June 2014 Murfreesboro Pulse

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BOROPULSE.COM

MURFREESBORO

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

Vol. 9, Issue 6 June 2014

FREE For You!

FEEDING THE Soul WITH ART

FARMER’S MARKET EDUCATION SERIES PAGE 6

Artist Dawna Magliacano makes an impact on the Murfreesboro art scene

JUNE ART HAPPENINGS MUSIC

Rock ’n’ Roll Royalty Returns to Bonnaroo Another Year PAGE 15

Johnny Neel and More to Perform at 12th Annual Afteroo PAGE 20

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DEAR READERS:

CONTENTS  ON THE COVER: “Queen of the Garden Club”

by Dawna Magliacano

COVER STORY

25

33

EVENTS

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Sage Galese and Kristen Stewart at Short Mountain

June Community Events Malco Kids Summer Film Fest; Great Smyrna Air Show; Friday Night Live; Mega Sports Camp; Dairy Day

LIVING

Central Magnet Chess Team

Art Happenings j June Artist meet-ups at Two-Tone; Thomas Green

THEATER

a Horse k Acting A conversation with TPAC’s War Horse puppeteer

IT’S AMAZING HOW THE BODY is all connected. Tension in quads can lead to sinus issues, how one holds their shoulders and traps can alleviate, or cause, foot pain; take care of those hands and fingers—sore hands can lead to headaches. When something is sore, I look for tension way on the other side of my body, and generally find a connection.

Likewise, if I were some business and management genius, I imagine I could say something very insightful about how all of the elements of the Pulse are connected. Rack delivery going like flawless, professional clockwork can help with sales; attractive, clean design can help attract talent, and so on.

It has been a very colorful month, this May. Everything blooming and blossoming, flowers of every color, and those early season fruits and veggies and looking and tasting beautiful. I love it! The green peas and red beets and yellow squash . . . you still have a chance to pick some of those little red strawberries out at Batey’s Berries if you get there in early June.

We welcome Sam Stockard to the pages of the Pulse. The longtime Murfreesboro journalist observes a lot of odd happenings in the political and criminal justice arenas in the area, and now compiles some of the most interesting for the readers of the Pulse.

Various organizations offer lots of sporting opportunities this month for Murfreesboro businesses and individuals; Blue Raider athletic sponsors get

Local Theater Happenings as a Community 6 Growing Take adventage of Master Gardeners, free local workshops. l Chess: the Musical; You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Business 8 Spotlight Lyvonn Reese, with Hot Spot Tanning

SOUNDS

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q w r t y i o p

JUNE CONCERTS Karaoke, Trivia, DJ & Bingo Nights Places to go for fun with friends Music Through the Decades 1890–1920: From Rags to Ragtime Short Mountain Hosts Music Video Shoot Twilight star Kristin Stewart makes her directorial debut.

Rock Royalty Returns to Bonnaroo Elton, Flaming Lips, Avett Brothers, Mastodon and more Kansas: Rising Above the Noise and Confusion Groundbreaking rock band to perform at Schermerhorn.

Festival Season in Full Swing Wartrace Music Fest, Raise the Praise, Sonic Bloom The Black Cadillacs Coversation with Knoxville band prior to their Bonnaroo set.

The After Party Hippie Hill hosts Johnny Neel, Corbitt Bros., Saint Francis

FOOD Earth’s Favorite Pub s Middle Joe Minter makes his dream of Tolkien and beer a reality.

ART

CREW

PULSE

Magliacano g Dawna Feeding the soul with art.

Publisher/Editor in Chief: Copy Editor: Steve Morley Bracken Mayo Writers: Gloria Christy, Philip A. Foster, Art Director: Sarah L. Mayo Mai Harris, Nader Hobballah, Vue Kirchensyuhl, Zach Maxfield, Cameron Parrish, Christy Simmons, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Advertising Reps: Sam Stockard, Justin Stokes, Edwinna Shannon, Jeff Brown, Don Clark, Jami Creel, Jamie Jennings Norbert Thiemann, Phil Valentine

REVIEWS

; Movie X-Men: Days of Future Past; Godzilla z

Living Room Cinema Nazi Purge: Trains Edition Video Game Path of Exile

SPORTS

x c

Sports Talk with Z-Train There will be football in Heaven.

Seahawks Pick Staten Saints later ink QB Logan Kilgore.

Junior National Chess Champs Central Magnet chess team takes national championship.

OPINIONS

Stockard Report v The Should the administrator of elections support candidates?

Steps to Organizational Success b Four Step 2: Is your organization aligned?

Palabra n La They came from outer space.

Valentine m Phil Pay attention to your neighbors, they may be violent.

,

Opinions TCAP Protest, People of Faith Vue From the Pew North Boulevard Church of Christ

To carry the Pulse at your business, or submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (615) 796-6248

Copyright © 2014, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

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

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

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Bracken by the Adult Swim Meatwad at Bonnaroo 2013

to bowl with the players and coaches, run in the Superhero Strides 5K on June 7, and the Rutherford County YMCA hosts its corporate dodgeball tournament on June 21.

Outdoor music time is in full swing. After last month’s JazzFest, the Wartrace Music Fest follows, along with Raise the Praise and various June festivals all around: Wakarusa, Sonic Bloom (if you like the electronics), Romp, (if you are into the bluegrass), and of course, Bonnaroo.

I remember when rock was young!

Not really . . . but Elton John does!

Remember, the week after Bonnaroo is Afteroo; easy to remember, right? There’s quite a bill up on Hippie Hill.

Also, Main Street Music, Murfreesboro’s music hall, is back in full swing this month, with lots of live music on the horizon. Support live music, local business, art and your neighbors!

And please, if you reference your editor in a rap song, make an effort to somehow rhyme “prescription aviators” with “cheesy creamed potaters,” and you’ll have me down.

Peace, Bracken Mayo Editor in Chief BOROPULSE.COM

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EVENTS compiled by ANDREA STOCKARD

Send event information to murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

JUNE 6

RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET Market vendors gather from over 20 Middle Tennessee counties, offering a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more from 7 a.m.– noon at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). For more information, call (615) 898-7710 or visit extension.tennessee.edu/ Rutherford/Pages/Farmers-Market.aspx.

MUSIC AT THE MILL Celebrate Music at the Mill with the The O’Donnells performing music alongside food vendors and inflatables for children at Gregory Mill Park (390 Enon Springs Rd., Smyrna) at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (615) 459-9773 or visit townofsmyrna.org.

SATURDAYS MAIN STREET SATURDAY MARKET Vendors will be on the west, north and south sides of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro every Saturday this summer beginning June 7, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, meats and flowers from 8 a.m.–noon. For more information, call (615) 895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

ALL SUMMER! MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Murfreesboro Parks and recreation will show a movie in one of the parks for families to enjoy, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Locations are as follows: Mondays, Cason Lane Trailhead Tuesdays, Cannonsburgh Village Thursdays, Siegel Neighborhood Park Fridays, Mitchell Neilson Primary Saturdays, Hobgood Elementary School.

Movies showing this month include: June 2–7 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 June 9–14 – The Smurfs June 16–21 – Mulan June 23–28 – Mary Poppins June 30–July 5 – Hotel Transylvania Admission is free. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs. For more information, contact recreation@murfreesborotn.gov or (615) 890-5333.

JUNE 5–7 TENNESSEE 4-H REGIONAL HORSE SHOW Enjoy the Tennessee 4-H Regional Horse Show 8 a.m. daily at Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304-B W. Thompson Ln.) For more information, call (615) 494-8961 or visit mtsu.edu/tmc.

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JUNE 6 MAIN STREET’S FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERT SERIES Main Street’s Friday Night Live Concert offers music, food, vendors and more at the Murfreesboro Public Square from 6:30–9:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month through September. Bring your lawn chair! Admission is free. The Pilots will perform on Friday, June 6. For more information, call (615) 895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

JUNE 7 “HOUSE OF FAITH BUILD” FUNDRAISER Come out for an evening of great music and fellowship at First Baptist Church (738 E. Castle St.) at 4 p.m. with performances by Spirit and Truth, Remedy Worship Band, New Hope Cogic Choir, Bradley Creek MBC #2 Choir, First Cumberland Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir, South Sudan Community Church Choir and First Baptist Church Praise Team.

For more information, contact (615) 890-5877, ext. 103, or angie@rchfh.org.

JUNE 7 WALK FOR WISHES! Join Murfreesboro Medical Clinic in Walk for Wishes! at Gateway Island Trail (1272 Garrison Dr.) from 8 a.m.–noon. Help raise $50K to grant the wishes of local children with life-threatening medical conditions. Individuals, friends, neighbors, businesses, or-

THROUGHOUT JUNE MALCO KIDS SUMMER FILM FEST TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS Malco Theatres are happy to let Kids Help Kids through their 2014 Kids Summer Film Fest. Over the years, the festival has raised thousands of dollars for various children’s charities. This year’s beneficiaries include the Monroe E. Carroll Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Kosair Children’s Hospital (Owensboro, Ky.) and the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital (Jackson, Miss.).

Every Tuesday and Wednesday from June 3 through July 30, select Malco Theatres will offer kids’ movies, at a specially discounted price: just $2 per ticket!

Shows start promptly at 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, visit malco.com. Malco’s Smyrna Cinema is located at 100 Movie Row, Smyrna.

The summer schedule includes: June 3–4: Bee Movie  June 10–11: Charlotte’s Web June 17–18: How to Train Your Dragon June 24–25: Kung Fu Panda  July 1–2: Kung Fu Panda 2 July 8–9: Madagascar July 15–16: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa July 22–23: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted July 29–30: Megamind ganization, hospital, school, religious group, etc., can form a team. Encourage friends, family and coworkers to donate for each mile you walk. Prizes awarded. For more information, call (615) 893-4480 or visit mmclinic. com or middletennessee.wish.org.

JUNE 7 CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT FRIENDSUPPORT FriendSupport hosts its 5th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Indian Hills Golf Course (405 Calumet Trace) with lunch, dinner, a silent auction and music by Zone Status. The cost is $425/team before May 15 and $440/team thereafter. Team fee includes cart rental and greens fees, free range balls, player gift bags, lunch and dinner, prizes, and the after-tournament party. The event is open to the public with $25 admission. Among those who will benefit from this year’s tournament are 3-year-old Mason Carney, who recently sustained serious injuries in a car accident

JUNE 14-15 THE GREAT TENNESSEE AIR SHOW The Great Tennessee Airshow is back featuring the world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels, with more acts to be announced, at Smyrna/ Rutherford County Airport (278 Doug Warpoole Rd., Smyrna). Adult admission is $25 pre-order, $30 at the gate. For more information, call (615) 459-2651 or visit greattennesseeairshow.com.

in Christiana. For more information, visit friendsupport.org, or contact (615) 2746178 or info@friendsupport.org.

JUNE 7–11 SUMMER CAMP: APPLE VALLEY SCHOOL “Students” of the Apple Valley School play out the past as they take part in authentic 19th-century school lessons, make crafts, play games, sing, and enjoy the historic house and grounds at Sam Davis Home and Museum (1399 Sam Davis Rd.) from 9 a.m.–noon. This is for children 8–12; period costumes are optional but encouraged. Registration is required. For more information, call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.

JUNE 8 2014 NATIONAL TRUCK MEET AND SWAP MEET Enjoy antiques, hot rods, rat rods, 4x4s, diesels, rock crawlers and more with trophy classes for all vehicles from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Wilson Co. Fairgrounds (945 E. Baddour Pkwy.). General admission is $15, entry free is $25 and the vendor fee is $55. For more information, visit bothbarrelspromotions.com or call (615) 364-1828.

JUNE 9–AUG. 17 RANGER PROGRAMS AT THE STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

Park rangers offer talks, walks or tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.). Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.

JUNE 9–12 2014 COACH JIM McGUIRE MTSU BASEBALL CAMP Coach Jim McGuire offers an instructional baseball camp for boys age 7–12 at Reese Smith Jr. Field and the Stephen B. Smith Training Facility. Camp lasts from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Wed. and 9 a.m.–noon Thurs. Participants will partake in daily contests and games, learning fundamentals along with team and individual discipline.

Instructors will cover hitting and pitching mechanics, defensive situations, base running and basic knowledge of the game. Fee is $200. To sign up, visit GoBlueRaiders. com or call (615) 494-8796.

JUNE 9–13

JUNE 8–15 INTERNATIONAL FOLKFEST The International FolkFest will once again host dancers from around the world for a full week of Middle Tennessee performances: Monday, June 9 Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Rd, Smyrna 10 a.m. (Mexico) Williamson County Ag Expo Park 4210 Long Lane, Franklin 6:45 p.m. (all groups) Tuesday, June 10 St. Clair Senior Citizens Center 325 St. Clair St., Murfreesboro 10 a.m. (Hungary) La Vergne Senior Citizens 5093 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne 10 a.m. (Czech Republic) Thursday, June 12 Linebaugh Public Library 105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro 10 a.m. (Czech Republic)

Friday, June 13 DeKalb County Community Center 715 S. Congress Blvd., Smithville 7 p.m. (all groups) Saturday, June 14 East side of the Rutherford Co. Courthouse Square 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (all groups) Bell Buckle Banquet Hall 27 Railroad Sq., Bell Buckle 6 p.m. (all groups) For more information, call (615) 8963559 or (615) 885-2631, or visit mboro-international-folkfest.org.

jazz and Latin soul at the Cheval Manor (7052 W. Gum Rd.) with honorees Coach Rick and Deb Insell. The fiery tropical night comes to life with a menu from Five Senses, Blue Chair Bay Rum specialty drinks, and drinks by Mayday Brewery and Stones River Total Beverage. The evening will include a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres from 5:30–7:30 p.m., with 102.5’s Joe Dubin emceeing and Mimi Genet from Bob Parks Realty hosting the live auction during dinner. For more information, visit jdrf.org/ midtennessee, or contact (615) 332-2575 or jclark@jdrf.org.

JUNE 22-AUG. 3 ADULT SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE The Rutherford County Family YMCA is proud to announce an adult basketball league this summer at MTSU Recreational Center. Game days are Sunday afternoons. Fee is $45 for members, $60 for non-members, $350 for public teams and $450 for private teams. Registration ends June 8. Ages 18 & up (Must be out of high school). Register online at ymcamidtn.org/ rutherford-county, or contact (615) 8955595 or jlawrence@ymcamidtn.org.

SUMMER CAMP: JANE DAVIS ACADEMY Young ladies and gentlemen enrolled in the Jane Davis Academy (ages 12–16) will be educated in 19th-century arts and etiquette like lessons in French, vocal music, prayer and devotions, and the definition of a 19th-century lady and gentleman at the Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd.) from 9 a.m.–noon. Children are encouraged to wear period clothing while participating in crafts, tending and learning the uses of herbs, and practices in social etiquette. Registration is required.

For more information, contact (615) 459-2341 or education@samdavishome. org, or visit samdavishome.org

with the official kickoff celebration for Smyrna’s revitalization project. Take part in the official ribbon cutting and opening of the revitalized Historic Train Depot and refurbished Assembly Hall as well as acknowledging Smyrna’s new Farmers Market, which opens the next morning.

Enjoy multiple music stages featuring local acts, artists, local dignitaries, food, crafts and business vendors. Deadline to register is June 11. For information, visit carpeartista.com, or contact vendors@ carpeartista.com or (615) 330-0506.

The Young Business Professionals Employee Resource Group at State Farm® welcomes you to a School Bus Rock concert benefiting the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ Stuff the Bus at 5 p.m. at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.). Admission to the event is a donation of items from the 2014 Stuff the Bus supply list; these will be distributed through Rutherford County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools. Visit unitedwayvolunteer.org or call (615) 893-7303 for a complete list of items to donate.

