History. On its own, it’s not a very exciting word. However this past weekend, February 28th, saw HISTORY given star power treatment at Austin Peay State University as the Theta Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society and the university’s History and Philosophy Department sponsored the 2009 Regional Conference.

Austin Peay’s Theta Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society hosted the 2009 Regional Conference this past Saturday at Austin Peay State University.

At the Registration Table, attendees picked up their packets.

The conference provided both undergraduate and graduate students of history with the opportunity to gain valuable experience by presenting their ideas in a friendly academic setting. Topics from a broad range of subjects including regional, American and non-American topics were welcome. Films and documentaries produced by the students were also accepted.

The Morgan Center was the hosting site for the one-day event which saw sixty students from fourteen universities and colleges give presentations of such diverse topics as Women’s History, Rome and Byzantine, Indian Warfare and Removal, Religion and Race, Gender in the South, Barbary Pirates, the American Revolution, WWI, Reform and Regulation, WWII Dilemmas on the Homefront, Issues of Religion through the Ages, Struggle for Independence and Identity, US Military in Nontraditio0nal Roles, American Revolution: Sea Battles, Labor and Economy in Nazi Germany, “Blues, Baseball and Black Male Identity,” Post WWII US Politics, and American Influence Overseas: Two Perspectives, Direct and Policy.

There were two roundtable events, the TSU Senior Projects and the MTSU Recent Projects in Public History. Additionally, there was a panel session of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society.

Group discussions followed panel presentations

Opening with a 7:30 AM registration start time, the Morgan Center was abuzz with presenters and attendees picking up credentials and sampling the breakfast buffet tables set out on the third floor. Their energy and buzz belied the quiet of the rest of the building during the early Saturday morning calm. The early morning session panels covered the subject areas of Women’s History, Rome and Byzantine, Indian Warfare and Removal, Religion and Race, Gender in the South, and the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society panel.

Ben Malone and Tyler Moore, presenters from Midlle Tenn. State University

Individual presentations included “Workin’ Woman: Women’s Roles During the 1920’s and the Great Depression,” “Eleanor Roosevelt” Reluctant First Lady to Reformer;” “Development of Provincial Rights in the Roman Republic,” “The Spanish Influence on Creek-Cumberland Warfare,” “The Cherokee War,” “America’s Most Hypocritical Hour;” “Religious Themes in the Pro-Slavery Argument,” “A Refusal to Reform: Georgia Baptists and Integration,” “Privilege Yields Responsibility;” “Gender Roles in the Production of Food in the Antebellum South,” “The Peaceful Desegregation and Integration of the University of Tennessee at Martin;” “Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates: The United States First Encounter with Terrorism;” “Recipe for Perfect Foreign Language Acquisition,” “The Grammar Foundation: Where Does It Lead Us?”

As we are not yet capable of self-cloning-on-demand, this writer was not able to sit in on every panel group. However, a short summary of a few of the panel presentations visited hopefully with provide readers with a sense of the level of research and discussion which accompanied the day’s activities.

10:20 a.m.: Attending Session II Panel 13: Issues of Religion through the Ages presentations.

Gregory Bearringer, David Lipscomb University, third from left, responds to a question from a fellow Panel 13 presenter

Currently attending Monasticism, Matthew Paris and the Historical Tradition Traditions of  St. Albans by Gregory Bearringer of Lipscomb University:

Bearringer details the development of the monastic life and the personality of monks, their impact on French education and religious dogma in French upper society. Paris is denoted as having a disdain for the French, even its nobility, reflecting his English origin and relation with Henry III, despite his being dependent upon that same nobility for its gracious giving to the monastery for its survival and continuation.

