June 2016 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

JUNE 2016 | VOL. 11, ISSUE 6 | FREE

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

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This Month

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BORO ART CRAWL, SUMMER ARTS JAM, BONNAROO, HOT CHICKEN, ESCAPE ROOMS, COSPLAY PARTY & MORE!

Contents

Word from the Editor A SHOUT OUT TO DR. HENRY HEIMLICH!

MURFREESBORO PULSE | JUNE 2016

 NASHVILLE SYMPHONY WIN TICKETS!

THIS MONTH: INTERNATIONAL FOLK FEST VIEW SCHEDULE 

Features

EAST TO MANCHESTER

Former MTSU student Anderson East set to make Bonnaroo debut.

LOCAL ARTISTS AT BONNAROO

FOLK FEST

Tennessee bands to catch at Bonnaroo

34th Annual International Dance Festival to begin June 12.

Some local business owners celebrate all year long.

East Tennessee resort Wilderness at the Smokies offers splashing fun no matter the weather.

TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK

WILDERNESS

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESS

Murfreesboro Escape Rooms; Auto Glam

MUSIC NOTES

Great Tennessee Air Show; Yoga in the Park; and more!

Barber Shop Harmony Society, Panama Red Benefit, Wartrace Music Festival; Movies at the Schermerhorn and more!

Events THIS MONTH

Sounds LOCAL CONCERTS

Corbitt Brothers; Miranda Louise Band, and more! ALBUM REVIEWS

Tim Davis Band; The Tennessee Warblers

32 Art

Boro Art Crawl; Starry Night Studio; Summer Arts Jam

Reviews

Food

Deezie’s Hot Chicken; Picnic on the Patio

Living

MOVIES

The Nice Guys Neighbors 2 LIVING ROOM CINEMA

Band of Delinquents

GARDENING

Plant, mulch, weed, repeat.

VIEWS OF A CONSERVATIVE

THE STOCKARD REPORT

MUSIC THROUGH THE YEARS

Opinion

The New York strip will be fine.

Sheriff Arnold indicted on 14 federal counts.

Ken Burns to produce documentary on Uncle Dave Macon.

BUSINESS BUILDER

How to craft powerful offers; Search marketing. LIVE EXCEPTIONALLY . . . WELL!

Sports SPORTS TALK

The Donald and the demise of the USFL.

Do one thing differently.

VISIT US AT BOROPULSE.COM FOR MORE!

Publisher/ Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Art Director: Sarah Mayo Copy Editor: Steve Morley

Advertising: Jeff Brown Don Clark Leslie Russell Yost

Contributors: Dylan Skye Aycock, Sarah H. Clark, Gloria Christy, John Connor Coulston, Tanner Dedmon, Jennifer Durand, Joseph Kathmann, Zach Maxfield, Anne Mercer, Robert Ritch, Edwina Shannon, Jay Spight, Justin Stokes, Andrea Stockard, Sam Stockard, Norbert Thiemann, Phil Valentine

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 © 2016, 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

ANDERSON EAST BY NEIL KRUG; INTERNATIONAL FOLK FEST PHOTOS BY CHRISTY SIMMONS

In Every Issue

The man credited with inventing the Heimlich Maneuver, a method of squeezing someone choking on a piece of food in a way that dislodges the object from their air passageway, got his chance to use the method on a choking victim himself. While sitting near a lady at his assisted living facility in Cincinnati, he noticed she was struggling to breathe, confirmed that a piece of food in her throat appeared to be the problem, and probably thought to himself, “Oh yeah, I got this,” before positioning himself behind the woman and successfully performing the famed dinnertime emergency medical procedure. The woman credits Heimlich with saving her life. School’s out for summer! Can you canoe? Give it a try. Go see a waterfall, take a hike, throw a Frisbee, ride a bike. Immerse yourself in the area’s creativity and community at the Boro Art Crawl, the International Folk Fest, the Summer Arts Jam, an event or class at Starry Night Studio an open mic night, a car show, a farmers market, or surrounded by whatever it is that you enjoy. Bonnaroo is back, and the solstice is almost upon us. June 21 is also Make Music Day. If anyone would like to meet in a park and organize a little community drum circle or jam session, let’s do it. Hit me up at bracken@boropulse.com. Some of the city administrators feel it is a good idea to impose a $5/month trash fee upon every household in the city. What are they doing with the rest of the money they are given? If people were not already paying hundreds of dollars a year in city property taxes, a $60-per-year trash pick-up fee would be a little easier to handle. But as it is, many families say “no thanks” to an additional tax and would prefer to spend their hard-earned $60 on another trip to the grocery store. Perhaps the city can sell that old church they just bought since the solid waste department is evidently in such dire straits it can not afford to operate . . . maybe it would be a good idea to scale back on hiring tennis professionals, building parks and constantly expanding the police department budget if the city is incapable of providing trash pickup services. It would seem that should be a priority. (As always, do your best to reduce, reuse, recycle.) Ms. Clinton seems to be declining in popularity recently as we get closer to election season. Many paint her as a big-government liberal, which she probably is, but remember the previous Democrat President Clinton presided over a period of budget surpluses and great economic health in the U.S. Republicans like to bash the liberals for overspending, but Bill Clinton was the most fiscally conservative president that could be, more so at least than Reagan or either Bush. Still, I don't expect to vote for a Clinton this year; just pointing that out. Take care of yourself this June. And remember, you are ultimately responsible for your own actions, reactions and life. Now, you may cast blame on everyone and everything else surrounding you, but there will be a time when whatever everyone else has done doesn’t matter, and you must answer for the choices you have made. Yes, they matter, and yes, there is always a choice. Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief BOROPULSE.COM

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Events COMPILED BY

Bring your lawn chair. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 8951887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

ANDREA STOCKARD

JUNE 4 TASTE OF AKA

Send event information to murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com

JULY 9

The home of Gordon and Sara Bell, known as Big Holly, celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, and the Bells invite the community to an open-house celebration from 3–7 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. The home, located at 718 N. Maney Ave., was constructed in 1866. The Michigan 9th was located on the property during the Union occupation of Murfreesboro. The short-lived Confederate victory of Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Birthday Party took place there on July 13, 1862. It was on this lot, where a previous building had been located, that J.P. Henderson chose to build his home. The now 200-year-old American holly tree that was at the previous building is still growing, and is how the name Big Holly originated. The home has seen many victories and challenges during its 150-year existence. Henderson, who built the house, lost it to repossession by Murfreesboro Savings Bank in 1870. In the 1870s, Lavina Cannon Claiborne lived

there, and after the loss of Oaklands, Rachel Adeline Cannon Maney and her sister moved into the residence. In 1892, Lavina and Rachel did a complete remodel of the home. The style of the home was changed to Queen Anne. The roof was raised, and eyebrow windows were added to the third floor. Electrical and gas lighting was installed. The outdoor kitchen was joined to the main house by a pantry, and a bathroom with hot and cold running water was located above the kitchen. Around 1910, the Samuel Huddleston family of six daughters and one son moved to 718 N. Maney Ave. and occupied the home until the 1960s. During the Huddlestons’ stay, the country went through two world wars and the Great Depression. The home was used by soldiers during maneuvers in this area. Only one of the Huddleston sisters married. With limited income derived by the sisters from sewing, the house suffered from lack of maintenance. The home was vacated and, in the early 1960s, vandalized. Unauthorized

THROUGHOUT JUNE

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS

JUNE 3

CELEBRATE SMYRNA

RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERT SERIES

Join vendors from over 20 Middle Tennessee counties with a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more from 7 a.m.–noon each Tuesday and Friday at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). For more information, call (615) 898-7710.

Enjoy the sounds of Music City Swing, food vendors and more at Main Street’s Friday Night Live Concert Series at the Public Square from 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Historic Maney Avenue Home Celebration

Friday, June 3, as part of the 4th Annual Simply Smyrna Celebration, enjoy the 5th Annual “Dancin’ in the District” with five music stages, vendors, artisans, kids zone and more on Front Street from 5–10 p.m. Enjoy the Taste of Smyrna as well at Stone Crest Hospital (200 Stonecrest Blvd.) benefiting the local YMCA. For more information, call (615) 941-3177. On Saturday, June 4, take part in the Tri-Star Music Festival (Indie Rock Festival) featuring 14 bands (101 Front St.). Doors open at 1 p.m., with the show beginning at 2 p.m. Also, enjoy the Smyrna Farmers Market on June 4. On Fridays in June, enjoy The Roundabout Music Series at The Carpe Cafe patio (115 Front St.). On Saturday, June 11, stroll Front Street and visit multiple locations to view the artwork of local artists at The Historic Depot Building (315 S. Lowry St.), Town of Smyrna Assembly Hall and the Carpe Artista Training Center building from 5–9 p.m. On Saturday, June 18, enjoy a folk-dancing exhibition from the Puerto Rico Dance Troupe courtesy of Murfreesboro’s Cripple Creek Cloggers, International Folkfest at The Historic Depot Building from 11 a.m.–noon. For more information on the Celebrate Smyrna festivities, call (615) 459-9773. 4 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

SATURDAYS MAIN STREET SATURDAY MARKET Join vendors on the west, north and south sides of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse for local fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, and flowers from 8 a.m.– noon each Saturday. For more information, call (615) 895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

SATURDAYS BICYCLE TOURS OF THE STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD Join a ranger for a 90-minute bicycle tour of the Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) at 9 a.m. each Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.

parties took place, and at one party, a fire was built in the front parlor. It became so hot that the floor on the second level caught fire until it burned itself out. Windows were broken, and water through the roof and windows took their toll on the ceilings. The home was saved from demolition by William and Anne Holland, who occupied the home from the mid-1960s until the 1990s. On Feb. 14, 1997, Gordon and Sara Bell purchased the property and began a painstaking restoration. The home today is restored to the 1892-remodeled Queen Anne style. Many of the furnishings are from the period; some are returned items from previous owners. The home will be open to the public from 3–7 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. Admission is free, and barbecue will be served (no charge, but contributions will be accepted to cover the food cost) for those wishing to eat.

JUNE 4

Yoga in the Park

Join The Avenue, Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) for free yoga in Central Park at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 4. Bring a light colored mat, towel and water. Classes are also the following dates: July 14 (7 p.m. Sunset Yoga), Aug. 6 (9 a.m.) and Sept. 15 (7 p.m. Sunset Yoga). Space is limited and an RSVP is required each month. For more information, visit theavenuemurfreesboro. com or facebook.com/avenuemurfreesboro. Register at https://goo.gl/JzbFHW.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Pi Nu Omega Murfreesboro Chapter, invites you to its 16th Annual Taste of AKA fundraiser at the Boys and Girls Club from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, to raise scholarship funds for deserving Rutherford County High School seniors. Tickets are $10 and include authentic Southern-style food. Enjoy local talent performing dance skits, songs and poetry. For more information, call (615) 653-6618.

JUNE 4 BROTHERS AND SISTERS-TO-BE Join Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital (1700 Medical Center Pkwy.) from 10–11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, to help expecting siblings (ages 3–10) learn their new role as a big brother or sister featuring a tour of the OB department. Cost is $10 per child. For more information, contact sthealth.com or call (615) 396-5376.

JUNE 7 PURPLE PAWS FOR NEW LEASH ON LIFE Let’s Make Wine (109 E. Main St.) invites you to “Purple Paws” from 5–7 p.m., a monthly fundraising event for specific animal projects. June’s charity is a New Leash on Life, a Middle Tennessee animal welfare organization. This is an adoption celebration for Vino, a 4-year-old rescue from NLOL. Vino was found on the streets of Lebanon, Tenn., with little chance of survival, and is now healthy. New Leash on Life aims to improve the welfare of

companion animals through shelter, placement, spay/neuter, education and awareness. The monthly Purple Paws events are created to bring awareness, networking and socializing to those who enjoy good wine, good people and a love for animals. Admission is $20 at the door and includes wine samples and light apps. For sponsorship opportunities, contact purplepawstn@gmail. com or (615) 530-0551.

Habitat for Humanity home with the goal of completing every wall panel in just five hours. For more information, visit rchfh.org or stonesrivermall.com.

