June 2012 Murfreesboro Pulse

Vol. 7, Issue 6 June 2012

MURFREESBORO

FREE Read Me!

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

UNKNOWN HINSON Murfreesboro, prepare for the return of the "Kang"! page 16

IN MUSIC: CAITLIN ROSE and other local acts set to play Bonnaroo 2012.

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HANK III Crazed Country Rebel. page 19

IN NEWS: Judge rules Mosque site plan invalid, work continues.

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ONLINE AT: BOROPULSE.COM

LOCAL MUSIC: TETSUO, MOPED SALLY,

SHANNON STEPHENS, INTERNATIONAL FOLK FEST

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DEAR READERS:

CONTENTS OPINIONS

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What Murfreesboro is Saying Pulse readers weigh in on the issues.

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Phil Valentine The low-tax magnet.

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La Palabra Segovia: City of Culture and Mystery

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Gagflex Fear of Islam.

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NEWS & NOTES Murfreesboro Mosque

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Recent court ruling isn't solid enough to halt construction.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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June Days; Movies Under the Stars

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Read to Succeed Book Review The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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Living Green Gujarat and the tragedy of genetically modified crops.

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Gardening 101 Nurture your garden as summer begins.

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FOOD

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Restaurant Review Shorty's Pizza Bus

SOUNDS

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Unknown Hinson Murfreesboro, prepare for the return of the "Kang".

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Bonnaroo A look at this year's lineup.

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Crazed Country Rebel Hank Williams III makes Gilligan's stop last month.

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Pa's Fiddle Celebrates Little House MTSU instrumental in creating musical special, doc.

CONCERT LISTINGS Tetsuo A rockin’ band that music lovers need to know about.

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International Folk Festival This Month Annual dance events celebrates 30 years in town.

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Album Reviews Shannon Stephens, Moped Sally

MOVIES/THEATER

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A Conversation with Culture Cringe Creative group to release all manner of media.

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Reviews The Avengers, Men in Black III

Glossary

Living Room Cinema 8½, Stardust Memories

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Holly Amber shines as Nun Out Front presents another quality work.

SPORTS

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Z-Train Battle like a gladiator.

Run Strong Dress as a cow in upcoming five-miler.

Tri Fit Booze it and lose it.

CREW

PULSE

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Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo Art Director: Sarah L. Mayo Advertising Reps: Don Clark, Barbara Adell Copy Editor: Cindy Phiffer

SUMMERTIME! The tomato plants are looking lush and green, the sun is out and I had to round up some hired help to harvest all of the blueberries that grew plump and ripe this year (Okay, that’s a little bit of an exaggeration, but wait a year or two and see what the bushes look like then).

Some may call us dirty hippies for letting a little two-year-old squish mud between his toes, run around in the river nekkkeder ’n a jaybird and shed his clothing and roll around in the dirt like a worm.

Really, sometimes I think he’s about to tunnel down headfirst. There is a time for cleaning the dirt from under one’s fingernails, but I believe it was a passage in Proverbs that went something like "God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt".

I do get relaxation from watering the gardens in the evening. Wait ’til that water bill comes, and I won’t be so relaxed anymore!

Who has a 50-gallon drum or huge receptacle in general I can use to collect the rain water? bracken@boropulse.com

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Music Editor: Jessica Pace Contributing Writers: Spencer Blake, Andie Boyd, Terri DeLong, Ryan Egly, Bryce Harmon, Jason Johnson, Zach Maxfield, Cameron Parrish, Sandra Pineault, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Norbert Thiemann, Adam Valentine, Phil Valentine

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

Copyright © 2012, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 116-E N. Walnut St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed

by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Murfreesboro Pulse is a free publication funded by our advertisers. Views expressed in The Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

Interesting factoid: the castle in Segovia pictured in this edition’s La Palabra was where Mr. Chris Columbus and Queen Isabella hammered out their agreement to get him to the West. So it is a very important site in the development of the American culture and nation we enjoy today.

Last edition’s talk of teaching evolution and creation in government schools sparked some debate, which is good. The Pulse is here to entertain and amuse, to promote the art and dining of the ’Boro, but also to make you think and question your place in the world and your views on its history and origins.

Some say just print the music listings, talk about positive activities in the area, and we intend to, but I also feel it’s important to host some real discussion on how individuals in our community want our society to operate.

Publications that blend entertainment and the arts with serious social commentary and investigation are those most inspiring to us.

I love how the world works in converging cycles and Unknown Hinson and Hank Williams III (Hank, who sports an Unknown portrait tattoo) make an appearance in the same edition.

Much love to Colton Dixon; keep on singing, amigo. You’re definitely making some news in Murfreesboro and beyond. Perhaps the cover of THE PULSE will be yours one day, but like I said, "Woman, puttin’ Mr. Hinson on the cover brings to our operation what’s called ‘credibility’."

See you at Bonnaroo. Support the local acts performing this year and drink plenty of water.

Peace, Bracken Mayo Editor in Chief BOROPULSE.COM

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OPINIONS WHAT MURFREESBORO IS SAYING: TALK TO US: FACEBOOK.COM/BOROPULSE TWITTER.COM/BOROPULSE

 In response to last edition’s "Gagflex: Dear Tennessee, Evolution is a Fact" I don’t even need to read this webpage full of hate and ignorance to know that the writer is lost.

I bet he even believes his great grandfather was a monkey!

But the Lord has spoken to me and told me to lead you to the light.

The Bible teaches us that God created the universe and everything in it. Mr. Darwin’s fans believe his lies that some animals fell out of a tree and grew wings so they wouldn’t splat on the ground any more. Or they believe that we evolved from FISH a long time ago. I don’t have gills, do you?!

The only Gagflex worth talking about is the gag reflex I feel when I think there are people out there that believe this nonsense. Jesus is LORD. — imatitanman@gmail.com In reply to the above comment, as a concerned fish in the Middle TN area I do have gills and find your post offensive and ignorant. My great great grandparents worked hard to evolve my species from lowly saltwater craniates to the good clean freshwater dweller I am today.

— wkyle82@hotmail.com Thank you so much for this article. Not everyone in TN takes a medieval approach to the question of our origins. And as to the comment regarding monkeys: you are right, we don’t come from monkeys. We have a common ancestor with them.

— Ryan Egly, ryan.egly@gmail.com I’m a Christian and believe in creation, but that first comment makes creationists just look stupid.

Most anti-religious people see all creationists as ignorant people like that. I believe in evolution post-creation. Sure we have evidence that things change over time. But God still made the first of everything, and humans were made separate and special. If you are not saved then there is no reason to expect you to believe in creation. If you do not know the lord you have no reason to believe any of the Bible. So it’s understandable that those apart from God do not believe God made us.

Christians should believe in creation if they believe the Bible, but most people are not saved so how can we expect them to believe in the

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that goes against your religion, well, no wonder you’re so confused.

— Katie, curveball2012@aim.com

Bible.but also how can a convicted believer teach against creation? It's a weird situation.

— Will Strickland

Evolution is a theory. That is the fact of the matter.

Teach science correctly or not at all.

— Lisa Johnson

OK, someone has the guts to say it in print. I couldn’t agree more. Get your unverifiable and nonsensical creationism superstitions out of our schools!

And if you truly believe in creationism, ask yourself, can this be truly proven? Are there any facts that support this other than manmade folklore? We are adults, and we should think and reason like adults, not children. How much extensive research and scientific method has gone into the study of evolution? That’s right, an abundance of verifiable and proven research. Everything isn’t know at the moment. But that’s what makes science amazing, is that it give us challenges to overcome. Relying on myths is boring, non productive and just plain lazy.

There are more of us than we think. Fight the good fight, brothers and sisters!!

— Derrick Boden, mytrashyourface@gmail. com

Evolution is not a fact, its is a framework built on assumptions about the past. These assumptions will never have direct, first-hand, observational proof. Questions related to origins cannot be empirically tested by experimental methods the same way many questions in biochemistry or cell biology can be. . . . It is a matter of historical science.

Neither evolution nor creationism can be "proven," but they can both be defined as models to address historical questions.

— Andy Mitchell

AJM: Models make predictions that can be tested, if the test shows the model to be wrong the model must be changed or thrown out in favor of a better model.

All it would take to prove evolution wrong is one fossil in the wrong type of rock, a modern cat in the Cretaceous for example. This has NEVER happened.

Can you give me a hypothetical method to test the model of creation? and what would it take to prove this model wrong.

— Josh, pdiddly1775@hotmail.com I always find it amusing when creationists claim evolution is not a fact because there is little to no factual evidence to prove it. Where is your "factual evidence" to prove God’s existence?

As for the first comment: "Or they believe that we evolved from FISH a long time ago. I don’t have gills, do you?!"

SURPRISE! You did in the womb! Or at least gill slits. Though humans (and vertebrates in general) show signs of gill slits in the womb, they are not functional gills, but it is further proof of evolution. So hate to break it to you, but you are genetically linked to, not only monkeys, but fish.

And as for "I don’t even need to read this webpage full of hate and ignorance to know that the writer is lost" Well that is nothing, but hate and ignorance on your part and it sounds like you really did not read the entire article. If this is how you treat anything

Keep in mind that gravity was/is also a 'theory'.

Do you believe in gravity? If you believe in DNA, or virus, then you should believe in evolution. If you believe the earth is only 6,000 years old, you're a bleeding moron.

— Marc Cox Of course I "believe in gravity," just like I "believe we are here"... The issue is about the origin of life... your example of gravity also being a theory doesn't explain or "prove" the origin of life (or the origin of gravity)... would you like to attempt that using actual proven facts?

Let me save you some time, because I already know what your main "evidences" are going to be: ***Big Bang:There are 3 main evidences for the Big Bang Theory: 1) Hubble's Law extrapolated backwards 2) The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), as predicted by the BBT. 3) The vast amount of Hydrogen and Helium present in the universe. Predicted by the BBT 1) Look up the Pioneer anomaly 2) The CMB argument is not legitimate: It essentially says: 1) The big bang model predicts CMB, 2) There is CMB, 3) Therefore, the Big Bang occurred...

Which is like me making the argument: 1) Eating onions makes me sick, 2) I am sick, 3) Therefore, I ate onions I suppose I should also believe that Webster's Unabridged Dictionary resulted from an explosion in a print plant? ***Evolution: We have evidence of MICROevolution within a species, and creationists do not discount this... in fact, it is consistent with what is written in the Bible.

However, shouldn’t there be THOUSANDS of examples of transitional fossils giving rise to one "kind" transitioning into another (note that we see

those that are intermediate in form, but no due to common ancestry)?

We have never witnessed two of the same species give birth to an offspring that was a different species... I am open-minded to the evidence, but we don't have any (that I am aware of) *** "Old Earth": First, if God created the earth, he created a "mature earth" already with the appearance of age (just as Adam and Eve were not created as infants) In regard to radiometric dating...

The RATE scientists discovered that although it appears that 1.5 billion years of radioactive decay occurred (according to the uranium-lead ratio); the amount of helium remaining in zircon crystals indicated a date of only 6,000 years...

The decay rate was also much faster in the past... see carbon 14 Other notable scientific findings include: dinosaur soft tissue that poses a problem, bone marrow that could contain DNA from fossil frogs and salamanders that were supposed to be 10 million years old... National Geographic reported on fish "meat" that was supposed to be 380 million years old... etc. etc.

In regard to the fossil record...

The creation model predicts sudden appearance of organisms fully formed (see Cambrian explosion) Organisms should remain essentially the same to present or go extinct Transitional intermediates should generally be absent because they are unnecessary as God created each kind fully formed Evidence for a global flood: Could the geologic column could be considered evidence that there was in fact a global flood? Don’t geology textbooks acknowledge that the continents were all once under water? What about finding marine fossils all over the continents including in high mountain ranges? Fossil formation requires a rapid burial... could the fact that we have dinosaur fossils (a creature over 80ft and weighing several tons) be evidence of this? *What about polystrate fossils? (check Wikipedia) Scientists have what they call a "five year half-life"... that is, in five years half of what is now "known" to be fact will be proved false and replaced by a new theory! Wow...

The bottom line is that the Big Bang itself relies on "assumption" that cannot be recreated, tested or proven... that’s the difference in historical and empirical evidence... you have to take the belief in "the Big Bang" or a creator and both are "in faith" — Andy Mitchell "Dear Tennessee, Evolution is a fact" is not journalism. "Dear Tennessee, is evolution a fact?" is journalism. I don't know what can be more clear than that. Why would a journalist be able to answer a question that has stumped experts for

centuries? They can't, because being a journalist means that you are NOT an expert on a subject.

— Nathan Goodwin I have looked at the "overwhelming evidence," I studied it in school and believed it growing up... as you can see by me having addressed a lot of these above, I am very unimpressed by the so-called evidence... there are holes everywhere and frankly, people like yourself (who present it as such an absolute truth) are the ones insulting the scientific community.

— Andy Mitchell Dear Murfreesboro Pulse, please stop. The Pulse is not where I go to get my dose of controversial drivel or to debate what should be taught in schools. Stick to the arts and entertainment or don't post letters and editorials so heavily biased.

We get enough of that as it is. Thanks!

I DO love the other stuff the pulse has to offer!

— Greg Hopkins Is it not possible to believe there is truth in all?

I don't know about the Biblical creation story. I wasn't there. I do believe God created! I've never seen a dinosaur but I believe there may have been some evolutionary processes involved. More so in other animals in my thinking. But again, I was not there. I just we lived in a world that wanted to know more about creation and learn about possible higher up that created. I can live with not being right or knowing everything.

— John J. Goodwin  What was the WORST dining experience you have ever had in Murfreesboro?

Longhorn Steak House. January 25, 2012. Argument. I swear my wife started it!

— Michael Seth Farmers Family Restaurant.

— Justin Stokes O'Charleys. 3 consecutive visits there was bacon/ ham in my vegetarian meal. 3rd time the manager argued with me about it.

— Leslie Russell Yost Gondolier. Wife's meal could have been opened and microwaved straight off the shelves of Kroger.

There's no way the pasta didn't come out of a bag.

Plus, why the gigantic menu? Are they Italian, Greek, or Chinese stir-fry? I had better Italian at Fazoli's. Should have stayed a Shoney's.

— Ben Spjut Puleo's Grille: charged me for salads, dessert and 4 glasses of wine. My date and I split an appetizer and drank sodas. The server blatantly lied to the manager as I lodged my complaint.

Then the manager threatened to call the police if I didn't pay. I was mortified. That was 7 years ago. I've never been back and I always mention to people how horribly I was treated. I still can't believe it even happened.

— James Alcorn II (Editor's note) I will defend Puleo's and say the

last time I was in there the shrimp and grits were excellent and affordable; but, one poorly trained/ dishonest/idiot server can certainly tarnish a whole restaurant's reputation in a customer's mind forever Bar Louie's hands down the worst trained opening staff in the history of restaurants. Apparently they think having long conversations with each other is better than greeting and taking care of customers.

— Parrish Carter Ruby Tuesdays circa 2006. It took 10 minutes to be seated yet there was no one else waiting. After being seated, we sat patiently for 20-30 minutes without any member of the staff checking on us before we decided to leave. Returned for the first time last year and had no problems at all. There are so many restaurants in Murfreesboro competing for your dollar, one would assume that a restaurant would pride itself on providing great food and great service. But I've found a poor dining experience in the ’Boro to be an exception not the rule.

— Lamont "Monty Burns" Gholston Someone I knew who has been to every Hooters in the US voted it [Murfreesboro Hooters] the "ugliest Hooters in the U.S" and when I went our server was pregnant—how sexy is that?? NEAT!!

— Lisa Marie Ihrig I'm gonna get flogged for saying this, but Toot's wings aren't what they used to be. :( Too many times we've gotten them and they weren't cooked all the way through. Hubby always get Napalm, and says they're not as hot either.

— Barby Webster Freytag Applebee's, on Rutherford blvd. When they brought our plates out, my veggies were tied up in a plastic bag with a sticker that said "SAT/SABADO" on it.

I guess they forgot to remove them from the bag, which wasn't a big deal except it kind of ruined the experience and we were offered nothing to make up for it. We did not eat, instead we tipped our waiter and told the manager we were leaving and were not paying. Never went back.

— Kim Huff I second Kim's opinion of Applebee's. Food and service are terrible. We got a bad meal and a cup of hot coffee poured in my lap. Yay me.

— Michelle Cardinell Palmer Cathay Asian Bistro used to be one of our favorite places to eat. However, we took our daughter for her graduation dinner and it was HORRIBLE!!!

The service was terrible!! I only had one refill all night and it took toooo long for our food to come out. My wife and I ordered separate meals for dinner, however, we only got half of what we were supposed to get. The hibachi chef attempted to make amends by giving us extra food, however, the female manager was very rude and yelled at my party. We requested that the 18% gratuity be removed from our bill because of such horrible service and treatment, but they refused. I have filed a complaint with the BBB!!

