January 2013 Murfreesboro Pulse

MURFREESBORO

ININMUSIC: MUSIC: Great Barrier Reefs, Voodoo Prophet

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OUT IN & ABOUT MUSIC: MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S SOURCE FOR ART, ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS

Murfreesboro’s First Commercial Brewhouse Producing Four Ale Varieties

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Vol. 8, Issue 1 January 2013

FREE

OPINIONS IN MUSIC:

Take One!

Predictions for 2013

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ONLINE AT: BOROPULSE.COM

Ryan Coleman: Singer, songwriter and guitarist stays busy hosting weekly writers night at 3 Brothers and gigging around

Mr. Nick’s Pizza gets the Bracken Jr. nod of approval.

CONTENTS LIVING

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Living Green Natural construction in Murfreesboro

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Read to Succeed Book Review And When She Was Good, by Laura Lippman Gardening Raise your game with homemade garden boxes.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Antique wedding dresses, bull riding, coat drive

ART

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Into the Grindhouse Local photographer Jerry Winnett aspires to make art, not simply shoot sexy.

SOUNDS

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CONCERT LISTINGS Album Reviews The Great Barrier Reefs, Voodoo Prophet A Night of Music with Ryan Coleman Singer/songwriter stays busy honing his craft, entertaining audiences with weekly 3 Brothers gig.

FOOD

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Mr. Nick's Pizza New pizza place, buffet opens on Thompson Lane.

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Coffee Talk Robust talk about a few rich brews.

OUT & ABOUT

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Mayday!

Murfreesboro's first commercial brewery is producing four unique ales.

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Agents of Kaos Gamers now have a spot to gather: Kaos Theory.

COVER STORY

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Sign up to receive our weekly digital newsletter at BoroPulse.com/Newsletter

SPORTS

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Sports Talk with Z-Train The playoff table is set. Who will be the champs?

THEATER

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A Cracked Christmas on Main Street Out Front closes 2012 with The Eight.

MOVIES

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Reviews Rise of the Guardians, Django Unchained

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Living Room Cinema Tenacity and Determination

OPINIONS

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La Palabra 13 predictions for the year 2013

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Phil Valentine Guns aren't the problem, crazy is the problem.

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Helping the Least Among Us A society is only as good as its treatment of the weakest.

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The Working Artist Balancing making a living with an aspiring artistic career Murfreesboro/MTMC Should Swap Land Eye on Media: The Rutherford Reader Can freedom of the press and freedom of religion co-exist in Murfreesboro? It is not certain.

CREW

PULSE

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Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Music Editor: Jessica Pace

Copy Editor: Steve Morley

Photographer: Jerry Winnett

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Contributing Writers: Ryan Egly, Art Director: Sarah L. Mayo Bryce Harmon, Mac L, Zach Maxfield, Michelle Palmer, Cameron Parrish, Advertising Reps: Frank Shepard, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Don Clark, Barbara Adell Justin Stokes, Norbert Thiemann, Phil Valentine

To carry The Pulse at your business, or submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com 116-E North Walnut St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (615) 796-6248

Copyright © 2013, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 116-E N. Walnut St., 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 our advertisers. Views expressed in The Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

DEAR READERS:

WE MADE IT! 2013, and a new Mayan long-count cycle, are here. Who wishes the end of the world really did happen? I enjoy living with you all on planet Earth, but I wouldn't have minded having the privilege of witnessing the end of it all. I’m expecting and preparing to live to be well over 100, but am grateful and satisfied enough to have it end at any time.

Many, myself included, are already exhausted from hearing about it. It’s old news that has been beaten to death, but only happened a few short weeks ago. Awful, awful, awful. Yes, this is referring to the mass shooting of a group of six- and seven-year-olds. Could there be anything worse, other than full-on Apocalypse?

I may as well throw my two cents in; as they say, opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one . . . and they generally stink! I would be surprised if there isn't some sort of mind-control element at play here. Anyone with the slightest shred of conscience or control should be able to resist shooting up defenseless children.

Still, I’m of the opinion people should have the right to bear arms. Actually have the right to bear arms, not just throw the words around lightly like a bumper-sticker-friendly catchphrase.

Tragedy aside, our friends over at Murfreesboro Pawn and Gun say that the Obama administration in general is the best thing to happen to the gun business. I wouldn’t expect that industry to slow down in 2013.

Yes, the times they are a changin’. Garfield the cat’s often-stated line directed towards those who slightly annoy him about how they should be “drug out into the street and shot” would likely get a child suspended from school if they repeated it these days.

I haven’t had a mobile phone since Thanksgiving.

I’m a little glad, a little inconvenienced.

“Don’t you have to have a phone to run a business?”

No, actually. You don’t. Consider me the grand experiment—you can actually survive without a phone bill and that telephone technology that is so last century.

You want me to have a telegraph too? A Pony Express courier?

Don’t feel like you have to have anything. Reach for what you want, but don’t let others dictate what you must have and do with your limited resources.

You’ll never make everyone happy. Play music, make art, visit with your neighbors and family, shop local and stay out of debt, for the borrower is slave to the lender.

Get your rest; hibernate a little these months.

Get your energy up so you can do what you are good at. Even if you can’t all the time, please, make some time to do what you are good at.

Peace, Bracken Mayo Editor in Chief BOROPULSE.COM

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LIVING NATURAL CONSTRUCTION IN MURFREESBORO With help from some friends, natural construction is possible.

THE GREEN LIVING COLUMN in the November issue of the Pulse covered an eco-home southwest of Nashville that included solar panels, solar water heatOne of the most important factors in designing an efing and passive solar heating as well as some examples of sustainable agriculture. As with the majority of home ficient home is orientation, a fact well observed by home sustainability projects, these were improvements to a builders for much of human history. Modern suburbs commercially built structure. Right here in Murfreesboro, ignore the possible advantages conferred by the sun and not far from the square, is an example of a different apenvironment, and achieve a livable ambient temperature proach. Denise Jones, a Murfreesboro native who has rethrough the brute force of coal and air conditioning. There turned from California, is constructing a 120-square-foot is, of course, a smarter way. The north-facing wall of studio using natural construction methods. The following Denise’s studio will act as a thermal capacitor in the winter is an account of the first stage of the when the sun hangs lower, absorbing construction, as well as some plans for the sun’s rays through the south-facing the future of the studio. windows. In the summer, when the One example of the difference besun follows a path at a higher degree tween commercial and natural construcfrom horizontal, hangers will serve to tion is the means of insulation. Instead provide shade. The straw bale method of a thin frame with spun fiberglass column by RYAN EGLY mentioned will be used for this wall, as egly@boropulse.com insulation, a sturdy frame of wood is it offers a high level of insulation. used along with a form of straw insulaThe side walls will likely be complettion (there are also other options for structural support). ed using the light clay method to conserve space.

In this case, poles were salvaged from a 100-year-old barn One last and important note involves the requirement on a Lascassas farm. After the pole is righted, earth and of a permit. The studio described in this article is classisand are tamped around the base. Supporting braces are fied as an accessory building, which has fewer requireused throughout the process to adjust the angle of the pole. ments than an inhabitable space. For more on Tennessee Notches are made in the pole to support crossbeams. permit regulations, I would refer you to the Murfreesboro Framing is being completed, with continual modificaBuilding and Codes Department (893-3750). tion, from plans made using the free program Google This is an exciting project, and certainly challenges my SketchUp. Plants around the base will help shield the ideas of what is possible in the field of construction. The walls from water.

Pulse will follow this project, so stay tuned!

LIVING GREEN

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And When She Was Good

by Laura Lippman Heloise Lewis is a woman with secrets. To the casual observer, Heloise is completely ordinary. She is head of a lobbying group for equal pay for women. Her son, Scott, plays soccer and attends a local school. She helps with the PTA and is a good, but quiet, neighbor. Heloise Lewis is also a madam for Washington D.C.’s rich and powerful, with a little black book that could ruin lives.

As a young girl, Heloise was told repeatedly by her abusive father that she had “a nothing face.” Paired with her “nothing face” is a fabulous body, which finally gives Heloise a way out. When she can’t take the abuse another day, Heloise leaves home for the streets, and quickly falls under the spell of Val, an equally abusive pimp who molds Heloise into the perfect prostitute. Heloise’s dreams are bigger than turning the next trick: when she becomes pregnant with Val’s child, Heloise devises a plan that not only sets Val up for prison time, but allows her the chance to start her own business.

When the book opens, Heloise has learned that a fellow madam, someone she knows from her days on the street with Val, has been murdered. Although the police have very few clues, Heloise knows that this crime will have a direct impact on her life: the victim is one of the last witnesses to the murder that sent Val to prison.

by MICHELLE PALMER Suddenly, everything that Heloise has worked for is tumbling down—her anonymmichellepalmersbooks .blogspot.com ity, her livelihood and most important, the protection of Scott, who is Val’s son.

What follows is a game of psychological cat and mouse. Heloise does not know who she can trust, how much Val knows about her role in his conviction, and whether she will be the next witness to be eliminated. This is Lippman’s greatest strength—the nail-biting, squirm-inducing tension that leads you inexorably toward the book’s thrilling climax.

Despite the storyline, And When She Was Good is not a story about prostitution. It is about one woman’s ability to create a worthwhile life born out of abuse and terror. Heloise may start out using the only asset she feels she can offer—her body—but it is her spirit and her intellect that help her to rise above her traumatic upbringing and reinvent herself.

Lippman is the author of 17 other novels as well as a book of short stories, many of them New York Times bestsellers. Lippman’s books have also won numerous awards, including the coveted Edgar Award. And When She Was Good has the distinct honor of being chosen as Stephen King’s favorite book of 2012. Happy reading!

READ TO SUCCEED

BOOK REVIEW

Michelle Palmer is Read To Succeed’s One Book Committee Co-Chair and author of the book blog Turn of the Page (michellepalmersbooks.blogspot.com) Read To Succeed is the community collaborative created to promote literacy in Rutherford County. The objective of this partnership between schools, area agencies, and businesses is to support local programming and raise awareness about the importance of literacy. For more information and to find out how you can make a difference in Rutherford County’s literacy rates, visit readtosucceed.org. The opinions expressed in this book review are not necessarily representative of Read To Succeed, but simply intended to promote the joy of reading.

Gardening |

by BRACKEN MAYO

Raise Your Garden Game This Year

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f you’re itching to do a little work in the garden and just can’t wait until the spring, here’s an idea that’s growing in popularity lately. Constructing some raised garden beds to contain your plants can help keep grass and weeds out, keep a little more water in and and give you more control over the soil in this smaller space.

This long-term investment in your veggie production can also add a little pop of color and ornamentation to your property with just a small amount of expense and labor.

Weed-eating around these garden boxes can make your small urban yard appear a little more streamlined than having one large traditional garden patch.

As it happens, the Mayos had a vinyl fence put up a couple of years ago (to contain the Jr.), and months later, as we were discussing bringing in some garden boxes, realized the leftover vinyl planks would not only work perfectly, but would actually match the fence. Fortunately, there were just enough pieces

left to construct three 5 1/2' x 5 1/2' boxes, one foot high.

If you don’t have leftover fence parts, it may still be worth your while to go by Papa’s Hot Sauce Store and Prestigic Vinyl Creations (2910 Old Fort Pkwy.) and see if he will make you a deal on a few vinyl planks to construct your planter.

