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The Center of the Arts is pleased to announce an additional opportunity to audition for its upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
A recent change in directorship has been made, along with a change in creative vision for the production, and for these reasons another set of auditions will be held May 29th from 4:00pm-6:00pm, and May 30th from 6:30-8:30pm. If necessary, callbacks will be held on June 1st at 6:30pm. Romeo & Juliet will be presented July 15th-24th on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm.
The show will be directed by McKenzie Wallace.
In Shakespeare’s most popular play, love acts as an undeniably powerful force in the lives of two determined teenagers. Romeo & Juliet tells the tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers striving to be together despite the vicious feud between both of their families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The fated young lovers must fight to be together, even if they must be together in death.
Some, but not all, roles include:
Romeo- lead, age 16-20, son of the Montagues, likeable and determined.
Juliet- lead, age 15-19, daughter of the Capulets, naïve yet courageous.
Friar Lawrence- male, age 30s to 40s, marries Romeo and Juliet, kind and understanding.
Mercutio- male, age 16-20, Romeo’s best friend, a strong individual and sometimes hot-headed.
Nurse- female, age 30s to 40s, Juliet’s nurse and friend, sentimental, and funny.
Tybalt-male, age 16-20, Juliet’s cousin, vain and violent.
Capulet & Lady Capulet- male and female, age 30s to 40s, Juliet’s parents.
Montague & Lady Montague- male and female, age 30s to 40s, Romeo’s parents.
The production of Romeo & Juliet will feature a fresh interpretation of this classic play. Without the use of a complicated set and strict-period costuming, audiences will be excited to experience Romeo & Juliet in a non-traditional setting. The Center for Arts encourages actors to come out and audition to be a part of a show that is sure to rejuvenate and revive Shakespeare’s classic play.
The Center for the Arts is located at 110 W. College Street, one block off the historic Murfreesboro square. For more information, visit our website at www.boroarts.org, or call us at 615-904-2787.
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has announced that it will feature the Chase the Cars promotion again during its 2010 fundraising campaign. Any individual contributing $300 or more to the local United Way by December 31st will automatically be entered to win a brand new Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, or Ford Fiesta donated by Alexander Automotive Murfreesboro.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of Alexander Automotive Murfreesboro in their contribution to the campaign through the Chase the Cars initiative,” said Pat Murphy, 2010 Campaign Chair and plant manager at General Mills. “Last year, there were 1,274 eligible donors for the giveaway and our 25 finalists represented the many professions and industries that compose our workplace campaigns.”
The vehicles will be showcased at local retailers and community events throughout the end of the year. The Avenue Murfreesboro will be the first to host the vehicle, where it will be on display through September 8th.
The 2010 United Way campaign marks the third year that the Chase the Cars promotion has been incorporated into the local United Way’s campaign. Dr. Andra Helton, principal at Thurman Francis Arts Academy in Smyrna, was the winner of a Ford Focus following the 2009 campaign.
Individuals become eligible after making a donation via payroll deduction, check, cash, or credit card that totals $300 or more. Twenty-five finalists will be notified by March 1, 2011, and must be present at the final drawing to be eligible to win the car.
Those interested in donating to United Way may do so via www.uwrutherford.org or by calling (615) 893-7303. Retailers in Rutherford and Cannon counties interested in displaying a car at their location can contact Meagan Flippin at (615) 893-7303 ext. 102 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
United Way will officially kick off its 2010 campaign in conjunction with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on September 14 at City Tile, located at 223 Spring Street in Murfreesboro. The event will be 5 PM – 7 PM and cost is $5 for chamber members and $10 for non-members. The Chase the Cars vehicles will also be on display at the kick-off event.
Murfreesboro, TN - Governor Phil Bredesen today joined with Matt Kisber, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and community officials from Rutherford County in announcing plans by NHK Seating of America, Inc. to locate a manufacturing facility for automotive parts near the intersection of I-24 and Joe B. Jackson Parkway in Murfreesboro, Tenn. NHK will spend nearly $54 million to construct the facility beginning in October 2010, and the facility is expected to employ up to 224 workers when all phases of production are implemented in 2015.
