Aug. 2018 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

AUGUST 2018 / VOL. 13, ISSUE 8 / FREE

Middle Tennessee’s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

Show Le

the Honey

Molly’s Sweet Shop Offers Local Honey and Homemade Baked Goods

CoreLife Hosting Saturday Fitness and Nutrition Sessions

Boro Art Crawl Back on Aug. 10 Map on Page 25

IN MUSIC

UPTOWN LIVE / BOROSTOCK / THREAT FEST / WILSON COUNTY FAIR / SKYLAR GREGG

Murfreesboro City Employee Fired After Using CBD Oils

Contents ON THE COVER: “Tennessee Honey” oil painting by Gabrielle Davis to be on display at Sugaree’s during Boro Art Crawl, Aug. 10.

14 IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

THREAT FEST Idle Threat again hosts weekend of indie rock and metal in Smyrna.

SWEET LIKE HONEY Molly’s Sweet Shop offers honey, bee pollen and baked goods.

4 Events

24 Art

38 Opinion

THIS MONTH

POETRY

RECIPE FOR EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS

Find Your Fit, Fiber Arts Fair, Art in the Park, Ballroom BRA and more!

8 Sounds CONCERTS

Hobo Cane, Jack Popek, The O’Donnells, Obelisk and more! MUSIC NOTES

EVENTS AT CORELIFE Medical Center Parkway restaurant hosts Saturday fitness events.

Borostock, Wilson County Fair, Uptown Live, Justin Reed ALBUM REVIEWS

Skylar Gregg Ghost Gore

BORO ART CRAWL Friday evening art event returns to downtown Murfreesboro shops.

CBD CONCERNS City of Murfreesboro employee fired for legal CBD oil use.

14 Food REVIEW

Nobody’s Grille

17 Living GARDENING

Cover Crops

LIVE . . . WELL!

3 Keys to Happiness

Advertising: Don Clark Leslie Russell-Yost

BOROPULSE . COM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Art Director: Sarah Mayo Copy Editor: Steve Morley

24 Poetry in the Boro BOOK

Sons of Barbee Collins PHIL WAGNER

Local artist decorates Pulse newsrack; to exhibit work during Boro Art Crawl

30 Movies REVIEWS

Ant Man and the Wasp, Sorry to Bother You LIVING ROOM CINEMA

Cultural Correlation

NEW RELEASES

Christopher Robin, The Meg, Alpha, A.X.L. and more

From a State Board member SPIRITUAL MATTERS

The Voice of God READING

Ecce Deus: Essays on the Life and Doctrine of Jesus Christ THE STOCKARD REPORT

Sparks good for some silly comments. PHIL VALENTINE

Russia sows discontent in the US. HIGHER THOUGHTS

For everyday living

34 News

46 Sports

Big Creek Winery Tasting Room, Boro Town Cakes, Ichiban, Remington Room

Lewan gets paid.

BUSINESS BUZZ

Contributors: Jennifer Durand, Joseph Kathmann, Jordan Hall, Rick Malone, Zach Maxfield, M.C. Radford, Justin Reed, Edwina Shannon, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Sam Stockard, Norbert Thiemann, Phil Valentine, Kory Wells, Andrew Wigdor, Michelle Willard

SPORTS TALK BLUE RAIDERS

2018 Football season opens Sept. 1.

Copyright © 2018, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Murfreesboro 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

SIGN UP to receive our weekly digital newsletter at BoroPulse.com/Newsletter 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 • 615-796-6248 To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com

PEOPLE OF TENNESSEE: I AM HOPEFUL that your Independence Day turned into an entire Independence Month, filled with delicious grilled meats and colorful explosions and other displays of patriotism and freedom. Murfreesboro organizations offer so many activities for all ages that one single individual can not enjoy and participate in them all. Rock climbing, concerts, running groups, knitting groups, singing groups, hiking groups, art groups, chess groups, Shakespeare groups, networking groups, meditation groups, fundraising groups, motorcycle groups, acting groups, karate, soccer, vacation Bible schools and scouting—pick one or two and go all in! Some Mayday patrons and Pulse readers showed up for the American Red Cross blood drive at Mayday Brewery last month to donate a pint of their finest (blood, not ale) to the cause. For many, the July event marked their first time donating, in hopes that it would fill the veins of another human undergoing a major surgical procedure. Anyway, this was the editor’s first experience donating the valuable red gold running through his strong and healthy self; the process is not totally painless, but not too bad. Murfreesboro venues continue to host lots of music this August: Borostock, Shred Fest, Uptown Live, First Friday, metal, country, rock, bluegrass. Check out the concert calendar and discover a new local independent artist. Do something of value. Continue doing it. Be excellent. Create what you’re best at, and I believe there is room for all to succeed. I believe “hypercompetitive” accurately describes the restaurant scene in this town. Yes, many restaurants continue to open in Murfreesboro, but as they do, they split the market to a point where other established businesses feel it necessary or prudent to close shop. Those who want to make it in the restaurant business in the area must understand they should be excellent and valuable. Personal trainer Jim Genet keeps pushing me a little closer towards excellence. One step at a time. Push your perimeter. I believe in a few more months he’ll have me whipped into a fairly strong paper boy. Thanks to all of the fine supporters of the Pulse, including those who help me and the family stay healthy. Many outfits in town aim to help keep their customers in optimum health—The Ascent, Balance Anew Massage, Murfreesboro Athletic Club, Sunshine Nutrition, Alex Antoine, Float Alchemy, Bill Taylor Bushido School of Karate, The Nurture Nook and other great local people and organizations are there to help you achieve your fitness goals. Thanks to my lovely wife for cooking up all of those delicious Tennessee vegetables and Batey meat for me. Let us know of any local projects, events, places or ideas that your fellow Pulse readers may enjoy learning about: bracken@boropulse.com. Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Lock up your chickens tight and give your family members a hug. Appreciate what you have today, for tomorrow it may be gone so soon. Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

every month from noon–1:30 p.m. Any woman who has lost her spouse through death, divorce, desertion or imprisonment is encouraged to attend. Make a reservation at wingsofhopewidowsministry.com or text 931-636-4359. For more information, contact call 615-848-2550 x 2506.

AUG. 7 NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME The 35th Annual National Night Out Against Crime is designed by CrimeStoppers to get neighbors together with an evening of fun and food. Neighbors get to know each other and learn to be on the lookout for anything strange and, when appropriate, to report it to police. The free event is held at SportsCom from 5–8:30 p.m., and also at both Patterson Park and the Murfreesboro Square from 5:30–8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 7. All sites have games, food, educational materials and more. This is sponsored by the Murfreesboro Police Department and Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department.

AUG. 6 BEE KEEPERS CLUB The Rutherford County Bee Keepers Club meets at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) the first Monday of every month from 7–8 p.m. For more information, call 615-898-7710.

AUG. 10 THROUGH AUG. 4 INTERNATIONAL GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Watch a variety of lively classes in various riding disciplines featuring the nation’s top walking horses and exhibitors at Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304 W. Thompson Ln.). Admission and parking are free. Enjoy concessions on the grounds and a climatecontrolled facility. For more information, visit walkinghorseowners.com or call 615494-8822.

AUG. 2, SEPT. 6 MASTER GARDENERS Master Gardeners meets the first Thursday of every month in the Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 7–9 p.m. The August class will cover how to turn weed-infested areas into a beautiful lawn or healthy garden. Speakers are Rocky and Gaye Bernard. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

AUG. 3 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE The monthly concert series continues with The O’Donnells at the Murfreesboro Public Square, Friday, Aug. 3, beginning at 6:30

p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

AUG. 2, 7, 16 AND 21 FREE MEDITATION CLASSES Learn more about meditation with free classes on Aug. 2, 7, 16 and 21 from 5–6:30 p.m. with meditation teacher Venerable Ekachai at Dhammakaya Meditation Center (2033 Ghee Rd.). Join a Buddhist monk teacher in exploring a spiritual path that emphasizes insight and experience

over dogma and belief for a healthy body, peaceful mind and life enhancement. For more information, find MeditationRightInTennessee on Facebook or contact 615752-1284 or meditationrighttn@gmail.com.

AUG. 6 WIDOWS HELP Wings of Hope offers a lunch and information session for widows at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (1267 Rutherford Blvd., in the Fellowship Hall) the first Monday of

AUG. 8 LIVING SENT MINISTRIES The next meeting of Living Sent Ministries Murfreesboro is Wednesday, Aug. 8, at The Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.) from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Longtime businessman and new director of Greenhouse Ministries in Murfreesboro Bill Rawnsley is the application speaker. Jesse Davis, co-founder of Recon Secure Computing, shares his God story. Living Sent Ministries aims to inspire and equip business and professional leaders to live out their Christian faith all week long. A free lunch is provided. Please RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP Join the Alzheimer’s Association Support Group the second Friday of every month from 10–11 a.m. at the St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.). They provide emotional, educational and social support for family caregivers of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. For more information, call 615-8482550 x 2506 or visit murfreesborotn .gov/seniorcenter.

AUG. 10 BORO ART CRAWL Check out works from a variety of artists at the Boro Art Crawl, on Friday, Aug. 10, from 6–9 p.m. on the Murfreesboro Public Square and other downtown venues. Admission is free. Enjoy treats at some locations and view and purchase one-ofa-kind works of art. Find a map and a full list of locations on page 25.

AUG. 11 KEN VENDERPOOL AT LINEBAUGH Join local author Ken Venderpool at the Linebaugh Library (111 W. Vine St.) Sat., Aug. 11, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. to sign his

AUG. 10 FIND YOUR FIT Music City Murders series. An alumni of MTSU, Venderpool studied psychology and sociology with a concentration in criminology. He currently lives in Murfreesboro and is working on the fifth installment of the Music City Murders series, expected to be released in 2019. Book copies are available for $15 each. For more information, call 615-893-4131.

AUG. 11 AND 18 SAM DAVIS HOME CONCERT SERIES Enjoy the Summer Concert Series at the Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) with live music starting at 3:30 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 11 and 18. For more information, call 615-459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.

AUG. 11 TN USSSA ALL STATE GAMES The All-State Games showcase softball players who have been selected by their head coach throughout the season for displaying great overall effort as well as displaying great sportsmanship. Only players from the state of Tennessee are eligible for the All-State Games. The games will be at Starplex (120 Dejarnette Ln.) Saturday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. For more information, visit tnusssa.com/all-state-games.

AUG. 14 INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT SEMINAR Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St., first floor Club Room) welcomes Dr. Rishi Saxena for a seminar Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m., covering key investment strategies to prepare for retirement. Free and open to the public, Investing for Retirement spotlights some of the ways you can start investing now. A cardiologist by profession, Dr. Saxena has been successfully investing for over 23 years in equities, bonds and real estate, and wants to share his wisdom with others. No reservations necessary. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

AUG. 14 RUTHERFORD CABLE Rutherford Cable begins a year-long celebration of its 10th anniversary Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 7:30–9 a.m. at Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.).

Trainer Dani D. unites the fitness community for a fun day of activities at Murfreesboro’s first Find Your Fit Event Friday, Aug. 10, at Fountains at Gateway, 1500 Medical Center Pkwy, from 5:30–9 p.m. Enjoy a live DJ, sponsors and vendors, food truck, healthy treats and post/ pre-workout fuel alongside workouts. Proceeds from Find Your Fit Murfreesboro will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information, visit bit.ly/ﬁtboro18.

business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.

AUG. 17 3RD FRIDAY CONCERT Join Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) for the 3rd Friday Night Concert Series Friday, Aug. 17, from 7–9 p.m. Admission is free. Please bring a lawn chair or a blanket; concessions are available. For more information, call 615-890-0355 or visit cityofmurfreesborotn.gov.

AUG. 17 Rebecca Climer, former Saint Thomas Health Chief Marketing Officer, is now of counsel with health care consulting company Jarrard, Phillips, Cate and Hancock, and is the keynote speaker that morning discussing “What it Is, What it Isn’t, and Why it’s Important.” Climer explains how the mentoring role has evolved over time, the benefits of the mentoring relationship to both mentor and mentee, roles and responsibilities of both and steps to establish and maintain a positive relationship, the difference between a mentor and a coach, and mentoring both in and out of the work environment. Rutherford Cable promotes the professional advancement of women and holds monthly breakfast meetings the second Tuesday of each month. Register at rutherfordcable.org.

AUG. 14 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce presents Business After Hours, an informal business networking event, on

AUG. 11 FIBER ARTS FAIR The Almaville Fire Department (911 One Mile Lane, Smyrna) hosts the Fiber Arts Fair on Saturday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Area craftsmen showcase and sell quilts, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and sewing. In addition, the Fire Department Auxillary sells baked goods and lunch. For information, contact 615-305-2035.

Visit BOROPULSE.COM/EVENTS for more community events

Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 5–7 p.m. at Smyrna/ Rutherford County Airport Authority, 278 Doug Warpoole Rd., Smyrna. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information, visit rutherfordchamber.org.

AUG. 16 THE CONNECTION Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, 114 N. Church St. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. An open roundtable discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the

QUILT TOUR Ride a charter bus to enjoy The Rutherford County Quilt Tour at Lane Agri Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) Friday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. See the large quilt squares that are hand-painted on barns and mills in rural Rutherford County. Each block has a story including designs based on antiques and farm family quilts. The tour includes a delicious lunch at a quilt stop. Total cost is $40. Register by contacting 615-8987710 or cybush@utk.edu.

AUG. 17 GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP The third Friday of every month, join the Grief Support Group at the St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) from 10–11 a.m. This is free for persons age 60+ who are in need of emotional and physical support in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Grief may come from many life changes including death, divorce, health and more. For more information, call 615-848-2550.

AUG. 17–25 WILSON COUNTY FAIR Come out for the 2018 Wilson County Fair Aug. 17–25 at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center (945 East Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon). Celebrate the Year of Milk, music by Ronnie Milsap and Confederate Railroad among various other entertainment acts, animal shows, barrel racing, creative arts, photography contest, food competitions and baking contests, antique car show, demolition derby events, kids night events, pageants, talent competitions, giveaways and more. For more information, visit wilsoncountyfair.net. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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AUG. 18 MUSICAL ARTS FUNDRAISER American Musical Arts Group will host a yard sale fundraiser behind Slick Pig Barbecue, 1920 E. Main St., from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. The AMA Group presents the Dewdrop Jamboree variety show, and otherwise aims to help preserve, promote and showcase the many varied American styles of music. For more information or to make a donation to the yard sale, call 615-546-0351.