Of course, lumber will work just fine too. The National Gardening Association labels cedar, white oak, redwood, black cherry, black walnut and cypress woods as “very decay resistant.” Many gardeners suggest avoiding pressure-treated lumber, due to the potential risk that your plants will be contaminated by chemicals used in the treatment process.

Use either a small piece of post inside each corner of the boxes, or a hinge on the outside of each corner, to screw or nail the boards to. About 4' x 6' is perfect, so you can rake, chop, weed and harvest, without actually stepping in the box. (It can be difficult to reach the center of our 5 1/2' x 5 1/2' beds without stepping inside).

Don’t worry, they certainly do not have to be perfect works of art—you are filling them up with dirt. Go ahead, fill them up with dirt, compost, leaves, all sorts of organic material, and let it decompose for a few months before planting season is here. It’s right around the corner.

BOROPULSE.COM

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

JAN.

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Send event information to murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com

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The Language of Love and Courtship Tours (Through March 3)

As a special treat for your valentine, come and enjoy a tour of Oaklands Mansion and experience the romance of the Victorians as you enjoy courtship tours Sunday, Jan 13, (900 N. Maney Ave.). The romantic language of flowers and fans, as well as the traditions of engagement for courting, will be explored. Regular admission rates apply. For more information, please call (615) 893-0022 or visit oaklandsmuseum.org.

Joanne Padgett Book Launch 19 Local author Joanne Padgett will launch her new book series titled Vampires of Camelot: Merlin’s Revenge, an installment in a series that has already sold over 40,000 copies and is currently being discussed for a motion picture adaptation.

Vampires of Camelot: Merlin’s Revenge is set for release on Jan. 19, when Padgett will be having her “Vampires Costume Ball and Book Launch” afterhours party at Bar Louie in the Avenue from 9 p.m.–close.

JAN.

(Through March 23)

Gowns, from handmade to couture, will be on display during this special exhibit opening Sunday, Jan. 13, at Oaklands Historic House Museum (900 N. Maney Ave.).

These elegant and fashionable wedding dresses were worn by ladies both from Murfreesboro and around the country. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, please call (615) 893-022 or visit oaklandsmuseum.org.

compiled by ANDREA STOCKARD

JAN.

Wedding Dresses Through the Decades Exhibit

Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club Polar 19 Bear Golf Scramble The Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club Polar Bear Gold Scramble will be at Indian Hills Golf Club Saturday, Jan. 19. The tournament is $74 per golfer and includes continental breakfast, lunch, carts and goody bags. Contact Nancy McGill at (615) 410-3721, Robert McConnell of Robert's Discount Automotive Repair on NW Broad or visit nationalexchangeclub.org.

JAN.

Murfreesboro Anime Comic Kon (MACK) 2nd JAN. 19–20 Annual Comic Convention MACK is BACK! Jan. 19–20, Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Clarion Inn & Suites (2227 Old Fort Pkwy), join the MACK for at least 20 guests, including Show Special Lee Tockar, voice actor from My Little Pony (autographs $10), some of the zombie cast from The Walking Dead and Comic Guests such as Jonathan Gladion, Batman Artist, Jacob Ropugemont, Marvel writer, and more.

Admission is $10 each day or $50 for the VIP package, limited to 50 attendees.

For more information visit comiccity

tn.com or the Murfreesboro Anime Comic Kon Facebook page.

TSSAA State Bowling Championships State championships in high school bowling will be Jan. 24–26 at the Smyrna Bowling Center (95 Weakley Ln.). For more information, please call (615) 8896740 or visit tssaa.org.

JAN. 24–26

SEBRA Extreme Bull Riding and Barrel Racing National Finals The Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association (SEBRA) hosts the Extreme Bull Riding National Finals at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304B W. Thompson Ln.) at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for kids Friday (ages 6-10), $10 Saturday (ages 6-10), $12 in advance for adults and $15 at the door on Friday and Saturday. Kids 5 and under are free on both nights.

For more information, e-mail chan@ gosebra.com, call SEBRA at (336) 669-8076 or visit gosebra.com.

JAN. 25–26

Central Magnet School’s Annual Super 26 Trivia Bowl Saturday, Jan. 26, from 5:30–9 p.m., participate in Central Magnet School’s Annual Super Trivia Bowl. A team table (6 players) is $150, individual player tickets are $25 and spectators are $20. For more information, contact Lee Anne Carmack at jlcarmack@gmail.com.

JAN.

JAN.

Artifacts from Sgt. Alvin C. York’s WWI Battle (Exhibit ongoing)

Remnants of American history from a World War I battle involving Sgt. Alvin C. York are on exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum (505 Deaderick Street, 6 * JANUARY 2013 * BOROPULSE.COM

Nashville, TN). Dr. Tom Nolan, former director of the Center for Spatial Technology at MTSU and a retired geography professor, organized expeditions in France’s Argonne forest to locate the site of York’s historic October 1918 struggle as a dissertation project between 2006 and 2009. Nolan and associate professor Dr. Michael Birdwell recovered more than 1,400 artifacts of war. Some of those finds are part of “In the Footsteps of Sergeant York,” a free public exhibit at the state museum on view through May 9, 2013. For more information, please contact Gina E. Fann at (615) 898-5385 or gina.fann@mtsu.edu.

JAN.

Forrest York Guitars Rock School (Registration through Jan. 15)

Sign up for Forrest York Guitars Rock School and you or your child will be placed in a band with other kids similar in age and experience. Spring 2013 registration is open through Jan. 15. Rock Band starts the first week of February; you will have a 1-hour band practice each Saturday where professional instructors help you learn to play songs you love.

After 3 months of practice all the bands get together and put on a concert in front of hundreds of people. For more information, visit goo.gl/fnrdM. Winter Coat Drive for Homeless JAN. Murfreesboro residents have come together to start a coatdrive for the homeless in the area.

Coats, gloves, hats and scarves can be dontated at Heri tage Cleaners, located at 960 NW Broad St. The store is open Monday– Friday, 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.

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ART

STRIKE A POSE

Jerry Winnett crafts high quality creative portraits.

IN THE WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY, it’s tough to find bodies of work that jump out at you. With the Middle Tennessee region being another notch in the Bible Belt, many photographers feel restricted by what they can shoot, sticking to the same baby photos and family portraits we’ve seen time and time again. As photography is an art, the artist is defined by his surroundings: that is to say, that a great artist is great not only because they possess the talent to be great, but because they possess a talent and creative potential that is not available to other artists. With the addition of camera technologies being added to smartphones, it seems that anyone with skinny jeans and access to Instagram can say they’re an artist because they took a picture of lunch.

Having over 20 years of experience as both a graphic designer and a photographer, Winnett got his start with photography at MTSU, more or less to fill a class credit and take pictures of architectural designs when he was flashed by a classmate. After that moment, Jerry began to notice this pattern in college, when other photographers and their subjects began having sexual relationships, despite the taboo of such acts.

It was the camera, Jerry concluded, that let people know what they really are, and not just for cheap thrills. It was the camera that told the truth, but Jerry wanted to make sure that it was a truth that people wanted to hear. Not for the sake of eroticism, but for the sake of escapism. It was the forbidden, the taboo, and the untold that his camera wanted to capture.

It was this philosophy that helped Jerry understand what made interesting photography. He wasn’t looking to simply “shoot sexy.”

“Anyone can shoot two people in a bedroom and make it look sexy,” says Jerry. “You’re not there to play cards. But to put two people in non-bedroom situations, such as an abandoned factory or under a bridge, that takes talent.” Adding to that, Jerry also adheres to the old wisdom that an artist is only as good as what he brings to the canvas. And like with any art, photography is all about experimentation and growth. Winnett has a very non-pretentious approach to the art of photography. He makes it very clear that he doesn’t want to take the same photos as everyone else. He would rather try something new and fail than rehash what he and everyone else have already done for the sake of safety.

What’s more, you won’t hear him talk about the superiorities of shooting on film. For Grindhouse Photography, it’s all about the speed and cost of the image, and not patting yourself on the back. Digital augmentation is another form of manipulation of the image, and Jerry proudly uses Photoshop, as he sees no difference between it and the lens of the camera, or telling your subject to strike an unnatural pose.

Jerry tells us, “If you’re going to be pretentious, only be pretentious about the results and the process, not the media. Real photographers use Photoshop. I use computer software to digitally paint, enhance and augment almost all of my photographs.” At the end of the day, Jerry views himself as more than just a photographer. Jerry is a visual artist.

And while our friend may respect the art, he feels that there are a lot of people who don’t.

“Out of all the people I know with cameras, I feel that I actually only know 100 actual photographers. That may sound like a lot, but when you think about how many “so-called photographers” there are in the area, it’s really not. I define a real photographer as someone who spends 60 to 70 percent of their time honing their craft, not just something that they see as a hobby.”

Winnett also tells us that there’s a great deal of preparation involved with his photography shoots, as he’ll spend days driving around the Middle Tennessee area simply to look for new, unique, and often hidden locations that most people don’t know exist. His preparation and dedication—as well as the room he leaves to experiment—with photography is what he feels separates him from the plague of others simply looking to make a quick buck in an already saturated market.

But saturation isn’t the only thing that’s killing the local industry. Jerry cites our proximity to Music City and the bands that feel that they are entitled to free photography, illustration and art.

“I’ve had twelve bands try and contact me for ‘portfolio work’ this year alone. They ask 8 * JANUARY 2013 * BOROPULSE.COM

if I can do it for free. Now, I ran City at Night magazine, worked for Mid-Town Printing, and did cover art in the rap industry for eight years. Every solo artist rapper who I spoke with paid me up front for my work, coming up with $1,500 by themselves. And now, I get five guys in a band who can’t come up with a hundred dollars apiece! Look, real artists don’t do this for free. They deserve to be paid. And the fact of the matter is, you paid good money for your musical instruments. And you’re proud of them. That’s no different than me being proud of the lenses I have to buy. Investing in good photography means investing in yourself.”

Essentially, Jerry isn’t here to make friends, he’s here to make art. And while he’s one of the nicest people you can meet, he’s really here to give you a good quality image. Jerry Winnett’s Grindhouse Creative can be contacted here or (615) 977-2695. His work can be seen at about.me/jerrywinnett or grindhousecreative.smugmug.com, or search for Grindhouse Photography on Facebook.