We will not go back to this place!!!

— Robert, robertberge@comcast.net BOROPULSE.COM

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OPINIONS

THE LOW-TAX MAGNET

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s it a harbinger of the November elecness and businesses leave as a result, taking tions? A new study from the Tax Founblue- and white-collar workers with them. dation finds that more and more people The same thing goes for cities. Detroit’s are voting on the tax issue with their population is down 60 percent since 1950, feet. While liberal talking heads tell us no doubt due to the huge shifts in the auto that the American people want the governindustry, but there seems to be another dement to get bigger and take care of more termining factor. A quick look at the states of our problems, more and more people and cities from which people are running are choosing to leave high-tax states for shows a common denominator. States and the refuge of lower tax states. One example cities run by liberals tend to have higher the Tax Foundation cites is the migration taxes. States and cities run by conservaof New Yorkers to Florida. This has almost tives tend to have lower taxes. People are become a stereotype over the years, and flocking to lower-taxed areas, the reason one could blame much of the move on the being that the people who make a city work favorable Florida climate. However, in the also have the means to move when it stops last few years that migration has accelerworking. They tend to flee from liberal poliated beyond what can simply be explained cies that penalize the producers and reward away as snowbirds escaping the harsh New the non-producers.

York winters.

The question remains, when and if that Between 2009 and 2010, some 40,000 will morph from state-to-state migration New Yorkers flew permainto a country-to-country nently south to Florida migration. There are few if VIEWS OF A any statistics on that, but taking about $1.3 billion in income with them. several of my friends have column by New York’s state income applied for dual citizenPHIL VALENTINE tax is as high as 8.82 ship in other countries. philvalentine.com percent. Florida has no That’s the first time in my state income tax. The state portion of the lifetime that I can recall that happening. gas tax in New York is 49 cents a gallon.

Some may say it’s hysterics, but I believe Cigarettes are taxed at $4.35 per pack with these friends are much more pragmatic. an additional $1.50 if you live in New York Even with friends who haven’t applied for City. New York also levies an estate tax, citizenship in another country I’m having which Florida does not. conversations for the first time about which But New York isn’t the only high-tax state countries we would live in if we left the people are fleeing. Californians left the state United States. Several of these conversafor Texas to the tune of over a half-million tions have been with doctors who see the in the last decade, taking with them $14.3 handwriting on the wall with Obamacare. If billion in income. Texas has neither a state it’s left intact then many of them see their income tax nor an estate tax. And the story is practices going down the tubes. repeated across the country. High-tax states Maybe it’s just me, but perhaps it’s time to are losing residents to low-tax states. change course before people starting looking Granted, not all migration can be attribfor ways to escape from the United States. uted to taxes. There are many other factors, but issues like jobs, which take people with Phil Valentine is an author and nationally them when they leave one state for another, syndicated radio talk show host with Westare directly affected by high taxes. High wood One. For more of his commentary and taxes create a hostile environment for busiarticles, visit philvalentine.com.

CONSERVATIVE

“

People are flocking to lower-taxed areas, the reason being that the people who make a city work also have the means to move when it stops working. They tend to flee from liberal policies that penalize the producers and reward the non-producers.

”

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EN ESPAÑA HAY MUCHAS MARAVILLOSAS ciudades. Pero hay una ciudad cuyos misterios, los monumentos épicos y la herencia artística lo hacen un destino necesario para aquellos con una pasión verdadera de arte, historia y misterio. La ciudad de Segovia, está situado encima de un promontorio escarpado en la confluencia de dos ríos en la comunidad autónoma de Castilla y León. Yo tuve el privilegio de vivir allí un verano hace aproximadamente diez años y desde entonces ha permanecido mi ciudad favorita en el mundo entero.

Al llegar, los sentidos se enfrentan por la vista de un magnífico acueducto romano que certifica los antiguos orígenes de esta ciudad con raíces que extienden más de 2000 años. El excursionismo a pie en el campo circundante ofrece las mejores vistas panorámicas de la ciudad. Desde allí puede ver la pared protectora llamada la muralla que rodea el distrito más antiguo de la ciudad, así como la hermosa Catedral del siglo XVI que domina el horizonte.

Por supuesto, ninguna ciudad antigua está completa sin un castillo. La fortaleza de Segovia se llama el Alcázar y es uno de los castillos más bellos y famosos en toda España.

Algunos viajeros intentan ver la mayor parte de los grandes monumentos de Segovia en un solo día. Pero no se apure. Quédese un rato. Segovia no debe ser tratada como un restaurante de comida rápida sino uno de cinco estrellas. clase para la investigación paranormal.

Quédese por un tiempo. Su valor real es enconOtro aspecto entrañable de Segovia es su trado entre la gente que comparte su historia carácter genuino. A diferencia de otras ciufascinante y cultura única. Segovia siempre ha dades, Segovia no da una pantalla artificial para atraído y ha producido a individuos creativos, turistas o intentar ser algo que no es. Al conestableciendo una atmósfera auténtica donde trario, Segovia mantiene una cultura distinta la antigüedad forma el telón de fondo para una que es digna y auténticamente castellana. Por movida, escena y panoramo de vanguardia. esto y muchas otras razones a Segovia la echo De hecho, varias escuelas de arte y dede menos. Ha pasado demasiado tiempo desde stacadas universidades existen en Segovia que he dado un "paseo" por la tarde en sus que siguen una tradición centenaria de beca y calles o disfrutar una copa en la Plaza Mayor desarrollo artístico. Naturalmente, se organizan con mis amigos. Como un videógrafista me exposiciones de arte con gustaría volver a Segovia frecuencia en los distinguipara documentar los midos lugares de la ciudad. tos y leyendas relativas a Segovia es una ciudad donde los monumentos antiguos Una columna del idioma español por CAMERON PARRISH cada tipo de arte y artesania, y sagrados en toda la así como las artes escénicas ciudad. Sin embargo, voy hacen que sea un centro para cada tipo de a tener que posponer el documental si interfiere creatividad. La ciudad alberga incluso su propio con mi formación como un torero y clases de Festival anual de cine europeo y un festival inguitarra. ¿Qué puedo decir? Yo debería haber ternacional de marionetas llamado Titirimundi. nacido un español. ¿Y tú? La única manera de Además de su encanto bohemio, también averiguarlo es ir. ¡Hasta luego! hay innumerables misterios y leyendas que se esconden en cada esquina y la plaza de la ciuIN ENGLISH: dad. Incluso hay una serie de túneles subterráneos que conectan varios edificios de la ciudad.

IN SPAIN THERE ARE MANY GREAT Para mí esto es el cielo. Quizás el más enigCITIES. But there is one city whose mystermático lugar en Segovia es la Iglesia de la Vera ies, epic monuments and artistic legacy make Cruz fundado en el siglo XII. Conocida por los it a necessary destination for those with a true lugareños como "el Templario" fue construida passion for art, history and mystery. The city of por la misteriosa orden de los Templarios. Para Segovia is situated atop a steep promontory at los cazadores de fantasmas, el pasado antigua y the confluence of two rivers in the autonomous oscura de Segovia hacen un destino de primera

Segovia: Ciudad de Cultura y Misterio

La PALABRA

Segovia: City of Culture and Mystery

region of Castilla y Leon in the heart of Spain.

I had the privilege of living there one summer about ten years ago, and since then, it has remained my favorite city in the entire world.

Upon arriving to the city, the senses are confronted by the sight of a magnificent Roman aqueduct that attests to the ancient origins of this city with roots that span more than 2,000 years. Hiking out into the surrounding countryside provides the best panoramic views of the city. From there you can see the protective wall called a muralla that surrounds the oldest district of the city as well as the beautiful 16th century cathedral that dominates the skyline.

Of course, no ancient city is complete without a castle. Segovia’s fortress is called the Alcazar and is among the most beautiful and famous fortresses in all of Spain.

It’s possible to see many of Segovia’s great monuments in a single day, but she is not to be treated like a fast food restaurant. Take your time in Segovia and stay awhile. Her true value is found among the people who share her fascinating history and unique culture. Segovia has always attracted and produced creative individuals, establishing an authentic atmosphere where antiquity forms the backdrop for the bohemian and avantgarde. In fact, several prominent art schools and universities exist in Segovia that follow a long tradition of scholarship and artistic development. Naturally, art exhibitions are held in the many distinguished venues. Segovia is a city where every type of art, artisanry and

BOTTOM PHOTO BY MARIAN HICKS-MUDD GUAJARDO

IN SPANISH:

performing art flourish, making it a center of creativity. It’s also worth mentioning that the city is host to the City of Segovia Festival of European Cinema—an annual film festival held in the Fall—and an international marionette festival called Titirimundi.

Aside from her bohemian charm, there are countless mysteries and legends that hide around every corner and plaza of the city. Perhaps the most enigmatic site in Segovia is the 12th century Church of the Vera Cruz known by locals as "el Templario," which is believed to have been founded by the Order of the Knights Templar. For ghost hunters, Segovia’s ancient and obscure past make it a first-class destination for paranormal research.

One of the most endearing aspects of Segovia is that the city has a genuine character. It doesn’t put on a shallow display for tourists.

Instead, it maintains a distinct culture that is dignified and authentically Castilian. For this and many other reasons, I miss Segovia.

Too much time has passed since I went for an afternoon "paseo" on her streets and enjoyed "una copa" in the Plaza Mayor with friends. As a videographer, I’d like to return to Segovia to document the myths and legends attached to the sacred and ancient monuments throughout the city. Of course, I’ll have to postpone the documentary if it interferes with my training as a bullfighter and my flamenco guitar lessons. What can I say? I should have been born a Spaniard. What about you? The only way to find out is to go. Hasta luego.

BOROPULSE.COM

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OPINIONS

The Fear of Islam

S

ome people in Murfreesboro are trying hard to maintain a sense of Mayberry.

They don’t want a new Mosque butchering their perspective that Murfreesboro is a just a small Christian town with large aspirations. But Andy Griffith doesn’t live in Murfreesboro and attorney Joe Brandon  and his group of plaintiffs might be the closest thing we’ve got to Barney Fife. The actions that these people have taken to stop the building the Islamic Center are wabsurd and transparent. Chancellor Robert Corlew ruled to void the approval of the mosque because officials didn’t give adequate public notice before construction was approved.

Chancellor Corlew pointed out that while notice was printed in the paper advising of the meeting, the print was too small to be called a notice.

A valid question should be asked: has there EVER been a house of worship in Murfreesboro that’s been more reported on than the Islamic Center? There’s probably never been another building in Murfreesboro, period, to get so much attention. What hermit didn’t get proper notice

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Israel in his office and a Bible open that this thing was being built and that this vote was taking place? This story has been reported to the book of Exodus on his desk. in virtually every major news outlet in the naThey seem to indicate that his tion. If the plaintiffs are claiming that they didn’t personal motivation might be some get enough notice, then I am surprised that they type of Christian Zionism, which I won’t dig into, but just to say that if you have the cognitive ability to come to the conclusion that they didn’t get are waiting for some holy enough notice. chain reaction to take place The original complaint when all the Jewish people was that the Islamic Center return to Israel, then you column by JASON JOHNSON would cause too much might be a bit biased and tuckwopat@yahoo.com traffic for the area, which delusional when it comes to wasn’t a complaint when people of the Islamic faith. the World Outreach Church or any other church- This probably doesn’t matter unless you take es for that matter were being built. Joe Brandon Brandon seriously when he says he might run was quoted by The Daily News Journal as stating, for judge.

"This is the Lord’s battle, and that’s God, not AlPeople like Joe Brandon keep harping about lah." The story also stated that he had the flag of Sharia law and how I suppose they think it’s

GAGFLEX

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EVERYBODY HAS A RIGHT TO THEIR RELIGION NO MATTER HOW DELUSIONAL, ABSURD AND UNREALISTIC ONE’S OPINION MIGHT BE.

”

going to poison us all. How about we worry about the actual laws that someone might break and ignore some religious law that someone of that faith may or may not adhere to?

Like in Christianity, how many biblical laws do Christians just decide not to follow?

Most Christians do not follow the more unreasonable Christians laws, because if they didn’t they’d be considered lunatics. To my knowledge, even the homophobic Reverend Fred Phelps hasn’t even stoned a gay person to death yet.

These people need to relax and let America work the way it works. Everybody has a right to their religion no matter how delusional, absurd and unrealistic one’s opinions might be. This goes for Christians, Mormons and people of the Islamic faith. If you are worried about this becoming a terrorist breeding ground, then calm yourself down, and start to worry when you see people training on monkey bars and wielding Kalashnikovs. Let the people build their house of worship. Anything else seems a bit un-American.

Holy War in the 'Boro Mosque construction continues, creates rift among people of Murfreesboro. Local media compete for government advertising dollars.

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

Muslims are involved,’ ” CAIR staff Attorney Gadeir Abbas said in a statement. hancellor Robert Corlew III has written the The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, though not latest chapter in one of the most discussed even a party in this particular suit (as are Kevin and controversial small construction projects Fisher et al, the planning commission and The in the country, recently declaring the RutherPost), did issue a statement expressing its disapford County Regional Planning Commission’s pointment in Corlew’s ruling. approval of a mosque’s land use permit invalid.

"We strongly believe that we are singled out just Kevin Fisher and other county residents opposed because of our faith, in a clear violation to our conto the Mosque sued the Rutherford County Regional stitutional rights . . . thousands of permits have been Planning Commission and The Murfreesboro Post granted using the same process and voiding ours newspaper, claiming the people of the county did not might result in voiding other permits as well . . . and have adequate notice of the meeting when the comopen the door to further lawsuits against our county," mission approved the property's land use plan. the statement read. "To those who are still doubtful Corlew agreed. His decision says the single notice of our intention, we say please come and visit with printed in "small type" in the The Post was us, let us meet and share your concerns not adequate notice, and cited the inefdirectly with us. Our doors have been fectiveness of the publication in reaching and will always be open to everyone. We enough people of Rutherford County. are truly hopeful that all the children of "The court is compelled to find that a our great city, county, state and country small routine advertisement in the legal will be playing together, growing up tosection, surrounded by advertisements gether, and prospering together far away published by the city of Murfreesboro, from any discrimination. near the beginning of the month, simply "Finally, we would like to assure our Kevin Fisher stating meeting scheduled for the month, community, our supporters, and our but schedules subject to change, is not sufopponents alike that we will stand firm ficient, given other proof surrounding the to defend our constitutional rights, as availability of that publication at the time well as yours, which are guaranteed by to the citizens of the county generally," the the First Amendment." judge wrote in his opinion.

Over the past years, battle lines have In this same opinion Corlew, an apbeen drawn in the Middle Tennessee pointed civil judge, acknowledges that town between those saying "leave them members of the public "do not have the alone and let them practice their religion" right to be heard at the public meeting" and the "get the Muslims out of my counRobert Corlew III that concerns a structure for use as a try" crowd in simplified terms. religious meeting place, but simply "the citizens do "Racism and profiling, alive and well in the have right to notice of the hearing."

'Boro," commented Ben Spjut. "Hate is sometimes "Without publication of the issues of business stronger than reason." to be discussed at an otherwise routine meeting, Julien Cain Smith asked, "What ever happened citizens may be lulled into the mind set that only to freedom of religion? Isn’t that one of the main routine matters will be raised at the meeting, when fundamentals we were founded on? When they say suddenly a matter which is to them of earthshaking ‘land of the free and the home of the brave,’ doesn’t importance suddenly comes forth." that mean the freedom to believe in whatever The Council on American-Islamic Relations said religion you choose to and to be proud of it without the only difference between the planning commisbeing persecuted by the general public? Who has the sion meeting in question and a "routine" meeting right to tell these people no? Build on!" was the religion of the people submitting a site plan.

Another pointed out that the Islamic group has "The judge’s ruling is apparently based on a fictibeen in the county for decades now. tious ‘heightened standard for public notice when "Hasn’t their previous mosque been around for 30

C

years or something? I live near Bradyville and the new mosque; the traffic isn’t that bad and I’m thrilled it’s being built," said Tara Sripunvoraskul. "Knoxville has two mosques and I visited one for a project, and if you’ve never visited a mosque, it’s a unique experience."

Others, however, see it as their patriotic duty to stop Muslims from organizing on US soil.

"When there is an active jihad against the US openly supported by the Egyptian president/Afghan Parliament/multiple terrorist groups and funded by these countries and organizations from the Middle East . . . is that not a threat to the religious freedom of Christians and Jews, or ‘infidels’ (including atheist/ agnostic/or anyone not guided by strict morality, i.e. most Americans these days) that live in this country?