AUG. 18

AUG. 20

SPECIAL KIDS CELEBRATION Join Special Kids in celebrating 20 years of service to the community Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church (655 W. Thompson Ln.). The Celebration features free sensory-friendly games and activities, as well as local shops and food vendors for the whole family. Enjoy games, live music, a motorcycle ride, car show and petting zoo. Later in the evening, the celebration continues at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre for the 3rd annual Special Kids Concert from 7–10 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) presented by Ole South Properties and featuring local musicians Cody Carnes, Sara Reeves and Daniella Mason. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Ticket sales benefit children with special needs receiving therapy and nursing care at Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center. For more information on the celebration and on Special Kids, visit specialkidstn.com/20thcelebration or specialkidsconcert.org. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

AUG. 18 ART IN THE PARK Smyrna welcomes the community to its first pop-up art show, Art in the Park, Saturday, Aug. 18, at Paul Johns Neighborhood Park (2900 Iona Dr.) from 8 a.m.–noon. Show off your family–friendly art with a networking group of fine artists promoting the creative arts in the community. There is no submission or registration fee, but artists are asked to post a message on the Smryna Artist Cooperative Facebook page. For more information, visit facebook.com/smyrnaarts or call 615-4599742 x 2197.

AUG. 18 DOUGHBOY CHALLENGE The Doughboy Challenge 5K is an annual fun run at the Murfreesboro Civic Center Plaza (111 W. Vine St.) happening Aug. 18 from 7–9 a.m.. It is family friendly event that includes runners, walkers and strollers. All proceeds benefit United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. Register at bit.ly/DOUGHBOY.

AUG. 18 PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP The Parkinson Support Group meets at 6 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

the St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) the third Saturday every month from noon–2 p.m. Meetings consist of speakers presenting education and giving members opportunity to share concerns and experiences about Parkinson’s Disease. For more information, contact 615-848-2550 or dbrown@murfreesborotn.gov.

MEMORY CAFÉ Memory Café is for those suffering memory loss and their caregivers to provide a relaxed friendly occasion to talk, laugh and experience friendship. This is the third Monday of every month from 2–3 p.m. at Through the Grapevine (630 Broadmor Blvd., Suite 190). For more information, call 615-848-2550.

AUG. 23 DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUP Join the Diabetic Support Group at the St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) the fourth Thursday of every month from 1–2 p.m. This is a support group for individuals with diabetes, their caregivers and people who want to learn more about

the disease. For more information, call 615-848-2550.

AUG. 25 BALLROOM BRA Ballroom BRA throws a celebration hosted by Kelly Lee Salon and sponsored by Tarola Plasic Surgery at Main Street Music (527 W. Main St.) Saturday, Aug. 25. All proceeds benefit Reconstructing for Life, a local organization that raises money and awareness for Breast Cancer Reconstruction. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and two local artists—Beth Boudreaux and Kelly LaMure—painting live. Both finished pieces of artwork will be auctioned off at the end of the night. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m. Minus One, Kelly Lee Culbreth and Erik Hiser will perform live music. For more information, find Ballroom BRA – Launch Party 2018 on Eventbrite.

AUG. 25 FRIENDS OF INDIA CELEBRATION Friends of India of Murfreesboro invites the public to its India Independence Day function at the Patterson Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) Saturday, Aug. 25, from 3–7 p.m. It begins with a variety show followed by Indian dinner. Tickets are $10–15. The talent show features

AUG. 18 SHAKESPEARE ALLOWED Rutherford County’s Shakespeare Allowed group meets at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) the third Saturday of every month from noon–2 p.m. to read through all his works. For more information, visit rucoshakes.org or find Rutherford County Shakespeare Society on Facebook.

AUG. 18 MTSU PIGSKIN PREGAME The MTSU Alumni Association invites you to Pigskin Pregame, the official kickoff party of MTSU Football and a scholarship fundraiser, at Steel Barrel Brewery at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.), Saturday, Aug. 18, for dinner, drinks and music. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, which is awarded to children and grandchildren of MTSU alumni. Purchase tickets at mtalumni.com/pigskin2018. For more information, call 615-898-2922.

AUG. 22–SEPT. 1 WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION The historic Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville (1110 N. Evans St., Shelbyville) is home to The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, which takes place each year in late summer for the 11 days ending on the Saturday night before Labor Day. For more information, call 931-684-5915 or visit twhnc.com.

AUG. 27–28 GRASS MASTERS CLASS Grass Masters Class is free at the Lane Agri Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) Aug. 27 and 28 from 6–9 p.m. Mitchell Mote teaches lawn care and maintenance. Registration is required. For more information, call 615-898-7710.

dancing, singing, music and celebrating followed by a catered dinner. Co-chairs are Sunita Agrawal and Sonal Gupta. For tickets, call 512-788-5300 or find FIAM Independence Day Celebration on events.sulekha.com.

AUG. 26 FREE CLOTHES AND FOOD Free food and clothes are given away at the Oakland Park 7th Day Adventist Church (711 N. Maney Avenue) the fourth Sunday of every month from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, call 615-410-7552.

TUESDAYS FAMILY GAME TIME Enjoy Family Game Time Tuesday nights at the Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 7–9 p.m. This free event features board games where families come and enjoy bonding time together. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

TUESDAYS CHESS CLUB The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the McDonald’s at 1706 Memorial Blvd. Chess players of all levels are invited to come out and meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, call 615-713-9256.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS RUTHERFORD COUNTRY

FARMERS’ MARKET Join local producers at the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) every Tuesday and Friday from 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Enjoy fresh produce, nursery items, local honey, farm-fresh cheese, meats, soaps and eggs; participate in a free class at 9 a.m. For more information, call 615898-7710.

WEDNESDAYS WRITERS GROUP The Murfreesboro Writers Group meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

SATURDAYS MURFREESBORO SATURDAY MARKET Attend the Murfreesboro Saturday Market every Saturday from 8 a.m.–12 p.m., held around the inner circle of the Rutherford County Courthouse. Shop for all-natural, farm-fresh foods, flowers and household items. For more information, visit downtownmurfreesboro.com or call 615-895-1887.

SATURDAYS SMYRNA FARMERS’ MARKET Smyrna Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays through Sept. 17 from 8 a.m.–noon at the Smyrna Train Depot (98 Front St., Smyrna). For more information, visit townofsmyrna.org. BOROPULSE.COM

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Sounds

Read more about local restaurants at

BoroPulse.com/Category/Food

Like Nobody’s Business Nobody’s providing barbecue, sports, wings, karaoke, drinks and more STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO

at and Dave McCauley opened their establishment, Nobody’s Grille and BBQ, in early 2010 at the Old Fort Parkway/John R. Rice Boulevard intersection (the site at which Texas Roadhouse currently sits). The restaurant quickly became a popular local spot for barbecue, Karaoke, drinks, sports, and other food and fun, though a few years after opening, the McCauleys made the decision to relocate Nobody’s just across I-24 into the restaurant space at the Clarion Inn, where their concept is alive and well today. While the adjacent hotel and the many other inns in the area provide a level of builtin business, some locals first hesitated to patronize the restaurant within a hotel space. However, Nobody’s provides plenty of reasons for area residents to visit and has proven that a well-run local establishment can thrive in the space, providing a good meal and a good time for locals and visitors alike. For one, the restaurant serves some of the 16 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

best cheese sticks in the world. These are not the ordinary frozen items ordered by many sports bars that may or may not contain any cheese inside their tiny fried cavities. The Nobody’s fried cheeses are always amazingly cheesy, hand-breaded logs of gooey goodness chopped off a brick of mozzarella and served with homemade marinara. Trust me; once you’re seated, say “fried cheese, please.” These alone motivate some diners to continue venturing to Nobody’s, but if it takes more than cheese sticks to lure you in, you can find barbecue pulled pork, ribs and brisket as well at Nobody’s. The barbecue platters come with a pancake, and Nobody’s serves a tasty trio of different sauces. Try them all; the Carolina, honey and house mild sauce all have their unique flavors and most barbecue fans can find at least one they feel is appropriate to pour onto their meat. Some say the Nobody’s wings are the best in Murfreesboro. Nobody’s smokes and then fries their wings prior to tossing them in the sauce of your choice. Selections include sizzlin’, chipotle barbecue, buffalo and Asian twang. “The wings are the best in town and that’s a bold assessment because I have several spots I like for their wings,” says local diner Shannon Hines. “But Nobody’s has my vote.” Be sure to inquire about the daily dessert offerings. Kat spends many afternoons baking up cookies, cheesecake, rich choco-

very generous chicken tender platter; these can be tossed in buffalo or hot sauce (for an additional $1) making a fine hot chicken plate. Candice Parker reports that she and her husband were regulars at Nobody’s for years late mousse cake or some sort of decadent before recently moving out of town. sweets. These are routinely outstanding. “We will continuously come back when For other options, the french dip sandI’m in town,” she said. “The owners are wich is excellent, many diners enjoy the amazing . . . the chicken nachos are my fried catfish, and the Knockout Shrimp— favorite, but the wings and cheese sticks are small shrimp fried and tossed in a zesty amazing, too!” sauce with just a bit of spice served on For those who desire to sample many differshredded lettuce and lightly topped with ent craft and specialty beers, Nobody’s doesn’t green onions—is a very tasty dish. offer a massive selection of beer varieties beNobody’s serves a tasty quesayond the standard American light dilla, along with flavorful black lagers. And while the daytime bean salsa that can be loaded crowds are typically not huge with grilled chicken or pulled at Nobody’s, there may be more NAME pork, and the loaded potato skins of a wait for service during the Nobody’s Grille and BBQ have also become a hit. peak of karaoke or a big game. There’s always something Also, heads up: on Friday LOCATION happening at Nobody’s. Wednes- 2227 Old Fort Pkwy. nights when the live bands day is trivia night, on Thursday perform, Nobody’s will charge paPHONE 615-962-8019 and Saturday nights the Karaoke trons a cover. This is generally the singers take the stage, and each only time of the week when the HOURS Friday Nobody’s hosts a live establishment will charge, around Sun.–Thurs.: 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; band. Be sure to check out the 9 p.m. on Fridays, but some lateFri.–Sat.: specials for each day, such as night weekend diners, who only 11 a.m.–2 a.m. chicken pot pie or taco salad. intended to come for the food, PRICES Many, many TVs throughout have been taken by surprise. Prime rib french the place display the sporting Otherwise, the community dip: $8.99; Pulled pork platter: $13.49; feedback on the Nobody’s food events of the day at all times. Italian sub: $8.99; “I really enjoyed watching and atmosphere is predominantGrilled chicken the Predators game there,” said ly positive. quesadilla: $9.48; Tom Brunsvold. “The wings Kim McCollom calls it her Chicken tender platter: $12.49 were great and the bartender “favorite place to watch Sunday was outstanding.” football. Food is great, plenty of ONLINE: nobodygrille.com For $12.49 Nobody’s serves a TVs and the staff is wonderful!”

The Dish

Living

 FITNESS

CoreLife Launches Free Saturday Fitness Classes

CORELIFE, A MURFREESBORO RESTAURANT focused on natural food that serves as a true energy source, has launched an ongoing series of free community workout sessions and nutrition classes in the restaurant on Saturday mornings.

 COMING UP IN AUGUST: AUG. 4

ALIVE AND CULTURED: Living Foods for Living People with Float Alchemy Sometimes even good bacteria can get a bad rap. But consuming alive and active probiotic bacteria can produce powerful results for body and mind. It makes sense that our vibrant, ever-changing bodies respond to living food. Learn more about the sometimes surprising history, the benefits and ways to incorporate more live cultures into your life in a very tasty way. Float Alchemy will have some samples on hand of some of the fermented and cultured foods available inside its kombucha taproom.

AUG. 11 SLOW FLOW YOGA with Tammura Tammura Adreon leads a slow flow yoga class for all levels. Slow flow yoga offers a nurturing and gentle practice that is appropriate for all levels of yogis from beginner to advanced. Tammura will provide a nice and relaxed atmosphere. It is an open and mindful flow of movement that regulates breath while transitioning through poses.

AUG. 18 “WHAT IS CROSSFIT?” with CrossFit Rampage Learn some more about what CrossFit is really about, and what goes into a CrossFit workout. Attendees will gain a better understanding of why functional movement is so important for their health and fitness, and why intensity is crucial to any exercise program. After a brief educational chat, it’ll be time to sweat a little! The coaches from CrossFit Rampage will be onsite at CoreLife to lead a group warm-up followed by a short but intense CrossFit Style Workout. Equipment will be limited, so expect a lot of bodyweight exercises, scaled appropriately for all fitness levels.

AUG. 25 KIDS DAY with Kelsey Join CoreLife owner and fitness professional Kelsey Searles for CoreLife’s third Kids Day. Bring the kiddos for a mini-kids yoga class, dance party and food demonstrations. Face painting and other fun activities for the kids will also be part of the day. CoreLife Eatery is located at 2330 Medical Center Pkwy. Its owners, Scott and Kelsey Searles, say that the food you eat determines how you feel, how you look and, most importantly, how you perform, and add that they want to create conversations in the community about how great it feels to eat real food. The workouts begin each Saturday at 10 a.m. There is no cost, but participants are asked to register in advance at corelifeeaterytn.eventbrite.com. Additionally, all participants who choose to stay for lunch after the event will receive 50 percent off their meal. BOROPULSE.COM

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Living

Farmers Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

Using the Fall and Winter to Improve Your Garden

THE FARMERS’ MARKET located at the Lane AgriPark Community Center, 315 John Rice Blvd. in Murfreesboro is held indoors and is open from 7 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is a produceronly market. Offered by UT Extension at 9 a.m. on both days of the market are free educational classes for the local gardener. Classes last about one hour and are given by professionals and Master Gardeners. Many of the classes are recorded and can be viewed at the RC Farmers Market YouTube channel.

