goodbye to some of that $6 million signing bonus! The Titans did what all the experts said was impossible. They signed Tannehill and King Henry to long-term deals. Titan-up! All the experts claimed it was one or the other with a deal and the other would be forced to play on a franchise tag. I am so excited we have these two playmakers in Titan uniforms for the foreseeable future. All you Titans fans should be overly excited! This 2020 Titans team will be a surprising threat on the defensive side of the ball, making big strides from last year’s unit. The offense won’t miss a step and will continue to be that team employing a ball-control offense that uses King Henry to set up the play-action passing game. Ryan Tannehill was the most productive QB in the league in 2019 regarding play action passes, and he led the league in passer rating with a 117.5—the fourth-highest rating of all time. The emergence of star wide receiver A.J. Brown should have all Titans fans jittery. NFL TOP 100 Did any of you watch the NFL’s Top 100? I love the show, but it is nothing more than a popularity contest with players voting on which 100 players had the most successful season. The Titans had a fair showing with fpur players from 2019’s team making the list. For the first time in Titans history, the team had a player in the Top 10. King Henry landed at No. 10. He was the second-highest-rated running back behind Christian McCaffrey. No doubt McCaffrey is a better all-around running back, but Henry had a better overall season, and deserved to be in that Top 5 ranking. Henry finished the season leading the NFL with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 rushing

touchdowns. Henry also rushed for over 400 yards in the playoffs and was the only back in the league to average over 100 yards a game. That is why the Titans recently awarded Henry a four-year, $50 million contract extension, making Henry the fifth-highest paid RB in the league. The Titans also had three other players make the list. Logan Ryan at #60, Ryan Tannehill at #68 and Jurrell Casey at #71. The fact that Titans receiver A.J. Brown did not make the list is laughable. Brown was the only rookie from 2019 to have over 1,000 receiving yards. Yet somehow the Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf made the Top 100. I get it, it’s a bigger-market team that includes superstar Russell Wilson, but let’s not act like A.J Brown didn’t have more receiving yards, more touchdowns, fewer drops and fewer fumbles than D.K. did. Let’s also not act like A.J. was the #1 WR in Tennessee all season covered by the best while D.K was the #2 behind Tyler Lockett, who took much of the pressure away from D.K. Let’s also not act like Redskins (or Football Team or whatever) rookie Terry McLaurin was not also better than D.K. in 2019, because he was. McLaurin, at 85.7, posted the highest rookie grade in the past decade since OBJ’s DOUBLE STANDARD If you want to see what a double standard looks like in today’s politically charged world of sports, research this. Take a look at Saints quarterback Drew Brees and then take a look at Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. Drew said he wasn’t a fan of kneeling for the anthem and DeSean shared and loudly supported racist rhetoric against Jews and their “plan for world domination,” all while praising the hate-filled minister Louis Farrakhan, the same preacher who referred to Judaism as a “dirty religion” and said Hitler was “a very great man.” Drew gave an opinion, DeSean spread ignorant hate, and in the end Drew was attacked by the media along with athletes such as LeBron James and a host of celebrities. Shortly after all that, DeSean’s incident took place with much less backlash. The Eagles organization did condemn Jackson’s words, at least. The owner of the team is Jewish! Yet sadly, many who loudly wanted Drew canceled had nothing to say about DeSean, with some former players even showing support for the outspoken receiver. So, I remind you to take a moment and try and think logically. This incident is a very recent example of how cancel culture works. It’s nothing more than the mob coming after anyone who doesn’t think like they do, and more people need to stand up to it. That’s it. The Train is rolling into the station. Choo-choo! BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2020 * 34

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