The opposition to this aren’t intolerant racist idiots (or "Islamophobic"), they are aware of the history of the world as well as our current times. Religious freedom should absolutely be upheld, but when a religious war (the goal of which is to infiltrate and destroy American economy and religious organization) against our country is backing/funding the Mosques spreading across the country that’s only providing freedom to one religion," said Brian Bailey. "I’m just noting how easily people will support something that they probably are not that informed on and have expressed explicit violent attitudes towards our country."

Andrew Walker put it more bluntly. "I don’t want some Arab terrorist plottin’ headquarters in my back yard," he said.

Though the crescents and Arabic language distinguish the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro’s Facebook page from the traditional Middle Tennessee house of worship, the announcements, alerting members of group trips to Six Flags and picnics at Barfield Crescent Park, aren’t that different.

"The Superpages telephone listings website lists over 200 churches in Murfreesboro alone and 1 mosque. Most estimates show that there are over 300,000 churches in the United States and less than 3,000 mosques. As far as size of the mosque, have you seen the size of some of the churches in this town, not to mention nationwide? Religious buildings are always over the top in size. There’s no way it should be legal to stop Americans from building a place of worship when the right to practice their religion, just like every other religion, is protected by the First Amendment. Stop being close minded bigots and allow these people the same amount of freedom you expect for yourself and your religion," says Eric Evans.

Commentators across the world are now chiming in on the issue, arguing for freedom of religion,

others calling for "mosque rubble."

"People in Murphreesboro need to learn the history of their town. Their town was named Murphreesboro in honor of their Jewish physician," says a Huffington Post superuser who goes by CateManhattan. "Dr. Murphree would not want Murphreesboro to deny anyone the right to worship in their own religion."

The Daily News Journal editorial board took the opportunity to chastise the local governments for pulling advertising dollars away from the established corporate daily six years ago when they opted to begin using the Murfreesboro Post for public notices (not to stand up for religious or property rights).

"Rutherford County switched its notices to the freely distributed Post in December 2006 because it charged less for the ads than the Daily News Journal.

That decision to notify the public on the cheap wound up costing the county thousands of dollars in legal fees for this trial," according to a consensus of discussion of the Daily News Journal (a little bitter?).

"We wonder if all actions by the planning commission are void—based on Corlew’s ruling—since the county started running legal ads with the Post . . .

Not only do the county mayor and County Commission owe that to the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro for undercutting their mosque project, they should apologize to every resident of Rutherford County for undermining adequate notice of public meetings."

In the wake of this evident reassessment of local government public notice advertisement placement, the publishing industry has been lining up to present advertisement pitches to the local public servants.

"If the county and city governments are looking for an effective way to reach the people of Rutherford County, they need look no further than The Murfreesboro Pulse. Watch how far we can stretch the taxpayers’ advertising dollar," said a statement released by The Murfreesboro Pulse’s editorial board.

Lou Ann Zelenik, a candidate in the 6th Congressional District race, has publicly challenged the mosque project for more than two years.

"This was not an issue of freedom of religion," she said. "Islam does not claim to be a religion. [It is] a social and political system that intends to dominate every facet of our lives and seeks to dominate its host culture by any means, including force and violence."

This indicates a cornerstone of her campaign this year could be criticism of a religious structure no longer even located in her district, due to recent redistricting in Tennessee.

Regardless of the opinions surrounding it, construction continues at the mosque site on Veals Road.

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COMMUNITY

MT Strength & Speed Camp MT Strength & Speed Camp for male and female youth ages 10–18 jumps into shape this June and July at the MTSU Football Practice Fields and MTSU Weight Room. Cost is $25 per day or $160 for June Session, $25 per day or $120 for July Session. Fees can be paid in full in advance or in person on the first day.

For more information and for a full schedule, contact Alex Boyd, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Middle Tennessee State University, (615) 869-9489.

JUNE – JULY

EVENTS Send event information to murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com Bill Shacklett: A Photographic History of Murfreesboro 5 Discover the history of Murfreesboro and the Dixie Highway through photography on Tuesday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at the Stones River Car Club House at Cannonsburgh Village. Contact Celia Murrah at (615) 893-6286 or cyalater98@ bellsouth.net.

JUNE

From Belly Fat JUNE to Belly Flat Genie James, MMSC, is the 7 CEO of Randolph Medical Enterprises and owner of The Natural Medicine as well as the founder of Women Evolving, LLC. Introducing her new book, "From Belly Fat to Belly Flat" June 7, from 4–6 p.m. with organic wine and hors d'oeuvres, husbandwife clinical team Dr. C.W. Randolph and Genie James share through medical research how to shed those extra pounds when you're over the age of 30. Reserve a spot by contacting (615) 278-3118.

Discovery Center Day with Dad Grab your dad (or your grand9 dad, uncle, mom, aunt, your entire family!) and head to the Discovery Center on Saturday, June 9, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for a day of fire trucks, flight and fun! Learn car first aid, build model airplanes, ride the flight simulator, explore the Murfreesboro Fire Department fire trucks and traverse the wacky obstacle course!

Admission is $4. Contact (615) 8902300 or visit discoverycenteronline.org.

JUNE

"A Southern Delicacy" JUNE The 12th Annual Taste of AKA: "A Southern Delicacy" 9 is Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Patterson Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). This event features a fish fry, step dancing, health booth, vendors, live music, praise choirs, door prizes every hour and more! Admission is $10. For more information, contact akapinuomega@pinuomegaaka.org.

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Look Who's Living in Tree Houses!

This summer, families can spend some quality time hanging out in the trees with a visit to the Discovery Center Tree Houses starting May 26 through September 7. This exhibit includes fun, hands-on ways to explore the important roles that trees play in providing homes for all sorts of wild things (including people!) and engages forest explorers of all ages in indoor nature explorations and the ecology of sustainable harvesting. Tree Houses is open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1–5 p.m. Admission is $6 per person; children younger than 2 are free. For more information, call (615) 890-2300, visit discoverycenteronline.org or contact Jennifer Neal at jneal@discoverycenteronline.org or (615) 890-2300.

JUNE – SEPT.

Dixie Highway Tour A presentation/lecture of the history of the Dixie Highway and Cannon23 sburgh Antique Car Club gas station be leave from Cannonsburgh and end at Stones River National Battlefield. This tour launches June 23 at 9 a.m. and will visit various stops along the Dixie Highway in and around Murfreesboro, providing a tour and explanation of the sites. Contact Celia Murrah at cyalater98@ bellsouth.net or (615) 893-6286. Reservations required! Please send a check or money order of $5 per person to Stones River Car Club at P.O. Box 11104, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-1104.

JUNE

Annual June Days Annual June Days kicks off Wednesday, June 13, from 9 13 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). This event is free and open to the public. Bring the kids and see how cows are milked, butter is made and ice cream is churned. Enjoy free ice cream, yogurt, milk and more! Take a hayride "through the life of a cow" and watch the Police vs. Fire Dept. play "Dairy Family Feud" at noon. For more information, call (615) 898-7710.

Front Porch Pastimes Day Camp 18 Children ages 6–12 will have a chance to step back into the past June 18–22 at Oaklands Historic House Museum while being introduced to period games, chores, crafts and cooking.

The camp will be from 9 a.m. to noon and thereis limited space available. Reservations are required. Contact Mary Beth Nevills (615) 893-0022 or info@oaklandsmuseum.org.

Juneteenth Celebration A celebration of history with 16 soul food cook-off, vendor, art, music and history trivia will be Saturday, June 16, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at Bradley Academy sponsored by the Rutherford Country Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. Contact Mary Wade at (615) 423-7548 or mwade1949@aol.com.

Antebellum Academy This week-long camp, from 25–29 June 25–29, is available for girls ages 13 and up. The girls will study etiquette, dance, penmanship, music, needlework and art at Oaklands Historic House Museaum. Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact Mary Beth Nevills at (615) 893-0022 or info@ oaklandsmuseum.org.

JUNE

JUNE

Hope Luau Saturday, June 16, the 20th Anniversary Luau will dance off at 16 the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) from 6 p.m.–10 p.m. to benefit Primary Care and Hope Clinic.

Proceeds support the health care needs of the uninsured and underserved members of this community. Individual tickets as well as sponsorships are available. Contact Bette McFarland, Primary Care and Hope Clinic, (615) 893-9390 x 207.

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

Nature Nuts Thursdays at 4 p.m., explore JUNE and uncover the many mysteries of our Murfree Spring wetlands with Ms. Courtney & Mr. Leif at the Discovery Center for programs that encourage visitors to engage with nature through fun and interactive experiences.

Some programs will occur indoors, depending on theme and weather conditions.

Contact (615) 890-2300 or visit discoverycenteronline.org.

Movies Under the Stars Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation will hold its 65th annual "Movies Under the Stars" starting Monday, June 4 through July 28. This event has been a time-honored tradition for families with PG-rated movies and relaxation under the night sky. The movies will begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and picnic and enjoy the show!

Concessions will be available. For listings of movies or more information, please contactMurfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department at (615) 890-5333 or e-mail recreation@murfreesborotn.gov. Contact Marlane Sewell at (615) 890-2300 or e-mail jneal@discoverycenteronline.org.

JUNE – JULY

Exhibit Expansion of The Time that Changed EveryJUNE thing: Murfreesboro's Civil War Era Discover stories of the historic courthouse and the 1862 Battle of Murfreesboro with new exhibit panels depicting local history and memories of the Civil War being hosted throughout June, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. Contact heritage@mtsu.edu or (615) 217-8013.

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern The circus arrives without warning. It is there one day when it simply was not the previous day. The tents are striped in black and white with no other colors to be seen. The hours of operation are from nightfall to dawn. Le Cirque des Rëves, the Circus of Dreams, is an enchanted place and the setting for a beautiful love story between competing magicians set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Written by Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus casts a spell on the reader from the first page.

Celia and Marco have been trained since childhood for a duel of their magic abilities, with the circus serving as the arena for the players. Their talents are no sleight of hand, but true conjuring. Celia can turn clothing into birds and can change the color of a fabric with her mind; Marco can create entire worlds at will, invented environments of great beauty, simply by passing his hands over one’s eyes. Their mentors have prepared them for a fight to the death, but they could not have foreseen that the two opponents would fall in love.

Their magic produces tents containing astonishing delights, such as a cloud maze, an ice garden and a living carousel as part of the competition, but soon they create the tents to please each other as they fall in love. Tension builds as the reader hopes for a way in which the lovers can defy fate and find true and lasting love.

The star-crossed lovers are surrounded by a collection of characters that make the circus possible. Hector Bowen is the father and teacher of Celia, while the Man in the Gray Suit, sometimes called Alexander, takes in and mentors the orphaned Marco. Herr Friedrick Thiessen makes the magical clock that is a centerpiece of the circus; he becomes the leader of the fans of the circus, called "The Rêveurs," who follow the circus from one location to the next. Poppet and Widget, fraternal twins born on the night that the circus opens, become friends by with Bailey, a boy who becomes enthralled with the circus SANDRA PINEAULT and is fated to play an important role in the survival of the circus. Many other colorful characters make the circus possible as associates and conspirators as well as members of the circus company.

The Night Circus is author Erin Morgenstern’s debut novel. In addition to writing, she is a multimedia artist, which is very evident in her lush and vivid descriptions. She has written an enchanting fairy tale, a Harry Potter for adults. Her writing style is lyrical and creates a spell in which the reader is entranced. She studied theater and art at Smith College and currently lives in Boston. The Night Circus will make the reader want to run off and join the circus, but only if it is the wondrous and thrilling Cirque des Rëves.

READ TO SUCCEED

BOOK REVIEW

NEW SITE HELPS MURFREESBORO SAVE DO YOU LIKE TO SAVE MONEY? A new blog aims to help Murfreesboro consumers save on dining, grocery, retail deals and much more.

Tshanina Peterson created murfreesborostreasures.com with a passion to help families save their hard-earned money. Whether you’re shopping at a discount retailer, an upscale boutique or your favorite restaurant, she wants to help you find the best deals in Murfreesboro and to spotlight local businesses and free local events.

Peterson updates the site daily and also offers subscriptions (free, of course) via daily emails, Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed and will begin contributing shopping and saving tips to The Murfreesboro Pulse’s weekly e-mail newsletter.

"We all know that heading to the grocery store can be frustrating, and we’re here to teach you how to save," says Peterson.

"Pair a coupon with a mega-event sale at Kroger or a buy one, get one free sale at Publix, and you’re sure to lower your bill.

You’ll also keep that cash in your pocket by shopping the produce deals at Aldi!"

Murfreesboro’s Treasures also keeps Kids Eat FREE and Weekly Dining Specials databases; a thrift and consignment store database; weekly deals and coupons from local retailers; freebies like free eBooks, music or samples; and information on local events from workshops for kids to concerts on the Square. For more, visit murfreesborostreasures.com.

 Want to receive more information about deals and free stuff in Murfreesboro?

Murfreesboros Treasures now provides saving tips via the Pulse’s weekly e-mail newsletter. Get money saving tips sent directly to your inbox. To sign up, scan here or visit boropulse.com/newsletter. Or sign up for the Pulse’s text message alerts by texting “pulse” to 86568.

Sandra Pineault is a retired teacher, a One Book committee member and a Murfreesboro native Read To Succeed is the community collaborative created to promote literacy in Rutherford County.

The objective of this partnership between schools, area agencies, and businesses is to support local programming and raise awareness about the importance of literacy. For more information and to find out how you can make a difference in Rutherford County’s literacy rates, visit readtosucceed. org. The opinions expressed in this book review are not necessarily representative of Read To Succeed, but simply intended to promote the joy of reading.

BOROPULSE.COM

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GUJARAT AND THE TRAGEDY OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS

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ature has done an incredible amount of work developing the variety of plant species that we see around us. Although the animal kingdom usually hogs the evolutionary spotlight, modern day plants are also the product of relentless competition.

The genetic material present in a tomato seed, for example, was created through millions of cycles of success and failure, starting in South America and continuing every year up to the present. Farmers have had their hand in the creation process as well, selecting varieties with desirable traits such as a sweet taste or large yields. But in 1953, something happened that would forever change the relationship between man and vegetable: the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. The implications were profound across the sciences, and led to the realization that man can manipulate the genetic sequence of DNA, leading to new forms of life. We can now create plant varieties that are resistant to very specific pests or diseases. And if you were to consult the marketing material from the companies that are in the business of manufacturing GM crops (genetically modified), this development heralded a new future. The problem of hunger in the world has effectively been solved—at least this was the claim that led to widespread adoption of GM crops in northern India during the so-called green revolution of the 1960s/’70s. The farmers of Gujarat might however tell a different story.

GROWING PROBLEMS In 1980 the Supreme Court ruled in Diamond vs. Chakrabarty that it is legal to patent genetic material. This decision is the financial backbone of companies such as Monsanto, the world’s leading producer of GM seeds. The Gujarat example is

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a good starting point to shed some light on the business practices of modern agribusiness. India in the 1960’s was at an agricultural crossroads, as an expanding population put strains on traditional methods of agriculture. The solution, backed by the Indian government and US investors, was to transition the northern state of Gujarat into a modern breadbasket. Farmers were shown the high-yield promises of GM crops and were encouraged to grow monocrop fields of wheat, rice and cotton, as opposed to their traditional and sustainable methods of intercropping.

Only later did the farmers learn that the initial seed purchase was only part of a package. The plants produced by Monsanto are not resistant to a particular natural threat, but rather to their proprietary pesticides and herbicides such as the infamous Roundup Ready product line. These all-in-one solutions destroy all that is in their path—all, that is, except Roundup Ready resistant crops. Another hidden cost in the package was the increased water needs of the engineered plants. In the short term, India gained a food surplus and Monsanto made fantastic profits. But the situation in Gujarat played out a bit differently.

What those unknowing and trusting farmers gained was an enormous amount of synthetic pesticides introduced into their environment, a dramatic lowering of the water table in their state and a new train: the Cancer Express. This eerily nicknamed train transports victims of the new wave of cancer appearing in rural farming communities to government treatment facilities. And there is one last trend that is perhaps the most disturbing.

There have been over 250,000 suicide cases among rural farmers that are attributable to the financial ruin caused by these agricultural practices.

Vandana Shiva, physicist and leading advo-

cate against Monsanto and GM crops in India, calls the system a "mortgage on the land" and cites statistics that show an 8,000 percent increase in seed price and a 1,300-fold increase in pesticide use. Such confounding numbers are the result of a rapid change Originally, genetically modified crops infrom organic, centuries-old creased yields in India, but the system has methods to modern agribusiness. since devestated the nation in various ways.