Free Farmer’s Market Classes In July AUG. 3 Backyard Chickens Extension Agent Kim Hall leads an overview of owning backyard chickens.

AUG. 7 Offered in Spanish: Stretch Your Food Dollar Extension Program Assistant Karla Erazo teaches a class in Spanish that will cover tips to help you save money at the grocery store.

AUG. 10

I RECENTLY ATTENDED A PRESENTATION ON cover crops. The concept has intrigued me but the details have eluded me for several growing seasons. I rearranged my work schedule and went to a mid-afternoon meeting at UT Extension where Mike Hubbs, a soil specialist at Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts (tnacd. org), provided knowledge, visuals and seeds for the home gardener. I recorded the presentation, the quality of which I will apologize for up front. I was distracted several times and I believe I sneezed once; you will be able to tell that I am not a professional videographer. The knowledge is all there, though, and you can find the video on the RC Farmers Market YouTube channel. The Conservation’s website is also a resource on cover crops. Mike’s interest, as he speaks throughout the state, is to encourage home gardeners to adopt the practice. In summary, using cover crops is a different form of gardening and farming. It is not an add-on but a different technique. Considering my busy schedule, it looked to me like there is much less maintenance, although that was not why I went. I will accept less work in the garden at any time. My purpose for going was to find ways of improving soil health. My interest in soil health is selfish. I want to grow and eat vegetables with the highest possible nutritional content. As a culture, we have greatly depleted our soils and the quality of food produced today is of a poorer nutritional value than food produced two generations ago. Since the 1940s, the ongoing soil disturbances caused by aggressive tillage coupled with chemical dosing has changed the nutrients and life activity in the soils. Those changes produce changes in any food grown in it and studies have shown the nutritional value has diminished. In this cycle of effects, the next stop is the consumer of the food. The food eaten contains less nutritional value than the organism needs to stay optimally healthy. Without proper nutrition, disease and 18 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

malfunction occur. There are many studies and books that back up these statements. So, how does one improve soil health? Cover crops are a tool to assist in this process. It takes time and it takes seasons, but it is doable. Late August and September is the time to get cover crops in. What is a cover crop? It is a plant grown for the protection of the soil, and many plants can be grown as cover crops. The package of seeds given to us at the presentation was a mixture of rye, oats, winter peas, crimson clover, radishes and turnips. Throw them all together; companion planting for soil health—root crops dig into the earth; nitrogen fixers are there for growth in the spring; coverage will assist in erosion control. The cover crops help nutrients return to the soil that were extracted in food production. So what happens to the cover crops? What do you do with them? The technique shown by Mike Hubbs silenced the room. Before you plant in the spring, lay them down. Dragging a 2-by-4 over the field will do it. If you have access to a landscape roller or a roller crimper with angle iron blades, use it. Then, use a tool that can poke between the spent, laid-down plants. If your garden is small enough, you can use a screwdriver to get a hole into the soil for the spring plants. The old cover crop acts as a mulch which is a weed suppressant. It deteriorates and adds to the soil composition and nutritional basis as the spring vegetables grow. With seasons of this practice, the roots of the vegetables dig deeper into the soils, deeper than tillage can reach. The textural content of the soil improves, helping water absorption and retention. The mulch minimizes weeds. It is a no-till method. I would like to work with someone who can assess the nutritional quality of vegetables produced. It would be great to do a scientific, documented year-to-year analysis of the nutritional content. Any takers?

Tree & Shrub Studs & Duds Some plants are naturally more trouble-free and are better performers, as discussed by Extension Agent Mitchell Mote.

AUG. 14 The Story of Pollinators Learn more about our pollinators with Jack Smith.

AUG. 17 Make a Charity Quilt Block Learn to sew a block to contribute to a community charity quilt with Certified Master Gardeners Sara Parnell and Rebecca Tucker.

AUG. 21 Poisonous Plants Certified Master Gardener Carol Reese leads a class on poisonous plants.

AUG. 24 Small Ruminate Breeding Extension Agent Logan Hickerson provides an overview of preparing both sheep and goats for fall breeding.

AUG. 28 Seasonal Eating Extension Agent Carla Bush provides a food demonstration to offer recipes and tips for selection and preparing our local, fresh foods.

AUG. 31 Water Conservation Learn the importance of water conservation and various ways you can help conserve water with Katie Peay from Rutherford County Planning & Engineering.

SEPT. 4 A Living Landscape Certified Master Gardener Larry Rogers leads a discussion of how a home landscape can coexist with wildlife and promote pollinators.

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

3 Keys to Happiness HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DREAM or a

goal that you felt happy about having accomplished? I have achieved many goals in life, and there has certainly been a feeling of satisfaction from having attained them. However, genuine happiness is more than a feeling of satisfaction. I believe this sense of satisfaction from our accomplishments, however grand or small, increases our confidence, which affects our happiness quotient, in turn making us feel more connected to a purpose in life and compelling us to do more and this is what builds what we feel at our core. What is this core? It is the very deepest part of ourselves, the essence of who we are. It is what people recognize when they see you, or think of when you come to mind. People who know me have often asked “are you always this happy?” The answer is yes, deep in my core, I am happy. I am not, however, immune to disappointments, frustrations, sadness or pain. Each time I experience an accomplishment (which, on some days, could be as simple as getting out of bed), it brings a sense of satisfaction. I feel the most joy and inner happiness when I can bring a smile to someone else. Regardless of how I may be feeling, my desire to help others is greater than the urge to unload my momentary woes onto them. There is a time and place for that, and to me, it is not in public or at the expense of not being there for others who need a little “pick me up.” More often than not when I am feeling down, the moment I can engage with someone who needs a hug, a listening ear or a smile is the moment when I forget what was ailing me. It certainly seems to bring a different perspective to whatever is troubling me. I have also seen that happiness can mean different things to different people. One such description I heard about years ago, the “3 Keys to Happiness,” remains a personal favorite. The first is being positioned to do work that you love—in other words, something you like so much that you would do it even if you weren’t paid. There is no worse feeling than to do something hour after hour, day after day, that you dislike. This can take a very subtle emotional toll that affects all areas of your life until, one day, you wake up and don’t even know who you are. In some cases, you may not even feel that you know why you exist. The good news is you can prevent this. Identify what you like to do, and what makes you feel good inside. Then you can begin to look 20 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

for work that supports this. Don’t put it off. “Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.” — Frank Tyger

The second is having someone to love. Most people want that special someone who will share all of their joys, triumphs and sorrows. I don’t believe we need another person to “complete us,” but I do believe it is critical to have someone to share our lives with. This could be family, friends, coaches or counselors who have our best interest— our happiness—at heart. It is also important to be selfless and express the genuine love we have inside of us. For some, it is given to a beloved pet, and for some it is a significant other. Some give to organizations and volunteer work. No matter what form it comes in, it is important to love. “True happiness arises, in the ﬁrst place, from the enjoyment of one’s self.” — Joseph Addison

The third is having something to look forward to. For the everyday, this would include looking forward to what your day holds when you are doing something you love or sharing dinner with your loved one at the end of the day. When you have plans to attend a concert or an event, are planning a vacation, or you are starting a new business or hobby, you get all excited about just the anticipation alone. Your mind is active and engaged in planning the details, looking at different aspects of making your adventure great. The excitement of this kind of anticipation alone brings happiness. People can see and feel the enthusiasm. “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” — Helen Keller

When you are approaching your dream or accomplishing your goal, be sure to develop another dream or goal so that you always have something to look forward to. Create a sense of adventure each day by discovering something new. Do it with a loved one or friend so you can share your enthusiasm. Go to bed with your list of things (not too many) you want to accomplish the next day. Remember, the feeling of accomplishment will add to your core of happiness! Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe. Learn more by calling (615) 896-7110 or visiting nurturenook.com.

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Art

 EXHIBIT

Downtown Murfreesboro Businesses Once Again Host Boro Art Crawl on Aug. 10 BORO ART CRAWL RETURNS TO VENUES on and near the Murfreesboro Public Square for its August event on Friday, Aug. 10, from 6–9 p.m. During the August Crawl, local artists Suzanne LeBeau, Gregory Lannom and Mark Woodruff will create art onsite at an Art Demo Garden, held in the grassy area at the corner of Church and Main, next to Shacklett’s Photography. The Boutique at Studio C will host art from Amberly Clemmons, and L&L Contractors will display a variety of work from Brette Leonardson, Amber Langford, Mike McDougal and Beth Moore. Meanwhile, Becky Dickovitch and Brittany Molnar will exhibit their art at Simply Pure Sweets. These are just a few of the artists and shops participating in the Art Crawl. There’s no charge to enter the venues and view the art, and many of the stops even offer some refreshments. Strolling around Murfreesboro and venturing into independent businesses during each Art Crawl has become a fun, free activity for many Murfreesboro families and individuals. Many of the artists will offer prints and original work for sale as well, and the Boro Art Crawl has facilitated a way for local artists to get out in public, have their art seen and sell some pieces to local collectors in person.  View the Boro Art Crawl map, or for more information visit boroartcrawl.com. Clockwise from top left: “Silver Lining” by Suzanne LeBeau oil-knife painting at Art Demo Garden “America the Beautiful” by Brette Leonardson Acrylic and gold leaf on paper at L&L Contractors “Tiny Little” by Beth Moore encaustic assemblage at L&L Contractors “Zephyros” by Diane Marsella digital photography at Vibe Nutrition “Blue-Bird” by Dorothy Stevens at The Write Impression

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Art

 EXHIBIT

Local Artist Phil Wagner Creates Artwork on Pulse Newsrack

“Strong Roots” by Phil Wagner, mixed media on display at Earth Experience for Boro Art Crawl

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MURFREESBORO ARTIST PHIL WAGNER has left his mark recently on one of the Murfreesboro Pulse’s newsracks. The rack now features some paint, texture from spackling and wooden discs covered in metal reactive paint. This type of paint produces an oxidation effect very quickly, speeding up the rusting process. Wagner has carved out an artistic niche for himself using these types of textures and reactive paints. Find the rack outside of Lemongrass Sushi & Thai, at the shopping center at 220 Veterans Pkwy. Find Phil Wagner’s PW Studios on Facebook and Instagram. The August Boro Art Crawl will also include Wagner as a participating artist; he will be at The Earth Experience on Aug. 10.

Art

 BOOK  POETRY IN THE BORO BY KORY WELLS

Gary McDowell, Catherine Moore, Christopher Williams, Toriana Williams MURFREESBORO IS EXPANDING its poetic reach through recent recognition of local poets and spoken-word artists. Two familiar faces from Poetry in the Boro have had their work accepted for the finals of the Drop the Mic Poetry Slam, an event of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Christopher Williams of Murfreesboro and Toriana Williams (no relation), a recent MTSU graduate, will be among those competing at the Aug. 18 event. The slam is preceded by a symposium on Aug. 17. Organizers designed the free, two-day event to engage youth and young adults in poetry as activist expression. Learn more and register to attend at mlk50.civilrightsmuseum.org/poetry-slam. The good news continues as local author Kerri French was recently awarded the North Carolina Poetry Society’s prestigious Brockman-Campbell Book Award for her debut book published by Moon City Press, Every Room in the Body. She’ll be reading in North Carolina to accept her award, but you can hear her at Poet’s Corner, a monthly event at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. Here at home, Poetry in the Boro will be back at Murfreesboro Little Theatre on Sunday evening, Aug. 12. Featured poets Gary McDowell and Catherine Moore will read at 7 p.m., and an hour of open mic will follow. Gary McDowell is the author of five collections of poetry, most recently Mysteries in a World That Thinks There Are None. He’s also the author of a collection of essays, Caesura: Essays, and co-editor of The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Prose Poetry. Gary is an associate professor of English at Belmont University who recently moved to Murfreesboro with his family. Catherine Moore of Nashville is the author of three chapbooks and the poetry collection ULLA! ULLA!, recently published by Main Street Rag. A Walker Percy and Hambidge fellow, her honors also include the Southeast Review’s Gearhart Poetry Prize, a Nashville MetroArts grant and inclusion in the juried Best Small Fictions. Catherine holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writ28 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

ing and teaches at Columbia State. Doors for Poetry in the Boro open at 6:30 p.m., when open-mic signups also begin. Find full details about this free event, including this month’s writing challenge, on the Poetry in the Boro Facebook page. Looking ahead: Christopher Williams, mentioned above, is planning his second multi-genre entertainment event, called “Under 1 Roof.” Combining poetry, music and comedy, this event will be held Sept. 7 at The Warehouse in Murfreesboro. Tickets will go on sale for $10 online beginning Aug. 17. Find more details on Facebook. Barnes & Noble book club will meet Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. to discuss Clock Dance by Anne Tyler. Check the Barnes & Noble Facebook page for the September book selection. “She Shrugs” by new Murfreesboro resident Gary McDowell first appeared in Tupelo Quarterly.. McDowell will be one of the featured readers at Poetry in the Boro on Aug. 12.

SHE SHRUGS BY GARY MCDOWELL I do not. Snow piles up outside the kitchen window. Feta cheese. Cucumber, sliced thinly. Olive oil. Pita. Get on a plane. Visit me. From France, Italy, New Mexico. A lover warned me once to be more patient. I emailed my doctor this morning. My left ankle swells at night. Doesn’t throb though. Ibuprofen. Some water. Lukewarm. I might have married once if not for bells and cellos and leashes. And affairs. There’s something lost in the transcription of beauty. Trust. Champagne. The average person shrugs forty times a day. Let’s travel. Everything turns up straw. How much I want you. How much a boat. How much a box, a mouth. A tongue-tied jester. How much I eat when I close my eyes. How much you are gone now and I’m not. How much bread I really need. A blue pillow where I rest my head. At night. And in the morning I think how I’ll sell my blood to pay the rent, how I’ll pull my hair and trade it to the wind. Kory Wells is principal founder of Poetry in the Boro and the inaugural Poet Laureate of Murfreesboro. Contact her at korywells@gmail.com.

