Community Rallies to Save Local Target

By Zachary Circo

Middle Stew Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Pastor Keith Vincent rallied the Antioch community in an attempt to prevent the Hickory Hollow Target location from closing after the company announced that the store would be closing after decreased profitability.

            The Hickory Hollow Target is set to close its doors permanently on Feb. 2, 2013. This specific location has been a part of the community for approximately 31 years, yet the Minnesota-based company claims that its Hickory Hollow location has been losing revenue over the past few years due to the fact that it has not been converted into a Super Target. After Vincent was notified of the store’s upcoming closing, he decided to create an online petition and work with the community to convince the Target to remain in business. The Target’s location is 5330 Cane Ridge Road.

            “It will have a domino effect on the other businesses around,” Vincent said. “It is the last of the major retailers in our community, and with Antioch being the largest and fastest growing in Davidson County, it just doesn’t seem logical.”

            The pastor felt that the Target would remain profitable if it were to stay open. He feels that with Nashville State Community College and companies such as HCA Holdings Inc. moving into the area, as well as the private investors that plan on renovating the Hickory Hollow Mall, the Target stands to benefit as the area starts to become revitalized. Vincent’s petition had received 1,925 signatures as of Dec. 3. He urges citizens to contact Target’s corporate office to voice their concerns. Citizens can sign the petition by going to this website.

            Vincent said that he has been in contact with “all of the district council reps in Southeast Davidson County,” the news media, and even the mayor’s and governor’s staffs to discuss the options for keeping the store open. He added that Councilwoman Karen Y. Johnson reached out to Minnesota’s council members and those connected to Target’s CEO.

            “Target leaving will deal a major blow to our community,” said Vincent.

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Candlelight Tour Of Homes Showcases Local Residences

By Kayleigh Shoemaker

Middle Stew Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The streets of Murfreesboro were reminiscent of Halloween night on Dec. 1 during the "Candlelight Tour of Homes", sponsored by the Oaklands Historic House Museum.

(Photo: Oaklands Historic House Museum)

            The self-guided tour, open from 4-8 p.m., leads visitors around to seven Murfreesboro homes, including the Oaklands house located at 900 North Maney Ave. The private homes were all within walking distance from one another. This year the private homeowner participants included Mary Catherine and David Sevier at 138 Cherry Lane; Susan and Phil Lord at 152 Cherry Lane; Tammie and Greg Waldron at 148 Cherry Lane; Charlene and Ron Taylor at 816 East Main St.; Marietta and Jim Bishop at 1103 East Main St.; and Pat and Matt Ward at 1019 East Main St.

            Once the tickets are purchased at the Oaklands House visitor’s center, a card is given to each visitor, allowing access into each of the homes. The homes on the tour could be identified by the large signs out front, as well as the candles lining the walkways. The private homes date from about 1900 to the late 1940s. Each home was nicely decorated, either with period pieces or more modern pieces, and most had their Christmas decorations up for visitors. The Taylors’ home even had carolers on the front porch, greeting visitors with Christmas cheer as they approached the home.

            The Oaklands House was built around 1818 and was at the center of a 1,500 acre plantation. In the following years, many additions were made to the house. The home played an integral role in the Civil War during the time that Major Lewis Maney and his wife, Rachel Adaline, were owners. During the tour, there were docents in period clothing in each room giving a history of how the house was used. Outside, there were also men dressed in Civil War uniforms explaining the significance of the home during the battles that took place in the Murfreesboro area. Refreshments were provided, and photos with Santa were available for purchase as well.

            The "Candlelight Tour of Homes" is the Oaklands Historic House Museum’s large annual fundraiser. According to Education Director Mary Beth Nevills, the museum has been doing the "Candlelight Tour" for about 30 years. She estimated that this year the museum had more than 1,200 visitors attend the event. Nevills said that the decision as to what homes to use for the event is “as simple as asking the public who would like to volunteer and open their homes for the tour.” The homes included in the tour vary each year.

            “The Candlelight tour has grown a little every year,” said Nevills. “A lot of people have made it their Christmas tradition.”

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Local Rapper Returns as a Star

By Zachary Circo

Middle Stew Reporter

          NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The rapper Yelawolf returned to the South to perform as a Shady Records artist at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville on Nov. 16 as his Slumerican Tour came to a close.

