Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

The Volunteer-to-be-on-the-ticket State

While avoiding a Shermanesque statement of denial, Al Gore continues to shy away from talk of running for president again, even though “Draft Gore” Web sites are on the Internet. On the other hand, the man who filled his Senate seat, Fred Thompson, is more popular in the polls than some announced contenders for the GOP presidential nomination. Dr. John Vile, chair of the political science department, says, “There were three Tennesseans (all born in North Carolina) who became president in the 19th century, but none has done so since. In recent years, however, Tennessee has had a fair number of ‘bridesmaids’ who have been suggested for the presidential or vice presidential spot, including Estes Kefauver, Frank Clement, Howard Baker, Lamar Alexander, Al Gore (who, of course got the Democratic nomination and a majority of popular votes), and Bill Frist.”

Contact Vile at 615-898-2596.
jvile@mtsu.edu

Alum chums

The MTSU National Alumni Association recently inducted 15 new members to the Board of Directors. Members are selected via written nominations. “We are very excited about our new members,” said Devin McClendon, 2007-08 president of the National Alumni Association. “Each person brings a diverse background and different experiences from their time at MTSU.” The new members hail from Murfreesboro, Estill Springs, Chattanooga, Lascassas, Brentwood, Woodbury, and Clarksville. Each member is asked to serve a three-year term. The mission of the National Alumni Association Board of Directors is to develop and foster sound relationships between MTSU and its alumni and to provide a strong force for the advancement and support of the university.

Contact Ginger Freeman at 615-898-2922 or visit http://www.mtalumni.com.

Calling Ready Kilowatt

A recent USAToday article says so-called “smart meters” offered by Pacific Gas & Electric allow customers to pay different prices at different times of the day. Some consumers have cut their monthly bills by 10 percent or more. Dr. Chris Klein, economics and finance, says, “My take on it is that there are benefits to the electric company through ‘load management’ that can lower its costs. This could reduce the overall or average price of electricity—or keep it from rising too quickly—in the long run.” But Klein warns that consumers must adjust their use of electricity during peak demand hours in order to benefit from this innovation.

Contact Klein at 615-904-8570.
cklein@mtsu.edu


TR EXTRA

BLUE RAIDER BLASTS--MTSU is offering a chance for all alumni, friends and fans to preview the 2007-08 athletic season at Blue Raider Blasts. Director of Athletics Chris Massaro and MT head coaches Rick Stockstill (football), Kermit Davis (men’s basketball), Rick Insell (women’s basketball), Steve Peterson (baseball) and MTSU student-athletes will be on hand to meet and greet Blue Raider fans Thursday, Aug. 9, on the Cannon County Courthouse Square in Woodbury; and Thursday, Aug. 23, on the historic Rutherford County Courthouse Square in Murfreesboro. Admission is free to all blasts, which will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature inflatables, face painting, giveaways, and food. Call 1-800-533-MTSU (6878) or visit www.mtalumni.com for details.

RECORDING REDUX--It’s not too late to enroll your child in the Youth Culture and Arts Center’s (YCAC) recording workshops at MTSU. The current enrollment period is in effect through Aug. 10 for the upcoming Aug. 16-Sept. 9 workshop in MTSU’s John Bragg Mass Communication Building. The workshop is for youngsters ages 12-17, and the fee is $125 per student. Classes are taught by Ryan York, a 21-year-old MTSU student and teacher of guitar, bass, and drums lessons at Chambers Guitars and Musical Instruments in Murfreesboro. Ryan will provide instruction in cassette four-track instruction, digital eight-track, computer recording and electronic music. All proceeds will benefit YCAC, a program of Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Humanities (YEAH), a nonprofit organization. Call 615-849-7140 or contact York at bororecording@gmail.com.