JUNE 10

JUNE 14

JUNE 20

JUNE 23-27

FAMILY NIGHT OUT Enjoy a movie, concessions, live music and more at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Admission is free. For more information, contact mperdzock@murfreesborotn.gov or (615) 890-0355.

FLAG DAY CELEBRATION Celebrate with Cannonsburgh in honoring the 237th birthday of the Stars and Stripes at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) at 10 a.m. as the Honor Guard from Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department raise the flag. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 890-0355 or e-mail shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.

CANNONSBURGH CONCERTS Enjoy the Cannonsburgh Concert Series from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Admission is free. For more information, please call (615) 890-0355.

ANTEBELLUM ACADEMY Appreciate a week filled with classes exploring a variety of 19th-century skills and customs at Oaklands Historic House Museum (900 N. Maney Ave.) including needlework, etiquette, parlor games and dance for young ladies aged 12 and up. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, contact mb@oaklandsmuseum.org or (615) 8930022, or visit oaklandsmuseum.org.

JUNE 11 JUNE DAIRY DAY Learn all there is to know about dairy from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Dairy Days offers games and prizes, free dairy product samples including milk, yogurt and ice cream, educational exhibits with live dairy cows, hay rides through a cow’s life and lessons on how to make your own butter. Watch the Police vs. Fire Dept. in a milking contest at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call (615) 898-7710.

JUNE 13 SIMPLY SMYRNA CELEBRATION Celebrate Smyrna from 5–10 p.m. in the downtown historic district (115 Front St.)

JUNE 14-15 KENNESAW CONNECTIONS Watch artillery and infantry demonstrations as a ranger tells the story of soldiers and units that played key roles in both the Battle of Stones River and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.). Admission is free. For more information, please call (615) 8939501 or visit nps.gov/stri.

JUNE 18 ‘SCHOOL BUS ROCK’ CONCERT: STUFF THE BUS

JUNE 21 HALLOWED GROUND: A LANTERN TOUR OF THE STONES RIVER NATIONAL CEMETERY At 7:45 p.m., walk through the Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) cemetery by lantern light while hearing the stories of soldiers and civilians that tell us about the terrible cost of the Civil War. Make reservations by June 16.

Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.

JUNE 21 JDRF FUNDRAISING This year’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Summer Soiree theme–HOT for the Cure takes on Cuban

JUNE 23-25 MEGA SPORTS CAMP River Oaks Community Church offers a free sports camp at Siegel High School (3300 Siegel Rd.) from 6–9 p.m. for children finishing K-5th grade Spring 2014 with instruction from collegiate experienced coaches and high-energy rally with music every night. Every camper receives healthy snacks and a T-shirt. To register, visit roccmegasportscamp.com or facebook.com/borocamp.

JUNE 28 BOAT DAY WITH STONES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION Try out different types of canoes and kayaks with help from volunteers from Stones River Watershed Association at Manson Pike Trailhead (1208 Searcy St.) from 9 a.m.–noon. You’ll learn boating basics, paddling strokes and boat safety from knowledgeable volunteers. Paddles and personal flotation devices are provided.

Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 893-2141.

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LIVING JUNE 17 Stephen Camiolo Revolution Wellness Homemade Yogurt & Kefir Learn the how and why of making your own tasty, healthy fermented dairy products.

Growing as a Community

JUNE 20 Justin Stefanski: Irrigation Principles Watering & conservation methods. Learn about gravity drip irrigation methods that will use water efficiently and reduce disease in the garden.

Take advantage of Master Gardeners, Farmers’ Market Education Series.

JUNE 24 Sidney Bounsavath Seasonal Eating: Thai/Laotian Cuisine.

Taste some new delicious dishes prepared by local chef.

by EDWINA SHANNON

MASTER GARDENERS is a volunteer service program for the University of Tennessee. Extension professionals train local members of the community as volunteers to help provide sound, practical, research-based information to educate the public about home horticulture. They also help to solve other home gardening problems. You can meet some of the area Master Gardeners at the following events during the month of June.

Secret Garden Tour

The Discovery Center Secret Garden Tour on Sat., June 7, benefits the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs. Master gardener, Reba Hinkle, will have her garden on the tour. Other members will be involved in selling tickets, giving out information on each garden and demonstrating child-friendly gardening at the Discovery Center.

June Dairy Day

The June Dairy Day on Wed., June 11, is family fun event held at the Lane Agri-Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come sample some free dairy products, witness milking competitions and learn to make your own butter. There are hay rides, games and prizes. It is a free event.

At a group’s or school’s request, Master Gardeners are available to speak on various topics. Currently members are offering presentations including Home Mushroom Production, Growing Your Own Cornbread, 6 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

Make Your Own Potpourri, Lasagna Gardening, Tasks for Your Garden, Vermicomposting, Container Gardening, Home Grown Bouquets, Organic Pest Control, Succession Planting, Composting and Garden Planning.

Farmers Market

Kiosks, the drink counter and the welcome table at the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center on Tuesday and Friday are all staffed

by Master Gardeners. Different gardening topics and land care issues are presented at an information table. Stop by with questions or to pick up literature about the group.

Master Gardeners Meeting

Rutherford County Master Gardeners meet the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Lane Agri-Park Community Center, 315 John R. Rice Blvd. in Murfreesboro. There is a light potluck meal followed by a speaker and our business meeting. Meetings are open to anyone interested in horticulture.

Farmers Education Series

Also at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center, the 2014 Rutherford County Farmer’s Market Education Series continues this season; these free classes are held during the market on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. and are open to the public. They will last 45 minutes to one hour.

Upcoming Classes

JUNE 3 Mitchell Mote: Lawn & Landscape CSI Insects, diseases or human-caused problems. Learn to tell the difference.

JUNE 6 Reggie Reeves: Organic Pest Control and Fertilization Safe, effective options & methods for your home use.

JUNE 10 Richard Lee: Succession Planting Keep your garden growing all season with continuous plantings.

JUNE 13 Mitchell Mote: What to Expect When You Hire a Lawn Service Do you want a lawn maintenance service or do you want a gardener? Expecting one and getting the other can be disappointing.

JUNE 27 Mitchell Mote: Organic Pest Control for Lawns & Landscapes A different sort of ammunition to use in the war against pests.

JULY 1 Mimi Keisling, RC Environmental Education: Worm Farming at Home A kid-friendly class on discovering the wonderful world of earthworms and how to use them to improve your garden soil.

For more information about the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market, upcoming classes and Master Gardening certification, call Extension Agent Janie Becker at (615) 898-7710 or visit extension. tennessee.edu.

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Hot Spot owner Lyvonn Reese emphasizes the value of good customer service

LIVING Creating a Network of

HOT SPOTS

T

story by BRACKEN MAYO

our overall health, and the impact UV light here are tanning salons all can have in this process. Most importantly, over; it’s not uncommon to find I wanted to offer the community a place to tanning beds in fitness centers, learn about tanning in moderation. I wanted apartment complexes, stores and to empower an educated staff to teach our shopping centers. But what is clients and the community how to avoid uncommon, aside from operating not just overexposure and boost vitamin D levels. one, but multiple successful stores for 15 I also have a strong passion for educatyears, is to build a brand that is among the ing young people, helping them most well-known in Murfreesboro understand and embrace and includes nine stores in the importance of hard Middle Tennessee.

Murfreesboro Entrepreneurs Association work and dedication. This Hot Spot Tanning has is probably the most accomplished just that, important and exciting with five locations in aspect of my job, one Murfreesboro, two in that I take very seriously.

Smyrna, one in BrentI believe Hot Spot has wood and one in NashFEATURED BUSINESS: served as the springville, and business owner Hot Spot Tanning board for many amazing Lyvonn Reese has done OWNER: Lyvonn Reese young women. so with an emphasis on moderation and education.

Are there people or busiVitamin D is important in boostness owners that serve as an ing the immune system, as well as respiratory, cardiovascular and brain health, according inspiration to you?

I’ve had several inspirational figures in my to information from the Vitamin D Council life. A former employer, the owner of New (vitamindcouncil.org), and Reese wants to Orleans Manor, instilled in me the value of promote this health element of tanning. hard work and customer service. She loved Hot Spot’s first store opened on Church every one of her employees, and taught each Street in 1999, before a “hot spot” had anyone of them the importance of customer thing to do with wireless Internet access.

Since then, the business has grown to em- service. This is something I try to teach each one of my employees. ploy as many as 75 workers during its busy My husband has also been a huge inspiraseason, and offers such unique products and tion and support for me. He owns a business services as non-UV, red-light therapy beds, in an industry that was failing, but he manspray-tan booths and customized airbrushes aged to make it work and succeed. and seven levels of tanning, including buildI’ve also learned a lot through the years ing and bronzing beds. It is also the only salon in the area to offer the Fit Body Wrap, an by listening to and reading works from author and motivational speaker John infrared system useful for weight loss, pain Maxwell. I am currently taking a course relief, detoxification and skin rejuvenation. to better learn how to motivate and lead young people.

PULSE: Tell us how you got into the tanning industry and how you came What are the challenges of working to open Hot Spot Tanning. in the tanning industry? How do you REESE: I’ve always had an overwhelming overcome these? passion for my community and learning As with many industries, we face the stigma about and living a healthy lifestyle. Growing of being a tanning salon. It’s always a battle. up as a lover of the sun and tanning, I could However, we have a well-educated staff not find a tanning salon that could educate that stresses to each client the importance me about tanning in moderation. of moderation and avoiding overexposure.

I opened Hot Spot Tanning after years of Education is extremely important. research on the importance of vitamin D to

Hot Spot managers retreat

SPOTLIGHT

ON BUSINESS

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We also offer non-UV services for clients who may not want to use a tanning bed. We have a successful and superior spray-tan business, with both individual spray booths and customized airbrush technicians, as well as mobile spray tan.

We also have a growing red-light therapy business, as well as offering the Fit Body Wrap at our Almaville location.

We have something for everyone—every age group and every interest.

What is your advice for local business owners?

This is my home, and I am invested in helping this community. My advice to local business owners is to get involved and stay active in your community. Constantly listen to what the community wants, what your customers need and any feedback, good or bad. If you are always thinking about the customer, running a business is relatively easy.

What is your favorite inspirational quote or thought, something that keeps you going on the hard or busy days?

If I’m having a tough day, I turn to the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

For more information on Hot Spot Tanning, its tanning packages and locations, visit hotspottanning.com.

Hot Spot locations include: Murfreesboro: 710 Memorial Blvd.; 225 N. Rutherford Blvd.; 4183 Franklin Road; 3040 S. Church St.; 3325 Memorial Blvd.

Smyrna: 1654 Lee Victory Pkwy.; 307 Sam Ridley Pkwy. W. Brentwood: 6688 Nolensville Pike Nashville: 2817 West End Ave.

BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2014 * 9

IF YOU GO:

SOUNDS JUNE CONCERTS

Send your show listings to listings@boropulse.com

THURS. 6/5

NACHO’S

BUNGANUT PIG

THE BORO

The Wilkins

JOZOARA

Ivan LaFever Sam Baker Blues Night

Rik Gracia

FRI. 6/13

Dan Shafer

BUNGANUT PIG

Ivan LaFever

COCONUT BAY CAFE

MAIN STREET MUSIC NACHO’S

THE BORO

Sam Baker Blues Night

Casual Exchange Taylor Guthrie

MAIN STREET MUSIC

The Brian Gamboa Band

FRI. 6/6

MAYDAY BREWERY

BUNGANUT PIG

THE BORO

Reckless

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Zone Status

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Faithfully (Journey tribute band)

MAYDAY BREWERY

Hoodoo Men

PUBLIC SQUARE

The Pilots

SAT. 6/7 BUNGANUT PIG

Fender Bender

COCONUT BAY CAFE

The Shelby Lee Lowe Band

JOZOARA

Chad King

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Jonell Mosser and Zig Zag Mojo

MAYDAY BREWERY

Matt Tedder, Brian James Band

READYVILLE MILL

Johnny B and the Balladeers

TUES. 6/10 BUNGANUT PIG

John Sutton

WED. 6/11 3 BROTHERS

Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night

BUNGANUT PIG

Sabrina and Tony

You Knew Me When Ryan Disher

SAT. 6/14 BUNGANUT PIG

Zone Status

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Etta Britt

MAYDAY BREWERY

Buggaboo

READYVILLE MILL

Johnny B and the Balladeers

MON. 6/16 BIG EARL’S GRUB & PUB

Writer’s Night (Mondays)

BUNGANUT PIG

Martin Rodriguez and the Rectifiers JOZOARA

Students in the Starlight

HIPPIE HILL

Johnny Neel, Black Oak Arkansas, Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers, Osiella, OTIS, Alex Duggan and Donna Frost

THE BORO

The Fustics

TUES. 6/17 BUNGANUT PIG

CJ Vaughn Trio

HIPPIE HILL

Strung Like a Horse, Flea Market Hustlers, Gators in the Sawgrass, Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers, The Underhills, Erisa Rei

THURS. 6/12

WED. 6/18

BUNGANUT PIG

3 BROTHERS

Tim Bogle

JOZOARA

Rik Gracia

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Dan Shafer

Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night

BUNGANUT PIG

Martin Rodriguez and the Rectifiers

Roots of a Rebellion, Pierce Edens & the Dirty Work, Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves, Whyte Noyse, Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers

THURS. 6/19 BUNGANUT PIG

58 Special

HIPPIE HILL

Yo’ Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, The Captain Midnight Band, Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers, The Aquaducks, Stuart Montez, Stone Sugar Shakedown

JOZOARA

PUL SE PICK

Dan Shafer

NACHO’S

Ivan LaFever

THE BORO

Sam Baker Blues Night

FRI. 6/20 3 BROTHERS

Joe Harvey

BUNGANUT PIG

Phoenix Rising

COCONUT BAY CAFE

DJ Ms. Gina

HIPPIE HILL

Black Oak Arkansas, Saint Francis, Sugar Lime Blue, Emi Sunshine & the Rain, Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers

RICK VITO AND THE LONELY DEVILS FRI. 6/27 @ MAIN STREET MUSIC

Rick Vito and the Lonely Devils will rock the stage at Main Street Music on Friday, June 27. Vito has amassed a large body of rock and blues guitar work over the years, and is particularly regarded for his slide style; Vito is credited for the iconic slide guitar work on Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock,” and also served as a member of Fleetwood Mac after Lindsey Buckingham left the band. The nightclub, located at 527 W. Main St. is back in full action this month. Stay tuned for more on summer shows at Main Street.

Aquaducks, Crazy Aces, The Beech Benders

READYVILLE MILL

Johnny B and the Balladeers

MON. 6/23 BIG EARL’S GRUB & PUB

Writer’s Night

JOZOARA

Students in the Starlight

Dan Shafer

NACHO’S

Ivan LaFever

THE BORO

Sam Baker Blues Night

FRI. 6/27

Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Hwy. 479-9722 MTSU Wright Music Building 1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 898-2469 Nacho's 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd.