           Yelawolf, a rapper from Gadsden, Ala., who signed to Eminem’s Shady Records record label in January 2011, performed the second-to-last show on the Slumerican Tour in Nashville. Yelawolf, who grew up in Nashville, considers the city his second home, making the performance more entertaining as the rapper put more vivacity into his songs.

          Yelawolf was joined by fellow Slumerican rapper, Rittz. Both rappers are known for using rapid-fire precise rhyming with accurate enunciation. The two Southern MCs also embrace their Southern culture, proudly incorporating imagery of their lives in the American South into their songs.

          After signing with Eminem in January 2011, Yelawolf released his major-label debut album, "Radioactive", in November of the same year. However, this did not slow the rapper’s roll in the slightest, as he has recently done collaborative projects with English singer Ed Sheeran and American drummer Travis Barker. "Psycho White", the collaborative album that came out of his relationship with Blink 182’s drummer, Travis Barker, was part of the show at the Cannery Ballroom, as the EP had been released only three days prior to the concert.

          In addition to his fast-paced rhymes and proud country boy persona, Yelawolf is known for his livewire performances, getting extremely rowdy on the stage. As his set began, Yelawolf walked onto the stage with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other while “Whistle Dixie”, a single from the Psycho White album, played in the background. Throughout the night, Yelawolf captivated the crowd’s attention through his wild showmanship, even climbing to the top of the speakers and tying an American flag around his neck, before diving into the crowd at one point.

          The audience was able to watch Yelawolf perform some of his biggest hits, such as “Daddy’s Lambo”, “Pop the Trunk”, and his verse from the 2011 BET Cypher, as well as new songs from Psycho White. In addition to his own discography, Yelawolf paid homage to some of his influences, covering a the Beastie Boys song “Paul Revere” and dedicating it to the late MCA, as well as covering “The Way I Am” out of respect to his mentor Eminem. The Gadsden, Ala., MC also touched upon his other musical influences, rapping over the instrumentals to songs from the bands Nirvana, AC/DC, and Lynard Skynard, as well as singing the Hank Williams Jr. song “If Heaven Ain’t a Lot Like Dixie”.

          Rittz recently signed to the largest independent record label in the world, Strange Music Inc., and he showed off this fact by wearing his new Strange Music pendant and rapping his part of a song that he recorded with the head of Strange Music. Rittz also performed songs from his album White Jesus and songs that he recorded alongside Yelawolf.

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Pyramid Society Hosts Final Show of the Season

By Alora Pettey
Middle Stew Reporter

         MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - - The Pyramid Society hosted the 33rd Annual "Music City Arabian Horse Show" at the Middle Tennessee Miller Coliseum on Nov. 17 and 18. 

          This breed-specific event was created to provide one last showing opportunity to the Arabian horse community. There was no over-all show champion because the show provided classes in every area. However, several blue ribbons were given out that weekend to competitors from all over the state.

           “We’re normally finished for the season, but a show like this gives people a chance to add one more show to their season as well as introduce green horses to the show world,” said Nichole Wise atop winner BZ Skyler.

          Though the turnout for the show was small, according to committee member Jeanne Abernathy, it gave equestrians the “chance to show off their horses against others of the same breed instead of having to compare to breeds that are built differently than the Arabian.”  

          There were more than 160 classes offered for riders of every discipline including Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Halter, Reining and Costume classes. There was no age limit for horse or rider.

          An internationally recognized organization, the Pyramid Society is committed to the art of breeding Egyptian Arabian horses. They are also dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and promotion of this breed. The Pyramid Society offers seminars and events as well as the National Egyptian Breeder’s Conference to develop knowledgeable breeders. By doing this, the society is helping to ensure that the breed meets the qualifications to be recognized as a Straight Egyptian Arabian.

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Children's Illustrator Shows Art in Murfreesboro

By: Chanelle Despins

Middle Stew Reporter

           

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A nationally known children's illustrator showed his work to the public in The Leslie Hall School of Dance building from Nov. 16-17 as part of the 19^th annual "Studio Art Tour".

            Norris Hall is a 59-year-old children's illustrator with a degree in fine arts who works primarily with pediatrician dentists. When he introduced a series of clocks with animated characters brushing their teeth, his business became popular in many pediatrician dentist offices.  He works with companies to help decorate dentists' offices around the nation.