Local Author William See Displays Strong Southern Inﬂuences in Sons of Barbee Collins Sons of Barbee Collins, a Southern adventure novel written by local author William See, follows the life of Wyatt Mashburn as he discovers what makes him happy and what makes life worth living. The book, originally published in September of 2017, was a passion project for See. He has always had a dream of being a published author and sharing his stories with the world. “Even as a child, I would picture myself as a storyteller and enjoyed writing prose,” See said. “And there was a time in my life when I had the time to put these stories to paper, and I had a lot of encouragement from friends and family. So, it just came right out.” See, who studied at MTSU, lives just outside Rutherford County and is a pediatric physician in Lewisburg, Tennessee. While practicing medicine is his profession, See also enjoys traditional country tunes and performs in the Glade City Rounders, an old-time string band that often plays in Murfreesboro. He sings and plays fiddle for the Rounders and is a guitar player, singer and principal writer for the Jackillacs, another local country band. Naturally, See’s first novel is greatly inspired by the sights and sounds of Southern culture. “The character, Wyatt, mimics some of the adventures that I have encountered,” See said. “The stories and situations have been changed in some ways . . . I play Southern old-timey string band music, and that’s what took me on some of these adventures where I encountered some of these really interesting characters that you meet.” In the writing process, See continued to let Southern influences seep in. “Sometimes the editors would say, ‘Well, this is really a vernacular kind of a word,’” See said. “And I said, ‘I think the readers will be okay with that.’ And it did come through, and so far it’s been well-received.” The novel follows Wyatt throughout his life, explaining his very humble beginnings in a converted “bus-home” to his adven-

tures of traveling through the American South. Wyatt is joined Maggie Fields, his girlfriend and kindred spirit, who accompanies him on a journey to find the true meaning of an old family heirloom. The book artfully depicts cross-country trips across rolling Tennessee hills and Kentucky campgrounds. See clearly shows his fondness for these areas through the writing, allowing readers to be seamlessly transported to the environments that the characters find themselves in. The author takes time in creating Wyatt’s world and experiences, and deftly uses these elements to demonstrate how they shape the man that he becomes. Humor is another strong element found in the pages of the novel. The characters are often thrust into awkward and comical situations that can yield grins and chuckles from readers. Many of the characters play off one another in ways that employ a sort of genuine but biting sense of humor. See said that books such as Don Quixote, which utilizes a similarly dry wit, influenced the novel’s style. “When I read books, I enjoy the adventurous types: Don Quixote, The Count of Monte Cristo, Tom Sawyer,” See said. “I like any books about people escaping to their own freedom.” While these influences are felt in See’s novel, he feels that his book carries its own unique style. “I don’t know a lot of other people that are telling tales in that way,” See said. “We’ve had no negative feedback in any way. It’s been just a positive experience all around.” Sons of Barbee Collins can be purchased on amazon.com. — ANDREW WIGDOR

Movies

REVIEWS

key-coded elevator. Cash’s luck finally turns around the day a co-worker helps Cash find his “white voice.” More than just codeswitching, Cash’s white voice (portrayed on screen in the best, funniest way possible) opens many doors—including elevator doors—for him. Get Out’s Lakeith Stanfield gives Cassius the relatable realism of a man reluctantly

leaving his friends and family behind as he both climbs, and is forcefully pushed up, the corporate ladder. As we follow Cash’s journey to the upper echelons of society, Sorry to Bother You slowly reveals its weird world. Aided by a whimsical yet creepy score, the blackly comic allegory comes into focus, at which point the film becomes a full-on, f ’d-up fairy tale. From the megacorporation Worry Free and the activists fighting against it, to the minotaur maze mood of a mansion’s basement, to the violent, viral videos and No. 1 TV show, Sorry to Bother You is the reflection of our world in a funhouse mirror, a warped parable that is at times harrowing, horrifying and hilarious, often all at once. Bolstered by excellent performances throughout, and lovingly laced with references and meticulous detail, Sorry to Bother You is a unique vision that can best, but inadequately, be described as a cross between the work of Terry Gilliam and Jordan Peele. Boots Riley’s delightfully gonzo satire is an astounding debut. — JAY SPIGHT

rather shallow and pale in comparison to the previous three villains Marvel has put onscreen (Thanos from Avengers: Infinity War, Killmonger from Black Panther and Hela from Thor: Ragnarok). Honestly, Ghost falls into the “it’s fine” category as far as villains are concerned, but she is saved by Hannah John-Kamen’s performance, as well as some some good editing/CGI. Ant-Man and the Wasp has some cool visuals littered throughout. The film is a good showcase for what CGI can do in 2018, but it doesn’t really push any boundaries, and the quantum realm it investigates still feels like it’s colorful simply for the sake of being color-

ful, so it doesn’t really add to the film at all. And we don’t have any over-the-top performances to entertain us like Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster did in Ragnarok. As with its predecessor, I felt like Ant-Man and the Wasp was not much more than a bottle episode for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, designed primarily to make Marvel/ Disney as much money as humanly possible. And it will still make boatloads of money, despite the fact that this is the 20th installment in the MCU. The story feels like a boilerplate superhero story, and very little happens outside of this standard formula. The villains are boilerplate villains and the hero overcomes all adversity to win the day (and the girl). The only scene of consequence in this film occurs in the credits, which is a little frustrating because the events from other recent Marvel films could have (and should have) been utilized better here. Because of the placement of this scene, the sequence wipes out the events of the entire movie preceding it, really making this movie pretty useless. Ant-Man and the Wasp has some witty dialogue and some decent visuals, but it adds very little to the existing MCU. Also, Stan Lee makes a guest appearance. Again. — JOSEPH KATHMANN

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU DIRECTOR Boots Riley STARRING Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler RATED R

The less you know about Sorry to Bother You, the better. Though that may discourage you from reading beyond this point, it must be said, because this debut feature from writer-director and underground rapper Boots Riley is a trip. Echoing the surrealistic office comedy of Joe Versus the Volcano, Sorry to Bother You follows Cassius “Cash” Green, a going-nowhere peon working for a soul-sucking telemarketing company in a bizarre, alternate present-day Oakland. In debt and lacking prospects, Cash is buoyed by his artist girlfriend, Detroit, magnetically portrayed by

Thor: Ragnarok’s Tessa Thompson. Detroit is a beacon of dignity and self-respect whose guiding light is obscured by the allure of wealth and power. When Cash isn’t lost in existential contemplation, he’s daydreaming about the better half, hoping he might one day be promoted to “Power Caller.” This elite rung of telemarketers has its own upper floor, accessed only via a luxurious,

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP DIRECTOR Peyton Reed STARRING Paul Rudd, Hannah John-Kamen, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Evangeline Lilly RATED PG-13

Before you discount everything I’m going to say about this fine Ant-Man sequel simply because I have superhero fatigue, (and I’ll politely remind you that there are now 20 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—20!) keep in mind the fact that, after Thor: Ragnarok turned that franchise around, Ant-Man became the weakest superhero in Marvel’s catalog. I think that’s a pretty indisputable statement. And, unfortunately, Ant-Man and the Wasp is simply more of the same. If you liked the original, 2015’s Ant-Man, you’ll like the sequel and have probably already tuned me out. And if you didn’t care for it? Or found it okay, like I did? You’ll find this one merely okay as well. However, combine this medioc-

rity with my cynical superhero fatigue, and you have one frustrated moviegoer. Paul Rudd continues to be the best thing this franchise has to offer. His casual and lighthearted demeanor is perfect for a Marvel movie, and he delivers his humorous lines with the delivery you’ve come to expect from Paul Rudd. He made me laugh on several occasions. It’s still very weird to see Michael Douglas in a superhero movie, but at the end of the day I’m not complaining about that. And Michael Peña is still hilarious. The film features a decent villain, Ghost, who is portrayed exceptionally well by Hannah John-Kamen, but her motivations are

A CLASSIC

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OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

OPENING IN JULY

PLAYING THIS MONTH

AUG. 3  Christopher Robin The Spy Who Dumped Me The Darkest Minds Never Goin’ Back

AUG. 10  The Meg Slender Man Summer of ’84 Dog Days

AUG. 17  Alpha Mile 22

AUG. 24  The Happytime Murders Papillon A.X.L.

LIVING ROOM CINEMA column by NORBERT THIEMANN

facebook.com/livingroomcinema

Cultural Correlation *THESE VIEWS ARE SOLELY MY OWN. God bless America. Correlations derived from fictional films can provide greater insight into present situations and those of the impending future. I particularly find unsettling relationships between these selections and the current shift toward the undermining of cultural norms that have previously been steadfast pillars in our democratic American value system. Cautionary themes of corruption, subjugation, mental cruelty and other wrongs are illustrated within these three powerful films.

 Leviathan (2014) is directed by Andrei Zvyagintsev. A family living in a waterfront village suffers the indignation of having their property annexed by a corrupt government official and his complicit allies. The injustice leads to the characters’ deep despair and hopelessness. Witnessing the level of greed in Leviathan may result in dreadful melancholy, but it is a worthwhile experience with a lasting impact.  Dogville (2003) is directed by Lars Von Trier, and is the foundation of the Danish filmmaker’s unrealized Land of Opportunity trilogy. Grace escapes to a small isolated town during the Great Depression while being hunted by armed gangsters. The townspeople reluctantly agree to grant her asylum in return for her employment to the collective. Their fears soon mutate into xenophobia and full-blown discrimination. Some of the represented malfeasance comes in the form of mob mentality, exploiting the vulnerable, unjust detainment and denying due process. Trier has cited Dogville as his greatest writing, which is directed much like a classic stage play.

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 Gaslight (1944) is directed by George Cukor. After a wife and her husband move into her newly inherited estate, he attempts to maintain control over her through methodical manipulation. The film’s concept made such an impact that the title was adopted as a prevalent psychological term. “Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception and sanity. Using persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction and lying, it attempts to destabilize the victim and delegitimize the victim’s belief.” — Wikipedia

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Smyrna Theater, Remington Room, Big Creek Winery, Ginger Thai, Ichiban, Boro Town Cakes Too

Christiana has added another draw. BIG CREEK WINERY has opened a tasting room in Christiana. Located at 7027 Main St. in Christiana, across the street from Miller’s Grocery, the new venture by Candy Wence offers wines made with locally sourced fruits, Muscadine and Concord grapes, peaches, apples and blackberries, and produced at Big Creek Winery in Pulaski.

BY MICHELLE WILLARD Charles and Aimee Welchance have launched a GoFundMe to help with the restoration of a small historic movie theater in Smyrna. Since being closed in the 1950s, the building has been home to several businesses and undergone several remodels in the intervening years. The Welchances say they want to “return this historic building to a theater for live events and shows on the big screen.” They have finished the demo and are currently working to bring the building up to codes by replacing wiring, plumbing and HVAC, renovations expected to cost $75,000 or more. To donate, or for more information, find a HISTORICAL THEATER RENOVATION page on gofundme.com. On the other side of Smyrna, Becky Lanham is branching out from Murfreesboro with a new venue concept for north Rutherford. She plans to open THE REMINGTON ROOM in September to offer an affordable event space at 8014 Safari Dr. in Smyrna. The venue will include linens, draping, uplighting and string lights in every package. You may not know this, but the inclusion of those extras alone can save you hundreds of dollars on your event. Nearby, SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK opened its first distribution center outside of Davidson County in Smyrna. The center opened on Thursday, July 26, to help fight food insecurity in Rutherford County. According to Map the Meal Gap findings, we currently have a food insecurity rate of 12 percent, with 11,840 food-insecure children. This means they do not know where they will get their next meal. You can use the money you saved on linens to help feed kids. Win-win. The Gateway is getting another slice of life. BLAZE PIZZA is opening a location at 2314 Medical Center Pkwy. in Murfreesboro. A California-based chain, Blaze Pizza features fast-fired artisanal pizza with 34 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

made-from-scratch dough. No opening date has been set yet. Scary clown fans, beware: Ron and Anna, the founders of ALL AMERICAN CAFE, have sold the restaurant. The new owners took over Aug. 1. Will we still see the famous All American clown around town? Speaking of new owners, the family who owns Gyro Tabouli on Old Fort Parkway have taken over at the ROMA PIZZA on Northfield Boulevard. If Gyro Tabouli is a sign, expect delicious food and great customer service to continue. CHINA WOK has reopened in its new location, 2327 Memorial Blvd., next to Kroger. As reported last month, the restaurant was forced to move because of changes to the strip mall that formerly housed Hastings.

GINGER THAI has also opened a new location in the spot that formerly housed JoZara in The Oaks. This is a second location for the family-owned Nashville restaurant. Ginger Thai grew out of the Lao Lane Xang Oriental Market off Thompson Lane in Nashville. The restaurant uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create authentic, flavorful Thai dishes. TARGET runs are about to get easier in Murfreesboro. The company announced it is expanding its Drive Up time-saving services across the Midwest and Southeast, including the Old Fort Parkway store. “We set out this year with an ambitious plan to bring Target guests nationwide more ways to shop on their terms,” said John Mulligan, Target’s CEO. “Our guests are enjoying the convenience of these new delivery and pickup services as we’re working

Praise the food gods! ICHIBAN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE CUISINE will finally open. It’s been more than a year since the Nashville staple bought and renovated the old Moose Lodge on Broad Street. But after a year of struggles with remodeling and codes, the restaurant that once stood on Second Avenue in Nashville will finally open in Murfreesboro.

to redefine the Target Run and make Target America’s easiest place to shop.” Drive Up allows customers to place orders via the Target app and then have their items brought out to their cars by a store team member. Orders arrive within two minutes of a customer’s arrival in the store parking lot. The Murfreesboro Planning Commission approved modifications to Peter D’s building to change it into a McALISTER’S DELI. Changes include additional doors to provide access to an existing patio, parking spaces and window awnings. McAlister’s also plans to make a few aesthetic changes to better fit the company’s brand. A new multi-tenant commercial building will be built at 3138 S. Church St. The building is the second phase in the commercial development that houses Oscar’s Taco Shop and Seoul Pepper. The new construction will have a drive-thru and room for up to three more restaurants. RACETRAC plans to build a 5,411-squarefoot convenience store at New Salem and Warrior Drive, catty-cornered to Speedway. Kathy Nobles plans to develop a twobuilding commercial site for retail and restaurants in north Murfreesboro. The development, called Brookhaven Place, will house an 11,916-square-foot and an 8,903-square-foot building on Memorial Boulevard at Eleanor Way. Coach Micheal Burt wants to build a new home for his company, “THE GREATNESS FACTORY.” The new site on Luke Court will house the office and assembly space.