JUNE 25 BOAT DAY

JUNE 9–10 BORO ART CRAWL Support the art community in Murfreesboro at the Boro Art Crawl at various locations around the city from 6–9 p.m. June 9 and 10. For more information, visit boroartcrawl.com.

JUNE 4–5

JUNE 10–12

The Great Tennessee Air Show

B-FEST TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL Join The Avenue, Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) at Barnes & Noble June 10 at 7 p.m. and June 11 and 12 at 11 a.m. for B-Fest, the first teen-book festival featuring author events, writing workshops, panel discussions, trivia and games, exclusives and giveaways. For more information, visit bn.com/b-fest.

JUNE 11 MOVIES IN THE PARK Have a night of family fun at The Avenue, Murfreeboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) with a DJ and children’s activities in Central Park near the fountain beginning at 6:30 p.m. and followed by an outdoor movie, The Good Dinosaur (PG), at dusk (approx. 8 p.m.). Don’t forget your blankets and chairs. Weather permitting. For more information, visit theavenuemurfreesboro.com.

JUNE 11 EAGLEVILLE TRUCK AND TRACTOR PULL Trucks and tractors will compete in modified and stock pulling classes at the Eagleville Tractor Show Grounds (747 Chapel Hill Pk., Eagleville). Admission is $10 per adult; children 8 and under are free with an adult. For more information, call (615) 708-7086 or visit eaglevilletvppa.com.

JUNE 11 #TECHSATURDAY AT LINEBAUGH LIBRARY Join Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, for its first #TECHSATURDAY featuring hands-on events to teach residents about the current and future classes and programs offered at the library. Enjoy exhibitions and demos like 3D printing and tech demos, Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects, beginner robotics, coding and simple drone assembly. This will preview the forthcoming Community Technology Center (CTC) opening at the edge of the Hobgood Elementary campus in 2017. This

PHOTO COURTESY STEVE SERDIKOFF/AIRSHOWMAG.COM

The Great Tennessee Airshow returns featuring the world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other acts at the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport (278 Doug Warpoole Rd., Smyrna). For more information, call (615) 459-2651 or visit greattennesseeairshow.com. event is free and open to the public of all ages. For more information, visit linebaugh.org or contact krobertson@linebaugh.org.

JUNE 21 AN EVENING WITH KRIS PARONTO Kris Paronto comes to the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) from 6–10 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, to speak about what really happened in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 11, 2012. This is a rare opportunity to hear about the true events which took place during that 13 Hours in Benghazi. Kris is a survivor of the terrorist attacks on the Special Mission Compound in Benghazi, Libya, where ambassador Chris Stevens and three American military contractors were killed. This event is being done as a fundraiser, with all proceeds to benefit veterans in Middle Tennessee through Operation Stand Down Tennessee. For more information, call (615) 631-9622.

JUNE 24 MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GOLF CLASSIC Sign up for a day of fun and golf to support MTCS and its athletic department at Champions Run Golf Course (14262 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Rockvale) on Friday, June 24. Driving range opens at 11 a.m., with lunch served at 11:45 p.m. and shotgun at 1 p.m. Dinner is served immediately following game. For more information, call (615) 893-0601 ext. 1114.

JUNE 25 ’BORO BITES & BREWS Bring your appetite to BEP’s tastiest new event, ’Boro Bites and Brews Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Campus (1272 Garrison Dr.) from 4–8 p.m. Sample a variety of the hottest local and Nashville eats serving their eclectic bests. All proceeds benefit BEP’s programs

for local students, teachers, and counselors. For more information, call (615) 278-2012.

JUNE 25 KIDS CLUB: HABITAT BUILD Stones River Mall presents Kids Club for Habitat for Humanity’s Community Build event from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, in the parking lot behind Shoe Carnival and Versona, where participants can build wooden birdhouses and toolboxes while enjoying complimentary face painting and balloon art. This day of building is a day-long event for all ages beginning at 9 a.m. and sponsored by Thrivent Builds. Participants build wall panels for a local

Learn boating basics, paddling strokes and boat safety from knowledgeable volunteers from the Stones River Watershed Association at the Manson Trailhead (off Searcy St./Medical Center Pkwy.) from 9 a.m.– noon. Saturday, June 25. Paddles and personal flotation devices are provided. Admission is free for all ages. For more information, call (615) 893-2141 or contact greenway@murfreesborotn.gov.

JUNE 25 SCHOOL OF ROCK Participate in hands-on projects and learn about different aspects of geology at Earth Experience: The Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History (816 Old Salem Rd.) from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, June 25 (last group starts at 3 p.m.). Admission is $10 per child. For more information, call (615) 605-1417 or visit theearthexperience.org.

JUNE 25 DOUGHBOY CHALLENGE 5K The Doughboy Challenge is a family friendly 5K through downtown Murfreesboro to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club, Books from Birth and Big Brothers Big Sisters, beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 25, in the Square. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age category. For more information, visit doughboychallenge.com.

JUNE 18

Anime/Cosplay Party

Stones River Mall and Hot Topic invite fans of all ages to Anime & Cosplay Party: Round Two, held from noon–3 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, in Center Court. Shoppers are encouraged to wear their favorite cosplay costumes, which will be judged during a cosplay contest at the end of the event. Pre-registration will take place from 1–2 p.m., and prizes will be awarded in both children and adult categories. Test your gaming skills duringSuper Smash Bros. tournaments or enjoy free, open play with friends in the Gaming Room, presented by GameStop and Electronic Express. Attendees can also attend panel discussions, with topics including cosplay etiquette, costuming and special effects makeup, and kids’ crafting. Enter to win a $100 Hot Topic gift card and a badge to AkaiCon, among other giveaways. For more information, visit stonesrivermall. com or find a Facebook event for Anime & Cosplay Party: Round Two. BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2016 * 5

Sounds

Read more about local restaurants at

BoroPulse.com/Category/Food

THE DISH NAME: Deezie's

Hot Chicken

LOCATION:

452 N. Thompson Lane PHONE: (615) 962-8203

Some Like It Hot

HOURS: Mon.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun.: 12–8 p.m. COST: Breast quarter: $5.99;

three wings, a waffle and one side: $8.99; Lunch special with two tenders on bread, pickles, one side and a drink: $5

ONLINE: deezies.com

Deezie’s Hot Chicken fries it up right. story by BRACKEN MAYO photos by SARAH MAYO

ans of hot chicken, and even fans of fried chicken tenders without the spice, have a home in the ’Boro now that Deezie’s Hot Chicken has come to town. Many self-proclaimed hot chicken experts put Deezie’s on par with Prince’s and Hattie B’s, which is not something to be taken mildly in Tennessee. The restaurant, located in the Oaks Shopping Center on Thompson Lane, directly next to Marble Slab near the Marshalls, specializes in hot chicken, the recent “It” dish from the “It” city. The menu at this Murfreesboro eatery is not huge, but there really is something for everyone at Deezie’s; the cayenne-laced chicken doesn’t have to be sweating-your-eyeballs-out hot (though it can be . . . if you want). The main stars are the wings, chicken tenders or chicken quarters, which can be ordered original (breaded and fried without the heat), mild, medium, hot or xtra hot, or seasoned with a Cajun dry rub, lemon pepper blend, or with Sweet Heat barbecue sauce. There’s also fried fish, fried pickles, french

14 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

fries, and if you are trying to avoid fried food for some strange reason, you can select slaw, baked beans or potato salad as your side. Here, you can also get your hot chicken with waffles, so that’s a fine combination. If the chicken is a little too hot on its own, wrap it in a soft waffle and pour some syrup on it—sweet heat! Deezie’s also gets some bonus points for having a honey bear on each table, alongside a bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce, just in case your chicken is not hot enough. But from what I understand, if you order hot, it will be hot enough. (This fried chicken enthusiast went with medium, and it was perfect; there was a little sweating going on, but nothing too extreme.) “Making chicken hot is not hard. Making it hot with flavor can be difficult. Deezie’s nails it. The service has always been great too,” wrote one Yelper, Chrispy R. “Deezie’s is a great spot.” Another customer agreed that his chicken tenders, ordered “hot,” delivered a delicious, slow burn. “Some foods make a good first impression

but the more I eat the less I like about it. These tenders were the exact opposite: they started out good and got better as I ate more. I ordered ‘hot’ and at first I thought they were a bit tame, but the hot on these tenders creeps up on you,” said Wes. “I’m not a fan of hot foods simply for the sake of being hot. The heat in good hot and spicy food enhances the flavor and works with it to create an experience.” Some critics say the Deezie’s chicken can be a little overly salty, and that the branded paper basket liners and cups make it feel like more of a “chain” than a family-run hot chicken joint.

Mac and cheese reviews vary from “good” to “out-of-a-box,” and the waffle condiments are margarine and corn syrup rather than butter and maple syrup, but overall, most seemed very impressed by Deezie’s Hot Chicken. The restaurant itself is not large; there are six small tables and a snack bar, but all orders are packaged in Styrofoam, so if there is no seating available at the restaurant it is easy enough to take your meal elsewhere for a little alone time with your spicy chicken. The hot chicken phenomenon has crept into Murfreesboro—“salute the chicken!”

Picnic on the Patio

Camino is a Middle Tennessee staple, and a couple of their Murfreesboro locations offer patio seating.

garlic fries and cool shakes. Feel free to enjoy your meal outdoors at one of the umbrella-covered tables.

Murfreesboro restaurants with outdoor seating.

THE AVENUE / MEDICAL CENTER PKWY.

JoZoara Coffee Shop

When warm weather strikes, there’s nothing more refreshing than dining on the patio. Here’s a list of Murfreesboro restaurants that offer outdoor seating:

OFF THE SQUARE

The Alley on Main 223 W. Main St. Enjoy your steaks, seafood, pasta, sandwiches and full bar with homemade desserts in the relaxed, outdoor courtyard at The Alley.

B. McNeel’s 215 N. Church St. Southern comfort food for lunch on weekdays, plus outside seating and Sunday brunch.

MEMORIAL BLVD.

Blue Coast Burrito 1122 Memorial Blvd. Blue Coast serves up burritos, tacos and other Mexicali-style eats, made to order. Head out to the open-air patio to enjoy your creation.

Fat Mo’s 1301 Memorial Blvd. Fat Mo’s serves up jumbo burgers and sandwiches, plus shakes & sides in a low-key setting.

OLD FORT PKWY.

Coconut Bay Cafe 210 Stones River Mall Blvd. Their motto is “Work hard, play harder.” Enjoy the casual, beach-like atmosphere on the patio at Coconut Bay. They also offer a kids zone.

Panera Bread 1970 Old Fort Pkwy. Pick up your pastry, sandwich or salad at the counter and head outdoors for some fresh air on the Panera patio. Panera is known for its delicious bread and free WiFi.

Ahart’s Pizza Garden 2476 Old Fort Pkwy. This easygoing spot offers specialty pies, pastas, sandwiches and draft beer, along with secret patio seating out back.

CHURCH STREET

Parthenon Grille 1962 S. Church St. Enjoy steak, seafood and other Greek specialties in an upscale atmosphere, indoors or out.

RUTHERFORD BLVD.

Culver’s 2993 S. Rutherford Blvd., 2411 Medical Center Pkwy. Famous for their Midwest beef burgers and frozen-custard creations, there’s a lot to enjoy at Culver’s, both inside their MTSU-themed dining room or outdoors on the patio.

Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd. Nachos, tacos, burritos, fajitas, chicken, steak, seafood . . . Nacho’s offers Mexican fare done right. Enjoy a tall pitcher of margaritas, with some chips and queso on the covered patio.

Mi Patria Mexican Restaurant

handmade pupusas, tortas, horchata, fresh juice drinks, desserts and more. They’re happy to serve you in their recently renovated dining room or out on their covered patio.

Dairy Queen 2910 S. Rutherford Blvd. “Grill & Chill” indoors or out at this well-known fast-food chain.

Mellow Mushroom 2955 S. Rutherford Blvd. This funky, art-filled chain features craft beers and creative pizzas and calzones. Enjoy your meal outdoors at an umbrella-covered table.

MAIN STREET/ MTSU AREA

La Siesta Mexican Restaurant 1111 Greenland Dr. La Siesta on Greenland has been a long-time favorite of MTSU students and locals alike. Margaritas on the patio? Yes, please.