            Norris illustrates children’s books and any project in his interest such as wall signs, office decorations, graphic design and printing. He started his artist career in Gatlinburg, Tenn., drawing caricatures of tourists on the streets.

            Norris used to participate in a lot of craft fairs but works mostly with corporations. His job entails him to work 10 to 14 hours each day. He's wanted to work with children's illustrations since he was little. The Norris Hall Studio was published in 1987 and since then he has been privileged to work with Disney, Charter Communications, and Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

            “Even as a kid, I fantasized about having my own cartoon show,” Norris said. "I try to do stuff that is fun, upbeat, positive and goofy.”

            The “Studio Art Tour” is an annual event that is held in Rutherford County. About six artists open their studios to show their work and perform demonstrations to the public. To find out more information about The “Studio Art Tour” their website is www.artstudiotour.org.

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Women Change The Stereotype Of Smoking Cigars

By Mallory Saladino

Middle Stew Reporter

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Cigar smoking enthusiast Christy Gibson hosted a Cigar Women of Nashville kickoff event from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 16 at UPtown’s Smoke Shop in Nashville.

            The smoke shop, located at 3900 Hillsboro Road in Nashville, Tenn., experienced its first year putting on this cigar event. The event provided wine, hors d'oeuvres and cigars. Nearly 22 women showed up to the event to get more acquainted with smoking cigars and meet other women with the same interest.

Gibson created this event to teach women how to smoke cigars and to break the stereotype that smoking cigars is for men only. She wanted women to have a place to go where they can be with other women who share their same passion of smoking cigars. Gibson hopes to help women gain knowledge about the cigar, such as how to choose a cigar for a favorite food or drink.

            “The best part of smoking cigars is that I get to do it with my best friend and partner,” Gibson said. “We have a great time with each other and the ability to share our love of cigars makes our time together all the more special.”

            Andra Mesch, 20, had never smoked a cigar until she went to the Cigar Women of Nashville event. The event taught her how to smoke a cigar properly, and she was surprised to find that she enjoys them.

            “Even though this event only lasts two hours, you really do learn a lot,” Mesch said. “I would most definitely recommend anyone who’s interested in smoking cigars to check out future events. Not only do you learn about cigars, but I’ve also met some really great people here.”

            Aside from the women’s only event, Gibson plans to start events for couples who enjoy smoking cigars together.

            For more information, you can contact Gibson at redheadedcigarwoman@gmail.com. or visit her Cigar Women of Nashville Facebook page.

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Bunganut Pig hosts weekly 'Blues Jam'

By Rob Sieben

Middle Stew Reporter

          MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A good group of the Nashville greater limits Blues musicians find refuge every Tuesday night at the Bunganut Pig, a local bar in Murfreesboro that hosts a weekly jam that anyone can sign up to play.

          Jam host CJ Vaughn started the “Blues Jam” about two years ago trying to find closet blues musicians who were looking to get out and play every week. The turnout varies, but there is one thing that is for sure: there are plenty of blues to go around.

          Any musician who wants to jam has to show up with his or her instrument and sign the sign-in sheet. Vaughn puts the musicians into groups of five or six, and they play three songs together. Any song that a member wants will get played. On Nov. 28, there were vintage numbers from Jim Croce, and Bessie Smith, to more current artists like John Mayer.

          “This jam is a great time with great people," Vaughn said. "We hope that the word will continue to grow and more musicians find us here.”

          The Jam is hosted from 7-11 p.m. weekly on Tuesdays at the Murfreesboro Bunganut Pig, 1602 West Northfield Boulevard, Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37129. All musicians are welcome, and anyone looking to catch a good jam is welcome to come watch. 

          For more information on the event, check out the Bunganut Pig website at www.bunganutpig.com or call (615) 893-7860.

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Audience embraces 'A Chorus Line'

By Kristin Barking

Middle Stew Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The cast of “A Chorus Line” gave their final performance of the musical at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts on Nov. 18 in front of an enthused audience of roughly 150 people.  

            The performance at 2 p.m. completed the show’s 17-day run, and the audience bestowed lots of cheers and applause on the cast, rewarding them with a standing ovation when all the performers came dancing on stage in sparkling golden costumes for the big finale.