Ninety-five percent of the cotton grown in India is now from Monyers, even though the original findings were later santo seeds. disputed. Although the jury is still out on whether The tragic tale of Monsanto in India is one of or not GM foods themselves are a health risk, the many. It is clear that if left to their own devices, EU is deciding to play this one on the safe side. political leaders are unlikely to put up a fight, Considering that the item in danger might including Mr. HOPE himself. At the end of May, indeed be the global food supply, we may be President Obama announced that Monsanto and wise to also rethink our policy of allowing the other agribusiness companies will take charge of agrochemical companies to write the laws. GM the Grow Africa Partnership, which aims to adcrops are a self-propagating form of pollution, dress issues of malnourishment in the developing continent. I wonder if he is aware that Monsanto is and once released into the wild, can out-compete native species. This unavoidable consequence actually an agrochemical company or that it was a manufacturer of DDT and along with Dow Chemi- can be devastating to local ecosystems. In the US, over 90 percent of the staple crops of corn, wheat cal, the sole manufacturer of Agent Orange? Is it a coincidence that a company founded to profit from and soy are genetically modified. There is also a 15-mile dead zone where the Mississippi empties war is now waging an undeclared war on farmers? into the gulf. Unchallenged monocrop agricultural Such questions are beyond our power to meanpractices have lead to massive ingfully address, partly because runoff from Midwestern states labeling of foods containing bordering the river. This is the GM ingredients is not required most visual of many, many (making the vote with your walexamples. let approach impossible) and Labeling is the key. If we partly because of Monsanto’s column by RYAN EGLY win the labeling battle, the war gargantuan legal apparatus. egly@boropulse.com is over. The transnational comStates calculate that it is too panies that removed GM ingreexpensive to challenge Mondients from their EU product offerings will finally santo in local legislatures, and bills that have been have to do the same here. Local producers will feel proposed have been soundly defeated. But there equal pressure to abandon GM ingredients. is an ever-brightening light at the end of the legal tunnel: the ballot initiative in California. In 24 US NON-GMO PRODUCTS states, it is possible for voters to directly vote on Luckily, there are some local stores who pay legislation that they can’t convince their legislators attention to the content of their products. Corey to enact. In CA, just over 500,000 valid signatures Williams, owner of Pa Bunk’s on the Square, comare required. On May 2, 2012, the Committee for mented that GM products goes against his store’s the Right to Know announced nearly 1 million philosophy, and that "some customers are in the signatures in support of the GMO Labeling Ballot habit of checking labels; those who are not can Initiative. So it looks like, come November 2012, trust us to filter out the bad products."

Californians will be deciding for themselves if they Kim Hillsman of Sunshine Health and Nutrition want GM products to be labeled. And if the 93 uses UNFI as a distributor, a company that has percent who recently responded in favor of labelbeen instrumental in creating the Non-GMO label ing have anything to say, the ship may be making that is beginning to appear on products. According an abrupt turn, or as least as abrupt a turn as a to Hillsman, the process is thorough and expensive ship can make. A very important question comes for companies to complete. When you see that to mind: why are people in California paying so label, you can feel safe that it means something. much more attention than the rest of the country?

The information housed by a seed is invaluable, LABELING IS KEY not only because of the process it sets in motion, In the EU, GM crops have effectively been but more importantly, because we have no way of banned since 1999, as six of the EU’s key econorecreating it. There is no technology than can remies have determined them to be of questionable place the humble tomato seed. This is truly just the safety. In addition, any foods containing more surface of a very deep issue. Be on the lookout for than .9 percent GM ingredients must be labeled Non-GMO labels, as well as the results of the CA as such. These decisions are largely the result of a ballot initiative. And to depart with a note of hope: 1998 study in the UK that showed that feeding a in April 2012, the state government of Gujarat certain type of GM potato to mice led to gut damdecided not to distribute the new Prabal brand of age. The popular outrage that ensued was more corn seed, despite the fact that the new genetic than could be contained by a few highly paid lawwonder was offered free of charge by Monsanto.

LIVING GREEN

Nurture Your Garden as Summer Begins Deter bugs, water, fertilize, stake and you'll be harvesting in no time. by TERRI DELONG SUMMER IS HERE! Crops are can cause lush vegetative growth growing and insects are feasting. at the expense of fruit producNow is not the time to rest! tion. I always add a little less There is always something to fish emulsion and more liquid be done in the garden. The seaweed to the watering can more attentive you are now, when I fertilize in the sumthe better it will pay off at mer months. harvest time. You must keep an There are several benefits to eye on the bug population! You staking or trellising certain fruit need to keep up with the watering and vegetable plants. For one, it and occasional fertilizing of your gets plants off the ground, freeing  garden. You will probably want up space in your garden. It also Take a cutting from tender new to stake tall growing plants now, allows better air circulation, detergrowth and put it especially tomatoes, before they get ring many plant diseases. Tomatoes in a glass of water too big. And you might want to start are one fruit that truly benefit from in the windowsill. preparing for succession planting being staked. You can choose the When roots start if you want your garden to nourish growing, just plant wire cages sold at the nurseries, but it in the garden. you until winter comes.

I have found that a strong wood or As with all new It is fun to patrol the garden for metal stake is cheaper and more plantings, whether bugs at night! Bring along a flasheffective. Just tie the plant stems to by seed, translight and a bucket of warm, soapy plants or cuttings, the stake with twine as they grow. water. Look for slugs. Pick them off Cucumbers, peas and pole beans are remember to water them every and throw them in the soapy water. better if they are trellised. I make day until they are Squash bugs are on the prowl right a teepee structure out of bamboo established. now in my garden. I counted 12 of or wooden stakes and wrap twine these stink bug look-a-likes on just one squash around the top to hold them together. You can plant the other night! They laid their bronze also have them climb up an old ladder or any rows of tiny seeds on the bottom of my pattyother vertical structure you have on hand. pan squash leaves. I know it sounds harsh, but Some vegetables take up their space in the you must seek and destroy these menacing garden all summer long. Other vegetables creatures (and their unhatched babies). Every have a shorter growing season. Once you haryear, including this one, the flea beetles eat vest potatoes, onions and other short-season tiny round holes in my eggplant. You can’t veggies, there will be a bare spot in your garcatch these fast little jumpers, so spray them den. Planting other vegetables in these spaces with some soapy water or neem oil. I personis called "succession planting." I always end ally haven’t noticed any aphids yet, but I anup doing a second planting of bush beans and ticipate their arrival. They always camp out on squash. They are easily started by seed; no the undersides of tomato leaves. Squish them need to buy plants. with your thumb (it’s kinda fun). If that makes If you have the space and you really love you queasy, then squirt them off with the tomatoes, here is a thrifty way to prolong your water hose. It’s very smart to take preventative tomato harvest: Take a cutting from tender measures for deterring potential bug populanew growth and put it in a glass of water in tions. Putting a few drops of mineral oil on the the windowsill. When roots start growing, corn silks to prevent the corn ear worm is not just plant it in the garden. As with all new a bad idea. The most important thing is to be plantings, whether by seed, transplants or present in your garden, whether it be night cuttings, remember to water them every day or day. That way you can be prepared to take until they are established. measures before an infestation occurs.

Take good care of your garden this month, As the heat and humidity get worse, try to and you will be picking baskets full of fresh work in your garden during the early morning or fruits and veggies next month! You may have late afternoon when it is a little more bearable. already been enjoying fresh veggies from your It is a good idea to do your watering in the garden and if so, that is great! If not, don’t morning hours. This practice will cut down on fret. You will be munching from your garden water evaporation and fungal diseases. Make in no time! July is when the serious harvest sure enough water is applied to thoroughly begins. Meet me here next month, and I’ll saturate the root zone of your plants give you in-depth instructions for harvesting Fertilizing is important, but don’t overdo to get the maximum flavor and nutrition from it. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, your veggies.

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FOOD

Hot & Fast Three deep in Shorty's: A night talking to the guys on Shorty's Pizza Bus story by BRYCE HARMON

Thai Pattaya serves a great variety of beautiful, healthy and hot (if requested) dishes, including pad khing (ginger stir fry, pictured here), squid salad (below left) and pad kra prao (basil stir fry, below).

PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO, TOP RIGHT PIZZA BY BRYCE HARMON

(Right) Dan Rodenburg, delivering to a customer's house, isn't so short, but his bus is (below). Shorty's Pizza Bus cruises the late-night streets of Murfreesboro bringing the hungry folks pizza pies made right on board.

THE DISH NAME:  Shorty's Pizza Bus LOCATION: Delivery Only PHONE: (615) 995-0259 HOURS: Wed.–Mon. 7 p.m.–3 a.m.

O

ne of the best things about this town is simply driving around during a daily routine to and from work, running errands, or just to alleviate boredom, when one of Murfreesboro’s aromatic fragrances wafts through the open window or the open air conditioner vents. If luck has anything to do with it, the smell is pleasing enough to the olfactory sense but also invokes salivating and a realization you’ve been starving for the past hour and a half. Some of the best scents floating around here are the obvious ones: family grillouts throughout the city limits, Slick Pig’s smoker in the middle of the night, the fried fairground smell from any of the many summer events at Cannonsburgh, freshly-made bread from a bakery around the intersection of West College and Medical Center early in the morning, and let’s not forget anywhere honeysuckle grows wild near the roads. All of it comfortingly pleasant while seducing our palates, but unfortunately, you must be travelling to stumble upon them.

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PRICES: 14" pizza with unlimited toppings $10

What if you’re at home after a long day, only wanting to stumble to a couch, though? What if the night’s weather isn’t agreeing with you? Or the big one: What if you’re drunk in the middle of the night and town, desperately wanting someone to not only ride in on an appetizing wind, but supply the food that scents the wind with a pure, homely local feeling corporate food chains can’t provide the way that the previously mentioned Murfreesboro locations and their fragrances can and do? All the while staying put where you are.

If the latter applies, hope has been rolling around town for a little while, emanating the beckoning essence of a late-night meal and advertising they’re just a phone call away.

"I’m out here trying to help people have a good time. I went to M.T. I partied these roads— well, not roads, but blocks—for years. But there [was] something big missing . . . and that’s food."

In comes 26-year-old Dan Rodenburg—a tall, skinny, brown-headed business mind voicing

a fast-paced Chicago accent with the newest local-dining business venture, Shorty’s Pizza Bus. It was started in the first week of April this year with nightly deliveries around Murfreesboro.

Shorty’s has quickly grown in popularity over its short existence for appetizing reasons. They’re willing and able to bring a very freshly made pizza pie directly to your house, work or bar. In front of you, they will pull it out of the oven Rodenburg carries in a custombuilt, small, yellow school bus that hums generators powering the in-bus pizza kitchen down the road. Then, they’ll sell it to you for a low price—compared to other pizza joints around town—with a big, genuine smile on-face and a friendly conversation as long as there’s no rush to put dinner in the stone oven to cook on the ride to his next order/destination. It’s kind of hard to not get into a conversation with him, once that short yellow bus with the even yellower luminaire above the front windshield shining the Shorty’s logo and slogan,

"We’ll Be Around," pulls up to your house. It’s a novel sight, and it’s all ours, thanks to the minds of Rodenberg and his business partner Derek Robertson, who keeps a track of the operation from East Tennessee.

"I originally started [with] my business partner in 2008. [He] was from Michigan, but he lives in Knoxville now," explained Rodenburg. "He worked with me at Electric Forest [music festival]. His daughter wanted to work, so he got in touch with me to volunteer [her] because I recruit people for [an] eventstaffing group based […] at Bonnaroo.

It’s Jesus Loves You Ministry and they’re [from] Kansas."

After Rodenburg graduated from MTSU in 2010, he reconnected with Robertson.

"He got the idea of custom concessions. He sells busses […] and if anyone wants to buy a bus or an RV, he can build one of these. He thought of that and saw me bartending at Outback in a tight little space, just spinning around there

tending, tending, tending, and when he was in the army, there was this guy that always came to the barracks with 15–20 pizzas in a big ole stack of boxes and be like, ‘5 bucks, 5 bucks, 5 bucks, 5 bucks.’ This is in the ’60s or ’70s. He was like, ‘That guy used to make a killing. And it was all because he delivered late at night,’ ya know?

People all coming back from the bars and stuck there until they had to eat Army food in the morning. That’s pretty much the nix about that."

With the idea of creating this pizza bus, the two figured Bonnaroo would be a great place to premiere their work. They ended up sneaking the bus in the Tuesday before the festival started a couple of years ago and sold 50 pizzas during their first entrepreneurial test-drive together.

"We were excited. That’s pretty bad ass, just running around the lot screaming, ‘half price pizza!’" said Rodenberg.

Two years and several festivals later, they’re breaking the bus out for Murfreesboro. "[Now], I’m the owner/operator. He’s the owner/investor/builder/engineer. [Murfreesboro] is a good market, and Shorty’s Pizza Bus ‘is what it is,’" he said. The delivery area consists of anywhere between Greek Row on the MTSU campus to Broad St., latitudinal, and from Bradyville Pike to Memorial Blvd., longitudinal. The usual toppings of bacon, pepperoni, sausage, ham, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onions and so forth, are available on a 14-inch thin pizza crust (no crust exceptions unless you bring your own) for 10 bucks a pop cash or credit and they deliver for free between 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. on, depending on the demand. Patrons of bars around the Square seem to be falling in love with the idea as Dan is accepted with open arms anywhere he goes around there, and with good reason. The consensus is he’s on to something.

"Right now we’re at, I dunno, 20 [pizzas served] a night and people are like, ‘You must be […] in the dough,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m selling $200 dollars of pizza a day. Not to mention $25 on gas, x amount on propane.’ […] I don’t know exactly what the profit line is, but it’s not that good with a partner. I’ll tell you that."

How many employees do you have?

DAN: "Technically, none. Just family and friends right now helping me out," Dan said.

(Friend and consistent helper, Justin Wright, was making pizzas this particular night, cooking in the back of the bus by headlamp light alone while they were on the road. Dan continues, "It’s almost like a volunteer work. When we do [take on helpers], we plan to do it like a barber-shop style. You rent the spot and get the tips. That’s looking like the only feasible way for us to do this. But in time, if it gets busier…")

Do you guys working on any ideas for expansion if it gets busier?

JUSTIN: Just as far as having other cars.

Everything goes so fast and instead of having people wait 15, 30 minutes to get there… And bagged foods like chips, and everything. We haven’t really gotten that out there. He’s the brains behind the operation (looking at Dan).

I’m just [the help] off and on. Tips are really

good, though. That’s the only thing I make on it. [It’s] just a little extra cash on the side.

And you keep it under the seat?

[Laughs] I’ve got the ‘Judge’ in there sometimes. It’s the shotgun revolver. Shoots shotgun shells. […] I have my carry permit. We do that whole deal. We’re talking about outside-thebus live webcam. We’ll have pictures of every person that comes up to the bus.

And that’s just for security reasons?

Yeah, that and it’s gonna be funny too.

What kind of licenses do you have to operate Shorty’s Pizza Bus? They’re up there [points at the papers in one of the bus windows next to the swing-open side door]. Business license, federal and state tax codes. You gotta have a health score. I’m proud of how clean we are. You don’t have to have a CDL or F class for your license. [The bus] isn’t long enough for [that] to be a problem.

No obligations to pull the little stop sign out when you’re parked doing business?

We don’t pull the stop sign out unless someone asks us to while we’re parked. They’ll be like, "does the sign work?" And we’re like, "Yeah," [he says as he gestures as though he's pulling the sign out and makes a semi-truck horn sound with his mouth.] We’ve been thinking about doing it as a joke one night, pulling the sign out in the middle of the night to try and stop a drunk. Get out and start dancing.

Sounds like a fun gig. Probably a lot of work, too.

JUSTIN: We’re busy from 12 to 2, 12 to 3 . . .

DAN: It really just picks up to the end [until] the bottom drops, and we’re like, "Oh, God, we’re done." But it’s really interesting and we’ve got a great response. I’ve had a couple of people that either don’t like the pizza or a couple people saying, "This took too long. It’s unacceptable," and they don’t ever call me again.

They think because we’re mobile, we have more pizza guys than everybody else and it’ll take a tenth of the time, but there’s still only the two of us—maybe three some days. If some people get real pushy about it, I just go hand the pizza to someone on the street. I don’t care. I’m not going to [get in a] battle because I’m not there in 45 minutes. Sometimes I just can’t help it.

We should really have a delivery range half the size of what we do.

Competition-wise, Jimmy John’s is the only other store that delivers until 4 a.m.

Shorty’s Pizza Bus usually operates every night, management depending, and can most likely be found on the Square if the night feels slow, just schmoozing with smiling customers, dancing, selling ladies’ tie-dyed Shorty’s shirts made by the Robertson family, and of course, cooking up a few pizzas. They can be reached at (613) 9950259 anytime you catch a whiff of baking pizza as it rolls around, or if you’re just hungry in the middle of the night in general.

