Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU Poll—McCain reigns.

As expected, Tennessee remains a red state in the latest 2008 MTSU Poll. The telephone survey of 635 randomly chosen people conducted Sept. 15-27 finds the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin preferred by 48 percent to 36 percent for the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden with 10 percent undecided and the rest either supporting someone else or declining to comment. Dr. Jason Reineke, associate director of the poll, says, “The Republican lead grows larger among likely voters in Tennessee, 55 percent of whom would vote for McCain and Palin and 35 percent of whom would vote for Obama and Biden. Just seven percent of likely voters are undecided.” (Likely voters are defined as those who say they voted in the 2006 U.S. Senate race, are registered, and plan to vote in November. There are 357 in this sample.)

Contact Reineke at 615-494-7746.
jreineke@mtsu.edu

MTSU Poll—It’s money that matters.

The number one problem in the country is the economy coupled with job issues, according to the latest MTSU Poll of 635 randomly chosen Tennesseans surveyed by phone. Fifty-three percent say the economy is the top national priority, with only eight percent mentioning the energy crisis and only five percent naming the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Respondents also believe the economy is the biggest state problem, says Dr. Bob Wyatt, Director of Communication Research. “A little over one-third (34 percent) name the economy as the top state problem,” he says, “followed by education at 12 percent and health issues at 10 percent. The ranking represents a marked shift from last spring’s poll, when 20 percent mentioned education as number one, followed by health issues (18 percent) and the economy (16 percent).”

Contact Wyatt at 615-477-8389.
rwyatt@mtsu.edu

MTSU Poll—Lamar’s in the lead.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is ahead of Democratic challenger Bob Tuke in the latest MTSU Poll of 635 Tennesseans chosen at random and interviewed by phone Sept. 17-27. However, a large percentage of respondents say they are undecided. Alexander, a Republican, leads with 50 percent to Tuke’s 26 percent among likely voters, but 23 percent say they don’t know who they would support. Dr. Ken Blake, director of the poll, says, “Among these likely voters, Republicans overwhelmingly support Alexander (81 percent) with most of the rest (16 percent) undecided. … Similarly, most Democrats support Tuke (60 percent), but 17 percent favor Alexander, and 21 percent are undecided. Alexander has the lead among independents, 47 percent of whom say they favor him. But 36 percent of independent likely voters are undecided, and 15 percent favor Tuke.”

Contact Blake at 615-210-6187.
kblake@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

CAREER WITHOUT FEAR--More than 125 organizations and professional/graduate schools are registered to attend the MTSU Fall Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 1, on the track level at Murphy Center. Students are advised to research the companies, be prepared and dress professionally. The goal at the Career Fair is to demonstrate that one is the best candidate and deserves a follow-up interview. For a complete list of the participating companies and to watch a video with tips on how to make the best impression possible, go to http://career.web.mtsu.edu. For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 615-898-2500 or career@mtsu.edu.

THE HORRORS AT HOME--The June Anderson Women’s Center (JAWC) at MTSU will augment its constant concern for the health and safety of women and girls in October with observances of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Janine Latus, author of If I Am Missing or Dead—A Sister’s Story of Love, Murder and Liberation, will be the keynote speaker for Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities. Latus will deliver her address at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Tom H. Jackson Hall with a reception and book signing to follow. If I Am Missing or Dead chronicles Latus’ courage in breaking out of a repressive marriage only to learn that her younger sister, Amy, had been murdered by her boyfriend. Contact the JAWC at 615-898-2193 or jawc@mtsu.edu.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

The numbers game

When a news story involves a lot of numbers, how can the news media get the numbers right and reach the wrong conclusion? Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, says, “Unfortunately, many of the numbers we read, see and hear can’t be checked by readers, viewers and listeners—pollution levels are getting larger/smaller; test scores are going up/down/ our water is getting better/worse. When these numbers are then used with incomplete statements of fact, the results can be truly alarming and lead us to a distorted view of the world. For instance, we read a lot about the thousands of children who are kidnapped each year. What that statement doesn’t tell you is that most kidnappings of children are done by the non-custodial parent. The actual number of true child kidnappings is less than 200 each year.”

Contact Burriss at 615-898-2983.
lburriss@mtsu.edu

The horrors at home

The June Anderson Women’s Center (JAWC) at MTSU will augment its constant concern for the health and safety of women and girls in October with observances of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Janine Latus, author of If I Am Missing or Dead—A Sister’s Story of Love, Murder and Liberation, will be the keynote speaker for Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities. Latus will deliver her address at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Tom H. Jackson Hall with a reception and book signing to follow. Additionally, Latus’ book will be the focus of discussion at the JAWC’s first “Our Friends/Our Selves Book Club” meeting of the new academic year from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today, Sept. 29, at the center, Room 206 in the James Union Building. If I Am Missing or Dead chronicles Latus’ courage in breaking out of a repressive marriage only to learn that her younger sister, Amy, had been murdered by her boyfriend.

Contact the JAWC at 615-898-2193.
jawc@mtsu.edu

Microfinance has major results

MTSU senior Steve Sibley, recipient of the Kawahito Scholarship for Experiential World Poverty Studies, continues to discover the benefits of microfinance as he lives and learns in Bangladesh this semester. His latest e-mail, about a trip to a Grameen Bank branch about 50 kilometers south of Dhaka, tells the story of a woman who had joined the bank only a year ago. “She has just finished paying off first 1,000-taka loan,” he writes. “With her initial loan, she had bought bamboo, with which she makes stools. Her supplies for each stool cost 140 taka, while she can sell each stool to a retailer for 200 taka. Working five days a week while also raising her two children, she has been able to increase her family's income by 175 taka per week. With the extra income, she says that she can better feed her family and has been saving money in a Grameen savings account.”