            After the cast was announced in August, the group rehearsed six days a week for four months under the instruction of co-directors Jeff Stateler, Tim Smith and Julie Wilcox.

            For Stateler, who considers working with such a big group as “challenging, but also rewarding”, the biggest challenge was to find people who could master singing and dancing as well as acting. He believes the show’s appeal stems from its overlying theme of searching for approval and the possibility to identify with at least one out of the various characters.

            “A Chorus Line” is set in 1975 in New York and tells the story of a group of dancers competing for parts in a Broadway show, with a director forcing them to reveal their life stories as part of the audition process.

            Wilcox choreographed the numbers, keeping in mind that the dances had to be very elaborate to live up to Broadway standards.

            “She was amazing, and she made us amazing,” cast member and Middle Tennessee State University musical theatre graduate Sherman Sutton said.

            Competing for roles was not only an important issue within the show. Sutton, who quickly turned into an audience favorite with his portrayal of a passionate, hip-swaying Richie, fought for his role with the same fervor he displayed on stage when he was up against 32 competitors in the castings: “This is my role, and no one is going to take that away from me,” he told himself.

            Once all members were assembled, Sutton found himself in a different atmosphere: “I love the pep talks we give each other, and bonding with the cast. After rehearsal, we would all go out for drinks together.”

            A background wall of mirrors and colorful outfits in the style of the ´70s helped to create the setting. The cast did not have to rely on props to fill the stage, for all it took to fill the entire auditorium were their voices.

             The audience had a chance to talk to the performers after the show. The glittering golden costumes they were still wearing had been sent from New York just for the musical, carrying the showbiz flair of the Big Apple into the halls of the Center for the Arts.

            Stateler’s favorite part of the show remains the looks on the faces of the eight hopefuls who make it the moment they get the news. Although this revelation concludes the show, for the dancers that were chosen, “It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.”  As for the cast’s carriers, the audience seemed to agree on that statement, reasoning that none of them needed a golden suit to shine.

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Shawn Jones Says He Was ‘Born to Play’

By Keith Rivers

Middle Stew Reporter

MUFREESBORO, Tenn. - - As the cheer of the crowd begins to sound like a giant roar from a young lion, Number 222 of the MT Men’s Basketball team rushes out of the dressing room like fire is on his heels.

To Shawn Jones,“It’s just another night in the spot light.” Being one of three of his intermediate family to enter college, Jones has only one thing on his mind: success.

            Jones had an amazing game on Nov. 24, scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds to help the Blue Raiders beat Texas Southern, 79-52.

            “Ever since I was the age of five, I have known that basketball was my passion,” he said.

            While growing up, Shawn was always the smallest kid in his neighborhood. He would get home from school everyday, heading straight to the neighbors house to play basketball.

            “My mother used to tell me to do my homework first, but I wanted to play,” he said.

In order to get better at playing basketball, Jones would play in the summer leagues to enhance his skills.

            Playing college basketball was a new experience for Jones. He had to adapt to the large crowds and all the training that would undergo with his newfound teammates.

“I work hard, so I can play hard,” he noted.

            In order to become more focused before the games, Jones would play music through his Beat headphones and tune out all of life’s distractions. This was a technique he learned from his uncle while playing middle school sports.

            “My uncle told me to free myself from trouble or worry so that I could play like a champion,” he added.

            Jones’ motivation comes from the idea of being able to take care of his mother and siblings.

            “My siblings and mother are my heart,” he said. “ I look forward to being able to supply them with their wants. Tonight I scored my new high of 21 points, because I was born to play.”

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Third Annual ‘Borodash’ Raises Money for Charity

By Korby Clements

Middle Stew Reporter

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.— Turkey hats, tutus, and reindeer ears adorned the more than 2,900 runners who woke up early Thanksgiving Day to participate in the third annual "Borodash" in Murfreesboro Tenn.

"Borodash" started three years ago as an idea race Director Staci McCreary had to help her missionary friends raise money. The money raised was used to help start an orphanage in Geita, Tanzania, called the Neema House to help children with AIDs. Neema House is not the only beneficiary of money raised from the race; Greenhouse Ministries also receives a donation from "Borodash" every year.