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THE KING RETURNS Gilligan’s to use common sense by stocking up on womerns and likker. by BRYCE HARMON fangs and put on his signature black suit similar to something Conway Twitty would wear to a funeral. All just to goof around with friends on a shoddy public-access show airing out of Charlotte called The Wild, Wild West, later renamed, The Unknown Hinson Show a couple years after its debut. Since then, Baker has toured the country through and through, touting (to some) his chosen era’s witty persona inspired by nothing more than traditional western music, booze, women and the guitar he carries in a coffin. One of the best parts about Baker’s beautifully devilish creation is, he never breaks character when in public. Ever. It’s a dedication worthy of envy by comedians and actors alike.

Folks that know of him know just how

over-the-top he can be, too, as an over-boozed and charmingly abusive ’60s/’70s style country musician down to the thick, stubborn, trailer-park Southern drawl. But as seriously goofy (or vice versa) as Hinson can be, his abilities with that six-string electric of his are no joking matter as it’s received him a signature "celebrity instrument" guitar and featured artist position from Reverend

IF YOU GO:

here is a travelling man of myth and legend with an almost two-decade-long road behind him littered with empty bottles of party likker, the echoes of award-winning self-induced comedic-country music perfection, thousands of dedicated cult followers and longing womerns, and a passion for his own particular brand of a strict and deathly raunchy Southern lifestyle hither unknown to the folks incapable of recognizing comedic genius. He’s been called a 400-year-old hillbilly vampire or, even better, the King of Country Western Troubadours, but to most he’s known as Unknown Hinson.

On June 23, he’s directing his path back to Murfreesboro after a couple of years’ absence from Middle Tennessee for an appearance at Gilligan’s, and with him, his brand of honky-tonk country/psychobilly rock capable of dismantling one’s preconceived notions of what those genres are supposed to be and what they’re supposed to be represented by.

The path back here: Hinson’s back story isn’t the best life to lead for the fainthearted. He was born a bastard child in the hills of North Carolina to Miss Hinson and an unknown father (Miss Hinson thought it appropriate the boy have his father’s name the way it was labeled on his birth certificate), but his mother sang him traditional country-western songs as a boy, eventually handing him a guitar when she felt he was big enough to hold one up and play for himself. After he turned 14 and Miss Hinson mysteriously disappeared, Unknown left the hills to join a carney that was touring the Southern states with county fairs as a sideshow, eventually giving him the opportunity for his first musical performances that led to increased ticket revenue for the fairs he worked and the billing name, Troubadour Boy. Major country labels began paying attention to him, too, throughout his short-lived carney days until a group of men he calls "the pioneers of country music" sabotaged any possibility of further success he had by framing him with 19 paternity suits, three counts of murder, some grave robbing charges, and vampirism. All of which landed him behind bars until his release in 1993 (Hence, the old fashioned persona and hatred for rock and roll, though he plays the hell out of it at live shows just "to show young’uns it don’t take no talent to play that mess"). He came out spitting and feisty, though, hitting the road immediately to take back the deserved destiny he was deprived of, just he and his six-string at first. And he still shows no signs of stopping.

A façade, of course, Hinson’s full-out stage persona came from the brilliant mind of North Carolina native and former studio musician/ music teacher Stuart Daniel Baker one day in 1993 after he slicked back his jet-black hair revealing a wicked widow’s peak, slapped some long fake mutton chops on the side of his head, blacked-out his front teeth to accentuate his

WHO: Unknown Hinson WHERE: Gilligan's, 527 W. Main St. WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, June 23 COST: $18

Guitars, who is known for how they get their nonconformist guitar sounds. It’s rumored that when Tom Petty met him, all Petty wanted to know was how Hinson got his sound.

"I love him, and I’ve seen everybody live. I mean, everybody: Eddie Van Halen, Slash . . . and Unknown Hinson. He’s the second-best guitar player alive. The first is Prince, and that’s only because he’s jumping around, wearing assless chaps and doing the splits," said Renner Wilson, front man of former local rockabilly band The Hellbillies/current front man of Calhoun/huge fan of Unknown Hinson.

Backed by Jimmy Church on the pedal steel and guitar, Rick Cutshaw on drums and percussion, and Hugh (Tuff ) Blanton on bass and backup vocals, Hinson has great opportunity with this tight rhythm trio to show off his vast variety of chops as well as politically incorrect lyricism in five studio albums: 21 Chart Toppers in ’99 and The Future is Unknown in 2000 out of Uniphone Records, Rock ’n’ Roll is Straight From Hell in ’02 out of Capitol, Target Practice in ’06 out of Coffin Case Records, and his latest recorded live, Live and Undead in ’08 out of Uniphone/sdbmusic).

And Hinson’s musical talents and deep-woods personality within the albums and stage presence have helped to continue the snowball of success all around him with further accomplishments like "Find of the Year" from Rockabilly Magazine in 2007 and an invite to join Billy Bob Thornton’s band, The Boxmasters, as bassist and guitarist (which he did). Also, Hinson has toured with Reverend Horton Heat, Hank Williams III and Willie Nelson on some of their recent tours, and on top of that, he voices the character Early Cuyler, the fatherly truck-boat-truck driving squid on Adult Swim’s animated series, Squidbillies.

He is a self-made man with a short-tempered heart and fingers that make people wonder if he’s made a deal with the devil. Even though you may not know exactly who he is, his voice is highly recognizable when he speaks.

For more information on Unknown Hinson, including tour dates for 2012, Unknown merchandise, music downloads, and even fan club membership, go to unknownhinson.com. Vidoes of live performances or little shorts he and his production crew have put together over the years (numbering in the thousands) can be found on Youtube, too. Unknown’s albums are available on all the usual outlet sites such as iTunes and Amazon, as well as his fanpage. For ticket information regarding the June 23 appearance, call Gilligan’s at (615) 439-6090.

Yes, it has been a couple years since he’s been around the area, but the last time he was, he had the notion to run Lynard Skynard guitarist Ed King off stage at gunpoint because King was playing that "rawk" music. "Get yo hippie ass off my stage, right now!" he ordered.

He’s definitely a good show

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BONNAROO 2012

Festival returns for another year of fun and frivolity

story by JESSICA PACE

BONNAROO IS HERE and The Pulse is going to brush over a few of this year’s lineup highlights, which includes both the big shots and the little guys from Middle Tennessee. There are far more pleasant surprises mixed into the bill that aren’t named here (don’t miss The Roots, Punch Brothers, The Black Lips or Aziz Ansari), but this is the short list of who we’d be anxious to see and why.

 HEADLINERS & LEGENDS:

THE BEACH BOYS The California surf rock icons are getting around on their fiftieth anniversary world tour, which includes a headlining Bonnaroo slot. The Beach Boys’ brand new album, That’s Why God Made The Radio, was conveniently released June 5, which gives die-hards a few days to get familiar with it before festival time.

(Clockwise from top) Radiohead, Caitlin Rose, Trey Anastasio, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beach Boys and Kurt Vile are all slated to play the 2012 installment of Bonnaroo.

ALICE COOPER I’d personally rather enjoy this weirdass extraordinaire in a dark dive, which seems like an environment better suited for him, but Bonnaroo will do. Cooper’s genre exploration over the course of his lengthy career was never without a proper dose of the macabre and a twisted sense of humor when it came to stage presence.

PHISH Though not quite as old as some of the other "legends" mentioned here, Phish can still be listed as such, if not for conquering neo-jazz fusion, then for their overwhelmingly expansive cult following. Phish fans are just as much fun to watch as Phish. Whether I’m going to watch Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon jump on trampolines in unison while playing or watch the sandaled wookies shake sticks at the stage is a toss-up.

RADIOHEAD Thom Yorke’s looking more chipper these days. He must be proud of all those terrible records his band never made.

KENNY ROGERS The guy that knows when to hold ’em, knows when to fold ’em, knows when to walk away and knows when to run is making a Bonnaroo appearance and is just the kind of rare but wonderful surprise that, in my opinion, makes the fest worthwhile. As a legendary man of multiple talents, Rogers is best known for penning a great many simply structured songs that hit home on a profound level.

DANZIG LEGACY Glenn Danzig carved his name into the wall of punk and hard rock through a number of projects, namely Samhain, Danzig and Misfits. Danzig Legacy combines each to include Samhain and Danzig sets, and songs from the Misfits catalogue performed by Danzig and Doyle Only (Misfits’ roadie-turned-guitarist).

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THE LOCALS:

CAITLIN ROSE What has Caitlin Rose been doing since last June? Nothin. Just opening for The Decemberists at the illustrious Ryman Auditorium and releasing a highly praised debut full-length Own Side Now that displays a lot of lovely shades of country. Last year, she played her way into the ’Roo lineup by winning Nashville’s Road to Bonnaroo competition.

BY LIGHTNING! Twee indie folks these days seem to be tackling psychedelia with wild abandon. At least By Lighting! does and did back in February in their valiant and successful effort to squeeze onto the bill through Road to Bonnaroo. Not bad for a relatively fledgling band that also happens to have a great record, Left Hand Right Hand, to its name.

CHERUB Even if it’s not your thing, a futuristic hodgepodge of enormous dance beats and electronic jibber-jabber just may be, somehow, exactly what you want to hear in a hot dusty field a few disorienting hours into the festival.

GLOSSARY Glossary has built an indie rock ’n’ roll smorgasbord of records

over the years—precisely seven, the most recent of which is the optimistic endeavor Long Live All of Us —played many a SXSW and triumphed their live shows in Murfreesboro, but they’re Bonnaroo first-timers this year.

THE (CONTEMPORARY) LEADERS:

ALABAMA SHAKES Alabama Shakes has been in everybody’s face lately—on Conan, on Letterman and on the radio because of their miserably glorious blues-roots rock ‘n’ soul hybrid. Let’s see how it translates on a Bonnaroo stage.

BEN FOLDS FIVE Last year, Ben Folds Five reunited for Folds’ compilation album and fans were filled with glee as tour dates began springing up.

Because what’s better than big, buoyant and grandiose piano parts from a slight, bespectacled artist and his beloved backing band?

SKRILLEX I’m an old woman of 22 who learned the meaning of "drop the bass" long after it became a common phrase. And while I’m still not a Dubstep diehard, there’s something to be said for this particular artist (and former member of From First To Last), some of the more unusual and creative beats he’s manufactured and the electric-charge intensity he can pack into an audience.

I

’ve wanted this to happen for years, and though there was only a week from when the show was booked to the concert, it happened.

Hank Williams III came to Murfreesboro.

"My Bowling Green show that was going to close out the tour fell though," he said in early May, indicating that a Murfreesboro stop would be a likely endcap to the US leg of his tour. story by BRACKEN MAYO

So on May 18, Shelton Hank Williams, a.k.a.

Hank III, made a stop at Gilligan’s.

"I have a son who goes to college in Murfreesboro," he added.

Regardless who his kinfolk are, his music is life changing for many. Not many artists capture the hillbilly rowdiness that the crazed country rebel himself can.

This tour is extra special for Williams; the shows consist of four hours of almost exclusively his music.

"I take pride in playing the longest show of any national touring act for the lowest ticket price for the working man and woman," Hank III said.

What happened at Gilligan’s prior to 9 p.m.

HANK III: PHOTO COURTESY CONQUEROO; LIVE PHOTO BY BRACKEN MAYO

CRAZED COUNTRY REBEL Hank III hits Murfreesboro, plays it all.

could qualify as one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. This more country-flavored portion of the evening—"to pay respects to the roots first," as Shelton says—drew heavily from the Straight to Hell record he put out in 2006, with some other gems sprinkled in including that catchy lyric "That Bitch She Stole My Cocaine," a version of the "best Hank Williams song ever," "I’ll Never Get out of this World Alive," and a pit breaking out during "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." Who else can make that happen?

As the set goes on and the crowd got more expressive, one fan jumps onstage, another larger fellow follows to remove him, and the scene was quickly going down the tracks towards broken bottles and kicks in the ribs, Hank III stops mid-song, a moment of awkward silence ensues, and he leans to the mic and says, "Go easy on him, he’s just having fun in his own way," in his distinguished drawl.

Well, that should calm everyone down, I thought. Nothing but gentlemanly behavior will come from this bunch henceforth, but then III mutters something, immediately exchanges his acoustic for an electric without finishing the prior song and kicks the intensity up two notches, going into "Hillbilly Joker" from the "Bootleg" days. This causes many in the crowd to go from energetic and bouncy to absolutely wild insanepandemonium rowdy. It has only just begun; that’s why they call him Full Throttle.

The coming portion of the night featured more material from the three "Bootlegs" that Hank III slipped out beginning in 2000. Reportedly, Curb Records, to whom he was contractually bound, did not want to release this type of music at the time. Apparently, the all-knowing Music Row shot callers at the label felt a cleancut, twangy reincarnation of Hiram (Hank Sr.) was the more marketable product. They didn’t know Hank III very well. He recorded what he wanted, music that made one want to get dirty and break things, and if the label didn’t want to put it out, he’d give it away. The tracks spread, I was lucky enough to encounter them and the fans wanted more.

Hank III has since fulfilled his obligation with Curb, though they still own the songs that he recorded during his time under contract and they very well may release even more of them before it’s all over to milk the deal for every dime it’s worth.

But Shelton said a huge feeling of release and relief hit him in late 2011, as business and creative freedom were his. Williams simultaneously released three albums (and one of those, Ghost to a Ghost/Guttertown, was a double at that).

"I couldn’t sell my own records at my shows for 20 years," he said.

So, after Hank III’s time on the electric at Gilligan’s—that segment billed under the Hellbilly name—the evening continued with material from Attention Deficit Domination, another of the 2011 releases.

Hank let his hair down for this one, literally.

The band was simply him on distorted electric and a drummer, the set was tight and varied enough to hold interest, plus a screen overhead projected flashes of lots of engaging images,

though the absence of lyrics and sparse instrumentation could sometimes suggest one-half of a local metal band’s writing session.

The show concluded with offerings from the other independent release, incidentally the first 3 Bar Ranch performances in Tennessee.

Historic.

Though Hank III comes from a family tradition of American music royalty, "I had a very normal upbringing," he says of growing up in nearby Franklin. "Jr. was on the road doing his thing.

"No one ever pushed me into music; it was a very natural progression . . . I got a drum kit when I was 7 years old. By the time I was 10 I was up onstage playing ‘Family Tradition.’

Before too long I started touring with punk-

rock bands. But no one ever pushed me into music like they pushed my dad," he continues. "When he was young, Audrey [Hank Jr.’s mother] was telling him to ‘get onstage and sound like your daddy.’"

Lately, Shelton says stuff from Jimmy Martin, Waylon Jennings, Queen, Wayne Hancock, Heart, Roy Duke and a variety of other artists have provided him musical enjoyment.

The tour travels though Europe through July 7, so if you missed the Murfreesboro date, hitch a ride up to Belgium or England. It’s worth it.

For future tour dates and more information, or to buy the self-released projects from 2011 on vinyl, visit hank3.com. And if you don’t like his hillbilly sounds . . .

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PHOTO BY ANDY HEIDT

SOUNDS

Front left: Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, Natalie Grant, The Roys, Ashton Shepherd and Rodney Atkins join members of Committed, second row, at Loveless Barn during filming of the PBS special Pa's Fiddle: American Music.

MTSU Students, Faculty Make Pa’s Fiddle PBS Special Possible MUSIC CITY ALL-STARS are bringing Charles "Pa" Ingalls’ old-time fiddle music and songs alive for a PBS special, and MTSU will be right by the fireside.

Pa’s Fiddle: America’s Music features award-winning musician and musical director Randy Scruggs and an all-star string band—Matt Combs, Dennis Crouch, Chad Cromwell, Hoot Hester and Shad Cobb—along with artists Randy Travis, Rodney Atkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ashton Shepherd, The Roys, Natalie Grant and NBC’s "The SingOff " champions Committed.

Dr. Dale Cockrell, director of MTSU’s renowned Center for Popular Music and a scholar of the early American tunes immortalized in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie book series, coordinated aspects of the music special, taped Jan. 6 in Nashville.

MTSU students were behind the scenes to film Inside Pa’s Fiddle, a documentary on the inspiration, creation and execution of the special. The students’ documentary

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will accompany the PBS special in a planned DVD package.

Pa’s Fiddle: America’s Music will be broadcast during the 2012 June pledge-drive season on PBS stations throughout the nation. A new CD, Pa’s Fiddle: American Fiddler, featuring a portion of the 127 songs mentioned in the Little House books, is also available now at laura-ingalls-wilder.com.

"It’s terribly exciting to see this all finally happening," said Cockrell. "It’s even more exciting to see these excellent musicians get so excited about playing this music. They don’t get the opportunity to do that very much, and to see them almost melting in the studio in the presence of this great music is a wonderful opportunity."