— JUSTIN STOKES

BOROPULSE.COM

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Send your show listings to listings@boropulse.com

THURS, 1/3 BUNGANUT PIG Martin Rodriguez JOZOARA Rik Gracia

FRI, 1/4 3 BROTHERS Secret Commonwealth BUNGANUT PIG Rockafeller FANATICS John Salaway WILLIE’S WET SPOT Double Image

WILLIE’S WET SPOT Citizen Rejects

SAT, 1/12 3 BROTHERS Chad Wesley Band, TOAST BUNGANUT PIG Zone Status FANATICS Chris & Elle Viget READYVILLE MILL Johnny B & the Balladeers THE BORO Guiltless Cult WILLIE’S WET SPOT Backlit

SAT, 1/5

SUN, 1/13

3 BROTHERS Japanese Cowboys BUNGANUT PIG Phoenix Rising FANATICS Top Shelf READYVILLE MILL Johnny B & the Balladeers WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & the Moneymakers

3 BROTHERS Creative Mic Night with Lee Miller

SUN, 1/6 3 BROTHERS Creative Mic Night with Lee Miller

TUES, 1/8 BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Classic Blues Jam JOZOARA Songwriter’s Night LIQUID SMOKE Bellwether

WED, 1/9 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night BUNGANUT PIG 2nd & Vine WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & Lenny

THURS, 1/10 BUNGANUT PIG Miranda Louise

FRI, 1/11 3 BROTHERS Guido & Puchanelli BUNGANUT PIG Conductor Kelly & the Underground Railroad FANATICS Blues Fever

TUES, 1/15 BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Classic Blues Jam JOZOARA Songwriter’s Night LIQUID SMOKE Bellwether

WED, 1/16 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night BUNGANUT PIG Big Bamm Boom WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & Lenny

THURS, 1/17 BUNGANUT PIG Hayden James

FRI, 1/18 3 BROTHERS 3 Simple Rules BUNGANUT PIG Fender Bender FANATICS John Salaway LIQUID SMOKE Kristen Cothron MAIN ST LIVE Classic Williams, James Payne, Streetlight Allstars, BUNKS THE BORO Boo Boo Bunny, Hurts to Laugh WILLIE’S WET SPOT Tempted

SAT, 1/19 3 BROTHERS Black Outs Blue Grass

View Concert Listings Online: 10 * JANUARY 2013 * BOROPULSE.COM

SUN, 1/20 3 BROTHERS Creative Mic Night with Lee Miller

TUES, 1/22 BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Classic Blues Jam JOZOARA Songwriter’s Night LIQUID SMOKE Bellwether

WED, 1/23 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night BUNGANUT PIG Franklin & Farris WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & Lenny

THURS, 1/24 BUNGANUT PIG Jon Gambino WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Opera Performance

FRI, 1/25 3 BROTHERS Jake Leg Stompers BUNGANUT PIG Atomic Trunk Monkeys FANATICS Blues Fever THE BORO Aye Mammoth, Laser Flames on the Great Big News WILLIE’S WET SPOT Humps & the Blackouts WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Opera Performance

PUL SE PICK

CONDUCTOR KELLY & THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FRIDAY, 1/11 @ BUNGANUT PIG

3 BROTHERS Creative Mic Night with Lee Miller WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Angela DeBoer (natural horn), Lillian Pearson (piano)

MON, 1/28 WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Abi Coffer (flute)

TUES, 1/29 BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Classic Blues Jam JOZOARA Songwriter’s Night LIQUID SMOKE Bellwether

WED, 1/30 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night Bunganut Pig Big Bamm Boom Willie’s Wet Spot Shane & Lenny

Bunganut Pig 1602 W. Northfield Blvd.

893-7860 Fanatic’s 1850 Old Fort Pkwy.

494-3995

WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Joseph Hill, junior guitar

First United Methodist Church 265 West Thompson Lane

THURS, 1/31 BUNGANUT PIG Scattered Pieces WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Christine Kim (cello), Arunesh nadgir (piano), Andrea Dawson (violin) faculty recital

JoZoara 536 N. Thompson Ln. 962-7175 Lanes, Trains and Automobiles 450 Butler Drive 890-3999

FRI, 2/1

Liquid Smoke #2 Public Square 217-7822

3 BROTHERS Dennis & the Menace WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Paula VanGoes (sax), Jessica Dunnavant (flute) faculty recital

Main St. Live 527 W. Main St. 439-6135 MT Bottle 3940 Shelbyville Hwy. 962-9872

SAT, 2/2 READYILLE MILL Johnny B & The Balladeers

Murfreesboro/ Center for the Arts 110 W. College St. 904-ARTS

SUN, 2/3 3 BROTHERS Creative Mic Night with Lee Miller

Nobody’s Grill & BBQ 116 John R. Rice Blvd.

962-8019 Social 114 N. Church St. 904-7236

SAT, 1/26 BUNGANUT PIG Stretta FANATICS Markey Blues Band READYVILLE MILL Johnny B & The Balladeers THE BORO Mike Palmer, Lincoln Layne WILLIE’S WET SPOT Smiley Blind Band WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. MTSU Flute Festival

3 Brothers 223 W. Main St. 410-3096

Bonhoeffer’s 610 Dill Lane 202-3517

Conductor Kelly & the Underground Railroad offer some of the best throwback rock ’n’ roll happening in Nashville at present, in terms of having Stoneslike swagger, soulful backing vocals and, of course, horns and stuff. It’s a blast to watch and will surely melt away any post-New Year’s gloom.

SUN, 1/27

IF YOU GO: Aura Lounge 114 S. Maple St. 396-8328

KRISTEN COTHRON

PULSE PICK

FRIDAY, 1/18 @ LIQUID SMOKE It’s been a minute since Kristen Cothron last played Murfreesboro, so the Pulse is looking forward to her gig tonight. It’ll be appropriately smoky all up in Liquid Smoke, which is kind of what Cothron’s silky Amy-Winehouse-and-Fiona-Apple style, with a bit of a Chrissie Hynde-like temperament, is all about. This is sexy cabaret jazz at its absolute finest.

PHOTO BY JOE HENDRICKS

JANUARY CONCERTS

BUNGANUT PIG Corbitt Brothers FANATICS Christine Parri MAIN ST LIVE Guiltless Cult, Call Me Savage, Falcon One, LOBO, Michael Ashley READYVILLE MILL Johnny B & the Balladeers THE BORO Piranha WILLIE’S WET SPOT Atomic Trunk Monkeys

LUEKOS PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUNDS

Temptation Club 2404 Halls Hill Pike 217-0944 The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 895-4800 Wall Street 121 N. Maple St. 867-9090 Walking Horse Hotel 101 Spring St., Wartrace (931) 389-7050 Willie’s Wet Spot 1208 S. Lowry St., Smyrna 355-0010 Wright Music Bldg.

1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 898-2493

ALBUM REVIEWS

BY JESSICA PACE

The Great Barrier Reefs

Voodoo Prophet

Live in Middle Tennessee

Human?

Though I don’t think they need to, Nashville A live show is the best way to experience The Great metal band Voodoo Prophet could namedrop many Barrier Reefs in that it allows the band a renewal of to validate themselves. They’ve opened for a vast their music as well as space for subtle experimentaarray of artists, from David Allen Coe and Hank tion. If you’ve listened to previous recordings by the III to Shadows Fall and All That Remains. They Reefs, you can hear variations in the songs as well were named 102.9’s Best Metal Band of 2009, and as the flawless way in which the music translates recorded their most recent EP, Human?, at renowned through this compilation, The Great Barrier Reefs: Westfield, Mass., recording Live in Middle Tennessee.

Though they’ve traveled this side We’re working studio Zing, whose client roster of the country extensively, this album hard to promote includes The Devil Wears Prada, Underoath and Parkway Drive. captures their show—a loose, warm and good music in Moreover, Voodoo guitarist Myk tangible experience—close to home.

Middle Tennessee. Ricci co-produced Human? with Namely, these 10 tracks were taken from Eric Arena (A Day to Remember, performances at The 5 Spot and Mercy Bands: Send your albums Within the Ruins).

Lounge in Nashville, Murfreesboro’s and promotional materials None of that’s too shabby, but Wall Street and Fun Times with Greg to The Murfreesboro Pulse, 116-E North Walnut St., from a personal viewpoint, Huand Greg, and The Pond in Franklin.

Murfreesboro, TN 37130. man? is a very colorful, very gripThe Great Barrier Reefs: Live in ping and very tight 5-track effort Middle Tennessee creates a bigger that doesn’t unnerve me in a negative sense like so picture reminiscent of Miles Davis’ artistic and sonic much metal music tends to do. Why?—because it’s rambling outside the lines, with Tony Hartman’s melodic; Voodoo Prophet’s music modulates rather glassy, chattering steel pan at the forefront (and hard than stagnates, not to mention the band has an to ignore on all tracks), Josh Dunlap’s ownership of incredible rhythm section (Jason Mines and Michael the saxophone (hear “Gratitude”) and the expressive, Malcom on bass and drums, respectively). deep-cutting bass lines of Taylor Lonardo, whose artI can hardly wax philosophical about a metal band; istry with the instrument can be heard particularly on I’ve seen more than a few metal shows, but I watch “To the Bridge Burners” and “Pasando por las Calles” for the same reason people watch car crashes or a (*Lonardo mixed the record at his Murfreesboro stupack of wolves attacking a moose—it’s abrasive and dio, Spring Street). Don’t miss the bonus track, “Play morbidly attractive, and metal and hardcore conIt Cool”—it’s the best one on there, featuring lush and tain more activity in their live shows, both onstage lightly textured guest vocals from Rhythm Kitchen’s and in the audience, than any other kind of music.

Skylar Gregg.

Those qualities are audible in a recording, as they This compilation will help you make up your mind are on Human? Therefore I think Voodoo Prophet is to see the Reefs live, if you haven’t already. Like all compelling, but I’m no metal connoisseur—I can only work by The Great Barrier Reefs, the album is not say that I would listen to this again. without a path, but it ambles. It’s fluid, elating and Watch for the release of Voodoo Prophet’s music worth listening to repeatedly to follow the course of video for first single, “Human?” in mid-January. each instrument individually throughout the record at You can see some pretty photos from the shoot at least once; each one on its own is worth as much as voodooprophet.com. the sum of all their parts.

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RATINGS: AVERAGE

A CLASSIC BELOW AVERAGE

OUTSTANDING AVOID AT ALL COSTS

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SOUNDS

WRITER'S NIGHT

Ryan Coleman reflects on Murfreesboro’s musical past, 3 Brothers Writers Night. story by JESSICA PACE | photos by JERRY WINNETT

YOU MAY KNOW RYAN COLEMAN AS THE

bass player in Junkbox, or as the guy who performs in cover bands around Murfreesboro and Nashville’s lower Broadway, or perhaps as the host of the Wednesday writers nights at 3 Brothers Deli & Brewhouse.

He’s played here and there locally, both in cover bands and as a solo artist, after moving from Birmingham, Ala., to Murfreesboro in 1999 to enroll in MTSU’s Recording Industry program.

As a longtime Murfreesboro resident and advocate for other local songwriters like himself, Coleman told the Murfreesboro Pulse what he remembers about Murfreesboro’s music scene in the past, and why he started the 3 Brothers weekly open mic.

“Really, I just started the writers night as a way to play my original songs more, and get experience and practice doing that,” Coleman says.

3 Brothers’ Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night has been active for nearly a year.

Prior to that, Coleman hosted an open mic just up the street at Aura Lounge.

Right around the time Coleman started writing his own songs, Uncle Don Clark was hosting writers nights at Wall Street, which inspired Coleman to host his own more than 10 years later. But he didn’t entertain the idea of doing so in Nashville.

“I think in Nashville, everyone is really focused on country. It’s not really creative or explorative in some ways. There’s more of an open vibe here, so people do everything— country, rock, indie, jazz. It’s a lot more diverse, and it will surprise you,” he says.

“There are people who are really great artists and really great performers at the writers nights all the time, truthfully.

Jeremy Johnson, he’s a regular . . . Everette Brown. Some of them come in who’ve never been on a stage before, and you’re just blown away. It’s really a variety show.”

While Murfreesboro is still just as filled today with songwriters both talented and unknown, Coleman says that when he first came to town, the scene was filled with hippie jam bands and metal, and that music was much more of a presence then.

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“There was The Boro. There was Sebastian’s on the square. Everyone seemed more into music, there were more bands and they all seemed to know each other. I don’t know . . . maybe I’m just old,” he says.

“There was also the Concert Production rehearsal space by the railroad tracks on Main where a garbage dump is now. There was a studio in front, where I worked, with rehearsal spaces in back. Everyone would come and go. In retrospect, that was a big part of the scene.”