Body, Soul and Spirit: Origen and Biblical Interpretation in the Third Century by Ben Malone, MTSU:

Ben Malone, MTSU, talks about "Body, Soul, and Spirit: Origen and Biblical Interpretation in the 3rd Century"

Origen was born in Alexandria, a metropolitan center of education, religious diversity as Christianity, Judaism and Muslim centers were located there. He undertook a detailed study of the Bible, writing about several books of the Bible. Origen was Christian in his beliefs, devotion and practice of religious faith, notwithstanding his conflicts with the hierarchy of the Early Christian Church. Malone further explains that  Origen was essential to the development and understanding of the  use of allegorical interpretation of biblical passages. He was the first Christian writer to utilize the allegorical interpretation of the Bible, a practice which was already in wide use in studies of Judaism and Islamic texts.

“Self, Soul, and Support: English Women Writers on Religion and Women’s Education 1670-1710″ by Tammy Prater, University of Memphis:

Tammy Prater, Univ. of Memphis, gives her presentation before Panel 13 attendees

Education of women was not a widely supported construct of 17th century English society. Women were only expected to be pious, chaste and mothers and good  housekeepers. Education, when it was  bestowed upon women, was directed at their being able to read the Bible but not how to write nor other elements of full education. “Custom is the tyrant behind all  ignorance and deprivations of women.

Comments: Keith Bates, Union University, Moderator.

Dr. Keith Bates, Univ. of Memphis, comments of the Panel 13 presentations

The presentation questions the role of women in 17th Century England and society. Women were seen as property more so than an equal part of society, the male dominance being the prevailing view of the times. Exposes the fallacies of the view of women as inferior and subordinate to men. An educated women is actually a better helpmate to her husband.

Origen saw himself as a more elitist Christian, regarding the average churchgoer as not being sufficiently devoted to the Church. He despised people coming to Church to socialize and be seen, rather than gain any further insight into their duties and responsibilities to God and the Church. He felt this was the prevailing reason for too many churchgoers of his day, especially the merchant class and noblemen. He was seen as a heretic and even persecuted by the Church. His allegorical interpretation of biblical text was not widely accepted during his lifetime.

Dr. Stephen D. Carls, Natl Advisory Bd, PAT, Union University, expresses appreciation

At the conclusion of this session, the conference moved to the mid-day luncheon in the Ballroom. Dr. Minoa Uffelman, APSU History and Philosophy Department, coordinated the conference preparations, acknowledged the invaluable assistance of her support staff. Dr. Tim Hall,President of APSU, gave welcome remarks to the conference attendees and presenters alike. Phi Alpha Theta National Advisory Board  spokesman, Dr. Stephen D. Carls of Union University, acknowledged the Honor Society’s appreciation to the Theta Delta Chapter and APSU for hosting the 2009 Regional Conference. He noted updates to the society’s website, benefits to society membership, including its newsletter and a myriad of gifts, clothing and souvenirs, along with the ability to replace certificates, all this and more information he ensured everyone understood several times over is  available at <wwwphialphatheta.org>.

Dr. Nelson announced the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference Writers Awards winning papers as follows:

Dr. Nelson stands with the PAT '09 Regional Conference Writers Awards winners

I. Undergraduate Papers: Early America (Tie)- Michael Ramsey, “A Numerous and Unexpected Enemy,” Austin Peay State University, and Eric Turner, “Small Boat Operations in Long Island Sound, 1775-1779,” Austin Peay State University; 20th Century America (Tie)-  Hannah Holliday, “A Refusal of Reform: Georgia Baptists and Integration,” Union University, and William Conner, “To Hell with Habeas Corpus: The Government, The Press, and Japanese Interment,” University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Non-US History: Jesse Tumblin, “The Conscription Crisis in County Meath, 1918: A Catalyst for Radicalization in Ireland’s Revolutionary Process,” University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

II. Graduate Student Papers: (Tie) – Ron Martz, “Deconstructing de-Ba’athification: How Ignoring Lessons Learned from de-Nazification of Germany and the Governance of Japan after World War II Ignited the Iraqi Insurgency,” Austin Peay State University; and Gabriel Fidler, “Football and the Public Sphere in Nineteenth-Century England,” University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

[Show as slideshow]

Three staff members of The All State accepted accolades at the conference. For work submitted prior to the conference, Managing Editor Patrick Armstrong, of Lebanon, earned honorable mention awards in the Best Newspaper Layout Designer and Best Press Photographer categories. Photo Editor Lois Jones, of Clarksville, won third place in the Best Press Photographer category.