 “In 2011, we raised $57,000," said McCreary. "This year we had more participants but more expenses, and we’re hoping to raise $60,000 this year.”

The race has grown from 1,600 to 2,900 contestants in the past three years, and "Borodash" has also added a third charity. During the second year, "Borodash" decided to add a rotating spotlight charity that would change each year.  Interfaith Dental was chosen as the spotlight charity for the 2012 race.

The "Borodash" course, starting and ending on the Middle Tennessee State University campus, had participants running and walking through four miles of historical Murfreesboro. The course was designed to be both easy and interesting to appeal to its wide variety of participants ranging in age from 1 to 98. The route took runners through beautiful parts of Murfreesboro such as the square and Bell Street.

 MTSU Cross Country Runner Keith Davis finished the race in just 20 minutes and 36 seconds, claiming the winning time. Marge Fuller, from Rochester, N.Y., and perhaps the oldest participant at 81 years of age, completed the course in one hour and 15 minutes.

“I come down for Thanksgiving every year, and this year my granddaughters talked me into doing this race," said Fuller. "I walked the whole way, but I finished just the same.” 

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Middle Tennessee State University Outlasts Troy

By Jacob Cook

Middle Stew

                  MURFREESBORO, Tenn.- The Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders defeated Troy on Nov. 24 with the last home game of the year for seniors after forcing five turnovers and playing hard-nosed football.

                  The Blue Raider seniors took the field for the last time against Troy, a rival that MTSU has struggled with in the past, losing the last six meetings between the two. With the help of five turnovers and some big plays, the Blue Raiders took home a 24-21 victory over their foe.

                  Senior placekicker Carlos Lopez connected with three crucial field goals, while redshirt freshman Kevin Byard forced a fumble and a pick six, and added another interception along with six tackles to help keep the game in the Blue Raiders’ favor. Freshman running back Jordan Parker ran away with a couple records also, setting a team high in rushing yards with 778 and scoring on a 98-yard run, the longest in MTSU and Sun Belt history.

                  Blue Raider coach Rick Stockstill said before the game that Troy had never played a team as talented as the one he has now. He couldn’t have been more right.

                  With that win, Raider Nation now has its eighth win of the season and sixth in the division.  Unfortunately, that was not enough to earn them a bowl bid. Stockstill has led his team to two bowl games in the past four years.

Raider Nation faced off against Arkansas State on Dec. 1. They lost 45 to nothing with the conference title on the line and a bowl game almost in their grasp.

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Farmers Market Still Going Strong 37 Years Later

By Brooke Lynn Rigsby
Middle Stew Reporter

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.--  The Rutherford County Farmers Market, which is located on John R. Rice Boulevard,  offers a place to pick up locally grown produce.
             The facility has been an outlet for local farmers to sell their fresh produce since 1975. The public can visit from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays through December. Not only does this market provide healthy, homegrown alternatives to mass distributors, but it also provides a sense of community. The market is small and easy to navigate, with vendors setting up stands within inches of one another.  A band plays for the entertainment of shoppers, who are crowded around stands sampling wares.

The market hosts a plethora of vendors selling more than just produce, though fresh foods are a hit among customers. There are also vendors selling soaps, candles, carved wooden toys, and lip balm.
               Though farming may seem intimidating to many, it’s a hobby that can turn profitable. Nelson Williams turned his hobby into a business 16 years ago.           

“I had a vegetable garden and I started grilling vegetables because the vegetable garden was growing so much,” Nelson said.

Through grilling his vegetables, he began experimenting with making salsa. Twenty-two recipes later, he began finding the flavors he was looking for.  But Nelson doesn’t plan to stop there. He's already selling through more than five other stores and plans to continue to expand his business. 

            Farmers markets are also a means to reach out to customers.

            “I just sent two cases to Santa Barbara, Calif., and I’m about to send a case to Appleton, Wis., because people visited the farmers market,” said Nelson.

Whether you're interested in farming, or just supporting local farmers, the Rutherford County Farmers Market is a place families can come and enjoy the experience of shopping through a love of fresh foods. 

            Fresh fruits and breads are popular among shoppers, and though the local market may not be frequented as often as the local grocery stores, they turn enough profit to continue the tradition.  Peak selling times occur during the summer, which usually correlates with peak harvesting months, though the Rutherford County farmers market is open during the fall with special hours.