907-2700

Readyville Mill 5418 Murfreesboro Rd. Readyville 563-MILL Rooster's Lonestar BBQ 223 W. Main St. 867-1836

COCONUT BAY CAFE

WED. 6/25

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Wall Street 121 N. Maple St. 867-9090

MAYDAY BREWERY

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

Papa Jim

3 BROTHERS

Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night

THURS. 6/26

Reverend Red

Rik Gracia

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Main St. Music 527 W. Main St. 439-6135

BUNGANUT PIG

MAYDAY BREWERY THE BORO

Charleyhorse

JOZOARA

Liquid Smoke #2 Public Square 217-7822

BUNGANUT PIG

BUNGANUT PIG

Rob Pearcy

BUNGANUT PIG

JoZoara 536 N. Thompson Ln. 962-7175

TUES. 6/24

MAIN STREET MUSIC

The Miranda Louise Band with Rhythm Kitchen

Georgia's Sports Bar and Grill 555 S. Lowry St., Smyrna (615) 267-0295 Hippie Hill 8627 Burks Hollow Rd. (615) 796-3697

Rik Gracia

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Franklin & Farris

3 BROTHERS

The Hoodoo Men

Vicki Reid Band

The Tim McDonald Band Rick Vito and the Lonely Devils Scissormen

THE BORO

Levi Massie presents Songwriters Night

SAT. 6/28 BUNGANUT PIG

RockAFeller

The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 895-4800

THE BORO

Megajoos, Sheep Shifter, Stonechat, Little Boy

COCONUT BAY CAFE

DJ Prez

SAT. 6/21

JOZOARA

Brad Ewing

3 BROTHERS

Charlie and the Foxtrots

MAIN STREET MUSIC

The Mesa Project

MAYDAY BREWERY

The James Brothers

BUNGANUT PIG

Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden, Scale Model

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Crossroads

HIPPIE HILL

The Corbitt Brothers Band, Husky Burnette, ?HOOTEROLL?, Joecephus & the George Jonestown Massacre , Aubryn & Ashley's Variety show, The Gypsy Begonias, Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers The Bart Walker Band

10 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

Bunganut Pig 1602 W. Northfield Blvd.

893-7860

HIPPIE HILL

MAIN STREET MUSIC

View Concert Listings Online:

3 Brothers 114 N. Church St. 410-3096

MAYDAY BREWERY

Roots of a Rebellion, The LTG , The

READYVILLE MILL

ROOTS OF A REBELLION

PULSE PICK

SAT. 6/21 @ MAYDAY BREWERY Roots of a Rebellion (ROAR) will play its Jamaica/Tennessee jams all over the state this month. If you happen to miss the band’s “Sweet reggae music” performance at Hippie Hill (which is on Wednesday, June 18, as part of its Afteroo festival), ROAR will appear at Murfreesboro with The LTG, The Aquaducks, Crazy Aces and The Beech Benders on Saturday, June 21. The concert, dubbed Beach Party 2014, will be at Mayday Brewery, quickly becoming a popular host of local independent music, 521 Old Salem Hwy.

Johnny B and the Balladeers

TUES. JUL 1 BUNGANUT PIG

CJ Vaughn Trio

WED. 7/2 3 BROTHERS

Ryan Coleman’s Writers Night

DJ, Bingo, Trivia & Karaoke NIGHTS IN MURFREESBORO

 MONDAYS BREW U Live Trivia, 7 p.m.

BUNGANUT PIG Live Trivia, 7 p.m.

THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7–11 p.m.

ROOSTER’S BBQ Live Trivia, 7 and 8 p.m.

MELLOW MUSHROOM Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

NOBODY’S Live Trivia, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

 THURSDAYS

IGNITE Karaoke, 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

3 BROTHERS Live Trivia, 7 p.m.

OLD CHICAGO Live Trivia, 9 p.m.

COCONUT BAY CAFÉ Live Trivia, 7:30 p.m.

THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7–11 p.m.

NOBODY’S Bingo, 7 p.m.

BIG EARL'S GRUB & PUB Karaoke, 8 p.m.

CAMPUS PUB Live Trivia, 8:15 p.m.

COCONUT BAY CAFE Karaoke, 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m.

NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

THE POUR HOUSE Karaoke, 9 p.m.

WALL STREET Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

 WEDNESDAYS

 FRIDAYS

BIG EARL'S GRUB & PUB Live Trivia, 7:30 p.m.

CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m.

NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m.

 TUESDAYS

MT BOTTLE Karaoke, 9 p.m.–3 a.m.

BREW U Karaoke, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.

 SATURDAYS NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m.

 SUNDAYS O’POSSUMS Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m.

THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7 p.m.

WALL STREET Team Bingo, 5–7 p.m.

SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

To be included in the Pulse’s listings, or for information on setting up your own Karaoke night, contact zek@tnkaraoke.com

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS ALL MONTH LONG FOR JUST $60 CALL (615) 796-6248

Murfreesboro’s Music Through the Decades

by GLORIA CHRISTY

1890-1920: From Rags to Ragtime

E

xploring the ordinary aspects of the life and culture of Murfreesboro will give us clues to how music evolved from the early 20th century to the present. There are diaries, letters, historical resources that educate, and other unaccustomed sources that reconstruct their daily experiences, their values, their anxieties and exasperations.

The Free Press, a newspaper founded by G.T. and Reece Henderson, was neat in appearance: it was clean and dignified, reflecting the disposition of a community trying to recover from the ravages of the Civil War.

singing and dancing again!

At the end of the “gay nineties,” the census of 1900 found Murfreesboro with a total population of 5,000 and 94 business establishments.

Nov. 7, 1901, was a proud moment for the “precious jewel of the South.”

Murfreesboro was finally commemorating the valor of those Rebels whose dust now mingled in the fields—the dedication of the Confederate Memorial. The sun was shining brightly as nearly 3,000 gathered, men and women, many bent with age, tears trickling down their cheeks. Solemnly, these battle-scarred veterans clothed

ten the Darrows had elaborate parties with orchestras and dancing. Darrow also purchased one of Murfreesboro’s first automobiles around 1900, much to the terror of local livestock—Darrow was forced to stop completely when he met a horse-drawn vehicle.

By 1900, technology was changing the way people experienced music and entertainment. Storefronts converted to auditoriums for small theaters were opened for motion pictures called “nickelodeons.” Nashville’s first nickelodeon was opened in 1907 by the Crescent Amusement Company and became one of the largest

Left: The Princess Theatre, circa 1915. Right: The Rutherford County Guidance Center, 2014, home of the Princess Theatre for 10-plus years

The “Town Topics” of the 1889 paper (evolving later into what we know as the Daily News Journal) stated, “Murfreesboro is a thriving young town.” Indeed, Murfreesboro was recovering economically, even able to boast that it was “the home of cedar, being the greatest cedar shipping point in the world.” The tone of the paper reflects the interests of a changing population interspersed with advertisements, jokes, tidbits of gossip, American classic references and scientific observations. Stories of dances, strolling parties and so forth occur throughout the community, which resulted in a need for the Murfreesboro Dancing Academy, conducted by Professor Pierri. According to Pierri’s advertisement, his academy offered instruction in “fashionable dancing and deportment” in two sessions daily, one for misses and boys in the afternoon and the other for ladies and gentlemen in the evening. Once more, music thrived, and Murfreesboro, like most of America, felt like

12 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

in their tattered uniforms bowed their heads as the sweet sounds of old-time Southern melodies, sung by the Lebanon Glee Club, wafted over the crowd. Although these young women sang exuberantly, they were oblivious to the struggle and adversity during the dark days of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The boys of the Tennessee Industrial School band played, “Dixie” as the statue of a Confederate soldier was unveiled.

In order to relieve debts, Oaklands Manor, Murfreesboro’s finest home and a symbol of our community’s opulence before the Civil War, was sold at public auction. At the turn of the 20th-century days, millionaires Tempe and George Darrow acquired Oaklands and dominated the social scene in Murfreesboro for years.

Renaming the house Oak Manor, the Darrows proceeded to entertain in style, serving guests elaborate sevencourse meals capped by dazzling deserts like ice cream sculpted and colored to look like watermelon. Of-

independent chains in the Southeast.

In a converted bake shop owned by John Grey, the first theater located outside Nashville was opened here in Murfreesboro in 1914. The new Princess Theatre was designed for 620 moviegoers. It had a projection room with two projectors and a small stage to accommodate vaudeville players who would perform from time to time. The white glazed tiles and decorative façade remain visible on the upper section of the old theater at the Rutherford County Guidance Center on North Church Street.

The ragtime piano music of Scott Joplin was a perfect fit for the silent movies. By 1900 in Murfreesboro, most parlors had a piano, but none had been played in the rhythmic, strongly syncopated style of Joplin.

Joplin’s music changed American music forever. He is considered by musicologists to be the “great-grandfather of American music.” Without him and his uniquely American style, there would be no jazz, rock ’n’

roll or pop music. Altogether, Joplin composed 50 piano rags, even two ragtime operas. Ragtime blended perfectly with the European classical styles and the African American harmonies. He is best known for “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.” Joplin was able to help develop music that was truly American.

In the early 1920s, Uncle Dave Macon, along with brothers Kirk and Sam McGee and fiddle player Mazy Todd from the Kittrell community, integrated a wide range of musical styles into string band music. Part of the musical genius of Sam McGee was the way he would integrate ragtime into his solo guitar pieces.

By World War I, the primitive slave and work songs of the white tenants of the 19th century were beginning to blend into the mainstream American culture. Original compositions with different kinds of instruments continued to express the most vibrant human emotions, bringing a fresh infusion of language, music and arts into the culture.

In ways both subtle and pervasive, entertainment was becoming a part of daily life, such as in the theater and on stages like the Princess. Popular entertainers were emerging with a powerful influence over the culture and popular opinion. After 1917 when America entered World War I, much of the music reflected this and moved in emotional sentimentality, such as John McCormack’s, “Keep the Home Fires Burning.” However, in the rural communities around Murfreesboro, unstructured entertainment such as barn dances and impromptu sessions took place under trees and on porches.

These continued to be an emotional release from the rigors of farm life.

A question could be asked. When did entertainment become the focus of our musical expression? Could it be when we confused fun with joy?

Somehow we have reduced musical expression to a one-dimensional experience through a reliance upon the entertainer that limits our role to that of observer and consumer.

When experienced positively, music has the ability to “heal the soul,” yet if we come from wrong mindsets, our musical expression can be perverted and even skewed. When “fun” is our objective instead of “joy,” our pleasure is in what we are doing at the moment. Fun is temporary and expensive, but joy is long-lasting and free. There is a dimension outside of ourselves that is the Source of all joy—God. Our joy comes from a relationship with Him who is the Source of all positive musical expression.

BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2014 * 13

MUSIC NOTES

 TWILIGHT STAR DIRECTS SAGE + THE SAINTS VIDEO AT SHORT MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

Sage Galese and Kristen Stewart

BACK ON A COLD AFTERNOON in February, Short Mountain Distillery had some serious VIP visitors. Kristen Stewart, of Twilight fame, made her directorial debut creating a video for friend Sage Galesi of Sage + the Saints, a Nashville country band, on the farm where the distillery is located in Cannon County.

“We chose Short Mountain because it’s a place where our fiddle player, Maria, and I had spent a good amount of time,” noted Galesi. “It’s a beautiful Southern landscape, and the song, called ‘Take Me to the South,’ is about how all the glitz and glamour of big cities don’t intrigue me like the laid-back culture of the South.”

Stewart co-directed the video with David Ethan of Starlight Studios. Shapiro and his team at Starlight produced the video using funding from Buffalo David Bitton clothing brands’ “Blank Check Series.”

The company is giving moderate sums to artists to tell stories in different formats. Hot rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis recently used some of these funds to release a short docu-series about their life on tour.

Galesi has been a friend of Stewart for a number of years, and according to a recent story in Rolling Stone magazine, she is the one who talked Stewart into fulfilling a dream of directing she has had since she was 10. According to Stewart, Galesi told her to “just do it.” Soon they found themselves away from the L.A. glamour and out in the muddy foothills of the distillery’s farm with the sheep, and warming themselves by hanging around the still.

14 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

“We love the moonshine and everything the distillery at Short Mountain does,” Galesi said. “They were good enough to help produce the video and provided us with everything we needed to create an authentic country feel for the video. They have a great piece of land and their interest in music artists fits so well with what we are doing. They have a new stage they have built at the distillery where up and coming music artists will be able to perform. We are planning to have a premier party for the video there soon.”

“Take Me to the South” will be released as part of an independently produced CD available for preorder atpledgemusic.com/projects/sageandthesaints.

For more information about Short Mountain Distillery, moonshine and how to enjoy this slightly wicked back hills brew, visit shortmountaindistillery.com.

SARAH JAROZ

LITTLE DRAGON

MASTODON

 THE ROO HOSTS ROCK ROYALTY ONCE AGAIN GET OUT YOUR SUNSCREEN, water jugs, pop-up tent and glow sticks, check out and tune in: it is Bonnaroo time again.

Rock royalty comes to Manchester for the second year in a row, as this year Sir Elton follows Sir Paul’s 2013 appearance.

As in recent years, “diverse” is the word, perhaps more so this year than any other.

To Elton John, add: Die Antwoord, Jack White, Skrillix, Sarah Jarosz, Mastodon and Lionel Richie; so many artists of so many styles. Contrast Mesuggah—an outfit certainly in the conversation for the title of “heaviest band in the world,” if not the undisputed No. 1—with the easy breezy, sounds of Yonder Mountain String Band, Kanye’s auto-tune and laser lights, The Flaming Lips, Lauryn Hill, Nick Cave, the Glitch Mob and many more, and Bonnaroo is

once again a satisfyingly well-rounded celebration of acoustic and electric sounds.

Aside from the barrage of bands, Centeroo, as “downtown Bonnaroo” is known, offers a host of other features to compliment the experience: take a break from the live shows and join a yoga session, watch a game of the NBA finals in the cinema, sample varieties of bacon from around the country at one of the food vendors or try to take a break from the heat in the comedy tent, if you can get in.

As usual, there’s something for everyone at Bonnaroo, now in its 13th year; the experience is what you make of it, and there’s sure to be some magic in Manchester.

The good folks at Bonnaroo now offer ticket payment plans for both general admission and VIP tickets to the experience, so those on a budget wanting to go to the ’Roo can begin paying on their ticket purchases early in the year to ensure they have a validated wristband come June.

For the full Bonnaroo schedule and information, visit bonnaroo.com.

ELTON JOHN

JACK WHITE BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2014 * 15

SOUNDS

RISING ABOVE THE NOISE AND CONFUSION

Kansas still walks the highwire on the concert stage.

BY STEVE MORLEY

P

rogressive rock has generally been regarded as something of a red-headed stepchild by rock fans of the proletariat (i.e. “play ‘Free Bird!’“) variety as well as the lion’s share of the music press, which has accused it (sometimes rightly) of being overinflated and too far removed from rock ’n’ roll’s ragged roots. Practitioners of pedigreed progressivism such as Yes and Rush may have gotten the last laugh—they’re still active and they maintain a sizeable fan base—but their appeal nonetheless remains skewed toward music-heads, fantasy/ sci-fi fans and brainiac types. Worthy of inclusion among rock’s more artistically endowed crowd, but cut from rougher-hewn fabric, is the mighty, heartland-bred Kansas.

When Kansas’ now-classic lineup was formed in 1973, the violin-wielding sextet was one of relatively few American bands to hoist the progrock banner, and quite likely the most successful U.S. mainstream act to combine the artsy with the accessible. Flip on a classic-rock station anytime, anywhere, and see how likely it is you’ll hear the chillingly introspective “Dust in

16 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

the Wind” or the spiritually informed uber-perennial “Carry On Wayward Son.” These songs are hardly typical rock radio fodder, yet they’ve become inextricably woven into the Ozzy/Leppard/Skynyrd/Stones/Led Zep-centered classicrock mosaic. On the strength of culturally embedded hits as well as its much deeper pocket of ambitious and enduring original material, Kansas (now with three founding members and two band veterans aboard) is carrying on with its 40th anniversary tour, which began last year.

