July 2019 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

IN MUSIC

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS / JIM LAUDERDALE / HENRY HAFFNER / OUBLIETTE / BONNAROO WRAP-UP / AND MORE! JULY 2019 / VOL. 14, ISSUE 7 / FREE

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

R E T S FA N A TH T S A F ’s o r o b s s ee Murfr yd Continue o K.C. L radition of , yT Famil cle Racing cy Motor WERA on Tours ke Circuit bi r e p u S

Mullins Family Has Run Local Jewelery Stores Over 80 Years

Jim Lauderdale Performs at The Walnut House on July 12

The Wiz Puts a Soulful Twist on Oz at Center for the Arts July 5–21

Contents

WORD FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER: K.C. Loyd by C.S. Brown

8 28 IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS The Cleverlys, Rhonda Vincent and others return to Cannonsburgh in July.

JIM LAUDERDALE Walnut House hosts Americana songwriter, July 12.

4 Events THIS MONTH

Murfreesboro Antique Show, Celebration Under the Stars, Remembering the Raid and more!

8 Sounds LOCAL CONCERTS

KIMBERLY DUMMONS Murfreesboro sculptor and printmaker receives Arts Commission grant.

Collecting rain water

POETRY

Poetry in the Boro

Advertising: Don Clark Leslie Russell-Yost

BOROPULSE . COM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Art Director: Sarah Mayo Copy Editor: Steve Morley

28 Food

Local collectibles store raises funds for transplant patient.

REVIEW

Champy’s WorldFamous Fried Chicken

MOVIE REVIEW

Child’s Play

Borderlands II: Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary NEW RELEASES

The Lion King, The Mountain and more

18 Living 32 News 20 Art

GENERATIONS OF SPEED Murfreesboro's K.C. Loyd keeps family tradition of cycle racing alive.

38 Sports

GAME REVIEW

GARDENING

Moon, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Social Exchange, Brazilian Wax Studio and more

Focus on the Boro contest winners; Healing Arts Project

ALBUM REVIEWS

2019 Fest is the biggest yet.

FROM THE WASTE DOWN What is the future of local waste disposal as Mt. Trashmore reaches capacity?

EXHIBITS

30 Movies

BONNAROO

The Wiz, The Little Foxes

Rampaige Against Cancer, Uptown Country, Joey Fletcher and more! Henry Haffner Oubliette

PROPERTY TAX INCREASE Murfreesboro City Council approves 36% tax hike to fund roads, safety.

THEATER

BUSINESS PROFILE

Mullins Jewelry BUSINESS BUZZ

Toot’s West, Bubble Tea Cafe, Palmetto

Contributors: C.S. Brown, Sarah H. Clark, Jennifer Durand, Jordan Hall, Luke Kautzky, Blaine Little, Laura Lindsay, Andrea Loupe, Rick Malone, Zach Maxfield, Josh Rish, Edwina Shannon, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Phil Valentine, Kory Wells, Michelle Willard

GRAND SLAM

SPORTS TALK

Equal work but not equal revenue

41 Opinion PHIL VALENTINE

Mexico finally helping with border security. HUNG UP

Why you should put the phone down LIVE . . . WELL

The fountain of life SPIRITUAL MATTERS

A night to remember READING

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

Copyright © 2019, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Murfreesboro Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

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@BoroPulse

The Murfreesboro Pulse

10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 • 615-796-6248 To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: Bracken@BoroPulse.com

DON’T TRUST THE MEDIA. Question everything. Be a little skeptical of accepting information exactly as a media outlet, individual or organization presents it to you. Really, corroborate what you read in the Pulse if you’d like. Compare it to other sources. Our proud but modest publication is but a single voice and perspective in our complex world. The free press has held a revered and important place in the establishment and functioning of the American democracy, and I intend to do what I can to defend free speech and the rights of the press and individual expression. “The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state,” said William Blackstone—a Brit, but a defender of freedom. Thomas Jefferson wrote that “were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” (He also said that he desired a public “capable of reading them.”) Our current president calls the media the “enemy of the people.” Doesn’t that upset you, Mr. Newspaperman? Well, thanks for asking, but I tend to agree with him there. I am pretty confident that he is not addressing me personally with his comment, and strongly agree that the mainstream cable “news” outlets and media conglomerates, overall, are not doing quality work as far as reporting and journalistic integrity are concerned. The focus of those large mainstream media outlets can be very, very narrow, and I have long believed that the cable news outlets and many prominent media operations have very little relation to capturing and presenting an accurate depiction of life in Middle Tennessee. Please, look at a variety of information sources. If you pay too much attention to any one media source, however large and slick and “professional” it may appear, and only that source, I have deep concerns you’re not getting a full picture of what’s going on around you. Read it all. Especially publications and online outlets that may not serve simply to reinforce your pre-existing beliefs. Check out Mother Jones and InfoWars, The Atlantic, New York Times, Brietbart and Hufﬁngton Post; be aware of what’s in the Gannett products and the Tennessee Star, pay attention to Vanity Fair, Daily Kos, ProPublica and WikiLeaks. A very happy birthday to Bracken Jr.! My boy turned 10 last month, and in July we celebrate Sarah’s birthday. We had some fun activities in June—embarked on a little exploration of Mammoth Cave and took in a couple of great Nashville Symphony performances at the Ascend Amphitheater, including the Cirque Music show, which mixed some impressive acrobatics with beautiful symphonic music, as well as an appearance by musical funnyman “Weird Al” Yankovic. Al sings of “Word Crimes” in one of his humorous parodies, inspired by sloppy social media comments and addressed to those who can’t write in the proper way, who don’t know how to conjugate. I think it’s a good time, To learn some grammar . . . I hate these word crimes, Yankovic sings, encouraging those who continually disregard the basic rules of English to go back to pre-school, get out of the gene pool. Sure, some possess strong speaking skills and a wellrounded education without equally strong written communication skills, but in general there is good reason to believe that if someone doesn’t make the effort to properly spell simple English words in their writing, they are probably fairly loose with the truth in other regards and haven’t made much of an effort to thoroughly research whatever topic they are so passionate about that they take a few seconds away from dinner to slap out a misspelled and confusing comment on. Late in his life Jefferson went on to write: “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” So, Weird Al, Thomas Jefferson and I request and expect those who would like their writing to be publicly available to show some respect to the English language and to the truth. Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events

CALENDAR / JULY 2019

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

JULY 1–3

July 9, from 7:15–9 a.m. at Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.). Remember to bring plenty of business cards and grab a card from the basket. For more information, visit rutherfordcable.org or email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

FREE COMMUNITY BASKETBALL CAMP The Nicholas Foundation will hold its free three-day community basketball camp July 1–3 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for ages 8-16 boys and girls at Central Magnet School (701 E. Main St.). For more information, visit nicholasfoundationboro.org/bballcamp2019.

JULY 9 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

JULY 4–7 HYDE PARK REUNION An all-black community in the Hyde Park Community in Wakulla County, Florida, has its origin well before the Civil War. In 1967 the family reunion for all Hyde Park descendants was formed and has been held every two years since. The reunion comes to Murfreesboro this year at Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1200 Conference Center Blvd., July 4–7. For more information, visit hydeparkfamily.com.

JULY 5 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Join Community Care of Rutherford County for its annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 5, from 6–10 p.m. with fireworks at dusk, food, drinks, music and a water slide for kids. This event is free and open to the community. Community Care of Rutherford County is located at 901 E. County Farm Rd. For more information, visit ccrconline.org.

PHOTO BY JIM DAVIS/MURFREESBORO PARKS & REC

JULY 4 CELEBRATION UNDER THE STARS

The annual Celebration Under the Stars kicks off Thursday, July 4, at McKnight Park (120 Dejarnette Ln.) with a “Rock the Pool” party from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Boro Beach. Admission for the pool party is $5 for youth and seniors, and $7 for adults. Free family-oriented activities include live music, food vendors, inflatables and games beginning at 4 p.m. at the park. The local band Hardin Draw performs from 5:30–7 p.m., and the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department present colors at 7 p.m. Perform Murfreesboro member Vontrell Hardrick sings the national anthem and the band Love Canon takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. The Pyro Shows fireworks display lights up the sky at 9 p.m. For safety purposes, pets, alcoholic beverages, cooking grills, banners and personal fireworks or sparklers are not permitted. Families are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets. Soft drinks, pizza, hot dogs and other traditional snacks and desserts will be for sale. For more information, call 615-890-5333 or visit murfreesborotn.gov.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your beloved animals and join the 4 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS Old-time music and dance takes center stage at the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival July 12 and 13 at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) with competitions in clogging, buck dancing, banjo and bluegrass bands as well as a variety of food and craft vendors. For more information, visit uncledavemacondays.org or call 833-615-7668.

PRINCESSES & SUPERHEROES PARTY Bring your little ones for the Kids Club: Princesses & Superheroes Party on Saturday, July 13, at the Stones River Town Centre, Center Court (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Children can don their favorite princess or superhero costume and meet a real princess and superhero, enjoy complimentary face painting and more. Admission is free. Children must be supervised by an adult. For more information, call 615-8964486 or visit shopstonesriver.com.

FOREVER ABBEY ROAD BEATLES EXPERIENCE

JULY 7

JULY 12 AND 13

JULY 13

JULY 5 Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ epic Abbey Road album with Tennessee’s Forever Abbey Road performing the album in entirety with a second set of greatest hits to celebrate the landmark anniversary on Friday, July 5, from 7:30–10:30 p.m. at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.). Forever Abbey Road is comprised of five professional Nashville musicians creating a unique representation of what the Beatles might sound like if they were around today with current technology and modern rock energy. For more information, visit foreverabbeyroad.com.

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will present its July Business After Hours event at the The Maples Community, 5809 Manchester Pk., Murfreesboro, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9. Bring plenty of business cards to this informal social networking event designed to connect you with business professionals from across Rutherford County. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for future members.

JULY 13, 20 AND 27 HEALTHY HABITS FOR LIFE

First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Murfreesboro for the third annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, July 7, from 5–8 p.m. for a time of worship, fun, treats and blessing. For more information, find a Blessing of the Animals event on Facebook.

JULY 9 RUTHERFORD CABLE JULY BREAKFAST MEETING Celebrate 10 years of woman moving forward with Rutherford Cable on Tuesday,

Learn about essential oils and safe, natural alternatives in daily wellness at Red Carpet Storage (124 John R. Rice Blvd.) Saturdays, July 13, 20 and 27, from 2–4 p.m. Topics include Emotions and Oils on July 13, Back to School on July 20 and Pets and Oils on July 27. For more information, email info@bluecupmonkeyoillife.com, call

615-513-7572, find Blue Cup Monkey Oil Life on Facebook or Instagram, or visit bluecupmonkeyoillife.com.

boro. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. A discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.

JULY 13 COMMUNITY HEROES AT LUCKY LADD Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville) honors hometown heroes on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The farm offers free general admission to Tennessee fireman, police officers, active and retired military, veterans and their immediate family (a spouse and dependents living in the same household). Kids of all ages enjoy live-action demonstrations, a policeman vs. fireman tug-of-war competitions and emergency equipment displays. Enjoy Lucky Ladd’s market, concessions, bakery and ice cream parlor onsite. Contact fun@luckyladdfarms.com or 615-2743786 for more information, or check out luckyladdfarms.com.

JULY 13 CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT ST. CLAIR Enjoy Summer Santa, an ugly T-shirt Contest, music, food and early shopping with premium vendors on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.). Vendors can contact premiumvendors2017@yahoo. com. Call 561-779-1759 or visit the Eventbrite page for more information.

JULY 13 SUMMER MAKE & TAKE EVENT Join Core Life Eatery (2330 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite E) on Saturday, July 13, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for an interactive make-and-take night centered around summer. Make customized essential oil roller ball recipes for travel, sleep, immunity, tummy troubles and energy. The cost is $10 per roller; enter the door prize drawing too. For more information, contact 615-513-7572 or info@bluecupmonkeyoillife.com, or visit bluecupmonkeyoillife.com.

JULY 13 REMEMBERING THE RAID WITH WORDS & MUSIC On July 13, 1862, The Civil War came to Murfreesboro with the sound of clattering hooves and gunfire. On Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., join rangers and volunteers from the Stones River National Battlefield and staff of Oaklands Mansion on the grounds of Oaklands (901 N. Maney Ave.) for a series of programs highlighting the events of that day 157

JULY 19 SUMMER PARTY AT OAKLANDS

JULY 16 STAKE & BURGER NBA Hall of Famer and Auburn basketball star Charles Barkley is the keynote speaker for the Boys & Girls Club’s “Stake & Burger” fundraiser on Tuesday, July 16, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at MTSU’s ballroom in the new Student Union Building (1301 E. Main St.). Barkley is the NBA’s 23rd all-time leading scorer with over 23,000 points and rated 18th in rebounds. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club and the fundraiser, call 615-890-2582 or visit bgcrc.net. years ago on the site where the 9th Michigan Infantry withstood several Confederate onslaughts until they surrendered. In coordination with Uncle Dave Macon Days, guests can use a free shuttle service, courtesy of Villages of Murfreesboro, from the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival site at Cannonsburgh to Oaklands Mansion from 12:30 to 3 p.m. While on the shuttle, learn about the country’s history. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org or call 615-893-0022.

JULY 17 CONSUMER PROTECTION WORKSHOP U.S. Rep. Scott Desjarlais and Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn invite

the public to a Stop Scams Consumer Protection Workshop on Wednesday, July 17, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Lane AgriPark (315 John R. Rice Blvd., Community Center, MTG Room 1). Learn how to protect your identity, your money and your family from fraud with topics like Debt Collection Scams, The “Do Not Call” List, Reverse Mortgage Scams and others. Register at the Eventbrite page or call 615-896-1986.

JULY 18 THE CONNECTION Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at Hop Springs, 6790 John Bragg Hwy., Murfrees-

JULY 20 LARRY J. DANIEL BOOK SIGNING Join the Historic Sam Davis Home & Plantation (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) Saturday, July 20, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for a meet-and-greet and book signing for Larry J. Daniel’s newest book, Conquered: Why the Army of Tennessee Failed (Civil War America). During the Civil War, the Army of Tennessee was a significant part of the Confederate forces. Esteemed military historian Daniel offers an in-depth interpretation of command structure and the force’s fate on the battle fields. For more information, call 615-459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.

Visit BOROPULSE.COM/EVENTS for more community events

Join friends and neighbors at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) Friday, July 19, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. for The Summer Party. Uncle Bud’s serves Southern fried chicken and catfish. Enjoy mouth-watering desserts by Goodness Gracious Cafe and Catering at Readyville Mill, and a full bar courtesy of Murfreesboro Wine and Spirits. Signature summer cocktails are hand crafted from Prichard’s Distillery products. Admission is $75 per person. For more information, call 615-893-0022.

JULY 19 THIRD FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and picnic for outdoor music by Uptown Country at the Third Friday Night Concert Series on the front lawn of Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Friday, July 19, from 7–9 p.m.

JULY 20 ART, MUSIC & FOOD FEST AT MAYDAY BREWERY Join Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) Saturday, July 20, from 1–7 p.m. for some of the best local art, music and food featuring artists like The Rhinovirus, Meagan Armes and Brandy Henry, music by Thunderfrog! and a blues jam with Joey Fletcher and friends, and food by Catarina’s Food Truck and Mrs. Grissom’s Panini Grill from 1–7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, find the Art, Music & Food Fest on Facebook or visit maydaybrewery.com.