            If you’re interested in attending the Rutherford Country Farmers Market, or interested in farming yourself, contact information can be found at www.localharvest.org.

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Bonhoeffer’s Showcases MTSU Student Talent

By Kayleigh Shoemaker

Middle Stew Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Free live music, free coffee, free snacks – that’s a typical Thursday night at Bonhoeffer’s, the Murfreesboro venue formed in order to showcase Middle Tennessee State University talent and bring fellow students together.

            The Nov. 15 show was no exception. Nearly every seat was filled at The Church @ Cross Point at 610 Dill Lane, a site that is transformed into Bonhoeffer’s every Thursday. The dimmed overhead lights, the flickering lights on each table, and the specialty tea and coffee served, create a Bluebird Café-like atmosphere. Kicking off the night was Nuclear Bubble Wrap, comprised of vocalist Jace McClain, guitarist Kyle Thorn, bassist Brendan Sheairs, and drummer Eric Zhu. They warmed up the crowd with original novelty songs with titles such as “In Space No One Can Hear You Scream” and “Sharktopus.” The self-described alternative rock band’s endearingly bizarre lyrics certainly gave the audience a laugh.

            Next up was the pop-punk band Almost December. Jonathan Klinvex, Robbie Artress, Matt Guider, and Danny Collins wowed the audience with their original songs like “Memories Are Forever” and “Josephine.” They closed with an unexpected, yet surprisingly fitting cover of Taylor Swift’s “Mean,” with some vocal assistance from East Main’s Luke Caccetta.

            Last but not least was East Main, comprised of vocalist and guitarist Luke Caccetta, lead guitarist Matt Carey, and bassist Brad Freeney. Through their blend of Southern rock and blues-influenced original songs like “Scream” and “Only One I’m Dreaming Of,” East Main managed to captivate the crowd and left them begging for an encore. They satiated the audience’s appetite for more with a cover of Bon Jovi’s hit, “You Give Love A Bad Name.”

            Bonhoeffer’s was created by The Church @ Cross Point about 10­­­­ years ago in an upstairs portion of a log cabin on Greenland Avenue, across from MTSU’s Murphy Center. According to the Bonhoeffer’s Facebook page, it was named for Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German preacher who died during World War II for resisting the Nazis. Church members give their time and money to honor Jesus by serving others, much like Dietrich Bonhoeffer did. It originally was a place for students to hang out and study during the day. Later, a weekly concert was added. Bonhoeffer’s organizer Rodney Edwards explained that the main goals of each show are “to provide a venue for bands to become known, to provide a place for college students to enjoy great music, and to bring glory to Jesus Christ through serving others.”

            As Bonhoeffer’s grew, they relocated to the church’s facilities at Dill Lane, which allowed them use of a more sophisticated sound system. MTSU students began to volunteer their time to help run this equipment, many of whom were members of Omega Delta Psi, MTSU’s recording industry fraternity. About two years ago, ODP officially took over running the audio for every Bonhoeffer’s show. Bonhoeffer’s has also partnered with Rock Springs Church and Nuance Coffee & Tea, both of Smyrna.            
           “One day we hope that Bonhoeffer’s is a joint outreach of many different churches and student organizations," said Edwards, when asked about the future of Bonhoeffer’s. "Cross Point designed Bonhoeffer’s to be ‘given away.’ Cross Point is a very small church, and we love Bonhoeffer’s enough that we would never let our size hold it back from becoming all it can become.”

            On Dec. 6, Bonhoeffer’s will present a special Christmas show beginning at 8 p.m. This will be the last show before the end of the fall semester.

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Welcome to The MTSU Middle Stew

The MTSU Middle Stew online newspaper was created in November 2012 to give Media Writing students the opportunity to grow through experiential learning.  As emerging professionals, my students are taught to follow all of the professional aspects of journalistic writing.  They apply the rules in the Associated Press Stylebook, use the inverted pyramid structure, and write leads that answer the questions who, what, when and where.  All of these stories were researched and written by MTSU students who aspire to greatness in journalism and related fields.  We hope you enjoy them!  Please feel free to let us know what you think.  We'll be glad to pass your comments on to the reporters.

-- Charles Whiting, Adjunct Professor, Journalism, Middle Tennessee State University