They’ve appeared in Nashville at least a dozen times over that lengthy span, handily outlasting Starwood (and whatever else it was later called) Amphitheatre—where they shared a memorable double bill with Yes in 2000—and even turning up in the Hank-sanctified Ryman Auditorium a number of years back. On Friday, June 6, they’ll touch local hallowed ground again, making their debut appearance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It’s a particularly suitable setting, given the orchestral grandeur and classically influenced interplay heard in much of the band’s repertoire. That said, this is not music crafted for the tuxedoclad. As Kansas guitarist and founding member Rich Williams puts it, “This is rock ’n’ roll. I don’t care what flavor it is, it still is that.”

Williams talked with the Pulse about the

band’s history, offering some insights about how Kansas straddles the earthy and the ethereal in its complex, intensely delivered music. “Kansas was never a tippy-tappy, sit-back-in-the-pocket groove band,” offers the guitarist. “It’s just always been kind of, turn it up all the way and hold on. But with some reins to it, too,” Williams adds, referring to the control required to execute the intricate and sometimes delicate passages that have long been a Kansas trademark. “We all had a feel for going where we were gonna go, and enough talent to get us there. . . . Not too much talent, to make it all overthought. What comes out of that,” says Williams, somewhat self-deprecatingly describing the filigreed frenzy of the Kansas sound, “is kind of a garage-bandgoing-for-it, half-scared feel.”

From the outset, affirms Williams, Kansas was “very much a band . . . [with the emphasis on] the way we sounded together, rather than [on being] virtuoso players. And I think that’s been to our benefit. If we were all extremely virtuoso-style,” says the musician, “we might not tend to play with such a . . . um, panic!” It’s an approach Williams still likens to the band’s anxiety-provoking national television debut in 1974, on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. (Music mogul Kirshner, the sometimes maligned mastermind behind cartoon combo The Archies,

admirably went out on a long and wiry limb by signing the musically unorthodox, fleshand-blood Kansas to his eponymously named record label—but the gamble would ultimately pay off handsomely.) “We were scared to death,” recalls Williams of the TV taping. “That was fueled by fear. We’re coming straight from Kansas, suddenly we’re on that stage, cameras everywhere . . . but relax, guys. We were so far out of our element. But those kinds of things— the desperation of a band struggling and pulling it all together and making it work—that’s what gives it its organic urgency.”

The adventure of playing music live, one that is fraught with the unpredictable, still contributes to the urgency Williams describes.

He unspools a sprawling and funny summary that touches upon such onstage obstacles as sudden bursts of static briefly scuttling the band’s in-ear monitor system and making it impossible to play confidently in sync, momentary spotlight blindness, getting caught on instrument cables, scrambling to adjust tone and effects pedals, and occasionally playing on unfamiliar, last-minute rental equipment when the band truck is unavoidably detained.

“But I’ve learned that the urgency of the moment is what I enjoy the most,” says Williams. “It’s, ‘Ahhhh, this put-on-the-spot moment . . . I am living right now. There’s a format and a song list, but you never quite know what’s going to happen.”

The band has some Nashville history; besides playing gigs here; portions of the multiplatinum Point of Know Return album were cut at East Nashville’s Woodland Sound in July of 1977, and the band spent time at the former Spence Manor on Music Row. “It was a musician’s hotel that was all suites and had 24-hour room service. It rocked,” Williams recalls. “But it was a little pricey, it was 50 bucks a night [big laugh]. You know, everything else was $25. So it seemed extravagant.”

Nashville, observes Williams, “was a country town at that time. It has changed so many times since that. Still very much a country town, but now it is so wide open. I mean, there’s so much going on there, for any musician of any genre, really. . . . Everything there lives and breathes music.” Accordingly, Kansas enjoys experiencing the Music City vibe, but Williams affirms that he and his bandmates are psyched about hitting the stage of the Schermerhorn.

“We’ll play anywhere, but when we play a place like that, it’s like, wow—suddenly we feel a little bit classier. This is a place I wish my mom would come and see us. You know, so, it dresses us up a bit.”

Indeed, for this Nashville show in particular, the band will know one thing for certain: they’re not in Kansas anymore.

For more information on the June 6 performance, visit nashvillesymphony.org.

BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2014 * 17

MAY THE PRAISE BE RAISED

SOUNDS

Portland Festival offers free weekend of music and ministry.

WARTRACE MUSIC FEST THIS MONTH Rising stars, veteran rockers and fireworks at 10th Annual Wartrace MusicFest June 7.

A FIREWORKS SHOW, classic Southern rock and up-and-coming young Tennessee talent will headline Boogie, Blues and BBQ at the 10th annual Wartrace MusicFest on Saturday, June 7.

The six-piece Allman Brothers tribute band Midnight Riders will close the show along with a fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m.

The main stage will also feature 2006 Kentucky Blues Challenge winner C.J. Vaughn, who also has been recognized as the International Blues Festival Guide’s 2009 Blues Artist on the Rise. Nashville singer/songwriter Tyler Flowers and his six-piece band The Good Sirs will open the main stage at 6:30 p.m. Flowers has appeared on Late Night With Conan O’Brien, Fox and Friends and the Grand Ole

Opry as an accompanist for Sarah Darling.

He’s a winner of the Puckett’s “Rising Star” songwriting competition in Nashville.

“Every year we strive to upgrade the quality of the musical entertainment at MusicFest and this year, our 10th, I believe we’re knocking it out of the park with exceptional talent plus an exciting fireworks show to close the evening,” said Wartrace Mayor and MusicFest committee chairman Don Stacy.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. with music starting at 3:30 p.m. on the tent stage featuring the Jake Apple Trio and the East Bedford County All Stars and their invited guests.

Barbecue cooked on the premises will be available all day with covered table seating near the tent stage. A Kids Zone will feature an inflatable slide, art tables, hula hoops, face painting and corn hole contests.

Admission to Boogie, Blues and BBQ is $5, with children 12 and under admitted free.

The event is a nonprofit endeavor produced by the Town of Wartrace and the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce to raise money for

BY BRACKEN MAYO

C.J. VAUGHN

civic improvements to the town. MusicFest is presented by radio station 93.9 The Duck, and sponsors include Newton Nissan South, Curl Construction & Excavating, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, First Community Bank, Hawkins Asphalt Paving and Hawkins and Price.

Vendor space is still available by calling Wartrace Town Hall at (931) 389-6144. For additional information, stage schedules, and directions visit wartracemusicfest.org and facebook.com/wartracemusicfest.

From I-24, Wartrace is located off Exit 97.

RICHLAND PARK AMPHITHEATER in Portland, Tenn., will host the 2014 Raise the Praise Festival June 13–14.

The event has added a great deal of artists, sponsors, vendors and activities, but organizers say they are committed to keeping Raise the Praise free for the public. (They welcome sponsorships and donations, however, from those who wish to support the cause.)

HAWK NELSON

ENTER THE MYSTICAL, NEW-AGE-CONSCIOUS WORLD OF SONIC BLOOM 2014

BY ANDREA STOCKARD SONIC BLOOM, THE UNIFIED FIELD, returns June 19–22, for its ninth year, in the beautiful American Safari Ranch of South Park, Colo., just outside Denver and Boulder.

The wide-range, fully encompassing Rocky Mountain backdrop and Continental Divide make Sonic Bloom 2014 a magical, breathtaking experience with a one-of-a-kind lineup.

This year TIPPER (2 nights with visuals by Android Jones & Johnathan Singer), Shpongle (Simon Posford DJ Set), OPIUO, The Polish Ambassador, Michal Menert Big Band debut, Ott, Random Rab and enough amazing musicians to make your head spin, will hit the great outdoors with consciousness-expanding newage music that promotes self-enlightenment and promises a truly family-oriented community experience for music and art lovers.

The four-day camping festival presents the most mystical, soul-awakening, dream-like world of the year with other mind-bending, trance-inducing World musicians like Kalya Scintilla, Dopapod, Zoogma, TheUntz.com Challenge contest winners Filibusta and Ryan Vise, The Sonic Bloom Orchestra with EOTO, Break Science, ZILLA and Dirtwire, alongside 40+ more artists. The main stage sound will be the biggest Funktion-One sound system to 18 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

grace the outdoors of Colorado. Sonic Bloom also offers mind-blowing art installations and live paintings by Michael Garfield, Miranda Lewis, Tyler Ristow, Krystleyez and others.

The festival promotes a “leave no trace” principle, reminding guests to leave the beautiful lands as clean as they found it. This year, the event teams up with Conscious Alliance to offer an ‘Art That Feeds’ Food Drive at this year’s event in Georgetown, Colo. Donating

OTT

10 low-sodium, health-oriented, non-perishable food items gets you a free, limited-edition Sonic Bloom poster by Luke Brown.

Sonic Bloom also helps provide “the most awakening bathing experience” for festival attendees, featuring a cedar-lined sound system and multiple peppermint foam jets through the giant walk-in Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Bath Tub, All One Ark. Guests can also opt for the luxurious experience of a private hot shower.

The festival hosted the Road to Sonic Bloom Tour with some of their artists touring the U.S., including Kayla Scintilla at NV Nightclub in Knoxville.

Additionally, listeners can get an awesome mix tape of fest-related music on SoundCloud (search Sonic Bloom 2014).

I have been more excited about Sonic Bloom 2014 than I can put into words. This amazing lineup and beautiful landscape helps attract conscious, aware attendees from all over the world, and I cannot wait to meet and learn from them. Watching the official Sonic Bloom video gave me chills, as it promotes the things I consider most important to the human soul: to “meet new people, explore, fall in love, experience freedom and share your love.”

For more information on Sonic Bloom, check out sonicbloomfestival.com or facebook.com/sonicbloom.

PLUMB

Raise the Praise proclaims as its mission statement: To serve our communities by providing an outreach geared to the youth and their families that is buzzing with excitement and brings the message of Hope all in one wonderful opportunity.

Musical artists this year include Plumb, Hawk Nelson, Derek Minor and many others, even Murfreesboro’s own Root Road.

Concertgoers are invited to camp on the premises for the weekend.

Youth pastors and individuals affiliated with various denominations developed the Raise the Praise concept, and work in conjunction with Portland officials and its Parks and Recreation Department to stage the event. For the full lineup and more information, visit rtpevents.org or find Raise the Praise on Facebook.

The Black Cadillacs Hit Biggest 2014 Music Festivals

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO, I lucked upon being production assistant for an up-and-coming indie rock/blues band in Knoxville. I later befriended a few of the guys and watched them explode into one of the most well-known touring bands in the U.S.: The Black Cadillacs.

This year, the Knoxville band—comprised of Will Horton, Matthew Hyrka, Philip Anderson, John Phillips and Adam Bonomo—hits some of the biggest 2014 festivals including Bonnaroo, Shaky Knees, Hangout, Summer Camp, Wakarusa and more during its U.S. tour. The guys also just returned from a European tour where they hit Pamplona, Barcelona, Beauvais, Castellon, Orihuella, Estepona, Cadiz, Plasencia and Leon. I got the chance to ask the guys what their biggest show has been, their feelings on how far they have come and how much they’re truly enjoying what they do.

WILL HORTON: When we first started

playing together we didn’t have any expectations, you know? We all had a great time playing music together and we were content to pick up gigs around town at bars and house parties. The idea of playing festivals and getting out on the road was something we all really wanted to do, but at the same time it was hard to wrap our heads around how to get there. We were really jealous of bands getting to do what we wanted to be doing so we started trying to do all that we could on our own.

Looking back, we understand that it is a process. We have always had big ideas for where we would like to take our music and

after years of working at it we are now getting the opportunities that we always knew that we had the potential for.

ADAM BONOMO: The biggest show

of the tour was at a club called Salason in Cangas, Spain. The crowd went wild during the show. Everyone was jumping around and chanting after every song. At one point these two guys picked Will up on their shoulders and carried him around the whole club during a song. After we finished we were introduced to Coffee Liquor, which is the local drink of Cangas.

We danced all night long and made many friends. That was the most fun show of the tour and Cangas is now my favorite city in Europe. It was a great night.

JOHN PHILLIPS: The biggest show of our career was probably our first headlining theater show at the Bijou Theatre in our hometown in Knoxville last November. We were on the road all year and we were wrapping up our year on the road with a show at Voodoo Festival in New Orleans and the Bijou show a few days later. The show was sold out and was a fantastic cap to a great year of touring. It’s always fun to play to new fans, but nothing compares to playing for your home town fans and friends and family. The same people supported us from the beginning, and it’s a great feeling to show them the best version of what we do.

For more information on the band, visit black-cadillacs.com and facebook.com/ TheBlackCadillacs.

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Saint Francis

SOUNDS

Emi Sunshine

THE AFTER

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

PARTY

B

ands and music fans are set to converge on Hippie Hill for Afteroo, a week of music and good vibes scheduled for June 16-22.

Now in its 12th year, Afteroo has grown to be a week-long affair, packed with lots of talent.

“Afteroo started with no music; it was just a bunch of family hanging out and having a good time,” said Mama Jeanie, who resides with Hippie on the piece of land along the outer limits of Rutherford County known as Hippie Hill.

Many individuals of the hippie-music-fan variety were in the Middle Tennessee area after the Bonnaroo festival, and decided to bring the party to Hippie Hill; the annual June tradition has been growing ever since.

Performers range from “Middle Tennessee’s favorite party band,” The Corbitt Brothers and Southern-rockers of the ’70s Black Oak Arkansas to “child sensation” Emi Sunshine (a little girl with a big bluegrass voice, now gaining national attention), said Richard Thornton, with Hippie Hill Productions, also making note of slated-to-appear act Saint Francis.

“They recently signed with Universal!” he said of the rootsy seven-piece band, who spent time in Nashville working on new material, including collaborations with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Music City Full Gospel Choir.

Mama Jeanie said she was especially excited about hosting Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves, who recently worked with John Carter Cash on a remake of “Folsom Prison Blues.”

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Afteroo brings a full week of live music and good vibes to Hippie Hill with Johnny Neel and more.

“And they play real country music, like Johnny Cash,” Mama said of the Tennessee Werewolves.

Also among the performers is veteran keyboardist Johnny Neel.

“It’s my first time [on Hippie Hill],” Neel said.

“I’m looking forward to going out there.”

Neel, a longtime touring and recording professional who celebrates 30 years in Middle Tennessee this year, took a moment to talk with the Murfreesboro Pulse about his career in music.

After all of these years, he seems to have the seasonal rhythm of the music industry down.

“In the summer, there’s more festival work; in the winter there’s more studio work,” he said.

His current performing lineup includes Quincy Meeks on guitar and Herschel Van Dyke on drums, players a generation removed from Neel but both very involved in Middle Tennessee’s live music scene themselves over the past years.

“These young guys, they’re good to work with,” Neel said. “They’re good guys. They’re willing to travel . . . I’m playing left-hand bass right now; the economy’s forcing me to play as a trio,” he joked. “When the economy gets better I can hire a bass player.”

Neel has been an innovator on the keys, and likes trying new techniques and structures; composing new pieces and pushing boundaries.

He can play the blues in a traditional way, but also experiments with sounds, styles, tempos, textures and musical emotions in his work. He said he’d have a hard time picking a single recording as a representative example of his catalog.

“There are so many genres I play, I couldn’t pick just one,” he said. “I’ll play a little jazz, a little Allman Brothers (Neel was a member of the Allmans from 1989–1990), a little Paul Rodgers, then something acoustic . . . I don’t get jammed up in playing one particular style.”

Neel said he expects to have a new EP out in the fall, and is also working on a collection of Christmas music.

“Between the two I should have something soon,” he said.

So what first drew Neel, who celebrates his 60th birthday this month, to music?

“I went to blind school, and they were pretty musical,” he said, when asked about some of his earliest music memories. “About age 6 or 7 I got into music pretty good. All the kids were into music somehow. They were playing piano or tuning pianos or playing guitars or tuning guitars . . .”