Cockrell, who is the founder, owner and president of Pa’s Fiddle Recordings LLC, a record label dedicated to recording the music referenced in Wilder’s books, teamed with actor Dean Butler, who played Wilder’s husband, Almanzo, in the Little House TV series, to create the Pa’s Fiddle project.

Electronic Media Communication major Sam Willey, a junior at MTSU, directed the behind-the-scenes documentary. Haley Ellis, who graduated in December, and Megan Brantley, another junior EMC major, served as line producers. The student team worked through the spring to meet the PBS deadline.

CONCERT LISTINGS

GREAT BARRIER REEFS

Send your show listings to listings@boropulse.com

THURS, 6/7 BLUE Tommy McKnight BUNGANUT PIG Doc’s New Music WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & the Moneymakers

FRI, 6/8 3 BROTHERS John & Jacob BLUE Leroy Wells & Friends BUNGANUT PIG Trevor Finlay Band FANATICS Junkbox WILLIE’S WET SPOT Atomic Trunk Monkeys

SAT, 6/9 3 BROTHERS Stephen Simmons BLUE The Eclectics BUNGANUT PIG Fender Bender FANATICS Pimpalicious THE BORO The Buddy System, Transcend the Fallen, The Creepy Kids, Fallopian Dudes WALL STREET The Likes of Us, Stallion WILLIE’S WET SPOT Backlit

SUN, 6/10 BLUE Jazz Brunch with Avent Lane & Larry Pinkerton BUNGANUT PIG Ryan Coleman THE BORO Don Coyote

MON, 6/11 HIPPIE HILL Afteroo

TUES, 6/12 BLUE Jeff Alfiero BUNGANUT PIG Judd Sulcer HIPPIE HILL Afteroo: The Grand Ole Uproar, Zach Deputy, The Dharma Initiative LIQUID SMOKE Bellweather WILLIE’S WET SPOT Freedom Hill

WED, 6/13 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night BUNGANUT PIG

View Concert Listings Online:

FRIDAY, 6/22 @ WALLSTREET

Junkyard Funk HIPPIE HILL Afteroo: Micah Foxx, Blue Fruit Snacks JOZOARA Marshall Seese WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & Lenny, Freedom Hill

THURS, 6/14 BLUE Tommy McKnight BUNGANUT PIG Doc’s New Music HIPPIE HILL Afteroo: The Mundies, Destination Zion, Arpetrio WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & the Moneymakers

FRI, 6/15 3 BROTHERS Rhythm Kitchen Unplugged BLUE Leroy Wells & Friends BUNGANUT PIG Nick Carver Band FANATICS Zone Status HIPPIE HILL Afteroo: Sugar Lime Blue, Chief Greenbud, Eyes Of The Elders THE BORO Cory Bishop WALL STREET Copper Into Steel, Roots of Rebellion WILLIE’S WET SPOT Rebel Rulez

SAT, 6/16 3 BROTHERS Mitch Gallagher BLUE The Eclectics BUNGANUT PIG Stones River Pilots HIPPIE HILL Afteroo: Evergreen, Dumptruck Butterlips, Corbitt Brothers WILLIE’S WET SPOT Smiley Blind Band

SUN, 6/17 BLUE Jazz Brunch with Avent Lane & Larry Pinkerton BUNGANUT PIG Larry & Michelle HIPPIE HILL Afteroo

TUES, 6/19 BLUE Jeff Alfiero LIQUID SMOKE Bellweather WILLIE’S WET SPOT Freedom Hill

PULSE PICK

WED, 6//20 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night BUNGANUT PIG Brian Hester & the Borrowed Band WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & Lenny

THURS, 6/21 BLUE Tommy McKnight BUNGANUT PIG Doc’s New Music WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & the Moneymakers

FRI, 6/22 3 BROTHERS Austin Highcock BLUE Leroy Wells & Friends BUNGANUT PIG Marshall Creek FANATICS The Smoking Guns THE BORO Static Revival WALL STREET Great Barrier Reefs, Deep Machine WILLIE’S WET SPOT Rebel Rulez

SAT, 6/23 BLUE The Eclectics BUNGANUT PIG Psychedelic Pontiac, El Dorado Special

FANATICS Soul Patch GILLIGAN’S Unknown Hinson JOZOARA Tim Weincek THE BORO Mink Cousins present A Moulin Rouge Party WALL STREET Flint Forehead, Kink Ador, Kansas Bible Company WILLIE’S WET SPOT Double Image

SUN, 6/24 BLUE Jazz Brunch with Avent Lane & Larry Pinkerton BUNGANUT PIG John Salaway

TUE, 6/26 BLUE Jeff Alfiero LIQUID SMOKE Bellweather WILLIE’S WET SPOT Freedom Hill

WED, 6/27 3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night BUNGANUT PIG Your Imaginary Friends THE BORO Jason & the Punknecks WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & Lenny

SAT, 6/9 @ THE BORO We won’t say that Fallopian Dudes was the main draw PULSE to this show just PICK because of their name, so we’ll just say we’re eager to hear this fledgling band at The Boro who name Pentagram, Deep Purple and Primus as influences.

They’ll be playing with Nashville’s hard rockers, Transcend the Fallen as well as The Buddy System and The Creepy Kids.

Let the instrumentation get heavy tonight at Wall Street with The Great Barrier Reefs and Deep Machine. Those band names sound so…powerful, and with good reason. Both composed of seasoned musicians who’ve worked the Murfreesboro venue circuit for years, they let their instruments do the talking, whether it’s Deep Machine’s intense, psychedelic haze or Great Barrier Reefs’ hot jazz fusion.

THURS, 6/28 BLUE Tommy McKnight BUNGANUT PIG Doc’s New Music FANATICS Ivan Lafever WILLIE’S WET SPOT Shane & the Moneymakers

FRI, 6/29 3 BROTHERS Prattle on, rick BLUE Leroy Wells & Friends BUNGANUT PIG Corbitt Brothers FANATICS Nashvegue THE BORO June Jam Metal Fest WILLIE’S WET SPOT Junkyard Funk

SAT, 6/30 3 BROTHERS Jake Leg Stompers BLUE The Eclectics BUNGANUT PIG Lauren Zoeller & BluzeLightning FANATICS Junkyard Funk JOZOARA The Buzz Band THE BORO June Jam Metal Fest WALL STREET AN WILLIE’S WET SPOT Stupid Kool

SUN, 7/1 BLUE Jazz Brunch with Avent Lane & Larry Pinkerton

MON, 7/2 THE BORO The Darling Sweets, The Black Fairlanes

TUES, 7/3 BLUE Jeff Alfiero

IF YOU GO: 3 Brothers 223 W. Main St. 410-3096 Aura Lounge 114 S. Maple St. 396-8328 Blue 810 NW Broad St. 410-3383 Bonhoeffer’s 610 Dill Lane 202-3517 Bunganut Pig 1602 W. Northfield Blvd.

893-7860 Coach’s Grill 127 SE Broad St. 962-7853 Coconut Bay Cafe 210 Stones River Mall Blvd.

494-0504 Dugger’s Food & Fun 1738 W. Northfield Blvd.

809-2605 Fanatic’s 1850 Old Fort Pkwy.

494-3995 Gilligan’s 527 W. Main St. 439-6090 JoZoara 536 N. Thompson Ln. 962-7175 Lanes, Trains and Automobiles 450 Butler Drive 890-3999 Liquid Smoke #2 Public Square 217-7822 MT Bottle 3940 Shelbyville Hwy. 962-9872 Murfreesboro/ Center for the Arts 110 W. College St. 904-ARTS Nobody’s Grill & BBQ 116 John R. Rice Blvd.

962-8019 Social 114 N. Church St. 904-7236 Temptation Club 2404 Halls Hill Pike 217-0944 The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 895-4800 Wall Street 121 N. Maple St. 867-9090 Walking Horse Hotel 101 Spring St., Wartrace (931) 389-7050

WED, 7/4

Willie’s Wet Spot 1208 S. Lowry St., Smyrna 355-0010

3 BROTHERS Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night

Wright Music Bldg.

1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 898-2493 BOROPULSE.COM

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JUNE 2012

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THE TETSUO STORY How a prolific two-year-old Murfreesboro rock band rocks, and why nobody’s really noticed story by JESSICA PACE

Tetsuo is a bit of an enigma. Over the past two years, the Murfreesboro born-and-bred threesome (frontman/guitarist Ardis Redford, bassist Spencer Blake, drummer Austin Coppage) has undergone lineup metamorphosis, released two compelling records in a short amount of time and is preparing to release its third this month.

The first album These Crystals Don’t Burn is an experiment in psychedelia and shoddy garage rock, and the second, Inmates, is a blur of punk slop, though both fit within a hardened post-hardcore frame and are outfitted in Redford’s poetically askew lyrics. You don’t have to look outside Nashville to find a hundred other talented bands with a high output. But here’s the funny part: in Tetsuo’s two-year lifespan, the band has ridden on the fringe of Nashville’s expansive and quite hyped garage rock scene. Sitting on their porch on a late day in May, The Pulse asked why. I don’t think anyone’s ever asked them.

How did Tetsuo become a band?

BLAKE: We started playing music together when we were 16. Redford and his friend Nelson had an acoustic indie rock band, and me and Austin joined and we played music together under different band names for six, seven years.

But Tetsuo’s only been around for two.

REDFORD: I saw Spencer in this one band a long time ago, and I thought that was so cool, so I wanted to get involved, and I’ve never regretted it.

BLAKE: I went to Blackman High School and played jazz with Austin’s brother and some older kids. We were in band together and we just started playing during a study period. Then Tetsuo didn’t have a drummer, and I said, "Let’s just get this guy."

Did you finish the third record?

BLAKE: We’re about 90 percent done.

REDFORD: We’ve got to get Kansas Bible Company to put horns on it and maybe change a couple vocal tracks.

Where’d you record it?

REDFORD: With Jason Dietz.

BLAKE: The same guy we’ve recorded with every year for six years. He did all three records and all the stuff we did before we were Tetsuo—

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Saint Buzzard and The Kinky Gentlemen.

REDFORD: We followed him from his garage

. . . all the way to his suburban home.

BLAKE: It’s at his house, but he’s a genius. And

he has everything; he’s really a wizard, and he’s really cheap. He’s the best person for us. We’ve thrown around changing producers. We were going to go to Grand Palace, but at the end of the day, we know we’d just have to start back at square one with anybody else. Dietz knows what we sound like, so why change a good thing?

REDFORD: Sticking with him has made a slow improvement in our sound quality, I think.

BLAKE: He’s an engineer; he lets us produce it, but he’s done more than he probably thinks he has as far as getting us smart about getting super over-prepared going into the studio.

You say you keep a consistent sound.

Some bands call it "the natural progression" when they kind of change entirely.

REDFORD: I think all the records are a bit different. I think they’re a lot less similar than we think they are.

BLAKE: The third record is toned down in that we’re not just screaming and playing as loud as we can. But songwriting-wise, we do the same kind of thing. Tongue-in-cheek lyrics.

REDFORD: There’s always that guy who sounds

PHOTO COURTESY CVR CHRG

SOUNDS

like Marge Simpson singing. I sound like Marge Simpson if you slowed her voice down. All I’m saying is, I listened to our first record recently, and I don’t think we’d release it at this point if we did that now. The natural progression is toward getting our sound tight and getting our tones tight.

scene has never really accepted us because we’ve never been a part of it. I think that garage rock trend is really stupid. It’s really simple music.

It’s so intentionally not put-together. It’s so contrived, I just can’t buy it. It sounds like garage bands 30 years ago, only now they’re doing it on purpose. We’re not into gimmicks at all.

The first record is not tight?

REDFORD: It’s pretty loosey-goosey.

COPPAGE: It’s almost intentionally loosey-

goosey, though.

BLAKE: Yeah, that’s just part of it. It’s like a garage rocky record with a bunch of weird electronic stuff. Our later stuff was more straightforward rock ’n’ roll. It’s a little louder and more unhinged, but it’s a lot like those old records because we kind of structure them that way.

COPPAGE: Our records are more important to us than our live shows. Even though we love playing live and care about what we do live, I just think for us, we’re more interested in having album sounds. Because when we die, that’s what’s going to be in the time capsule buried under our house.

But people remember live shows.

REDFORD: Over time, we’ve come to care

about them more and more.

COPPAGE: Because we play so many of them.

REDFORD: We never used to sound that good live.

You describe yourself as a garage band.

What sets you apart from other garage bands?

REDFORD: Well, we’re not doing it because it’s the thing to do, for sure. I always wanted to be in a band. I don’t think we write songs based on what anybody else is doing.

BLAKE: I think there have been a lot of bands that formed just to be like, "Let’s be a garage rock band and get real popular real fast." We’re more interested in sticking around for a while.

We’re not a band that formed because of the scene. We want to be there no matter what. The

Where do you think this gimmick came from?

BLAKE: Jack White moved to Nashville and everybody wanted to be in a garage band ’cause he was there and they wanted him to pick them up.

REDFORD: I think the Internet has a lot to do with it as well. Everyone got really into the Nuggets box set and low-fi. It’s a great box set, but Spence is right; it’s strange to do stuff intentionally. It’s better to do what you can do with what you have.

BLAKE: If you’re making yourself sound like something because you think people want to hear that kind of sound, it’s not really even music. It’s like elevator music.

REDFORD: It’s a product.

COPPAGE: It’s manufactured.

BLAKE: And when low-fi garage rock is a manufactured product, that’s a bad sign.

I think at your second record release, Redford announced that the third record was ready.

REDFORD: Yeah, by the time of that release show, we had 7 of the 13 tracks already. We’ve been working on this one for a while.

BLAKE: I mean, Redford’s always writing songs.

It freaks me out how many he can write in a short amount of time. Very few people still write like that. You don’t get that kind of high volume of material in such a short time. Maybe it’s too much for people to devour. It’s not a bad thing, but where do you start with us when we’ve been around just two years and we already have three records?

REDFORD: I’ve never heard that as a complaint before.

How many tracks did you bring in this time around?

REDFORD: All the records have 13 tracks. I always use 13 as a nice little reference point.

But I’m sure you had more songs than that. How did you sift through them to choose the 13 for this record?

REDFORD: I try to sort them by theme—by having a similar kind of vibe, I guess. All the songs on the first record were all my crazy, erratic jokes, almost. The second record was darker. The third record is more melodic, ’60s kind of stuff.

BLAKE: We’re all really good at structuring stuff and making sure that we’re all playing the same thing together. That process is actually really fun.

COPPAGE: Right after Red writes stuff, and we’re sitting in the space arranging, that’s really where we all shine.

Is this record "about" anything?

BLAKE: I don’t think there’s a concept, but Tennessee is a theme in our songs. As a setting, this place is pretty cool. It’s a pastoral, agriculture kind of place, but it’s also got culture, and there’s a lot of people in Middle Tennessee just packed in.

We live in a college town, and Nashville is a huge hotbed for all sorts of shit. It just gives you ideas for songs, and how a place affects how people act, and how the structure of society works. A lot of those songs on the first one were about Murfreesboro, but also just the people we know.

REDFORD: I’ll say this. I think the first record was more Murfreesboro-based, and the second was more Nashville-based, but I couldn’t write a third record about anywhere else, because I’m out of places. It’s about the people. If I had to say, the third record would be about getting older, moving on.

BLAKE: It’s easy to get hung up and frustrated, because we’ve had no success. We pay almost everything out of pocket. We don’t have a manager. It’s easy to grow to hate the place that makes it so hard for you, but that’s par for the course. We’re prepared to never get paid for anything. If that’s the way it’s going to be, it has no bearing on us, because we’re going to play even if we have to pay taxes to be in a band. We don’t care if there’s money, because there is no money. We gave up that dream a long time ago. If you want to make money playing music, just go get a job.

REDFORD: I don’t think frustration with Nashville was the main theme of Inmates, but we are moving on from that. The third record is not as negatively charged.

BLAKE: Lyrically, I think Red just likes to put his finger on things, and he does it in a way that nobody can tell what he’s doing. It looks like a story, but it’s not a story. He’s calling people out.

Are lyrics more important to you than music?

REDFORD: I think that they’re both important, but I think I’m better at writing lyrics than I am at playing music.

BLAKE: Me and Austin have a somewhat formal musical education. We can read music,

but I can’t write lyrics to save my life. Neither of us can.

Do you ever think you would stop writing songs?

REDFORD: I think if that ever happened to me, I would be profoundly sad, like I’d lost a huge part of myself. I hope that never happens.

If I ever stopped writing songs, I would start writing books, and that’s the truth. A lot of lyrics were supposed to be stories but on paper they didn’t come off right, but in lyrics, it works. ***** REDFORD: On my last day of class in senior seminar, they got this guy to come in and talk to us about career development. They went around the room and asked us what we were going to do, and when they got to me, I said, "I’m planning on being a musician." And everybody laughed.