JULY 20 LYTLE CREEK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Join the Lytle Creek Community to celebrate the restoration of Lytle Creek with food, drinks, prizes and family-friendly fun Saturday, July 20, from 5–7 p.m. With help from community volunteers, 3,500 linear CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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his wife, Helen M. Crichlow Baskette. The Woman’s Club later opened the first lending library in Rutherford County at the home, now on the National Registry of Historic Places. Tickets to the fundraiser are $60 with $50 directly benefiting the Historic Preservation Fund. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. Additional information is available on The Woman’s Club of Murfreesboro Facebook page and at womansclubmurfreesboro.org.

JULY 24 NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY Make ice cream in just five minutes with the old crank ice cream machines for National Ice Cream Day at the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation (1399 Sam Davis Rd.) on Wednesday, July 24, beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, visit samdavishome.org.

JULY 25

JULY 20 CROSSROAD TO VICTORY BENEFIT CAR SHOW The Crossroad to Victory Benefit Car Show, presented by Victory Crossroad Cruisers, benefits the Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center. The event will be held at the Victory Christian Center, 1641 Middle Tennessee Blvd., on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The registration fee is $20 from 9 a.m.–noon. Enjoy cars, Bible and music trivia for prizes, door prize drawings, great oldies music, concessions available at Burger King and trophies and plaques provided by O’Reilly Auto Parts. Vendor space is available. Find more information at the Victory Crossroad Cruisers Facebook page. feet of the creek has been successfully restored with more in the works; learn how to get involved. The location, held at a local private residence, will be provided upon registration. Find a page for Lytle Creek Community Celebration on ﬂipcause.com for more information and to register.

JULY 20 HEALTH FAIR Get your health on track at the Bradyville Road Church of Christ (1265 Bradyville Rd.) Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Learn about blood pressure, diabetes, a healthy diet, CPR, the American Red Cross, physical conditioning and exercise, medication, hydration, smoking cessation and more while enjoying refreshments and fun. For more information, call 615-893-7156.

JULY 20 TIE THE KNOT Tie the Knot Wedding Show at Lane AgriPark Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. presents brides and grooms with the best local wedding vendors in the Middle Tennessee. Enjoy an afternoon filled with bridal fashion, catering and cake samples, and the opportunity 6 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

to meet the best planners, photographers and DJs. Admission is free and giveaways will be held throughout the day. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

JULY 20 WOMAN’S CLUB LEGACY FUNDRAISER The second annual Legacy Gathering fundraiser is to preserve the historic 103-year-old Woman’s Club of Murfreesboro at Tasty Table, 215 N. Church St. The beautiful Italianate style home was built in 1856 for Dr. William T. Baskette and

TEEN BOOK CLUB Join the Teen Book Club on Thursday, July 25, at 5 p.m. at the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation (1399 Sam Davis Rd.) for the next book: Numbering All the Bones by Ann Rinaldi. Each meeting includes a discussion of the book, popcorn, a beverage and a hands-on craft. For more information, call 615-459-2341.

JULY 25 SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION Join Creekside at Three Rivers Assisted Living (2744 Asher’s Fork Dr.) Thursday, July 25, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. for a Summer Solstice Celebration in raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Enjoy a fun evening with food, drinks, live music, auction items and a 50/50 raffle. The $15 charge at the door benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, call 615-894-6708.

JULY 25 TRISTAR WOMEN’S SHOW

JULY 19-21 MURFREESBORO ANTIQUES SHOW 2019 The 52nd Annual Murfreesboro Antiques Show attracts some of the finest antique dealers from across the country. The show will be held Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, July 21, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Middle Tennessee Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). Admission is $7 for all three days and parking is free. For more information, call 601-9063015 or visit murfreesboroantiqueshow.com.

Empower your mind, body and spirit at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center (200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna) on Thursday, July 25, from 5–7:30 p.m. Committed to empowering women to live a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle, the ninth annual TriStar StoneCrest Women’s Show unites women in learning about health, beauty and wellness while enjoying music, food, fashion and fun. Enjoy locally made hors d’oeuvres and desserts, wine tasting, beauty and wellness services, live fashion and health demonstrations, free health and wellness screenings and door prizes and giveaways. The event is for women 18 years and older. Admission is $5. All proceeds benefit local charities. Register by calling 615-342-1919 or by visiting tristarstonecrest.com/calendar.

JULY 27 TASTE OF RUTHERFORD SUMMER PARTY Join the Main Street Murfreesboro’s Annual “Taste of Rutherford,” The Summer Party, at the historic Childress House, 225 N. Academy St., on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. with a Patrons’ Reception at 6 p.m. Mingle with friends in a casual lawn setting while enjoying outstanding cuisine from some of this community’s finest eateries. Dress is casual summer attire and there is an open bar. Main Street is a nonprofit organization. For more information, call 615-895-1887.

JULY 30 TODDLER TUESDAY Bring your toddlers for a morning of learning with games, crafts, hikes, experiments and live animals the last Tuesday of every month from 10–11 a.m. (rain or shine) at the Sam Davis Home, 1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna. Weather permitting, pack your lunch and plan to enjoy the grounds after the program. Admission is $5 per toddler (or participating sibling) with the parent/guardians free. The July program is “Honeybees and Me” looking at the busy life of the honey bees on the farm. For more information, visit samdavishome. org/toddlertuesdays.

THROUGHOUT JULY MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Enjoy another year of free, family-friendly Movies Under the Stars, presented by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. All movies begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets or trucks while enjoying the show; popcorn, snow cones and soft drinks available for a small fee at the concession trailer. The schedule is as follows: Mondays: Barfield Park

a.m. No experience needed. Cost is $5. From 10:30–11:30, enjoy a harmonized yoga sequence that includes long holds and dynamic movement. Class flows through sun salutations and varying poses that strengthen and open the body while focusing on breath and mindfulness. All ages and levels are welcome. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early. Please bring your own mat, although extras are available. Yoga only is $12; yoga and beer is $15. Registration for either is not required but encouraged. For more information, visit hopspringstn.com/yoga.

SATURDAYS HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPENS RANSOM SCHOOL

JULY 20 KAIKICKSCANCER Help support Kai in his journey to kick cancer. He has been diagnosed with leukemia, and the goal is to relieve some of the financial stress on the family. Join Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) Saturday, July 20, beginning at 11 a.m., with activities for kids including a water slide, bounce house, door prizes, wine tasting and music. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the day. Cash donations are appreciated. For more information, find the event on Facebook or visit the Kaikickscancer Go Fund Me page. Tuesdays: Murfreesboro Civic Plaza Thursdays: Richard Siegel Park Fridays: Cason Lane Trailhead Saturdays: Fountains at Gateway Week of July 1 – A Wrinkle in Time Week of July 8 – Leap! Week of July 15 – Incredibles 2 Week of July 22 – Miracle Season

TUESDAYS HEART OF TENNESSEE TOASTMASTERS The Heart of Tennessee Toastmasters is an international organization devoted to helping others advance their communication and leadership skills. Through participation in a variety of roles at each meeting, learn better listening skills, critical thinking, goal setting and public speaking. Meet at 7 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month at Keller-Williams Realty (450 St. Andrews Dr.). For more information, visit heartoftennessee.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS WRITERS GROUP

The Rutherford County Historical Society invites everyone to visit Ransom School (717 N. Academy St.) Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.–noon to discuss history while enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring old photos and memorabilia, and leave with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, your past. Volunteers needed. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.

ONGOING AL-ANON Attend Al-Anon meetings, a fellowship program for the families and friends of

alcoholics, weekly at 435 S. Molloy Ave. (off of Bridge Ave.). Meeting times include 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays; 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and noon on Saturdays. For more information, contact 270-293-5201.

SATURDAYS SMYRNA DEPOT FARMERS’ MARKET Join the Smyrna Depot Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon on Front Street in downtown Smyrna. Special events this summer include: Water Day with water balloons and water gun fights on July 20, and Back to School Bash on July 27, with drawings for two fully stocked backpacks and market vendors handing out school supplies. Find more information at facebook.com/smyrnadepotfm.

SATURDAYS IN JULY SATURDAY MARKET Visit the Saturday Marketplace around the historic Rutherford County Courthouse on the Murfreesboro Public Square each Saturday throughout summer from 8 a.m.– noon. Purchase fresh produce, fruit, baked goods, flowers, plants and crafts. For more information, call 615-895-1887.

The Murfreesboro Writers Group, comprised of local writers who seek to improve their work through mutual critique, meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. You might hear science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery, literary fiction, or more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Writers Group on Facebook, email sayhello@murfreesborowritersgroup. com, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

THURSDAYS CHESS CLUB The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St. Chess players of all levels are invited to come meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, email murfreesborochess@gmail.com or call 615-713-9256.

BORO2SQUARE RUNNERS

SATURDAYS–SUNDAYS

Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Come to a half-hour guided meditation at Hop Springs to learn how to use meditation as a tool to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, lengthen attention span, reduce age-related memory loss, help fight addictions, improve sleep, help control pain and decrease blood pressure, Saturdays and Sunday in May from 10–10:30

MEDITATION AND YOGA

BOROPULSE.COM

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Sounds

2019 UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS SCHEDULE

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

HOZIER

AVETT BROTHERS

Bonnaroo 2019 Holds Up to Its Standard of Shocking and Aweing Bonnaroovians

JOHN PRINE

>>> BY ANDREA STOCKARD >>> PHOTOS BY JOSH RISH >>> BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

2019 hosted patrons from across the world on the 700-acre farm of Manchester, Tennessee, June 13–16, 2019. With over 100,000 gathering to experience today’s top-charting musical phenoms like Post Malone, Cardi B, Griz, Odeza, Kacey Musgraves, The Avett Brothers and many more, the 18-year old festival welcomed its biggest year yet. With the population growing this year, Bonnaroo had an unusual wait time getting in. As Groop Camping, SheRoo and other campsites have been added, many people now arrive at the festival Wednesday night. This year, several patrons waited as long as 16 hours to get in. When I arrived Thursday afternoon, many of my friends recounted stories of having left Murfreesboro or Knoxville between 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday and not getting in until after 2 a.m. on Thursday—some finally entering as late as noon. Thursday was still an unforgettable day as music legends gathered for the second annual Grand Ole Opry at Bonnaroo show, a special collaboration staged by the Nashville-based country music institution that featured Old Crow Medicine Show, Ricky Skaggs, Riders In the Sky, Steve Earle, Ashley Monroe and others. The night continued with electro-funk bands and all-night boogie beats at the Kalliope Stage and Silent Disco until 6 a.m. Friday, the festival swung into full gear 16 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

as patrons familiarized themselves with the festival and the Avett Brothers headlined the What Stage. Childish Gambino brought one of the best shows to Bonnaroo 2019 with a hard-to-beat energy as he wandered into the crowd and stirred the audience with old and new hits like “This Is America” and “Redbone.” Griz brought out his saxophone and vocals for a mixture of electronic, funk and rap. Later, Phish closed out the mainstage and we all witnessed a G.O.A.T. SuperJam with Griz. Fan favorite and old-school DJ Girl Talk and bass-heavy Liquid Stranger closed the night. As Saturday rolled around, Kacey Musgraves, a new, popular country artist spreading her wings like her song “Butterflies,” captured the crowd at Which stage, and Odesza headlined the What Stage while legend and two-time Grammy winner John Prine drew a huge crowd. Post Malone performed some of his biggest hits ending on “Congratulations.” The night extended with the infamous Lonely Island and Andy Samberg doing the usual unorthodox guest performances such as featuring a puppet of Justin Timberlake. Gramatik sold his funky electronic jams, and the night got even better with legend Gucci Mane performing old-school hip-hop hits and Zhu, one of my personal favorites, “ending” the night with some of their more popular songs like “Working for It.”

During the day, patrons had many things to stir their interest, such as the wine promoters Barefoot Lounge, The Wall, and the notorious center statue, The Fountain. Flushable toilets in the campsites was new to me as well as “permanent bathrooms” inside the festival featuring and sinks with soap. Sunday, headliners like Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers, Cardi B and G Jones took the stage with Phish closing out a 3.5hour set and ILLENIUM drawing a more electronic crowd. Some Bonnaroovians started to pack up and head out while others stayed true to closing out the weekend with a bang. Cardi B showed up sporting a positive attitude and stating something like, “I have no idea where I am in Tennessee, but

we’re going to have a good time.” The Ferris Wheel line stood long and the merchandise table brought on an onslaught of panicked last-second patrons. The new arch pleased some and disappointed others. The arch now stands as a square, interactive billboard featuring new designs and colors ever-changing with the Bonnaroo logo. It’s rumored the sign changed to accommodate new festivals at the location like the Exit 111 Festival, which will be offering more of a hard-rock vibe this October (find the event on Facebook). It seems Exit 111, the ramp at which many Roo-goers have sat waiting for years, now stands as an entry point for other types of entertainment as well. Nonetheless, we’ll see you next year, Bonnaroo.

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Living

Farmers Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

Amongst the falling raindrops, I decide to write about collecting rain for the garden. Whether or not drought conditions are present, it is not a waste of time to improve your area by conserving and collecting water. As any good rainstorm will show, water flows can be powerful. Capturing that rainwater will help your plants and save you money while improving the environment. The landscaping on your property can be done so as to assist the plants with deep root development. The aim is to avoid runoffs. Not only do runoffs carry unwanted debris to the streams and rivers, adding to the pollution, but runoffs also deprive our plants of seepage. As you work in the yard, try to encourage rain absorption by slowing down a runoff area. Rain gardens serve this purpose. Rain gardens are composed of rocks and plantings. Their presence slows runoff and assists in absorption in areas that, without help, would have become rain ponds. There are good examples of rain gardens in town. On the divider islands in front of Old Fort Park are beautiful plantings for runoff absorption. Continue west towards John R. Rice Boulevard, where the AgriPark features several rain gardens that deter a runoff to the pond. The runoff still gets there, but in an eco-friendly manner, with minimal pollution added to the pond. An adequate supply of water during the growing season will directly affect the quality and quantity of vegetable production. Flowering and fruiting plants have greater water needs, as do recently fertilized plants. When you water, water deeply and less often. This method will train roots to grow deep into the ground in search of water. If you have a low-velocity water flow on your property, consider building a microcatchment. It is a concept promoted by David A. Bainbridge, who wrote the book Gardening with Less Water. A microcatchment technique is best used on gentle slopes. Spaced earth ridges deter rapid runoff. Another technique Bainbridge shows is a lattice pattern in a field. The lattice is a ridge which acts like a mini-dam. Ridging creates microclimates and can help seed germination. Along the same line is a field of soil pits. The pits are holes about 6 to 12 inches deep and several feet across. In addition to deterring rapid rain release from your property, try these water saving actions: REMOVE WEEDS.

18 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

Market Activities in July Collecting and Redirecting

Rain Water

INSTALL A RAIN BARREL OR TANK. USE DIVERSION DRAINS to redirect

water flow. WATER IN THE MORNING-TIME before

the temperature rises and the winds pick up and when there is less evaporation. Avoid evening gardening, and especially avoid wetting the leaves, as wet leaves in the evening will encourage fungal growth. TRY TO USE RECYCLED WATER. Cool any water from cooking, then water the plants with it. It is filled with nutrients so it will be a fertilizer, too. Use the aquarium water as a fertilizer when it is changed. INCREASE HUMUS IN THE SOIL by developing a compost system. Both composted material and worm castings hold moisture and nutrients in the soil. Add “seasoned” manure only. USE MULCH. A coarse mulch allows water to penetrate yet prevents soil surface evaporation and helps suppress water-thieving weeds. Thankfully, mulched clay soils need less water than bare, sandy soils. Keep wood chip mulch out of the vegetable garden as chips do not decompose easily nor add humus value. They demand nitrogen to decompose, and the nitrogen would be better used by your plants. USE ZONE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS to target water distribution; put the thirstiest plants together. The zone irrigation from a drip system will place water where it is needed. This directed application of water will greatly reduce water consumption. For newly planted shrubs or trees, BUILD A BERM around the base as wide as the canopy; the berm will minimize water runoff, keeping water near the roots.