For more information about the Kawahito Scholarship, contact Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito at 615-898-5751.
kawahito@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

CAREER WITHOUT FEAR--More than 125 organizations and professional/graduate schools are registered to attend the MTSU Fall Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, on the track level at Murphy Center. Students are advised to research the companies, be prepared and dress professionally. The goal at the Career Fair is to demonstrate that one is the best candidate and deserves a follow-up interview. For a complete list of the participating companies and to watch a video with tips on how to make the best impression possible, go to http://career.web.mtsu.edu. For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 615-898-2500 or career@mtsu.edu.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

The “E” word

As the time fast approaches for the first presidential debate of 2008 tonight in Oxford, Miss., the question of experience undoubtedly will come into play, regardless of whether the candidates stay with the planned agenda of foreign policy or touch on the economic crisis. Dr. Amanda DiPaolo, political science, says, “It is the dialogue that is changing, but it is changing because voters are, for some reason, expecting a level of experience not known in the past. Take, for example, the selection of John Edwards as John Kerry’s running mate. He was one of the most ill-qualified vice presidential candidate selections in U.S. history, and not a word was made of it.”

Contact DiPaolo at 615-898-2135.
dipaolo@mtsu.edu

Snap, crackle, pop!

Tonight’s presidential debate coverage on MSNBC will be anchored by NBC News Chief White House Correspondent David Gregory. The cable network felt a huge backlash after Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews provided highly opinionated anchor work during the Democratic and Republican conventions. Dr. Bob Pondillo, electronic media communication, observes, “Remember, it’s no longer about news in the Social Responsibility tradition; it’s about ratings, audience management, and shoring up core viewers. Most so-called ‘news’ channels are seen by managers as niche products, like corn flakes. When one opens a box of corn flakes, Rice Krispies had better not come out!”

Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465.
pondillo@mtsu.edu

Career without fear

More than 125 organizations and professional/graduate schools are registered to attend the MTSU Fall Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, on the track level at Murphy Center. Students are advised to research the companies, be prepared and dress professionally. The goal at the Career Fair is to demonstrate that one is the best candidate and deserves a follow-up interview. For a complete list of the participating companies and to watch a video with tips on how to make the best impression possible, go to http://career.web.mtsu.edu.

For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 615-898-2500.
career@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

HOPE I DOWNLOAD BEFORE I GET OLD.--Pete Townshend, co-founder of The Who, says, “iTunes simply doesn’t have heart. It is software attached to a bank, nothing more, nothing less. Brilliant, but heartless.” Ken Sanney, adjunct recording industry professor at MTSU and licensed attorney, will demystify digital downloading on “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue at 7 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 28, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org). Sanney, an associate with the Brentwood law firm of Day & Blair, P.C., will discuss the addition of digital downloads to audiobook offerings by the Borders bookstore chain, the role of musicians’ unions in the debate over the revenue split for digital downloads, and the music-streaming service Last.fm, which is paying unsigned artists for songs played on the site. For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800. To hear last week’s show, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2008.html and click on “September 21, 2008.”

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through today, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place today, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

THE MAIN COURSE IS GRITS.--Girls Raised in Tennessee Science, or GRITS, will hold its Collaborative Kickoff Conference today, Sept. 26, at MTSU. The event is open to anyone interested in helping girls become involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational aspects, says Lacey Fleming, assistant director of GRITS. Attendees may be from education (K-12 and postsecondary), business, government and community-based and professional organizations across Tennessee and surrounding states. Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch, a co-founder of BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The kickoff will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be held in the Keathley University Center lobby, theater, and KUC Room 322. Fleming says “people who are involved with companies or heading up programs with girls” are especially encouraged to attend the kickoff. Media welcomed. Go to mtsu.edu/~grits or contact Fleming at 615-494-7763 or lfleming@mtsu.edu.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Hope I download before I get old.

Pete Townshend, co-founder of The Who, says, “iTunes simply doesn’t have heart. It is software attached to a bank, nothing more, nothing less. Brilliant, but heartless.” Ken Sanney, adjunct recording industry professor at MTSU and licensed attorney, will demystify digital downloading on “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue at 7 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 28, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org). Sanney, an associate with the Brentwood law firm of Day & Blair, P.C., will discuss the addition of digital downloads to audiobook offerings by the Borders bookstore chain, the role of musicians’ unions in the debate over the revenue split for digital downloads, and the music-streaming service Last.fm, which is paying unsigned artists for songs played on the site.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800. To hear last week’s show, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2008.html and click on “September 21, 2008.”

So much for having it your way

The three-way tussle among McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King for the cash-strapped customer is reaching its apex with so-called “value meal” menus. Lots of items have been priced at about $1. But Dr. Don Roy, management and marketing, says even value meal items are becoming more expensive. “Menu items for $1 are no longer realistic in that they are no longer low-margin items but, in many cases, loss leaders,” Roy says. “Thus, the frame of reference for what are value prices is shifting upward. Burger King has added two new items to its value menu (Cheesy Bacon BK Wrapper and Spicy Chicken BK Wrapper) at a price of $1.39. It is expected that other brands will have little choice but to follow suit if they intend to continue to market value-priced menu items.”

Contact Roy at 615-904-8564.
droy@mtsu.edu

The miracle of microfinance

Steve Sibley’s first excursion from the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka to an outlying village reaffirmed his belief that microfinance can help poverty-stricken people. Sibley, an MTSU senior from Signal Mountain, is using his Kawahito Scholarship to study microfinance, the practice of lending money to people with little or no collateral so they may improve their lives, at Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel Prize-winner and former MTSU professor Muhammad Yunus. Sibley writes about a woman named Shohana, who was borrowing 600,000 taka (more than $8,800). “With her first loan [3,000 taka 14 years ago], Shohana bought a used, broken-down bus,” he writes. “She and her husband repaired the bus and started a bus service. … The loan was funneled through the woman to her husband. However, Shohana and her husband now operate six buses. Her 600,000-taka loan is going to be used to purchase their seventh bus.”