Johnny Neel will perform at Afteroo on opening night, June 16, as will Black Oak Arkansas.

Spongecake and the Fluff Ramblers will be around all week, performing every day of the six-day festival.

Strung Like a Horse and Flea Market Hustlers will perform on Tuesday, “a day filled with string bands.”

“Thursday is funk night with local favorites The AquaDucks and Captain Midnite opening for top touring funk band Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band,” Thornton said.

For more on Afteroo and Hippie Hill, visit hippiehilltn.org or find Hippie Hill TN on Facebook.

AFTEROO 2014 SCHEDULE:  Monday, June 16 (Opening Day & meet & greet with members of Black Oak Arkansas & Johnny Neel Band) 5 p.m. Osiella 7 p.m. OTIS 9 p.m. Black Oak Arkansas (unplugged) 10 p.m. Johnny Neel 12 a.m. Spongecake and The Fluff Ramblers  Tuesday, June 17 4 p.m. Spongecake and the Fluff Ramblers 6 p.m. The Underhills 8 p.m. Gators in the Sawgrass 10 p.m. Strung Like a Horse 12 a.m. Flea Market Hustlers (Erisa Rei will perform in between sets)  Wednesday, June 18 4 p.m. Spongecake and The Fluff Ramblers 6 p.m. Whyte Noyse 8 p.m. Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves 10 p.m. Roots of a Rebellion 12 a.m. Pierce Edens & the Dirty Work  Thursday, June 19 4 p.m. Spongecake and the Fluff Ramblers 6 p.m. The Aquaducks 8 p.m. The Captain Midnight Band 10 p.m. Yo’ Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band 12 a.m. Stone Sugar Shakedown (Stuart Montez will perform in between sets)  Friday, June 20 4 p.m. Emi Sunshine & the Rain 6 p.m. Sugar Lime Blue 8 p.m. Saint Francis 10 p.m. Black Oak Arkansas 12 a.m. Spongecake & the Fluff Ramblers  Saturday, June 21 11 a.m. Spongecake and the Fluff Ramblers 1 p.m. The Gypsy Begonias 3 p.m. Aubryn & Ashley’s Variety show 6 p.m. Joecephus & the George Jonestown Massacre 8 p.m. Husky Burnette 10 p.m. The Corbitt Brothers Band 12 a.m. ?HOOTEROLL?

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FOOD

A cheese plate containing cheeses from The Bloomy Rind in Nashville.

Left, Smoked salmon sandwich on homemade Irish brown bread

THE DISH

Middle Earth’s Favorite Pub Step off Main St. into the Shire for a unique pub experience.

story by TONY LEHEW • photos by CHRISTY SIMMONS

P

erhaps the best formula for success is for your business idea to have as much appeal too as many people as possible. Sounds good, but how do you put that idea into practice?

Joe and Kimberly Minter own The Green Dragon Public House, located at 714 W. Main St., and this is just what they did. Joe, a devout J.R.R. Tolkien fan, has built his version of a pub from The Lord of the Rings.

“I read The Hobbit as a child and The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a teen. There is a strong moral background that runs through those books, and I still read them once a year,” Joe said.

“The Green Dragon is repeatedly mentioned in both The Hobbit and The Lord 0f the Rings. It was located in the Shire (the Hobbit hometown), and all the Hobbit community

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gathered there,” he explained.

Short of walking around barefoot like the Hobbits, Joe and his staff have recreated the décor and feeling of the pub from the Tolkien books.

“The décor is old barn wood, siding, paneling, tables and chairs. It has a very warm feeling, like The Green Dragon from the books.

There is a new menu and featured items every day. The menu is put together by Kimberly and prepared by her and Chef Bobby Terman,” Joe said. “Kimberly forms the daily menu and Bobby cooks it to perfection.”

So, what if you’re not a fan of The Hobbit?

How about an authentic English pub?

“Green Dragon is a commonplace name for pubs in England and Public House is an old English term that means all the public is invited. Kimberly went to school in England;

she went to Cambridge. She knows how an English pub should feel. Like those pubs, this a safe place to bring the family. We have a kids’ corner with toys and games. My son, Griffin, is our ambassador; when other kids come in, he greets them and engages them to explore the kids’ corner and play games. We are a nonsmoking environment, a place to gather for good food and a pint or two,” Joe continued.

So, Tolkien or English pub, not your cup of tea? Then how about a little history? The name Green Dragon is iconic to the American Revolution. The Green Dragon Inn in Boston was used by The Freemasons as a meeting place. The basement of the tavern was used by several secret groups and became known by historians as the “Headquarters of the Revolution.” The Sons of Liberty, Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Boston Caucus each met there. The Boston Tea Party was planned there and Paul Revere was sent from there to Lexington on his famous ride.

And to add to this long list of things that should appeal to the senses, the Greenway is just outside the front door.

“We found this place while we were on the Greenway. I used to say, ‘What a great building, someone should do something with it.’ At that

NAME: The Green Dragon

Public House

LOCATION: 714-F W. Main St., Murfreesboro PHONE: (615) 801-7171 HOURS: Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m PRICES: Cheese plate: $7.95 Turkey Reuben: $7.95 Smoked salmon sandwich: $9.95

time, I never dreamed it would be me,” Joe said.

“We settled on this building because of the concrete floor (for brewing) and the proximity to the Greenway. We ride our bikes on Greenway a lot and I knew this would be a great spot for cyclists and people walking to come in, relax, get a bite to eat or have a pint or two.”

So if you are out walking the Greenway on a sunny day and get parched or hungry, all you need to do is walk in and sit down. If beer and food are not in order, The Green Dragon keeps a selection of fruit juices and Gatorade on hand.

Speaking of beer, The Green Dragon keeps a fine supply of craft beers on hand. You can get it by the bottle, glass or have them pull you a pint

Green Dragon owner, Joe Minter, emphasizes that the pub is family-friendly and boasts a children’s play area where his son, Griffin, greets the hobbit-size guests.

in one of the stoneware mugs that would be as at home in the Shire as it is in Murfreesboro.

Joe has plans to expand onto the clearly visible warehouse area in the back and brew his own beer.

“After we get this (the pub) running smoothly, the next phase is to start brewing my own beer. I just want to brew for here, I have no plans to distribute. Once you scale up, you lose flexibility, you can’t change your brews,” explained Joe. He said his brews would change from time to time but he would always have a brown ale available, it’s his favorite.

“We will eventually have wine, but we will never have liquor, It’s a personal choice and takes away from the family atmosphere.”

I would call the food light bar fare with a gourmet flair. I say that because it’s not the usual deep-fried mammal flesh with a side of salted starch. I would guess that you can

get a burger and fries there, but why would you want to when they have a new special menu every day?

I particularly enjoyed the Ploughman’s Lunch with meat and cheese served on toast points. They do have a set menu along with the daily specials and there are plans to expand the menu in the near future. My suggestion is to find something on the menu that you are not familiar with and try that.

I have done that several times and have not been disappointed yet.

Joe also had some very definite opinions, when it came to a standards of almost every bar you will ever enter. You will not find a television in The Green Dragon.

“I will never have any media in here.

People just don’t talk to each other enough.

We have entertainment, things like board games, Trivial Pursuit and live music. I love live music, we had a great Celtic group for the grand opening.”

So, as you can see, The Green Dragon, appeals to a wide range of people, Tolkien fans, history buffs, pub fans, those wanting a family atmosphere, craft beer drinkers and more than anything else, those who can appreciate something just a little outside the ordinary.

“I want this place to be a community center, especially for the downtown population and an homage to Tolkien. I don’t want to cash in on Tolkien, I just want it to tie in to my love of the books and that is expressed in the décor of the place. I want mostly to be known for brewing the best beer in town.” In closing, Joe simply said, “This is not a bar, it’s a pub.”

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Pure Patsy, Mixed Media on Masonite 16 x 25

ART

by MAI HARRIS

Totem II, Mixed Media on Masonite, 32 x 50

Dawna Magliacano Making an

Impact on Murfreesboro Art Scene DAWNA MAGLIACANO, one of Murfreesboro’s many talented local artists, doesn’t believe in the term “starving artist.”

“How could you be starving when you get to feed your soul every day doing the things you love most?” And she has lived the life to back up that statement. Having worked her entire life to attain that elusive balance between being a working artist, raising a family and maintaining a salaried career, she finally decided to take the leap into committing herself fully to the arts.

Dawna reflected on the years she spent using her kitchen table as her studio; “I was a single mom, and I supplemented my income with craft and art fairs, working sometimes all night to get enough inventory ready for a show.”

Leaving her day job behind, she opened the Art Barn in Rockvale, Tenn., in 2011, which has become her working studio and a space for teaching workshops and classes.

“It took me a good many years to get to this, but once I did, I trusted that the source of [my] gift would take care of whatever I needed, if I committed fully to it.”

The Art Barn hosts art sales in the spring, fall and winter holiday seasons, and has also become a co-sponsor of Murfreesboro Art Events such as the second annual Folk’n Art Fest at Mayday Brewery. The first festival was a huge success, building up much excitement for the 2014 festival taking place on July 26.

“We are growing the number of art vendors from 19 the first year to 50 this year,” explains Dawna. This year they will also feature 11 folk singers and a bike race to benefit

the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In addition to the Annual Folk’n Art Fest, Dawna and the Art Barn are also working with Mayday to showcase local artists at the brewery on a regular basis, rotating work monthly. The exhibits aspire to show “outside-the-box art that matches Mayday’s fun and eclectic vibe,” bringing a flavor to the local art scene outside of the “typical, though greatly appreciated, still life and landscape genres.” Examples of the themed

Ellusive Good, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48 x 24

art we can expect to see at Mayday this year are “At the Seaside,” with submissions that depict sea monsters, mermaids, pirates, etc., “Vintage Circus,” and “Robots” just to name a few.

Dawna’s work was also recently featured in her very own solo show at the Center for the Arts entitled, “The Many Dimensions of Dawna Magliacano; A Mixed Media Artist.”

“Since the focus of my work is mixed media, it’s exciting to have the Center for the Arts embrace this kind of art.”

Like most artists, Dawna doesn’t feel she has reached her greatest accomplishment just yet.

“I have had some very proud moments, but I am still a very eager student. I am ever striving to be better and grow as an artist,” she said. “I often feel like I am only just skimming the surface of what I am truly capable of.”

As for the challenges she has faced as an artist, she says the hardest thing has been staying true to her voice of what she wants to create rather than focusing on what might sell.

“It’s a tightrope sometimes because you want your work to sell, it’s how we make a living.”

Despite that nagging feeling of needing to “pay the bills,” Dawna strives to stick to creating what her soul and muse are telling her to make, regardless of sales.

Dawna has lots of wise advice to offer other artists, especially those who are also parents like herself. “If you’re an artist, you simply have to create; it may be in stolen hours around sleeping babes, but if that’s what you were brought here to do, somehow you have to find a way. Juggle what you have to, get rid of what doesn’t feed your soul, ignore anyone who tells you ‘you can’t make art,’ and make more art.”

As for the future of Murfreesboro’s art community, Dawna, like many others, are working hard to see it grow to its full potential. She

Mad Bella Dawna, assemblage

shares the common desire for all of the different artists and groups to really connect with one another, growing into one large committee that could be responsible for things such as honoring our local artists with awards and scholarships and curating Art on the Square during peak seasons. She would also like to see artists take over a portion of our downtown area and really make it the “artful part of town” with “studio after studio and gallery after gallery.”

To find out more about Dawna’s creative processes and to keep up to date about happenings at the Art Barn, you can visit her blog: artfulmusing.com.

Her work is also featured on dawnamagliacano.com.

Artists interested in submitting work for the upcoming themed shows at Mayday Brewery can contact Dawna at dkmagarts@gmail.com And don’t forget to check out the second annual Folk’n Art festival at Mayday Brewery on July 26.

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 JUNE ART HAPPENINGS ARTIST MEET-UPS AT TWO-TONE ART GALLERY

Local artist Nichole McVeigh is one of the many Murfreesboro residents dreaming of a more connected art community. After living in Murfreesboro for six years, she has always yearned to be a part of a creative community. Having no luck finding what she was looking for, she decided to create her own.

She has put together Murfreesboro Creative Group, which will have regular meet-ups for artists every other Wednesday at Two-Tone Art Gallery, 113 W. Lytle St. June’s meetings will be from 5–8 p.m. on June 11 and 25.

Nichole says the meet-ups are a way for artists to network, support each other and connect creatively.

Attendees are welcome to bring art projects to work on for the three hours they have the gallery reserved. This is also an opportunity for artists to learn from each other about different mediums in a non-stressful environment. Some refreshments will be provided.

For more information on the meetings, contact Nichole McVeigh on Facebook at facebook.com/nikkius, or look up Murfreesboro Creative Group. Information on when the meetings will be taking place can also be found on Two-Tone’s Facebook page.

Nichole McVeigh has also recently launched her new blog, Embody Your Muse, which will feature interviews with creative people from all over the world. The interviews will mostly focus on the creative process, giving readers a peak into other creative minds for support and inspiration for their own lives. Visit embodyyourmuse.com.

GARY JAMES: EXHIBITION OF PRINTS AT 3 BROTHERS 

Local artist Gary James currently has prints of his work on display at 3 Brothers Craft Brewhouse on the square, 114 N. Church St. For more information on Gary James and his work, visit garyjamesart.com.  FIRE

WORKS: THOMAS EVERETT GREEN AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Center for the Arts is pleased to announce Fire Works, an exhibition of new creations from Thomas Everett Green. The show will feature paintings, animation and video that explore biology and contemporary microscopic photography. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The Center for the Arts is located at 110 W. College St. For more information on the exhibit, call (615) 9042787 or email jettfeathers@gmail.com.

MOXIE ART SUPPLY TO OFFER SUMMER CLASSES

On Jan. 3rd, Moxie Art Supply moved to its new home at 302 W. Vine St. Owner and local artist Glenn Merchant says he couldn’t be happier with the new location.

Glenn’s goal in finding a new spot for the store was to remain near the Square, in order to keep in touch with the general public, while still being within a bike ride’s distance from MTSU. Not only does the new location fit this criteria, it also has three times the space of the old store, allowing for an expansion of inventory. Glenn says customers can expect a larger selection of kids’ art supplies, acrylic paint, pastels and watercolors, as well as a new addition of ready-made frames.

Glenn also has a lot of exciting plans to make the store more interactive for customers.

Customers can already find several QR bar codes posted near certain items, allowing them to scan the code with their smartphones and pull up useful information about that particular item, including what it is, how it works and ways it can be used. He plans to add more of these QR bar codes throughout the store and one day hopes to have iPad stations where different supplies can be given a digital test drive. Customers could experiment with what happens when you mix together different colors of markers or paints, for example.

Moxie’s ArtCamp will begin in June, lead by Barfield Elementary art instructor, Melany Proctor. The camps will take place in a spacious teaching studio, another perk of the new location. All of the camps are priced under $100, and will take place June 11–13 and June 16–18. They are open to two age groups: 2nd through 4th graders and 5th through 8th graders. Students can choose between a clay program or a 2D program including drawing, painting, collage and printmaking. To register parents can stop by the store or call (615) 849-1131.

In addition to the beginning of ArtCamp, Moxie’s first exhibition in their new gallery space features the work of Leslie Thomas. The exhibit opened on May 24 and will be open to Moxie visitors throughout June.

Local artist, Susan Truex will also be teaching ongoing drawing and painting workshops for adults starting in September.

As for Merchant’s personal artwork, he had an exhibit at Motlow earlier this year and he still finds time to paint in his studio every day.

Be sure to visit Moxie’s new location and support local business!