In an on-site competition, Assistant News Editor Nicole June, of Clarksville, took second place in First Amendment Writing, and Armstrong earned second place in Newspaper Design.

In addition to Armstrong, Jones and June, staff members attending the conference were Marlon Scott, editor in chief; Tinea Payne, news editor; Devon Robinson, sports editor; Tangelia Cannon, assistant features editor; Jessica Nobert, assistant perspectives editor; Anthony Shingler, assistant sports editor; Mateen Sidiq, assistant online editor; Stephanie Martin, photographer; and Tabitha Gilliland, newspaper adviser.

Also, the SEJC featured college media workshops and a keynote speech by Amy Webb, a strategic digital product and business consultant to online media companies.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Belmont University brightens our lives and renews hope through its music and education programs. throughout the year the students and faculty give performances that re unequaled in quality. Their tradition of blessing the community with music is especially realized during the Christmas season.

Belmont University’s performance of choral, choir and strings of 2007 was for me the pinnacle of music in that holiday season.  Their one-hour program, broadcast on NPT, was simply the best musical. This outstanding performance integrated classical, traditional and popular music  for the season. I was enthralled.

In harmony, the singers retold the remarkable story of Christmas; their rendition brought a fresh perspective to the field of seasonal music. Their fresh, intelligent and emotional renditions renewed one spiritually. Through their dramatic concert my spirits were lifted.  Their spectacular music was an added flourish to the season.  With great eloquence and authority they  enriched the spiritual significance of the time of year.

Belmont is again presenting their fabulous and engrossing “Christmas at Belmont” for the pleasure of Tennessee residents. This program will again be an exciting addition to our holiday celebrations.

“Christmas at Belmont” will air on December 23 at 9 p.m. and December 25 at 8 p.m.. It’s a wonderful addition to your Christmas eve and Christmas day celebration.

Okay, when McCain first popped on the Election 2008 radar back in that early New Hampshire primary, I was next door in Vermont, wondering with a bit of perverse pleasure how McCain managed to dislodge the likes of Romney, Giuliani, and others in a presidential nomination bid. It just got interesting, I thought. Little did I know…

I know now, though, that his nomination has been a boon to the Democratic Party, a boon magnified orders of magnitude by his choice of Palin as VP. Thank you, John for handing over so many states to the Dems. Three times in a row, I watched the debates, and watched the post debate charts fade from red to pink to yellow to light blue…you get the idea.

Senator John McCain

I am dumbfounded that in three debates, McCain never found his footing, never managed to get the knock-out punch in, not one, not on any subject. All Obama had to do was break even to win. The first debate was not the showstopper it should have been; the subsequent and much heralded town meeting was a colossal bore with more action on the streets of Nashville than the under the lights at Belmont University. In both cases, Obama came out ahead, though not with the power of his early campaign speeches and interviews. One more shot, I thought. They have one more chance to get it right.

Wednesday’s final debate in New York, which was deftly moderated by Bob Schieffer of CBS, was the right format with the right moderator. It was the right fit for Obama, who both looked and sounded presidential, who exuded the right levels of charm and intelligence (not hard considering the competition), who had the answers to the questions, even when the answers were tough for some viewers to swallow. McCain entwined himself in the life of “Joe the plumber” (perhaps not the same Joe six-pack of Palin fame) and hammer that poor man to the ground. Once, twice a mention, maybe. But for heaven’s sake, John, give it a rest.

Senator Barack Obama

What America saw Wednesday night was an articulate educated black man who was at ease with himself, his opinions, his ideas, a man who looks at America with a reality check, not a blank check, and looks and sounds presidential while doing it.