For more information on the Kawahito Scholarship for Experiential World Poverty Studies, contact Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito at 615-898-5751.
kawahito@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through tomorrow, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place tomorrow, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

THE MAIN COURSE IS GRITS.--Girls Raised in Tennessee Science, or GRITS, will hold its Collaborative Kickoff Conference tomorrow, Sept. 26, at MTSU. The event is open to anyone interested in helping girls become involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational aspects, says Lacey Fleming, assistant director of GRITS. Attendees may be from education (K-12 and postsecondary), business, government and community-based and professional organizations across Tennessee and surrounding states. Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch, a co-founder of BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The kickoff will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be held in the Keathley University Center lobby, theater, and KUC Room 322. Fleming says “people who are involved with companies or heading up programs with girls” are especially encouraged to attend the kickoff. Media welcomed. Go to mtsu.edu/~grits or contact Fleming at 615-494-7763 or lfleming@mtsu.edu.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

“Seer’s sage” or sucker’s surprise?

There are thousands of videos on YouTube of people getting high on salvia. But while viewers are entertaining themselves by watching these people become totally loopy, legislators are moving to study salvia and possibly make it illegal in their cities and states. Dr. Doug Winborn, health and human performance, says, “Salvia Divinorum is an herb. It has been used as a method of conversing with a higher power, receiving spiritual insight. The genus name actually translates as ‘seer’s sage.’ Because of some of the psychoactive properties of salvia, it has recently become popular as a mind-altering substance.”

Contact Winborn at 615-898-5110.
jwinborn@mtsu.edu

The wrath of Roth

Philip Roth’s latest novel, “Indignation,” was released last week. It tells the story of a Jewish straight-A student from Newark who flees from his father’s smothering fears for his safety and goes to the Midwest, only to discover that confrontations with authority figures are inevitable there, too. This continues a train of thought in Roth’s work, noticed by Dr. Robb McDaniel, political science, of a running critique of John Locke, the English philosopher who was a major influence on the American founding fathers. He says that Roth’s writings trace “a fundamental instability at the heart of liberalism: our rhetoric to the contrary, freedom of choice undermines the hope for individual autonomy. In other words, a liberal culture is necessarily a tragic culture, since the practical reality of freedom runs afoul of its mythic idealism.”

Contact McDaniel at 615-904-8245,
rmcdanie@mtsu.edu

Beyond the books

The MTSU Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CeSIL) will hold its 2008 open house today, Sept. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Room 326S of the Keathley University Center. Attendees will learn more about how students can supplement their in-class experiences with valuable co-curricular opportunities. The center is available to help those who want to become involved in student organizations, serve as faculty/staff advisors to student organizations, participate in diversity events, learn more about gender-related issues, or find out more about commuting to campus. The open house also will highlight the launching of a new newsletter, “Get a Life … beyond the books.”

Contact Jennifer Ray at 615-898-5812.
jray@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public.
Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

THE MAIN COURSE IS GRITS.--Girls Raised in Tennessee Science, or GRITS, will hold its Collaborative Kickoff Conference on Friday, Sept. 26, at MTSU. The event is open to anyone interested in helping girls become involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational aspects, says Lacey Fleming, assistant director of GRITS. Attendees may be from education (K-12 and postsecondary), business, government and community-based and professional organizations across Tennessee and surrounding states. Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch, a co-founder of BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The kickoff will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be held in the Keathley University Center lobby, theater, and KUC Room 322. Fleming says “people who are involved with companies or heading up programs with girls” are especially encouraged to attend the kickoff. Media welcomed. Go to mtsu.edu/~grits or contact Fleming at 615-494-7763 or lfleming@mtsu.edu.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Online crime anytime

Starting this week, MTSU’s police crime log will be posted and available online for anyone to access. Rather than having to go in person to police headquarters on campus, anyone who has Internet access will be able to print out a copy of the crime log. A crime log includes a general description of the incident, the date and time it occurred, where it happened and the disposition of the incident—whether it’s closed or still open. “We want to go above and beyond what’s required and also include traffic stops and other infractions that are not considered criminal offenses,” says MTSU Police Chief Buddy Peaster. “If you don’t have a computer, you can come to the police headquarters and we’ll provide computer access free of charge.”

Contact Peaster at 615-898-2424. To access the MTSU Police Web site, go to http://police.mtsu.edu/.

Cyberlibel

If you can afford to pay more than a thousand dollars a month, you can get companies to repair your image after it has been battered in the blogosphere. Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, says you can even do it yourself. For example, Google and Yahoo “have secret formulas they use to rank sites. Sites that meet certain criteria will go to the top of the search list, and it is the top five that are generally considered the most dangerous. So if you know what you’re doing, you can create Web sites that will push these original sites down the list, where they are less likely to be seen. You can also create blogs and then start a dialogue where it appears dozens or even hundreds of people are talking about how great you are and how unfair those other people are.”

Contact Burriss at 615-898-2983.
lburriss@mtsu.edu

“You gonna burn, burn, burn, burn it to the wick.”—From “Barracuda” (A. Wilson/N. Wilson/Fisher/Derosier)

Ann and Nancy Wilson of the rock group Heart complained to John McCain’s campaign about its use of the song “Barracuda” during the Republican National Convention’s introduction of Sarah Palin onto the national stage. They aren’t the first artists/composers to object to the co-option of their creative work by politicians. But Ken Sanney, adjunct recording industry professor and licensed attorney, says, “By all accounts, the RNC/McCain campaign has paid all licensing fees to use the song. There is, therefore, no legal action that the Wilson sisters can take to stop them. In fact, neither the Wilson sisters nor the band Heart own the copyright to the song or sound recording of ‘Barracuda.’ The copyright of the song is owned by Warner Brothers Publications, and the copyright of the sound recording is owned by Sony/BMG Music Entertainment.”