Boro Town Cakes is opening a second location about a block from its spot on the Square. The new shop, BORO TOWN CAKES TOO, will offer “grab and go” foods for busy attorneys at the new Judicial Center on Lytle Street. All the offerings, sandwiches, breakfast items and sweet treats will be made at the original location for purchase at the new location.

CLOSINGS CORNER Not even a year after it opened, the TACO JOHN’S in La Vergne has closed its doors. Branded as West-Mex, the fast-food taco joint was the first of several planned for Tennessee. Alas, it wasn’t to be. If you are still craving Potato Olés, the Taco John’s in Columbia is still open.

When asked on Facebook what happened to the downtown Murfreesboro spots, David Stansberry posted, “with a town of 130,000 people (many of them being young), you’d expect people to want unique experiences— but after a lot of experimentation, they don’t. They want reliable and cheap watering holes or large chains.”

KITCHENFRESH, at Fountains at Gateway, was also a short-lived concept. Developer Scott Graby said the fast-casual restaurant that specialized in healthy food closed because of “Murfreesboro’s hypercompetitive restaurant scene” and a lack of demand for the concept.

DALLAS & JANE chef-owner Alex Belew gave a similar reason for cutting his lunch service. Belew said the demand wasn’t there for a high-end lunch service after testing it for four weeks. He said the entire experiment produced a loss because of slow days. Dinner service will continue uninterrupted.

Mars’ attack on Murfreesboro has ended. Both FROZEN TREATS FROM MARS THEATER and ATTACK BARCADIUM FROM MARS THEATER have closed. Both concepts were owned and operated by David and Gina Stansberry, the same folks who proposed a drive-in theater in the Florence area. Still no definitive word yet on the future existence of the theater.

In Woodbury, SOUTHERN CHARM CAFE & BAKERY has closed, after selling much of its furniture and restaurant equipment. If you have a tip about a new business, an old one closing, complaints, comments or corrections, contact Michelle @michwillard on Twitter or michelle.willard@gmail.com. BOROPULSE.COM

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News A SWELLING OF INTEREST IN AND intake of hemp and cannabis-based products has occurred in Murfreesboro and the South. However, the societal change comes with its fair share of issues. In June of 2018, a hemp dispensary boasting a variety of Tennessee-grown hemp products, opened to the public in Murfreesboro. The Middle Tennessee Hemp Company store opened with a full parking lot and a line leading out of its door. Many of its customers traveled to seek the physical or psychological pain relief that hemp-based products reportedly provide. The same has been true of Murfreesboro resident Mai Hamric, who used small amounts of CBD oil to alleviate anxiety and was subsequently fired for doing so. CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol, is one of the cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in the cannabis plant. Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, and properly licensed CBD oil derived from industrial hemp is completely legal to purchase in the state of Tennessee. Studies have shown that CBD is non-psychoactive, unlike THC, another chemical compound found in marijuana. Therefore, CBD itself does not make someone high. Some CBD products, such as oils, can contain trace amounts of THC but are completely legal to purchase if they contain less than .3 percent THC. Any cannabis product with less than .3 percent THC cannot make someone high, according to hemp advocates. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, CBD has beenshown to reduce stress in animal studies. The subjects of the studies showed fewer behavioral signs of anxiety, and their physiological symptoms of anxiety lessened greatly. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, human participants who took CBD doses experienced reduced stress levels. Hamric had been working for the City of Murfreesboro as a visual arts programming specialist for the past two and a half years and was recently up for a promotion. According to her, when one is up for a promotion in the Cultural Arts Department, they must take a drug test. Hamric saw no problem in taking the test. as she had not been using any illegal drugs. Hamric was, however, taking small amounts of the CBD oil she purchased at a local store. “I had discussed taking CBD oil with my supervisors, and I knew other people in the city were taking it,” Hamric said. “We had all done our research and felt pretty confident it wouldn’t show up on a drug screening. And, if it did, I thought the worst-case 36 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

Murfreesboro retailers now sell both CBD oil and hemp ﬂower, both within state law.

CBD Oil Use Results in Job Loss Former City employee speaks out after being ﬁred for use of hemp-based product BY ANDREW WIGDOR scenario would be that you would just have to explain that you were taking CBD oil.” Hamric had already received a start date for her new position. However, several days after she took the drug test, she received a phone message saying that she had failed. “I was given an option to either resign or be let go,” Hamric said. Hamric eventually resigned in May after taking and failing a second drug test. In her letter of resignation, Harmic wrote, “I would like to recommend that the city revise its drug policy to address the issue of CBD use. If you can not accommodate for the use of CBD or the possibility of a failed drug screen as a result of its use, your employees need to be made aware that they can face termination or resignation for using a legal, over-the-counter vitamin supplement.” “From their perspective, it doesn’t mat-

ter if you fail because of CBD or because of something else,” Hamric said. “All they know is they have a failed drug screen.” She said that the incident was damaging to both her professional reputation and her personal relationships. “Part of what made it difficult was that I was put on immediate suspension,” Hamric said. “All of my projects, including upcoming murals I had, the laureate program, my classes, everything was put on hold or taken over by somebody else. I had students that I had been teaching on a weekly basis for over a year. I never got to tell them goodbye.” Hamric said that companies should revise their policies to allow people to take CBD oil without being afraid of losing their job. She said that the compound is very helpful for some to take for ailments such as anxiety or joint pain.

“The main reason that I wanted to speak up about this is that I knew other employees with the city that were taking CBD for a number of reasons: chronic pain, mental issues and other things.”

“The main reason that I wanted to speak up about this is that I knew other employees with the city that were taking CBD for a number of reasons: chronic pain, mental issues and other things,” Hamric said. “But, after they heard what happened to me, they stopped taking it because they are afraid. My concern is that when they stop taking it, they are losing one of the ways that they manage their symptoms, which is what helps them to be a good employee.” While there is currently a lack of regulation, Colleen Keahey, the founder of the first Tennessee chapter of the Hemp Industries Association, stated that she expects companies to begin accommodating CBD users within the next few years. “It’s unfortunate that consumers are not often being told that it’s going to be possible for them to fail a drug test due to miniscule amounts of THC,” Keahey said. “Just because THC may be present in the body, it doesn’t mean that that person got high. That’s a major education effort that will have to be articulated by the companies. Because, if they don’t start self-regulating, they will be regulated, and I expect that to come in the next five to 10 years.” Hamric believes that the negative stigma surrounding hemp-based products is a major influencing factor for companies. “There’s a lot of misinformation about CBD oil, and we know that from so many shops being shut down around town,” Hamric said. “A lot of people don’t seem to understand that CBD is derived from hemp and doesn’t have anything to do with marijuana.” Twenty-three Rutherford County stores were forced to close and then allowed to reopen in spring of 2018 after the owners faced a variety of CBD-related criminal charges in the “Operation Candy Crush” case. Rutherford County officers raided the stores on Feb. 13 and seized gummy candies, vape cartridges and other items containing CBD. The felony drug charges against many of the store owners were eventually dropped after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported that they could not determine the source of the CBD. The case hinged on the fact that CBD oil derived from legal industrial hemp is permitted under state law, and CBD oil derived from marijuana is not. “Any CBD product that you buy legally is going to have less than .3 percent THC, which is what is legal in Tennessee,” Hamric said. “If you know anything about CBD, [you know] it will not make you high, and it cannot impair your work performance.”

Opinion Recipe for Educational Success

A State Board of Education Member’s Perspective PUBLIC EDUCATION IS THE MOST important institution to our nation’s success and survival. This one shared endeavor binds our communities together and gives us commonality in purpose, no matter where we come from or what our backgrounds may be. In order for public education to thrive, the focus must always be on each student’s opportunity to succeed. After all, that is why public education exists—to provide every student the greatest likelihood for success and to take advantage of the blessings of liberty. The State Board of Education’s purpose is to provide strong policies that ensure our students are challenged and strengthened. We accomplish this through

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developing excellent educator preparation programs, setting high academic standards and post-secondary readiness. As a new member of the State Board, one of the areas I am particularly looking forward to supporting and improving is our annual Teacher Preparation Report Card. This is a valuable tool developed by the Board to assist local school districts, prospective teachers and colleges of education in learning more about the effectiveness of all Tennessee teacher prep programs. This summer, I joined the Teacher Preparation Report Card Advisory Council, a group that focuses on the successes and challenges in training Tennessee’s educators. We need more great

teachers who can prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow. As a member of the policy-making body for public education in Tennessee, I will always demand the highest quality in educator preparation. For the last 44 years, I have worked in the radio-chemical engineering industry. Between my career and 16 years serving on the Oak Ridge Board of Education, I have witnessed firsthand the impact high academic standards, especially STEM programs, have on post-secondary readiness and ultimately success in the workforce. Having this perspective as a local school board member while watching my profession grow and evolve, I have come to better understand how districts, schools and teachers must innovate to grow in a changing world and help prepare students for a dynamic economy. Earlier this year, a national audit conducted by the Center for American Progress found

that Tennessee was one of only four states that aligned high school graduation requirements and college admissions requirements. As the state agency that oversees academic standards, it is the Board’s responsibility to ensure the strength and success of our academic programs. By working with our education partners, such as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the State Board has aligned with Governor Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 Initiative and closed the gap in postsecondary deficiencies. Responsible for educator licensure standards, quality academics and post-secondary readiness, State Board members provide a critical role in providing quality education for students throughout the state. The Board’s work is intended to bolster the efforts of Tennessee’s educators and make sure we are all doing the absolute best for Tennessee’s students, our future leaders and workforce. — BOB EBY

Opinion

SPIRITUAL

MATTERS BY RICK MALONE

The Voice of God THE RURAL FARMLANDS of southern Indiana were the humble beginnings of life for me and my eight siblings. A quiet country life meant most of our time was spent at home. The typical routine for an evening was to finish chores and homework and then have a free hour or two before bedtime. We had a television set, but it wasn’t on all that often. Many evenings our father would grab a book off the shelf and read to the family. Sometimes it would be chapters from one of his favorite Zane Grey novels or poems from American literature. Sometimes it would be a book of the Bible or printed sermons from the great English “prince of preachers” Charles Spurgeon. No matter the content, our father loved reading to us. And, although many times as a youngster I didn’t appreciate the depth of his desire to share the knowledge and adventure found on the printed page, I now realize how much his insatiable appetite for reading impacted our lives. I find myself longing for those simple evenings when he took us to another place and time, all the while teaching us something about life. My father has long since passed away, but I can hear him reading as though it were only yesterday. I can vividly recall his voice making its journey line by line and page by page as he would be caught up in his love for the story. Even now, thinking about it comforts me. Recalling his voice reminds me of the story of his life; his likes and dislikes, his dreams and desires. As with all of us, my father’s voice was an audible door through which he revealed his innermost self. As the Apostle John begins his story of the life of Jesus, he desires to communicate that 40 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

Jesus is the door through which our heavenly Father reveals Himself to us. So, John uses the imagery of voice to communicate this truth. “In the beginning was the Word (or Speech)” (John 1:1). “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Like an artist, John paints Jesus from the specific paradigm of being the “logos” of God; God’s word or speech to mankind. John’s gospel differs in this respect from the other three gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). John highlights Jesus as the “Voice” of the Trinity. From this unique foundation, John frames the message of his gospel, keeping this motif throughout the book. Notice the way he uses the imagery of voice as he walks through the life of Jesus. He tells us that “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25). He also says “all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28). As Jesus speaks of being the Good Shepherd, He says His sheep “Hear His voice, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:4–5). As Jesus confronts those who reject Him, He says, “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot hear My word . . . Whoever is of God hears the words of God” (John 8:43 & 47). These are only a few instances where John uses the imagery of voice to help us understand the unique position Jesus holds: He is the transcendent God who became a man so that God might speak to man (Hebrews 1:1–2). Jesus is truly a man, yet He is God. As explained in one of the early creeds of the

Christian church, the Athanasian Creed, Jesus is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit. We see John emphasizing this truth in his opening three verses. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John equates the one he calls the Word (Jesus) with God. He assigns Jesus the attributes of being eternal and self-existent, and goes as far as to say Jesus is the Creator of all that is. But John’s point is not simply to defend the deity of Jesus. He wants us to understand Jesus is the divine Creator revealing Himself to us. The Son makes the otherwise transcendent God knowable and approachable. Apart from Jesus, the holiness of God prohibits such an intimate communion with man. When Moses asked God to reveal Himself so that Moses might see the fullness of God’s glory, God responded to Him: “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live . . . Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen” (Exodus 33:20-23). The transcendent face of God, or the fullness of His glory and holiness is unapproachable. Jesus, who is the eternal Creator, took on flesh and became the face of God for us, or as John puts it, the voice of God, so that we might behold God’s glory in Him. “and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The Word became flesh, and in becoming flesh, erected a bridge between the Divine and the human. Jesus speaks the Divine into humanity. What are the implications of Jesus being this “Voice” of the Trinity? First, it enables us to see that God is not silent. We tend to be skeptical. We want to hear a word from God, to know that He is there. We want to be able to grab hold of something tangible if we are going to make such a leap of faith as believing there is a God. But God has spoken to us. He has made Himself fully known in Christ (Colossians 1:19). We need not ask for a small token of something God has already given us the fullness of. He cannot make Himself more visible, He cannot speak more loudly than He already has in Christ. Listen to Him. Hear His voice. It is the voice of the Father.