The Boulevard Bar & Grill 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. With their large draft brew selection and eclectic eats, this sports bar and restaurant quickly established itself as a popular hangout, and they offer patio seating.

The Boro Bar & Grill

2615 Medical Center Pkwy. #2395 This upbeat grill chain located at The Avenue serves up all-American fare both indoors and out: burgers and fries, martinis and microbrews and happy-hour deals.

NORTHFIELD BLVD.

The Goat

Carmen’s Taqueria

2355 Adwell St. Located at Henley Station, The Goat specializes in elevated pub fare, creative cocktails, live music and volleyball. Yes, volleyball! You can enjoy the game and your food outdoors.

206 W. Northfield Blvd. Enjoy homemade Mexican fare in Carmen’s updated dining room or covered patio area.

Firehouse Subs 2018 Medical Center Pkwy. This counter-service chain offers made-to-order hot and cold subs, and tree-shaded outdoor seating too.

Your Pie 1970 Medical Center Pkwy. What’s on your pie? This pizza establishment lets diners can choose their dough, sauce and toppings. They also offer a variety of chopped salads, cool gelato and microbrews. Enjoy your dining experience at Your Pie from their side patio.

Smashburger 451 N. Thompson Lane This counter-serve chain offers their signature smashed burgers made with Angus beef, along with delicious

The Bunganut Pig 1602 W. Norhfield Blvd. This “pub and eatery” offers live music, billiards, corn hole, lunch specials, happy hour specials and patio seating.

Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant 2069 Lascassas Pike Enjoy classic Mexican favorites and margaritas served in a colorful setting with a covered outdoor patio.

Sonic Drive-In 2630 S. Church Street, 1650 Middle Tennessee Blvd., 1918 Memorial Blvd., 2083 Lascassas Pike; 1311 NW Broad, 215 Cason Ln. Drive in to this fast-food chain and order out. Dine in your car or on the classic Sonic patio.

1211 Greenland Dr. This no-frills bar features over 200 beers, cocktails, traditional pub grub and frequent live music. You can’t call yourself True Blue if you’ve never been to the Boro.

Campus Pub

230 Stones River Mall Blvd. Mi Patria offers an extensive Mexican menu featuring fajitas, enchiladas and more. Enjoy complimentary cheese dip with your meal while you dine on their covered patio.

903 Gunnerson Ave. “Is beer a food?” If you answer “yes” to that question then Campus Pub is the place to be. Their outdoor deck is smoker-friendly.

Sam’s Sports Grill

1916 E. Main St. Jefferson’s specializes in wings, burgers, oysters and beer served up in a relaxed setting, indoors or out.

1720 Old Fort Pkwy. Sam’s is a Tennessee-based chain that offers first-come, first-serve seating in its covered patio area where patrons can enjoy their pub grub while viewing sports on plenty of outdoor televisions. Smoking is permitted.

Bar Louie

536 N. Thompson Ln. Most days, JoZoara is abuzz with students and freelance professionals taking advantage of the free WiFi while sipping freshly brewed coffee. Sit indoors or out, enjoy the sunny atmosphere; grab a pastry, sandwich, soup or salad while you’re there.

Jefferson’s

Mexiven 2962 S. Bradyville Pike Mexiven is a local mom-and-pop establishment that offers authentic Mexican / Venezuelan creations like fish tacos (on homemade tortillas),

Camino Real 105 Lasseter Dr., 301 NW Broad St. When it comes to great Mexican food, BOROPULSE.COM

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Living Summer is coming, and Murfreesboroans know that means it’s time for the annual International Folk Fest. Now in its 34th year, the Folk Fest is hosted by local dance troupe the Cripple Creek Cloggers. This group, led by Steve Cates, has been traveling to other countries to share Appalachian traditional dance and music since 1977. In return, the Cripple Creek Cloggers host dance troupes from all over the world here in Murfreesboro. “We couldn’t bring everyone [from Murfreesboro] with us, so we decided to bring the other countries’ dancers here,” says Cates. In 2016, International Folk Fest will feature groups from Germany, the Czech Republic and Puerto Rico. Cates is excited for each of the groups. “It’s always special to have a group from Puerto Rico,” he says, since the Cripple Creek Cloggers’ first-ever international trip was to perform in San Juan, the Puerto Rican capital. He adds that because there are many Spanish speakers here in Middle

2016 FOLK FEST SCHEDULE:  Tuesday, June 14 Smyrna Public Library 400 Enon Springs Rd. W., Smyrna Germany – 10 a.m. St. Clair Senior Center 325 St. Clair St., Murfreesboro Puerto Rico – 10 a.m.

 Wednesday, June 15 Linebaugh Public Library 105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro Czech Republic – 10 a.m.

 Friday, June 17 Lebanon High School 500 Blue Devil Blvd., Lebanon 7 p.m. ($10)

 Saturday, June 18 East side of the Rutherford County Courthouse Square 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 16 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

Put on Your Dancing Shoes Murfreesboro’s 34th International Folk Fest begins June 12. STORY BY SARAH H. CLARK

Tennessee, Folk Fest tries to always have a group from a Spanish-speaking country. The visit of the group from Germany is also exciting for Murfreesboro’s dancers because they are planning their own tour of Germany and Poland next year. “It will be great to meet face-to-face and discuss the logistics and possibilities,” of the upcoming trip, says Cates. The Cripple Creek Cloggers also have a special relationship with Czech Republic due to the group’s friendship with folks at the folk dancing headquarters in Prague. The Czechs have hundreds of traditional dance troupes, says Cates, and their friends there always send a group with a new style or background to join the festival in Murfreesboro. Our international visitors have a very busy time during the festival here in Murfreesboro, performing both for the general public and for special groups during the week. This year there will be an additional full show of all three groups on Friday night (June 17) at Lebanon High School, which will be sponsored by the school’s FFA group. On Saturday morning, Carpe Artista will be hosting a performance by the Puerto Rican contingent at the Train Depot in Smyrna, as well. And of course on Saturday all three groups will perform for the public at Murfreesboro’s Square. Throughout the week, Uncle Shuffelo and

His Haint Hollow Hootenanny, a two-family ensemble from Bedford County, Tennessee, will also be performing and providing the traditional music for the Cripple Creek Cloggers’ performances. The organizers also go to great lengths to provide time for the different groups to explore Middle Tennessee and learn about our history and culture. Each group is assigned local guides who help them choose the places they’d like to visit. Oaklands Historic House Museum will host the groups for free, and the Heritage Center also provides advice and assistance. Past expeditions for the groups have included trips to Tennessee Walking Horse farms, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, and downtown Nashville, as well as many local places of interest in Murfreesboro. This year, Chris Highers of Main Street Music has also invited the groups for an

evening of music and fun at his business, so the groups can get to know one another and socialize. Music at this event will be provided by Johnsongrass, a family group of musicians out of Fairview that plays traditional Appalachian music. As always, the different groups will be performing at venues around the city during the week, many of which are helping the festival by providing meals for the performers. The Folk Fest organizers have enjoyed great success in the past few years as families open their homes, provide dinner for the performers, and enjoy a performance with family and friends. If you are interested in hosting a troupe for a future festival, get in touch with Cates at appdancer@aol.com or (615) 896-3559. Visit mboro-international-folkfest.org for more information and performance times.

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Living Farmers’ Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

Plant, Mulch, Weed... Repeat THE LENGTH OF THE GROWING SEASON in this area is one of my favorite things about having a garden here. Starting a crop is an option through July, depending on the vegetable selected. In assessing whether the crop being considered will produce enough for you, review the days to maturity stated on the seed packet or plant tag. You might be surprised with what can be started now and enjoyed through the fall. The most stress-free time of growing vegetables is BBDD: before bugs, before drought and disappointments. There have been times when I was very thankful for the farmers, as I would have died from starvation if dependent on my own garden. Recognizing successes and altering techniques to minimize failure is part of the adventure of gardening. As an increasingly popular activity, the time spent in studying techniques and improving your vegetable garden is time well spent, as the produce yield will be greater than if the garden were left to minimal care. Like any other plan for success, gardening does require a strategy of management and maintenance. A quick statement for that guideline is: “keep weeds at a minimum and provide adequate water and nutrients.” Those three things will create an ideal growing experience for your plants. These nourished plants will be able to fight off diseases and pests better than deprived plants. So, how can you make your plants into fabulous producers of your vegetables? Start with mulching the soil. Any watering or fertilizing will benefit from having mulch around the plant. In addition, mulches help to retain moisture in the soil, moderate 18 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

temperatures of the soil, and improve soil structure as they break down. Mulching will also keep weeds at a minimum. There are different types of mulches. All have benefits and drawbacks. I recommend using an organic mulch and for this article, I am defining “organic” mulches as materials that were living at one time. This would include hay, straw, bark, wood chips, pine needles, compost, leaves, newspapers and cardboard. Organic mulches are biodegradable, eliminating the need to remove them at the end of the growing season while they are contributing to the building of productive topsoil. Problems with organic mulches include the addition of weed seed or fungal bacteria. Mulches like wood chips and sawdust are not ideal for the garden, as the decomposition will use nitrogen for breaking down their structures when the nitrogen would be better used by the plants in the garden. I would keep the wood products in areas where you are not gardening. If you mulch with aged compost, many of the additional nutrients are automatically provided to the plants. Composting is an article unto itself, but is well worth including in your gardening strategy. Another way to keep weeds down is to plant “tightly.” It is called a canopy closure and is used in row spacing. The rows are planted closely and the ensuing growth creates a canopy that minimizes weed growth. When you get weeds in the garden, you do have a few options of how to remove them. It is best to remove weeds anytime before they go to seed. Several seasons of removing weeds prior to self sowing does minimize the quantity of the weeds to be

pulled. Tedious and time-consuming, hand pulling is effective. Others will torch weeds. There is the real possibility of damaging the preferred plantings and the possibility of not controlling the flame and creating a fire. Tilling is an option but has the disadvantage of disrupting the structure of the soil. If you till, try to restrict it to the top two inches. This depth will minimize disrupting the soil structure while disturbing the weed growth. Finally, remove weeds at the end of the growing season and plant a cover crop that can be turned into the soil before the next growing season. Then we start again, using our improved ideas.

Market Class Schedule Free classes are held every Tuesday and Friday during farmers market at the Community Center at the Lane Agri-Park. They begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour. Classes for June are:

JUNE 3 Susan Welchance, Rutherford County Beekeeper Association: Problem Solving in the Beeyard Managing swarms, proper nutrition, pollen sources, splitting hives and other issues beekeepers face.

JUNE 7 Mitchell Mote, Extension Agent: How to Use Pesticides Safely Maximizing damage to pests while minimizing risk to you

JUNE 10 Mark Murphy, Master Gardener: History & Philosophy of Organic Gardening History and ideas behind the organic gardening movement.

JUNE 14 Janie Becker, Extension Agent: Cover Crops and Green Manures Lean how adopting the philosophy of “no bare soil” can revive soils.

JUNE 17 Tiffany Schmidt, Extension Agent: Cooking with Kids Introduce young ones to the joys of cooking,

fun, healthy snacks. “Eat Your Veggies Day”

JUNE 21 Reggie Reeves, Master Gardener: Organic and Sustainable Gardening Techniques Safe and effective organic pest control options and how to fertilize your garden using organic methods.

JUNE 24 Linda Lindquist, CMG Raised Bed Garden Garden without digging by using Lasagna Garden techniques or traditional raised bed methods.

JUNE 28 Carla Bush, Extension Agent Seasonal Eating—Green Beans Selection, storage and preparation for snap beans (aka green beans, string beans, etc.)

JULY 1 Pam Sites, Master FCS Volunteer: 12 Months of Tomatoes Canning, juicing, drying, freezing, and more . . . there are many methods of saving the flavor of this summertime favorite for yearround use.

JULY 5 Richard Lee, Master Gardener: Fall Gardening Learn how to get a great start with your fall crop.