You can visit moxieartsupply.com, or find them on Facebook, for information on upcoming exhibits, ArtCamps, and up-to-date information on sales and promotions.

— MAI HARRIS

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL SHOWCASE AT MTSU

The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts is a four-week residency summer program for high school students gifted in music, visual art, theater, dance and filmmaking.

The program will be taking place during June, ending with finale showcases June 25-26.

Opera Finale: Wednesday, June 25 at 4 p.m., MTSU, Wright Music Bldg., Hinton Hall Art Exhibit: Wednesday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., MTSU, Wright Music Bldg., Hinton Hall Music Finale I: Thursday, June 26 at 11 a.m., MTSU, Wright Music Bldg., Hinton Hall Film & Ballet Finale: Thursday, June 26 at 1 p.m., MTSU, Tucker Theatre, Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building Music Finale II: Thursday, June 26 at 3 p.m., MTSU, Wright Music Bldg., Hinton Hall For more information visit gsfta.com.

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THEATER War Horse will be at TPAC’S Andrew Jackson Hall in Nashville June 3-8.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A PUPPET

An Interview with War Horse’s Jon Riddleberger

BY JUSTIN STOKES

A

dapted from the best-selling children’s book, War Horse is a promising piece of theater that may be one of the most unique shows of TPAC’s line-up.

Following the perspective of Joey, a horse who has been recruited for the battlefield effort of World War I, audiences are offered a universal understanding of emotion by showing that the compassion of animals and beast-like nature of war blurs the boundaries between animal and man. Jon Riddleberger, head puppeteer for the War Horse lead, Joey, was able to chat with the Pulse about his involvement before its opening night on June 3.

PULSE: So you’re operating the head of the puppet Joey, the main character in War Horse. Can you describe the construction of the puppet?

JON RIDDLEBERGER: Yeah, so the horse puppets in the show are a little bit larger-than-life puppets. They’re made of cane and aluminum and leather, and the mane and tail is made up of a material called Tyvek, which is basically what FedEx envelopes are made of. And the horses were handcrafted in South Africa, under the guidance of the Handspring Puppet Company. The workshop that they had opened could make a full set of puppets for the show.

That includes Joey and Topthorn, who are the two main horse characters, as well as some other horses in the show that aren’t as full. There’s also some human puppets and some crow puppets. I think that it took them about a year to make all of those puppets.

You said that there are human puppets in the show as well? How many of the players in the show are non-puppets?

We have an ensemble of 43 people. It’s a mixture of puppets and human actors. Really in terms of the main characters of the show, they’re all human aside from the two main horses.

Other puppets are used through the show . . . there are

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bird puppets throughout different scenes outside, there are human puppets that are used for different scenes of cavalry charge, with six horses charging at the Germans, and we use a combination of people and puppets to do that. The show is more “puppety” in the war in a lot of ways.

How did you and the other actors study for the portrayal of Joey?

Well, it started with just two weeks of puppet rehearsals.

With all the puppeteers, we have a total of 13 puppeteers who puppet the big horses in the show and then three puppeteers who puppet Joey when Joey’s a foal. So it was the 16 of us for two weeks studying horses. We spent it at the stables, we watched videos, we even watched things like the dissection of a race horse. We read books. We also just did various puppet exercises. We worked with puppets that weren’t the horses, and those two weeks were really spent focusing on how to be a horse, and then the full cast joined us. That’s when we started working on the script.

Part of the process was learning the basics: How do we walk? How do we do this and that? So that when our director says, “Hey, can Joey walk across the stage at this point?” that we can do that.

It’s an ongoing process, so I’m a different puppeteer two weeks ago than I was a year ago. We’re always evolving with these puppets. There’s always something new to learn, and there’s always something new to find out. Whenever I see a horse on the street, it’s probably likely that some of that horse’s behavior is going to be in the show that night.

 THEATER HAPPENINGS CHESS THE MUSICAL, directed

by Wayman Price, will open June 13 at Murfreesboro Little Theatre. Show times are 7 p.m. June 13, 14, 20 and 21 and at 2 p.m. June 15 and 22.

Chess is a metaphor for both romantic rivalries and the U.S./Soviet rivalry during the Cold War. The main characters form a love triangle: the ill-mannered American Grandmaster, Frederick Anatoly, the intense Russian champion who plans on defecting to the West; and the HungarianAmerican female, Florence, who arrives at the international championships with the American but falls in love with the Russian.

From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies all struggle to get the upper-hand.

For reservations or more information, call (615) 893-9825 or visit mltarts. com.

MLT SUMMER THEATER CAMPS Session dates, ages 4–12 June 2–14 (Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Performance June 14 at 10 a.m.)

June 16–28 (Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Performance June 28 at 10 a.m.)

July 21–Aug. 2 (Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Performance Aug. 2 at 10 a.m.)

Ages 13 and Older July 7–12 (Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Performance July 12 at 10 a.m.)

Ages 7 and Older (music concentration) July 14–19 (Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Performance July 19 at 10 a.m.)

Call (615) 893-9825 for more information on the camps.

CHARLIE BROWN AND LADY DAY At the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill: The Billie Holiday Story will play June 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. each night.

That production will be followed

by You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, playing June 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., and June 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. in the Center for the Arts gallery.

For tickets or more information on these productions, visit boroarts.org.

When moving Joey, are you looking to convey the same level of emotion that you would have playing any other character?

Yeah, that’s the goal. That’s the job. I think of what I do as acting. Puppet-ing the horse. A lot of the puppeteers in the show are trained actors.

The difference is, I’m working with two other people. So we have to kind of develop a “group mind,” and that’s an imperfect process . . . which is part of what makes it great. So together the team creates a new character that is a combination of the three of us.

We each have different jobs within that. So I’m the head puppeteer, meaning that I operate the head of the horse and control the ears. My job is really to focus on “What does Joey see, what is he hearing, what is he thinking?” Then the heart puppeteer, who is in the middle, is controlling the legs and the breath . . . the breath is so informa-

tive about what state of tension the horse is in.

And then the hind puppeteer in the back controls the back legs and tail, and that puppeteer is in charge of the strength of the horse, the push of the horse, and the big, muscular motions. And you know, there’s lot of overlap in our jobs.

For the viewers of the show, what do you hope that someone who watches War Horse walks away with, in terms of theme?

So, Michael Morpurgo is the author who wrote the original book. He calls this story “an anthem for peace.” And I think I agree with that; we as an audience are able to watch the conflict through the eyes of a neutral party, which is the horse.

War Horse will be at TPAC’S Andrew Jackson Hall in Nashville June 3-8. For tickets and information about the show, visit tpac.org.

BOROPULSE.COM

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LIVING ROOM CINEMA

REVIEWS MOVIE

column by NORBERT THIEMANN

facebook.com/livingroomcinema

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST 4

Starring Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy Directed by Bryan Singer

Rated PG-13

X-Men: Days of Future Past is an ambitious attempt to reconnect the disparate threads of the six previous X-Men flicks—the original trilogy, two Wolverine spin-offs, and a prequel—into one mutantfilled, time travel-y, ret-conned fustercluck. And it works.

There is a paradoxical cuttingthe-chaff-meets-kitchen-sink quality apparent in Bryan Singer’s successful return to the behemoth that is the superhero genre (which he both helped birth and nearly destroyed). DoFP may have the highest concentration of mutant cameos and comics-

referencing deep cuts of any X-Movie yet, but the crux of the story plays like an all-star game with all the best players plucked from the six films with Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) added to the mix for good measure.

In an apocalyptic future wasteland where mutants are hunted by hyper-advanced Sentinels, the A-team (Ellen Page, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart) works to send all-time QB Wolverine (Jackman) to the past, while Halle Berry’s Storm is demoted to guard duty outside with Blink, Colossus,

Bishop and others, all using their powers in flashy yet frustratingly ineffectual ways. Once Wolverine is in nineteen seventy-something, his mission is to convince young Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and young Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to team up and foil Mystique’s assassination attempt on the inventor of the Sentinels, Dr. Trask (Dinklage). Accomplishing this mission will in turn prevent the fall of the first domino that sets into motion the great mutant war and thus the future (or, depending on your temporal perspective,

GODZILLA 1

Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen Directed by Gareth Edwards

Rated PG-13

(Spoiler alerts abound) A U.S. Army bomb disposal expert (Aaron TaylorJohnson) travels to Japan to visit his father (Cranston), who supervised a Japanese power plant that was damaged due to mysterious seismic activity. Believing the activity to be caused by something more than an earthquake, the former supervisor explores a quarantined area with his son to see just what it is the military is really hiding—a massive creature with the capability of destroying an entire city. But the creature wasn’t the only one of its kind, and another scientist (Watanabe) believes that the human race may have an unlikely defender in its corner.

We would expect that a postNolan monster movie would present characters rife with pathos as they try to navigate the devastation of their

RATINGS:

souls and the destruction that has befallen their beloved city. This is, so we’re told, the “age of verisimilitude.”

Sadly, no. The assumption is that we’re getting a good film because we’re getting a better film. When you compare the late ’90s Godzilla with its 2014 counterpart, this is a fair argument. But that’s a logical fallacy, and you can improve on a concept while still leaving it mediocre. Making Godzilla a champion for humanity actually isn’t a bad concept. The notion that biological organisms can have a negative impact (parasitism) versus having a relationship that benefits two parties (mutualism) fits

A CLASSIC

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within both nature and narrative.

But we’re dealing with a massive reptile, and such a relationship deserves an explanation.

Why is Godzilla so benevolent? Why does he avoid flipping boats and hurting people with the same care as another human being? I am fully willing to buy this, so long as you set it up properly. Maybe if fauxscientist Watanabe actually had some basis onto which he could hinge his hypothesis of “Godzilla will save us,” I would buy that. Is there a lost tablet somewhere, for instance, that tells the epic of Godzilla saving humanity?

But Godzilla isn’t the only one

OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

present-day) X-Men predicament.

McAvoy and Fassbender once again channel their inner Stewart and McKellen (respectively) with an actorly aplomb perhaps undeserving of, though not unwelcome to, the X-Men franchise. But it is Mystique’s once-peripheral role that has been pushed to the fore, doubtless due to the so-hot-rightnow Jennifer Lawrence donning the blue skin-suit a second time around. Despite some expected time-travel-related puzzlements, this combining-the-best-ingredients approach makes DoFP the best X-Men movie to date. It’s surprising then, that it is newcomer Quicksilver (Evan Peters) who gets the best scene in the movie: a masterful ballet of slow-motion tomfoolery set to Jim Croce’s bittersweet early-1970s hit “Time in a Bottle.” For this scene alone I can forgive this flick its few flaws.

— JAY SPIGHT suffering from a lack of purpose in the film. Everyone is just assumed to be doing their part, and for some reason Cranston was the only one intercepting the seismic echolocation activity between Japan and the U.S. How does that work, especially when you have an organization like the mysteriously named MONARCH monitoring such data?

But I guess I can forgive all of that. I guess I can forgive the at-times boring nature of the film too, so long as we get some really great action that we haven’t seen before. No? We don’t get to see buildings destroyed in unique ways? We only get to see Godzilla and the Mutos for a limited amount of time? What was the point of this film again?

Oh, yeah, to make money.

Originally I told friends that the film was so cheesy and convenient that I thought it was a gas station burrito. But after realizing the film was cheap, had no real meat, and upset me hours later, I think Taco Bell might make the better comparison.

Hey Godzilla, Live Más.

— JUSTIN STOKES

BELOW AVERAGE

Nazi Purge: Trains Edition

T

hese debut films have refreshing qualities without spoonfeeding their ultimate sentiment. The nature of the times is craftily reflected in both.

Europa (1991) was retitled Zentropa for the American market, and is Lars Von Trier’s debut feature film. We find an American son assigned to humbly contribute to Germany’s postwar effort by working on their passenger trains.

He is swept into the grave politics of the day, as if it is his hypnotic destiny. Europa is narrated by the infamous Max von Sydow from Ingmar Bergman’s acclaimed legacy.

Closely Watched Trains (1966) is the first feature film offered by Czechoslovakian filmmaker Jirí Menzel. Like so many Czech films, there are surreal and comedic elements at play. A young man follows in his father’s footsteps by working for the railroad, but his tenure is taking place during WWII. Apart from the burdens of his country being occupied, he is personally occupied with his emerging feelings as a man.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

GAME

PATH OF EXILE 4

LOOKING FOR A DIABLO FIX without having to pay for it? Look no further than Path of Exile. A free-to-play online RPG in the style of Diablo II, Path of Exile is a fun and inventive successor to that beloved franchise.

Selecting from several classes, you must fight the various beasts, man or otherwise, that inhabit the land of Exile. Along the way you uncover a deeper plot that takes you to broken cities and lands. The story is nothing to write home about, but gets you from one place to another. The environments are colorful and the music puts you in the right mood.

The gameplay itself is your classic Diablo hack-and-slash with some modifications and additions. Potions are dependent on combat, so you no longer have to buy them one after the other; you just go out and kill things.

Selling your collected items nets you material, rather than gold, which you can use to identify or modify your own equipment.

These small additions provide incentives to go out and fight to get what you need, rather than just harvesting the gold off your sale.

There are two notable features, though, that help to alleviate the admittedly saturated nature of the combat.

The first is the use of gems and sockets.

You will find colored gems that correspond to particular colored sockets. The gems provide various kinds of spells and abilities.

There is a good incentive here to mix and match different socketed items and gems in order to create a unique build. My rogue character, whom I singularly played, has both heavy melee abilities, an ice blast, a skeleton army summon, and an escape that also works as an attack. Basically he is a jack of all trades.

The second is the well-known skill ‘tree.’ I put tree in quotations because it is more like a skill web. Think Final Fantasy X’s skill tree, only bigger.

Being on online RPG, there is a vast and dedicated base of players and options. If you need a multiplayer fix for your RPG, you will not be disappointed.

It’s not groundbreaking, nor is it the most memorable RPG I have played. However, it does not need to be. Path of Exile is fun, and that is all that matters. Plus, being free does not hurt, either.

— NADER HOBBALLAH BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2014 * 31

SPORTS

I KNOW THERE WILL BE FOOTBALL IN HEAVEN

T

he Train Daddy is back with the the Underground Football League, and he runs a hot mini-camp. Players like pain, daddy, and ready once again Aaron Hernandez, the man killer, to hit you punks in the mouth or Michael Vick, the dog killer, with some serious sports Pac Man Jones making it rain knowledge. or O.J. Simpson with one I had a thought not long bloody glove could have a ago, and asked my father if he spot on the team. Who am thought there was football I to question who will end in heaven, just like Tupac up where? Only God can Shakur wondered if heaven do that. I am just pointing had a ghetto. I doubt there out players who have been is a ghetto in heaven, but in the spotlight for awful football I think I can have a column by Z-TRAIN things that hurt their credlittle more faith in. The aftertitanman1984@ yahoo.com ibility, and Ray Lewis, we life is said to be an eternity, know you got away with and I can’t imagine living an murder; what a player, though. eternity with no football at all.

I hope no matter where you end up after If there was football in heaven, would God this life, football follows. be the commissioner, and how would they go Last issue I chimed in my opinions on the about drafting players for the teams? I would matter of racism in America and the Donald think players like Tim Tebow, Kurt Warner, Sterling controversy. The article was well Reggie White, Shaun Alexander and Steve received and honestly received more praise Young would be high commodities after their than any other piece I have done over seven passing in this world. I imagine a field made years. I still received some backlash from of pure gold, cheerleaders on the sidelines some, but with a subject that is touchy and dressed as angels; I imagine the fans sitting important to many, well, you can’t please in the clouds like the Care Bears cheering on everyone. It’s almost an identical situation their team, not fighting or cursing, just pure entertainment and joy. It would be the HFL, the to what Stephen A. Smith is going through defending Mark Cuban’s comments in a reHeavenly Football League, and Commissioner cent interview. Smith, a well-known AfricanGod would be a merciful commissioner.