Contact Sanney at 615-456-6502.
ksanney@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

SCENIC CITY HIGH--Junior and senior high-school students from Chattanooga and surrounding counties are invited to attend MTSU’s student reception. It will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. EDT today, Sept. 23, at the Chattanooga African-American Museum, 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. MTSU officials will answer questions about admissions, financial aid, housing and academic programs. One student will receive an iPod Touch, and other prizes will be awarded to those who attend. For more information, contact Susanna Wassom at 615-898-2457 or go to mtsu.edu/admissn.

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

THE MAIN COURSE IS GRITS.--Girls Raised in Tennessee Science, or GRITS, will hold its Collaborative Kickoff Conference on Friday, Sept. 26, at MTSU. The event is open to anyone interested in helping girls become involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational aspects, says Lacey Fleming, assistant director of GRITS. Attendees may be from education (K-12 and postsecondary), business, government and community-based and professional organizations across Tennessee and surrounding states. Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch, a co-founder of BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The kickoff will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be held in the Keathley University Center lobby, theater, and KUC Room 322. Fleming says “people who are involved with companies or heading up programs with girls” are especially encouraged to attend the kickoff. Media welcomed. Go to mtsu.edu/~grits or contact Fleming at 615-494-7763 or lfleming@mtsu.edu.

DON’T BE A FOSSIL FOOL.--Fueling the Future Update: Building Engines that Run on Sun and Water” will be the MTSU Satellite and Webcasting Center’s next Enrichment Program for Students at 9 a.m. CST (10 a.m. EST) today, Sept. 23. Dr. Cliff Ricketts, professor of agribusiness and agriscience, will feature four ongoing projects: a pure hydrogen-powered vehicle, MTSU’s plug-in solar/electric hydrogen hybrid vehicle, a plug-in electric fuel-cell hydrogen hybrid Toyota Prius, and a hydrogen enrichment device added to a vehicle to get a 20-30 percent increase in fuel mileage. This event targets students in grades 7-12, particularly agricultural education and science students. For more information, call 615-898-2737 or send an e-mail to vmoxley@mtsu.edu.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

A word from our sponsor

One of the three major legal tests for the constitutionality of speech has come under increased scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court in recent years. The so-called Central Hudson test, named after a 1980 ruling by the high court, holds that commercial speech must concern lawful activities and cannot be misleading. If it fails to meet this test, the government must assert itself through narrowly drawn legislation. David Hudson (no conflict of interest), adjunct political science professor and First Amendment Center scholar, says, “Commercial speech remains protected to a lesser degree than political speech in First Amendment jurisprudence, and that may not change for the foreseeable future. More likely, the Roberts Court will continue the trend of the Rehnquist Court and subject advertising restrictions to a rigorous Central Hudson analysis.”

Contact Hudson at 615-727-1600.
dhudson@fac.org

The Sibley report

Even as he walks to his job at Grameen Bank in Dhaka, Bangladesh, MTSU student Steve Sibley cannot escape the enormity of poverty and suffering in the country. “On the five minute walk to the bank, I saw men urinating in the gutter, more young boys sifting through garbage, and more men with legs skinnier than my wrists either walking on their hands or pushing themselves along on makeshift carts,” he writes. “People were performing all sorts of jobs on the side of the street. I saw a teenage boy underneath a car with a welding torch. Many people were cooking and selling food, while others were hocking bananas. A boy no older than four was begging along an elderly blind woman. The plight of the Bangladeshi people is immense.” Sibley is in Dhaka to learn microfinance, a humanitarian empowerment of the poor, from its pioneer, Nobel Prize-winner and former MTSU professor Muhammad Yunus.

Sibley is the recipient of the Kawahito Scholarship for Experiential World Poverty Studies. For more information, contact Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito at 615-898-5751.
kawahito@mtsu.edu

Don’t be a fossil fool.

“Fueling the Future Update: Building Engines that Run on Sun and Water” will be the MTSU Satellite and Webcasting Center’s next Enrichment Program for Students at 9 a.m. CST (10 a.m. EST) tomorrow, Sept. 23. Dr. Cliff Ricketts, professor of agribusiness and agriscience, will feature four ongoing projects: a pure hydrogen-powered vehicle, MTSU’s plug-in solar/electric hydrogen hybrid vehicle, a plug-in electric fuel-cell hydrogen hybrid Toyota Prius, and a hydrogen enrichment device added to a vehicle to get a 20-30 percent increase in fuel mileage. This event targets students in grades 7-12, particularly agricultural education and science students.

For more information, call 615-898-2737 or send an e-mail to vmoxley@mtsu.edu.

TR EXTRA

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

NO NEED FOR THE TIM RUSSERT MEMORIAL DRY ERASE BOARD (FLORIDA! FLORIDA! FLORIDA!)—MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device. Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465 or pondillo@mtsu.edu.

THE MAIN COURSE IS GRITS.--Girls Raised in Tennessee Science, or GRITS, will hold its Collaborative Kickoff Conference on Friday, Sept. 26, at MTSU. The event is open to anyone interested in helping girls become involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational aspects, says Lacey Fleming, assistant director of GRITS. Attendees may be from education (K-12 and postsecondary), business, government and community-based and professional organizations across Tennessee and surrounding states. Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch, a co-founder of BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The kickoff will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be held in the Keathley University Center lobby, theater, and KUC Room 322. Fleming says “people who are involved with companies or heading up programs with girls” are especially encouraged to attend the kickoff. Media welcomed. Go to mtsu.edu/~grits or contact Fleming at 615-494-7763 or lfleming@mtsu.edu.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Sparks will fly

Is your son or daughter drinking “energy drinks” with a totally different kick in them? The Center for Science in the Public Interest, with the support of 25 state Attorneys General, is suing MillerCoors to stop the sale of Sparks, an alcoholic energy drink, after pressuring Anheuser-Busch to get out of this area of the beverage industry altogether. Dr. Don Roy, management and marketing, says MillerCoors is in a difficult spot. “On the one hand, it cannot ignore concerns about Sparks or engage in an adversarial debate that could appear to promote profits over the well-being of consumers. On the other hand, profit is an issue. Sparks has been a successful product for MillerCoors, so exiting the category completely is a difficult choice.”