If you get a chance, swing by the Master Gardener gardens at the Lane Agri-Park. They are located near the pavilion. You can find examples there of water conservation. There are also recorded classes on rain barrel usage and drip irrigation on the RC Farmers Market YouTube channel. The quality of the soil is important in assisting water conservation. Work on developing your composting methods and adding humus into the soil. Instead of planting in the ground, another option is to consider planting vegetables in containers. Of course, they are a more controlled space. As you peruse catalogs, research droughtresistant varieties. You can also choose varieties that are more drought tolerant: Hopi Pink Corn, chickpeas, cowpeas, okra, peppers, Armenian cucumbers are suggested. Water is the source of life—all kinds of life. Dependent upon the source of the water used for your edible plantings, you may want to monitor the water quality reports or get your water tested. The UT Extension publication SP-740A, entitled “Testing Water for Fruit and Vegetable Production,” is a great resource for water testing. The length of the growing season in this area is one of my favorite things about having a garden in Middle Tennessee. There are several growing seasons here and, depending on the selection, starting a crop is an option through July. When assessing if the crop being considered will produce enough for you, review the days to maturity stated on the seed packet or plant tag. You might be surprised with what can be started now and enjoyed through the fall.

THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET is held from 7 a.m. to noon each Tuesday and Friday at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro. It is a producer-only market. FREE Classes are held at the Community Center Classroom each day the Farmers’ Market is open. They start at 9 a.m. and last about one hour. JULY 2 Cooking with Kids JULY 5 Vermicomposting JULY 9 Moles and their Holes JULY 12 Gardening with Kids JULY 16 Plant Pathology JULY 19 Landscape Plants for TN JULY 23 Canning Tomatoes JULY 26 Fermentation of Summer Veggies JULY 30 Seasonal Eating AUG. 2 Backyard Rain Gardens AUG. 6 Cooking with Kids Additionally, the MAIN STREET SATURDAY MARKET on the Square is held each Saturday through October from 8 a.m. to noon. And the SMYRNA DEPOT FARMERS’ MARKET opens June 15 and will continue each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on Front Street in downtown Smyrna.

Art

 POETRY

BY KORY WELLS

Brandon Amico, Kelly Ormsby Collaborate on July 14 Poetry Event I lean into the sweat / (Right down to where the weather really is), wrote the late Liam Rector in his poem “Fat Southern Men in Summer Suits.” No matter your size or choice of clothing, it seems we’ve reached that point in summer that we all have to lean into the sweat. How about leaning into our local poetry, spoken word and storytelling scene as well? Poetry in the Boro Sunday evening, July 14, Poetry in the Boro will be back at Murfreesboro Little Theatre, 702 Ewing Blvd., for a free reading and open mic. This month’s event will also include literaryinspired music. Featured artists will be singer-songwriter Kelly Ormsby and poet Branon Amico. Amico, of Asheville, North Carolina, is the author of Disappearing, Inc. (Gold Wake Press, 2019). He is a 2019 National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellow, the recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council Regional Artist Grant and the winner of Southern Humanities Review’s Hoepfner Literary Award for Poetry. His poems have appeared in numerous publications, including Verse Daily. Ormsby is an Americana singer-songwriter and educator. First published with Sony ATV in 2000, the Mississippi native’s love of language and stories have led to two English degrees and collaborative opportunities with other seekers and pickers over her 20-plus years in Tennessee. Her song “Red Light,” co-written with Moe Loughran, was featured in the indie film Riders. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program starts at 7. An hour of open mic for poetry and spoken word follows. For more details on this free monthly event, see Poetry in the Boro on Facebook. The Bloom Stage, a quarterly multi-genre event, is seeking submissions from storytellers and poets interested in performing in a show on Thursday, Aug. 22, in Murfreesboro. The theme of the upcoming show is “Dog Days” and can include creative work closely 20 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

 THEATER Zakiyah Lamb as Dorothy in The Wiz

or loosely related to summer, back to school, harvest and, of course, dogs, cats or other pets. Since the term “dog days” dates back to Greek and Roman times, producer Kara Kemp says organizers are also interested in work related to mythology, the solar system or Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Submissions are due by midnight, July 21. Find details on The Bloom Stage on Facebook or email karajkemp@gmail.com. “Net Worth” by Brandon Amico appears in his book Disappearing, Inc. and was first published in the journal interrupture.

Net Worth BY BRANDON AMICO Let’s talk equalities, exchange rates: There are sixteen pebbles in a rock, three rocks in a stone, and little to no stones in a sawbuck. A fist is scarcely adequate replacement for a heart, regardless of relative size. Look over there—so that’s where the buck stops, where unstoppable force meets immovable debt. This war is impressive—you can tell by the gift shop. Multiply a four-year institution of learning by its cost-to-benefit ratio, repeat for the number of American Dreamers and you’ve got yourself a reliable income base (Solve for “You”). It’s an elite university, we’re an exceptional nation—you can tell by the incarceration rates, the efficiency with which we feed bodies into the chipper, the economy of our languages, recessing. Look for the littlest portions of self, snapped down to fit in a headline, the sum of parts being measured and meted for spices and gold.

Kory Wells is principal founder of Poetry in the Boro and the inaugural Poet Laureate of Murfreesboro. Contact her at korywells@gmail.com.

The Wiz Brings Soulful Interpretation of Wizard of Oz to Center for the Arts THE WIZ, A SOUL-FILLED VERSION OF THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, is a joyous retelling of Frank Baum’s classic children’s story grounded in contemporary African-American culture. With an infectious soul score, dynamic dance numbers and an endearing cast of characters, The Wiz brings an explosion of music, dance, magic and heart to Center for the Arts audience members of all ages this July. “It beautifully provides social commentary while remaining consistent with the central themes of family, self-love and home. It was an influential work of art that informed me about the potential of creativity . . . the importance of knowledge,” said director and choreographer Patriq James. “This spirited and gifted cast ranges from first-timers to highly regarded artists in the industry and they have made it their business to knock your socks off!” After Dorothy (Zakiyah Lamb) gets swept up in a tornado, she finds herself in the fantastical world of Oz. There, she makes new friends with the Lion (Terrell Hunt), Scarecrow (Drew Castle) and Tin Man (Terrance McBride); battles the evil witch Evillene (Rachael Gray); and seeks the aid of the all-powerful and mysterious Wiz (Shonka Dukureh). Ultimately, Dorothy finds that, if you believe with all your heart, you can always find your way home. The Wiz features numerous musical numbers including the song “Home,” which has been a pop hit since 1977 and has been covered by artists including Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand and Whitney Houston. Tickets start at $14 and are on sale at boroarts.org, by calling 615-904-ARTS (2787) or at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro. This production is rated G. The Wiz plays at 7:30 p.m. on July 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, and at 2 p.m. on July 7, 14 and 21. For more information on The Center for the Arts, visit boroarts.org.

PHOTO BY TYLER TSOUMBOS

The Little Foxes Tells Story of Greed, Manipulation at MLT MURFREESBORO LITTLE THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS Lillian Helman’s The Little Foxes in July. Directed by Wayman Price, the riveting drama captures the story of a Southern family whose selfish pursuit of the American dream ends up destroying them and those they love. The Hubbards are bound together by blood but ripped apart by disparate desires. Their simple house servant states, “There are people who eat the earth and other people who stand around and watch them do it.” The Hubbards are those who “eat the earth.” Three siblings—the manipulative and scheming Regina, the cruel and arrogant Oscar, and the possessive Benjamin—have decided to partner together to increase their already substantial, ill-gotten wealth. There is only one problem: Regina’s terminally ill husband, Horace, is refusing to give them the $75,000 they need. And so begins a vicious circle of lying, scheming, cruelty and, finally, murder. Blood and money mix, leaving a broken family behind. The Little Foxes plays at 7 p.m. on July 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20; and at 2 p.m. on July 14 and 21; (this show contains some coarse language). Murfreesboro Little Theatre is located at 702 Ewing Blvd., Murfreesboro. For reservations and more information, visit mltarts.com.

BOROPULSE.COM

* JULY 2019 * 21

Art

 EXHIBIT

CLOCKWISE: “Sunset at Delray Beach” by Jefferson Roberts “Tiny Mushrooms” by Donna Tomlin “Balancing to a Tea” by Vicki Graham “Reﬂecting” by Casey Malone

FOCUS ON THE BORO 2019 PHOTO PROJECT WINNERS ANNOUNCED, VICKI GRAHAM TAKES BEST IN SHOW 

udges have made their selections of winners of the 2019 Focus on the Boro community photography project, and project organizers announced winners at a June 14 reception. Jessica Nelson, leader of the Photo Connect Murfreesboro group, spearheaded this community endeavor designed to encourage photographers of all skill levels and ages to shoot, enjoy and display their photography. Vicki Graham took the Best in Show award with her “Balancing to a Tea” image, and “Reflecting” by Casey Malone received the Best in Show Runner Up designation. Abby Byrnes received the Best in Show award in the youth division with her image “Jerusalem Umbrellas.”

ADULT WINNERS

People 1st Place – “Sisters” – Donna Tomlin 2nd Place – “Angel in Water” – Taylor Alexander Landscape 2nd – “Foggy Sunset” – Jody Hoevelmann 1st – “Sunset at Delray Beach” – Jefferson Roberts Still Life 1st – “Time Slips Away” – Amy Barbieri 2nd – “Watch Product Shot” – Mike Barbieri Animals 1st – “Reflecting” – Casey Malone 2nd – “I’m Watching You” – Robert Bennett Flora 1st – “Tiny Mushrooms” – Donna Tomlin 2nd – “Summer” – Melissa Scott Architecture 1st – “At the Drive In” – Mike McDougal 2nd – “Aloha” – Rachel Byrnes 22 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

Sports/Action 1st – “Splash” – Amy Barbieri 2nd – “Touchdown” – Matt O’Donnell Abstract/Special Effects 1st – “Balancing To A Tea” – Vicki Graham 2nd – “Nashville Night” – Vicki Graham Murfreesboro 1st – “Light Up the Boro” – Tiffany Spangler 2nd – “End of the Line” – Craig Newman

YOUTH AWARDS

People 1st – “Sister” – Tyge Nelson 2nd – “Light Hit Her Like a Train” – Aowyn Hicks Landscape 1st – “Sunny Blue Day” – Addison Hoevelmann 2nd – “Sun Over the Water” – Kamau Hargrove Still Life 1st – “Jerusalem Umbrellas” – Abby Byrnes 2nd – “Not Sponsored by Converse” – Aowyn Hicks Animals 1st – “Holly” – Abby Byrnes 2nd – “Just so Fly” – Kamau Hargrove Flora 1st – “Sunlight Through a Leaf” – Anika Hite 2nd – “Dandelion” – Kendall Keninitz Architecture 1st – “Portland Mural” – Jack Piggott 2nd – “A Mansion in the Middle of an Apartment Complex” – Dania Moore Abstract/Special Effects 1st – “Patience” – Bradon Davila 2nd – “The Flowers in Her Eye Told Me a Story” – Aowyn Hicks Murfreesboro 1st – “Stones River” – Ada Pippin 2nd – “Murfree Spring” – Dania Moore

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 EXHIBIT

Healing Arts Project at Washington Gallery in July WASHINGTON THEATRE GALLERY at Patterson Park Community Center will exhibit work from artists from the Murfreesboro Healing Arts Project, Inc. (HAPI) through Wednesday, July 24. HAPI is a nonprofit organization that serves the mental health community throughout Middle Tennessee by providing artistic opportunities for persons in mental health and addiction recovery to promote healing, community awareness and inclusion. HAPI’s core programming includes free visual arts classes provided at peer support centers across Middle Tennessee. The nonprofit organizes classes, provides art materials and contracts experienced art teachers who plan classes around mental health principles and visual art. HAPI encourages interaction and involvement in the community by curating, managing and promoting public exhibits featuring artwork by HAPI artists, who attend HAPI art classes at Volunteer Behavioral Health—Our Place Peer Support Center and the Murfreesboro Tennessee Mental Health Consumer Association Peer Support Center. For more information, contact Susan Hicks at shicks@murfreesborotn.gov.

Clockwise from top left: “Bird” by Tammy Weisheyer “Springtime in the City” by Darrell Pepper “Snail and Mare” by Kathy Tupper “Grimes” by Augie Collier

COMMERCIAL AUTO or PERSONAL AUTO

WHICH POLICY IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

If you’re a business owner who depends on your vehicles, ask your agent if your insurance policy provides the protection you need. A commercial policy may be the solution and can be customized to fit your specific business needs.

H E RE A RE S OM E Q U E ST I O N S T O A SK YO U R AG EN T: HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I REALLY NEED A COMMERCIAL AUTO POLICY?

DOES MY PERSONAL POLICY COVER ME FOR BUSINESS-SPECIFIC ISSUES?

The definition of “commercial use” varies by company. You should talk with your agent about a commercial auto policy if:

Coverages can vary. For example, if a trailer attached to your vehicle damages another vehicle while on a job, your personal auto policy may not cover the repairs. A commercial auto policy usually will.

• • •

You have a trailer or permanently attached equipment like ladder racks, shelving, etc. You have a commercial license plate You have other people drive your vehicles for work

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE TYPES OF BUSINESSES THAT WOULD REQUIRE A COMMERCIAL AUTO POLICY? Generally, business classifications like sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations would require a commercial auto policy. Some business type examples include pizza and newspaper delivery, real estate, catering, door-to-door consulting services, landscaping or snowplowing services, and day care or church van services.

WHAT KIND OF LIABILITY LIMITS DO I NEED? As a business owner, you may want higher liability limits to meet contractual needs or just to better protect the business you’ve built. In general, a commercial auto policy can offer higher liability limits than a personal auto policy.

DO THE PASSENGERS OR CONTENTS IN MY VEHICLE MATTER? Historically, personal lines carrier policies exclude coverage when persons or property are being transported for a fee. Our Commercial Auto program will fit the needs of taxi and black cars, including full-time Uber and Lyft drivers.

WHAT ABOUT CERTIFICATIONS OR FILINGS? Documentation requirements—like certificates of insurance or filings for trucking—are generally good indicators that a commercial policy is needed.

Call [Agency] for the answers you need to determine if a commercial policy is right for you.