“Tennessee continues to be a leading location for investment from the automotive industry,” said Governor Bredesen. “Our state’s longstanding trade and investment ties with Japan and this investment by NHK demonstrate a high level of confidence in our state’s business climate and the ability of Tennessee workers to compete globally in the areas of efficiency, productivity and quality.”
“We’re grateful to NHK for their investment in our state and their confidence in Tennessee workers,” said Commissioner Kisber. “ECD’s strong partnership with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and local elected officials was integral to making this project happen, and we look forward to working with Murfreesboro and Rutherford County in the future.”
NHK Seating of America is headquartered in Franklin, Indiana and has been in automotive parts production in the U.S. since 1987. Initial production at the Murfreesboro facility will be the manufacture of automotive seat frames, but company officials say they hope to expand the product line over time.
“I couldn’t be more pleased NHK has chosen to make this investment in Murfreesboro,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg. “The company has a strong reputation for quality and reliability within the automotive industry, and they’ll be creating good quality jobs for our community.”
“The success of this project is a testament to the strong working relationship between our Chamber, Destination Rutherford, Rutherford County, the city of Murfreesboro and the state of Tennessee,” said Norman Brown, chairman, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. “We are also grateful for the efforts of TVA as well as the Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association. I believe NHK will be a strong addition to our growing roster of corporate citizens.”
NHK’s announcement comes as planning is underway for the annual gathering of business leaders from Japan and the southeastern U.S. in Nashville for the 34th annual SEUS-Japan Association conference October 16-19. Japan is Tennessee’s largest investor nation and the state’s 4th largest trading partner. More than 160 Japanese companies operate in Tennessee, representing $13 billion in capital investment and 35,000 jobs. Japanese customers purchased more than $1 billion in Tennessee goods and services in 2009.
Congressman Gordon issued the following statement on Nissan's announcement of its national roll-out plan for the all-electric LEAF:
The Nissan LEAF is good for the country and good for Middle Tennessee. I applaud Nissan's ambitious rollout plan and I am pleased Tennesseans will be among the LEAF's first customers next month. From manufacturing to market, Tennessee will be at the front lines of a growing green energy economy.
In Congress, I sponsored the America COMPETES Act, which includes a program called ARPA-E dedicated to breakthrough energy research. Innovations coming out of ARPA-E could produce technology to make future models of the LEAF even lighter, more powerful and more affordable. They could lead to other such manufacturing and technology breakthroughs that create thousands more jobs in our state.
We must continue supporting innovation in this country to help kick start our national economy and create jobs right here in Tennessee.
When asked to guest write for Piece of the Week (it’s ok, Jeney will be back next week) I hit the drawing board. I asked myself, “Self, what’s something I can feature that otherwise won’t be done?” I mean, sure the summer dresses and discount jewelry are nice, but what about the manly men? What sorts of things do us guys like to know about? Cars. Definitely cars. Since everyone with a car changes the oil, I took mine to Express Oil Change on Old Fort Parkway.
Across the street from St Andrews Drive in Murfreesboro, Express Oil Change specializes in vehicle service. Any kind of car work can be done on any street vehicle either in the oil change station or the full service station a little further back. Prices are competitive and service is key.
I pulled into the Murfreesboro store at 4:30pm to be quickly greeted by Matt, Joe and Josh. They steered me in and got me to turn off the car. Then it was like watching an assembly line. I felt comfortable being asked to stay in the car. You see, having been raised by a mechanic, I know their tricks. So I don’t trust them. However, from the driver’s seat I could watch everything.
Express Oil Change redefines full service. They washed the windows, greased the door hinges and checked under the hood. I was given a print out of all twenty things they checked under the hood as well as suggestions if anything needed to be done. By the way, I need to flush the coolant and rotate the tires.
The invoice I was given was detailed and thorough. There were no questions. They took my card and quickly ran me for $38.40. Here’s the kicker. Four minutes after I pulled the car into the garage, I was leaving. It was astounding. I’m typically a guy who is adamant about treating my own vehicle, but I have been convinced Express Oil Change is a great company. The staff is above and beyond kind and is genuinely concerned about the condition of your vehicle. The icing on the cake is the speed at which they work. I cannot compare to that kind of work. I will be returning and recommend you do the same. Enjoy!!
Would you know what to do if you were driving and hit another vehicle, a pedestrian or a biker?