What America saw Wednesday night was a war hero who despite his honorable service to his country was now incapable of staying the subject, unable to pronounce or string words and sentences together without rambling off the issue and changing the subject, a man who resurrected old themes and could not give any genuine assurance that he was not still a participant on the GOP/Bush playing field.

What distressed me the most?

McCain’s opinion that we “need to reward these good teachers.” Hey, nothing wrong with that. Oh wait, here’s the rest of that story:

• “We need to encourage programs such as Teach for America and Troops to Teachers where people, after having served in the military, can go right to teaching and not have to take these examinations which — or have the certification that some are required in some states.” ~~ John McCain
  

And then there was:

• A little detail of McCain’s not knowing the difference between Down’s Syndrome that affects Palin’s youngest son, interchanging that diagnosis for autism, which is an entirely different issue. If he does know the difference, he failed to articulate that.

And then there was:

• That detail of the $5,000 taxable tax credit for health care. Oh, yes, somewhere there is a plan available for $5,800 a year. How many families will actually find a $5,800 plan that covers all their needs? I certainly haven’t found one yet. And probably don’t have the difference to fund a realistic plan that would run me, at my present age/health, somewhere in the vicinity of $10,000-12,000 a year. McCain has also said nothing about pre-existing conditions.Is that $5,000 tax credit something you have to spend before you can claim it and then have it taxed? Or am I missing something here?

And was anyone else bothered by the fact that McCain simply could not stay on point? That he stumbled through words and phrases in a way that rivals George Bush? That he meandered across his own view of the political landscape, which holds a wide disconnect from middle America reality? That he fumbled and stumbled through a number of questions just as Palin did in several of her interviews? McCain simply did not look or sound presidential and that’s a trickle down effect on Palin. Or did it surge up from her?

My belief is that college needs to be made affordable, that the bar in educational standards must be raised significantly higher, that everyone has a right to health care and prescription medications, that we need to build a new economic structure for America that will include green jobs and a return to industry that has for some time been shifted offshore. My belief is that women need to have a right to choose, not have reproductive choices made for them by people who do not have to deal with the realities or circumstances behind these choices.

My belief is that no candidate is going to fix America’s problem in four years of a first term presidency. The only thing a new president can do is start working on the problems we face as a nation, and as individuals. The only thing a new president can do is have a plan rooted in reality that can be implemented in a progressive series of laws and actions for the long term. Investments in education, energy, industry, small business, take time to mature: we have lapsed in many areas, and there is no quick fix, no painless recovery.

What I saw Wednesday night was a candidate, Senator Obama, who had a reality check and a plan to fix what ails America. I’m not exactly sure what McCain was offering that would be of any use to middle America.

Gregg Steinberg

Key “sports psychology” into the search field on YouTube.com, and Gregg Steinberg’s image is among the top video results.

Steinberg, an associate professor of health and human performance at Austin Peay State University, is a noted sports psychologist and frequent media personality on national television networks such as CNN and the Golf Channel to speak about the mindset of an athletic champion.

He will do the same Oct. 28 when he appears on ABC’s hit competition show, “Dancing With the Stars,” to analyze the mental toughness of the remaining contestants. Steinberg said the show’s producers contacted him two weeks ago after discovering him through a YouTube Web site search of sports psychology experts.

“I will be analyzing objectively by listening to what the contestants say, paying attention to body language and watching the performance,” he said. “I’ll be discussing why the dancers got kicked off the program and make recommendations for the dancers still in the contest.”Steinberg, a faculty member at APSU for the past 11 years, most recently provided analytical commentary for Fox News during the 2008 Summer Olympics, especially on the performance of U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, who went a perfect 8-for-8 in Beijing to break Mark Spitz’s single-Olympic Games record for gold medals.