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Art

 ARTIST PROFILE

Murfreesboro Sculptor and Printmaker Kimberly Dummons Receives Tennessee Arts Commission Grant

BY SARAH H. CLARK

MTSU ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Kimberly Dummons is the recipient of an Individual Art Fellowship Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission this year. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dummons attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans for her undergraduate degree, where she initially planned to study science with an eye toward a career in medical research. “I took an art class my second year in school,” she says. “I really enjoyed it, because it was more about visual problem solving than about making great art. The next semester, I took two art classes and really enjoyed them too.” By her junior year, Dummons had decided to major in the art department, and she graduated with a general art degree concentrating in sculpture. After graduating, Dummons received a full fellowship for graduate school at the University of New Orleans, where she focused on sculpture with an emphasis on metal casting, and minored in printmaking. Dummons has been teaching at MTSU in the Department of Art and Design since 2004. “I teach in the foundations area, the group of courses students have to take before they can take other classes in the department,” she says. Her courses include 2D Design and 3D Design. Dummons enjoys her role as a teacher. “That’s where all the good stuff is,” she says, “teaching them things and having them make them—and then having that light bulb come on in their faces when they get it.” In addition to her teaching, Dummons continues to work on her own art in the realms of both sculpture and printmaking. The Individual Art Fellowship Grant she received is for her personal work. “I’ve got a course release this semester to work on my own research, which could have been making artwork or publishing,” she says. This was the first time she had applied for a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. The money an artist is awarded through this grant can be used towards anything they choose. Dummons plans to put the money toward further learning and supplies. Some of it will be used to purchase 26 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

a specific silkscreening ink manufactured in Sweden, which she has used before and really liked. “It’s slightly cost-prohibitive, and I have to find my way around customs,” she says. Another portion of the money will be used to return to a foundry in Arizona where Dummons once made a commissioned sculpture. “They had a process I’ve never used before, and I’d like to go and study that,” she says. For Dummons, sculpture and printmaking each offer their own challenges and rewards. “I like the freedom of sculpture,” she says. “You come up with a problem and then you find a visual solution.” She also enjoys metalworking and the process of lost wax casting. “Sculpture is very process intensive,” however, she says. “With printmaking, I like to go in the studio and just play—I put down color and texture, play with contrasts and visual space. I enjoy working with color—I don’t think I always understand it, but I like the idea that I can play with it and keep figuring things out.” Whereas sculpture is very time consuming, and results can take a long time to achieve, Dummons can produce a lot of printmaking work in a short amount of

time. “I can get really interesting things and then keep playing with those,” she says. Dummons enjoys the work of making art as well as teaching, and plans to continue to do both. In the future, she’s looking forward to setting up some shows for her art.

“I’d like to have some exhibitions where people can see it and respond to it, to get some feedback,” she says. “Then, I’ll go and make some more of it.” She will also be working with the Tennessee Arts Commission on a commissioned piece for their gallery space next year. For more on Kimberly Dummons and her portfolio, visit kimberlydummons.com. Overall, the Tennessee Arts Commission awarded $106,860 to artists and art organizations in Rutherford County in 2019. The other recipients were Carpe Artista, The Center for the Arts, the Children’s Museum of Rutherford County (Discovery Center), Ethos Youth Ensembles / Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, Generation for Creation, International Folkloric Society Planning Council, Kids for Creative Arts, Main Street Murfreesboro / Rutherford County, Middle Tennessee Choral Society, Middle Tennessee State University, Southeastern Young Adult Book Festival, Tennessee Association of Dance and the Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra / Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra.

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Food

Read more about Murfreesboro restaurants at boropulse.com/category/food

Winner Winner Champy’s May Be the Murfreesboro Champ of Chicken and Tamales

The Dish NAME:

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken LOCATION:

1290 NW Broad St. PHONE:

615-225-8040 HOURS:

10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. every day PRICES:

6 Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales: $10.99; Single catfish or chicken tender: $2.75; Half-chicken plate (4-piece fried chicken with baked beans and slaw): $11.95; Chicken finger basket: $9.95; Bowl of chicken, sausage and shrimp gumbo: $6; Fried green tomatoes: $9.50

BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

ONLINE:

champyschicken.com

nter Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken, the large restaurant on Broad Street right at the corner of Clark Boulevard, where the sweet sounds of the blues hit your ears as the aroma of fried chicken reaches your nose. Mississippi Delta culture is the theme at Champy’s, where photos and album covers of legendary blues artists line the walls while patrons dine on tamales and more. Evidently, many cooks—at restaurants and at homes—in Mississippi take great pride in their tamales. If you didn’t know this was a thing or if you have not yet dined upon the fabulous tamale, give them a try. A plate of three can be obtained at Champy’s for $5.99. Each of these tamales contains ground beef wrapped in corn meal, seasoned with peppers and wrapped in a corn husk and tied with string to cook. The diner unwraps each one to discover a nice little gift inside—a spicy, beefy, doughy, delicious, flavorful and filling tamale. Try a bite with a little slaw and cracker for the full experience. While the tamales are popular and delicious selections at Champy’s, the sign proclaims “World Famous Fried Chicken.” Champy’s has chicken and does it right— chicken breasts, chicken wings, chicken tenders, chicken livers, chicken hunks, chicken legs, grilled chicken salad and more. The Champy’s team cooks this chicken

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beautifully. The chicken pieces have a very crispy, thin and salty breading and are just greasy enough. “This the best fried chicken in Murfreesboro!” Kelly Jackson Farley said after a meal at Champy’s. “They have a great sausage/ cheese/pickle plate as well. One thing I can say about Champy’s, that I can’t say about every restaurant in Murfreesboro, is that the food always comes to your table hot.” Many diners rave about the catfish, and Champy’s also offers shrimp, gumbo, a handful of (primarily deep-fried) appetizer selections and a dessert menu including key lime pie, banana pudding, strawberry cake and Mississippi mud pie. Jeff Jansen said he recently ate at Champy’s two nights in a row. “The two-piece white meat plate was awesome. Mashed potatoes to die for with extra brown gravy,” he said. The second visit he went with tamales and smoked wings in buffalo sauce. “Amazing tamales,” Jansen said. Champy’s is a small chain, currently with eight locations in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, and the Murfreesboro location is independently owned by two husband-andwife teams, who opened the location in 2017. The parent company does allow for a little menu flexibility at each location, according to Rachael Goonan, one of the owners, along with her husband, T.J., his sister, Samantha, and Samantha’s husband, Jonathan Newson.

“The gumbo is my husband’s recipe,” Rachael said. “The banana pudding is mine.” She points out that all of the chicken is cooked to order (so keep that in mind if you order a chicken breast, as they take a little while to cook), and all ingredients are freshly prepared. In fact the establishment doesn’t even have a freezer. “The chicken tender basket is popular with kids and adults,” Goonan continues, and adds that a big key to both the peppery, tender, tasty green beans and the sweet and salty baked beans is to let ’em rest a day or so after first cooking them to properly unleash all of the flavors. Happy hour specials are available from 3–6 p.m. on weekdays, and Champy’s offers $3.50 mimosas and $5 bloody marys on Saturdays and Sundays. Champy’s features crawfish when in season (which just ended in early June), and many in Murfreesboro seem to enjoy a good crawfish boil, although the chicken is the year-round star at Champy’s. “Best chicken strips ever,” said Naida Pearson Owczarzak, who also enjoyed the catfish. “Chicken was awesome. Check out the hot sauce selection,” Chris Blake advises. “We will be back, fed a family of six for under $50.” The Champy’s value is what Michael Lewis calls a good “bang for your cluck!” he

posted in an online review. One of the complaints heard about Champy’s is the use of polystyrene plates and plastic cutlery. Foam dishware can melt and it’s not always easy to cut food with plastic knives and forks, but go sit on the patio or by the large open doors and it feels like a picnic. Almost all restaurants can have some issues with training new servers, and some report that sometimes there can be service issues at Champy’s, but most all comments on the service are very positive. Others say the menu is a little limited, and really if you don’t want chicken or tamales, you may want to find somewhere else to go, but the adventurous at Champy’s can try fried green tomatoes or chicken livers or perhaps some gumbo. Or explore the hot sauce selection. Grady Allen Rutledge called the tamales and fried chicken “top notch.” “The gumbo is as good as or better than anybody’s,” Rutledge reported, stating that he will return and send others. Do you want to try some tamales? Did you grow up on fried chicken? For a good outdoor dining experience on the patio, and for the fast and fresh lunch menu, 40-ounce beers ($7 apiece, “forties and fowl,” as they say), or 50-cent chicken hunks on Tuesdays and Thursdays, visit the Murfreesboro location of Champy’s.

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Fun. With a Twist. The World’s #1 Wing Coaster, the World’s 2 Longest Water Coasters and the #1 Wooden Coaster in the Nation are one thing. But free soft drinks, free parking and free sunscreen? That’s just the twist you’ve been looking for.

Reviews MOVIE

been around too long, become too familiar, and is no longer scary. Chucky 2.0, however, looks definitively, how shall I put this, spooky-ooky. From the unsettling singlelength haircut to the big, anime eyes and a mouth that looks like he got too much lip injection, Chucky’s new look is (I guess appropriately) weird. And, as a bonus, Chucky is voiced by Mark Hamill, making me wish that this Chucky had at least a tenth the sass of Chucky Classic. Maybe that’ll come as an upgrade in the sequel.

Despite such a close adherence to the plot of the original, Child’s Play does have its standout moments. On top of the quite capable cinematography, a few of the death sequences are memorably bizarre and over-the-top, specifically one involving Christmas lights, a watermelon patch and a gas-powered tiller. All the performances are above average as well, with Atlanta’s Brian Tyree Henry as a concerned yet affable detective, and Plaza showing a more mature side than her typical performance as an eye-roll personified. This film is most commendable not for its achievements, but for its mistakes avoided. Just because it has a dumb plot doesn’t mean it has to be dumb. With only a couple of exceptions, the film follows its own rules—a must for a movie like this to maintain the suspension of disbelief. The film is laudable for knowing what it is and being just that. The filmmakers were neither overly ambitious nor under-committed, and because of that we now have this harmlessly pointless and pleasing piece of entertainment. — JAY SPIGHT

Hector’s world-conquering ambitions. The method for doing so is standard Borderlands fare: players will shoot everything between them and victory, looting tougher enemies for even bigger and better guns. The core gameplay loop found in Borderlands 2 remains immensely satisfying, and the introduction of a new loot tier above legendary, an increased level cap and new areas will give even veteran players much more to do. The new enemies introduced come in two forms: plant-based mutations of existing foes

and New Pandora soldiers. Of the two, the mutated plant monsters are more interesting to look at, if only slightly more taxing to fight than normal enemies. New Pandora enemies are tougher, but some of their variants, like a powerful sniper with a cloaking ability, skew more irritating than legitimately challenging. The main story is quite lengthy, around seven hours. Plenty of worthwhile side missions lengthen the experience even more, and these missions are often even better than the main campaign. Borderlands has always bounced between very different tones, sometimes poorly, but this expansion just about nails it. A fallen character’s ridiculous prerecorded will turns into a touching eulogy. A hit list ends in a celebration of a main character’s sobriety. Even Tiny Tina gets moments of genuine humor and pathos. Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary is an easy recommendation for any Borderlands fan, new, lapsed or otherwise. This DLC is free until July 8, but even after it gains a $15 price point, it is still worth the price of admission. — LUKE KAUTZKY

CHILD’S PLAY DIRECTOR Lars Klevburg STARRING Aubrey Plaza, Gabriel Bateman, Brian Tyree Henry RATED R

While I see the appeal of remaking, reimagining, and re-monetizing the cult schlocker Child’s Play, in which an already creepy kid’s doll gets possessed by a wise-cracking, throat-slashing serial killer, this film, like so many other redoes, feels completely unnecessary. That doesn’t mean that it’s not enjoyable for what it is, though: a simple and silly horror flick. This latest version posits what would happen if the original Child’s Play, which came out 31 years ago, took place in current times (turns out that not much would change). Aubrey Plaza plays Karen Barclay, a single mom living in an apartment complex with her tween son Andy (Bateman) for

whom she buys a Buddi doll. Andy’s a little bit older in this film, but the main difference between the 1988 and 2019 Child’s Play is in the “how” and “why” of Chucky being/ becoming evil. It’s a modern take that works well, even if it doesn’t add all that much to the overall concept of “killer doll.” Fans of the original series (of which sequels have been made as recently as 2017) will notice another big yet superficial difference. Chucky has had a bit of a redesign. It may be that Chucky Classic has

GAME Borderlands 2: Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary Almost seven years since the original release of Borderlands 2, developer Gearbox Software dropped a new downloadable content expansion for the PC and current-generation versions of the game at E3 in June. Series fans worried that the new DLC, Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary, is nothing more than a promotional tool for this fall’s Borderlands 3 can rest easy: Not only is this new expansion comparable to previous efforts, it is one of the better slices of Borderlands content. The setup is straightforward: after the

events of Borderlands 2, the main cast is struggling to decide on a course of action. Lilith (who is more or less the protagonist of the entire series by this point) does not want the responsibility of leadership, and the other Vault Hunters are growing restless in the peace they won. That peace lasts all of two minutes before Hector, a new villain with some menacing plant-based powers, shows up and kicks the heroes out of their home base, Sanctuary. From there, it is up to the player to reunite the scattered cast, make some new allies and foil

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News Murfreesboro City Council Approves Property Tax Hike Expects to Spend $441 Million on Road Projects Over Next Five Years BY BRACKEN MAYO MURFREESBORO CITY COUNCIL approved its fiscal year 2019–20 budget in June, which calls for a Murfreesboro property tax increase of approximately 36 percent, with the tax rate climbing to $1.2894 per $100 of assessed value, up from a previous rate of $0.9494. City officials say they expect this rate increase to generate an additional $17.8 million in revenue for the city next year, and will go to cover the coming year’s $186.2 million budget. “This is an outrageous increase, they need to cut spending and quit with all the pet projects,” area resident LuAnn Tibbetts said. Numerous other Murfreesboro residents expressed concerns about the city’s effective management of the millions of dollars it receives and spends each year, particularly the idea of spending limited dollars on “wants instead of needs,” as Murfreesboro resident and a former city council candidate Shawn Wright put it, saying the council’s past actions have now resulted in an “astronomical property tax increase.” Wright suggests that the city should have waited on projects such as a tennis facility, multi-million dollar soccer complex, mountain bike trails, an airport expansion and others if it means such a significant tax hike on the backs of the current property owners. “This plan is not acceptable,” he said. Some city officials and administrators say they aim to “run the city like a business,” but Wright says that if that were true, mandatory cuts would have been made long ago. Property owners point to the construction of the recent Murfreesboro Police Department headquarters—originally budgeted as a $32 million project and eventually totaling 32 * JUNE 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

$55 million—as horribly irresponsible local government oversight of taxpayer money. “How about explaining that, going $23 million over budget?” Giuseppe Doliana asks. Dr. Bill Ford, former MTSU finance professor and former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, said that this large of a property tax increase is “unheard of.” “It shocks me,” he said. This increase, along with the associated increased Murfreesboro trash pick-up fee, will mean an additional $230 expense to the average Murfreesboro homeowner each year (varying of course based upon the value of each individual property). Dr. Ford says that, while it may be inconvenient or frustrating, the higher-income families can absorb the increase. However, the poor and those on fixed incomes in the community could be significantly impacted by an annual cost of living increase of just a few hundred dollars. “Please, stop referring to tax increases as ‘revenue enhancements’,” Ford also requested of the city council and Murfreesboro City Manager Craig Tindall. Although this tax applies to those who own property in the Murfreesboro city limits, many say renters will certainly feel the effects as well, as some landlords and apartment complexes say they expect to pass along the increased expense to their tenants. “I am a landlord who has not raised the rent for over five years,” Guy Laclair says. “I intend in raising the rent to at least market rate to cover this tax increase. Renters need to know to vote these people out of office!” City officials say the “revenue enhancements” are necessary to fund infrastructure needs, maintain public safety, address the solid waste disposal situation, service debt, keep a strong community quality of life, pay for rising building and maintenance costs and to keep existing city departments operating. “The city has provided services and infrastructure based on sales tax revenue growth and land sales. Sales taxes growth has, however, flattened and the city has sold much of its land,” according to City of Murfreesboro Public Information Director Michael Brown-

ing. “While continued growth in sales tax is expected, it is insufficient to address the increased demands of a growing population.” With this growing population comes the need for new roads, and many repairs to existing ones, and as the recent property tax increase indicates, the idea that “the growth is going to pay for itself ” doesn’t seem to be an effective and sustainable plan. “An area of intensive focus is roadway construction and maintenance,” Browning said. Over $33 million in roadway projects are scheduled for FY20, and over the next five years, $441 million is dedicated to the construction and maintenance of roadways he reported. To help spread out coming expenses, two major capital improvement projects on the horizon—Blackman Park and the Cherry Lane extension—have been delayed. The approved 2019–20 budget will create an additional 14 new police positions, and will cover an approximate $2.3 million cost of city employee pay increases. Council members and administrators point out that the cost of construction to build schools, roads and public safety facilities has increased in recent years, particularly in areas like Middle Tennessee, with high demand for materials and services. Upcoming projects for Murfreesboro include the construction of a new Fire Station 11 breaking ground in fall 2019 to be occupied by summer 2020 at Blaze Drive and Fortress Boulevard, neighboring Blackman High School. This follows the recent opening of a new fire station on Medical Center Parkway. The City of Murfreesboro also funds projects such as the Rover public transportation system, CityTV, parks including the large soccer complex and others. The FY20 budget also provides $150,000 for targeted in-house economic development. “These funds are anticipated to be used to hire consultants that will assist the marketing efforts for various initiatives, including corporate relocation and bringing high-paying white-collar jobs to the city,” Browning said.