When a car accident happens, injuries may be severe and emotions may be high. However, important things must be taken care of - both at the scene of any accident and immediately afterward.
Here are 13 helpful tips from FindLaw.com, a leading online source of legal information, for what you should do immediately following an automobile accident:
1. Stay at the scene.
The cardinal rule for all car accidents is that you should never leave the scene until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave the scene of an accident, particularly if someone has been hurt or killed, you could face serious criminal penalties as a "hit-and-run" driver. However, if you are hit by another car in a deserted area, use caution in stopping and getting out of your vehicle. Some well-meaning motorists have been robbed or killed when they got out of their car after being bumped by another car in a deserted or unsafe area.
2. Check on all drivers and passengers.
Before assessing property damage, check to make sure that everyone else involved in the accident is OK. Get medical attention for anyone who needs it. If a person is unconscious or complains of neck or back pain, it is best not to move him or her until qualified medical personnel arrive.
3. Get back in your car.
If the accident occurred on a busy highway or freeway, be very cautious about standing or waiting outside your vehicle. If your vehicle is safe to re-enter, it may be best to wait there for further help. Standing or waiting outside your vehicle, especially at night or in poor weather conditions (icy or wet roads), could put you or your passengers at risk of further harm from passing vehicles.
4. Call the police.
Contact police, especially if the accident involves significant property damage, physical injury or death. Ask that a police report be filed in situations where law enforcement officers do arrive at the scene, and obtain the names and badge numbers of any responding officers.
5. Exchange information.
Talk to the drivers of any other vehicles involved in the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers' license numbers, license plate numbers and basic insurance information. If there are passengers in any of the vehicles, obtain their names, telephone numbers and addresses as well. If a police report is filed, all this information should be available on the police report.
6. Don't apologize.
Do not apologize for anything at the scene and do not sign anything saying you are responsible for damages involved with the accident. If you jump out of your car and blurt out, "I'm so sorry I ran that red light! Is everyone OK?" you may back yourself into a corner in terms of legal liability for what happened. Immediately after an accident, the scene is chaotic and it might not be evident who was at fault, or who was more at fault, in causing the accident. Moreover, in many states, fault does not determine which insurer will pay for any loss. So try to keep your conscience in check, at least until things get sorted out, so that you don't admit guilt unintentionally or unnecessarily.
7. If you've been drinking ...
If you've been drinking and you're involved in an accident, cooperate with police and be truthful about how many drinks you've actually had. Think twice about refusing to take a test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the accident. You may refuse to take a chemical test (blood, breath, urine), but almost every state has a so-called "implied consent" law, and under such laws, a refusal can result in suspension of your driver's license from three months to a year. This is true even if you're eventually found not guilty of the current drunk driving charge.
8. Talk to witnesses.
Ask every witness what he or she saw and write it down. Get their names, telephone numbers or addresses, if possible. Whether the witnesses are residents of the area, businesspeople who work nearby, or passersby who were in the vicinity, try to talk to as many people as you can.
9. Inform your insurance company.
As soon as possible, tell your insurance company that you have been involved in an accident. Cooperate with your insurance company and tell them the truth about what happened and the extent of your injuries. If the insurance company finds out that you have lied to them about anything, you can get into serious trouble, not the least of which may be the denial of any coverage for the accident. Build support for your case when discussing the matter with your insurance company. Be able to explain to them the facts of the case in a clear manner.
10. Keep track of your medical treatment.
Note any doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors or other medical professionals that you receive treatment from, and each medical provider that referred you to other caregivers. Having a written diary of this information will help you itemize your medical expenses and treatment for your insurer, your attorney and the court.
11. Take pictures.
Take photographs of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Having photographic proof will help your insurance adjuster determine how much you should be compensated for the damages to your car, and may also assist your case in court, if needed. If you have pictures of your car from before the accident, these pictures will offer a great "compare and contrast" to show the true extent of the damage sustained in the accident.
12. Get a property damage valuation.
Obtain a valuation for damages to your car from your insurance company. If you are not satisfied with the manner in which your insurance company has valued your vehicle, do not give up. Get two estimates for the repair of your car on your own, or have two dealers provide a quote for the cost of replacing your vehicle if there was a total loss.