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Living Workin’ Like a Dog June 24 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, but some local business owners celebrate all year long. BY LESLIE RUSSELL-YOST | PHOTOS BY BRENTON GIESEY JUNE 24 MARKS TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY, celebrated annually the Friday after Father’s Day. Pet Sitters International promotes the day in hopes that some non-pet owners will witness the special bond their co-workers have with their pets and become encouraged to adopt a friend of their own. This year, Cultivate Coworking, in partnership with the Murfreesboro Pulse, hosts a special event on Take Your Dog to Work Day, which will include a photo booth (for wellmannered, leashed pets) with photos by Brenton with Giesey Productions, treat bags, information from the Beesley Animal Foundation on their services and other pet-related fun. This will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 24; Cultivate Coworking is located at 107 W. Lytle St. Local professionals who’d like to participate in the day but can not make that event are encouraged to post photos of their pets in the workplace on social media using the #cowoofing and #TakeYourDogtoWorkDay hashtags. For more information on Pet Sitters International and the history of Take Your Dog to Work Day, visit takeyourdog.com. There’s even an official song, check it out on soundcloud.com or boropulse.com. Some Murfreesboro business owners don’t limit their pooch’s time in the workplace to just one day. Here are a few locals who seem to believe every work day is a good time to bring a dog along.

MUFFY | Penny’s Closet You’ll often see Muffy behind the counter when you visit local boutique Penny’s Closet. Muffy is a 5-pound Chihuahua who turns 14 in October. “We got her at the age of 10 when my oldest sister, Nina, died of uterine cancer, and she became our spoiled baby,” said Penny Bolton “We love her with all our hearts! . . . I didn’t want her to be left alone after experiencing such a loss, so we immediately started taking her to the store. She goes to work with me every day. You would’ve thought that she’d grown up there. She has amazed us with how adaptable she’s been, adjusting to all the customers who come in and out. Her main vice is she’s going to lick you to death.” As Penny’s sister battled cancer, she developed a limp. Penny believes the dog was mimicking Nina, as Muffy began to walk with a limp as well. But upon arriving at Penny’s house, Muffy wasn’t limping anymore. It was Nina’s last words that sealed Muffy’s place in the Bolton home, “You be a good girl for them, Muffy!” Penny and her husband, Don, were formerly cat people, but now Muffy often travels with them, and as a service dog and is allowed on flights with the Boltons.

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RUBY, VIOLET AND OLIVE | Lisa Eischeid Local attorney Lisa Eischeid has always been a dog lover. Her three labs, Olive, Violet and Ruby, are regular fixtures at her downtown law office. The matriarch of the trio, Olive, has been an office regular for almost 10 years. Olive trained Violet, the black lab, in the ways of being an office dog. Ruby is her special needs dog; she was born with juvenile cataracts, but after eye surgery, Ruby became an office dog, as eye drops every two hours were needed. The Eischeid dogs offer calming benefits to the office—during one meeting with a particularly upset client, Olive pushed her way into the office, sat next to the tearful client, and offered her a calming head to pat. Many may also recognize the dogs from their participation in the annual trick-or-treat event on the Square.

ACE BOOGE Legacy Ink Design Ace, a 4-year-old Staffordshire terrier, has been the Legacy Ink shop dog since he was born. “He looks dark and mysterious, but he is so happy all the time to see everyone; his tail whacks anything in its way,” according to shop manager Liz McLean. “His daily duties include hourly snuggles, getting us out for walk breaks and greeting customers. . . . This is a small business; he really is one of us.” Ace loves to show off his sit, stay and roll-over tricks, and his favorite rewards are belly rubs and chicken. The Legacy crew says the dog brings a sense of calm and warmth to the office, and they are often surprised how many people coming in the door say “hi” to Ace even before speaking to the humans. Also, the shop offers screen printed dog shirts for those wanting their canine companion decked out in the company logo.

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WORKIN’ LIKE A DOG CONTINUED... FRANKIE Franklin Printing Let’s not forget the felines on this pet-friendly day. They are welcome, too! Adopted from Rutherford County Pet Adoption & Welfare Services (PAWS) 10 years ago, Frankie, a pleasantly plump, handsome ginger tabby, is a favorite fixture at Franklin’s Printing. After the loss of their previous longtime office cat, Vanson, Franklin’s salesman John Weatherspoon called shop co-owner Fay Golczynski from PAWS. He’d found a pale, scrawny, ugly little orange kitten, who insisted on talking on the telephone himself with Fay. Fay had been especially attached to Vanson, so during the initial trip home from the veterinarian’s office, she didn’t want to even make eye contact with this little kitten, but he was persistent, he finally put both front paws up on her shoulders and made her make eye contact with him. That’s all it took!

Tom, the longtime pressman, suggested naming the cat Franklin, after the print shop, which became Frankie. Frankie is in the kitchen window each morning when the first people arrive. He meets and greets everyone every day. Frankie even attends employee meetings in his own chair, and visits everyone in the office throughout the day as well. Frankie can be a great stress reliever to his co-workers. “You can tell him anything, he keeps secrets really well,” Fay says. Frankie can count, too: Tom gives Frankie six treats every day. One day, he gave him a larger handful, but Frankie only ate his typically allotted six! (June is also Adopt-a-ShelterCat Month. All of cats at PAWS this month are available for “Name your Own Price”. For more information, visit paws.rutherfordcountytn.gov.) 22 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

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Living STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO • PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

ENTER THE WILDERNESS

East Tennessee Resort offers family fun anytime of year. “LET’S GO TO THE WILDERNESS” now has a much more fun connotation to children in the Tennessee area. To many, this vacation proclamation does not mean a trip to an isolated expanse of nothingness, but rather to one of the premier water parks in the Southeast—Wilderness at the Smokies. This attraction, which opened in 2008 in Sevierville, Tenn., just north of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, boasts a massive indoor waterpark, as well as outdoor water fun and other enjoyable opportunities. This is all connected to a resort hotel, so even in rain, sleet or snow, families can stay in the hotel and walk down the hall for swimming and splashing all year long. The indoor portion of the water park features a huge funnel-shaped slide, the Storm Chaser, which is lit from the outside, making a beautiful neon nighttime presentation to attract the eyes of those driving from I-40 to Pigeon Forge. Guests can climb the stairs and choose from four other equally tall slides, some requiring tubes for the journey down, some not. The wave pool is another popular indoor attraction; here, visitors can either jump and splash wildly with the waves, or recline on one of the many large floating tubes offered by the wilderness at let the machine-made 24 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

waves carry them where they may. Life jackets are also available for the weaker swimmers, or for those who just don’t want to put a lot of effort into staying afloat. Meanwhile at the Wilderness, an attraction just a couple of hours drive from Murfreesboro, a kids area offers all sorts of things to climb, splash, twist and play on, as a massive water bucket high above slowly fills with water and, when full, tips over and pours its contents on the crowd below, generally to the squealed delight of the excited youngsters clustered beneath it.

A separate splash playground area for younger kids is roped off, and in this area, small children, some of whom cannot even walk yet, can splash calmly in very shallow areas, safely away from the more energetic older children. The Wilderness offers water basketball in yet another pool area, and even a surfing simulator, where a powerful sheet of water is shot up an incline with enough force that aspiring water athletes can ride a surfboard or bodyboard on it. A large hot tub is split between the indoor

and outdoor portions of the Wilderness waterpark. Visit the attraction during the summer months, and even more opportunities are available outside. Additional slides, one with an extreme trap door entrance, await in the outdoor portion of the Wilderness. Beyond the waterpark, the Wilderness also boasts a large video arcade with lots of fun games for all ages. As gamers play skee ball and racing games, kids attempt to navigate the ropes of an obstacle course, known as Tree Top Towers, overhead. Try some wonderful fudge varieties in the hotel’s gift shop or play a game of laser tag; for the golfers, there are 36 full holes of golf at the Sevierville Golf Club, right next to the Wilderness property. When you spend the night at the resort, everyone in your party gets free admission to the waterpark. While admission is available for those not staying at the resort, room rates can be as low as $99 per night, and guests can visit the waterpark during all days of their stay. Even if you only stay one night, you still get two days of fun at the fabulous water attractions. For rates, reservations and more information, visit wildernessatthesmokies.com.

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Living SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESS

Great Escape

Can you solve the puzzles and get out of Murfreesboro Escape Rooms? BY JUSTIN STOKES

IT’S A CRAZE THAT HAS SPRUNG UP in various places in Middle Tennessee and beyond, and it has made people pretty curious. Being locked in a room with an hour to get out sounds a little too close to a horror movie for some, but the novelty business that is the “escape game” is providing the most fun some residents in the area have had in years. Now, that intriguing concept that many have heard about has landed in the ’Boro, simply named Murfreesboro Escape Rooms. Inside, the folks hiding clues and coordinating puzzles want to know if you have what it takes to lead your team and beat the clock before the red numbers count down. The Pulse chatted with Lee Wilson, proprietor of Hammer & Wolf, an escape game company that also houses perplexing scenarios in Waco, Texas, and Jackson, Tenn., originally starting as a well-received pop-up venture. “Some businesses are strategically crafted and sculpted with a clear plan for the future—years of study, months of planning, and carefully crafted business plans,” shares Wilson. “Murfreesboro Escape Rooms got its beginning on Super Bowl Sunday in 2015 when we should have been pulling for the Seattle Seahawks. Instead, four people with virtually no experience were meeting and deciding to pool meager resources and run a little experiment and find out if four people who had never played an escape room could build four of them and show players a good time in Jackson, Tenn., for a week. The experiment went horribly right and one week turned into 26 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

three weeks of sold-out escape rooms in West Tennessee.” Seeing both the profitability and potential for new amusement, Wilson put together a crack team that kept the puzzles coming. “Since getting started in escape rooms in 2015, we’ve stockpiled a wealth of knowledge by building 25 escape rooms in three different locations. Yet with all that experience, our primary motivation is creating memorable experiences grounded in communities we love. So when players show up to play, they can anticipate that they will be met by warm hospitality from room hosts who are rooting for them to have a memorable night testing their wits with their team,” Wilson continued. Currently, Murfreesboro Escape Rooms has three scenarios: Dinner for Two is a romantic riddle that Wilson feels is “the perfect way to get started in escape rooms,” as well as a great dating opportunity in Murfreesboro. “The Blind Pig” provides a bar alternative as players try to find their way to a hidden speakeasy for a pint, and “Skinner’s Box”—the largest room offered by the attraction—leaves players feeling like a rat in a maze. This room is special because of both size and the “forced level of creative communication” players will need to utilize to make it work. Plans of another room are being drafted at the time of this writing, and Wilson said his team plans on keeping the business as fresh a test of wits as possible. Of course, escape hints are available to those who ask the monitoring employee, but with the reminder that parties should discuss the

hint element before starting the game. “Resist the temptation to attack a room like a Tasmanian Devil whirl-winding through and wrecking the space,” Wilson shares. “The most interesting rooms, from our perspective, are spatial and require attention to details that are misplaced when groups process the escape room like a robber ransacking a hotel room.”' Tickets for Murfreesboro Escape Room are $24 per person, with some discounts available for different groups, like teachers, as well as those watchful of MER’s social media. Pulse readers may use the promo code: MERlove thePulse to receive a 15% discount. For more information, visit murfreesboroescaperooms.com.

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Living

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESS

All in the Details ...for meticulous reservist at Auto Glam Detail STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO MASTER DETAILER JASON BOGARD has recently moved his car detailing business, Auto Glam Detail, to a larger facility on Broad Street, near Northfield Boulevard and Sylvan Park Grill. After just two years in operation in Murfreesboro, his business outgrew its former location, and Bogard said he is excited to have the additional space and its potential. He attributes much of his entrepreneurial success thus far to looking at a transaction from the customer’s perspective. “I tell my employees all the time, ‘Would you pay this much money to have this done?’” Bogard said. “If I don’t feel comfortable with the work that is being done, I won’t charge my customers that price.” Many of his regular clients will bring their cars in every two or three months, while Bogard said he sees some as often as every week. The touring band Finding Favour entrusts its tour van in Auto Glam’s hands lately. “They told us that it was the best it has ever 28 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

looked,” Bogard said. The owner and founder of Auto Glam took a moment to share the story of his business. Murfreesboro Pulse: How did you get into the auto detailing business? Jason Bogard: I always liked cars. I started detailing when I was 15. People would tell me how meticulous I was, and that I was doing a good job. I was self-teaching, reading magazines, buying different waxes . . . I later joined the military; I was a reservist. [During that time] in North Little Rock, Arkansas, I worked at Splash Car Wash. When I got out of the reserves, I went to work for full-service detailers for about two years and got some more experience under my belt. Then I moved to Murfreesboro and started with mobile detailing—took Murfreesboro by storm! My parents moved here first, and I got down here to be closer to my parents.