In addition to being a guest on several broadcast outlets, Steinberg, 45, is the author of two books, “Mental Rules for Golf” and “Flying Lessons.” His third book, “Full Throttle,” is scheduled for release in 2009. He also has written a newspaper column, “The Head Coach,” for The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville and continues to publish extensively in academic journals.

A sports psychology consultant for more than 10 years, Steinberg has worked with many professional and college athletes, including teams at Vanderbilt University, APSU, Belmont University, Tennessee State University and the University of Florida.

A native of Los Angeles, Steinberg earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, master’s in education psychology from Florida State University and doctorate in human performance from the University of Florida.

For more information, contact Steinberg by telephone at (931) 221-6113 or by e-mail at .

35 days and counting until Election Day!

The Montgomery County Democratic Party and Clarksville for Obama encourage everyone age 18 and up to register to vote and to encourage their friends to register, by either going to the Election Commission of on Pageant Lane or by registering online  at www.ClarksvilleForObama.com .

The last day to register to be eligible to vote in the general election is OCT. 6^th.

The MCDP and Clarksville for Obama are also seeking volunteers to work in the Madison Street office. if you are interested, please call 552-5523.

Join Obama eGroup: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ClarksvilleforObama

The following is a list of upcoming events:

Mass Voter Registration Drive and Rally will be held October 4 at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters at 534 Madison St. from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have plenty of food and guest speakers at this event. This will be our last push to register people before the last day to register to vote Oct 6^th.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gshf75

Latinos for Obama House Party will be held October 7 at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters at  534 Madison St. at 6:00 p.m.  Guest speaker for the event Fabian Bedne, chairman of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democratics. Join Latino Leaders, Pastors, Community Leaders and concerned citizens for a get together of Barack Obama supporters.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/gs78dj

2^nd Presidential Debate Watch Party will be held October 7 at 8 p.m. at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters 534 Madison St.. The debate will be broadcast live from Belmont University Nashville TN.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gsh884

An Early Voting Rally will be held October 18 at Veterans Plaza Parking Lot (located near the Public Library) at 10 a.m.. Join all Democrat candidates at a rally setup to encourage early voting and to energize all Democratic Party members. After the rally we will all go inside the Election Commission to vote as a group!

We encourage you to come out and participate in all the election season campaign events. RSVP not required to attend events but all eGroup members should RSVP online to these events.

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/10/01/montgomery-county-voters-call-to-action/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/09/23/belmont-university-hosts-pre-presidential-debate-symposiums/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/09/23/belmont-university-hosts-pre-presidential-debate-symposiums/#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:00:09 +0000 Turner McCullough Jr. http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=9588 As a lead-up to the launch of the 2008 Presidential Debates, Nashville’s Belmont University hosts a series of political discussions. Following is a listing of Belmont calendar events preceding the September 26 Presidential Debate.

Why Should We Vote?
Wed., September 24, 10 a.m., WHB 309
Complaints are everywhere heard bemoaning the low rate of voter turnout in the United States. Is our turnout rate really that low? Answering that question requires us to ask why, in the first place, we should vote. Join us as we ponder this with Dr. Nathan Griffith of the Department of Political Science.

Ethical Responsibility In an Election Year: Is the Media Helping or Hurting?
Fri., Sept. 26, 10 a.m., Frist Lecture Hall, fourth floor of Belmont’s Gordon E. Inman Center.
John L. Seigenthaler and son, John M. Seigenthaler, veteran journalists, will hold a debate dialogue on ethical responsibility during a presidential election. The Seigenthalers will share an ethical perspective on the media’s coverage of the presidential election and will engage in a dialogue on positive and negative examples of ethics and media coverage. They will also answer questions from the audience consisting of Belmont University students and the larger Middle Tennessee community. This event is free, but seating is limited. Registration is available by clicking here.

Why Kids Should Vote: Issues Affecting the Health and Education of Children
Fri., September 26, 1 p.m., Troutt Theater
This panel will explore key legislative developments that impact children’s health and education at both the state and federal levels. Panelists include advocates and practitioners from the fields of education, healthcare, and social work. Discussion topics will focus on how the 2008 elections might impact policies around children’s issues in 2009 and beyond.