American ESPN sports analyst, simply Then, I got thinking about hell, and if it defended Cuban’s comments that everyone would be possible for them to have a foothas some prejudiced tendencies in their body ball league. I understand the Bible is clear and it’s normal. Smith was called an Uncle that hell is no place you want to be and Tom, a sell-out, not a true black man; these there will be no joy ever for a person sent are the things Smith stated he heard after his there, so maybe their league would be run defense of Cuban. In the interview, Cuban more like a prison camp. I imagine Satan talked of race and prejudices that exist in would be the commissioner for the UFL,

SPORTS TALK

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people of every color. Pretty much he was saying people judge, it’s part of life and anyone who says they don’t, well then there living in a world of no fear. Pretty much Mark was being honest, not a racist, not a bigot, but honest about how he perceives the world around him. Smith stated “are we going to sit here and literally act like we don’t have any prejudices.” Stephen also stated that Cuban made statements regarding both black and white people, and those upset with him should not expect an apology. I applaud Stephen A. Smith for defending someone who is speaking truthfully from the heart, not speaking in a manner of hate, but truth.

The other day I heard a discussion between some sports fans, and as I listened it just clicked. Ray Rice of the Ravens and Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, well, they’re lucky they didn’t say anything offensive. To be honest Donald Sterling would have been far better off if he would have beaten his girlfriend in an elevator, like Rice, or been caught with a felony possession of narcotics while committing a DUI, as the owner of the Colts did.

These crimes have long been forgotten and barely even ruffled a feather. It’s funny what actions can condemn a person’s character in this country and then the actions that can be forgiven overnight. Former star tight end Aaron Hernandez can be involved in multiple murders and gang activity and what happens, his jersey sales go sky high on the Internet the following month. Then, an old senile man who is suffering with Alzheimer’s makes some racist comments in his own home, and instantly becomes the most hated man in America. Just think about that, and anyone with sense will know that something is fishy.

So, the L.A. Clippers are to be sold for a reported $2 billion. Crazy! To understand this number, $550 million is the highest an NBA franchise has ever been sold for, prior to this.

Donald Sterling is seriously profiting here;

his original $12 million investment is now going for $2 billion—serious profit. Experts projected the team would have only sold for around $600 million prior to all this controversy. This wasn’t an investment for Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft who has a net worth over $20 billion, it’s a play toy.

What a crazy story if you think about it: Old man makes racist comments, gets banished from the league and now is selling his team for a crazy number that wouldn’t have been offered unless the controversy happened.

Pimpin’ ain’t easy; well, pitchin’ ain’t easy either. Rapper 50 Cent threw out what is now widely considered the worst ceremonial pitch in the history of baseball. The Queens rapper took the mound prior to a Mets game against Pirates and launched the ball wide left of the catcher, almost hitting a cameraman. His pathetic toss went viral and was thrown into the mix of bad tosses such as Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, Carl Lewis and fellow musicians Carly Rae and Mariah Carey. Later 50 stated the bad pitch was the work of his alterego Curtis Jackson, his birth name, stating 50 is the best. Does this hurt his street cred?

Who knows? I do know my little sister throws a better pitch than that.

The NFL draft is over and the Tennessee Titans have selected their future stars. The Titans first-round pick wasn’t sexy, but a step into the future of football in Tennessee.

The Titans selected Taylor Lewan in the first round, an offensive tackle who is massive in size, a player who will be around for years to come. In the second round, the Titans addressed the departure of Chris Johnson and selected the first running back in the draft, Bishop Sankey out of Washington, who can handle a heavy workload. He is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, something Johnson was lacking. I love the pick. I was hoping the Titans then went with three straight defensive players. In the sixth round though, the Titans got lucky and took their man, Locker’s backup now. Zach Mattenberger, a quarterback out of LSU, to my surprise, was still available. Many experts had Zach graded as a second-round prospect, and they were lucky he was still around. Zach is a prototypical pocket passer and will work well in Whisenhunt’s system. I hope Jake can stay healthy, but if history tells us anything, he is very injury prone, and Zach very well may see the field this season.

I’m taking the Spurs in 6 vs. the Heat, doubt it, but I hope so. Come on, Timmy! I like the old men in San Antonio. Their grit and play is something special. Look to the next issue of the Pulse, I have a hunger to talk World Cup Soccer. Can’t wait! Until next time, the Train’s out the station. Choo choo!

MTSU SPORTS QUICK-CAP

Logan Kilgore

Jimmy Staten

MT PLAYER PICKED IN NFL DRAFT Jimmy Staten drafted

by Seattle Seahawks

LAST MONTH, MIDDLE Tennessee defensive tackle Jimmy Staten became the first Blue Raider to be drafted since 2011, as he was selected 172nd overall in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by defending Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks.

Three other Blue Raiders inked rookie free-agent contracts with NFL teams. Quarterback Logan Kilgore signed with the New Orleans Saints. Offensive lineman Josh Walker joined the Indianapolis Colts, while corner Sammy Seamster reached an agreement with the Baltimore Ravens.

Staten learned of the Seahawks’ decision in the midst of his Saturday afternoon graduation ceremony on the MTSU campus. He received the call while wait-

ing to receive his degree in liberal studies.

The Waycross, Ga., native was tabbed AllConference USA Honorable Mention in 2013.

He was also invited to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. As a senior, Staten was voted a permanent team captain. He played in 12 games, starting in 11. He completed his senior year finishing with 30 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup and two hurries. Staten only missed one game, the season opener against Western Carolina, due to injury. He posted 36 tackles in 12 games as a junior. He finished his career with 49 career games played.

Staten is the 31st draft pick in school history, becoming the first since Rod Issac was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round (147th overall) in 2011. He is the first Raider to be picked by Seattle since Tony Burse was a 12th round pick in 1987.

Kilgore, a native of Rocklin, Calif., finished his illustrious career as the Blue

Raider leader in touchdown passes (53), 200-yard passing games (21) and passing attempts (1,135). He ranked second with 692 completions and 7,849 yards. Kilgore started all 13 games in 2013, completing 216 of 355 passes for 2,507 yards.

The cornerback Seamster saw action in all 13 games last year, recording a careerbest 33 tackles. The Ooltewah native had an interception, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his senior campaign.

Spring City native Walker was tabbed a second team All-Conference USA honoree in 2013. The offensive lineman ended his career with 25 consecutive starts and played a season-high 107 snaps in the MT’s thrilling victory over Marshall.

TRACK AND FIELD

A trio of Blue Raiders has qualified for competition in the NCAA Track and Field Championships, held in Eugene, Ore., June 11-14.

Eliud Rutto, Cordairo Golden and Emmanuel Tugumisirize will all represent Middle Tennessee for the second-consecutive year.

Tugumisirize will compete in the 400 meters and Rutto will run the 800 meters, while Golden is preparing to compete in the triple jump.

For more on the Blue Raiders, visit goblueraiders.com.

Central Magnet Team Wins National Junior High Chess Tournament MURFREESBORO’S CENTRAL MAGNET SCHOOL fielded two teams in the National Junior High Chess Tournament, held in Atlanta the weekend of April 25-26, and one brought the title of National Chess Champions back home.

The K-9 Under 1250 team dominated its tournament with a quick jump to first place, and finished the weekend as national champions. This team consists of Morgan ElrodErickson, Russell Harper, Pranav Mudiam and Adam Johnson.

Central’s K-8 Under 750 team also performed very well. Composed entirely of middle schoolers, this team secured fourth place in the nation for their division. This team consists of Robert Kassees, Maurya Gouni, Anand Gowda, Joshua Stueckle, Tolu Onafowokan and Abhiram Manda.

Outstanding individual achievements include Jack Zhao, who tied for first place in the 1500-1599 ranking, and eighth-grader Morgan Elrod-Erickson, earning third place out of 212 contestants.

The Central Magnet Chess Team is coached by Igor Zhislin and faculty sponsor Nick Horton.

BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2014 * 33

OPINIONS Small-Town Politics, Mosque Mayhem and Trailer Park Trash A typical night at the Rutherford County Election Office There I was—minding my business and not bothering anybody—when an elderly woman signaled toward me and inquired if she could asked me a question: “How far do you believe the First Amendment goes?” she asked.

“Pretty far,” I said, considering my entire career has been based on freedom of the press.

She then launched into an attack on an article I wrote about Nicole Lester, Rutherford County’s administrator of elections, having election signs in her yard before the May Republican primary. During an Election Commission meeting, Commissioner Johnny Taylor, a Democrat, raised the point and said he felt she should remove them to avoid showing favoritism.

Election Commission Chairman Ransom Jones, a Republican, said, “It probably doesn’t look good” but added afterward he didn’t believe election signs were a very big deal and that he allows anyone who asks

him to put a sign on his property.

Lester had signs for Sheriff Robert Arnold, District Attorney General-elect Jennings Jones and public defender candidate Andy Brunelle. Lester’s husband, Joe Russell, is chief administrator for the sheriff, while the next district attorney is son of the Election Commission chairman.

Anyway, this woman at the election office asked me why I was violating Lester’s First Amendment rights with a story on election signs. She said she used to live on a main road and allowed anyone to put election signs in her yard.

I countered that most of the time a sign in your yard means you’re supporting that person’s campaign. Also, even though Lester had the right to put signs in her yard—it’s not against state law for election administrators— I pointed out that when you’re the top election administrator in the county, you should stay beyond reproach and not play favorites.

The woman didn’t seem to grasp this

The

STOCKARD REPORT

BY SAM STOCKARD

concept and the debate continued for several minutes in the election office as people milled about discussing politics and waiting for numbers.

She continued to argue that she had let anyone put election signs in her yard. So when Ransom Jones walked near the counter, picking up some papers, I turned toward him and said, “Do you think Ransom would put a Chuck Ward sign in his yard?” Ward ran against his son in the recent district attorney race.

Jones, who apparently was upset by the initial story, said the issue should have ended when the state elections office said it was legal. Nearly shaking with anger, he said, apparently speaking about his son Jennings, “I’d like to see you tell his mother she can’t put his sign in her yard.”

Without knowing it, Jones pretty much made my argument. But then the woman— Corrine Zorn, a member of the election’s absentee counting board—launched into a tirade about local newspapers and the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, and shortly thereafter I ended that conversation.

Mosque-phobia On some golf courses, every putt is said to

break toward the ocean or toward the creek or toward the road. In Murfreesboro, everything seems to break toward the mosque, the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.

Not only was Mrs. Zorn upset about my article on election signs, she was still angry that local Muslims were allowed to build a new mosque, despite legal efforts against it.

A group of residents also is fighting to stop the ICM from opening a cemetery at the site.

It’s the object of a legal battle in Chancery Court, from which all local judges recused themselves.

After Chancellor Robert Corlew stepped away from the case during March, a great uproar followed in the Judicial Building hall where Muslims and ICM foes accused each other of lying, etc. People opposed to the mosque cemetery contended, among other things, that the Rutherford County Board of Zoning Appeals approved the cemetery in spite of flooding problems and the potential for traffic congestion.

As the rancor began to die down that day, I was asking Lou Ann Zelenik, a spokeswoman for the group, about the reasons for opposition.

I was standing there taking notes when someone kept bumping the back of my shoulder.

Finally, I turned around and said, “Who’s bumping me?” in a not-too-happy voice.

It was a fairly young man with a shaved head who was trying to stop a young Islamic woman—who said she was from the University of Maryland—from videotaping the interview.

Immediately, he started trying to interrogate me, asking if I was an editor with The Daily News Journal (which I was for about 20 years), why I left, and generally trying to stare me down.

After a few seconds, I simply said, “Who are you?”

And he turned away.

I knew who he was: Micah Forrest, the same person who helped disrupt a Rutherford County Election Commission meeting in early 2011. Doris Jones, who was chairman at the time, lost control of the meeting and resigned not long after that. But that’s another story.

Apparently, Mr. Forrest is still trying to throw a monkey wrench into the public discourse. Oops, did I say course? Yes, if Rutherford County were a golf course, everything would break toward the mosque.

What the heck did he say?

During a recent Public Safety Committee meeting, Rutherford County Commissioner Matt Young balked at a request to spend $36,000 on a new underwater sonar to aid in the search for bodies.

“That $36,000 can be used so much better than to

find a body that’s been there for a while,” Young said.

He contended that the county already has a sonar and that Homeland Security funds, the part of the county budget that would pay for the equipment, should be used to deal with terrorism.

Some commissioners might have sided with Young when he began, but then he lost them.

“You leave a body at the bottom of a lake, it’s going to float up eventually,” he said.

That comment elicited this response from Mayor Ernest Burgess: “If it’s your relative or mine, I don’t think we want to wait until they float up.”

Funding, which, oddly enough, had already passed the full county commission and budget committee, received a 5-1 vote for approval. Young was defeated in the May Republican primary.

“Trailer park trash” Shane Jacobs of Mt. Tabor Road, a witness in an attempted murder case, used these words in General Sessions Court to describe himself when his attorney asked him if he ever hung out socially with one of the suspects.

“Just trailer park trash, man.”

James Russell of Spring Street is charged with firing a gun at Jacobs’ feet and then shooting Rachel Orman after allegedly breaking into their Christiana trailer last September. Defense attorney Joe Brandon called it a drug deal gone awry.

Four Steps to Organizational Success Step 2: Alignment

by DR. PHILLIP FOSTER WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you checked the alignment of your organization? For many, the answer is likely never! In fact, most probably don’t even know what true organizational alignment consists of.

According to Webster’s, alignment is an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another.

In other words, is your organization in alignment with the mission, vision and long-range goals of the organization? Most would quickly say yes. But to be honest, you really don’t know unless you check the alignment on a regular basis.

Most organizations I’ve worked with assume that because the organization is making a profit and nothing has proverbially blown up that their alignment is just fine. As an example, we worked with an organization that appeared to be doing great with their alignment.

They were profitable and growing.

But there was a problem festering under the surface of this wonderful organization. When we conducted the analysis and compared it against the organization’s stated

values, mission and vision we discovered a problem. There was at least one employee that was very unhappy. The stakeholders in the organization were surprised to find that there was a problem at all. The location was their most profitable and the person who was not happy was their best employee. The organization was out of alignment, and the negative effects of this had begun to spread throughout that location like a virus. Left unattended, this toxicity could have been the undoing of this particular location.

Analysis is the first step in identifying alignment issues. But how do we align the organization?

This requires the delicate process of change management. Change management involves proper and effective communication, leadership coaching and follower training among other things. In some cases, alignment requires a clear definition of what the organization is here for. Alignment takes time and patience. The process can’t be rushed and steps can’t be overlooked. Success comes from a proper alignment, and is not always a do-it-yourself project.

I know better than to try and do a front-end alignment on my car. I take it to a mechanic who has the tools and expertise to assist me.

The same goes for organizational alignment. Don’t go it alone. Most organizations do not have the time or expertise to align their organization. If you’re in that place, Maximum Change can help. Our team has over 60 years of leadership, management and organizational development experience.

If you believe your organization could benefit from our 4-step process, please contact us today by calling (615) 216-5667 for a free consult.

Dr. Philip A Foster is considered a thought leader in Business Operations, Organization and Strategic Leadership. He is a prolific writer, published author and lectures internationally. Philip is certified in both leadership and coaching and serves as adjunct professor at MTSU. He is the Founder and CEO of Maximum Change Leadership and Business Consulting, serving clients from around the world. For more information, visit maximumchange.com.

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OPINIONS

La PALABRA Una columna del idioma español por

CAMERON PARRISH

They Came from Outer Space!