“People have made it very clear, we don’t want the tax increase, nor the unnecessary items budgeted.” — MURFREESBORO RESIDENT DON MARCHANT

“The creation of an economic development division within the city administration’s department has been an important first step to addressing development within the city.” He said he expects this division to pursue projects such as the redevelopment of the former First Methodist Church/Franklin Synergy property in downtown Murfreesboro, the implementation of Historic Bottoms and North Highland Avenue land use studies to attract downtown redevelopment, new opportunities for tourism, tournaments and special events that produce positive economic impacts, the completion and promotion of the new Municipal Airport Terminal, solutions for local solid waste due to the disposal and other issues of importance to the community. “The city will continue to work with the Rutherford County Chamber for corporate recruitment efforts,” Browning said. “The city council recognizes the need to attract higherpaying jobs to provide adequate property tax funding. Higher-paid employees generally purchase higher valued property with their income which in turn contributes to increased property tax revenue.” “You know one thing that will guarantee that you will not bring in better jobs? Higher taxes,” Wright said. “Raising taxes as of now should not be on the table. The only thing that should be is major spending cuts.” Richard Lasater says that the city government’s idea of “progress” isn’t sitting well with him and many of the other longtime area property owners. “I am not getting anything from the government that I wasn’t getting 30 years ago but my taxes have gone up steadily,” Lasater said. Don Marchant encourages the local elected officials to serve a government “by the people, for the people, and of the people.” “People have made it very clear, we don’t want the tax increase, nor the unnecessary items budgeted,” according to Marchant. Misty Moore said that Murfreesboro’s leaders are allowing a great community to become chaotic, overgrown and overcrowded. “We have to determine not only what is in the short-term interest of this community, but also the long-term,” Murfreesboro City Councilman Bill Shacklett said. “We will do what we think is in the best interest of our citizens. That’s what you elected us to do. “When we have to stand for reelection again, if you don’t like what we did, run against us or vote against us.”

BUSINESS MOMENTUM BY BLAINE LITTLE An early photo of James Hershel Mullins, founder of Mullins Jewelers.

The original store front of Mullins Jewelers on the Murfreesboro Public Square. 

J. Mullins Jewelry and Jeff Mullins Recently, I had the good fortune to sit down with a prominent business owner, and one of my best friends, Jeff Mullins. Jeff is the proprietor of J. Mullins Jewelry and Gifts at 352 W. Northfield Blvd., here in Murfreesboro. I have had a longtime curiosity about what it takes to create a successful business. In this and subsequent Business Momentum articles for the Murfreesboro Pulse, I will look at how to start and maintain a business as well as advice to take and pitfalls to avoid. The segments will feature new or re-branded businesses in the area. You may also view entire interview videos at momentumseminars.com. If you are a native (or MTSU convert) of Murfreesboro, you probably remember the original Mullins Jewelers on the Square. That business was opened March 1, 1938, by James Hershel Mullins, grandfather of Jeff Mullins. The store remained a fixture in Rutherford County for 70 years. No doubt, there are still thousands of wedding rings, watches and necklaces originally purchased at Mullins still being worn by county residents today. Once Jeff ’s father decided to retire, Jeff had to figure out what to do. Should he buy the business, start his own store or move on to another industry? That is a daunting consideration for anyone in business. Ultimately, Mullins felt jewelry was in his blood, and he made the bold decision in 2010 to open his own shop. It is a decision that has paid off, as he has turned a profit ever since. When asked what his greatest challenges were at the time he opened his own store, the jeweler responded “It’s just a lot of faith and roll-your-sleeves-up sort of thing.” Given that 2008 was the beginning of perhaps the worst recession since the Great Depression, faith and hard work obviously

paid off. Add to that the Mullins’ love for people and the ability to help them decide on the perfect memento—especially young men looking for just the right engagement ring. A big part of any business is locating and keeping customers. Though J. Mullins Jewelry and Gifts does get several social media hits, it all begins with providing good customer service and word of mouth. When it comes to the purchase of a potential family heirloom, people want to trust what they are getting. There are advantages to not being one of the big chain stores. One distinction Mullins maintains is his refusal to offer lab-grown diamonds. He sees the value of man-made diamonds diminishing in a short time. The diamonds from out of the earth, the “real thing,” will retain their value. Many consumers might not understand a lot about precious stones, which is all the more reason for them to deal with a reputable company. “People may start out naive about jewelry but when you come to see us, you get us,” Mullins says. We’re family and we’re going to take care of you.” When asked what gives Mullins’ business its momentum, the business owner states, “You’ve got to have the passion, you have to expect disappointment and yet, be a go-getter.” In speaking of setbacks and disappointments, he says, “It’s just part of the process. Nothing is perfect, but you have to keep learning and pick yourself back up.” He keeps his eyes on his one-, three- and five-year goals as a source of inspiration. He also believes in keeping debt relatively low, which is probably why his business endured

during the recession. will come and go, but Jeff If starting a business Mullins has stood the test of or wishing to purchase a time. He, too, is the real thing! JEFF MULLINS new accessory, Mullins is a good source. He has a longstandBlaine Little is the founder and ing history of success. Labs can create CEO of Momentum Seminars Trainfake diamonds in a matter of years rather ing, helping companies remain proﬁtable than centuries, but they are not the real thing. by investing in their people. Learn more at Department store counters and online websites momentumseminars.com.

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AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Toot’s West, Bubble Tea Cafe, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Strike & Spare, Palmetto Moon BY MICHELLE WILLARD Two of Rutherford County’s entertainment destinations made big announcements in June. First, Smyrna’s MALCO ROXY CINEMA announced a “rolling renovation to recliner seating.” Karen Melton, Malco vice president and director of marketing, said the Memphis-based theater chain will upgrade all 14 theaters starting in July. The project should be completed by the end of the year. Then STRIKE & SPARE made it known it will be vacating its long-time home at 941 NW Broad St. in Murfreesboro once the lease is up in August 2020, General Manager Phillip Cox announced in a video posted to Facebook. “We love this area, and we’re not going anywhere,” Cox said, but the new location hasn’t been announced yet, so be on the lookout for that. The Broad Street building has housed a bowling alley since 1955 and Strike & Spare remodeled the 36-lane alley in 2017 with new seating and a new scoring system. Strike & Spare owns 14 sites in Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. In that same announcement, Cox also announced that fellow manager Mike Sealy planes to open a SIR PIZZA in Shelbyville with his wife. A quick look at the pizza shack’s Facebook page only announces the impending opening with no concrete dates yet. Speaking of pizza, SPOOKY’S PIZZA II in Walter Hill is having so much success with plant-based menu options they wanted to thank the vegan community for its support. “The love and gratitude we have received from the vegan community is humbling,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post. “The words ‘thank you for doing this for us’ pretty much says it all. This is personal! Traveling down this new and exciting path is changing us. We have discovered a new and sustainable way to nourish our bodies.” 34 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

Spooky’s is expanding its earth-first philosophy by incorporating eco-friendly pizza boxes and carry-out containers. Good food and fun will open at Toot’s West in early July at 4213 Franklin Rd. TOOT’S WEST will offer a familiar menu in its new 7,000-square-foot building. Since opening the original restaurant on Broad Street in 1985, Toot’s has opened three other locations in Rutherford County: Toot’s South on Church Street, Toot’s Smyrna on Sam Ridley Parkway and, now, Toot’s West.

If you’re looking for something a little more wholesome, Lisa Cisco is opening Granny Meals in mid-July. Cisco said she plans to cook made-from-scratch Southern food in small portions, which sounds like an oxymoron. The portions will be flash-frozen, so customers can just heat and eat without the fuss of cooking for themselves. Once she’s up and running, Cisco will deliver a week’s worth of food following an online order. GRANNY’S MEALS will be located in the shopping center at 855 W. College St. BUBBLE TEA CAFE has opened in the former Yum E Donuts space off Old Fort Parkway. The establishment serves a variety of flavors of bubble tea, along with Thai, Lao and Viet food. The cafe is located at 2486 Old Fort Pkwy. in Murfreesboro, behind O’Charley’s and near Ahart’s Pizza. PALMETTO MOON plans to open a new store at The Avenue Murfreesboro. The retail store is a specialty gift and Southern lifestyle apparel chain with its corporate headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. Shoppers can register to win one of Palmetto Moon’s grand prizes—a YETI bundle (including a Camino Carryall Tote, pair of wine tumblers and a lowlands blanket) and a Columbia paddle board, throughout the first two weeks of July. Brittany Rene Brandon, owner of The Exchange Boutique, 224 W. Main St., will expand on that business and open an event space in addition to the retail shop. The 3,000-square-foot space that is connected

to The Exchange Boutique will now be the home of THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE. “We have been working so hard over the last month to create a cozy, glam and functional space for all of your women’s events,” Brandon said. “Not only will the fun events that we host regularly take place in this amazing new space, but it will also be a rentable venue that everyone can enjoy for private parties, showers, gatherings, workshops and more.” FUTURE LANGUAGE 101 has announced it will soon open at 352 W. Northfield Blvd., Suite E, Murfreesboro (near

SPORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE is planning to open a new store in Murfreesboro sometime this summer, according to a press release. The store will offer quality brand-name hunting, shooting sports, ﬁshing, camping, apparel and footwear merchandise. The new Sportsman’s store will be over 30,000 square feet and located at The Oaks Shopping Center, 468 N. Thompson Ln. Soon, local outdoor enthusiasts will be able to choose from an incredible selection of over 60,000 items for region-speciﬁc activities and attend seminars, special events, instructional classes and more on a regular basis at the new location. With the Murfreesboro opening, Sportsman’s Warehouse will soon have 93 stores in 23 states.

CJ’s). The business aims to help those in the community with improving both Spanish and English language skills, more through interacting with one another rather than in a typical classroom setting. Courses will begin in August. For more information, email futurelanguage101@gmail.com or call 615-410-1274. BRAZILIAN WAX STUDIO opened at the end of June at 2330 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite C, in Murfreesboro. The studio will offer waxing of eyebrows, Brazilians (hence the name) and the “Full Body Special.” GLAM & GRIT SALON SUITES has opened in Lascassas. Anchored by Glam & Grit Salon, the venture is headed by Sarah Solomon, a cosmetologist with nine years’ experience specializing in updated styles, current trends and quality products. The salon is located at 4700 Lascassas Pike, Lascassas. MAIN STREET MURFREESBORO / RUTHERFORD, INC. has a new executive director. The Main Street board has named Sarah Callender as the organization’s executive director, replacing Kathleen Herzog, who retired from that position in June. “I wholeheartedly agree with the vision of the Main Street national program, that ‘a community is only as strong as its core.’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 Our downtown is the heart of our community,” said Callender, who previously served with Special Kids, Belle Aire Baptist Church, Dyersburg State Community College and the Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America. Main Street oversees the Murfreesboro Saturday Market, JazzFest, the First Friday concerts on the Square and other efforts to promote the downtown Murfreesboro activity and business. CLOSINGS CORNER After spending five years in the Boro, the

PFUNKY GRIDDLE has closed. With the five-year lease ending, owner Matthew Pfuntner said he plans to focus on his Berry Hill location. Could it be there are too many restaurants in The Gateway? Nah, there’s definitely room for more tacos. The Pfunky Griddle vacated the space at 525 N. Thompson Ln. Now if you want to cook your own pancakes, but not at home, you can travel to 2800 Bransford Avenue in Nashville. SEOUL PEPPER KOREAN RESTAURANT at 3138 S. Church St. has closed, but a sign on the door proclaims a “new Thai restaurant coming soon.”

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News

LOCAL CONVENIENCE CENTERS

From the Waste Down What is the Future of Local Solid Waste Disposal as Mt. Trashmore Reaches Capacity?

landﬁll director for the Rutherford County Solid Waste Department. As a concerned

citizen who has witnessed the population explosion of the county over the past two decades, I wanted to know what steps were being taken to curtail the increasing mound of trash near Walter Hill Dam. The answers I received were eye-opening. The initial and obvious area I focused on was incentive-based recycling. Much to my surprise, I learned that long gone are the days when recycling was meaningfully profitable. While there are nominal amounts to be collected from corrugated cardboard and aluminum, depending on the weight of the load and the current premium, it often doesn’t compensate for the gas money and time to bring them to the recycling centers. In order for true profit to be attained, the average household would have to hold on to their recycling commodities for six months at a time, and even then, it would only amount to hot dog and Coke money at the local ball park. The city and county fare no better. When an uncontaminated recycling load is accepted into the recycling centers, the small profit derived from the load doesn’t fully compensate the cost to operate the trucks 36 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

City of Murfreesboro 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 648 W. Main St. Rutherford County 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

BY ANGELA LOUPE ASK FIVE PEOPLE how much longer the Middle Point Landfill will remain operational, and you’ll likely get five different answers. Most estimations place the timetable somewhere between three and 10 years, which allows for a somewhat comfortable complacency to the current status quo. However, times are changing, and inevitable growing pains are accompanying them. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mac Nolan, the solid waste and