BLAKE: It’s cheesy, but if you want to make something work, you make it happen for yourself. Like JEFF the Brotherhood. They played basements for years before they quit their jobs to go on tour full-time, and look where it got them.

REDFORD: And they’re kickass dudes. That’s what makes me worried about dissing on Nashville garage rock. It’s like shooting a gun into a crowd where there are some people I don’t want to hit. Because JEFF’s awesome, Natural Child is awesome.

Any particular songs on the new record you want to talk about?

COPPAGE: "Captain of the Ocoee," that’s one of my favorites.

REDFORD: The Ocoee River is one of my favorite places in Tennessee. I used to go out there back when I was friends with a bunch of really outdoorsy people, and it was one of the best times of my life. We’d go out on the kayak. The thing about the Ocoee River is they can switch it on and off.

There was this guitar player. He was a total drunk who lived really hard, and he’d go out on this rock when the river was off and play guitar . . .

BLAKE: . . . And one day, they turned the river on while he was out there, and he drowned!

REDFORD: That’s actually exactly what happened. And this guy, he was kind of an ass, and people started calling him Captain of the Ocoee.

So what now?

REDFORD: I think we’re going to move to Chicago, though. We know a lot of people there, and it’s pretty there.

BLAKE: Forever it was a coin toss between Austin, Texas, and Chicago. In Chicago, it would be easy for us to get a friend base and get going.

But in Austin, they’re a little more receptive to what we play. I think we should tour first before making a decision, but the longer we wait, the more likely I think it is that we’ll just stay here.

REDFORD: How about we just say a year from today?

Would you still write songs about Tennessee?

REDFORD: Yes. It would take a long time for that to get out of my blood.

MP BOROPULSE.COM

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PHOTO BY SCOTT McCURLEY

SOUNDS

International Folk Fest: Celebrating 30 Years STEVE CATES NEVER EXPECTED Murfreesboro’s International FolkFest to survive three decades, but this year marks its thirtieth birthday.

In 1982, Cates and his fellow Cripple Creek Cloggers, a group of Appalachian-inspired dancers, founded the festival after an international clogging tour struck a chord with them. The cloggers’ visits to Europe inspired them to bring to Murfreesboro the diverse cultures—and dances—they’d discovered abroad.

"When we started International Folkfest in 1982, we had no ‘grand plan.’ We simply wanted our folks here in our area to experience what we were enjoying when we represented the US in international folkloric festivals in other countries. We started on a wing and a prayer . . . it was a real shoestring operation," Cates says.

The International Folkloric Society, an affiliated Murfreesboro non-profit formed in 1986, recruited friends, family and local supporters to expand the festival, which gradually became an annual event with support from sponsors Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperation, Tennessee Arts Commission and the City of Murfreesboro.

The support has spread. In exchange for performances by visiting dancers and musicians, groups such as city schools, retirement homes, libraries and Boys & Girls Clubs have assisted FolkFest over the years and have provided an opportunity for the festival to achieve its purpose: to reach multiple demographics and promote appreciation for the arts.

According to Cates, FolkFest’s foreign guests enjoy the exposure to new cultures as well.

"My favorite aspect is to see the groups’ enjoyment of their stay here in our town and area. We really have so much to offer in the way of history, culture and natural beauty, and I like to see these people soak it all in. Most

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of them have never been to the US before and none of them have ever been to Tennessee," Cates says.

"I also enjoy seeing the audiences enjoy the music and dancing and costumes and appreciate the friendly comments they make to these visitors following performances."

This year, FolkFest runs from June 10 to June 16 and features approximately 140 musicians and dancers. Festival-goers will get to see, and possibly learn, dances from the Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Belgium and Austria.

2012 INTERNATIONAL FOLK FEST SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 Central Christian Church 404 East Main St., Murfreesboro 7 p.m. • Free THURSDAY, JUNE 14 Manchester Art Center 128 East Main St., Manchester 7 p.m. • $10, Reservations: (931) 728-3434 FRIDAY, JUNE 15 Patterson Park Community Center 521 Mercury Blvd, Murfreesboro 7 p.m. • $5 SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Courthouse Square, Murfreesboro 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. • Free To learn more about the hosts, visit cripplecreekcloggers. org. For more on this year’s festival, visit mboro-international-folkfest.org. For additional information, contact Steve Cates at appdancer@aol.com.

Read more album reviews at

ALBUM REVIEWS

Shannon Stephens

Moped Sally

Pull it Together

Cadaver

We have all heard of the stereotype pertaining to Moped Sally’s LP Cadaver, which is the 10-track Seattle’s weather; if the opportunity to sink into that creation of writer, performer and producer Mason ever every-shade-of-gray atmosphere rises, remember Wallace, makes a hell of a first impression with opener a bluesy country sound that’s heard coming from many "The Only Lonely Holy Roller." It begins quietly, but Nashville bands influenced by Jack White’s guitar in the a minute in, it starts sounding like a song you might Raconteurs’ slower songs and imagine how those Seattle dance to if you had a million dollars, got it changed skies would affect that kind of music. That is what’s into all ones and took the cash to a sleazy club to heard listening through indie-folk rock singer/songwritdance around with. And that’s just track one. er Shannon Stephens’ third release, Pull it Together, out Both breezy and tight, ominous and roboticof Asthmatic Kitty Records. It’s a new sound for her this sounding effects—warbles, buzzing and plinking—all round, but fitting for the diary repertoire of lyrics she’s converge along with a dreamy acoustic touch and an been known for her previous two albums; just a tinged occasional trace of classical (like "Sage"). That’s better Nashville blues-ier this time. than a bongo to back Wallace’s spoken word, mostly Stephens lived an agrarian life as a newlywed new muted and a backdrop to the music. Said spoken word mother for most of the past decade, taking a hiatus from sounds like a madman’s mutterings on "Shiptoe," on music. However, a Seattle local covering a song of hers which acoustic guitar and electronics make friends, from her solo debut sparked a second sounding like sea winds passing wind. So, along with said coverer, We’re working through the mouth of a guitar.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Grammy Award The deep, deep acoustics on "Satan’s hard to promote winning engineer, Kory Kruckenberg Guide To Getting It Together," my good music in favorite number on the whole record, and a new country-esque lineup Middle Tennessee. sound like a mixture of Mellow Gold known as The Fabulous Friends (Jeff Fielder on guitar, James McAliser and Sublime, and the vocals brought a Bands: send your albums from Pedro the Lion on drums, Steve quick flash of 311. And I’m almost cerand promotional materials to Moore on keys), Pull It Together, was tain one of the lines is "I’ve had it up The Murfreesboro Pulse, 116-E North Walnut St., born as a testament to the life Steto here with being your clean dream."

Murfreesboro, TN 37130. phens led for so many years in a small It breaks into a little acoustic jig before potato patch, raising a daughter. mellowing out into "The Stream," This is evident in tracks such as "Girl," which profeaturing a twisted line of lyrics that veers toward a tectively advises someone fresh to life to a slowish 4/4 gloriously creepy and nonsensical Allen Ginsberg style. snare pulling along the picked electric blues riff and Like Aaron Weiss, Wallace sometimes rides that subtle poppy piano chops, as well as "Buddy Up to the funny line between monotone and melody when he Bully," which is the only one that hints at garage rock. sings/speaks, combining an ever-changing mix of the The real gold for Southern ears lies in the track "Care acoustic and electronic—we’ll call it acoustictronica— of You," a dark-rock country tune laced with just the that can sound like a classical concert with effects right amount of banjo and very well-written lyrics. thrown in, a Euro club experience, the score for a Pull it Together can be found at asthmatickitty.com or slasher movie ("Do You Love Your Gun?") or the score facebook.com/thebreadwinner. Tour updates can be found for a car-chase movie (bonus 11th track "Doost"). on these sites too, with shows around our area in SepTo hear the album or for more information, visit tember, according to Stephens. — BRYCE HARMON mopedsally.bandcamp.com. — JESSICA PACE

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RATINGS: AVERAGE

A CLASSIC BELOW AVERAGE

OUTSTANDING AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD BOROPULSE.COM

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MOVIES Culture Cringe Releases Girls Night Out Group seeks to capture local art on various lo-fi media.

BY JESSICA PACE

O

n Valentine’s Day of this year, four locals who are proud to be in Murfreesboro had the brainchild for Culture Cringe, an all-encompassing media outlet through which local artists, including themselves, can release their creative endeavors. Thus far, those projects have mainly focused on music and film. Culture Cringe’s first official film release was held May 11 at 3 Brothers. Girls Night Out, an independent film inspired by the eighties slasher genre and created with help from Culture Cringe’s The Hand, was sold at an all-ages show featuring Kelly Kerr & the Distractions and Epic Ditch.

The Culture Cringe founders who go by Cringey, The Hand, DD Driver and The Teacher know what an artistic mecca the ’Boro was and still is, and everything they do through CC is in tribute and support of it.

What does Culture Cringe do?

CRINGEY: A media group that covers several facets of the media realm. We want to do podcasts. We want to put out movies that are filmed by people in Murfreesboro. We want to put out records. We want to put on shows and get bands to play release shows when we have products coming out. We have a zine…

THE HAND: We did an old-fashioned cut-andpaste zine and put it all over Murfreesboro.

So this is an all-encompassing label?

THE HAND: On a pretty lo-fi level.

CRINGEY: We’re not doing anything in mass production. Everything we put out is going to be limited.

THE HAND: And we’re using lo-fi methods of putting things out. We’ve got flexi disc, seven-inches and cassettes.

CRINGEY: We really like where we live, so we wanted to help exploit it and create stuff in the process and show people there’s a lot of cool stuff going on here.

DD: And try to form a community of creative minds.

What was the first thing you did as Culture Cringe?

THE HAND: The podcast was the first thing we did under the banner of Culture Cringe, but the first release is the horror movie I made with my friend Meredith Kotas.

Why did you decide to release Girls Night Out on VHS? THE HAND: It’s a throwback to the eighties-style slasher horror genre. We love VHS and are just nostalgic about it.

CRINGEY: For me, it was a love for physical media. I’m not really down with the whole digital revolution. People are saying in the next few years, DVDs and Blu-rays will be gone, that it will all be downloads and streaming. Well, I’m a collector of physical media—the bigger, the tackier, the better. Vinyl doesn’t sound as good as CD, and everybody knows that. And VHS doesn’t look as good as DVD, and everybody knows that, but I like a big box you can open up.

THE HAND: Also, it just reminds you of when you were a kid and got to go to the video store and pick something out.

DD: It’s so much more fun having a big box with art-

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work in it than a little CD. CRINGEY: Oh, and our first release, Girls Night Out, is

going to be packaged with the theme song, "Girls Night Out," sung by Kelly Kerr & the Distractions on flexi disc.

That’s the only way you can buy it. There’s only going to be a hundred of them and they’re going to be hand-numbered. Twenty of them are going to be limited-edition and they’re going to come in red VHS cases Do you find yourselves gravitating to one form of media over another?

CRINGEY: We want to keep it balanced.

DD: The Teacher is really into the record part of it. He collects records, like really collects records. We all have record collections but he is all about collecting rare vinyl, and he’s really into Third Man and stuff.

THE HAND: He’s a Vault member for sure [laughs]. I think he went up at 10 p.m. on Friday night [for Record Store Day] for water-filled vinyl.

Do you have a lot of bands approach you?

CRINGEY: It got out really fast. When people found out what we were doing, a lot of people contacted us and said they wanted to play one of our shows. Tennessee Scum asked if they could be involved, and I like their band so that was a no-brainer. That way we’ll be bridging the film and music part of Murfreesboro.

What would an ideal project be; what would you love to do through Culture Cringe?

THE HAND: I’d love to do a feature about Murfreesboro showing what I love about this town.

CRINGEY: One thing I’m going to do is called "Cringey TV" where we have volumes of it, maybe 30 minutes long. Basically, my character is sitting down at the TV, putting in a VHS tape and just channel surfing and watching videos of local bands and shot-onlocation stuff in town and random footage, and I’ll put those out maybe on the first of each month. Public-access TV has sort of gone away. It’s not like it used to be where you can just show up like, "I wanna do a show."

DD: I really like doing the zines and I think it would be really cool to expand on it more, where it could be a fanzine you have to subscribe to and be more in-depth.

CRINGEY: This might be a little ambitious, but someday I’d love to put together a coffee table book of the history of live club music—to an extent—in Murfreesboro. There have been so many legendary shows here between the Red Rose and Sebastian’s and Grand Palace and even Murphy Center. Back in the seventies and eighties, that was the place to play in Tennessee. All the big bands played here.

THE HAND: I saw White Zombie there.

What else do you have on the horizon?

THE HAND: More zines coming out. I’m working on a film with a friend called Space Trash. I’m building models for it right now. It’s like fifties sci-fi.

CRINGEY: We’re putting out a split cassingle with Tennessee Scum and the theme song to our podcast. They’ll be really limited. We’ll make 30, maybe 20 of those.

For more information, podcasts and trailers, visit facebook.com/culturecringe.

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LIVING ROOM CINEMA

MOVIES REVIEWS

column by NORBERT THIEMANN

cinespire@gmail.com

Happy One Hundred

THE AVENGERS

F

or my 100th "Living Room Cinema" installment, I have chosen one of the greatest movies of all time and paired it with a wonderful film directly inspired by it. Fellini’s contributions to film as art is truly immeasurable.

His work has inspired nearly everyone who has taken the time to absorb it.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson Directed by Joss Whedon

Rated PG-13

Joss Whedon has done quite well for himself this year. Last month I reviewed the excellent The Cabin In The Woods, a de/reconstruction of the horror genre helmed by his protege and cowritten by Whedon. Now, like Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson before him, Whedon is charged with the task of bringing a cadre of venerated icons of Nerd-dom to the big screen and keeping it from sucking.

Well, someone picked the right man for the job. Whedon’s experience with ensemble casts in TV’s Buffy and Firefly transfers perfectly to the superhero powerhouse that is The Avengers. When Thor’s brother/nemesis Loki comes to earth threatening extraterrestrial warfare, one superhero proves too few for the job.

The ubiquitous nature of this movie and the four previous films leading up to this giant conglomeration of clobberin’ dictates that

KIDS SUMMER FILM FEST THE MALCO SMYRNA CINEMA will participate in the Malco Kids Summer Film Fest, every Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 1.

At 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday, the theater will show animated movies for just a $2 admission cost.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit various children’s hospitals throughout the Mid-South.

The cinema is located at 100 Movie Row, Smyrna, just off of the Sam Ridley Parkway exit. For more information, call (615) 223-6752.

2012 SCHEDULE: June 5–6, Over the Hedge June 12–13, Kung Fu Panda  June 19–20, Puss in Boots June 26–27, Shrek July 3–4, Kung Fu Panda 2 July 10–11, Charlotte’s Web July 17–18, How to Train Your Dragon July 24–25, Monsters vs. Aliens July 31–Aug. 1, Megamind

RATINGS:

A CLASSIC

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you probably already know who the Avengers are, but in addition to the fab four, those less familiar with the comics from whence these characters came might not recognize The Black Widow or Hawkeye, two star-crossed assassins turned spies for S.H.I.E.L.D. ably played by Scarlett Johannson and Jeremy Renner.

And then there’s Samuel L. Jackson returning as Nick Fury and . . . I already feel overwhelmed by the number of characters, but the key to the film’s success is that in 2 hours 20, Whedon somehow gives each one their due while keeping the story cohesive and the action exhilarating. It would seem that, despite what Spidey’s uncle would have you believe, with

great power comes great egotism, and each ego is given the chance to play off the other with the typical Whedon whit and charm (did I mention he also wrote the script?).

The only real problem with the flick is one that plagues most in the genre: no real stakes.

(Spoiler Alert…ish?) There’s no question that Loki’s plan will fail and that the Avengers will finally learn to work together to defeat him, but this hardly matters because all the interactions between each Avenger (especially Stark and Banner) are so enjoyable leading up to the destructive climax (the collateral damage of which, for once, is actually dealt with) that you hardly have time to nitpick. — JAY SPIGHT

MEN IN BLACK III Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Emma Thompson Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

Rated PG-13

The first one was unexpected, the second one was unwanted, and this third film is just unnecessary. Not that we don’t love wacky science fiction comedies à la Mars Attacks, but where does the desire come from (other than sweet, sweet cash) to perpetuate a series and adulterate the impact of the original?

In this installment of the J and K story (Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones), a monster alien from Agent K’s past named Boris the Animal escapes from his moon prison to travel through time and kill the young Agent K before Boris can be thwarted.