I took my car to be cleaned, and the job was OK, but I started researching the market and I thought I could bring something better to Middle Tennessee. Once I got in the groove of things, I hired some guys and opened a storefront on College Street in May of 2014. The city is growing so fast, we just exploded. Check online and read the reviews; I’m one of the top-reviewed detail shops in the state. I treat every car like it was my own. A lot of shops push out quantity, but I look at quality. The military helped me a lot, the discipline. And my mother and father stand behind me. Dad is here just about every day. He helps me a lot. My mom works full time [elsewhere], but it was my mom’s idea to get the building [Auto Glam’s original location on College Street]. I was nervous about having all of that overhead. . . . She helps me with the business management approach. My brother-in-law, Robert Alexander [who lives in Chicago], does some good work for us, too. He’s helping with the new building. What’s your favorite part of running Auto Glam? I’m here every day, it’s very demanding, but having something like this that’s directly connected to my name. Just walking through a door that is your own, it’s very rewarding. I don’t have to punch a clock. When I do have the time, I can spend time with my family, take trips. Every customer that gives me a 5-star review: that’s kind of addictive. That’s the most rewarding thing, when someone tells you your work is excellent. I love to have a clean car and know other people do, too. What’s your least favorite part? Paperwork. I’d rather be out in the shop working. [I dislike] doing the books and that sort of thing. The lack of sleep, sometimes. Anytime anything malfunctions, you have to replace it. You have to be good at logistics.

Not making it to a family function on time. Having your own business does cut into that. Who are some of the business owners or other people who have inspired you? Jesse Rodriguez was that Master Detailer in Arkansas, he taught me everything to become a Master Detailer. Ben Thomas has always been a big supporter. Whenever I go back to Arkansas, I always go in and talk to them, and they always give me good advice. They keep me on track. I can call them when I need them. They give me advice on chemicals, everything. What are some of the challenges you have overcome with starting and growing your business? Just the basic stuff that most business owners go through—having to make sure that those days that I am exhausted to still come in here and make sure the cars get done just as well. How are you getting the word out about your business? When we first started, we went door to door to every car dealership on Broad Street. We got some no’s, but got our first yes from a commercial truck dealership. They were our first customers and they put in a good word for us with other dealerships. Facebook, Amazon Local, Groupon, Living Social and all of that got us in the door with our regular customers. We’ve had a lot of customers come in from the ad in the Pulse. What is your advice to someone starting a business? First, make sure you have a good team in place. Whether that’s family, friends or employees, people who think logically and logistically. The second thing, is staying disciplined . . . you can reap long-term rewards if you sacrifice a little. For more on Auto Glam Detail, visit autoglamdetail.com or drop by the new facility at 1501 NW Broad St.

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 ARTIST PROFILE

TWO-NIGHT JUNE ART CRAWL FEATURES WORKS IN ROTUNDA, COMMUNITY ART PROJECT  IN HONOR OF THE TENNESSEE ARTS Commission’s annual conference taking place in Murfreesboro this year, the Boro Art Crawl will occur for two nights in June. Fine artists, photographers, craft artists, musicians, The Delineators and Boro Improv will come together on June 9–10 from 6–9 p.m. each night. Almost 30 businesses and galleries will be open to the public on these two nights. In the Murfreesboro City Hall Rotunda, the work of artists Kristina Lyle and Miranda Herrick will be featured in an exhibit called Constructed/Reconstructed. Both artists use repurposed materials and grid patterns to create brightly colored organic geometric designs. Lyle uses recycled paper and Herrick uses repurposed aluminum cans. The artists will be hosting a reception during the Crawl, and they

will be available to discuss their work. Lyle’s work has been shown at such places as the Tennessee Art League. She uses colored paper in various ways influenced by her grandmother’s quilts and her own travels. She will share the limelight with Herrick, whose style also employs vivid color and organic shapes. Herrick has had extensive showings in Nashville and Clarksville. Both women are graduates of Austin Peay State University with bachelors degrees in fine arts. Herrick’s degree is in drawing and ceramics, while Lyle’s is in painting and printmaking. By popular demand, the poetry reading group The Delineators will be returning this month and performing in the rotunda during the artist’s reception. The Tennessee Art Commission conference will discuss art and community, so the Boro Art Crawl will facilitate the creation of a community art collaboration with the help of local artist and Crawl committee member Beth Boudreaux. She will be located at VNTG, a custom furniture builder located on Walnut Street next to Simply Pure Sweets. Here, on both the evenings of June 9 and 10, visitors to the Crawl will be able to add their talents to

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL STOCKARD

Art

Artwork by Darian Yearby Artwork by Abigail Wennerstrom

the community art piece. Other participating businesses and organizations include: Top of the Block, Daffodilly Design, The Shoppes on Main (hosting Boro Improv this month), Mayday Brewery, L & L Contracting, The Green Dragon, Cultivate Coworking, Liquid Smoke, Smoke and Mirrors, Funtiques, Let’s Make Wine, Dreaming in Color, Sugaree’s, The Write Impression, Simply Pure Sweets, The Boutique at Studio C Photography, VNTG, Murfreesboro Art League at Cannonsburgh Village, Oaklands Mansion, The Block, Center for the Arts, Moxie Art Supply, Two-Tone Gallery, MTSU Galleries, Earth Experience, Studio 903 and Discovery Center. 30 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

“To Stand Strong” by Mai Hamric

Artwork by Rachel Sloan

For more information on the Boro Art Crawl, a community endeavor held the second Friday of every other month in downtown Murfreesboro, visit boroartcrawl.com.

SMYRNA’S STARRY NIGHT ART STUDIO OFFERING CREATIVE CLASSES AND CAMPS FOR ALL AGES  THE STARRY NIGHT ART STUDIO, located at 1450 Sam Davis Road in Smyrna, has created an environment where kids can be creative in their own way. “Creativity is a thought process in gathering, sorting, and thinking things through to produce something meaningful,” says Starry Night owner Robin Kalata. The studio offers after-school camps, birthday events, home school art classes, and open studio classes in painting, drawing, coloring and mixed media. But summer will be big for Starry Night, as there are 10 weeks of summer camp for kids ages 5–12. For $145 a week, which includes instructions, supplies, and a snack, children can tap into their inner imagination in a serene environment. Each week of summer camp has a different theme, varying from puppets, tie-dying, ice art, comic art, printmaking and more. Kalata opened Starry Night in early April 2016.

“I’m turning 50 this year and I’m opening an art center,” Kalata said when the studio first opened. “If I don’t try to have a career using the talents I’ve been given I will regret it for the rest of my life.” Commuting to her job each day, the artist said she reflected on her life. “I have loved my life,” the Starry Night founder said. “But it seems as though I have rushed right through it. Year after year striving more, working more, educating myself more and just rushing for more. So much of my life has changed through each accomplishment yet one thing has remained constant: the dream of living the creative life. You know, the whimsy of painting all day long barefoot, coloring on scraps of paper, doodling sunshine . . . the creative way, the creative life. The life that seems so romantic. “So . . . I quit that great-paying job. Just like that,” Kalata said. And Starry Night Studio is now a reality. Living creatively is much more than drawing or painting, according to the studio owner. “Creativity is full of divergent thinking;

how to look at things a hundred different ways,” Kalata said. “Push your mind, and reach for goals that often may be outside of your comfort zone. How can I go to college? How can I raise my kids to be decent human beings? How can I decorate my house on limited funds? How can I buy my dream car? How can I get promoted at work? Think creatively, use your mind, and reach for all of it.” The summer art camps at her facility begin

the first week of June, and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each weekday. Starry Night Art Studio also offers before- and after-care. “Our studio is amazingly cozy and inviting in hopes of creating an inspirational environment,” Kalata said. Starry Night also offers a coloring session each Wednesday evening for adults, and various other programming for aspiring artists of all ages. For more information about schedules and summer camps, visit thestarrynight studio.com. — TIMIRRA MESHA GAITHER

COLLECTIVE IMPACT ARTS CONFERENCE FESTIVITIES INCLUDE FREE JUNE 8 CONCERT AT CIVIC PLAZA JUNE 7–10, Patterson Park Community Center and Bradley Academy will house some of the area’s more prominent arts teachers. The conference, Collective Impact: Arts Administrators, Educators and Artists Together as Community Change Agents, will mingle those who practice art with those art administrators and teachers charged with the task of teaching young minds the forms of expression. The free Summer Arts Jam, a field trip component of the conference, will occur on Wednesday, June 8, at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza. The event works as a joint event with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the city to feature a few means of great stimuli for those who make it out. It will feature visual artists from all over Middle Tennessee, with the city ignoring its otherwise hostile tendencies toward food trucks and actually allowing them near the Square. Dee Kimbrell will be keeping the little ones in high spirits at the Linebaugh Library, roping in those listening to help her tell her stories. And music will wind down the evening’s events, courtesy of the Latin-flavored Marcela Pinilla Band, the Celtic sounds of the Secret Commonwealth and rock act Mountains Like Wax, providing several hours of onsite tunes. This event begins at 5 p.m.

on June 8, with music cranking up at 7 p.m. The Collective Impact conference, put together by the Tennessee Arts Commission, is a restructured version of the Create Education Institute, which is now folded into the conference. It serves to better educate students through the continued education of those who relay the affairs and processes of creation to make for better lesson plans, and give the instructors the chance to discuss theory and trade advice from the effective practices that they’ve employed. On the conference, Co-Chair and Director of Arts Education for the Tennessee Arts Commission Ann Brown said “The conference will be not only be a time to share best practices and learn new skills, but also a time for us to come together to demonstrate our support for the arts in Tennessee. The conference will provide a platform for us as a group to hear what issues matter in our communities and how the arts are a part of making a difference. Collectively understanding and supporting efforts strengthens one’s individual role to move communities forward.” For more information on the conference, visit tnartscommission.org/statewideconference. — JUSTIN STOKES BOROPULSE.COM

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Reviews

MOVIES

The set design is where I would expect an Oscar nomination. The Academy loves this sort of set design, and for good reason! There’s attention to detail everywhere, particularly in Gosling’s apartment. Actually, Gosling’s character as a whole was a walking ’70s cliche, and I loved it. The hippie scenes were some of the funniest scenes in the film, and the “damsel in distress” was hysterical. For that matter, I laughed a lot during this film—a lot more than I was expecting to. This film is absolutely hilarious, but the quirky, witty banter we see here has always been a strong point of director/writer Shane Black. Just re-watch Lethal Weapon if you need more proof of that. The acting was also fantastic. Gosling had this weird accent early on in the film that he dropped pretty quickly, but after that he was hilarious, and Russell Crowe was, well, Rus-

sell Crowe. The one who stole the show for me, though, was newcomer Angourie Rice. This is only her second major supporting role, and we may have a new Chloë Grace Moretz on our hands here. She is wildly talented, and here, she is asked to basically out-act Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe (which she does). I look forward to seeing what she does next, because if she plays her cards right (and doesn’t start picking projects like a Carrie remake and Muppets Most Wanted) we may have a future superstar on our hands. Also gotta give a shout-out to now-superstar kid actor Ty Simpkins (Jurassic

World, Insidious, Iron Man 3), who shows up in this film for literally a single scene. But this film is not perfect by any means. There were definitely more ’70s references than there needed to be, and that took me out of the film overall at times. However, by far the biggest problem with this film is the final action sequence. To me it felt kind of out of place for a noir film, the genre to which this ultimately pays homage, and it had me crossing my arms and shaking my head in disapproval. Shane Black went full Iron Man 3 here and had a huge action setpiece that just didn’t fit with the rest of the film. That said, was the scene still witty and funny and fun to watch? Yes. But it definitely felt more like a superhero scene (Gosling even pulled his best Captain America during it) than a noir piece. I mean, my biggest complaint about LA Confidential, (another film starring Russell Crowe), which I believe is one of the best film noir pieces ever made, was the fact that the final showdown was a bit on over rambunctious side, but it’s nothing compared to what we got in The Nice Guys. That said, this is a heck of a good film that will certainly get some Oscar attention come the end of this year. — JOSEPH KATHMANN

With a second child on the way, Mac and Kelly Radner (Rogen and Byrne) have 30 days in escrow until their house sells, a time in which any infraction or bad inspection could send the buyer running. Cue the illtimed arrival of a brand-new sorority next door. Aided by Teddy (Efron), who is looking to relive his fraternity glory days, freshman Shelby (Moretz) and cohorts found Kappa Nu in order to buck a system that says only fraternities are allowed to throw parties.