Where Rutherford County residents can drop off recycling and garbage:

that haul them. Nonetheless, up until the past year Murfreesboro city residents have enjoyed a seemingly free waste disposal service. That was at least the perception, because it wasn’t a direct out-of-pocket expense. The past revenue stream has been generated through property taxes and recycling. While recycling hasn’t been profitable per se, it is still cheaper than waste disposal because there is still a return, albeit incommensurate, so some of the burden for waste disposal costs was being alleviated through the city and county recycling efforts. However, cross-contamination has nullified a staggering amount of those efforts. Cross-contamination occurs when something other than the specific recycling commodity is present within the container of recyclables. Often times the culprit is something as simple as a plastic bag. While it seemed reasonable to me to collect recyclables in plastic bags before placing them in recycling bins, it is actually counterproductive. Machines sort the recyclables, and machines cannot open up the bags and separate the recyclable commodity from the bag itself. So, under the current confines of technology, either the manpower to do that work must be present, or else the problem must be eliminated. At this point, it’s a numbers game. The cost of manpower to separate the recyclables exceeds the current cost to send those cross-contaminated recyclables to the landfill, so any crosscontaminated recyclables are hauled off to Middle Point Landfill. Middle Point is a privately-owned business, which means as long as they meet state requirements, they can haul trash in

from any area they choose. That means Mount Trashmore—as it has become known by many locals—isn’t just a culmination of Rutherford County trash, but it also includes trash that has been trucked in from various (sometimes far-outlying) areas outside of our county. Local residents have not seen much waste disposal expense in the past because, as people who live in the host location of the landfill, we not only enjoy the use of the landfill for free, but we also make a small profit on trash coming in from outside the county. Therefore, the only expenses the city and county have had to recover have been collection and hauling costs. Our system has worked in the past because we were a smaller community. Due to an exponential explosion in population and the landfill beginning to approach its capacity, we have outgrown that system. Since the beginning of this year, Murfreesboro city residents may have noticed a $5 fee tacked on to their water bill. Nolan commented that in July, that fee is set to increase to $7.50. “It needs to go somewhere around $15 to make it self-sufficient, per month,” he added. Eventually, the city is heading in the direction of receiving waste services as a utility, much the way water and electricity are already established. In other words, you pay for what you use. So, what’s the bottom line? If the city intends to eventually implement a utilitystructured system, then I propose that recycling has become incentive-based in a different way. While it may no longer be meaningfully profitable for lining your pocket, recycling is leaning toward becom-

Christiana 8101 Shelbyville Pk. 4060 Rock Springs Rd. 10810 Manchester Pk. Eagleville 1011 Ballpark Ave. La Vergne 300 Sand Hill Rd. Lascassas 6883 Lascassas Pk. Murfreesboro 6615 Bradyville Pk. 1567 Cranor Rd. 1140 Haley Rd. 870 E. Jefferson Pk. 4303 Sulphur Springs Rd. 3895 Shelbyville Hwy. Rockvale 8923 Rockvale Rd. Smyrna 7693 Almaville Rd. 135 Weakley Ln.

ing profitable for guarding the money that’s already there. If we get ahead of the game and get in the habit of recycling, the growing pains that are coming will have less of an impact on our individual bottom lines. Recycling is good for the environment, and people who have a reverential respect for the environment have been participating in its practice for decades. Now is the time for everyone else to get on board. To learn more about recycling in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, including the locations and hours of the 16 centers where county residents can drop off recycling (any day except Mondays and Thursdays), visit murfreesborotn.gov/1546.

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Riders take a turn in Atlanta; superbike race speeds can top 180 miles per hour. K.C. with his Mother, Deede Bryson. Tents and campers on the inﬁeld. K.C. Loyd hangs onto third place in a race. A rider takes a spill on turn ten at Cycle Jam.

Murfreesboro’s K.C. Loyd keeps family tradition of motorcycle racing at full throttle IT’S 5:30 A.M. on a Saturday morning. In a few hours, the roar of superbikes will fill the air as riders take to the track at Road Atlanta for Cycle Jam. Murfreesboro’s K.C. Loyd will be among them, but first, he must address a problem with his brakes which arose in practice the day before. While the majority of today’s racers are still asleep, K.C. is diligently working to get the issue fixed. In a motorsport where speeds average 150 miles per hour and corners are taken while touching knee to ground, confidence in braking is an absolute must. In fact confidence, as a whole, is everything. In Loyd’s case, that confidence comes from three generations of experience in motorcycle racing. “My grandfather, on my mom’s side, raced long before I was even thought of,” K.C. explains. “He raced dirt bikes in motocross and trail riding and eventually came over to WERA [Western Eastern Roadracing Association]. My dad raced superbikes and he and my mom started Team Firestorm back in the mid-’80s.” Loyd’s father, a former Murfreesboro firefighter, passed away unexpectedly last year, though K.C. continues racing under the Team Firestorm moniker, something he began at an early age; “I started racing dirt bikes when I was four years old,” he says. After a few years away from racing dirt bikes, he switched to superbikes in his teens “Once I turned 18 I had some money to buy my own bike. I rode on the street for 38 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

about, maybe, six months with my 2005 Suzuki GSX 600.” However, street riding was a bit too chaotic for an experienced racer such as K.C. “[I had] too many close encounters with drivers on the street. I decided ‘I’m tearing the bike down and making a race bike out of it,’” Loyd says. “End of 2016 I went to racing school and fell in love with it from there.” Now in his third full year of racing in WERA, Loyd has upgraded his bike to a GSX 750 and as of presstime is second in two regions of B Superstock Novice. On this particular Saturday in Atlanta, Loyd is entered in two races of six laps each. Being in the middle of Georgia in late spring, he’s not only battling the other riders but also the humidity and heat, which is setting in as the sun rises. As dawn turns to morning, the other riders are emerging from their trailers and preparing for the day’s events. It doesn’t

take long for some of the competitors to notice K.C. struggling with his bike’s brake line. Unlike in some sports, however, they are more than happy to assist. “It’s all one big family out here,” Loyd enthusiastically states. “We look out for each other. Sure, it gets competitive out on the track—you know, handlebars bump, bodies bump, but once we come back in it’s clean and clear.” As the day progresses, the issue with the brake line is solved and it’s on to the morning practice laps. After that, the racing begins. There is no question that as the riders come onto Pit Road from the paddock, their demeanor changes. It can be felt as well as seen. The men and women riding go from casual to race-ready the moment they pass through the gate to the track. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for

everyone to be reminded of the dangers of superbike racing. During the first race, featuring expert-class riders, the worst single bike wreck of the day occurs. A rider loses his grip on turn five and the race is paused under redflag conditions (all racing stops completely until the track is clear of emergency personnel and debris). Later, it was announced that the rider would undergo surgery the next day for a broken leg and a broken shoulder. The previous year, a track assistant was killed at this event when she was struck by a bike while assisting a downed rider while under caution. For anyone on the track, multiple dangers are constantly present. That being said, loss of life is very rare. Even major injuries are not terribly common, thanks to the suits and safety equipment the riders wear. The bulk of their leather suits are made from thick cowhide or

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 more expensive kangaroo hide, with Kevlar stitching and reinforcements. The elbows and knees feature thick, replaceable composite plastic discs that are two inches thick. In the event of a fall, K.C. says “Sure, you’ll be hot from sliding but you get right back up, laugh it off, hope the bike didn’t break and get right back on.” Of course, this equipment does come at a substantial cost. Those who ride in WERA are not making major money and are typically putting a lot more into it than they get out of it. Sponsorships are a must. “I run Vo2 Leathers and Arai helmets, who have been great sponsors for Team Firestorm,” Loyd says. However, the biggest sponsor for K.C. is Murfreesboro’s Sloan’s Motorcycle & ATV; “Kelly from Sloan’s has outdone herself helping me out with parts. Everyone from the parts counter is just absolutely awesome!” After the first seven races, it’s time for Loyd to put those sponsor’s names on the track as his division comes up for the first time today. It’s past noon and the track is getting hot, and grip is good. Even with a starting position of seventh, K.C. finishes the race in a respectable fourth place. It becomes readily apparent that being in the front of the pack like this is no easy feat. By the second lap of any race, the field separates greatly between the front, middle and those who cannot keep pace at all. Hanging in the top three for most of the race, Loyd is definitely sure of his bike’s capabilities, regardless of the earlier brake problems. By early evening, he’s ready for his second race of the day. A much better starting position up front in the two slot should have been a boost. Unfortunately, he hits the throttle a little too hard off the line, causing his front wheel to rise in a near wheelie. As they head into turn one, the other racers take advantage of this minor mistake and overtake him. Regardless, far from being even near the back of the field, Loyd finishes in seventh place. This is an example of the amount of skill needed in every aspect of superbike racing. Beyond the potential for danger, the abilities needed simply to control the bike are immense. For K.C. Loyd, and all who race in this sport, this is a true passion. Even greater for K.C. is the fact that it’s a family tradition and a family event. Traveling with him to all of his races are his mother, Deede Bryson; his step-father: Nathan Bryson; and, whenever possible, his grandmother. All of them take on the duties of driving, assisting in bike maintenance and even cooking in the camper they all stay in at the tracks they visit. It’s easy to tell that all involved truly love the sport and love seeing K.C. on the track. When asked about his goals moving forward, Loyd keeps it all in perspective with one simple phrase: “going fast and having fun!”

Grand Slam Collectibles Helping Tennessee Family Cover Teen’s Liver Transplant Expense BY LAURA LINDSAY FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD DREW STINES likes fishing, playing baseball and watching baseball, particularly when the Cubs are playing. When a friend of Drew’s father, Nathan Burns, opened Grand Slam Collectibles in Murfreesboro, Drew began writing to Burns, who started sending him baseball cards; collecting cards was an enjoyable hobby for Drew. Drew and his father, Jackson, Tennessee, police officer Jeremy Stines, would also come into town to visit the store occasionally. “Nathan got Drew into collecting,” Stines says. “We’ve known each other a long time, and when Nathan started his store, Drew really got into it. Nathan and I went to school together in Huntingdon, Tennessee. I can’t say enough about him.” “Drew is a huge Cubs fan and a normal kid,” Burns says. “But he’s been having health issues, so it has gotten to the point now where he needs a liver transplant, and we are just trying to help him out.” Drew has had medical issues most of his life, says Drew’s mom, Donna Stines, who works for the American Cancer Society. “Nathan is very generous, and when he saw Drew was listed for a transplant, he decided to help.” He started a GoFundMe page for Drew and matched the first $5,000 in donations with his own $5,000 donation. As of late

June, the fundraiser is about halfway to the $25,000 goal to help Drew and his family. “I’m thankful to Nathan and everyone for helping,” Drew’s dad says. Donna Stines says her son has seen many specialists from Vanderbilt to St. Jude and now to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he will stay for six to eight weeks for his transplant. The cause of Drew’s condition has always been a kind of medical mystery, she says. He is also being sent to the National Institute of Health for an opinion. Drew has been diagnosed with a rare condition called non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. He has an enlarged spleen and liver issues, Stines says. Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the vein system, due to blocked veins in the liver from liver damage. It is usually caused by cirrhosis, which is scarring from hepatitis, alcohol or uncommon causes, according to information from WebMD. In Drew’s case, it is not caused by cirrhosis and the cause is unknown. The increased blood pressure can lead to swollen veins, which can rupture or bleed and be life threatening, according to

the WebMD website. “It has caused his legs to swell, which is the biggest thing for a teenage kid to deal with, and his liver is not well,” Donna says. “We are at the point where he needs to get the transplant before things get worse.” Drew is starting high school this fall. Because his legs swell and the condition also makes it hard for his body to use protein, Drew did not try out for the high school baseball team. “He loves baseball and has played until this year,” Drew’s dad, Jeremy, says. “It is harder to compete because of the liver issue. He also loves fishing and hunting, so he is going to be on the bass fishing team.” Eric Holt of Eagleville is an old friend of Jeremy’s, and Drew is his godson. “He is a wonderful young man,” Holt says. “He has a lot of faith that this transplant will help. No one wants to go through these health problems, but Drew has a good heart and mind about it.” Drew’s GoFundMe page is at gofundme.com/little-help-for-drew-the-sonof-a-police-ofﬁcer. There are as many as 7,000 rare diseases or conditions worldwide. Rare diseases as a whole affect about 25 million people in the United States and about 400 million worldwide, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which works to control and prevent infections and chronic diseases. BOROPULSE.COM

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SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

THE FACT IS, WOMEN’S SOCCER IS NOT AS POPULAR AS MEN’S THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Summer is in full swing here in beautiful Tennessee, and it’s the perfect time to go outside, bounce a ball, walk a dog, swing a hammer, shoot a gun, grill some meat, kick a chicken or go to a water park! So, get moving, fatty, it’s summertime! In early July we celebrate the birth of this great nation, blowing stuff up and eating great food. It’s what we do! Nothing beats spending time with family and friends as we blow stuff up and salute this great country. They said President Trump was going to blow this country up, and the economy did blow up—it boomed for the better. With the 2020 election looming, the hate rhetoric is sadly about to really blow up. It’s 2019, and life here in America, right now, is good! So, chill out, hold family close, host a BBQ, pet your dog, mow the grass, enjoy being American! Alright, let’s get into the beef of this enchilada. Someone recently emailed me asking what that enchilada comment was about. I thought it was simple enough, right? Getting into the beef of the enchilada means let’s move on and discuss the main topic—USA women! I am being honest: this article took me a long while to finish. I discussed this issue 40 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

with many people, read probably every mainstream article written on the subject and spent many hours bush hogging a field while contemplating the issue. Equal pay in the sports world—a big, controversial topic today. Will I be giving you examples of sexism? Discrimination? Or will I be giving you a few simple examples of Economics 101? The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup is currently underway. The USA women defeated the host team France in the quarterfinal just before press time. These women have been dominant for the past couple of decades. They own the sport of soccer, and I imagine they will once again be World Cup champions. So, should success (especially when compared to their significantly less accomplished male counterparts) mean they should be paid equal to, or maybe even more money than, the men’s USA team? It seems the entire media world has taken the side of the USA female soccer squad, contending that they deserve the same share of the pie as their male counterparts. The women get paid significantly less—around 38 cents to every man’s dollar. Recently the entire USA female team filed a lawsuit against the USSF, or United States Soccer Federation. The lawsuit

alleges gender discrimination regarding wages, working conditions and general investment of the team. USSF responded recently, saying this is not about gender in any way but “differences in the aggregate revenue generated by the different teams.” It’s true that in soccer, like many professional sports, men and women are not paid the same. For instance, the winning team in the last men’s World Cup received $38 million while the winning team of this year’s women’s World Cup will receive $4 million. It’s also true that in 2018 nearly half the world watched the men’s World Cup, with 3.6 billion viewers tuning in. That pales in comparison to the last women’s World Cup, which brought in 764 million viewers. Very respectable, and yet the audience for the men was nearly five times larger. Some activists may not want to hear this, but there is an existing argument that the women already make more than what is fair. The last women’s World Cup generated $73 million in revenue, with 13 percent going to the women. The men’s World Cup held in South Africa made a whopping $4 billion in revenue, and only 9 percent went to the men. The big talking point currently is that the USA women’s team made more revenue from 2016-18 than the men did. Technically that is true, technically it was also nearly equal: $50 million for the women, $49 million for the men. And, technically, those numbers represent a time period right after the women won a World Cup and the men weren’t even playing, due to not making the tournament. But those trivial facts didn’t make the cut for nearly every article I read defending equal pay for the female soccer players. The sports world is very similar to Hollywood. The entertainment business doesn’t run on equal pay for equal work. That concept doesn’t work. It’s all about supply and demand. It really is simple. The world has more interest in men’s soccer than they do in women’s. It takes nothing away from Team USA and their accomplishments, it’s just a fact backed up by real data. The men’s team has more sponsorships, viewers and play in a more popular gender league where the depth of competition is far greater. One of the big arguments the women make in the suit, and that their supporters make, is that the USA women are the best in the world and have been far more successful than the men, thus deserving equal pay. There is no doubt this is true in the sense that the women have dominated in the past couple decades, while the men have been sadly disappointing, not even qualifying in the last World Cup. Does that mean the

women deserve equal pay? Men and women are different. Pretending otherwise ends in stupidity such as the idea that men and women are the same. A few years ago, this same USA women’s team lost a match to Dallas U-15 Boys Academy team. It was a friendly match to prepare Team USA for a tournament, yet the fact remains the greatest women’s team in the world lost to a bunch of 14-year-old academy boys. Why even point this out? Because it reiterates the fact that, regarding sports, men and women are not on an equal playing field, and that’s okay. Science tells us that men generally have larger muscle mass, and they are quicker and stronger. The men’s game is faster. Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player in the world, but no one seriously would ever call her the greatest tennis player ever. Because we all know she wouldn’t be able to compete in the men’s circuit. It never crossed my mind to not respect her as a champion, but I just never thought to compare her to her male counterparts. Yet demanding equal pay in the sports world kind of forces us to do that. They don’t pay Gary Busey the same as they would pay Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to star in a movie. Why? Gary works hard, but The Rock gets paid hundreds of millions more. By that same token, is it fair that Scarlett Johansson made $40 million this year, while poor Gary struggles? That’s discrimination, right? Equal pay for equal work? The Rock and Scarlett get paid more because more people go see their movies, just like more people have serious interest in men’s soccer. Soccer in America always blows up during a World Cup, and then it dies down. American football, baseball, basketball and hockey all have higher ratings, while in the rest of the world, soccer is hands-down the most popular sport. In America the National Women’s Soccer League struggles. After two previous failed leagues, the new nine-team NWSL barely makes a blip on the radar. The MLS men’s league originated in 1995 and struggled for years, losing an estimated $250 million in the first five years. Now with an average attendance of over 20,000 per game, MLS has the third-highest average attendance of any sports league in America. Impressive indeed! Why even bring this up, Train Daddy? I mean can you not just do an article praising this team’s success and leave the controversy aside? But it’s everywhere, from Good Morning America to CNN to even pre- and post-game discussions for every Team USA game this World Cup. The media wants you to CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Opinion Mexico Finally Assisting to Halt Illegal Migration After Tariffs Threatened

othing succeeds like success, the old saying goes. That is, unless you’re Donald J. Trump.