The second implication is it enables us to see the power and authority of Jesus. There seems to be little doubt in most people’s mind that Jesus is a great religious leader. But many view Him as a great religious leader among other great religious leaders. John would stop us at this point and say, you cannot look at Jesus in this way. He does not belong to any such group because He is unique. Jesus is not simply a man who achieved a level of holiness and love which elevated Him to a divine status. His road traveled the opposite direction. He is eternally God who humbled Himself by taking on humanity, all the while never ceasing to be God. No other person is God who condescended to become man. The power and authority of Jesus is the power and authority of God. I said earlier that Jesus became a man so that God might speak to man. But He became a man to do far more than just communicate the words of God to man. He came to communicate the life of God to man. As Jesus speaks, His voice brings life. Jesus says in the fifth chapter of John, “an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25). Finally, John uses the imagery of Jesus as the Voice of God because that Voice communicates the heart of the Father. If we wish to know God’s heart, we need look no further than Jesus. I grew to know my earthly father’s heart by what he communicated to me through his voice; so is the Heavenly Father communicating His love through the Son. Jesus tells us in the tenth chapter of John that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. His sheep know His voice. It is the voice of the Father. When my earthly father would call me from the back door I would hear his voice and immediately recognize him. His call carried a significance no other man’s call could. It was the voice of my father. Do you hear Jesus calling you? Do you recognize that voice as your Creator and Redeemer? Do you recognize the power and authority of His call? Do you hear the heart of the one who is speaking life to you? John 10:27-30 – 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one. Reach Rick Malone at myspiritualmatters@gmail.com

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ECCE DEUS

Essays on the Life and Doctrine of Jesus Christ BY JOSEPH PARKER (1867)

Ch. VII

The Calling of Men Hitherto the Beloved Son has been alone. In his Baptism and Temptation no man stood with him; but shortly afterward he began to move more conspicuously in society, and to clear for himself a space in the world. Christ’s call upon men to join him is, perhaps, more astonishing than many of the miracles which he wrought. First words are generally key-words. They commit the speaker to a policy, and when spoken to minds which have been excited by great expectation are probably never forgotten. Looking at Christ’s moral work in light of his miracles, one cannot but wonder why such a man did not prosecute his work single-handed. What need had he for fellowship? How could men be associated with him, without feeling most oppressively the impassible chasm which lay between him and themselves? Christ used the imperative mood freely at the beginning of his ministry; “repent,” “follow,” were among his earliest public words. In the wilderness he had gradually risen to an imperative tone, from a great principle which underlay all life, to a written revelation, and then to a moral indignation which could not tolerate the presence of the enemy—“Get thee hence, Satan.” This seems to have been the process through which he passed to the highest courage: it was not at first that he commanded Satan to begone; it was not until attack had followed attack that the tone of personal supremacy penetrated the heart of the tempter. On leaving the wilderness he brings with him this noble courage, and opens his ministry by calling upon men to repent and to follow him. Had he left the wilderness other than as a conqueror, his tone would at least have been hesitant; but having dealt the first shattering blow upon the diabolic empire, he follows it up by publicly drawing a line of separation between one class of men and another. The postponement of the call, too, until the close of the temptation, is a fact of supreme importance. What confidence could an untried man have in himself? The man who has no faith in himself is weak; the man who has a false faith in himself is deceptive; the man whose faith is founded upon the fact of a great conquest

is strong and honest in proportion to that faith. The devil had never been ordered out of the way so peremptorily before, and the utterance of such an order, straining as it must have done all the forces of the soul, was succeeded by a period of great prostration. Angels came and ministered strength, and then followed just what has followed in all human experience—a consciousness of tried power. He who had successfully ordered off the devil must now do other work. The great battle must be succeeded by a great construction. Christ, claiming to be King and Ruler of men, began his society with two obscure laborers. The narrative gives no warrant for concluding that the men had heard any private and special exposition of his views, doctrines or plans. In common with all Jews, they might have had expectations and desires in reference to a king, but there is no authority for saying that they had had any preliminary intercourse with Jesus Christ. The call met a deep craving of the heart, and at once they joined Christ the Man without knowing anything of Christ the Doctrine. The heart wanted a heart: life demanded life. The world had lived long enough upon written promises; the cold parchment was becoming colder day by day. The call had a peculiar charm about it in so far as it demanded attachment to a visible person. Not a Creed, but a Life, bade them “follow.” The men who were called were not likely to know much about doctrine. Who could, at the beginning? Life can be reared only by life. It is so in the family, and must be so in the church. The last thing that earnest inquirers care about is a written, formal, dogmatic creed. Such a creed, in fact, is simply a sign that there has been overbearing dictation on one hand, or hypocrisy on another. A written creed is, in the nature of things, only an inconvenient convenience. The heart can never write all that it believes. It has often been asserted that Christ did not set down in sequential order what is known in these modern days as a system of divinity. The assertion is not only true as a matter of fact, but true as an evidence of his Godhead. The divine, the immeasurable, the eternal, cannot be formulated. Life cannot be systematized. Architecture may, so may astronomy, botany, and all other arts and sciences. But life is not a science: the soul is not an art. Immediately that the scientific line is crossed, the power of systematizing, if not lost, is so crippled and deranged as to be but a poor accommodation. Language itself, as partaking of the nature of a system, is often felt to be an inconvenience, useful for expressing what is uppermost, but nearly powerless in the articulation of what is deepest in

the soul. Wisely, therefore, Christ wrote nothing, for written language is more difficult of interpretation than spoken language. The eye, the tone, the smile, help words that are spoken; which is but another way of saying that life is the only true interpreter. The moment that the grammar and the lexicon are called in, strife begins and logomachy deposes wisdom. A tone would do more than all syntax, to give the meaning of some doctrines. The spoken word is life; the written word is statuary. To have come, therefore, with a written creed in quest of signatures would have been a vain errand. The world had differed more over the interpretation of its own writing than over anything else. Probably the greatest stumbling block to the extension of Christ’s influence is scholastic or formulated theology. The world is now waiting for a voice crying in the wilderness that men are to be saved not by theology but by Christ. The Church must go back to Christ’s own living and mighty way of talking to craving and aching hearts. Men must behold the Lamb, not the controversies which have raged about him. Throughout his ministry the exaltation of himself was the most conspicuous feature—“follow me,” “come unto me,” “he that believes on me,” “he that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me”—this is the personal strain from beginning to end, and it is the only strain adapted to the capture and redemption of the world. Christ calls men to himself without first setting forth a list of points to be accepted; men go to the doctrine through the man, not to the man through their doctrine. We dare not ask Christ what he believes, or what we ourselves may have to believe at some future time; we have to believe in the Revealer, and then we shall have no difficulty about revelation. The call of the Church often differs from the call of Christ in being a call to theology. In some places in modern Christendom it will be found that the Lord’s table is surrounded by persons who have passed successfully through more or less of a theological examination: and many that feel themselves excluded from the memorial service because, though they love Christ, and could die for him, yet they cannot pronounce the doctrinal shibboleth. What does a newly quickened heart, coming up out of the waters of penitence, and just about to move into the wilderness of temptation, know about the Trinity in Unity, the federal headship of Adam, the philosophy of sacrifice, or the metaphysics of theology? Probably nothing. Yet such ignorance is not incompatible with young life. Does the infant know the mystery of love when it is clasped in the parental breast? Do parents insist that their children shall study agriculture before they eat of the fruits of the earth? When a man declares that he loves Jesus Christ, he has a right to eat of the bread and drink of the cup which the Lord appointed. Love first, knowing afterwards; with love to begin with, all else will come quietly, “without observation,” yet with unspeakable joy. A heart will build up a belief as it wants it, and wear it

gracefully because it is its own. The faith which Christ seeks is probably not to be found in any one sect; part of it is in all, and when it is collated and arranged, it will be the best representative of national churchism. Uniformity of theological creed is a simple impossibility, and as undesirable as it is impossible. The sun brings all manner of flowers out of the earth, varying endlessly in the hue and fragrance; what if the light about the brightness of the sun bring a still more varied summer out of the winter-bound heart of man? This view does not finish the influence of belief. It merely points out that the man comes before the creed, and that there is a difference of the gravest importance between trust in the living Christ and the acceptance of a few theological statements about him. In the former case there is a full surrender of love, in the latter a mere intellectual assent, unaccompanied by moral enthusiasm. The manner of the Call was quite consonant with the mystery of all that is summed up in the word Christ. Its abruptness cannot be overlooked. The ages had been undergoing a long and exciting preparation, and by the very strain of eager watching and listening had been educated to the finest sensibility. Otherwise how can the promptness and unstudied grace of the fishermen’s response be accounted for? There was no prearrangement; yet at a word the lowly men abandon their vocation, and assume a new attitude towards society. At once the Abrahamic call is suggested: here is the same abruptness, the same urgency, the same mystery of the end. Men of quick ear have heard the same tone in the second call was as heard in the first, and have come to know better what was meant by the bewildering statement, “Before Abraham was, I am.” When we first meet Simon and Andrew, they are but names to us; we have had no preparatory hint of the quality of the men, and cannot therefore but hesitate before coupling them in the same commendation with Abraham. A man with an historic reputation is not to be dwarfed into the stature of men whose world hardly extended beyond the boats in which they spent their unknown lives. We think we hear an earlier call than that of Abraham; and whether or not it does not accord with “Let us make man,” is a question which ought not to be left unconsidered. The material was low and rough; if out of such dust man could be rebuilt, the rebuilder must surely be God. In all revolutionary movements there have been men who have heard nothing but “follow,” and have gone bravely forward to what was mystery at first, but what became familiar and venerated truth at last. Such men cannot be accounted for. They are the enigmas of history. They “saw a hand we did not see, and heard a voice we did not hear.” The prospect before such men has generally been unalluring, often most disheartening; cloud and storm darkening and streaming from the sky, bitter wind striking them in the breast, and treacherous bogs lying between them and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 45 BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2018 * 41

Opinion Sparks Is Generally Good for Some Silly Comments; Can I-24 Be Smart? The

STOCKARD REPORT BY SAM STOCKARD IN A FINAL FIT OF SILLINESS before the Republican primary, State Rep. Mike Sparks dubbed himself a “fool” for hanging out with black folks earlier this year instead of spending a day rubbing elbows with gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd at MTSU. Sparks, who considers himself a defender of the black race, if not savior, made the odd statement while fending off criticism on a WGNS Radio talk show about comments he made at a legislative meeting about teacher pay. You might be wondering what spending a Saturday at Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church has to do with teacher pay rates, and the answer is absolutely nothing (say it again). But that is typical fare for Sparks, a Smyrna Republican who bounces from topic to topic like a SuperBall, making it hard to pin him down. It also tends to lead to cauliflower ear when talking to him on the phone. Here’s how it all came down. The week before the Aug. 2 election in which Sparks was facing Smyrna Town Councilman Tim Morrell in the Republican primary for the 49th District House seat, local blogger Michelle Willard posted a video of Sparks presenting a bill in March during a House Education subcommittee. The legislation required teachers’ names and salaries to be posted online, and most education groups opposed the measure. With it, Willard wrote a short op-ed about the legislation, which Sparks withdrew for lack of support. During the meeting, Sparks said, “It seems like there’s a misnomer out there that folks think that teachers are very low paid.” The blog led Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed to post a Facebook response defending the work of teachers, who start at a salary of $35,000 in Tennessee. Reed, who taught for several years in Smyrna elementary schools, now owns a teacher supply store and felt it necessary to speak up for teachers. Sparks, who is taking journalism classes at MTSU—apparently to learn how to cope 42 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

with media criticism—labeled the whole thing “fake news,” even though it used real comments he made and poked fun at him, which is the right of bloggers, reporters, columnists and other cynics. He also put together his own Facebook video designed to make it seem lobbyists and legislators supported his bill. During an interview about the matter, Sparks said it was ridiculous we were even talking about the subject, considering there are so many problems in the world, ranging from opioid addiction to county employees having to use port-a-potties at the county landfill. Of course, Sparks thought the matter about teacher pay was important enough to sponsor the legislation earlier this year, putting an unfunded mandate on local school systems to publish all of that information.

SO WHY NOT TALK ABOUT IT NOW?

Well, because it was another attempt by the media to make him look bad, and just a few days before the primary at that. During the WGNS interview, he pointed out the media tried to do the same thing to him last year when he sponsored a resolution to honor an obscure Louisiana author. It turned out the resolution recognized a man who wrote about the redemption of Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest who, as we all know by now, was a Southern hero and still is to many who refuse to surrender more than 150 years after Robert E. Lee did. Never mind the fact Forrest owned and traded slaves before the war and was the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. The resolution also mentioned Sampson Keeble of Smyrna, the first black man elected to the Legislature following the Civil War. The Legislature’s Black Caucus had asked Sparks not to sponsor an initial resolution recognizing Forrest and Keeble, so he hid it in a different resolution honoring the author of Forrest’s redemption story and placed it on the consent calendar for noncontroversial items. The entire House, not just the Black Caucus, was pretty pissed off after finding out it supported a resolution honoring Forrest’s life. Anyway, just to show how much he

respects African Americans, during the WGNS interview he said he could have gone to an SPARKS MTSU commencement this year and spent time with Boyd but a friend called and encouraged him to go to an event held by an African-American group at Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, a predominantly black church along Old Nashville Highway that dates back to the post-Civil War era. “You know what I did? A fool like me? I go and hang out with all the black folks all day long,” Sparks said on the show. He also referred to the late Dr. George Smith and Murfreesboro artist Mary Watkins, who purportedly told him if it weren’t for his efforts they wouldn’t know about the exploits of Keeble. But he didn’t utter one word about joking or being sarcastic, so we’re left to try to figure out what he meant, and the perception isn’t good. Sparks didn’t answer a phone call or text message seeking comment on his WGNS statement, when he also backed up his previous words about teacher pay, saying he believes the state is paying teachers “adequately,” though it could do better. Sparks contends the bill was designed to create more transparency and let Tennesseans know how much progress the Legislature has made in improving teacher pay. But what his legislation was really designed to do, though he won’t admit it, was to make teachers look bad. While first-year teachers make $35,000, the average teacher pay in some of the better-funded school systems, Murfreesboro City, for instance, tops $51,000. And at a time when teachers are blamed for every ill in society, they really shouldn’t be complaining about low pay. Yet for someone who normally can’t stop talking, Sparks went strangely quiet just before the election. Incidentally, Sparks’ use of the word “misnomer” is a bit of a misnomer. He really meant “misconception.” But what can we expect from someone who calls himself a “fool” for hanging out with black folks, even if he’s trying to make a point with sarcasm?

