After leading the Tennessee Valley Winds in performing all of the themes of the U.S. military branches at a concert at Old Fort Park last year, band director Erich Zimmerman mentioned the group would begin adding the Space Force anthem to such performances when that newest branch announced its musical theme. And now, thanks to MTSU professor Jamie Teachenor, the Space Force does indeed have an official anthem. Kind of neat how that played out. Read more on this in the March edition.
This month’s Pulse also has a strong dose of Eagleville news, as we highlight Grindstone Cowboy and Sorelles Italian Restaurant, two unique spots out there adding their flavor to the small Rutherford County town.
The buttercups are out, Mr. Mahomes has raised his second Super Bowl trophy (only five more to go until he equals Brady’s seven . . .) and March Madness is on the horizon.
MTSU basketball has done well in conference play lately, going 5–2 during the month of February.
The Conference USA tournament kicks off March 8 in Texas to determine which team will earn a berth into the big dance.
In case you are wondering and want to grab a Pulse from it, the custom rack that Ryan Frizzell painted for the Pulse that long stood at Discovery Plaza on Broad Street now sits near the Kroger on Memorial Boulevard. So, that lovely artwork depicting Johnny Cash is currently right outside of Hank’s Honky Tonk. Fitting, we think.
The inaugural chess lunch at Carmen’s Taqueria was a success. Rob Mitchell, I and some of our chess playing acquaintances will return to Carmen’s on Wednesday, March 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Come out if you would like to join us for a game.
Chess and chimichangas!
Some Tennessee political activists, writers, podcasters and candidates—some of which do indeed contribute some good points to the dialogue—have been complaining about a proposed state law that would require more transparency from groups accepting donations and trying to influence elections. They say it would make their groups reveal their funding sources, and that that would be a bad thing for media freedom and free expression.
In most cases I would position myself on the side of free speech, but in this case I don’t see this as a free speech issue as much as an election transparency issue.
No one is trying to keep anyone from saying anything with this effort. The purpose of the law would be to keep those bankrolling election campaigns out in the open and from using web-based “media outlets” as a mechanism for those with a political agenda to funnel money from secret sources towards supporting particular candidates and being a mouthpiece for certain political causes in the shadows.
Some have been so loud about the issue, so resistant to making public who supports their group, it has now made me very curious about who exactly is supporting these causes and outlets.
Anyway, as always, thanks to our readers, thanks to our advertisers—you know exactly who is funding this little community media source by flipping through our pages and noticing all of our fine local advertisers.
The Pulse wants to promote whoever funds it! Our sponsors are what keep this thing going. It is our job to give our sponsors exposure, not keep them hidden.
That is the difference between a media outlet and a political activist group, I suppose. It makes sense to me.
Tell the people in your life that you appreciate them, soon! Make some time for those you value. You never know when it will be your last chance.
During times of great stress and challenge, one of our greatest superpowers is the ability to breathe deeply. I don’t recall exactly where I saw that, but I like it.
Breathe deeply!