Contact Roy at 615-904-8564.
droy@mtsu.edu

No need for the Tim Russert Memorial Dry Erase Board (Florida! Florida! Florida!)

MTSU students will prepare and broadcast their own election night roundup live on MTTV, Channel 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 or possibly later, on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, depending on how close the tallies are. “It becomes more than just an organizational exercise, which is important,” says Dr. Bob Pondillo, who teaches “Electronic Media Production: Election Night News Coverage.” “However, it’s one thing to know how to make great television, but it’s quite another to know how to engage the community.” Although arrangements are subject to revision at a moment’s notice depending on the circumstances, the class is planning on three bases for live shots. The percentages in each race will be displayed at the bottom of the television screen through a black box Associated Press interface device.

Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465.
pondillo@mtsu.edu

The main course is GRITS.

Girls Raised in Tennessee Science, or GRITS, will hold its Collaborative Kickoff Conference on Friday, Sept. 26, at MTSU. The event is open to anyone interested in helping girls become involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational aspects, says Lacey Fleming, assistant director of GRITS. Attendees may be from education (K-12 and postsecondary), business, government and community-based and professional organizations across Tennessee and surrounding states. Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch, a co-founder of BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. The kickoff will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be held in the Keathley University Center lobby, theater, and KUC Room 322. Fleming says “people who are involved with companies or heading up programs with girls” are especially encouraged to attend the kickoff. Media welcomed.

Go to mtsu.edu/~grits or contact Fleming at 615-494-7763.
lfleming@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

IS A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND POLL POINTS?--How do political operatives arrange photo opportunities to achieve the most favorable image possible for their candidates? How do news photographers obtain the best shots possible, and how to they avoid being manipulated by the campaign? Chris Harris, professor of electronic media communication at MTSU, will tackle the topic of “Political Imagery” at 7 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 21, on “MTSU on the Record” on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org) with host Gina Logue. An experienced photojournalist, Harris has performed hundreds of assignments for TIME, Newsweek and The New York Times. He also has worked as a reporter on investigative teams for TIME and The New York Times. For more information, contact Gina Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800. If you missed last week’s show, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2008.html and click on “September 14, 2008.”

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?--New MTSU Audio Clips and radio-ready stories are on the Web at www.mtsunews.com, your comprehensive source for MTSU information. Click on “MTSU Audio Clips on the right side of the page, and you will be able to hear Dr. Bill Ford, holder of MTSU’s Weatherford Chair of Finance and former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, offer his perspective on the federal government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Listen to the views of Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, on the presidential candidates and what they need to do to convince the voters. And there’s an audio commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, on the nature of patriotism. For more information, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Is a picture worth a thousand poll points?

How do political operatives arrange photo opportunities to achieve the most favorable image possible for their candidates? How do news photographers obtain the best shots possible, and how to they avoid being manipulated by the campaign? Chris Harris, professor of electronic media communication at MTSU, will tackle the topic of “Political Imagery” at 7 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 21, on “MTSU on the Record” on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org) with host Gina Logue. An experienced photojournalist, Harris has performed hundreds of assignments for TIME, Newsweek and The New York Times. He also has worked as a reporter on investigative teams for TIME and The New York Times.
For more information, contact Gina Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800. If you missed last week’s show, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2008.html and click on “September 14, 2008.”

Getting nasty with NATO

Russia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday (Wednesday) issued a harsh criticism of NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer’s visit this week to Georgia. A statement from the ministry said the defense alliance was acting on “Cold War-era reflexes” and the trip could only be seen as “encouraging Tbilisi to engage in new reckless ventures.” Dr. Vladimir Ilin, a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at MTSU and a professor of sociology at St. Petersburg State University in Russia, says, “NATO is in a contradictional situation. On the one side, it has to show to the Kremlin that Georgia is outside of Russia’s influence and a friend of NATO, that five days of war didn’t change this geopolitical fact. On the other hand, Georgia is a state overloaded with many conflicts.”

Contact Ilin at vldmr.ilin@gmail.com.

Greetings from Bangladesh

MTSU student Steve Sibley is in Bangladesh to study microfinance, the humanitarian economic methodology pioneered by Nobel Prize-winner and former MTSU professor Muhammad Yunus. The idea is for Sibley, recipient of MTSU’s new Kawahito Scholarship for Experiential World Poverty Studies, not only to learn at the bank, but to live and work among the poor. Sibley’s ride into the capital city from Dhaka provided his first lesson as he encountered beggars on all sides of his cab. He writes from Dhaka, “One man was showing the gnarled black infection on his ankle; another had legs so skinny and useless that he was only able to beg in traffic by walking on his arms.” Upon getting out of the cab at his hotel, he saw “… a three-foot tall pile of trash, from which the rotting food smell was likely emanating. A young boy of approximately 10 years of age was sifting through this pile of rotting trash in search of food or anything else of value.”

“Today’s Response” will provide periodic updates from Steve Sibley, a native of Signal Mountain, Tenn., throughout the semester. For more information about the Kawahito Scholarship, contact Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, Adviser to the President and the Provost on Asian Affairs, at 615-898-5751.
kawahito@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

SINGING HER OWN SONG--Dr. Felicia Miyakawa, assistant professor of music at MTSU, will deliver the first Women’s Studies Research Series lecture of the academic year at 3 p.m., today, Sept. 18, in the SunTrust Room of the Business and Aerospace Building. Miyakawa will speak on “Queering the ‘Sometimes’ Trope: Gay Choruses and Gendered Readings of ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.’” “During this presentation, I will share examples of how this beloved tune has been wrapped into issues of gender identity,” Miyakawa says. “Specifically, I will explore what performances of this song by gay-identified choruses or in gay-themed performance contexts reveal not only about what these particular performance groups value in this song, but also how their appropriations of this song are indicative of a seemingly universal tendency of finding endless troves of personal meaning in the song’s text, music and traditions.” For more information about this and future lectures in the series, contact Dr. Jane Marcellus at 615-898-5282 or jmarcell@mtsu.edu.