HOW SMART CAN I-24 BE?

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is set to embark on a plan spending tens of millions of dollars to make I-24 and

Murfreesboro Road a SMART Corridor for 30 miles from Nashville to Murfreesboro. The question remains, though: How much money will it take to make this corridor smart? And are we really that smart if we spend the best days of our lives driving on the most congested stretch of highway in Middle Tennessee? TDOT will be ponying up about $37 million starting later this year to put in technology, signs and other stuff designed to let TDOT communicate with motorists and notify them about wrecks and other incidents—possibly using cellphone apps—and tell them to get off I-24 onto Murfreesboro Road and then back on to the interstate. Over a 12-year period, the state expects to spend a total of about $125 million on improvements to roads and ramps, in addition to an Intelligent Transportation System, according to Rep. Barry Doss, a Lawrence County Republican who chairs the House Transportation Committee. For anyone who’s ever gotten stuck in wreck-related traffic on I-24, this sounds great, because the uncertainty of what’s making you sit in gridlock is almost as bad as the wasted time. But people who’ve driven to Nashville and back for any period also know trying to get over to Murfreesboro Road and make any headway is almost as infuriating as sitting at a standstill on I-24. Moving thousands of vehicles simultaneously is tough. On the other hand, if TDOT completely revamps the ramps and installs traffic lights that make people move, even if gradually, it just might work. But Rutherford County is projected to have about 450,000 people in less than 20 years. So look for this to be a never-ending project, one likely to take a lot more than $125 million to get real smart.

FAREWELL

After four years of writing columns for the Murfreesboro Pulse, I am saying goodbye. It’s been a blast. But I’m taking a full-time job as legislative reporter for The Daily Memphian, covering the General Assembly and state politics, and it will take every bit of my energy to keep Memphis readers stocked with stories and columns. So farewell, friends, and—in the words of Neil Young— “Keep on rocking in the free world,” and stay away from Russian dictators. Sam Stockard can be reached at sstockard44@gmail.com.

Higher Thoughts for Everyday Living Vol. VIII MIDDLE TENNESSEE HYPNOTIST, PHILOSOPHER AND MOTIVATOR M.C. Radford encourages everyone to think positively and live life with a healthy, optimistic attitude. Here, he shares more points from his book Higher Thoughts for Everyday Living, suggesting that readers meditate on one each day—and be amazed at the positive changes that transpire in their lives. BY MC RADFORD

1 You feed your body every day. How much and what do you feed your mind?

2 You alone are responsible for your thoughts. If

you think hate, it will show up in your speech, in your actions and in all phases of your life. If you think failure, it will show up in every business deal you have and with everyone with whom you have contact.

3 Remember this: The successful person is always creating, and the failure is always competing.

4 The successful person is always thinking of what he or she wants, and the person who is a failure is always thinking of what he or she doesn’t want. And what he thinks about, he has in abundance.

5 It has been found through research that if you

put students in a class of low achievers, their IQ will go down. Put those same students in a class of high achievers and their IQ will go up.

6 One of the greatest benefits of college is that you are associating with people who want to be better in life.

Some people will say, “If I only had another chance.” My answer is, “You get another chance every morning when you wake up.”

8 The Bible says to choose this day whom you will

q Have you ever noticed that the really old people almost always have a relaxed appearance? That is why they live so long. When you learn to totally relax, you cannot have pain, you cannot hate, and you cannot be depressed. You can only feel peace, harmony and tranquility.

w Researchers have found that every thought you

have of hate, resentment, fear or worry—in fact all negative thoughts—cause the brain to manufacture and release a chemical into your body to tear it down. And each positive, happy, enthusiastic or love thought causes your brain to manufacture and release a chemical into your body to give you better health.

e Hate, resentment and envy have disfigured more people than all the wars and accidents combined.

r The first step to solving any problem is to be-

come relaxed and release all tension from your mind and body. Then hold a picture in your mind of the end results that you want and the answer will come.

There is no such thing as a problem without a solution. The problem and the solution are the same stick; the problem is on one end and the solution is on the other. If we keep our attention on the problem, we won’t be able to see the solution on the other end.

serve. Choose the thoughts that stream through your mind. You will have positive and negative thoughts about the object of your attention. If you choose positive thoughts, you win. If you choose negative thoughts, you fail.

9 Do you believe you can think? If you do, then I

his legs. His family was horrified, certain he would become a ward of the state. But only a short time later they were surprised to find him operating a thriving advertising agency. “However did you manage?” they asked him. “You can’t even get out of bed.” “My mind can,” he replied. That is all that is necessary.

want you to stop thinking. Try to stop thinking. You can’t do it. So if you can’t stop thinking, then just maybe you are not doing the thinking. You do have the option of choosing the thoughts of the things you want in your life. Choosing is giving your attention to the things you want in your life. And what has your attention is thereby created.

0 Let’s say you have a bad movie on your televi-

sion. Your television is only the instrument through which the movie is coming to you. You cannot stop the movie from coming through, but you can choose another channel with a good movie. Your mind is the instrument through which thoughts flow, so you must choose the channel or movie to correspond with your desires.

If you were to ask me what you should study, I would say, “Yourself.” When you had well studied yourself and again asked me what to study I would reply, “Yourself.”

u A young man was hit by a bus and lost both of

i Man, not God, has created evil, disease, poverty,

hell and the devil in his earthly life. God has nothing to do with any of these things. When I have any pain in my life, mental or physical, I realize I have not been using the law of attraction in the right way.

o Your subconscious mind, if properly directed, can heal your mind and body of all disease. No

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

Opinion Russia Does Sow Discontent in the U.S., but Is Probably Not Responsible for Election Outcome

he news media went hysterical over President Trump’s comments at a press conference in Helsinki after meeting with Russian President Putin. It’s instructive to first examine what it is the president actually said. What got the media stirred was this answer to a question about Russian meddling in the election. Trump said, “All I can do is ask the question—my people came to me, Dan Coats came to me and some others, they said they think it’s Russia. I have President Putin. He just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be, but I really want to see the server, but I have confidence in both parties.” The Trump haters seized on that line of “both parties” and spun it that Trump was trashing our intelligence services. Keep in mind this is while Congress is investigating the possibility that several FBI agents were involved in a plot to first block his election to the presidency and then bring him down once he won. It’s important at this point to break the issue of Russian interference down into two distinct categories. First, there’s no doubt that the Russians have been buying ads on platforms like Facebook to sow discontent in the country. What is not widely reported is they bought ads both proTrump and anti-Trump. They bought ads both proHillary and anti-Hillary. They play both sides of the Black Lives Matters issue as well as Texas and California secession movements. In other words, the Russians take the opportunity to drive the wedge deeper on any issue that divides us. Why? Nobody really has a good answer. There could be a geopolitical strategy to topple us as the world’s superpower. It could be as simple as Putin’s hatred for America. Whatever it is, they’re certainly active on every side of the issues. In the indictment of the 12 Russians that was unsealed recently by Robert Mueller’s team, they

VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

contend that the Kremlin-linked Internet Research Agency set up shop to interfere with the U.S. presidential election in the spring of 2014. That was over a year before Donald Trump jumped into the race. It is inconceivable that such an operation was devised to get Trump elected president. But it’s the second part of this equation that Trump is questioning—the part about the Russians hacking the DNC servers, or as the left-wing media like to say it, “hacking the election.” There’s no evidence at all that the Russians or anybody else “hacked the election.” Whatever the Russians did had no bearing on the outcome of the election. That’s one of the reasons why Trump is so defensive. The left is trying to convince the American people that his presidency is illegitimate because the Russians got him elected. That is utter bovine scatology. The real issue is the DNC server itself. This is the point Trump was making when he said, “I really want to see the server.” Something most Americans don’t even know is the FBI has never examined the DNC server that was supposedly hacked. How incredible is that? The whole investigation hinges on testimony from a company, CrowdStrike, hired by the DNC to say the server was hacked. Until our intelligence agencies have actually examined the server themselves, how on Earth can they definitely say who hacked it, or if it was hacked at all? That is the point Trump was making in Helsinki, and the left-wing media chose to ignore the real story in favor of flogging the dead mule of Trump-Russia collusion.

“The left is trying to convince the American people that his presidency is illegitimate because the Russians got him elected. That is utter bovine scatology.”

Phil Valentine is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host with Westwood One. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 promised land; still they heard the “follow” which was inaudible to duller ears, and went forward at the cost of their whole reputation for sagacity. What had Simon and Andrew to “follow”? Looked at from the common point of view, their decision was simply fanaticism. The man who had invited them was nameless and powerless, according to to the conventional notions of fame and influence, yet they went with as prompt and complete a surrender as if a king had offered them the riches of a kingdom. It is true that the men were called to a higher vocation; they were to be not fishers only, but “fishers of men;” yet even this promised elevation does not compass the mystery of the obedience, for multitudes declined Christ’s invitations, and unnumbered millions today hear his voice, and yet practically treat his promises as they would treat so many lies. What if Simon and Andrew had treated his appeal with contempt? What if James and John had laughed in his face? The persons who were called are not such as might have been expected, yet it will be found that they were the only persons who could have been called, in harmony with the whole mystery of Jesus Christ. The method of calling men which Christ adopted is worth studying if only to see how statesmanlike, how philosophical, yet, on the face of it, how absurd it was. He announces his purpose in one concise sentence: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” This brings us to a wider meaning of the term “call” than we have in the word “follow;” yet, take the declaration as an authoritative exposition of Christ’s visit among men. This is quite a new voice on the earth. It had been understood up to this time that “sinners” had to be “consumed,” “destroyed,” “ashamed,” “confounded,” “desolate;” their teeth were to be “broken,” and their soul was to be “slain.” Every man was apparently under the impression that he praised God in proportion as he cursed the sinner. The evangelical prophecies are no exceptions to this rule; for they were, of course, one with the spirit of him whom they announced. The rule relates to the general spirit of the world, to the tone of government, even government as administered by righteous men. Jesus Christ propounds the startling doctrine that he had come from heaven for the express purpose of calling bad men to him. Could any doctrine, abstractly considered, be more horrifying? The worse the man, the deeper the interest Christ took in him. Polite society was shocked, and “righteous” society horror-stricken; still he held on his way, and still he graciously answered (so graciously that one wonders that every heart on hearing it does not instantly admit him as its Lord): “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” It was a hard errand to come upon, and only the Son of God could have undertaken it. Christ began at the lowest point in society. The kingdom which he came to establish was to be an everlasting kingdom; and everlasting kingdoms must have adequate foundations.

Christ recognized the essential distinction between men and man, and this fact gave him a reach and power over his work which otherwise would have been unattainable. The worst men make the best. A little nature could not accommodate a legion of devils—one man held more than could be held by two thousand swine. By so much as a man is diabolized may he be deified. It was, therefore, a great tribute paid to the worth of human nature when Christ spent his life in gathering and rebuilding its very ruins. No statesman can afford to omit the common people from his calculation. They are the very root and core of society. Kings are only the blossomings of the national tree. The roof is more dependent upon the foundation than the foundation upon the roof. Nearly all, if not quite all, the movements which have changed the thinking, and determined the new courses of the world, have been upward, not downward. The great revolutionists have generally been cradled in mangers, and gone through rough discipline in early life. This is God’s plan of uniting all classes of the family of man. Christ worked in harmony with the spirit of this plan. People that were rejected on every side became his servants, and brethren, and friends. Even bad women were drawn towards him, as if they could get from him “the piece that was lost.” Some of the most touching scenes, if nothing else remained, is enough to bind the world’s heart to him forever. A Pharisee had asked Christ to break bread with him, and “a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought in an alabaster box of ointment”—probably all she had in the world—“and stood at his feet behind him, weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with ointment,”—so near being an angel this poor sinning sister! Never was modesty so modest—stood at his feet— stood behind him—stood behind him weeping: only God can interpret the full meaning of such tears. The cold-eyed Pharisee saw nothing in her but a “sinner:” Christ saw a woman, flesh and blood of his own mother, and his great, gentle heart was shaken with unutterable pity. The Pharisee knew more of logic than of philanthropy, and instantly he set up this argument: “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him; for she is a sinner.” The eye that saw the “woman” under the “sinner” saw the sneering skeptic under the observing but silent host. That eye read the Pharisee through and through. “Simon,” said Jesus, “I have somewhat to say unto thee. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors; the one owed five hundred pence a day; the other fifty; and when they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both: tell me, therefore which of them will love him most?” Simon liked a case of this kind; it was not above his intellectual stature, though he little knew its moral compass. “I suppose,” he answered, “that he to whom he

forgave most.” The answer was right; the appeal was overwhelming. “Simon, see thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gave me no water for my feet, but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head; thou gave me no kiss; but this woman, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet; my head with oil thou didst not anoint, but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore, I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loves much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” The man that spoke these words ought to be dear to the world’s heart forever! The calm tone, the beaming eye, the inimitable pathos, all brought to bear upon the stony Pharisee, with his paltry notions of propriety! It is truly better to fall into the hands of God than into the hands of men. A case like this does more to confirm the Godhead of Jesus Christ than can be done by a sanhedrin of theologians. We have in it all the God we need. The Being that saw the woman in the sinner, and the sinner in the woman, that penetrated the dishonorable thought of the haughty self-idolater, and pronounced the contrite woman forgiven, comes before the world with claims which God only could sustain. In the presence of such an incident, all verbal criticism becomes contemptible; the stormed and grateful heart exclaims, Ecce homo! Ecce Deus! Multiply this simple story by the number of “sinners” in the world; let every one of those sinners love as much as this poor woman loved, and then say if ever king reigned over such an empire as that in which Christ would be enthroned. All low motives are expelled by a pure, intense, ever-deepening love. In this way, too, we see light streaming upon an overshadowing and most appalling mystery; the comparative relation of sin to the happiness of the universe, when the divine propose is completed. Even for sin’s sake, heaven shall be filled with a sweeter and gladder hallelujah. By going to the lowest stratum of human nature Christ gave a new idea of the value of man. He built a kingdom out of the refuse of society. To compare small things with great, it has been pointed out by Lord Macaulay that in an English cathedral there is an exquisite stained window which was made by an apprentice out of the pieces of glass which had been rejected by his master, and it was so far superior to every other in the church, that, according to tradition, the envious artist killed himself with vexation. All the builders of society had rejected the “sinners,” and made the painted window of the “righteous.” A new builder came; his plan was original, startling, revolutionary; his eye was upon the contemned material; he made the first last and the last first, and the stone which the builders rejected he made the head stone of the corner. He always especially cared for the rejected stone. Men had always cared for the great, the beautiful, the righteous; it was left to Christ to care for sinners. The general tone of history was such as to give