These days, Coleman plays several days a week in cover bands to make a living, which he says has done much to develop his stage skills for when he performs his originals.

“It’s really important to be onstage a lot and develop that rapport with an audience. What I like about the cover gigs is that you’re on the stage a lot, you deal with weird situations, you get to try adding different things to songs and you work the room. You have to practice that.”

When Coleman isn’t at 3 Brothers or playing with Junkbox, which he joined about three years ago, he plays the Frist Center in Nashville. The gig began with him playing bass for the Kristen Hubbard Jazz Trio. About two years ago, he started playing his own songs and has done so ever since. But he likes the environment of Murfreesboro.

“Every time I do something in Nashville, there’s a different vibe. I think people there are less receptive or more cynical toward music. Everyone’s a musician in Nashville. People are just into music in Murfreesboro. It’s a blessing in that way.”

Catch the writers night every Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m. at 3 Brothers, 223 W. Main St., Murfreesboro. Ryan Coleman will also perform at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway, Nashville, beginning at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 and Feb. 21.

Ryan Coleman hits the 3 Brothers stage each Wednesday, and makes sure a few of his guitar playing friends, such as Terry McClain and Jeremy Johnson (below left to right), are there and ready to perform as well.

BOROPULSE.COM

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FOOD (Right) Using fresh sliced tomatoes is one way Mr. Nick’s sets its pies apart.

(Left) The Meats.

Hello UNDWIND Pizza story by BRACKEN MAYO

photos by JAMIE DONAHUE

Mr. Nick's rivals any pizza chain when it comes to fast and fresh. story by JUSTIN STOKES

W

Mr. Nick's owner Dale Clear (right) and general manager Amber Evans.

photos by BRACKEN MAYO

e here at the Pulse like to think that we know a thing or two about pizza. We’ve eaten at a lot of places, from your mom-and-pop locally owned establishments to your larger chains with which we’re all familiar. We recently had the experience of dining at Mr. Nick’s Pizza.

Much to our surprise, this restaurant is not a chain, yet it is able to provide the atmosphere and dining experience you may expect from nationally known pizza joints.

First, let’s start with the ingredients: they’re fresh. And, we know you’re probably sick of hearing how fresh ingredients are (let’s be honest, advertising food nearing its expiration date is hardly a selling point). The sliced tomatoes on the pies were especially fresh, and the cheese and dough were good as well. The ingredients are light, and help you avoid many of the

Read more about local restaurants at:

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typical trappings you would expect with the buffet.

Let’s discuss the buffet.

This is definitely one of the better pizza buffets we can think of in the area. And while not everyone will list Mr. Nick’s as their favorite, one must consider that Mr. Nick’s pizza is less greasy than its competitors, meaning a healthier pizza for your family.

The pie-makers behind the counter offer a wide range of pizzas, from plain cheese to Hawaiian, and if you catch them at the right time, are even open to suggestions. In addition to the pizza, the buffet also contains a small salad bar, hoagie roll cheese breads (which were soft and gooey, providing an excellent side dish for the pizza), and a station for tacos, which we found particularly novel. The price for the buffet is $6.99 for adults and $3.99 for kids. The buffet is also $.99 for kids on Sundays with the purchase of an adult buffet (Sunday buffet is 11 a.m.–2 p.m.).

As much as we loved the buffet, we would actually recommend skipping that if this is your first dining experience, as the real measure of Mr. Nick’s is their standard menu. They have five different kinds

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THE DISH NAME: Mr. Nick’s Pizza LOCATION: 536 N. Thompson Ln. Suite D PHONE: (615) 900-3496 HOURS: Tuesdays–Sundays: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

PRICES: Buffet (11 a.m.–2 p.m. daily): $6.99; large The Meats pizza: $17.99; Create your own calzone: $7.99

of classic sandwiches, an appetizer menu which includes oven-baked chicken wings and garlic bread, a “create-your-own” menu for calzones and pizzas, and eight specialty pizzas. Their toppings list is fairly inclusive, so there are quite a few opportunities to customize your meal. The restaurant frequently features specials for $2 draft beers with the purchase of food, and offer 11 beers to choose from to enhance your dining pleasure.

Mr. Nick’s features some of the friendliest staff around, including its owner, Mr. Dale Clear (who also finds time to serve as country music artist Craig Campbell’s tour manager). These people are passionate about pizza, and constantly keep an eye out for their customers (it sounds creepy, but

I watch people in the food business. It’s the only way to get a good gauge for quality of service). I’ve eaten there twice, so we feel that we can safely say Mr. Nick’s is fast, and does not suffer from “dinner rush” syndrome. The biggest complaint that we had was the actual decor of the restaurant, which we’re told will evolve over time, as Mr. Nick’s is looking to encourage the community to bring in local artwork.

Speaking of community, Clear has made it very apparent that he wants Mr. Nick’s to have an atmosphere that involves the whole community. This plan includes having local musicians play and offering local coupon books to high schools so that deals can be offered while helping local high schools raise funds for extracurricular projects.

COFFEE TALK column by JUSTIN STOKES

T

his month, we’re continuing to bring you our thoughts on morning beverages brewed. We'll stick to some more basic flavors this time around, as well as introduce a new guest to our table: tea. You know, for those of our readers who don’t find coffee to “be their cup of tea.”

In the coming months, we plan on covering the various methods used to brew coffee, as well as sitting down with local roasters to get their thoughts. We are also going to continue our efforts to introduce you to some brands of coffee which you may not have had the pleasure of trying.

If you have any feedback, suggestions or hate mail for this article, feel free to send it over to justin@boropulse.com. We’d love to hear from you!  JUST LOVE ETHIOPIAN HARRAR We weren’t really able to appreciate this coffee, described as “wine-like,” until we drank a cup after trying another blend. The contrast helped team members detect the preserved flavors of berries (cherry being particularly prominent), which are more noticeable thanks to a special “dry-wash” process used for this blend. We’d get into specifics, but we’d rather you speak with the very knowledgeable folks at Just Love directly, who are friendly enough to chat with their customers about the roasting process and help them better appreciate coffee. This is a darker roast, so there is slightly less caffeine than what you may anticipate, but the taste tradeoff is worth it.  JUST LOVE AFRICAN SKIES Smoky, sweet, smooth and not unwelcome. This is the flagship blend for Just Love, much like a guide to a new country. It’s an aromatic medium roast that’s got a few different subtleties at play, and if you’ve never had any Just Love coffee, it’s probably the best place to start.  MAXWELL HOUSE FRENCH ROAST The editor’s favorite of the Maxwell House varieties, this budgetfriendly blend is available as a jumbo bucket for around $8 for 30 oz. It makes a nice simple cup of coffee, but certainly does not have the complex depth of flavor as the roasts from the good folks at Just Love. And a little warning about getting the large, economical size: The last scoop you use six weeks after cracking the bucket open just doesn’t have the pleasant aroma the first, fresh cup did.  CAFÉ BUSTELO Referred to as a “poor man’s specialty coffee,” Miamibased Bustelo was acquired by the Smucker’s Company in 2011 and is now available throughout the Southeast.

It’s slightly sweet, with just a leftover hint of chocolate. A good, basic cup of coffee that would also make a decent espresso—it’s actually ground extra fine specifically for espresso use, but really works no matter how you brew or drink it.

BLACK LABEL SEAL OF APPROVAL  STARBUCKS HOLIDAY BLEND Very bold, with a nice spiciness, Starbucks’ 2012 Holiday Blend is suitable for a cold morning by the Christmas tree, or to accompany a slice of pumpkin pie.

SPECIAL GUEST

THE REPUBLIC OF TEA’S RED VELVET  To help us continue our “red velvet winter kick,” The Republic of Tea has released a red velvet flavor as a piece of their “Cuppa Chocolate Tea” collection (in addition to a chocolate mint and a few others).

We really liked how this tea offered a taste actually comparable to a flavored coffee without the heaviness.

BOROPULSE.COM

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OUT & ABOUT Mayday headquarters on Old Salem Highway

Ozzy and Co. are pumping out tasty brews at the 'Boro's Mayday Brewery. story by JUSTIN STOKES

I

t’s the dream of many a home brewer to own their own brewery. People who love the craft of beer-making are continuously looking to impress family and friends with their knowledge of a tradition that is thousands of years old and their ability to create new and distinct flavors. In the city of Murfreesboro, you’ll find no shortage of beer enthusiasts and aficionados who have long craved local beer.

Rutherford County local Lee “Ozzy” Nelson turned his longtime dream into a future business plan by starting Mayday Brewery to keep locals in ample supply of good beer.

The idea for Mayday came about in 2009, when Ozzy’s passion for homemade beer fermented into something more robust.

“The name comes from my old man,” Nelson tells the Murfreesboro Pulse, “When he helps me with home improvement projects and something bad happens, he calls it a ‘Mayday.’

So, when brewing challenges come up all the time, those are Maydays.”

And many challenges has Mayday had to

face, including a search for investors, figuring out how to finance a start-up-capital-intensive business without a bank, and being the first major brewery in the city to have to deal with city and utility codes (a problem that Turtle Anarchy in Franklin also had to deal with).

Still, Mayday rose to the challenge, and opened the doors to the 12,000-square-foot space on Nov. 30, 2012. Opening to a warm welcome, Mayday has already started receiving regular patrons in the short time that it’s been open. These people, according to Nelson, are

IF YOU GO: WHERE: Mayday Brewery LOCATION: 702 Old Salem Hwy. HOURS: Thursday and Fridays: 4–8 p.m., Saturdays: 1–8 p.m.

PRICES: Jug of fun: $15 ($10 with jug trade-in) ONLINE: maydaybrewery.com

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Mayday’s staff keeps the ale flowing.

(Above) A “jug of fun.”

BUILDING BY J. OVERBY; PHOTOS COURTESY MAYDAY BREWERY

NEW BREWS IN THE 'BORO

buying beer almost every time that they’re open, even purchasing growlers that Mayday jokingly renames “jugs of fun” (Nelson claims that he renamed the growlers because he didn’t like the unsavory connotations associated with definitions in the popular website Urban Dictionary.)

Current beers on tap include the “Boro Blonde”, “Angry Redhead”, “Velvet Hustle” and “Evil Octopus,” as well as a fifth brew contracted from Nashville’s Jubilee Craft Beer Company (which donates half of its profits from the brew to the Oasis Center in Nashville to help troubled youth grow and thrive). Mayday Brewery is currently working its way around Murfreesboro, being proudly served at such restaurants as 3 Brothers Deli, Old Chicago, Fairways Golf and Grill and Liquid Smoke to mention a few.

Future plans include the addition of seasonal beer starting in the spring and the doubling of fermentation space in the next six months, as the current

brewing capacity is 2,600 barrels (which equate to 31 gallons) per year, with a projected goal of 6,400 barrels per year. There is also talk of selling the beer in cans, as Nelson feels that the local market for craft beer has barely had its surface scratched.

But for Mayday Brewery, the business is really just about being different and having a good time. Mayday encourages ’Boro beer drinkers to bring their own food or to offer their patronage to one of the local food trucks regularly parked outside. The brewery is staffed mostly by investors or relatives of Nelson, and they share the responsibilities of keeping the Mayday up and running.

“It’s awesome, because whenever something goes wrong and we have a Mayday, I know I can call a couple of investors and they will be there to help resolve the problem, no matter what it is. All of the pressure to make things go smoothly and comply with all of the government regulations is shared, and that is a great feeling.”