MASTERING MATH--Dr. Jeremy Winters, professor of elementary and special education, and Cindy Cliché and Marrie Lasater of Homer Pittard Campus School will present the first of a four-part series examining the new Tennessee math standards that will take effect in 2009-2010 in a professional development program for teachers of grades K-2 at 3:30 p.m. CST (4:30 EST), today, Sept. 18. The program, which will air under the auspices of MTSU’s Satellite and Webcasting Center, will begin with a general overview of the changes and why the changes were made. Then the audience will be engaged in activities that will illustrate the differences between the new and old standards. For more information about this year’s schedule of professional development programs, call 615-898-2737 or send an e-mail to vmoxley@mtsu.edu.

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?--New MTSU Audio Clips and radio-ready stories are on the Web at www.mtsunews.com, your comprehensive source for MTSU information. Click on “MTSU Audio Clips on the right side of the page, and you will be able to hear Dr. Bill Ford, holder of MTSU’s Weatherford Chair of Finance and former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, offer his perspective on the federal government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Listen to the views of Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, on the presidential candidates and what they need to do to convince the voters. And there’s an audio commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, on the nature of patriotism. For more information, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD--MTSU’s School of Agribusiness and Agriscience will hold a field day from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Sept. 18, at the former Guy James Farm on Hall Hill Pike, east of campus. Dr. Warren Gill, director of the school, says the event will feature the state agriculture department’s enhancement program, hay-wrapping demonstrations and a new planting of warm season perennials, including Switchgrass, Big Bluestem and a wildlife mixture. “We received an ag enhancement grant to study wrapping hay in plastic to improve the product,” Gill says. “If you put hay up wet, it makes for a slightly improved product. Gill adds that newer hay-wrapping techniques now could help farmers save more money and time than conventional methods. Contact Gill at 615-898-2523 or wgill@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Donald McDonald House

The MTSU Department of Aerospace will name a new hangar at the MTSU Flight Operations Center at Murfreesboro Airport the Donald McDonald Aerospace Maintenance Laboratory at 10 a.m. today, Sept 17, at the airport. The media, the general public and the campus community are all invited to attend. McDonald (B.S. ’63) and his wife, the former Frances Wright, have been extremely generous with their donations, says Dr. Wayne Dornan, aerospace chair. Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president, and other local and state dignitaries will be on hand for the ceremony. Also, a new Donald McDonald Scholarship will be awarded to a freshman for the 2009-10 academic year. “It will be a full-ride scholarship that pays 100 percent for four years,” says Dornan. It will be open to any of five aerospace concentrations—professional pilot, technology, maintenance, administrative and flight dispatch—as well as engineering technology.

Contact Dornan at 615-898-2788.
wdornan@mtsu.edu

Singing her own song

Dr. Felicia Miyakawa, assistant professor of music at MTSU, will deliver the first Women’s Studies Research Series lecture of the academic year at 3 p.m., tomorrow, Sept. 18, in the SunTrust Room of the Business and Aerospace Building. Miyakawa will speak on “Queering the ‘Sometimes’ Trope: Gay Choruses and Gendered Readings of ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.’” “During this presentation, I will share examples of how this beloved tune has been wrapped into issues of gender identity,” Miyakawa says. “Specifically, I will explore what performances of this song by gay-identified choruses or in gay-themed performance contexts reveal not only about what these particular performance groups value in this song, but also how their appropriations of this song are indicative of a seemingly universal tendency of finding endless troves of personal meaning in the song’s text, music and traditions.”

For more information about this and future lectures in the series, contact Dr. Jane Marcellus at
615-898-5282.
jmarcell@mtsu.edu

A need-to-know basis

The state’s Freedom of Information Act is under review by government and various interest groups. At a recent hearing, some government officials complained that providing the public with information distracted state employees from their duties. Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, says their duties should include informing citizens about what their government is doing with their money and in their name. “Somehow too many government officials have gotten it into their heads that the public has no business knowing what the government is up to,” Burriss says. “And this usually happens when the official has something to hide—which is the very time we, the public, need to know what’s going on.”

Contact Burriss at 615-898-2983.
lburriss@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

HABLAMOS ESPANOL--MTSU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing through Oct. 15 with numerous cultural and informational events on tap. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU President, will attend a reception for Hispanic students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 316 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). On Monday, Oct. 6, Sidelines, the student newspaper, will feature a crossword puzzle with a Hispanic history theme. Prizes will be awarded in KUC Room 326 for the first five correct submittals. Also, ongoing Hispanic Poetry Periods and Latin music experiences will be conducted near the KUC Knoll, and special programming will be shown in dormitory lobbies. WMOT-FM (89.5) will air Latin jazz every Sunday. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at 615-898-5812.

WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES …--Students at MTSU will be able to print their own copies of the Preamble to the United States Constitution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Sept. 17, in celebration of Constitution Day. Officials at the James E. Walker Library will transport their handcrafted replica of Benjamin Franklin’s 18th century printing press from its home on the fourth floor down to the library portico. In case of inclement weather, the press will remain in Room 462 of the library for the event. Passersby may manipulate the device themselves or allow library personnel to help them. Constitution Day 2008 will mark the 221st anniversary of the signing of the nation’s founding document. The distribution of free copies of the Preamble is co-sponsored by the library and the American Democracy Project. For photos of MTSU’s Franklin-era replica printing press, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 before 3 p.m. if possible or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?--New MTSU Audio Clips and radio-ready stories are on the Web at www.mtsunews.com, your comprehensive source for MTSU information. Click on “MTSU Audio Clips on the right side of the page, and you will be able to hear Dr. Bill Ford, holder of MTSU’s Weatherford Chair of Finance and former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, offer his perspective on the federal government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Listen to the views of Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, on the presidential candidates and what they need to do to convince the voters. And there’s an audio commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, on the nature of patriotism. For more information, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD--MTSU’s School of Agribusiness and Agriscience will hold a field day from 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 18, at the former Guy James Farm on Hall Hill Pike, east of campus. Dr. Warren Gill, director of the school, says the event will feature the state agriculture department’s enhancement program, hay-wrapping demonstrations and a new planting of warm season perennials, including Switchgrass, Big Bluestem and a wildlife mixture. “We received an ag enhancement grant to study wrapping hay in plastic to improve the product,” Gill says. “If you put hay up wet, it makes for a slightly improved product. Gill adds that newer hay-wrapping techniques now could help farmers save more money and time than conventional methods. Contact Gill at 615-898-2523 or wgill@mtsu.edu.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND.--The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764 or eburton@mtsu.edu.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Are you experienced?