Ole Miss Debate Watch Party
Fri., September 26, 8 p.m., Belmont Heights Baptist Church Sanctuary
Belmont students will gather to watch the first presidential debate on the big screen. After the debate, the Belmont College Republicans and Young Democrats will host a roundtable to discuss candidate performance and significant public policy questions. Faculty moderators will include debate coach Jason Stahl and political scientist Vaughn May.

Clarksville Debate Activity: On September 26, the Montgomery County Democratic Party and ClarksvilleForObama will host a Debate Watch Party, starting at 8 PM, at party headquarters, 534 Madison Street. The Debate Party is open to the public. For more information, call 931-552-5523 or 552-9076. Donations of food and soft drinks will be appreciated.

The Harvest - 40x30 oil on canvas by Lessie V. Dixon, Gallatin, TN

The Downtown Artists Co-op (DAC) will host the opening reception and awards presentation for their 2008 Regional Juried Art Exposition  (RJAE) during the First Thursday Artwalk on September 4, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.  The reception will be at the DAC gallery on 96 Franklin Street and the public is invited to attend.

DAC’s JRAE is one of the largest and highest quality art expositions they have ever conducted.  Announcements were sent in June to every artist organization in Tennessee and Kentucky within 100-miles of Clarksville.

Applications started pouring in throughout July and when the cutoff date rolled around on August 6, DAC had received 183 entries.  There were entries from Paducah and Hopkinsville KY, to Nashville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, TN, and almost every town and settlement in between in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Victoria Boone, director of the Leu Art  Gallery at Belmont University judged all of these pieces for acceptance and for awards.  Ms. Boone holds a Masters Degree in Museum Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Alabama.

One wall of the Downtown Artists Co-0p gallery at 96 Franklin St.

Boone worked for the Tennessee Arts Commission as Director of Visual Arts, Crafts and Photography from 1984 – 1997.  Among her many honors and accomplishments she has been curator for over 165 exhibitions including local, national and international events.  She also teaches a senior exhibits course which examines business practices for artists.

Customs House with Flowers, Polaroid Transfer 40x40 by Beverly Parker, Clarksville, TN

By the time the dust had settled Boone had narrowed the field to 93 pieces which had been accepted to hang in the exhibit.  She then went back through the pieces and declined two or three more and accepted a couple which had initially been declined.  All the works were good and there were no easy decisions.

Finally, Boone went back through the gallery and started selecting pieces which would receive awards.  The entire jurying process took a full day with only one short break for a working lunch.

The Downtown Artists Co-OP Gallery on Franklin Street

Entry forms must be postmarked no later than August 6th. Entry forms can be picked up at the DAC gallery, the Cumberland Bank in Clarksville or at several other businesses in Clarksville and Hopkinsville. Additional information and entry forms may be downloaded by going to www.clarksvilleartists.org and clicking on Regional Juried Art Exposition Link to More Info.

Awards will be paid in cash for Best of Show and then 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the four following categories: painting and works on paper; 3D/fiber arts; photography; and mixed media. Artists may submit a total of two works to be juried for acceptance with a fee of $15 per item.

Inside the DAC Gallery

Victoria Boone who is currently director of the Leu Art Gallery at Belmont University will be the juror. Ms. Boone holds a masters degree in Museum Administration and has served as a juror for over forty art competitions including Cheekwood Museum, Vanderbilt University, Hunter Museum of American Art, Alabama’s Festival in the Park, the National Pen Women’s National Art Competition, State of Virginia, and South Carolina’s regional art competition among others. Juror comments will be posted on the back of each item submitted for acceptance. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

DAC gallery hours of operation are Wed-Sat from noon-6 p.m. Telephone number (931)552-4747. You may also call Becky Keene at (931)552-3311 () or call Cliff Whittaker at (931)980-2041 ()