Ozzy also shares that when people are at the brewery, they are welcome to ask the staff any questions they might have.

“Ask any question you like. We don’t have secrets; if we know the answers, we’ll share.”

This, he feels, leads to the patrons of Mayday having a better time by having a staff that is both knowledgeable about beer and benefiting directly from its success. Though all of the staffers may have outside jobs, they all come to Mayday both to work and to have a good time with friends and fellow beer drinkers.

Another facet of Mayday that many may find unique is its method of brewing. Nelson has proudly partnered with equipment manufacturer Diversified Metal Engineering, headquartered in Prince Edward Island, Canada, an organization that he feels is “second to none.” The brewhouse itself—the engine that runs the brewery—is a 30-barrel system. In contrast, most start-up breweries employ only a 15-barrel brewhouse. And because Mayday wants its beers to taste different, it makes great efforts to use different ingredients from other area breweries to produce a kind of beer that defies comparison.

To keep up with Ozzy and his extended family, visit maydaybrewery.com or follow them on Facebook, on which they are constantly posting. You can also follow the company on YouTube, as Mayday Brewery is producing its own comedic reality show.

Kaos Theory, located next to Cornerstone SCUBA, invites all to come in for video gaming, pool, Ping Pong and food.

AGENTS OF KAOS

story by JUSTIN STOKES photos by JERRY WINNETT

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t’s not often that gamers of the present day get to enjoy a social atmosphere— outside of a residence—that offers the convenience and commodities to which we’re accustomed. The world of arcade gaming has been reduced to a much-appreciated novelty only indulged by corporations like Dave & Buster’s or Chuck E. Cheese’s. It would appear that the flashy nostalgia of the arcades the kids of the ’90s remember is nothing more than a memory; a high-score reset to zero after the plug was pulled on the arcade scene by in-home entertainment. (One might remember such consoles as the Nintendo Entertainment System, etc.). But the visionaries at Kaos Theory aren’t really ones to follow the rules. Rather than let you stare at the black screen of your memory that reads “Game Over,” they’re handing you another shiny new quarter and giving the formerly dead business model an extra life.

Having officially opened Oct. 8, 2012, Kaos Theory has decided to treat the business of entertainment quite seriously. Driven to build an atmosphere in which gamers feel at home, the business’s owner, Andrew Kauffman, is bringing back the social component to gaming: players get to meet face-to-face with their partners, challengers and fellow patrons to put a face to the name of what would otherwise be a random gamer-tag, so that the best of physical and digital fun can be enjoyed at the same time. Offering a wide variety of games, Kaos Theory boasts over a hundred games in a database to choose from and play, ranging from fighting games such as Super Smash Bros Brawl and Tekken Tag Tournament 2 to sports games like Madden 2013 or first-person shooters like Halo 4 and Call of Duty: Black Ops II. What’s more, players can enjoy the games on one of 20 42-inch, 3D, high-definition TVs. Each TV is equipped with a PlayStation 3, a Nintendo Wii and an Xbox 360.

But the fun doesn’t end there. As Kaos

Kaos Theory mixes things up for gamers.

Theory is looking to encourage social interaction, it has also provided air hockey, PingPong, foosball and pool tables. Players are also provided with a 25-foot high-definition projection screen that has satellite and cable.

Also, one of the TV sets is plugged in, which means you can spectate the tournaments on a big projection screen, watch the football game, or even see TV shows like AMC’s The Walking Dead, on Sunday nights. Beer pong, one of MTSU’s favorite pastimes, is also among the tournaments currently in the planning stages.

“This store was meant to be a tournament powerhouse,” Andrew tells us. “Each night we run weekly tournaments with cash prizes for 21 of the most popular games. We also hold monthly tournaments with higher payouts.”

Kauffman tells us that to get to his position he has had to overcome many challenges. Occupying the former location of Murfreesboro’s Cornerstone Cheesecake and Gifts (yes, they are gone), Kaos Theory had some interesting issues with planning. According to Kauffman, “The city put red tape

up every corner we turned. We would have an inspector come by and tell us this needs done and that needs done, we would do it, then another inspector from the same department would come by with a whole different set of things to do. Almost like they were doing it for fun. Even the contractors were getting fed up with the ridiculous requests.”

But Kauffman was not alone. His partner, Anthony Loh, an assistant professor of political science at Vanderbilt, met with Kauffman over the Internet eight months before the opening after searching for an investor to finance the opening of Kaos Theory here.

“It didn’t take long for us to hit it off. He is an amazing partner and friend,” Kauffman says. “I am extremely lucky to have him. The experience and wisdom he brings to the table also comes with a very humble personality.”

Personality, it seems, is the key to Kaos Theory’s business model. The interactions between two different people—the social component, as it were—is something Loh and Kauffman have given the greatest amount of thought. Andrew offers some insight on this: “We want to give serious competitive players consistency, something they’ve never had before. Other professional gaming leagues have to rent out hotel banquet halls and convention centers, which makes them change their setup every time. Online gaming is riddled with cheaters and has limited moderating with little oversight,” he notes. “Video games, in my opinion, are more competitive than any other sport. The variables never change from game to game. We want to start our own league for gamers to compete in as recognized and respected professionals. Our setup will even give us the chance to compete within our network of future stores. Location versus location, city versus city, a store should be within two hours of wherever you are in the country. Supporting your area won’t be an issue. This will revolutionize the gaming industry,” emphasizes Kaufmann, “while simultaneously bringing it back into the social spotlight.”

So, there you have it—an opportunity to bring back many of your favorite memories, but this time with the resolution and performance of gaming found in this decade. A place where you can go to get a beer, some nachos, kick off the Nikes, and blow off some steam while blowing a zombie’s head off. And there are rumors that Kaos Theory may be looking to provide cheesecake, for those who still miss Cornerstone Cheesecake.

Kaos Theory is located at 211 Robert Rose Dr., and can be found at kaostheory.pro as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

IF YOU GO: WHERE: Kaos Theory LOCATION: 211 Robert Rose Dr. HOURS: Mon.–Thurs.: 3 p.m.–3 a.m., Fri.–Sun.: noon–3 a.m.

PRICES: Gaming: $5/hr.; Ping-Pong: $3/hr.; Beer pong: $10/night; Membership: $129/year BOROPULSE.COM

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SPORTS BLACK MONDAY AND WILD CARD WEEKEND

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he Train Daddy is back and ready to hit you in the mouth with some serious sports knowledge in only a way that the Train Daddy can deliver.

I hope all my readers enjoyed the holidays; I know I sure did. I got some great gifts, I ate some delicious grub and enjoyed the family time. The

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Z-Train gained a solid 10 pounds, but I will work that off. They say gluttony is a sin; well, then my entire family is a bunch of sinners, because we got down on some sexy meals.

It is the time of the year the Train Daddy loves most; the NFL post season is here and pro ball gets a lot faster and colder. All the chips are laid out:

you win or go home! I love college football and I enjoy all the games, but it just doesn’t tickle my pickle like pro ball does. Maybe next season college ball will compete for my attention. It is about time college football went to a playoff system. I was so tired of someone deserving always getting left out, so I am ecstatic about college moving to a playoff system next season. But that is next season. Let’s talk NFL now!

Monday after the regular season ended was definitely black and not so happy for many of the coaches and owners in the league. By lunch time seven coaches and five general managers were kicked to the curb. I am sure by the time this article hits the newsstands there will be a few more names added to the list. Loyalty is a rare quality and it is an awesome quality, but for Titans’ owner Bud Adams it may not be such a great thing. I hope and pray Mike Munchak is the answer to the Titans’ problems; I just don’t believe he is. His New Year will be happy as the Titans organization stated the ball coach’s job is safe for now. Instead they took their frustration out on C.O.O. Mike Reinfeldt, who was fired. He had been with the organization since the early Jeff Fisher days. Back to the list of fired coaches on Black Monday, most

surprising to me was Lovie Smith. playoffs; they smashed Romo and the After nine seasons and an 81-63 record Cowboys. I like Romo, I know he is the Bears coach was let go. With three solid, but the guy loses every imporplayoff appearances and a Super Bowl tant, meaningful game he plays in. appearance, the resume wasn’t awful.

Wild Card weekend has some solid I guess after starting this season off matches. I am taking the Redskins 7-1 and failing to reach the playoffs, over the Seahawks, and that matchup the owners were ready for divorce. can go either way. Both teams are Romeo Crennel is out of Kansas City hot right now, both teams have solid after one season. Hey, he left them one young quarterbacks that have caught good thing, the first pick in next year’s the attention of the football world. draft. Bills Coach Chan Gailey was RGIII and Russell Wilson have been canned after three seasons going 16-32 making plays all year like they were and never getting that Bills Defense veterans. Seattle has the advantage moving. The Browns also parted at defense, and both teams have solid ways with Coach Pat Shurmur after running backs in Lynch and Morris. going two seasons and posting a 9-23 But I’m taking the Skins, RGIII fever record. The Chargers parted ways with is too strong.

Norv Turner after six seasons and the Another intriguing matchup is Arizona Cardinals said “peace out” to the Colts vs. Ravens. This one is Ken Whisenhunt also after six seasons. simple for me: I am taking the rookie I will say four years quarterback on the ago Whisenhunt did road against the the impossible and Ravens D. The Train led the Cardinals must be Crazy! to the Super Bowl; Look, I don’t believe well, more like Kurt in Flacco, he wants Warner led them. a pay raise and I The Cardinals never just don’t like him. found their groove at He is good, but not offense after Warner, solid, in my humble going 19-30 after opinion. The Luck his departure. With is on the Colts’ side a solid defense in and the kid is a true Arizona, the next No. 1 pick and a sucolumn by Z-TRAIN titanman1984@ head coach will need perstar. The Ravens yahoo.com to strictly focus on D is solid enough to the offense. The big get a victory without break up happened in Philly. The lonFlacco, but they are beat up. I undergest tenured coach in the league, Andy stand Ray Lewis is returning, so you Reid, was let go after 14 seasons going never know. But I’m taking the Colts. an impressive 130-93-1. No worries for The Texans will smash the Bengals Andy, with six division titles, 10 postand run all over them even though season wins, a Super Bowl appearance the Bengals have a solid run deand the most wins by a coach in Eagle fense. Game over Bengals! I love the history, the old ball coach will land a matchup of the Vikings and Packers; gig quick. Black Monday can be a sad Adrian Peterson is the MVP in my day for some; the NFL is a billion-dolheart and the Comeback Player of the lar business and if you don’t put out, Year, give him both! I really hope the well you get put out!

Vikings pull it out. Adrian Peterson Look, I know I stated in the last is my favorite player in the league, he article that my pick for the Super Bowl is humble and a hell of a man and a was the Broncos and the Giants; I still beast on the field. With all that said I stand behind Peyton and the Broncos still am taking the Packers. Rodgers is as my favorite to take the Lombardi too much to handle come post-season. trophy, but man, I was wrong about Well that’s it, my Super Bowl pick the Giants and an all-Manning Super now is the Broncos vs. Redskins; the Bowl. The NFC East was the Giants’ magic of RGIII will go on. Well, the to win and they blew it, giving the Train is out the station. That was superstar kid RGIII and the Redskins some bold writing and predictions. a chance to punch a ticket to the Choo Choo!