All we heard from the mainstream media in the run-up to the threatened tariffs against Mexico was how devastating it would be for the American consumer. Talking points filtered through the press that the price of avocados would go through the roof because of the proposed tariffs. I did a spot check of avocado prices around the country. Most were selling for 88 cents, a near all-time low. The worst the first wave of tariffs would’ve done would have been to drive the price up to 92 cents an avocado. That’s a far cry from the crisis they were trying to manufacture. Then they pivoted to car prices. Nothing had changed on that front either. Then it was all about how Mexico was our best trading partner and how dare we treat them this way. Mexico may be an important trading partner, but they are a corruptocracy. Some refer to them as a narco-state. Then comes the reality. Mexico’s Finance and Tax Secretariat (SHCP) has been tracking suspicious transactions that lead back to drug cartel-linked human smuggling. In other words, many of the caravans heading to the United States have been linked to drug cartels. Here’s how this works. They fund thousands of migrants to swarm the border at once in an effort to overwhelm U.S. Border Patrol. While our border watchers are processing the onslaught of asylum-seekers the drug cartels are traipsing across the border with large quantities of drugs. President Trump was well aware of what was going on. Thwarted by lawsuits from the likes of the ACLU and aided by open-borders judges, the Trump administration had run out of options to stop the illegal invasion. President Trump turned to the only weapon left in his arsenal: tariffs. And they worked. Mexico’s negotiators hopped a plane to Washington and before we knew it we had a deal whereby Mexico would send their national guard to their

VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

southern border to stop the flow of migrants coming up from Guatemala. They also agreed to keep asylum-seekers in their country until they could be processed in ours, something the courts had stopped Trump from doing unilaterally. Mexico later deployed thousands more of the national guardsmen to its northern border with the U.S. Almost as soon as the president had tweeted the victorious results of the agreement the New York Times was out with a story about how there was nothing new here. What was new and groundbreaking was Trump had managed to get the Mexicans to finally agree to living up to their responsibilities by threatening to hit them in the wallet. By the way, the tariffs are suspended, not canceled. If Mexico doesn’t live up to its end of the bargain then the tariffs go forward. The New York Times editorialized in their news account by writing that Trump “was driven in part by his obsession with stopping what he falsely calls an invasion of the country.” Although some quarters of the mainstream media remain in denial, this is truly an invasion. Over a million migrants will attempt to enter our country this year. If that’s not an invasion I don’t know what is. Trump continues to confound his critics on both sides of the aisle. Some Republicans, who place profits ahead of principles, had bashed the president for his tariff threat. Now it looks nothing short of genius. Trump joked on the campaign trail that we’d get so sick of winning. I had to laugh to myself when I read his tweet announcing the Mexican deal. So far I’m not even close to being sick.

“... Before we knew it we had a deal whereby Mexico would send their national guard to their southern border to stop the ﬂow of migrants coming up from Guatemala. They also agreed to keep asylum-seekers in their country until they could be processed in ours.”

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 agree that the women deserve the same pay as the men. Don’t argue, don’t ask questions and don’t bring up stats. The USA women’s national team certainly has a valid argument. They are dominant and have represented this country with utter destruction of the opponents. They probably do deserve more cash. But get out of here with this ridiculous notion that since they’re more successful than the USA men’s team, they deserve equal pay. The men have been a major disappointment these last few years, but they play in a league with superior depth, interest and ratings. Economics 101 again, my friends! What about basketball? I mean, LeBron James is the social justice warrior. I would be very interested to hear what NBA players have to say regarding WNBA players and equal pay. LeBron only just signed a $154 million contract with the Lakers, while 2018 first-round WNBA pick A’ja Wilson can’t even get one of those millions. She even tweeted “154m…. must be nice. We over here looking for an M but lord, let me stay in my lane.” The logical response to Wilson complaining about pay disparity would be that the WNBA made $25 million in revenue last year with reports the league is still losing money, while the NBA made $7.4 billion in

42 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

revenue. Is that not a slam dunk? Alrighty then, let’s wrap this up! Team USA deserves all the respect in the world. They are superstars paving the way for women’s soccer. Little girls look up to these women, and this is the formula for success and higher pay. Equal pay in sports equals ludicrous. A more worthy pursuit for Team USA women would be to help end the tragedy known as “pay to play” in America. A sport that requires a ball, shoes and a net shouldn’t keep poor children out of contention to progress due to high club fees. You want to know why the USA men struggle? Nearly every other country sees a talented kid, lets him play and lets him advance if he’s good enough, no matter his family’s financial situation. How much better do you imagine Team USA would be if we put a soccer field in every ghetto in the USA? Here in America, it’s an entirely different process, and complex enough for its own separate article. The Train Daddy is rolling into the station. Thank you to all my loyal readers, and to all the haters. I appreciate the numerous emails. Keep on reading! Any of you with opinions on this piece, email me at titanman1984@gmail.com. I always reply. God bless you all. Choo-choo!

OPINIONS

Hung Up Why You Should Put the Phone Down and Enjoy All Mufreesboro Has to Offer this Summer BY HALEY EVANS Fried eggs, percolated coffee and homemade strawberry preserves . . . this is what Murfreesboro means to me. Murfreesboro also reminds me of deviled eggs, spiraled ham, caramel cakes and Easter—the sun shining, flowers blooming and the sweet breeze from the corsage Granddaddy’d pinned to my dress tickling my nose. I treasure the memories I made at the house on East Main Street: tractor rides with Granddaddy, snapping beans with Grandmother, playing cards at the kitchen table into the wee hours of the night. They were special times—simpler, too. A lot has changed since then. I have grown up, my grandparents have passed away, and the old house on East Main is no longer as grand as it had seemed to me as a child, not to mention how far technology has come. When my grandmother died in 2003, I had a clunky desktop computer, dial-up internet and a flip phone not conducive to text messaging as we know it today. Fast-forward 16 years, and you have smartphones that function with the sophistication of computers of the past. Corporations like Apple have pioneered these technological advances, and while no one can deny the agility, flexibility and convenience the smartphone offers, research has proven what Grandmother told me a long time ago: “Too much of a good thing is bad.” Forty percent of Americans are addicted to their phones, most cannot go more than 12 minutes without checking them, and the average person touches their phone 2,617 times a day. These numbers sound outrageous until you consider the average person receives 94 text messages per day, 90 emails per day and countless other push notifications on their phone. Mediakix reports Americans spend 40 minutes a day on YouTube, 35 on Facebook, 25 on Snapchat, 15 on Instagram and one on Twitter. That is an

average of five years and four months over a life time. Who has that kind of time? The answer is: no one. We have had to make time, which means we are on the phone while we are getting ready for work, getting children off to school, during our children’s baseball, basketball and soccer practice, and, worse, while we are behind the wheel of a car. You cannot walk into a coffee shop, restaurant or down a busy sidewalk without seeing 99% of people on their phones. We have become a society of people who make their way through life with necks bent, eyes down, subservient to a 6-ounce box. The phone pings, and we jump—regardless of what we are doing, who we are with and irrespective of the matter’s urgency. For a society who places so much stock into being

mindful, these facts, then, are perplexing. While the phone has, quite literally, put the world at our fingertips, it has also become a catalyst for the anxiety, stress and depression that plagues our country. It also robs us of our time, our mind and our engagement in the things and people that matter to us most. Like any skilled carpenter will tell you, a tool is only as effective as its operator. That said, we must do better when it comes to managing our phone habits. When you can and when you should, put the phone down. Read the book; join the revolution. Haley Evans is a working mom of three who is fed up with the smartphone ruling her life. Her new book, Hung Up: Why You Should Put the Phone Down (and Other Life Advice) offers tips and tools to combat cellphone addiction without resorting to drastic “digital detox” methods. Learn more and sign Haley’s petition to Apple for a personal “Do Not Disturb” option at thebighangup.com.

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

The Fountain of Life DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME? Has someone given you a “pet name” that represents your actions or behavior? Recently a friend said she looked at me and thought, “she’s like the Fountain of Life!” I have been called many things in my life, but this one was a bit more unusual. I decided to give this more thought. I always find it interesting how people view others. The word fountain has a few definitions I found intriguing: “A principle source or origin”; “a reservoir for a liquid to be supplied continuously.” And, of course, life can be defined as “existence, relationships or activity in general,” “a manner of living,” “a source of vitality,” or “liveliness or animation.” “A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” — Washington Irving Put these definitions together and you get “a source of vitality and liveliness” and “origin (or provider) of existence, relationships and activity.” I see liquid as a continuous fluid substance of movement in, around, through and between—in this case, moving with flow through life, its obstacles and triumphs. Thinking about moving this way, “in, around, through and between what life presents and expresses,” is a fun way to see what someone else is witnessing compared to how I feel I’m living! What are the characteristics that shape this kind of living? Curiosity. Genuine interest in what makes things work, what makes people move or be moved. The joy of discovery. Intelligence. Being curious leads to gaining information and knowledge. This increases our mental capacity, awareness of our surroundings and of others. Relatable. Being curious, and increasing our knowledge makes us more relatable to others. When we can relate to others we gain more opportunities to connect in harmony and congruent existence. Confidence. All of the above builds over time as we question things we don’t understand or want to be more clear on. Development of what we believe in increases our confidence. People are drawn to others that seem to have that air of internal authority or direction. Core Centered. When your belief system is strong, and you build your sense of confidence in what you do and who you are, your core being is more grounded, centered. There is less rocky or erratic behavior. Listen. Really listen to what others are saying. The way people talk, what they say, how they move (or don’t move) can tell you a lot about them. Listening breeds BOROPULSE.COM

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trust. It enables an exchange of energy to happen. “Be like the fountain that overflows, not like the cistern that merely contains.” — Paulo Coelho I have a few key principles that have helped me expand my rhythm of life over the years. I used to be very “shy” and didn’t feel I knew much and therefore didn’t speak when in meetings or group conversation (especially when others were very opinionated). What I did do was listen. Listening gave me insight and information to formulate my own opinion. Over time I realized I did have ideas that could be beneficial to the conversations and be part of development. Another principle is non-judgment. Acceptance of where others are “at” in their lives, how they think or feel is key in the fountain (or flow) of life. You don’t have to like what someone else stands for or how they live, but it is important to recognize the differences and keep respectful boundaries and understanding. Ask more questions to understand an individual’s opinion or stand on an issue. This attitude (or quality) will build the trust of others in you. It allows people to be more authentic when they know they don’t have to “defend” themselves. Smile. No matter how you feel on the inside. This isn’t for the closest people to you, necessarily. It’s important to have a safe space to let your hair down—with family or friends who are accepting and supportive. The smiling is for those who have momentary encounters with you. There is no reason to project your fears, concerns, anger, frustration or disappointment toward them. Being the light or bringing the light is a choice. I have found it is one that pays big dividends. Smiling is contagious and looks much better than a frown. Consideration. Sense another’s need and fill it. Simple things. Opening a door, helping to carry items, making life a little bit easier for a moment or a lifetime! Hugs. They bring comfort, joy, hope, happiness, peace, love, warmth and bonding. Love. Simple, unconditional love. Be the essence of love in all you do. Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe; she is a certiﬁed QiGong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, a skin care and makeup specialist, an InterPlay leader and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration. Let her help you ﬁnd your personal “ahh . . .” factor by visiting nurturenook.com or facebook.com/nurturenookdayspa or by calling (615) 896-7110.

SPIRITUAL

its blood and mark the doors that symbolic shadow (the of their homes. The angel of Passover lamb) was coming death would see its blood and into contact with its reality. BY RICK pass over the home which bore Jesus, the innocent Son of God, MALONE its mark, sparing a life from evwas about to be sacrificed, not ery generation. After the lamb was to release Israel from human bondroasted, the children of Israel were to eat age, but to release all His children from it with bitter herbs and unleavened bread, in the greater spiritual bondage which brings haste, ready to travel at a moment’s notice. the angel of death to all our doors. Jesus was Since that night of deliverance long going to die in our place, and in that death, before, the Passover was to be perpetually appease God’s holy wrath toward us. He was celebrated by the Jewish people. Every year going to paint His blood upon the doorways it was to be observed in the way Jesus and of our sinful hearts and lives; thus, releasing His disciples were observing it that evening us from the bondage of sin to bring us into in the upper room. To the average Israelite, the freedom of His redemption. this Passover was another celebration in a Jesus needed to prepare his disciples for long line of yearly ceremonies to remember what was about to take place. So, during the the mercy of God in His covenant faithfulPassover meal, He institutes a new meal, a ness to the children of Abraham. meal that the Passover celebration foreshadBut this was no ordinary celebration for owed, a meal of communion. Jesus. All His life had been moving toward And He took bread, and when He had this specific Passover. Jesus knew His hour given thanks, He broke it and gave to them, had come, and He knew He was about to be saying, “This is my body, which is given for betrayed. This meal was to be His final meal, you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And His last supper. Judas had already met with likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, the Jewish leaders and was now seeking for “This cup that is poured out for you is the the right opportunity to make his betrayal new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19–20). complete. The Jewish leaders thought they This communion supper was a visible were putting an end to the menace Jesus had display of the salvation Jesus was about to acbecome. But little did they know, instead complish. His body and His blood were to take of putting an end to the menace, they were the place of the Passover lamb. His body was instrumental in accomplishing Jesus’ purpose to be broken and His blood poured out. On for coming into this world. Jesus was fulfilling this evening, Jesus was changing the old covGod’s ultimate covenant faithfulness to His enant meal into the new covenant meal; for by chosen family, and the happenings that would His death, He was leading His children out of transpire over the next three days would not the old covenant shadows into the bright realionly turn Israel, but the entire world, upside ties of the new covenant in His blood. By His down. On the night before His death, these perfect sacrifice, He was fulfilling the Passover events weighed heavy on the heart of Jesus. forever. Now, instead of partaking of a yearly And when the hour came, He reclined at meal of a lamb to remember an old delivertable, and the apostles with Him. And He ance, Jesus said we are to let the bread and the said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat cup be “a remembrance of Him,” for He is the this Passover with you before I suffer”(Luke greater and true deliverance. 22:14–16). What significance does the Lord’s SupIt was no coincidence that the events of per have to each of us? Is our deliverance the Passion week were transpiring during from sin and the judgment of God brought the Passover season. They were, in effect, to our remembrance as we partake of this the fulfillment of that first Passover. Fifteen holy meal we call Communion? Let us taste hundred years before this night a lamb took the goodness of Christ when we taste the the place of the firstborn of Israel. The mercy bread and the wine. For when we observe and grace of God provided an innocent victhis sacrament in faith, we are brought into tim upon which no blemish was to be found. a deeper communion with our Savior by the It was slain and its protective blood delivered powerful work of His Spirit. the children of Israel. In this, God symboliFor Christ, our Passover lamb, has been cally satisfied His perfect justice by a perfect sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festisinless substitute. The death of this lamb val, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malmade appeasement with a Holy God, and ice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of its blood staved the hand of the angel. The sincerity and truth (I Corinthians 5:7–8). result of this first Passover was deliverance from bondage . . . from 400 years of bondReach Rick Malone at age. Now, on this night, in the upper room, myspiritualmatters@gmail.com