Experience or the lack thereof has been a constant theme in the current presidential campaign. With Barack Obama and Sarah Palin in the race, is the definition of what constitutes legitimate “experience” to seek the presidency and vice presidency changing from what voters have known in the past? Dr. Amanda DiPaolo, political science, says, “Sen. Obama has continuously compared his experience with that of Gov. Palin’s. There was a time when this would have seemed inappropriate since he is running for the top spot and Palin is running for the vice presidency. However, with the role of the VP changing dramatically as a result of a very active (powerful) Vice President Cheney and with (John) McCain’s age in question, Obama and Palin are, very arguably, on a level playing field for the power they hope to acquire in November.”

Contact DiPaolo at 615-898-2135.
dipaolo@mtsu.edu

Money makes the world go around.

The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Bank of America’s agreement to acquire Merrill Lynch, the Chapter 11 filing by Lehman Brothers and other dramatic developments make this year’s MTSU Economic Outlook Conference a must. The conference will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Dr. James Bullard, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will speak at 9 a.m. Dr. David Penn, director of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, will provide the Midstate/Regional Economic Update at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor of Economics Emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta, will deliver the luncheon address during the noon hour.

For more information, contact Dr. Jim Burton, Dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, at 615-898-2764.
eburton@mtsu.edu

Back to you, David Gregory.

Do you find MSNBC’s removal of Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews from the anchor desk during election coverage just a little disingenuous? The hosts of “Countdown” and “Hardball,” respectively, were returned to their pundit positions reportedly after complaints from both the public and NBC journalists about both bias and their snarky on-air feud. But isn’t mixing it up rhetorically with people of such diverse points of view as Rachel Maddow and Pat Buchanan just exactly the kind of rhetorical friction that results in high ratings? Dr. Bob Pondillo, electronic media communication, says, “If the executives smelled any opportunity to capitalize on the Olbermann/Matthews fight, they would have. They clearly saw the feud as hurting the MSNBC brand, as well as their two most popular (albeit polarizing) pundits. So … they did what management does. They managed.”

Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465.
pondillo@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

LADIES IN THE LAB AND BEYOND--Will you be part of the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering and math professions? Find out what it takes to enjoy a great career in STEM-related fields! Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, Lacey Fleming and Cacy DeSheles will explain GRITS (Girls Raised in Tennessee Science) will host “Women Scientists Digging in the Dirt,” an enrichment program for students in grades 9-12, at 9 a.m. CST (10 a.m. EST) today, Sept. 16, via MTSU’s Satellite and Webcasting Center. They will answer students’ questions and discuss their education, jobs and career successes. For more information about the K-12 Educational Television Program Schedule, call 615-898-2737 or send an e-mail to vmoxley@mtsu.edu.

THE MTSU VIEW--This month’s edition of “MT Record” features a trio of stories related to the preservation of war history. They include packages on the use of GPS technology to investigate a location near Stones River National Battlefield, the MTSU students who work with park officials to the benefit of its history and its natural beauty, and the contribution of one MTSU professor to a guidebook to help battlefield visitors in France appreciate the World War I exploits of Alvin York. Also, “Centennial Countdown” returns to 1935 to look at how three Coffee County freshmen reduced their college costs; “The A List” profiles history major Keith Schuman; and Gina Logue interviews Olympic veteran Dr. Andrew Owusu on the impact of the 2008 Summer Olympics. “MT Record” airs on NewsChannel5+ at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday. Go to mtsunews.com to find which local cable outlet airs it in your area. Contact John Lynch at 615-898-2919 or jlynch@mtsu.edu.

WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES …--Students at MTSU will be able to print their own copies of the Preamble to the United States Constitution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 17, in celebration of Constitution Day. Officials at the James E. Walker Library will transport their handcrafted replica of Benjamin Franklin’s 18th century printing press from its home on the fourth floor down to the library portico. In case of inclement weather, the press will remain in Room 462 of the library for the event. Passersby may manipulate the device themselves or allow library personnel to help them. Constitution Day 2008 will mark the 221st anniversary of the signing of the nation’s founding document. The distribution of free copies of the Preamble is co-sponsored by the library and the American Democracy Project. For photos of MTSU’s Franklin-era replica printing press, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 before 3 p.m. if possible or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?--New MTSU Audio Clips and radio-ready stories are on the Web at www.mtsunews.com, your comprehensive source for MTSU information. Click on “MTSU Audio Clips on the right side of the page, and you will be able to hear Dr. Bill Ford, holder of MTSU’s Weatherford Chair of Finance and former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, offer his perspective on the federal government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Listen to the views of Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, on the presidential candidates and what they need to do to convince the voters. And there’s an audio commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, on the nature of patriotism. For more information, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD--MTSU’s School of Agribusiness and Agriscience will hold a field day from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the former Guy James Farm on Hall Hill Pike, east of campus. Dr. Warren Gill, director of the school, says the event will feature the state agriculture department’s enhancement program, hay-wrapping demonstrations and a new planting of warm season perennials, including Switchgrass, Big Bluestem and a wildlife mixture. “We received an ag enhancement grant to study wrapping hay in plastic to improve the product,” Gill says. “If you put hay up wet, it makes for a slightly improved product. Gill adds that newer hay-wrapping techniques now could help farmers save more money and time than conventional methods. This event is free and open to the public, but attendees should contact Dr. Jessica Carter today, Sept. 16, so she can keep a headcount for the ribeye steak meal. Contact Gill at 615-898-2523 or wgill@mtsu.edu.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Outstanding in their field