SPORTS TALK

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THEATER

The cast of The Eight: (back row, from left) Zach Parker, Ryan Vogel, Arebelle Pollack, Kelly Northcutt, Chris Todd, Scott Neese (front row from left) Irene Sturtevant, Megan Blevins, George W. Manus Jr. and Angela Gimlin

Cracked Christmas Down on Main Street OUT FRONT ON MAIN’s George W. Manus Jr. holds many labels: owner, president, CEO, director and BroadwayWorld Tennessee award winner. I’d like to take a moment and add “twisted” to that list of achievements.

No, I shouldn’t be surprised that when Manus chose to present the once family-friendly subject

of Santa Claus and the North Pole, I would be looking at something that would make damn well sure that you will never see Christmas in the same light. The Eight was a warped, hilarious offering that ended the 2012 season of Murfreesboro’s only edgy theater. And it’s at this time that I’d like to give a review that covers the whole cast:

JANUARY PERFORMANCES We meet Santa’s top elf, Irene Sturtevant, delivering original parodies of traditional Christmas tunes. Irene is quickly becoming one of the state’s best comedians and an Out Front staple. Scott Neese follows up, offering a skewed and selfish beginning that sets the perfect tone. Next, Ryan Vogel has the audience rolling in the aisles with laughter with his effluent yet bitchy explanation of the North Pole’s warped family. Kelly Northcutt follows with the hilarious statement of how this whole escapade is a threat to her career and plainly stating she will take no part in anything that doesn’t benefit and further her career. Angela Gimlin, in her Out Front debut, proved her acting mettle as one of the region’s finest actors, offering a feminist perspective that drives home the point “No Means No!” Chris Todd offers the only pro-Santa argument: that tradition should never be challenged and the proceedings are a travesty. Todd is making his Out Front debut with tremendous force, challenging the audience to ignore all of these allegations. In yet another debut performance, the talented Arebelle Pollock examines personal perspective with dignity and grace. Out Front veteran Zach Parker, in his best performance to date, takes us to a remorseful place that challenges parents to reflect on the regret for controlling the future of their children. Megan Blevins saves the best for last, leaving the audience in a tailspin long after the final curtain.

Forgive me if I come off sounding sycophantic, but I do feel that I owe a full roll call to Manus and company, as this is one of the best

Cheaper by the Dozen

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FOOTLOOSE 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11, 12, 18 and 19; 2 p.m. Jan. 13 and 20 Murfreesboro Center for the Arts 110 W. College St. boroarts.org THE 1940'S RADIO HOUR 7 p.m. Jan. 11, 12, 18 and 19; 2 p.m. Jan. 13 and 20 Murfreesboro Little Theatre 702 Ewing Ave. mltarts.com DENVER LITTLE STAND-UP COMEDY 8:30 p.m. Jan. 3–5 Out Front on Main 1511 E. Main St. outfrontonmain.com PETER DEPP STAND-UP COMEDY 8:30 p.m. Jan. 10–12 Out Front on Main 1511 E. Main St. outfrontonmain.com BOOK OF LIZ 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17–20, 24–27 Out Front on Main 1511 E. Main St. outfrontonmain.com pieces of theater I’ve seen to date.

If you feel there are shows or events of any kind that we should be covering, e-mail justin@boropulse.com. We’d love to hear from you.

— JUSTIN STOKES

LIVING ROOM CINEMA

MOVIES REVIEWS

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS Starring: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman Directed by Peter Ramsey

Rated PG

It’s generally a good bet to keep your guard up when someone tells you “this is the best holiday movie of the year.” And when it comes to being impressed, I’m one of the toughest people out there to win over. So tough, in fact, that I’ve actually lost a few friends in reference to this. (You’d think at the end of the day people could just be adults.)

Rise of the Guardians, however, made me a believer. Oddly enough, that’s the theme of the movie: showing wonders to reignite be-

liefs and summon childlike awe.

When Pitch Black (the Boogeyman) decides he wants to poison the dreams of children with fear and panic, the spirits of holiday, known as “the Guardians”—Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman—enlist the aid of new and reluctant member Jack Frost to stop the corruption of youth with fear.

This story is impressive, using elements of the superhero and fantasy genre and blending them into something seamless and inspiring. As I’ve said before, the trend of kids movies being some of the best movies currently showcased is not only interesting, it’s very telling. This movie keeps you delightfully entertained from the first minute.

And, let’s not forget the actors here. I was blown away when I read

column by NORBERT THIEMANN

cinespire@gmail.com

Tenacity and Determination

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see it fitting to start off the New Year with films that observe real people who keep forging ahead despite adversity. The folks in these fine documentaries have true gumption.

the cast list, which I invite you not to do. Leave the surprise. Preserve the wonder. Respect the art.

And when you do find out who the actors are, if you were surprised from the beginning that is to say, remember that it is a child’s ability to sit and learn, and not their lack of life experience, that helps them see things with a

DJANGO UNCHAINED Starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Rated R

Quentin Tarantino, regardless of whatever else he may be, is a master practitioner of the revenge flick: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 dealt with the revenge of one woman in the style of a modernday martial arts movie; Deathproof is a drive-in car flick about a group of women getting revenge on a homicidal stunt man; and Inglourious Basterds finds a FrenchJewish woman and a band of American Jews exacting revenge on Hitler and his Nazis in a kind of historical revisionist revenge fantasy. Now, with his latest, Tennessee native Tarantino sticks with the historical comeuppance, making a Spaghetti-Western/ blaxploitation flick of vicarious vengeance against Southern white

RATINGS:

slave-owners.

Jamie Foxx plays the titular character Django, a slave whose freedom is purchased one evening by a disarmingly charming dentist-cum-bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds). Under the good Doctor’s tutelage, Django becomes one of the few free blacks in the deep South. As they travel from bounty to bounty, Django not only learns the craft, but also becomes the fastest gun in the

A CLASSIC

South, and so they set out to free Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), from brutal plantation owner Mr. Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).

This film has already been decried by critics and notable filmmakers as being offensive, likely in no small part due to the shockingly common use of the N-word, usually by white folks (the film takes place two years before the Civil War); the graphic, though accurate, depictions of brutality towards slaves;

OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

fresh perspective. And that’s what this motion picture is all about.

Seriously, go see this movie.

And hey, shoot me an e-mail at justin@boropulse.com and let me know your thoughts on this or any other film. I’d love to hear from the readers, and talk shop in regards to movies.

— JUSTIN STOKES

and the pervasiveness of both throughout the film’s 165-minute run time. But this is all in service of telling Django’s story, one of undeniably justified revenge.

Whether Tarantino has a right or not to tell this tale, and with his characteristic, cartoonish relish, is up to the viewer. But this is a Tarantino movie after all, and for every bit of comedic violence, for every brilliantly Mel Brooks-ian deflation of the KKK, there are unflinchingly disturbing scenes of brutality, wounds of our country’s past ripped open anew, which few films have dared before.

And for these reasons, the film is often discomforting and hard to watch. But it is precisely because these centuries-old tensions are not in the subtext, but right in our faces, that Django Unchained is yet another vital, often hilarious, often nail-biting, excellently acted, excessively gory, and hugely entertaining Quentin Tarantino revenge flick.

— JAY SPIGHT

BELOW AVERAGE

 Hands on a Hard Body (1997) is a documentary originally shot on videotape, and was directed by S.R. Bindler. The title conjures imagery of a provocative adult movie, but it actually refers to a contest to win a Nissan Hardbody truck by keeping one hand on the vehicle at all times. After days, the last hand on the truck wins as opponents drearily drift away. This film is difficult to find, but has surprising depth for a documentary on such a simple subject.

It’s truly entertaining.

 American Movie (1999) is a documentary about a low-budget Wisconsin filmmaker, and was directed

by Chris Smith. Mark Borchardt and his friend Mike Schank are in a constant flux to raise money and resources for their horror film projects. Their determination is beautifully captured, and you can’t help rooting for these underdogs.

You can also find Living Room Cinema on Facebook and Tumblr.

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OPINIONS 13 Predictions for 2013 13 Predicciones para del año 2013 IN ENGLISH: We made it! It’s that time of year again to issue predictions for the coming year. For two consecutive years I have had some success with making future predictions as well as sharing some predictions from others that I think are credible. Of course, I’m not always right.

Elvis Presley is still in hiding and Fidel Castro isn’t completely dead. Without further delay, here are my top 13 predictions for 2013.

1

increased acceptance of and legislation supporting medically assisted suicide and rightto-die movements.” — James F. McPeters II “2013 will be marked with more violent outbreaks leading to less freedom. Everything that we do will be monitored, which will cause another kind of chaos.” — Nessa Parrish

Durante los dos últimos años he tenido algo de éxito al hacer predicciones futuras, y compartir algunas de otros que me parecen creíbles. Por supuesto, no siempre tengo razón. Obvio es, que Elvis Presley se encuentra todavía en la clandestinidad y Fidel Castro no está completamente muerto. Sin más dilación aquí están mis 13 predicciones para el 2013.

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“A large earthquake will occur in the United States and be concentrated west of the Mississippi but impact the entire country economically.” — Cameron Parrish

“Evidence for the existence of Bigfoot will finally be accepted by some in the mainstream scientific community and lead to “Information about some bizarre coindiscussions and further breakthroughs that cidences and anomalous circumstances will result in the official acknowledgement of surrounding recent mass shootings will the species, blurring the continue to emerge, only lines that define what it to be ignored by mainmeans to be human.” stream media and tossed — Cameron Parrish into the conspiracy Una columna del idioma español por CAMERON PARRISH theory category. In 2013 we will see more of this “I see nanotechnology becoming more mainstream and stem-cell ‘American political witchcraft’ at work.”

— Cameron Parrish discoveries will help reduce mortality rates.

This will have a direct and dramatic impact on cancer and Alzheimer[’s] treatment “Guns and taxes should be huge in the among others, including extending life span political realm.” — Bracken Mayo and [resulting in] healthier aging. We will start using augmented reality—virtual and “I predict that Nashville will get an Ikea, of our minds and even augmenting biology, or Murfreesboro [Tenn.] gets a Whole including our own. Also, cloud-base computFoods.” — Lacey Garrett ing will be the norm. The development of new propulsion systems will affect transpor“The Facebook Cliff: It seems necestation, helping reduce poverty and [resulting sary to have a page but, let’s face it, in] better distribution of our planet’s natural once everyone’s grandmother got on FB it was resources. We will confirm the existence of doomed. Their latest attempt to hijack your non-Earth biology in 2013.” — Yuri Cunza Instagram photos was a sign of desperation and greed. FYI, teenagers have already left for other outlets. That says it all.” — Brian Anderson “I predict Israel will strike Iran (conventionally), igniting a regional conflict that includes Egypt. I think America’s response “My prediction is that at least one of will be financial aid but little else to Israel.” the conspiracies or topics that you write — Will Moonan about will be proven to be true (Sasquatch, aliens, etc. . . .). Then you will have the satisfaction of telling us, your friends and readers, “As a result of the ‘fiscal cliff ’ the United ‘See, I told you b***hes’” — Andrew Wortman States will slip into a protracted recession that will eventually be known as the Second There you have it, amigos. I hope you are Great Depression.” — Cameron Parrish prepared for at least some of these to happen. Regardless of what 2013 has in store, I’m “NASA will continue to unveil discoveries wishing you all a very happy new year! that will begin to rewrite what we know about the history of our solar system and life on Earth.” — Cameron Parrish EN ESPAÑOL:

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La PALABRA

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“Major cultural shifts combined with rapidly aging population will result in

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¡Lo logramos! Es la época del año otra vez para hacer predicciones para año nuevo.