You see, in 1969 the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) made a rookie mistake seen in a number of detective movies. He arrested the bastard when he should have put a laser between his eyes. As a result, J must follow Boris to 1969 and do what K "shoulda done a long time ago."

MIBIII is draining to watch, so contrived and ham-handed that it serves not even as a Saturday afternoon couch viewing. Director Barry Sonenfeld has shot and directed a number of

OUTSTANDING

big Hollywood films for 25 years, but this little picture has no flair.

The first film was so exciting and was instrumental in breaking from the tradition of action comedies laid out in the ’80s and ’90s.

This film’s only salt is an amusing Tommy Lee impression, which Josh Brolin likely picked up on the set of No Country for Old Men. — SPENCER BLAKE

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

 8 ½ (1963) is written and directed by Frederico Fellini. Filled with symbolism and surreal moments from life and dreams, the film is reflective and autobiographical. The complex psychological web we face about our parents, loves, losses, professions, and friendships are all interwoven within this brilliant work. 8½ is quickly paced and eternally satisfying. It is No. 1 on many Top Ten Film Lists for very good reason.

 Stardust Memories (1980) is written and directed by Woody Allen. The inspiration from Fellini’s 8½ is obvious and intended. Past the homage, Allen’s brilliance and comedy shine through. A film director attends a festival and encounters a circus atmosphere of critics and fans.

Stardust Memories is grossly overlooked, but truly stands up as one of Woody Allen’s many great films.

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

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

Holly Amber explained it all as Sister Mary Ignatius

THEATER Nun’s Students Share Stories Holly Amber shines as Sister Mary. column by ANDIE BOYD

U

pon walking into Out Front On Main to see Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it all For You, I thought one thing: this place looks eerily like a church.

Since they already have pews in the audience, this just made it even funnier. Upon learning Out Front was doing this, I Googled the play because I knew absolutely nothing about it.

What I found definitely piqued my interest.

Thankfully, I chose not to read any spoilers.

CHRISTOPHER DURANG wrote this play back in 1979, and he was way ahead of his time when it came to pressing buttons about the Catholic Church.

RYAN VOGEL has directed this 60-minute, one-act play set in 1985. This play starts with gospel music blaring, much like I assume it would in church. (Never was a big churchgoer.) Sister Mary Ignatius then steps onstage, the music quiets and she takes a spot at an easel after, of course, praying and crossing herself. Sister Mary Ignatius is a stern old nun through and through. She makes Sister Alys-

* JUNE PERFORMANCES GOD’S FAVORITE

@ Murfreesboro Little Theatre 7 p.m. June 15, 16, 22 and 23; 2 p.m. June 17 and 24 mltarts.com BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.

Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Center for the Arts 7 p.m. June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23; 2 p.m. June 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 boroarts.org ARSENIC & OLD LACE

@ Arts Center of Cannon County 7:30 p.m. June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16; 2 p.m. June 3 and 10 artscenterofcc.com THE BOYS IN THE BAND

@ Out Front on Main 7:30 p.m. June 7–10 and 14–17 outfrontonmain.com

ious in Doubt look like Mary Poppins.

The show starts out with Sister lecturing the audience. She precedes to explain it all to us.

She goes through all things Catholicism, from the differences between purgatory and heaven and hell to the various types of sins right down to her list of those going to hell. During her lengthy lecture, Thomas, a 7-year-old student that she teaches, brings her chocolates and water. She makes him recite the Ten Commandments for cookies.

Her lecture lasts quite some time, and admittedly, it can make you want to reach up and slap her. After singing "Ava Maria," four of her former students come on stage. They then proceed to put on a mock Christmas pageant.

This alone is worth the price of admission.

You will laugh until it feels like you’ve done a hundred sit-ups.

After the Christmas pageant from hell, the students take off their costumes and come back onstage. Each student takes turns telling her how much her teachings have psychologically damaged them. Alysious, a man who now is an alcoholic wife beater, was forced to hold his bladder until he wet himself in her class.

Diane has had two abortions, the first of which was when she was raped. Philomena, a girl who frequently got hit a lot by Sister, now has a daughter out of wedlock. Gary, a man who is now in a homosexual relationship with another former student of hers, and has been quite promiscuous. Diane explains to her that she has come to kill her. Then all hell breaks loose.

This is very much a hilarious satire that will make you laugh until you cry. On the same token, it will also make you think very hard.

Great acting and an equally strong director is what makes this play shine. For a play that could easily become surreal, it never quite manages to, which is a great thing. I, as an audience member, genuinely believed there could really be nuns out there this crazy.

The cast knocks it out of the park. HOLLY AMBER is phenomenal as Sister Mary Ignatius. She shows that she can do anything. I, for one, am amazed at what all she can keep doing.

I almost thought if I laughed too much, she’d pull out a yardstick and poke me.

MICHAEL HAYES is adorable as Sister Mary’s 7-year-old golden boy-servant. He really shows his talent and makes you so happy to see children that are talented and genuine out there in community theater, where so many can seem so saccharin. KELLY NORTHCUTT will truly make you feel for Diane. As a woman who

has gone through so much turmoil, never once do you ever feel as though she’s crazy or too far gone. Miss Northcutt manages to make all of Diane’s not so understandable acts very justifiable. I always love seeing her on stage. ANNA MATSON as Philomena brings a sweet innocence to her character. Sister Mary constantly reprimands her for having a child out of wedlock, and it almost makes you want to stand

up and defend her. Vogel does double duty directing and starring in this show as Alysious.

He shows such great comedic timing. It never ceases to amaze me at what all this man can do. RYAN DANIEL does a great job at playing Gary. He has so many funny moments and you truly feel sympathetic towards his character. I really enjoy seeing him act, and I look forward to seeing what he will do in the future.

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SPORTS NBA, NHL PLAYOFF ONGOING

THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK, and the heat life with no shirt, no shoes and no problems. is on in Middle Tennessee as the area prepares for When someone asks me to explain why I love Bonnaroo. Record highs are expected for the foursports so much and have such a fiery passion day music festival, and the 75,000-plus attending for the game, it’s easy to explain. The Romans have no problem being high! I love music, but loved sports as I do. Granted, many people ended the love I have for sports isn’t even comparable. I up dying from their idea of sports, but it was a love the lineup at Bonnaroo; it’s crazy good. The group united cheering on their favorite gladiator.

Chili Peppers, The Beach Boys, Radiohead, Phish, These days we don’t allow men with swords and my man Mac Miller, Ludacris, The Roots, the a coliseum of hungry tigers to have a battle royal crazy Alice Cooper, Kenny Rogers—it doesn’t get to the death for the enjoyment of the crowd, but much more diverse than that, and there are many the similarities of a modern football game and more legends and up-andthe gladiator games are very coming bands taking the stage close. People gather, we all at Bonnaroo. But it’s not the enjoy great food and beautiful Train Daddy’s style to attend column by Z-TRAIN women surround us. The gladthe Roo. I am not a fan of dirty, iator games were a way for the titanman1984@ yahoo.com sleep-deprived, overcrowded royalty to keep the common fields of passionate drug-using people happy and entertained. music fans; that’s not describing everyone, it’s Today football, baseball, basketball, soccer, rugby, the stereotype, right? Of course, there are music these games keep people happy and entertained. fans that just go for the love of the music or the It’s quite different from the days of the Romans, outdoors and stay away from drug use. But for a but the battle between two opposing teams still young cat heading to his first music festival, it’s a presents the same passion as it always has. whole other world, and once in the world of the Rugby is a sport I have always loved, and after ’Roo, it’s not the police in charge—it’s the 75,000 four years of writing sports articles for The Pulse, I passionate music fans. This festival has the best have rarely if ever brought up the game of rugby. music this country has to offer, but I would much I played rugby for OHS anwd the Murfreesboro rather spend my money on a trip to a white sandy Mud Dawgs the first year the Tennessee Rugby beach. A beach is a true paradise for the Train, a League was created, and since those days in 2001, tropical drink with a little umbrella in hand, Jimthe league has flourished. The first season ever in my Buffet karaoke music in the background living ’01, The Mud Dawgs won the very first champion-

SPORTS TALK

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant want to bring the NBA Championship title to Oklahoma City, but they must first top the Spurs in order to earn the right to take on Miami or Boston in the finals.

ship vs. the Brentwood Brumbies, and the following year we finished runner-up to Brentwood.

Those were the early days of what has become a league with teams from all over the state and a much more defined rulebook. Rugby is a game of no pads and relies heavy on teamwork and trust.

You hit hard, you play smart and you will win.

Rugby is a true gladiator sport!

The first weekend in June, the 2012 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship was held. After Dartmouth knocked off the favorite Cal, who ended up finishing third, Dartmouth dominated the championship game versus Arizona and adds another banner on the Big Green wall. Now don’t get me wrong, football is hands-down my sport, but unless you have played rugby, you just don’t know of what I speak. You can pound, hit, take someone’s head off and then cheer a victory with your teammates. It’s a true Gladiator event!

Let’s talk basketball and playoffs, baby. It is primetime, and prior to the playoffs, I had Miami and Oklahoma battling it out for the championship. If you don’t believe me, go back and read my past articles at boropulse.com. Now this article was written smack in the middle of the Conference Finals, and without a doubt, I am taking the heat over the Celtics. The other game has me riddled because my heart rolls with Oklahoma City and my brain rolls with the Spurs and as I am writing this article the Series is tied 2-2. The Spurs dominate at home, and the Thunder dominate

at home. What gives and who will steal a game at the other’s house? The Spurs are boring and damn good; Tony Parker is a beast player, a jazzy shooter and fundamentally sound. Parker and the big boy Timmy Duncan, they’re nasty! Oklahoma City is the sexiest team out there; Kevin Durant is a beast all around, and Russell Westbrook, who currently holds the NBA record for longest active games played streak and registered the fifth highest scoring average in the league. The duos were both named to the All-NBA Team, and with a solid surrounding cast it will be interesting to see if they can top the Spurs. No Chris Bosh for now, but Dwayane Wade and Lebron James don’t flinch an inch. Boston has what it takes, but as of press time the Series is 2-1 in favor of the Heat, and I am confident they will win the Series. The real kicker here, ladies and gentleman, is whoever wins the Series between the Spurs and Oklahoma will win the championship, Boom Shaka Laka!

The LA Kings are dominating and up 3-0 on New Jersey as of press time, taking the first two games of the Stanley Cup on the road. I was disappointed at the showing of the Predators after knocking off the Red Wings, but the dominant performance of LA is well deserved and they are aiming for their first Stanley Cup Championship since their creation in 1967.

So, everyone enjoy the end of hockey and basketball and pray for the return of the best sport in the world, "God Bless Football"! CHOOO-CHOOO.

Bisous the Top Dog in See Spot Run; Run in the Sun

until next year. The sixth annual Middle Half, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13, sold out in its first day of registration.

2,500 runners signed up for, and will race the 13.1 winding around the ‘Boro.

In the recent See Spot Run 5k, DAVID PEACOCK (43) led the field with a 17:34 time.

THERESA SAUPE (49) posted the top time among the ladies at 20:46.

However, the real title of top dog went to BISOUS, the first canine to cross the finish line in this dog-friendly event. ERIC LEGROS accompanied Bisous in the race, and they posted a 19:07 time.

Over 100 dogs ran with their humans in that one.

As temperatures rise, don’t stop training, but do take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.

Drink all the water you can hold, wear sunscreen and put a rag on your head if you don’t have any hair up there! Run to a friend’s house or apartment with a nice cool pool to jump in after a nice 100-degree sweat fest out on the cruel blacktop.

Summer running can be a little uncomfortable at first, but it forces one to drink lots of water, get sunshine, flush out their body and melt away some calories, all incredible for our health.

Run strong, and harvest all of that free vitamin D from the sun; just be sure the results of your running are positive for your health, not damaging to it.

DOUGHBOY CHALLENGE The Doughboy Challenge for Charity 5k will be Saturday, June 9, with the race beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the east side 30 * JUNE 2012 * BOROPULSE.COM

at 9 a.m. All 5- and 1-mile racers will receive a safety orange, gender-specific tech shirt.

The overall male and female winner will win free Chick-fil-A sandwiches for a year, as will one other random racer of the Murfreesboro Public Square. just for racing. Plus, the best-dressed The event raises funds for CASA of Chick-fil-A cow will win a prize.

Rutherford County, The Exchange Club Organizers encourage all to race for Family Center and Nashone less orphan, one less vegas Rollers. victim of human traffickRUN To register or for a one less victim of STRONG ing, course map or other sexual exploitation, one column by information, visit doughless victim of poverty; BRACKEN MAYO boychallenge.com. change starts with one.

To register or for more 5-MILE ADVENTURE RACE information, visit raceforoneless.org or On June 9, a 5-mile adventure race Chick-fil-A, 470 Sam Ridley Pkwy. W., will benefit One Less Ministries.

Smyrna.

This race begins at 7 a.m. at 100 Espey Drive, Smyrna.

MURFREESBORO HALF The 5-mile is a chip timed race, but MARATHON other events include a 1-mile run/walk If you want to run in the Murfreesboro at 8:30 a.m. and 200-meter cow dash Half Marathon, well, you’ll have to wait

You Booze It, You Lose It: Alcohol and the Body

BY ADAM VALENTINE

S

ummer has arrived, and what better way to celebrate than popping a top and relaxing. Whether you’re at the lake, the pool, or even a wedding, there is usually one common theme—alcohol. I found it fitting to bring up this topic and offer a fitness perspective to it. To some, this article will be the missing link in their pursuit to a better body.

Alcohol and food are very similar; they are both filled with calories. We’ve all heard the phrase "empty" calories, but what does that even mean? To put it simply, the calories we obtain from drinking alcohol are not filled with nutrient dense components and virtually do nothing but poison the body.

There are 7 calories per gram of alcohol, just two calories shy of the amount in a gram of fat! Knowing this, avoiding sugary drink mixes and high carbohydrate beers would be a great path to take when following a diet or solid nutritional plan. These drinks will drastically sidetrack you from your goals due to the unnecessary amount of calories from sugar alone. The sugar raises your insulin response, as a result, leaving an open door for fat storage. Knowing that summer has arrived, that might be applicable next time you’re considering that mouthwatering margarita. Instead, opt for the "skinny girl" version that is sugar free and just as tasty! The "this vs that" rule of thumb is what I recommend so that people can still achieve their goals without getting entirely off the bandwagon.

So that’s it? All you have to do is avoid high calorie-driven beverages? Wrong. Calories alone are the least of your worries.

The metabolism (our ability to burn calories) is a major component of a successful diet. Following alcohol consumption, however, our metabolism takes a backseat as the body works to remove the ethanol. This survival mechanism demands high priority, for alcohol is nothing but a poison to our efficiency. This process could take hours to recover from depending on what type of alcohol was consumed as well as how much. A great analogy would be as if you were heading to work at a great pace until someone spilled oil on the highway, causing everything to slow down.

Alcohol’s relationship with the metabolism is no different. So when you hear that alcohol makes you fat, know that it’s not just excess calories, but also a halted metabolism. Too add, while ridding the body of alcohol, your

blood sugars crash, causing you to be hungry and eat immediately. It’s at this point where most people get sidetracked. Gorging high carbohydrate and greasy foods will only make it worse, so shoot for something lighter.

We’ve touched on what affects your physique, so what about performance? Aside from the obvious facts like a high blood pressure, liver disorders, heart disease and depression, alcohol has a severe effect to your daily functions even when you’re sober. The body must have solid REM stage sleep in order to fully rest and recover. This deep sleep has been proven to release higher growth hormone response which aids in muscular tissue development. To add, protein synthesis is greatly reduced, preventing any gains you were hoping to have while training.

Yes, this means even one night of week of "letting loose" can ruin your week’s progress.

In short, alcohol and the body have a tumultuous relationship. Depending on the volume and frequency, however, you may get away with having a little fun. For those looking to trim up the excess baggage keeping them from their goals however, making better choices when drinking might be the ticket they need to succeed.

Here are some helpful hints to go by the next time you’re consuming alcohol: • Have plenty of water before and after drinking. This hydrates your body, reducing a chance of a hangover.

• Stick to low percentage of alcohol (liquor) without high caloric additives (mixes).

Beer is probably the worst, even if it claims to be "low carb."

• Be careful with wine; if it tastes sweet, it is. Calorically, white is the best choice.

• Don’t splurge from your diet. Alcohol causes impaired thinking, so put down the slice of pizza and stick to your diet.

• Remember the metabolism is on standby, so whatever you eat is probably not going to be burned as fast (cheat meals not acceptable when drinking for this reason alone).

• Eat whole foods followed by multivitamins to boost the body back to speed.

Adam Valentine is a personal trainer with Tri-Fit. For more information or assistance in reaching your personal fitness goals, contact him at (615) 414-5974 or trifitadam@yahoo.com.

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