The crux of the first film was the huge perceived generation gap versus the small actual gap between the early-twenties frat brothers and an early-thirties married couple. Gone are the awkward failed attempts by the Radners to bond with the youthful neighbors on their level, proving to their rivals and themselves that they “still got it.” Instead, Mac and Kelly seem to have accepted and moved past their empathetic existential crises of the first film: that they are no longer cool. That internal conflict is replaced with the external, societal problem of systematic sexism in Neighbors 2. Whereas Neighbors portrayed the Radners as the protagonists only to slowly humanize their ribald rivals throughout the film, the equal rights, antisexist motivation of Kappa Nu sets them up as co-protagonists from the get-go. Rogen’s character is admirably progressive about Kappa Nu’s struggle, but making him so turns their conflict into nothing more than a standard turf war, relegating sexism to the level of escrow as an inciting incident.

The neutered conflict is supplemented by Efron’s Teddy, whose flip-flopping between the Kappa Nu’s and the Radners mirrors his own late-twenties floundering between being a Greek-row god and a well-adjusted adult. The rest of the cast is funny enough, yelling their way through a script with a running gag where a sex toy is mistaken for a baby’s toy, but it’s Teddy’s often hilarious realizations of his flawed worldviews that elevate the laughs with a bit of pathos. Kappa Nu could have carried the film alone, its antagonist being an oppressive patriarchal system rather than the likable comedic chemistry of Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, but that sounds like a different movie entirely; call it Dear White Penises. Instead, Neighbors 2 pits its dual protagonists against each other without seriously addressing the gender divide that replaced the generational gap as its comedy wellspring, landing it somewhere closer to the lower expectations I had for its surprising predecessor: entertaining, funny, forgettable. — JAY SPIGHT

THE NICE GUYS DIRECTED BY

Jeremy Saulnier STARRING

Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Margaret Qualley, Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger RATED R

A mismatched pair of private eyes investigate the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles. Wow, where did this movie come from? When I saw the trailers for The Nice Guys, I thought it looked . . . quirky. I honestly wasn’t sure director Shane Black could take on this style of film. Sure, he directed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, so I knew he could handle the voiceovers, but could he handle a Wes Anderson level of attention to detail in the set design? Could he handle a Paul Thomas Anderson/David O. Russel kind of storyline? Well, yes and no. For starters, he nails the set here. Maybe a little too much so, as there were a few ’70s references that felt like references for the sake of references. But the houses, the interiors, and the costumes all screamed ’70s. I think I’ll say the story was far better than Inherent Vice, but not quite as good as American Hustle. Now, that’s a pretty wide spectrum, I know; this is the film that Inherent Vice should have been, but the wackiness of the third act here just got to be too much for me.

NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING DIRECTED BY

Nicholas Stoller STARRING

Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Chloë Grace Moretz, Zac Efron RATED R

A CLASSIC

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OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

LIVING ROOM CINEMA column by NORBERT THIEMANN

facebook.com/livingroomcinema

Band of Delinquents

Using the word “delinquents” to describe the characters in these films might be far too lenient. The binding threads are the depiction of kids united in a group, and that each film is a significant achievement in its own right.

The Tribe (2014) is directed by Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy. A new student arrives at a school for the deaf in the Ukraine, and must endure his harsh initiation into the group. All of the actors use sign language, and are in fact deaf. The entire film is shot without any spoken dialogue, or with the use of any subtitles. The Tribe is raw and effectively affecting. Kids (1995) is directed by Larry Clark. Nashville’s Harmony Korine wrote the script for his debut into the professional world of filmmaking. Kids often feels like a documentary, or an early reality show. Its matter-offact style showcases the dregs of teenage humanity, leaving the viewer with uneasy thoughts for judgment and contemplation. A Clockwork Orange (1971) is directed by Stanley Kubrick. Within a surreal backdrop, a band of delinquent youth practices its interpretation of “ultra-violence.” Kubrick withholds nothing, and also allows for the judgment of society, and its failings in rehabilitation. A Clockwork Orange is a triumphant masterpiece. Los Olvidados (1950) is directed by Luis Buñuel, who focuses his attention on the desperation of the poverty-stricken. The kids are faced with unethical alliances and trying to survive in the unforgiving streets. Los Olvidados was produced in Buñuel’s Mexican period, in which he did a lot of really fine work. BOROPULSE.COM

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Opinion SHERIFF ARNOLD INDICTED ON 14 FEDERAL COUNTS FRIENDS AT THE WALTER HILL COUNTRY CLUB started calling me “any day now.” That’s because every time they asked when I thought the sheriff would get indicted, I’d say, “Oh, any day now.” Well, that day arrived May 27, nearly 14 months after media broke stories about Sheriff Robert Arnold and Chief Administrative Deputy Joe Russell, as well as Arnold’s aunt and uncle, Judy and John Vanderveer of Marietta, Ga., being involved in a scheme to sell e-cigarettes to Rutherford County jail inmates through a company called JailCigs. Roughly a year after the FBI and TBI raided the sheriff ’s office and homes of Arnold, Russell and John Vanderveer, all three were indicted on 14 counts ranging from conspiracy and fraud to bribery, extortion and coercion of witnesses. They collected more than $168,500 from Rutherford County alone, and Arnold, who already makes about $125,000 from his sheriff salary, slid more than $66,000 into his pocket. Arnold and Russell, who have continued running the sheriff ’s office and showing great contempt for anyone who would question them, surrendered to authorities that Friday morning at the federal courthouse in Nashville. They were handcuffed when they entered the courtroom for an initial hearing, which must have been pretty humiliating for a pair who’ve acted as if they’re above the law. While a lot of people speculated nothing would ever come of the FBI-TBI investigation, which included looking at several other unapproved sheriff ’s office contracts and agreements, the indictment proves how thorough federal authorities are when it comes to chasing down suspects. And when allegations involve law enforcement officers, they aren’t going to leave any stone unturned. Now that the indictment’s been handed up, it remains to be seen whether Arnold will resign or stay in office and try to fight this. His credibility is shot with county commissioners, and Mayor Ernest Burgess and several other commissioners are calling for his resignation, along with some state legislators. A group called Tennesseans Against Corruption has been threatening an ouster lawsuit against him for a year, but it wants county commissioners to have the county attorney start ouster proceedings. If they can, they should. In interviews with TV news reporters when this story broke, Arnold denied making money, said Russell shouldn’t be involved and on and on. He told so many (alleged) lies he could

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The

STOCKARD REPORT BY SAM STOCKARD sstockard44@gmail.com

hardly remember what he said. The indictment says from December 2013 through April 2015, when the media uncovered this deal, Arnold made $66,790, Russell $52,234 and Vanderveer $49,545. It’s good work if you can get it. The indictment also says they misled people, never letting on who owned or ran the company, and that Arnold failed to report on his state ethics form in 2014 that he was drawing income from JailCigs. They also tried to persuade a person not named in the indictment to prevent information from getting to investigators. They also had another company called JailSnacks. But the focus of the investigation is on JailCigs, a situation in which they had a captive audience—literally—in selling e-cigarettes to inmates through family and friends for about $14 each. Russell even sent an email to local JailCigs customers telling them to vote for Arnold. Otherwise, the e-cigs could disappear, according to the indictment. To be honest, this is great entrepreneurism, a really good idea. Unfortunately, it’s illegal to run it at the county jail if you’re the owner or investor, which is why they tried to cover it up. From the book of Government 101, elected and appointed officials can’t benefit financially from their position, other than their regular salaries, etc. This is corruption on its face. It’s also what happens when a political party puts a person in a position of authority knowing full well the person doesn’t deserve it and can’t handle it.

Arnold, a Republican, won the 2010 election against longtime Sheriff Truman Jones after the Rutherford County Republican Party held a caucus and pretty much said, “Who wants to run for sheriff?” He’d only served as a jailer and school resource officer, but he raised his hand anyway, and here we are six years later with a 14-count indictment and another example of a sheriff who thought he was above the law and got greedy. Arnold can take comfort in the fact he isn’t the first sheriff in Tennessee history to be indicted. If only he and Russell had stuck with selling JailCigs to other jails, they’d be OK. But they wanted more and they wanted it now.

INDICTMENT SIDE NOTES

It takes a heap of gall for someone making about $70,000 a year, plus no telling how much from JailCigs, to file an affidavit asking a federal judge to appoint him an attorney. But that’s what Russell did after his arrest. Murfreesboro attorney Tommy Santel represented him during the investigation. But apparently Russell is nearly destitute and requested a public defender represent him as he tries to talk his way out of a 14-count indictment. Arnold’s uncle, John Vanderveer, did the same thing. For those who’ve never hired an attorney, take my word: They’re expensive. No doubt Arnold is forking out a pretty penny to retain Tom Dundon from Neal & Harwell, one of the top defense firms in the nation. In Russell’s case, though, we have a person who is not a law enforcement officer. He does little at the sheriff ’s office but move money around at the whim of the sheriff to meet his budget needs. Email records show he ran JailCigs on sheriff ’s office time, and for all we know he is still running it on the county dime but using a personal email account. He also

got his real estate license so he could sell the house where his family lived next to Arnold on Osborne Lane, and now he’s pulled papers to build a monstrosity of a home in Lascassas, sources say. Yet, he wants taxpayers to fund his defense. In the words of the late, great UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, “Goodness gracious sakes alive.” U.S. attorneys are challenging the requests by Russell and Vanderveer. And Judge John Bryant told them they could wind up paying back any legal fees if the court finds they have the ability to pay. It’s just hard to imagine how someone with a regular salary of $70,000 wouldn’t be able to afford an attorney. But if your wife, Nicole Lester, the former county elections administrator, lost a $92,000 salary for not showing up at work despite repeated requests, well, you probably don’t have the buying power you once did. Which means you need to sell a whole lot more e-cigs. Speaking of selling e-cigs, does anyone remember when Arnold got state Rep. Rick Womick to sponsor legislation last year allowing the sheriff ’s office to take over the county workhouse? Arnold said he could run the workhouse more efficiently, and more than likely his first move would have been to oust Superintendent Bernard Salandy. But if you look a little deeper, that would have added 120 to 180 more JailCigs customers for Arnold and Russell. The 800 inmates at the jail just weren’t enough. That’s sheer capitalism. The company has to keep growing or it goes backwards. Even when Arnold put Russell on administrative leave when all of this stuff broke last year, Russell was spotted working a JailCigs booth at a sheriffs conference. Here’s one last thing to really irritate people: During the 2014 sheriff ’s race, the Rutherford County Republican Party removed former sheriff ’s Detective Ralph Mayercik from contention, saying he was not a bona fide Republican. Yet voting records showed his Republican credentials were stronger than Arnold’s. The only time Mayercik didn’t vote Republican was when he was supporting longtime Sheriff Truman Jones, a Democrat, who was his boss. Republicans were so intent on keeping Arnold in power, they eliminated a person with

more integrity and experience than the current sheriff ever dreamed of having. Oh crap, one more thing. The federal indictment says $22,000 from JailCigs went into the “Elect Arnold” campaign in 2014. He probably used the money to buy or pay off the note on that delivery truck he uses for campaign appearances. The feds should look into that.