“La evidencia de la existencia del Bigfoot finalmente será aceptado por algunos miembros de la comunidad científica y provocar discusiones y avances, además, que se traducirá en el reconocimiento oficial de la especie y sobrescribiendo las líneas que definen lo que significa ser humano.” — Cameron Parrish

2

“Veo que la tecnología nano será usada más frecuentemente y descubrimientos en el uso de celulas madre ayudará a reducir las tasas de mortalidad. Esto tendrá un impacto directo en el tratamiento del cáncer y el Alzheimer[’s], entre otros usos incluyendo la extensión de la calidad de vida y un envejecimiento más saludable. Vamos a empezar a usar la realidad aumentada – virtual y de nuestras mentes y tambien en biología, incluyendo la nuestra. También cloudcomputing base será la norma. El desarrollo de nuevos sistemas de propulsión afectará el transporte, ayudando a reducir la pobreza y una mejor distribución de los recursos naturales de nuestro planeta. Vamos a confirmar la existencia de biología no terrestre en el 2013.” — Yuri Cunza

3

“Mi predicción es que Israel atacara a Irán (convencionalmente), encendiendo un conflicto regional que incluye a Egipto. Creo que la respuesta de Estados Unidos será de ayuda económica pero poco más a Israel.”

— Will Moonan

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“Como resultado del ‘Fiscal Cliff ’ Estados Unidos caerá en una recesión prolongada lo que eventualmente será conocido como la Segunda Gran Depresión.” — Cameron Parrish

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“La NASA seguirá para dar a conocer los descubrimientos que comenzarán a volver a escribir lo que sabemos de la historia de nuestro sistema solar y la vida en la Tierra.”

— Cameron Parrish

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“Los principales cambios culturales combinados con una población que envejece rápidamente se traducirá en una

mayor aceptación de legislación y apoyar el suicidio con asistencia médica y movimientos del derecho a morir.”

— James F. McPeters II

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“2013 será marcado con más brotes de violencia que conducen a menos libertad.

Todo lo que hagamos será objeto de seguimiento que hará que otro tipo de caos.”

— Nessa Parrish

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“Un gran terremoto ocurrirá en los Estados Unidos y se concentrará al oeste del Rio Mississippi, pero afectará a todo el país económicamente.” — Cameron Parrish

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“La información sobre algunas coincidencias extrañas y anómalas que rodean recientes tiroteos masivos seguirán surgiendo sólo para ser ignorados por los principales medios de comunicación y la tiró en la categoría de teoría de la conspiración.

En 2013 vamos a ver más de esta ‘brujería político Americano.’” – Cameron Parrish

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“Las armas y los impuestos serán muy importantes en el ámbito politico.” — Bracken Mayo

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“Mi predicción es que en Nashville se establecerá un tienda de Ikea, o en Murfreesboro [Tenn.] se establecerá una tienda de Whole Foods.” — Lacey Garrett

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“El Facebook Cliff: Parece necesario tener una página, pero seamos sinceros, el momento que la abuelita de todo apareció en FB lo fue condenado. Su último intento de secuestrar sus fotos Instagram es un signo de la desesperación y la codicia.

Para que sepas, los adolescentes ya se han ido para otros puntos de venta. Eso lo dice todo.” — Brian Anderson

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“Mi predicción es que al menos una de las conspiraciones o temas que usted escribe se constata la veracidad (Sasquatch, OVNIS, etc..). Entonces usted tendrá la satisfacción de saber nosotros, sus amigos y lectores, ‘Mira, vos dije jilipollas.’”

— Andrew Wortman Ahí lo tenéis, amigos. Espero que estéis preparados para al menos algunos de ellos a pasar. Independientemente de lo que 2013 tiene reservado, os deseo a todos un muy feliz año nuevo!

Guns Are Not the Problem, Crazy is the Problem

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t’s impossible to make any sense of the Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d much Newtown, Conn., shootings. To find rather take my chances with a knife at the some reason or logic in such a mass end of a barrel than a bullet coming out of it. murder would be to find reason or logic And it wasn’t the bayonet that made it an asin insanity. Insanity, by definition, is illogical sault weapon. It was the bayonet holder. and unreasonable.

But that’s just part of the irrational reWe, as a society, needn’t follow up the sponse gun-grabbers have when it comes insanity with more illogical and unreasonto gun violence. Rahm Emanuel, the able reactions. But many around us can’t help mayor of Chicago—a town which bans sothemselves. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of Califorcalled assault weapons yet has one of the nia already had an assault weapons ban at highest murder rates in the country—held the ready, waiting for just such an occasion a press conference to urge Congress to to roll it out. She will do so on the first day of reinstate the assault weapons ban. Here’s the new Congress session in January. Forget a guy who can’t even get a handle on the that the shooter didn’t use an assault weapon. violence in his own city trying to lecture An assault weapon, as defined by the milithe rest of us on gun violence. tary, is a fully automatic weapon, as opposed And the self-proclaimed doves on the to a semi-automatic. The difference is as the anti-gun side were calling for anyone who names suggest. An automatic weapon fires supports the NRA to be killed. One tweet when one pulls the trigger on Twitter read, “Someand continues firing until one should shoot this VIEWS OF A either the shooter releases motherf@%$er NRA the trigger or the magazine President David Keene.” column by runs out of rounds (think Another tweeted, “Can we PHIL VALENTINE machine gun). A semi-aunow shoot the NRA and philvalentine.com tomatic fires each time you everyone who defends pull the trigger. Revolvers are not considered them?” These folks sound as unstable as semi-automatic although the end result is the Newtown killer. basically the same. You pull the trigger and The United States has the highest gun the gun fires. So the firearms seen on the old ownership rate in the world yet we don’t westerns are no less lethal than today’s evilly even rank in the top 20 for murders. Conportrayed “semi-automatics.” versely, Honduras ranks near the bottom One of the weapons used by the killer in in gun ownership and they’re at the top Newtown was a Bushmaster .223 rifle. It is in per capita murders. Switzerland ranks not an automatic weapon. The only reason fourth in the world in gun ownership and it would be banned by the so-called assault near the bottom in murders. weapons ban is simply because it looks like It’s not the guns, it’s the crazy people, and an automatic weapon. This is what the asuntil we figure out a way to cure crazy we sault weapons ban of 1994 did. It banned better figure out a way to stop making our guns that merely looked like automatic schools a soft target. weapons. None of these guns was any more “Gun-free zone.” If you really think that lethal than any other semi-automatic weapon works, then put that sign in your front yard. they just had features that, according to the grossly ignorant like Feinstein, made them Phil Valentine is an author and nationally look menacing. For example, under the assyndicated radio talk show host with Westsault weapons ban, any gun with a bayonet wood One. For more of his commentary holder was considered an assault weapon. and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

CONSERVATIVE

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The United States has the highest gun ownership rate in the world yet we don’t even rank in the top 20 for murders. Conversely, Honduras ranks near the bottom in gun ownership and they’re at the top in per capita murders.

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OPINIONS

Helping the Least Among Us column by FRANK SHEPARD

frank@boropulse.com LAST MONTH WE WITNESSED humanity at its worst: the senseless killing of some of our most beloved members of society—children, teachers and firemen. It’s unimaginable what is happening inside the heart and mind of someone capable of such depravity. We’ve seen the pictures of those beautiful children. We all know some first-graders and delight in their wild imaginations, their innocence and how they say the darndest things; they’re adorable.

We all can name a teacher who made a distinct impact on our lives. And we all are grateful for the role that firefighters play in our society; they run toward danger while we run away.

Truly, these senseless murders were a demonstration of the lower demons of our nature.

The questions that haunt us are “why?”; “How could this happen?”; “What breeds so much hatred into the human heart?” “These killers must be mentally ill.” And it is certainly likely that they suffered from some sociopathic or psychopathic illness. But is there something in our society that produces such evil behavior?

Even though these are tough questions and the magnitude and complexity of the issues are daunting, it is, nevertheless, a brave and mature society that enters into these conversations. And while they will generate conflicts and disagreements, they do not have to create divisions and judgments. Divisions may be a big reason why these murders strike back at society.

Author John David Ebert recently commented: [These killing sprees are] not a function of psychotic individuals or the conservative right insisting on making guns available. It is rather the very structure of American society itself, a society based on intense social competition, greed and social punishment. Penalizations for failing in American society are harsh: ostracism, social banishment, humiliation and imputations of worthlessness. It is a society based on rewarding the few, very few, “winners” and on punishing the losers with excessive severity. The humiliated and disempowered “losers” strike back in an effort to restore their damaged identities the only way they perceive that they can: by hurting the society that has humiliated and punished them, striking back with violence that empowers the individual to restore and maintain a sense of dignity and identity in the face of a threatened erosion of that identity.

Is this true? Is America’s rigid competitiveness the problem? Isn’t it what makes America

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exceptional? Does Ebert suggest a society that celebrates mediocrity, that coddles weaklings or works to include the marginalized? I get the impression that many Americans want a tough America that weeds out the weaker citizens (a la Ayn Rand). This is not entirely unfounded; sometimes the forced promotion of people over more qualified people is an injustice. Is not the “mean” coach who pushes his/her athletes to be their best doing them and society a favor?

Ebert’s critique sounds like he wants a pussy society. Isn’t America strong because everyone takes responsibility for themselves?

Or do we? Is America’s brand of “live and let die” practiced without a sense of connectedness? What about “united we stand, divided we fall?” What about “you never leave a man behind.” How do these apparently contradictory, deep-seated American values—individualism and nationalism—manifest in social practice?

Of course, if “winning” is the highest priority there is no place for coddling weakness. What do we want as a country? What does “winning” look like? Where do we look in our society to identify American exceptionalism? The monetary success of some individuals? The athletic prowess of some individuals? The glory of being an übermensch? What happens to those who cannot accept their inferiority in contrast to these exceptional specimens? Might our society be inadvertently guilty of loading people down with burdens they can hardly carry without lifting a finger to help them?

As usual, the answer is probably not as black and white as the question. Surely we can be both driven to succeed on a personal level and include our weaker neighbors in the shared glory of a successful community, can’t we? Is there a society that can uncover the mystery of “all men created equal” while acknowledging and celebrating the inequalities as well?

The only social “exceptionalism” I care about is measured by fun. Yeah, that’s right—laughter, fraternity, a “Cheers” environment where everybody knows your name, a society that most resembles a party, from setup to takedown, everyone finding a job to do, a role to play, a contribution that is unique. A society that doesn’t judge another person by what they like or how they or their preferences differ from the judge’s. When are we going to acknowledge that we Americans and earthlings are different and get over it? Or better yet, get into it?

My measurement of a successful society is how well it takes care of its weakest members, and by that I mean those living and breathing among us with disadvantages—whatever they may be. This is the true meaning of all boats rising, even if it means we won’t “rise” as high as we would without the other boats. Rising high by throwing the weak overboard is only exceptional in its contemptibility. And when the occasional castaway survives and swims back to that boat, it ain’t gonna be pretty.

The Working Artist column by MAC L

AN ARTIST’S WORK IS NEVER DONE, especially when that artist works a full-time job in order to be able to afford the tedious ingredients required to make it in this industry. Everyone wants to succeed as an artist, but do you really know what it takes to make it? I would tell you, but I haven’t made it yet. I can tell you this, though: IT TAKES MONEY TO MAKE MONEY. There’s no way around it. Money controls the world, and if you can’t make money, you’re better off dead.

