Have popcorn, will travel: Belcourt screens ‘Body of War,’ nostalgic ‘Wrath of Khan’

By Christine Anne Piesyk | May 11, 2008 |

In the absence of an “art” theater or a movie house willing to show anything other than mainstream movies, Clarksville Online takes a look at screenings slated for Nashville’s Belcourt Theater.

Body of War, an award-winning film which opened May 9, is the story of Tomas Young, 25 years old, paralyzed from a bullet to his spine, wounded after serving in Iraq for less than a week. This coming home war story is about the evolution of one man who life was changed with a single bullet to the spine; he must re-invent himself in light of a permanent disability and as a powerful voice against the War [in Iraq]. The film, produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, features original music by Eddie Vedder; it is a naked, honest portrayal of what it’s like inside the body, heart, and soul of this extraordinary and heroic young man. Showtimes, Trailer and Tickets at Belcourt.Org.

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Brother Andrew inspires, teaches

By Charles Moreland | May 11, 2008 |

In the 1970s, this person was idolized for his disobedience and what can be called “illegal activities.” He flagrantly disrgarded laws of given countries to further his purpose and for his mission. His role model was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who also violated unjust laws and confronted prejudice with civil disobedience. The prophet was Brother Andrew.

Brother Andrew was identified as “God’s Smuggler” in the 70s, and his objective was the distribution of the Bible to communist countries, an unpopular move with officials in these sanctuaries of atheism.

Brother Andrew dropped out of the media limelight for years, but his efforts today are receiving renewed attention. He is a Dutch-born evangelist with a spirit-directed mission now concentrated on the Muslims of the Middle East and the broader Islamics of the world. Islam is now his mission. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Spirituality | No Comments

No, Speed Racer, No!

By David W. Shelton | May 10, 2008 |

Oh, how I wanted to like Speed Racer. I remembered those years in the mid-seventies when the theme song announced the beginning of a show filled with racing, chases, fights, comedy, and a little bit of love. To give the Wachowski brothers a little bit of credit, their script and directing captured beautifully the style and action of the classic anime. It’s too bad they didn’t add a decent story.

With the Summer Blockbuster season of 2008 in full swing, Speed Racer spins the wheels of the typical action film in every bad way possible. I actually lost count at the number of times I actually rolled my eyes — I think they were moving faster than the iconic Mach Five at some points.

Speed Racer stars Emile Hirsch in the title role (that was rumored to have been offered to Charlie Sheen at one point). I really don’t know how Hirsch managed to pull it off, but his Speed was actually more two-dimensional than the original cartoon. A true accomplishment. John Goodman, no stranger to cartoons-turned-into-bad-movies, fills the very large shirt of Pops Racer, and probably has the best and most sentimental lines of the film. Trust me, that’s not saying much.

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Property Rights group: This is not over!

By Christine Anne Piesyk | May 10, 2008 |

Blatantly disregarding public input and dissent, the City Council voted to approve the controversial Downtown Redevelopment and Urban Renewal ordinance, nicknamed the “blight bill,” even as disgruntled homeowners and small business owners, all members of the Clarksville Property Rights Coalition, dressed in the blood-red color of protest, looked on.

In a May 8 letter written on behalf of the CPRC, Becky McMahan first thanked “those members of the City Council who have given us the courtesy of meeting with us to discuss the Redevelopment Plan,” then presented a number of points for the council to consider the all but pre-ordained vote. «Read the rest of this article»

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City Council returns to Chambers with thunderous public slams!

By Turner McCullough Jr. | May 9, 2008 |

Unannounced $524,000 City Hall security package heralds Council’s return to former chambers.

Rejection of resident participation on redevelopment review board slams public demand for representation.

The Clarksville City Council returned to its Council Chambers, delivering two thunderous slaps to the public’s collective face in a single meeting.

Before delivering the back-to-back punches, and with the smell of fresh paint still lingering in the air, city departments, staff and council members were praised for their response to the recent tornado touchdowns in our community. Mayor Pro Temp Barbara Johnson gave city certificates to Council Members Deanna McLaughlin, Geno Grubs and Bill Summers for their personal efforts in aiding with the clean-up.

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Clarksville police hold Top Gun competition

May 9, 2008 |

The Clarksville Police Union will be hosting the annual Officer David Scott Top Gun Competition on Saturday, May 10th, with the shooting portion beginning at 8:00 am at the police range.

The event is part of a series of activities celebrating National Police Week., a designation that began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a Presidential Proclamation that set aside May 15th as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week of May 15th as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week will run from Sunday, May 11th through Saturday, May 17th.

The Clarksville Police Department has organized several events beginning with the Top Gun Competition. Everyone present on the range for that event will be required to wear ear and eye protection during the competition and with safety in mind, no small children will be allowed on the range while the competition is taking place. «Read the rest of this article»

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Knights joust, lords and ladies abound at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival

By Turner McCullough Jr. | May 8, 2008 |

A special treat for Mother’s Day weekend adventurers!!

May is Renaissance Fest time in Tennessee! The annual Renaissance Festival in Triune runs every weekend in May. Mother’s Day weekend has a special souvenir for the first 500 mothers who attend. Military personnel receive a discounted admission.

Minstrels and characters in costumes, a royal court of lords and ladies, merry maidens and the ever watchful Sheriff and his men looking for that “Axel the Sot” enliven Covington Glen, as Triune is known during the festival’s run. There’s the Procession of the Royal Court with the King, Queen and attendants promenading through the village - always a colorful happening.

The Merchants’ Lane is where village commerce takes place. Clothing for youngsters and adults, steins and goblets, jewelry, oils, gemstones, soaps, family coats of arm, Celtic kilts, footwear and and other merchandise are available. The fair also offers a bounty of succulent foods including the Knight’s Club (Roasted Turkey Leg), Soup Bread Bowls, Italian Canoli, Friar’s Bread (funnel cakes), roasted pecans, walnuts and almonds — all awaiting your sampling! «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Events | No Comments

HUD, Justice Department asked to review Downtown Redevelopment Plan

By Christine Anne Piesyk | May 7, 2008 |

NAACP charges Tennessee Code and Civil Rights violations in Clarksville’s proposed redevelopment ordinance.

Jimmy Garland Sr., president of the Clarksville Chapter of the NAACP, has contacted the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., and the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) office in Nashville, charging that the controversial Clarksville Downtown Redevelopment and Urban Renewal Plan does not adhere to Tennessee Codes and will have a detrimental effect on “mostly the poor, elderly and minorities residents of this inner city community.” The plan has been highly touted by city officials, Mayor Johnny Piper, and the Downtown Business Partnership (DDP).

Garland further charges that the plan is a possible “civil rights infraction” by the Clarksville City Council. The Council is scheduled to hold a second reading and a final vote on the ordinance Thursday evening during a special session scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 108 Public Square.

“No real plan has been introduced that will define the actual areas to be redeveloped and which properties are actually blighted within the targeted area,” Garland said.

Clarksville NAACP President Jimmie Garland Sr. [center] stands with irate property owners outside a “public” hearing on the “blight” bill.

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