JUVENILE ARRESTS

After investigating the arrests of 10 children ages 9–12 from Hobgood and other elementary schools in connection with an off-campus bullying incident, Murfreesboro Police Department took some bold steps: new Chief Karl Durr reassigned the arresting officer and suspended veteran Maj. Clyde Adkison. Police also promised to change policies and generally do a better job of handling situations involving the arrests of juveniles. (Adkison’s crime is he failed to pass information about the arrest debacle up the chain of command, and he urged one school officer who was threatening to quit to calm down and wait through the weekend before doing anything rash. Clyde’s part in this mess, which included a long and confusing explanatory report from police, was minimal at best, and he appears to be a scapegoat for a jacked-up system of communication and command.) While public outrage in the wake of the arrests focused on the handcuffing, the age of the children and the charge, basically failing to stop someone from picking on someone else, some of the kids arrested weren’t exactly shrinking violets. Four of the boys were arrested previously and charged with sexually assaulting a young girl, according to a source I won’t name. Clearly, they need help and possibly separation from other students, but at least some of the boys were allowed to go back to school after their initial arrest. Local school systems say they do their best to protect children and deal with these types of situations one at a time without using a blanket policy. Of course, the kids should have their day in court, as is their constitutional right. Until someone is convicted of an off-campus crime, it’s difficult to single them out for expulsion or any other type of punishment. But they certainly need some type of monitoring. Preferably such control would come from parents. Yet when the mother of one defendant is charged with beating up the victim’s mother, the whole situation is completely out of whack. Our justice system is handling the matter. But, seriously, is the system set up to solve the problem? Not likely. These people need help, and it’s not going to come from juvenile detention or the jail. Divine intervention is needed here. BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2016 * 35

Opinion How to Craft Powerful Offers BUSINESS BUILDER

BY ROBERT RITCH

owerful offers that drive your audience to take action can be used in your business to do a myriad of things. They’re great for moving old or overstocked product, overcoming buyer objections, eliminating purchase risk or just building your customer database. Well-crafted offers are fantastic lead generators; in this case, the offer is designed to get potential customers to identify themselves, not to close sales. Once those potential customers have identified themselves, they enter the formal sales process and then you can convert them into a loyal customer. Speak to your your potential customers’ “hot buttons” and craft a powerful offer that is irresistible to their emotional motivators In simple terms, a powerful offer gets people to respond, or take action. It will provide enough motivation for the reader to pick up the phone, visit your website or walk into your store. These irresistible offers make your target audience think, “Wow! This is the chance I’ve been waiting for!” or, “I’d be nuts not to take advantage of this opportunity!” Using emotional motivators in your offer will make the job of converting customers into repeat business easier and more cost effective. A powerful offer will feature an element of urgency or scarcity as a key motivator for action If I offered “2-for-1 mother/daughter haircuts” every day of the year, chances are I wouldn’t have a stampede of prospects at my door. I would likely draw a few new clients a week, but the majority of those who saw the offer—even if they were interested—would probably put it off for later. When you create an offer for lead generation, you want your prospect to take action as soon as possible. Now, let’s face it, we’re all procrastinators at heart, so you have to give your audience a reason to take action without delay. So, instead of just “2-for-1 mother/daughter haircuts” I could offer, “2-for-1 mother/daughter haircuts, Mother’s Day weekend—20 spots available, book your appointment today!” This offer has an element of urgency—the offer is only valid for a two-day period—and scarcity, as there are a limited number of appointments. Here are some other ways to use scarcity or urgency to sweeten the offer: Limited-time offer: 2-for-1 mother/daughter haircuts—Mondays from 1–4 p.m. Limited supplies available: Free! Mother’s Day gift ($50 value) with purchase for the first 20 customers on Mother’s Day. 36 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

Seasonal specials: Mother’s Day Special: buy one, get one free on any service in our spa, Mother’s Day weekend only. Free gift with action: Bring your mom in for a free haircut on Mother’s Day, and receive a salon bonus pack, worth $45, absolutely free! Daily deal: Book an appointment with us by the end of the day, and we’ll add on a free haircut for your daughter. Let’s walk through an easy step-by-step process for creating powerful offers that will generate qualified leads for your business. 1. Establish who you are trying to target, and what you want them to do. Like all of your lead generation efforts, you need to establish who your target market or audience is before you can attempt to reach them. In my salon example, the target market is middle-class women aged 18 to 65 with an interest in the latest trends in fashion and beauty. Even more specifically, I could limit my target audience to women with daughters. Also, be clear about what you want your readers to do. In my example, I asked customers to call and reserve their appointment. 2. Identify the emotional motivators or “hot buttons” that will get your target to take action. Why does your target market need or want what you have to offer. What problem does your offer solve? • Financial security for self and family • Convenience and time management • Freedom from worry • Self-improvement • Acceptance and recognition from others • Basic needs, including food, shelter, love, personal maintenance, etc. In my example, I’m targeting the emotions associated with the bond between mothers and daughters, especially on Mother’s Day, and their common interest in beauty services. The offer alludes to an opportunity to spend time with each other, and a way to save money. 3. Once you have identified the emotions you will try to target, determine which type of offer will work best. Free Offer: Ask your potential customer to act immediately for a free reward. This is a great lead generator if you can offer a solu-

tion to a common problem for free. Examples would be “Contact me now to receive your free 10-page guide to financial freedom,” or “Act now and get your first month of home security for free—a $99 value!” Try to include the dollar value of what you are providing for free. Guarantee Offer: Guarantee the performance of your product or results of your service, and you’ll take away the fear many customers feel when making a purchase. A money-back guarantee or a long-term guarantee can be great ways to overcome barriers when a customer is making a large or important purchase. Free Trial or Demonstration Offer: Another great way to reverse purchase risk is to offer a free trial or to provide a free demonstration. This works with all kinds of products or services, and allows the customer to convince himself that he needs what you have to offer. Those customers who are concerned about making the right purchase decision will be put at ease by this offer. Package or Value-Added Offer: This offer appeals to customers looking for convenience because their needs are met in one place or one purchase, like start-up kits and special packages. Packaging products also increases the perception of value, sometimes without adding costs. For example, offering a free printer with computer purchase. Premium Offer: Always offer premiums over discounts, as they will better serve your bottom line. Reward purchases with bonus products or services, and you’ll give customers an incentive for choosing you over the competition. 4. Draft several hard-to-refuse offers based on these motivators. Brainstorm as many different types of offers as you can, using emotional keywords or hot buttons. Depending on the type of products or services you offer, you may wish to focus on a single product or service, or open up the offer to all the items you have in store. Are there any freebies you can throw in? Any overstock that can be handed out as a free gift, or packaged with another product? What about bonus services that you can add on to products for a limited time (with limited costs)? Will a simple guarantee make a big difference? When describing your offer, be as specific as possible and avoid lengthy description of product details and benefits. Your goal is to sell the offer and motivate readers to take the next step, not to sell your product.

5. Evaluate the financial viability of each of your brainstormed offers. Even though you’re using these offers as lead generation tools, you need to make sure that each transaction will turn an acceptable profit, or at least allow you to break even. The last thing you want to have happen is a store full of leads redeeming an outrageous offer that will leave you broke. So, for each of your brainstormed offers, calculate your break-even point. If I were offering 2-for-1 mother/daughter haircuts, my calculation would look something like this: A. Costs: Service costs: Adult Haircut: $20 Junior Haircut: $10 Marketing costs: Advertising: $200 Flyer Drop: $100 B. Profit: Price minus hard costs Adult Haircut: $40 (retail price) – $20 (cost) = $20 profit Junior Haircut: $0 (offered free) – $10 (cost) = $10 expense Profit: $20 – $10 = $10 profit per transaction C. Break-Even Point: How much profit will you need to make to cover soft costs Advertising (total): $300 Profit: $10 Transactions: $300 / $10 = 30 transactions required to break even. From here you can assess whether or not you can realistically break even, and if your offer is financially viable. In this example, 30 transactions is a reachable target for my salon over the course of a weekend, but I may consider extending the offer over the course of a week, maintaining an element of urgency, but allowing more time to recover my costs. Keep in mind that the customers’ initial purchase may only allow you to break even, but if you are able to convert them into repeat customers, the profit of their subsequent purchases may make up the difference. 6. Select two of your financially viable offers, then test them. This will tell me what emotional motivators really work with my target audience, and then I can continue to build on that knowledge. Use your lead tracking system to measure which offers generate the highest number of leads. Remember that testing and measuring is a vital component of your lead generation efforts, and it produces some really valuable information on emotional motivators that work. Get creative and put together new and exciting offers on a regular basis. Keep improving and revising your offers to ensure you continue to draw leads.

Tap Into Your Local Market with Search Marketing WE RELY ON OUR SMARTPHONES and tablets for everything, from keeping in touch with friends and family to researching local businesses. How do we find information about local businesses? We Google it! Google researchers found that 50 percent of consumers who completed a local search on their smartphone visited a local store within a day, while 34 percent of consumers who used a computer or tablet to complete a local search did the same thing. Most smartphone and tablet browsers have Google set as the default search engine. When we search for information locally, the results that appear at the top are known as “local map listings.” These map listings typically contain: Directions to the company’s physical location Contact details The company website Images of, or related to, the business Customer reviews Information about the company’s services and other offerings Go ahead, try it out. Search for a local service such as a plumber or a roofer on your phone or tablet and see what appears. Even if you didn’t type in the words “Murfreesboro” or “Rutherford County,” Google will still display local results based on your IP address. Local search marketing is the process of ensuring that your business listing and website appears within the top three map listing results for the proper keywords searched by local users on Google, Bing and Yahoo. This marketing tactic doesn’t work overnight. It involves a multitude of strategic techniques, including (but certainly not limited to): Claiming Your Local Map Listings If you don’t verify with Google, Yahoo, Bing and even Apple Maps that your business is located at your physical address, you’ll have

a difficult time improving your map listing and ranking. Not sure how to do this? Call our team at (615) 890-3600 and we’ll help you out. Generate Phenomenal Reviews Not only do online reviews influence consumer purchase decisions, they also help your map listing stand out within the top three listings. It’s a win-win for your business—a better local reputation and a better-ranked local map listing. Plus, did you know that 88 percent of customers trust online reviews just as much as a personal recommendation? There’s a phenomenal new software for business owners called RevuCue that can help you drive positive customer reviews. Having a Mobile-Responsive Site It’s 2016. If your website doesn’t conform to all available screen sizes, you’re losing out on potential customers. Plus, with a non-responsive website you’re losing out on higher search rankings. Google is more likely to rank a mobile website higher than a non-mobile website. Why? It’s not to their benefit to rank websites with outdated websites. Why would they give the coveted positions to a website that cannot provide significant value to the searcher? If you’re not using local search marketing to attract customers in and around Murfreesboro, you’re missing out on an incredible marketing opportunity. — ANNE MERCER Anne Mercer is the marketing director for Titan Web Marketing Solutions, a Murfreesboro company providing digital marketing solutions for businesses. Ready to make sure your business can easily be found online within the Rutherford County Region? Learn more at titanwms .com or call (615) 890-3600

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Opinion Live Exceptionally. . . Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

Do One Thing Differently DO YOU EVER FEEL STAGNANT IN YOUR LIFE? Like there is nothing new or exciting to look forward to? Or maybe you’ve just gotten off track? You either feel lethargic or you feel overwhelmed by all of the ideas floating around in your head, yet you end up doing nothing. If this sounds familiar, this article is for you. “When you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.” — Dakota tribal saying

First of all: stop. Take in several deep breaths. Fully exhale. Let your body soften and your mind clear. Ahhhh. Now, open your mind to things you would like to do differently or change. Capture the first thought that comes to mind. Don’t try to make this difficult. Start with just one thing. It can be a seemingly very minor or simple thing. Instead of thinking you have to have major lifealtering changes (which you may indeed need, but not just yet) simply start small, but be consistent. I will list some of the top things people usually want to shift or change in their lives; within each subject, there are little steps that you can begin with. Just pick one and be consistent. Notice the change within you.

3. Be pain-free in the body. Be careful of relying on medication. You can’t really hear what your body is telling you when you use drugs as a crutch. Small steps: • Try breathing—meditation. Join a class to gain knowledge of these powerful tools. • Move/Stretch—Expand your capacities. Try yoga. • Center yourself mentally before you rest at night.

4 Focusing. Wanting to complete tasks by giving your full attention and seeing it through. Small steps: • Build habits. One exercise is to light a candle, set a timer for five minutes and stare at the candle without any other distractions. Never take your eyes off the light until the timer goes off. Once you know you can “focus,” this pattern can be increasingly applied to tasks that require completion. • Break it down into bitesized pieces. Take one bite. Then another. And so on. Just be consistent.