MATTERS

A Night to Remember AND HE TOOK BREAD, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19–20). It was the first day of the Jewish Feast of Unleavened Bread: a remembrance of the removal of sin from the lives of God’s children. Jesus and His disciples, in order to keep the feast, had made the journey to Jerusalem. The celebration of the Passover meal was the order of events for the evening. Christ and His small band of followers were observing this meal in an upper room which the disciples had secured for the evening. There was the bread, the bitter herbs, the lamb had been killed and the meal prepared. This same meal was being observed all over Jerusalem that evening. It was the meal of the covenant. It was a time for the Jewish people to remember and give thanks to Jehovah for His mighty hand of deliverance. The celebration of the Passover dated back to the time of Moses. It had been 1,500 years since God brought the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt; and the events of that first Passover were the means God used for this mighty deliverance. God was to bring a plague on the land of Egypt so terrible that it would live forever in the hearts of the Jewish people. For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD (Exodus 12:12). Nine plagues preceded this one, but they had served only to harden the heart of Pharaoh. Now, in this final plague, divine judgment was to fall over the entire land of Egypt. No firstborn would be exempt, not even the firstborn of the Israelite slaves in Goshen. The angel of death would not discriminate, for all were equally guilty before 44 * JULY 2019 * BOROPULSE.COM

the eyes of a holy God. And such holiness demanded perfect justice as the angel would come to do his work. Therefore, every household had death waiting at its door. How ironic that the final plague of deliverance would itself be an inescapable sentence of death for many of those it was sent to deliver. But God was not finished. The miraculous truth about this first Passover is that it was to be a dual deliverance; a deliverance not only from Egyptian bondage, but also from Divine judgment. And just as it was during the flood centuries before, God’s deliverance would come by way of the judgment that was to be executed. In this deliverance, God would provide a way, not for the Israelites to escape Divine judgment, but for that judgment to be satisfied on their behalf. The satisfaction of that judgment was the ultimate purpose of the Passover meal. God gave Moses explicit instructions concerning the preparation of this meal: On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household . . . Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 7 And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 8 Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs . . . And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover (Exodus 12:3–11). The Passover lamb was the central element of this meal. The life of that lamb would be Israel’s deliverance. They were to kill it in the place of their firstborn. They were to take

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ECCE DEUS

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

Ch. XVI: The Cross of Christ The Cross is the culmination of the mystery. It is now proposed to view it not so much in its place in systematic theology as in its relation to Christ’s personal history. Pilate’s superscription is easily read, but there is another writing more difficult of interpretation. The one word which we have succeeded in deciphering is love, and we have ventured on the not improbable inference that such a word must have kindred words around it. The death, and its attendant circumstances , was not an unexpected event to Jesus Christ; it was preceded by many demonstrations of ill-regulated excitement on the part of the people, plainly showing unsteadiness of aim on their side; but the heart of Jesus Christ was fixed by a great design. He had been living the kind of life which, viewed from the outside, seemed inevitably to lead to a violent death; yet his control of the element of time in the completion of his purposes is most significant. The baffled revolutionist, whose schemes have overweighted his resources, has no power over the apportionment of his time; but Jesus Christ spoke of his “hour” with the precision and calmness of conscious mastery. It seemed as though he would not allow history to be made immaturely—as if there was a law by which events come to a crisis, and which could not be accelerated by the wildest impatience or the most violent determination. Early in public life he began to talk of his “hour,” repeatedly he said that his hour was “not yet;” and not until he offered his intercessory prayer, which escaped from his breaking heart like a long sigh of sorrowing love, did he plainly say, “The hour is come.” There were two forces in operation; the force of a malign intent on the part of the Jews, and the force of a control which times all events to a moment. Passions cannot hasten the time of heaven. Every hour has its work, and every work its hour. There was no reader of the signs of the times so quick and so correct as Jesus Christ. He saw

the fields “white unto the harvest,” sooner than his nearest followers did; and while superficial men were reading the skies he chided them for dullness in reading the more important tokens of the world’s condition. All this is in harmony with his anticipation of his “hour.” He knew the laws which regulate the tides; he was not misled by the foam with which the winds bespattered him; he knew that not the winds but the worlds touch the tidal springs. He foresaw the last swell of the great deep, and encountered it in an attitude of prayer. This anticipation of his “hour” is noticeable as a side illustration of the purpose which ran through the life of Jesus Christ. The cross was not an accident. The cross was not an afterthought; its shadow came up from eternity, and was first visible to men in the manger of Bethlehem. The most cursory view of the powers which he wielded during his life is sufficient to show that Jesus Christ was perfectly able to repel the ruffians who undertook to compass his death. He was no weakened Samson who had given up the secret of his power; he was still the wonderful man whom the winds and the sea obeyed, yet he consented to be led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. He had been accustomed to the idea from before the foundation of the world. Even in his earthly course he was never separated from the cross; it varied in form, never in nature; it was only less prominent, not less real, at Bethlehem than at Calvary. The cross was never dissociated from the life; he brought it with him; he carried it in his heart long before the mob laid it on his shoulder, and had suffered all its agonies before the nail was driven into his flesh. But the gross-minded world could never have known this apart from the sight; it measures the sorrow of the soul by the suffering of the flesh; it weighs the tears that it may know the weight of the woe, as if all woes could make their way through the eyes. The giving up of the flesh was nothing; external force could have overcome any mere bodily resistance; the concurrence of the spirit was essential to the value of the offering in the sight of God. The poverty which is caused by irresistible forces is one thing, the poverty which comes of selfsacrifice for the good of others is another. The cross means love, but what does love mean? Can lexicography explain that word? We must go back to the life for hints of interpretation. Jesus Christ is the answer as well as

the enigma. In no case did Jesus Christ work for himself. He only received that he might give; he only asked that he might distribute. As he did not live for himself, so he did not die for himself. That melancholy cross must bear other stains than those of murder; he who might have turned it into a throne, and waved from it the scepter of the world’s dominion, must have had some object in view worthy of the generous life which preceded it. The course of beneficence would not be broken off just before the end. Jesus Christ will be consistent throughout; for you, not me, will be his watchword to the end. How can a good man make death give the lie to his life? The method, too, of leaving the world is consistent with his method of living in the world. The cross is a wonderful counterpart of the manger. There were no violent discrepancies in the life; only once, and that on the top of a mountain, did the Godhead visibly burn in the poor shrine of his flesh—a sight which Moses had seen prefigured at Horeb. From beginning to end there was one line of humiliation. The child of the manger is the man of the cross; the youth who was about his Father’s business in the Temple was doing his Father’s will on Calvary. There were other plans of leaving the world than that of crucifixion. Why not go up into the skies at midday, amid a great luster, welcomed by the voices of angels, and the peal of trumpets? Why not make a great demonstration of power rather than a saddening spectacle of weakness? Think of what might have been done! Yet he was numbered with the transgressors; his name was pronounced as a felon’s; and even they who knew him best left him as if he had wronged their souls. The very method of departure is fraught with deep significance. The suffering itself must have had meaning. When he could have taken the wings of the morning, or called around him the angels that excel in strength, or gone up from Calvary as he ascended from Olivet, and yet became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, the very manner of the dying must have interpretations which separate it from all other deaths. Now, we may approach the cross without any light except that of natural reason, or we may avail ourselves of the suggestion of the sacred writings. Before we attempt to interpret, let us come to some understanding as to canons and standards. With regard, first of all, to natural reason, it may be enough to remind ourselves that the whole history of Jesus Christ removes itself as far as possible from the court in which natural reason presides. We have had occasion to point this out incidentally in former chapters; let us now stand and calmly look at it as a fact likely to help our further inquiries. Is there any point in the whole development of Christ’s person and ministry at which we can say, “This is just as we thought it would be?” Or is there not everywhere something like a stud-

ied upsetting of foregone conclusions and logically arranged anticipations? Given a world that has lost its moral standing, to know God would recover it; and we venture to say that the New Testament answer would never suggest itself to natural reason. That answer, then, stands by so much at a disadvantage; the whole stress of reason is against it; it has every inch of ground to make for itself, for reason will not allow it so much as a foothold. Reason, on being pressed for an answer, would probably betake itself to elaborate demonstration; its customary notions of the proportions which means should bear to ends would force it to set up a most imposing breastwork of superhuman appearances and interpositions. Probably some such plan as this would be accounted reasonable: The world having lost its moral standing, God himself in undisguised personality, must speak to it from the heavens with a voice of awful power; the guilty world must see him robed with fire, crowned with a diadem in which a thousand suns flash their commingling glories, and encircled by unnumbered squadrons of the seraphim; all men must hear him lamenting the apostasy, and offering instantaneous and universal pardon; the great Deceiver must be publicly destroyed, and his track obliterated from the face of the earth; and to prevent the possibility of further failing, the whole family of man must be translated to heaven. This would suit the reason that is fond to demonstrativeness. Other forms might be suggested that would suit the reason that is fond of demonstrativeness. Other forms might be suggested that would suit the reason that is prone to philosophical speculation. But among them all the New Testament idea would never come up. Pain, sorrow, humiliation, death, resurrection, stand off beyond the reach of natural reason. It is not saying too much to say that such a process is offensive; it is foolishness; it is a stumbling block. What we have to suggest is this: that by so much as the Gospel method is removed from the probabilities which natural reason would affirm, it is unlikely that natural reason conceived it. That method is not merely here and there contrary to expectation, but throughout, from end to end, there is not a solitary point which satisfies natural reason. Was ever reason so unreasoning? Did reason ever so far exceed the limit of probability? A partial excess might have been understood, and occasional obscurity might have been accounted for; but the mystery is unbroken, the lamp of reason closing the inquiry, this should quicken reverent investigation. Originality is not madness. What if God should be greater than man has thought him to be? What if the Infinite cannot be measured by the finite? We are thrown back upon analogous inquiry respecting God—his universe is around us; how does he work in that? History is at hand; how has he mingled with men? Man’s own personality is a witness. How has God created it, individualBOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 ized it, kept it from absorption in the boundless ocean of contemporaneous life? Is God easily understood everywhere but at the cross? Is he a common riddle which any child can guess? Or is he still an unsolved problem—the problem of all problems? Is he an exhausted theme; or does he enlarge before our reverent and wondering vision? These collateral inquiries may help to set reason in its proper attitude before the cross. The sight which Moses saw at Horeb may be reversed at Calvary; Moses saw the God of Abraham in the God of nature—what if we see the God of nature in the God of Abraham? Nature itself offers a thousand perplexities to reason; out of the whirlwind God has rebuked the complaining and dissatisfied Jobs of the race: “Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou has understanding. . . . has thou commanded the morning since thy days, and caused the dayspring to know his place? . . . Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea; or has thou walked in the search of the depth? . . . Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks: or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?” With a peremptory voice God thus shuts out human wisdom and power from nature; what wonder if the same voice should chide self-sufficiency when it pronounces on “the mystery of godliness”? As the very impossibility of man making any one thing in nature is regarded as a proof of God’s power, why

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should the utter impossibility of man conceiving the New Testament idea of salvation not be regarded as a proof of God’s wisdom? There is a point at which reason leaves nature, unable to make a further way; it does not consequently deny the universe: why not treat with the same trust the greater mystery of which the most mysterious nature is but the background? The Scriptures are not silent respecting the meaning of the cross. If we credit the Scriptures as to the fact of the cross, why doubt them as to its meaning? Do they tell the truth in history, and tell lies in doctrine? We put it thus frankly, because, if the professedly divine word is modified, he who modifies it must be wiser than God, or it bears itself a forged signature. What, then, do the Scriptures say respecting the cross? To the inquiry, Why was Jesus Christ given up? they answer, “He was delivered for our offenses.” To the inquiry, Why did he suffer? they reply, “Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” We inquire for what purpose he suffered, and they answer, “He gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” If we ask what practical effect the offering of Jesus Christ should have upon us, the Scriptures reply, “Who his own self bare our sins in his body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.” When we ask, Did he die for himself or for others? we are told,

with the utmost precision, that “Christ died for the ungodly.” This is the testimony of Scripture. We get the doctrine where we get the fact. Can we obtain better answers elsewhere? The responsibility of rejection lies with the reader. It is easier to blow out a light than to create one. Here is a great historic event which is to be explained; we may exercise the speculative faculty in balancing guess after guess, or accept the testimony which is avowedly of God. Let us see in which direction this testimony goes. The Scriptures declare plainly that the cross stands in direct relation to sin. Sin necessitated a condition which love alone could meet. Holiness never caused death. All that comes within what may be called the sphere of death (pain, misery, disappointment, tears) is due immediately to moral decay. Throughout the Scriptures this principle is constantly affirmed, but nowhere is it seen in full force of a demonstration but on the cross. It could not have been a trifle which started the great drops of blood from the body of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane, or that caused him his exceeding sorrow on the tree. Great natures cannot weep blood but on great occasions. There must, then, have been something terrible about this moral putrescence which is called sin. It was no speck on the surface; it was poison in the blood. The tones heard at Golgotha are not the harsh tones of vengeance; there is no scream of fury; no thunder of cursing: there is a wail of sorrow,

deep, loud, long, as if the very heart of God had broken. It is the agony of love; it is the paroxysm of a lacerated and dying spirit. It was love that had failed in life, determined to succeed in death. It was dying innocence struggling with dead guilt. And does not every man repeat in his low degree the same great tragedy? Can any man forgive without suffering? Can a man take back even his own wicked son without first stretching his fatherly heart on the cross? When a father sheds tears over his rebellious child, he carries his anger to the sublimest point. God’s hatred of sin is best seen not in his frowns, but in his tears. Hell does not afford the most impressive view of God’s estimate of sin. When Christ said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death,” he did more to show the horror in which he held sin than could have been shown in all the fire that glows and blazes throughout the universe. We best know the intensity of human anger when it settles into deep human sorrow; so we see God’s hatred of sin more in the storm of grief which Christ endured than if the angry heavens had shot lightning into every point of space. God suffered more than the sinner can ever suffer on account of sin. Does not the parent suffer more than the sinning child? The sinner by his very sinfulness lessens his own capacity of suffering, while virtue is shocked through every sensibility. Read unabridged at boropulse.com