Vinieron del Espacio!

IN ENGLISH: Since very early times man has periodically reported contact with beings from other worlds. Some perceived these mysterious visitors as fairies or giants and in some cases even hailed them as gods, going so far as to integrate them into their religious belief systems. But in 1955 when the Sutton-Lankford family from Kelly, Ky., allegedly encountered alien visitors who arrived in a mysterious craft and approached their farmhouse in the middle of the night, they did what country people do when they find themselves in such situations. They started shooting! But to the dismay of the defenders the bullets had no effect on the invaders, prompting the family to abandon the premises and seek the help of local law enforcement. It was said of this family by police that “these aren’t the kind of people who normally run to the police for help.”

It’s one of the most famous and well-researched cases of an alleged alien encounter in history. Over the years hundreds of journalists and investigators from around the world have examined the details of the incident, which continues to inspire curiosity almost 60 years later. In fact, Steven Spielberg was inspired by the story, which is said to have influenced the creation of the much less disturbing tale from the film E.T. A number of sources exist that document the incident.

One that I recommend is a recent book authored by my friend and journalist Rob Dollar and fellow newsman Tim Ghianni. The book is called Monkeys Don’t Wear Silver Suits and it accomplishes something unique. It’s a highly informative and open-minded treatment of a topic with potentially monumental and frightening implications and mixes it with enough humor and a healthy skepticism to make it a balanced read. One striking detail the authors also mention in the book is that the incident at Kelly wasn’t the only encounter with strange creatures reported in the area. Others also encountered strange creatures that summer and even some in more recent years.

So what really transpired that fateful evening in 1955? It’s hard to say.

Theories about escaped monkeys have been offered. Some suggest the whole family was hallucinating. Unfortunately most of the witnesses are now deceased.

But accounts provided by the witnesses (eight adults and three children) never changed and were consistent over the years, a remarkable aspect since most 36 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

hoaxes debunk themselves over time with conflicting stories. Two additional facts stand out in this case according to investigators. Firstly, the witnesses were sober on that evening and did not seem under the influence. Secondly, whatever they encountered that night left them severely frightened and traumatized for the rest of their lives. Former Hopkinsville Police Chief Russell Greenwell was recorded as saying: “Something scared these people. Something beyond reason—nothing ordinary.”

Having researched this case and visited the location where the incident was reported, I agree with the late Isabel Doris in her assessment of the case.

Were it not for this universal determination to disbelieve a story of this nature, it is probable that the “explanations” we have examined would never have been given serious consideration.

In other words, while it’s not the explanation that we wish to believe, an actual alien visitation is more believable than the other explanations offered. Does this prove anything?

Nope. But as always, I will keep exploring.

Semper explorandum

EN ESPANOL: Desde tiempos remotos el hombre ha informado periódicamente contacto con seres de otros mundos. Algunos consideran estos misteriosos visitantes como hadas o gigantes y en algunos casos incluso haled ellos como los dioses, va tan lejos como para integrarlos en sus sistemas de creencias religiosas.

Pero en 1955, cuando la familia de Sutton-Lankford de Kelly Kentucky supuestamente descubrió que los visitantes extraterrestres que llegaron a una misteriosa nave y se aproximaron a sus casa en el medio de la noche, hicieron lo que hacen cualquier campesino cuando se encuentran en tales situaciones. ¡Comenzaron a disparar!

Pero a la consternación de los defensores las balas no tenían efecto en los invasores, incitando a la familia a abandonar el local y buscar la ayuda de la policía. Fue dicho de esta familia por el jefe de la policía que “no es el tipo de la gente que normalmente llaman a la policía para la ayuda.”

Es uno de los más famosos y bien documentados casos de un presunto encuentro extraterrestre en la historia.

Durante los años cientos de periodistas e investigadores de todo el mundo han examinado los detalles del incidente que continúa inspirando curiosidad casi 60

años después. De hecho Steven Spielberg se inspiró en la historia y se dice que ha influido en la creación de la historia de la película E.T. aunque E.T.no era tan horrible como los creaturas de aquel noche.

Varias fuentes existen que se tratan de documentar el incidente. Uno que recomiendo es un libro reciente escrito por mi amigo un periodista que se llama Rob Dollar y otro periodista Tim Ghianni. El libro se llama Monkey’s Don’t Wear Silver Suits y logra algo único. Es un tratamiento muy informativo y de mente abierta de un tema con implicaciones potencialmente monumentales y espantosas y lo mezcla con bastante humor y un escepticismo sano que lo hacen unlibro equilibrado. Un detalle asombroso que los autores también mencionan en el libro es que el incidente en Kelly no era el único encuentro con criaturas extrañas hizo un informe en el área. Los otros también encontraron a criaturas extrañas ese verano de 1955 y hasta los años más recientes había avistamientos semejantes. ¿Así pues, qué realmente transpiró esa tarde profética en 1955? Es difícil decir. Algunos teorizaron que las criaturas eran monos escapados. Unos sugieren que toda la familia tenía alucinaciones. Lamentablemente la mayor parte de los testigos son ahora el difunto. Pero las cuentas proporcionadas por los testigos (8 adultos y 3 niños) nunca cambiaron y eran constante durante los años, un aspecto notable ya que la mayor parte de mentiras se desacreditan con el tiempo con historias contrarias.

Dos hechos adicionales destacan en este caso según los investigadores. En primer lugar, los testigos estaban sobrios en esa noche y no bajo la influencia. En segundo lugar, lo que se encontraron con que la noche les dejó severamente asustados y traumatizados por el resto de sus vidas. Ex jefe de policía de Hopkinsville Russell Greenwell dijo: “espantados a estas personas. Algo más allá de la razón — nada ordinario.”

Haber investigado el caso y visitó el lugar donde el incidente fue reportado yo estoy de acuerdo con el investigadora Isabel Doris en su evaluación final del caso.

“Si fuera no por esta determinación universal a descreer de la historia de esta naturaleza, es probable que las explicaciones hemos examinado nunca hubiera sido dado seria consideración”.

En otras palabras, si bien no es la explicación que queremos creer, una visita extraterrestre real es más creíble que las otras explicaciones ofrecidas. ¿es prueba suficiente? Claro que no. Pero como siempre, se seguimos explorando.

Semper explorandum

Notice Your Neighbors; They May Be Violent

W

e may never know what drove Elliot Rodger to go on a killing spree in Santa Barbara, Calif. What we do know is that he was a seriously disturbed individual with a death wish and sense of revenge. He apparently blamed his virginity on women who wouldn’t sleep with him—like there’s anything wrong with being a virgin at the tender age of 22—as well as the guys who beat him to the punch.

Elliot Rodger killed seven people, including himself, and injured a dozen or so others.

His list of weapons included a knife, a hammer, two machetes, a BMW and three pistols.

You can rest assured the mainstream media will fixate on the guns. They always do.

Hindsight is 20/20. His parents found out about his YouTube rant, in which he promised to kill as many people as possible, alerted authorities, and set out to Santa Barbara to stop him. They were too late.

Apparently he killed his three roommates with the hammer, the knife and the machetes. He then went to a sorority house where he killed two sorority sisters on the sidewalk.

He left the sorority house and drove around town randomly selecting his victims, killing one more innocent pedestrian before turning the gun on himself.

Reading his manifesto, it’s unbelievable that he truly felt as he did. What’s even more unbelievable is that no one knew he was nuts. Instead of trotting out the tired, old argument for banning guns, we need to start concentrating on the real problem. Quite frankly, there are too VIEWS OF A many crazy people roaming loose on the streets.

Now, crazy is a relative term. I’m sure we all have column by certain oddities that others might find strange. I’m PHIL VALENTINE philvalentine.com not talking about locking up every eccentric in the country. What I’m talking about are danger signs.

There’s no way Elliot Rodger wasn’t exhibiting them. He was obviously in therapy. Did his therapist know he was fantasizing about going on a killing rampage? Let’s hope not.

But did he or she see signs that he might become violent?

Again, that’s quite subjective, but those of us who live in the real world know when someone is dangerous. A friend of mine who works with the animal rescue folks told me recently of a guy who cut the front legs off a cat. That guy should not only be punished for what he did, he should be watched like a hawk for the rest of his life. That’s the kind of person who ends up a serial killer or a multiple victim killer like Elliot Rodger.

One critic, Ann Hornaday from the Washington Post, was quick to blame Hollywood for white men promoting “escapist fantasies” that “revolve around vigilantism and sexual wish-fulfillment.”

She went on to say Rodger’s misogynistic delusions were channeled through “male studio executives.” She singled out the movie Neighbors, and the movie’s star, Seth Rogen, and director, Judd Apatow. Apatow specializes in coming-of-age movies in which the inexperienced, immature guy gets the girl. Apparently, Ann Hornaday finds that distasteful.

We can blame Hollywood. We can blame video games. We can blame the “gun culture.” None of that gets us anywhere. There have been slasher movies as long as I can remember. Sure, some video games are violent. And, yes, we are a society that cherishes our Second Amendment right. All of those elements have been around for a long time. By blaming them, we ignore the obvious.

Too many people are too screwed up in the head, and too few of us take the time to notice.

CONSERVATIVE

“Instead of trotting out the tired, old argument for banning guns, we need to start concentrating on the real problem.

Quite frankly, there are too many crazy people roaming loose on the streets.”

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

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Vue From the Pew

OPINIONS Murfreesboro Family Protests TCAP in Open Letter to Governor Dear Gov. Haslam, I am writing to let you know that my fourth-grader will not be taking the TCAP test. This is unfortunate for her school because she scores in the advanced range every time.

Auria is in fourth grade at Northfield Elementary in Murfreesboro. This is our fourth year at this school, and between her and her sister I have fallen in love with numerous teachers there. Murfreesboro has the best school system in the state (according to Google), and I have been highly impressed with the people and their level of care for my children. Third grade changed, though.

My highly-intelligent, confident kid became a wreck early in the year—over the pressure associated with the TCAP. I was confused, as I took the TCAP every year as a child and have nothing but fond memories of bubbling in the little circles. I started to notice the growing intensity leading up to the test, and

I became a little disgusted. That was last year. This year it was worse. The teachers I have had the pleasure of working with are so wound up that I feel sorry for them. The teachers, the staff, the administration . . . everybody.

These are obviously brilliant and creative people, and this test has taken over like a life-sucking monster. Teaching isn’t an exact science, just like parenting. Every child is

“These are obviously brilliant and creative people, and this test has taken over like a life-sucking monster.” different, and this terrible system is stifling all the joy and creativity that is required to really make an impact.

Now, if I love this school and staff so much, and I know her test scores would attribute to an average boost ($$$), why would I pull her from this?

She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. These teachers are already being grossly underpaid for such an important role.

Not All People of Faith Have Stopped Challenging Their Beliefs I APPRECIATE PULSE COLUMNIST Frank Shepard’s willingness to sift through weighty sands each month to present his best understanding of truth and, in the process, to challenge others to find theirs. His column in the May Pulse, “Must Religion Be Divisive?” offered useful insights on why it can be so difficult for people of diverging beliefs to have a civil and meaningful discussion.

I did, however, encounter a significant stumbling block in the following quote from that article: Those who are in [the faith conversation] have decided to keep asking questions, keep challenging their own beliefs, etc. Those who are out have decided to stop challenging their beliefs and stick to the ones they have. My point here is to encourage both those in and out of the conversation to respect each other. . . . Those who would rather not have their beliefs challenged will need to honor and respect the dignity of those who are exercising their freedom to keep looking.

Mr. Shepard is asking, admirably, for all parties to extend grace and respect to one an38 * JUNE 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM

other regarding their faith positions, but he is doing so while making (unintentionally, I would hope) an implication that one group— those who have “decided to stop challenging their beliefs”—is inherently inferior (that is, closed-minded), and thus less worthy of respect than the other group. With a negative implication such as this being made at the outset, the question of mutual respect becomes largely moot. It un-evens the playing field before the game can even get underway.

To be fair, there are certainly many adherents to fixed belief systems who would consider it an affront to be challenged; their minds indeed appear to be closed. Perhaps it is primarily to groups such as these that Mr. Shepard meant to direct his comments.

If this is the case, it would be preferable (and less potentially insulting to those who strive to remain open-minded) to address them directly, rather than lumping all persons who are committed to a particular belief system into the pile marked “have taken themselves out of the conversation.”

BY VUE KIRCHENSYUHL

“Pearson is America’s largest corporate maker of standardized testing. It has a multiyear contract with our Department of Education: For creating and implementing the TCAP and the end-of-course tests for high schoolers, we pay more than $150 million. (That’s three times what it would have cost to give Tennessee teachers a 2 percent raise.) The deepest cut of all? Teachers aren’t able to preview the test. They are neither editor nor author of the single most influential test of the whole year. It’s the educational equivalent of a slap in the face.”

— David Cook Auria can already make better decisions than this.

My child’s job is to learn. The teacher’s job is to teach. But my role as her parent is more complicated. I also have to teach her when standing up for something is necessary. This system is stupid and unfair. She will be accepting a zero as 15% of her grade for the year. But she will also be standing up for teachers and students all over the state.

She will be taking steps toward bettering her future right now, and I think that’s better than just a memory of all those bubbles.

Thank you for your time reviewing this matter, — ALICIA MAYNARD, Murfreesboro It’s important to recognize that adherents of a particular faith can, and often do, pursue an ongoing spiritual quest, albeit one that necessarily orbits around certain doctrinal elements without which their faith would lack basis. However, those who fit that less restrictive description are not acknowledged in the article.

Note that even U2’s Bono, in “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” precedes his famous declaration of spiritual yearning with this unambiguous affirmation of his Christian faith: You broke the bonds / And you loosed the chains / Carried the cross of my shame . . . / You know I believe it.

If there is to be a faith conversation like the one Mr. Shepard suggests, and if it is to be fruitful and engender a spirit of mutual respect, it cannot operate under any questionable presumptions about the groups who might engage in such dialogue.

Thanks, Murfreesboro Pulse, for being willing to give space to issues as weighty, controversial and potentially unwieldy as this one; thank you, Frank Shepard, for your contributions to the cause.

— STEVE MORLEY College Grove

North Boulevard Church of Christ I ATTENDED NORTH BOULEVARD Church of Christ on May 25, 2014. As I walked from my car to the sanctuary, I was greeted by two people who were leaving the building. At the entrance to the sanctuary I was greeted again and given a bulletin that was in fact more like a newsletter with upcoming events and prayer requests. Following two songs, the service started with a formal time to meet and greet those who were sitting around me. I felt very welcome.

In the Church of Christ there are no musical instruments to accompany singing. At North Boulevard a leader led the congregation in song. I appreciated that, in addition to the lyrics, the musical score was projected in the front of the sanctuary so I could sing along even if I didn’t know the tune. With the good acoustics and the spirited participation of the congregation, I did not miss the instruments.

David Young gave the message in a continuing series on hope. The scripture reading was from Romans 8:31–39. “The love of God overcomes all enemies,” Rev. Young declared. Even death will be defeated by the love of Christ. Rev. Young told the story of Joseph Scriven, who overcame pain and loss in his life and then wrote the lyrics to "What a Friend We Have In Jesus."

Through God’s love we are “more than conquerors.” I appreciated that there was a timer that Rev. Young could see to limit his message to 35 minutes. He only ran over by a couple of minutes.

Communion was passed following the message. Worship was ended with prayer and a final song. I felt well fed and loved following the service.

North Boulevard Church of Christ 1112 N. Rutherford Blvd., Murfreesboro • (615) 893-1520 northboulevard.com Friendliness: 4 Pews Music: 4 Pews Message: 4 Pews Overall Score: 4 Pews