Christ’s method an appearance of the most grotesque absurdity; he began where no other worker began; precedent, the terror of secondary men, was against him; and his contemporaries either pitied or despised, saying, with much bitter meaning in their tone, “This man receives sinners, and eats with them.” The unity of the mystery is here apparent. He himself, on the other side, began at the highest, and on the other, at the lowest, yet the Child of the manger came to be King of the world. Society is moved by its extremes. It is remarkable that Christ is never said to have called a woman to follow him as he called the disciples; and quite as remarkable that, so far as the evidence goes, no woman ever spoke a word against him, while many women were last at the cross, and earliest at the sepulcher. It seems as though he had assumed that the womanly side of human nature would not require any calling; that the heart of woman would instinctively welcome him as the solution of all difficulties, the sum of all charms, the sovereign of frail and needy creatures who have immense capacity of suffering, but little satisfaction in the results of mere logic. Christ was emphatically, uniquely, the seed of the woman. What woman could reject her own son? Does not every woman look with intensely hopeful love upon the son of her womb? He will be her comfort, her song, her savior; she no longer lives but in him and for him; through him she interprets the future, and for his sake takes a kinder view of all mankind. Christ was born to every woman. Men required to be called, women only to be attracted. Women had but to see him in order to claim him as the fairest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely; to recognize him as the tenderest and wisest friend of womanhood. They needed no call. The dew waits for no voice to call it to the sun. Few women ever go to Christ through the medium of mere doctrine. They live beyond the cold propositional region. The dew finds its way up to the sun without knowing anything of the laws of motion or the mysteries of light, and womanly hearts go up to Christ often knowing little of objective theology, yet wise because inspired and guided by the love which is the elect interpreter of God. God is love, and by her superior capacity of love woman is so much nearer God than man can ever be. It is hardly to be wondered that millions of Christians even now feel that heaven itself requires the distinctive presence of the womanly element, and express the feeling by addressing Mary as the mother of God. If Protestantism were less technical and more human, it would hesitate before condemning the feeling which dictates this startling appellation. The fact may be that God is more human than traditional doctrine has yet dared to conceive. We think of humanity too exclusively by the flesh. It is to be remembered that the body is the lesser portion of the man. It is on the mind side that we approach God, through the mind side that we communicate with God, and on the mind side that we resemble God. In this

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47 BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2018 * 45

Sports

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

Taylor Lewan (right) and company

Taylor and Delanie Both Remain Titans; No Shortage of Social Controversies During Slow Sports Summer THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Cherish life, thank God you live in America, celebrate family, and quit complaining. Time is ticking and it can make years seem like days. So ride it, spank it and make life squeal like a piggy. Football is just around the corner! Meaning: summer is ending and fantasy football is nearing. This is the tenth anniversary for The Train Daddy Mafia League, my league! As commissioner of the Mafia, I know how to handle controversy, unlike ROGER GOODELL. Between sexual abuse allegations, anthem protests and ratings decline, the NFL has had a tough past few years. My league shows respect! They understand once a year, it is no option, show up for the live draft! It doesn’t take me three times to correct a wrong like it does with the NFL. Commissioner Goodell has no backbone; he is so worried about appeasing the players, fans, owners and the players’ union that he is incapable of making wise decisions. You’re the boss, Goodell! Smack a player if he talks crazy, punch an owner if he talks smack and don’t forget that the fans are the most important. So, what shall we discuss this issue? It only seems fair we talk Titans football and throw in a little random here-and-there, and then we will wrap the article up with a little love for Papa John! I feel sorry for him. His best friend, Peyton Manning, broke up with him, J.J. Watt refuses to answer his calls and the world, 46 * AUGUST 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

it seems, has condemned PAPA JOHN SCHNATTER. Pizza Hut is the new pizza of the NFL. What has the world come to? So all aboard! The Train is rolling out the station! Finally the Titans did the right thing and paid TAYLOR LEWAN BIG money! He deserved it, and now has the richest contract in NFL history for an offensive lineman—a five-year deal worth $80 million with $50 million guaranteed. Wow! Through his personality and playmaking abilities, Taylor makes everyone better around him. Protecting the quarterback is essential in the NFL, where QB play is the single most important aspect in the game. I imagine Marcus Mariota was doing backflips after he heard the news. Hours after the deal was made, Lewan was doing backflips as well, dressed as Boss Hogg. What else would you expect from the man who chugs beer from the mouth of a catfish? Lewan talked to media dressed as Boss Hogg from The Dukes of Hazzard and, amazingly, no one yet has called him a white racist. I grew up watching that ’69 Dodge Charger called The General Lee fly through the air. Yet the show was labeled racist just a few years ago and pulled from all networks. Come on, man! The sight of a flying orange car with a Confederate flag on it was too much for America’s snowflakes. But back to Lewan, the man is my hero, one of my favorite Titans! He is Marcus’ bodyguard and will savagely attack any opposing player who hits his quarterback after the whistle; he almost killed Richard Sherman!

Old man DELANIE WALKER also remains a Titan, signing a two-year contract extension. Walker has proven to be one of the league’s top tight ends in all aspects of the position. Since joining the Titans, no tight end in the league has more receptions than Walker. Sorry Gronk and Kelce, it’s true! Delanie Walker is credited for being one of the first players to speak up about changing the culture in the locker room. Since Walker came on board, the team has progressed, no doubt! Walker stepped up when other Titans receivers didn’t. He can catch, block, and lead, and hopefully the receivers give him a little help this season. Why is it okay for JIMMY GAROPPOLO to go on a date with a busty porn star? Because Johnny Manziel said so! Much discussion came from the dinner date between Jimmy and Kiara Mia, some applauding and some saying it’s a distraction for the new 49ers quarterback. I don’t care either way, but taking advice from JOHNNY MANZIEL is like taking advice from a liberal on gun control! How about one more random controversial story? HOPE SOLO, daughter of Han Solo and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, recently made bold claims that have upset the US Olympic Committee, that soccer is only affordable in America if you’re white. She claims the average cost per kid is $15,000 a year. Good lord! What is she talking about? I buy 10 pairs of cleats, 10 soccer balls, shin guards and matching shirts for probably $1,000! Solo backed her claim up with no statistics, even though Time magazine figures from 2017 indicate the average cost per kid was $1,472 a year. If your child is joining an elite traveling team, the cost probably is closer to Time’s numbers. Things cost money, yes? But it’s not fair to make claims that a game played in third world countries is being hijacked by the rich here in America. The game is so popular internationally, in fact, because you don’t need much equipment to play it! Surely advocates of soccer can figure out a way that all can enjoy the game, a game requiring little more than a ball, two goals and people. Back to Titans talk, Mr. Ro-bot-o Mar-Cus MAR-i-O-ta! Let’s discuss the ongoing debate, who is the better player, MARCUS MARIOTA vs. JAMEIS WINSTON. Three years ago the debate started and is still going. In terms of football both players have shown promise and disappointment. In terms of maturity Winston has failed miserably. What with rape allegations, theft, the screaming of obscenities, telling children that girls should stay silent and now grabbing women by the

crotch, resulting in his current three-game suspension, Winston is a PR nightmare. Marcus Mariota is dull, boring and squeakyclean! In 2015 these two were the No. 1 and 2 picks in the NFL draft, and both being star quarterbacks. The debate is this: who is the better quarterback? Of course, Marcus leads that discussion heading into 2018. Both players have similar stats, yet Marcus has a playoff victory. Last year Marcus may have won a playoff game, but he threw more interceptions than touchdowns and trended down from his previous breakout season. Marcus has normal QB problems, like generating better chemistry with receivers, not turning over the ball and being a better leader. Jameis has those same problems, plus the damage done to his character. So, Marcus wins the debate of who is the better player. It’s a big year for Marcus, a contract year! Marcus is calm and collected, and a no-nonsense hard worker. This is a new year for the Titans. The future looks good. On to some Papa John discussion. Mr. John, the Papa himself, stepped down and is currently suing his own company. Last year he blamed bad sales on the anthem protest and that was enough to earn the scorn of liberals. How dare he criticize these brave athletes who disrespect the flag? The NFL parted ways with Papa John’s and nothing has gotten better for the Papa. Recently news broke of an old conference call where John used the N word to describe Colonel Sanders as a racist. Crazy, right? You realize if he has said “the N word” then no one cares. He actually says the word and his world is screwed! I must point out that he used the word in a non-derogatory way. The conference call involved all of Papa John’s bigwigs, and the fact that this information got out seems to me proof that there was a coup against the Papa. Before I go any further, Pizza Hut is okay, Domino’s tastes like cardboard, Little Caesars is $5 peasant food and Papa John’s is delicious. Better Ingredients, Better Pizza. Sorry, Jr., but Papa does out-pizza the Hut. I was a delivery driver from age 18 to 21 at a local Papa John’s. There is good history there—although I did total my car in Walter Hill while delivering pies, sending my beautiful car into the air 30 feet. My pizza career ended there, but I loved it. Papa was supposed to be in the protection of his own company talking about racial issues, and used a word. That word should never be used as an insult to others. But to say what Papa did is inexcusable is utterly ridiculous, and I seem to be one of few who think that. That’s it. The Train is rolling into the station! Choo-choo!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 doctor, psychologist, minister or psychiatrist heals anyone. There is only one healing power. That healing presence in within you. Call it God, life principle, subconscious mind, universal mind, or any name you choose.

BLUE RAIDER SPORTS BY GREG CRITTENDEN

a Your inner mind holds the answer to your every problem. It is the source of all inspiration and all creative energy.

; Nothing is impossible to the mind of man, for the conscious mind controls the subconscious mind and the subconscious mind is all-powerful.

d Your worst enemy is fear. Fear is sin. S-I-N is Seeing In Negative.

Blue Raiders will open the 2018 season at Vanderbilt on Sept. 1. For more on MTSU athletics, visit goblueraiders.com.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 sense God is more human, or man more divine, than has yet been authenticated by the councils of Christendom. God is not declared to be power, but he is declared to be Love; whoever, therefore can love most is most like God. A lion is stronger, an eagle is swifter than man, yet it is not to be inferred that they are nearer God than man is; but God is love, and nearness to him in soul quality is a question of love. Nor is it to the point that women have fallen into great depths of sin; the greater the depth, the greater the nature. If God himself could sin, all other sinners would be forgotten in the darkness of the stupendous apostasy. Christ’s tender recognition of little children was part of his Call. How could he call them

but by taking them up in his arms and blessing them? They could not understand his words, but they understood his smile, as flowers understand the morning. He blessed them! Fathers know a little of the meaning, and mothers a little more; as for other critics, they may not know this mystery. He said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven;” as if heaven contained all youth, and beauty, and trustfulness. “He took them up in his arms;” and they are there still. The “Son of Man” alone knows the nature of a little child. As the Founder of a permanent monarchy, Christ knew the value of young life. What is a king, if he be not supported by the passionate love of the national heart? Passive allegiance is a diplomatic euphemism which signifies the extinction of loyalty. •

In spite of all this individual recognition, the Blue Raiders were projected to finish only third in the C-USA East by the conference media members. It’s going to be another tough nonconference schedule for Middle Tennessee. Three of their four out-of-conference games will be against SEC opponents: Vanderbilt, Georgia and Kentucky. Murfreesboro fans will only get five opportunities to see the Blue Raiders live in Murfreesboro this season. The home schedule includes UT-Martin on Sept. 8, Florida Atlantic on Sept. 29, Charlotte on Oct. 20, Western Kentucky on Nov. 2 and Alabama-Birmingham on Nov. 24.

k A procrastinator is a person who steals time from eternity. l The word “Pharisees” in the Bible represents organized religion or people who would keep you in the dark.

s You don’t have to think cancer to get cancer. You can think cancerous thoughts such as worry, resentment, envy, hate and hostility.

MTSU BLUE RAIDERS will kick off their 2018 campaign on Sept. 1, and the team has already been receiving recognition from the media. Six Blue Raiders have received preseason recognition going into the 2018 season. Brent Stockstill, Chandler Brewer, Ty Lee and Khalil Brooks have all received All-Conference USA honors. Stockstill has also landed on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Trophy and the Wuerffel Trophy. Stockstill isn’t the only Blue Raider receiving national recognition. Lee is on the watchlist for the Biletnikoff Award while Darius Harris is on the Butkus Award watch list. Matt Bonadies rounds out the list of Blue Raiders receiving preseason recognition as he was placed on the Ray Guy Award watch list.

j Physical vigor is the result of vigorous thoughts, and physical weakness is the result of confusion.

p Your desire is the mind of the Creator

seeking expression through you.

Blue Raiders Kick Off 2018 Football Season on Sept. 1

our looks, our health and our entire life.

f Whatever you feel or think is your prayer. Fear and worry is prayer backwards. g The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not enough for even a single person’s greed. h When Jesus told us to love our enemies, He was telling us how to improve

z Most people will refuse to believe what they don’t understand. M.C. Radford will answer any questions on the mind, brain, body, spirit, hypnosis, cybernetics, parapsychology or metaphysics. He can help eliminate smoking, excess weight, fears, phobias, sexual problems, insomnia, anxiety, stage fright and other issues. For improved conﬁdence, motivation and concentration, and to take control over your life, body and mind, contact Radford today at 615-351-2939.

BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2018 * 47