MTSU’s School of Agribusiness and Agriscience will hold a field day from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the former Guy James Farm on Hall Hill Pike, east of campus. Dr. Warren Gill, director of the school, says the event will feature the state agriculture department’s enhancement program, hay-wrapping demonstrations and a new planting of warm season perennials, including Switchgrass, Big Bluestem and a wildlife mixture. “We received an ag enhancement grant to study wrapping hay in plastic to improve the product,” Gill says. “If you put hay up wet, it makes for a slightly improved product. Gill adds that newer hay-wrapping techniques now could help farmers save more money and time than conventional methods. This event is free and open to the public, but attendees should contact Dr. Jessica Carter by tomorrow, Sept. 16, so she can keep a headcount for the ribeye steak meal.

Contact Gill at 615-898-2523.
wgill@mtsu.edu

Go to the head of the mass

For a fleeting nanosecond, the news media reported last week on the completion of the construction phase of the Large Hadron Collider. It’s a circular particle accelerator which scientists hope will recreate the conditions at the beginning of the universe, thereby increasing our understanding of the universe and of the nature of mass. Dr. Preston MacDougall, chemistry, explains, “Currently, we have a very good and fundamental understanding of why electrons in a battery go from the lead anode to the lead oxide cathode when you start your car. And we have some fundamental ideas about why certain rare isotopes of lead are highly radioactive, even though natural lead makes the best radioactivity shield at the dentist’s office. But, at the most fundamental level, we really don’t know why a lead balloon doesn’t go over well.”

Contact MacDougall at 615-898-5265.
pmacdoug@mtsu.edu

Burning down the house

If the Web site you’re using to find a roommate allows you to make clear in explicit terms your preferences about race, gender and sexual orientation, is the Web site discriminatory? The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says that’s a fair question to put before the judicial system. The full court decided that Roommates.com can be sued under fair-housing laws. David Hudson, adjunct political science professor and First Amendment Center scholar, says the court based its ruling on a still-existing section of the Communications Decency Act, most of which has been declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. “Section 230(c) makes clear … that ISPs (Internet service providers) are not shielded from liability if they are ‘information content providers’—that is, if they create material instead of merely publishing content from third parties,” Hudson says.

Contact Hudson at 615-727-1600.
dhudson@fac.org

TR EXTRA

THE FOURTH ESTATE--“From Preachers to Sniper Fire: Press Coverage of the 2008 Presidential Election” is the title of today’s University Honors College lecture at 3 p.m. in Room 106 of MTSU’s Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building. Beverly Keel, holder of the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies, will deliver the presentation. For more information, contact the Honors College at 615-898-2152.

THE MTSU VIEW--This month’s edition of “MT Record” features a trio of stories related to the preservation of war history. They include packages on the use of GPS technology to investigate a location near Stones River National Battlefield, the MTSU students who work with park officials to the benefit of its history and its natural beauty, and the contribution of one MTSU professor to a guidebook to help battlefield visitors in France appreciate the World War I exploits of Alvin York. Also, “Centennial Countdown” returns to 1935 to look at how three Coffee County freshmen reduced their college costs; “The A List” profiles history major Keith Schuman; and Gina Logue interviews Olympic veteran Dr. Andrew Owusu on the impact of the 2008 Summer Olympics. “MT Record” airs on NewsChannel5+ at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday. Go to mtsunews.com to find which local cable outlet airs it in your area. Contact John Lynch at 615-898-2919 or jlynch@mtsu.edu.

WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES …--Students at MTSU will be able to print their own copies of the Preamble to the United States Constitution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in celebration of Constitution Day. Officials at the James E. Walker Library will transport their handcrafted replica of Benjamin Franklin’s 18th century printing press from its home on the fourth floor down to the library portico. In case of inclement weather, the press will remain in Room 462 of the library for the event. Passersby may manipulate the device themselves or allow library personnel to help them. Constitution Day 2008 will mark the 221st anniversary of the signing of the nation’s founding document. The distribution of free copies of the Preamble is co-sponsored by the library and the American Democracy Project. For photos of MTSU’s Franklin-era replica printing press, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 before 3 p.m. if possible or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

IN THE EYE OF THE ALUMNI--The MTSU Department of Art is hosting its second biennial exhibition of works by alumni, aptly titled “Alumni 2008,” through Friday, Sept. 26, in Todd Gallery. About 50 pieces representing a variety of media make up the exhibit, which will feature the art of Diane Fox (’86), Glenda Guinn (’85), George Juliano (’69), Rebecca Parker (’04), Jim Poag (’77), Tom Sain (’84), Patricia Tenpenny (’92) and Vicki Terry (’92). “They are active educators in higher education, performance artists or independent artists,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. “Their works are seen across the country, internationally in galleries and museums, found in private collections, and seen in regional and national publications.” Located on the first floor of the Todd Building, the Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on all state holidays. Admission is always free, and exhibits are open to the public. Contact Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?--New MTSU Audio Clips and radio-ready stories are on the Web at www.mtsunews.com, your comprehensive source for MTSU information. Click on “MTSU Audio Clips on the right side of the page, and you will be able to hear Dr. Bill Ford, holder of MTSU’s Weatherford Chair of Finance and former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, offer his perspective on the federal government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Listen to the views of Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, on the presidential candidates and what they need to do to convince the voters. And there’s an audio commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, on the nature of patriotism. For more information, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.