“Don’t try to make this difficult. Start with just one thing. It can be a seemingly very minor or simple thing.”

1 Feel better about yourself.

Self esteem challenges more people than you might think. Small steps: • Read a good book to broaden your sense of “self.” • Join a group specific to this topic. Integrate yourself consistently. • Don’t spend time with anyone who brings you down or belittles your efforts. Anyone.

2 Bodies. Losing weight, getting in better

shape, being taller, more attractive. Small steps: • Each day look in the mirror (or the mirror in your mind) and find one thing you like. Build on it daily. (It is important to notice the good that is already there) This practice maximizes the good and minimizes the not so good. • Start your day by drinking 16 ounces of water. Consistently. • Do one exercise for 10 minutes in the morning. • Walk for 5 minutes after your evening meal. 38 * JUNE 2016 * BOROPULSE.COM

5 Releasing Fear.

Fear is a great prohibitor. So, it must be unmasked. Face it to see it for what it is. It’s only fear. (False Evidence Appearing Real). Once you uncover it, you see there is nothing to be

afraid of !) Small steps: • Think of yourself as a reporter, uncovering fear. Put yourself in a position that brings up your fear and ask questions. Rip it apart (uncover it). Change your thought and look at it from a different perspective. What’s the worst that could happen? The best? If you already know what that could be, what would you do? Accept it and move through it. Then you will be ready to actually take steps toward doing what you have been afraid of or uncomfortable with. “To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another” — Katherine Paterson “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson If you take just one thing from this article, I hope it is to start small or simple with consistency. Let the process of de-stagnation begin! Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe; let her help you find your personal “ahh . . .” factor by visiting nurturenook.com or by calling (615) 896-7110.

The New York Strip Will Be Fine

o, you’re seated at a steak house, and all day you’ve had one thing on your mind: their delicious filet mignon. You’ve almost been able to taste it all day. You know the exact temperature. You can feel the texture in your mouth, that wonderful flavor. The waiter approaches your table and your pulse starts to race. Almost before he even utters, “May I take your order?” the words rush from your lips. “I’ll have the filet mignon. Medium, please.”

The waiter looks at you with apologetic eyes. “I’m sorry, sir. We’re out of filet this evening.” Your heart sinks. “All we have left is the New York strip and the chopped steak.” “But I had my heart set on the filet,” you plead. “I’m sorry, but the New York strip and the chopped steak are all we have left.” It’s too late to get a table anywhere else. You’re starving. You have to eat. Leaving is not an option. After a moment of serious consideration you answer. “I’ll have the New York strip.” There. That wasn’t that hard, was it? No matter who VIEWS OF A you may have supported in the GOP primary, those choices are no longer on the menu. You’re now down column by to two choices: Trump or Hillary. New York strip or PHIL VALENTINE philvalentine.com chopped steak. Some so-called conservatives are finding that an impossible choice. It’s really not that difficult. Oh, but Trump once gave money to Hillary, they say. So, you’d rather have Hillary than the guy who once gave her money? The insinuation is that Trump is too liberal because he donated to Hillary’s campaign. But she’s not too liberal? That doesn’t even make sense. Look, I feel your pain. I voted for Cruz, but Cruz is no longer on the menu. To not eat is not an option. To order something that isn’t on the menu will only leave me hungry. There are only two choices. Two! Trump or Hillary. Let’s face it. The appeal of Trump is the illegal immigration issue. He didn’t invent the issue, he just played it to perfection. When all the other Republicans were afraid to be so blunt, Trump had no such fear. He connected with millions of people who are sick and tired of the lip service paid this issue in Washington. They want the problem solved, and they want it solved now. Trump is accused of being anti-free trade because of his rhetoric toward China and his threat of tariffs. Do you know that we currently have hundreds of tariffs on the books? Some were designed to protect special interests who have high-powered lobbyists doing their bidding. Others are designed to level the playing field. It’s rather ironic that critics of Trump’s attitude toward China would call it antifree trade when there’s precious little freedom in anything China does. Too much of their goods are made with slave and nearslave labor. Does that sound free to you? If I had my way, we wouldn’t buy a thing from China. All we’re doing is propping up an oppressive communist regime with our capital. I’ve long advocated capitalism with a conscience. How well do you sleep at night knowing your sneakers were made by little kids? How happy is your Christmas knowing your Christmas tree lights were made by slave labor in some godforsaken gulag? Yes, tariffs on Chinese goods might very well drive up the prices at Walmart, but the end result may mean we stop subsidizing oppression. So, I ask you once again. What’s it gonna be? New York strip or chopped steak?

CONSERVATIVE

“It’s rather ironic that critics of Trump’s attitude toward China would call it anti-free trade when there’s precious little freedom in anything China does.”

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. BOROPULSE.COM

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Opinion Music Across America BY GLORIA CHRISTY

Historic Shacklett Photos Show Opry Star’s Local Roots RECENTLY, IN PREPARATION for the upcoming Ken Burns documentary project that will feature Uncle Dave Macon in the story of country music, many photos were pulled from the Shacklett Historic Photograph Collection as possibilities for the documentary. Some of these are rare, one-of-a-kind images of the “Dixie Dew Drop,” the first superstar of the Grand Ole Opry, who was from right here in Murfreesboro. Others are images of the town from that period in our nation’s history. Enjoy viewing a few of those images here. And remember, on the evening of Thursday, July 7, the opening day of Uncle Dave Macon Days 2016, supporters of bluegrass and old-time music and dance will attempt to break the record for the World’s Largest Square Dance. This will be at 7 p.m. on the Murfreesboro Public Square. Top left: North Side of the Square, Cotton Days, circa 1920 Photos of Uncle Dave Macon, circa 1952

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Heritage South Asks for Your Help to Help Others AS PART OF THE grand opening celebration of its Mercury Boulevard office in Murfreesboro, Heritage South Community Credit Union wants to grow its membership while helping a few of its neighbors at the same time. You can join the community credit union in this endeavor by visiting its office at 1115 Mercury Blvd. the week of June 20–25. For every new member who joins Heritage South Community Credit Union at the Mercury Boulevard office during that grand opening week, the credit union will donate $25 in the new member’s name to one of four local nonprofits: Linebaugh Library, Habitat of Rutherford County, Hope Clinic or Special Kids. The organization that receives the most donations during grand opening week will also receive a $2,500 bonus donation from the credit union. Here’s some information about the organizations that will benefit from the HSCCU membership drive: Linebaugh Library is building a technology center on the campus of Hobgood Elementary School. Habitat of Rutherford County is located near the HSCCU office on Mercury Boulevard and promotes housing efforts in the community. Hope Clinic provides primary health care to many in the neighborhood. “We’re hopeful that our efforts to provide them donations will benefit some of the people we work with every day,” Rick Deal, HSCCU Mercury office manager, said. Special Kids is special. Located on East Main Street near the Mercury Boulevard/Main Street merge, this organization provides therapy and services to children with special needs. Membership in Heritage South Community Credit Union is available for anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Rutherford, Bedford or Marshall County. To join, you must deposit at least $5 in an account and pay a $1 membership fee. For more information on the donation project, or on Heritage South, contact Mary Beth Wilson at marybeth.wilson@heritagesouth.org or (931) 680-3904. BOROPULSE.COM

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Sports The Donald and the Demise of the USFL THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK, as always, here to make journalism great again. And folks, it’s going to be YUUUGE! Story time! Gather ’round, children, this is a tale about a football league named the USFL, and a billionaire named Donald Trump. Let’s journey back to the ’80s, a

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great time to be alive. The USFL was literally created because a bunch of rich men sitting around drinking beers thought it sounded cool, thus the USFL, or “United States Football League,” was created. It was a short-lived league, but you had players like Herschel Walker, Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Mike Rozier,

Trump with Doug Flutie in 1985.

Doug Flutie and Reggie White, teams like the Memphis Showboats, the San Antonio Gunslingers, Denver Gold and the Birmingham Stallions. Coaches as big as Jim Mora, Steve Spurrier, Dom Capers, Marv Levy and even that idiot Lee Corso coached a team named the Orlando Renegades. The USFL had a product, and there was an audience. But “greed in the end fails even the greedy.” That was Donald Trump’s cue. Let’s go back to 1983, Donald Trump was a 37-year-old New York star. He had recently married Ivana, and had just finished building his 68-story tower in Manhattan. He was known as the man who got things done in New York, buying property and fixing up people’s mistakes. But Trump always demands more! The Donald purchased the New Jersey Generals from an oil tycoon named . . . who cares, some other rich man. The USFL already had a product and played in the spring, opposite the NFL’s fall schedule. But here comes Trump, buying into the league and demanding change right away! In Trump’s first year as owner of the Generals, the team went from the previous season’s 6–12 record to a 14–4 record before being knocked out of the first round of the playoffs. Donald’s team even averaged a whopping 40,000 fans at every home game in Giants Stadium. The 12-team USFL played its games in the spring, while the NFL played in the fall. This schedule worked out well, as the USFL was popular and growing at the time in the early ’80s. Then came Donald Trump’s statement, “If God wanted football in the spring he wouldn’t have created baseball,” a statement that would lead him to be the ringleader in the push to directly take on the NFL. The USFL was a league that mocked the NFL, calling the league the “no fun league.” At the time the NFL didn’t permit replay chal-

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY ZACH “Z-TRAIN” MAXFIELD

titanman1984yahoo.com lenges or 2-point conversions, while the USFL permitted both. The USFL also encouraged excessive touchdown celebrations—something the NFL penalized players for, and something the fans love. In 1986, the league, already in a dire situation and losing millions, went ahead with a $1.7 billion lawsuit against the NFL, claiming the NFL had a monopoly on national TV rights. Owners also voted 12–2 to move to a fall schedule, many stating Trump bullied all the other owners with his over-the-top personality. Hoping the lawsuit would force a merger or a large payday, the league was in court rather than playing football in the spring of 1986. The NFL pounded Donald Trump in court, portraying him as a greedy billionaire intent on securing his wealth at everyone else’s expense. The trial lasted 42 days, and the jury actually ruled in favor of the USFL. They also concluded the league’s money problems were its own doing, not the NFL’s. Ultimately, the USFL was awarded $3.76—that’s right, three dollars and seventy-six cents. The USFL never played another game. Did Trump really kill a professional football league? Well, here are some quotes from many people involved with the league—and remember, folks, this was way before any kind of presidential hopes. Actor and Tampa Bay Bandit partner Burt Reynolds stated, “I still feel and will always feel his ambitions were what sunk the league.” Doug Flutie stated, “We had a decent thing going and

the league could have gone on; I think Donald rushed it a bit.” Charles Steiner, the radio voice of the Generals, recently had this to say: “You can cut and paste the USFL and the GOP and it’s the same damn story.” Even Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly stated, “He always shoots for the stars and usually gets what he wants, except the NFL.” Adam Rank sums it up, “Hell, it would have worked were it not for Donald Trump.” Trump disagrees “We had owners that were dying, we had owners that couldn’t pay their bills. And when you have that, you have to act a little bit quickly.” If you ask him about the fall of the USFL these days, he will call you an idiot and blame everyone else. So, to sum up what I have learned about the USFL and Donald Trump: the USFL had something going, something different and something that had a chance. Then comes Donald Trump to the party. Donald demands it be bigger and better than the NFL. Shortly after that demand is made, the league is dead and gone. Yeah, that sums it up! And after all these people lost money, jobs, their dreams, Donald claims it was just small potatoes, no big deal, and he moves onto the next thing. So let’s hope Donald can lead this great country better than his football team. I am voting for the crazy bastard. I am not thrilled about it, but it beats any Democratic liberal. Hillary is the female Satan who deserves to be indicted and arrested. Bernie Sanders is a crazy 100-year-old socialist who wants to take everything from people who work hard and have stuff, and give it to people who don’t. Trump is a hell of a personality and most obviously a narcissist—a person who has an inflated sense of self-importance. But he speaks up against the politically correct culture Obama has created. I just hope he doesn’t start World War III. I will say race relations in this country have gotten worse over the Obama years. I fully blame Obama for inciting and dividing rather than attempting to unite everyone. I find it odd that we have our first black president and race relations have gotten worse. Maybe the first orange president can actually unite America, a country where every race, gender and whatever can be successful. Choo-choo!

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