Artists should be among the first to understand this.

Historically speaking, artists have always been screwed out of pay. Why? Because they didn’t understand the business, and the business is designed so that the artist is the first person to pay and the last to get paid. Artists must pay for recording, production, promotion, rhyme books, pens and pencils, weed, liquor, court costs and anything else that allows an artist to even try to prevail.

So yeah, money is a pretty big deal.

How can we get this money? Not out of our asses, and if you don’t have rich parents or a lot of generous friends, you gotta get it from somewhere. Selling drugs is worse than minimum wage unless you’re a kingpin, so a 9-5 is necessary. Unfortunately, when you get a job, you’re faced with one of the two main issues regarding a job and a career. Either you’re not making enough to support your career and survive, or your job will not give you enough time (work/life balance, as they call it) for you to make the necessary

City, MTMC Should Swap Land OUR COMMUNITY HAS ENJOYED incredible growth over the last 30 years, and I understand why people move here. If I wasn’t born here I would have moved here.

The wisdom and forethought of the residents in the planning and development of the area is one reason our town is attractive not only to those wishing to move here but to long-time residents as well. It is time to put that wisdom and forethought to use again in deciding the fate of the large, vacant lot where MTMC once stood.

I live in the neighborhood of the old hospital site so I have a dog in this hunt, but I have always subscribed to the notion that community development should benefit the most people in the most cost-effective way, and I believe I have come up with a way to accomplish this as it concerns the old hospital property. Here is my vision.

The entire property should be acquired by the city/ county/state/nonprofit or some combination thereof. (I will explain how later on.) The present Bell Street Surgicenter could become a new city/county library befitting a city/county of our size. The same facility is large enough to provide a permanent home for the state archives currently housed at MTSU, thus giving the state an incentive to get involved in the transaction. A museum and other nonprofit archive uses are other attractive options. Parking is already in place with a three-story garage across the street and parking lots all around the area. The new facilities would be in easy walking distance of Central Magnet School, Campus School, Bradley Academy,

moves to advance your career. And I bet your job won’t let you listen to instrumentals and freestyle or write rhymes on the job. If your job lets you do that, that’s not a job. That’s a career.

I remember working a third-shift job and having a show to play the same night. My job wouldn’t give me the night off so I wound up doing the show, but having to immediately leave afterward, forcing myself to miss the important opportunity to interact with my new fans and ultimately establish my presence with a lasting effect. That night did damage to my ego, because I was treated with so much acclaim that I was featured in a local paper, but that same night, I was treated like shit at the night job. That’s how it is, though. When you spend more time at your job than at the studio, or on a stage, your pride takes a dive. The worst thing is that it is too easy to get complacent and never see the light at the end of the tunnel, or you do see that light only to find out that it’s an oncoming train.

If you’re truly dedicated to your career, you should not have to work a regular job just to be able to get yourself out there. That’s not how it is, though, and you don’t want to be a leech, so this is seen as the only way unless you have some really good friends, family and/ or connections. The time you lose at your job can never be given back, so if you see yourself with a 9-5 trying to build yourself a career, it’s best that you have a plan.

Your time is valuable, and you know your worth. Most likely, your job is not giving you what you’re worth, but you have no choice. So what do you do?

Have a plan, take some time to breathe and observe the game, and treat every move like it could be your last.

Holloway, Hobgood Elementary, MTSU and the public square among other places. The rest of the area could be used for a green space and park for people to enjoy.

A nice bandshell could be constructed at the opposite end of the property for musical events for use by schools, independent artists, the city (JazzFest, Friday nights), theater groups, etc.

The potential for growth in tourism is obvious and it is a fact that tourism is one of the best ways to generate revenue for the city and county coffers. The opportunities for the community with this acquisition are great. So how do we get it?

The land that the new Middle Tennessee Medical Center is built on was purchased from the city of Murfreesboro, and the city still owns land all around the new hospital. Since MTMC still owns the old hospital property and the Bell Street Surgicenter property, it seems reasonable that the city could do some bartering or trading, exchanging property for property in a situation where everyone involved would win: MTMC would acquire property for the future; the city would acquire property and much needed infrastructure and could get out of the land business; and the taxpayer would gain an incredible asset to the community at minimal cost.

Additional sources to help achieve this goal could be investigated such as the county, state, federal grants and nonprofit organizations such as the Christy-Houston Foundation, among others.

If the citizens of this community see the validity of this idea and persuade their representatives to give serious consideration to this proposal, we can seize an incredible opportunity for our city and county that will not come around again.

— Avent Lane, 221 N. Highland, Murfreesboro BOROPULSE.COM

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OPINIONS

EYE ON THE MEDIA: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION

Freedom of Speech vs.

Freedom of Religion

A

standoff between a Rutherford County weekly periodical and a group of local residents has been simmering for more than two years now.

Ever since news broke in May 2010 of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro’s plans to construct a new facility, the Rutherford Reader has been doing its best to educate the people of Murfreesboro on the potential dangers of Muslims assimilating into American society, the truth about Sharia Law (which purports to supercede U.S. laws on the basis of being supposedly God-ordained), the possible threat of Muslim Brotherhood-backed terrorist training facilities, and the promotion of what its publisher considers to be the truth (Christianity) in contrast to the teachings of— in his view—a false prophet (Muhammad).

Meanwhile, a loosely organized group of people who say they are standing up for religious freedom and civil liberties for all, continue to approach businesses who advertise in and distribute the Reader.

Seth Spuff Limbaugh, administrator of the Stop the Rutherford Reader from Hate Speech group, said, “This ‘newspaper’ has dedicated numerous pages, each week, to bashing Muslims. The publisher is dead set on persecuting people of another religion. The purpose of this group is to either persuade Pete Doughtie, owner and editor, to refrain from hate speech, or to actively get this paper pulled from every business that carries it.”

Limbaugh posted the group’s description at facebook.com/groups/stopthereader.

On the group page, members share lists of businesses that contain Rutherford Reader news racks, and letters written to advertisers, encouraging them to stop financing hate speech.

John Mack Green details his interactions with Roly Poly: “Roly Poly Sandwich Shop on Rutherford Boulevard in Murfreesboro carries the Reader. After being shown the [anti-Muslim] content, of which she claims she was unaware, Joan, the shop owner, says she’ll ‘think’ about taking it out. How about we encourage her decision by sharing our business elsewhere and letting her know it?”

Green posted on the page.

Days later he shared that the Roly Poly owner “e-mailed me and states she will no longer allow the Rutherford Reader to be distributed there. She ‘does not want to offend her customers.’”

He paid the store a visit, and a few days later posted another follow-up.

“Thrilled to report that daughter and I 26 * JANUARY 2013 * BOROPULSE.COM

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There’s this culture, out of nowhere, that’s in our face. Their goal is to have Islam dominate the world. Christianity is under attack.

— Pete Doughtie

”

just stopped in Roly Poly. No Rutherford Reader. No distribution rack for said nastiness . . . Please show Roly Poly your gratitude by patronizing and when you do, thank them for doing the right thing!”

Reader publisher Pete Doughtie contends that this sort of activity is not the right thing.

“They’re economic terrorists,” he says of those in the group protesting his family’s business.

He says he sees his publication’s ongoing coverage of Islam as serving the public interest.

“We have people call or write us all the time saying we have educated them, because they knew nothing about Islam or Sharia Law,” Doughtie said. “There’s this culture, out of nowhere, that’s in our face. Their goal is to have Islam dominate the world. Christianity is under attack. All of this indoctrination that ‘we’re a peaceful religion’ is making them (involved in the Reader protest group) brainwashed.

Can the two co-exist?

In Murfreesboro, it may be unlikely. by BRACKEN MAYO

“I don’t want them (Muslims) involved in our school systems either,” Doughtie continued. “What they’re trying to do, they’re infiltrating our school systems. What easier way is there to indoctrinate people into Islam, than through teaching kids?”

He warns his readers that their beloved town and country are under attack.

“We don’t believe the enemy lives within our society, planning and waiting for the right opportunity to strike, mainly because we don’t want to believe,” Doughtie editorialized. “We are a Christian nation and we need to fight and commit to keeping it that way.”

While Doughtie repeatedly personally writes of politics, religion, society and local events in the Reader, he said that was not the reason he started the paper in 2000.

“I’m not a journalist, I’ve never been a journalist. But I’ve been in the newspaper business since 1965,” Doughtie said. He started the Reader as a shopper, an advertising piece, he said, but along the way added news items and columns from the public.

“We only got started in the news side from people requesting it,” he said. “I didn’t sit down and put a plan together. It just took on a life of its own, and I started to develop my own opinions on things. I really do not seek to go out and upset anyone.”

He said he does not hate Muslims, and does not propagate hate speech.

“Sharia Law is where the problem is. [The problem is] not with some of the people,” Doughtie said.

Still, many simply see the Reader as appealing to and perpetuating fear and hate against certain individuals.

Area resident Stephen Levenhagen said the Reader contains “an endless barrage of negativity, not just a slanted article of concern here and there,” but cites as a specific example of exclusionary thinking Doughtie’s call to ban the burka.

“Doughtie went on extensively how we should follow the example of France and ban the burka. His only argument was that it offended him,” Levenhagen said. “The Rutherford Reader [is] absolutely coming out against the freedom of Muslim citizens to practice their religion as they see fit. The Reader has stated that we need to ban the burka. This is absolutely encouraging the harassment of the female population [who] express their devotion to God as they see fit. The antiMuslim rhetoric here in Murfreesboro makes the Reader and its allies anti-freedom. They are our own version of al-Qaeda. Let all worship;

these are American families that have been in this community for decades.

“Don’t get caught in the hate if you truly want to reach out to your Muslim neighbor,” Levenhagen said.

Still, others see Doughtie as a freedom fighter of sorts, standing up for the truth, and publishing information and viewpoints the mainstream media avoid.

Justin Smith, a columnist for the Reader, said, “Kaye and Pete Doughtie, editors/owners of Rutherford Reader, fight the fascist tactics of the New Left and Islam fearlessly with intelligence and knowledge, as myself and millions of others across our beloved America stand with them and refuse to endure such despotism or submit and remain silent in the face of this new combined and growing LeftMuslim fascist movement. And, anyone even remotely considering removing the Rutherford Reader should look deep within their own worldview, their own souls . . . anyone removing the Rutherford Reader does a great disservice to the freedom-loving people of Rutherford County, the state of Tennessee and these United States,” Smith said.

One anonymous local media consumer expressed the opinion that neither the Reader nor the group opposed to it are really adding a whole lot to the discussion or changing many minds.

“The more I look into it, the more I think both sides are being ridiculous,” the observer said. “There’s just so much anger, fear and intolerance coming from both the Reader and the group attempting to stop it, I’m not sure if either side is capable of having a rational, meaningful dialogue. The Reader is getting more publicity out of its ongoing jabs at Islam than it could ever dream of. Why would the publisher ever stop? And if the group really wants to stand up for American values and liberty, I’m not sure targeting and complaining to laundromats and restaurants who have a Rutherford Reader news rack in their business is their best use of time and energy.

Some involved do seem to want to have genuine discussions on important local issues, yet some are just as narrow-minded and prone to stereotyping as the Reader itself.”

Regardless, the Reader—through its “stories, editorials and hard-to-describe items where opinions and facts were commingled,” as described by Huffington Post writer Janell Ross—has established itself as a player in the local social and political discussion, and will most likely continue exercising its freedom of the press to its fullest extent.

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