13. Use caution in discussing the incident.
Do not talk to anyone about the accident other than your attorney, your insurance company and the police. Do not talk to a representative of another insurance company under any circumstances, without the knowledge of your attorney or your insurance company. If representatives from other insurance companies should call you, be polite, but ask them to call your attorney or insurance company to arrange for an interview. Also, get the representative's name and number, and tell your insurance company or attorney that someone seeking information about your accident contacted you. For more information about what to do in the event of a motor vehicle accident, visit FindLaw.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - The approach of summer means just one thing to car buyers - the opportunity to score a great deal, especially on some used vehicles that dealers are motivated to move out of their inventory as 2010 really gets rolling.
Bargains can be hot at this time of year for those who know how to shop smart for a good used car. With "Cash for Clunkers" a fading memory and Americans still looking to buy used cars rather than investing in new ones that depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, the used car market is hotter than ever.
Brian Bossone, one of the creative minds behind SPEED's popular "Pinks All Out" series, knows a lot about used cars. After all, the series features common folks who buy and build or rebuild their own race cars to compete in the popular drag racing show. Bossone offers a few tips to help you ensure you're buying the used car of your dreams, rather than the lemon of the year.
Here are the top items you should inspect when buying a used car:
1. Look for paint and body repair. Evidence of body work could mean the car has been in an accident.
2. Check for fluid leaks. Any leaking fluid, from oil to windshield washer, could mean the car needs a costly repair.
3. Look at the engine. Does it sound smooth or rough? Does it smoke excessively?
4. Evaluate the overall wear and tear on all parts of the vehicle. Is the wear commensurate with the age and mileage on the vehicle?
5. Has the car been driven by someone who smoked in it? Transported pets or small children in it? All those things can leave odors behind in the vehicle - smells you might have to live with or go to great lengths to eliminate as the new owner.
6. What was the primary usage of the vehicle and are most of its miles highway or local driving?
7. Are all accessories in working order? The sunroof is great ... unless the motor to open it doesn't work.
8. How is the drivability? Do the brakes squeak? Does something in the passenger cabin rattle? Does the steering vibrate?
Avoid common mistakes, like buying on impulse without researching simple things like the resale value of the vehicle compared to similar makes and models, available vehicle history reports that list accidents and other issues and price comparisons with multiple sellers or online sites.
Be sure to ask for an inspection by a qualified source and request copies of vehicle maintenance records. Check online feedback on vehicle-specific forums for actual owner opinions and comments on common issues.
While local newspapers and neighborhood used-car lots can be great resources for finding good used vehicles, don't overlook online ones as well, Bossone advises. Craigslist.org, Racingjunk.com, eBay.com and Autotrader.com can also yield quality used vehicles.
Finally, when you think you're ready to buy, take the car to a mechanic you trust and ask him/her some key questions, including:
* Will this vehicle pass local or state inspection?
* Do you see any signs of paint repair, accidents or frame damage?
* Have you ever worked on this type of vehicle and are you aware of any trends toward excessive repairs for this make and model?
* Would you buy this vehicle if you were in the market for one and if not, what would deter you?
"Used cars continue to be a great deal for value-minded buyers, and with a little smart preparation, you can be sure your 'new' used vehicle gives you many years and miles of good service," Bossone says.
"Pinks All Out" airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern time on SPEED. Visit www.SpeedTV.com to learn more.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Murfreesboro, TN - When Murfreesboro native Vicki Lewis and Californian Chris Gibson partnered in April 2009 to see how much of a fuel mileage increase they could get on their 1994 Nissan Quest mini-van, they discovered that a combination of efficient driving habits, a green tune-up and minor modifications made a noticeable difference. They increased their fuel mileage 25-30% above the stock mileage.
Because of this success, Vicki and Chris decided to form Green Driving Solutions to share ways drivers can improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, save money on vehicle maintenance costs and make their vehicles’ last.
“Fewer people are buying new cars these days. Most drivers want to make their vehicles’ more fuel-efficient and last longer,” Gibson says. “In most other countries,
drivers own their vehicles longer than in the U.S. Sometimes a keeper is cheaper. Now, there are so many devices on the market that say they can improve fuel mileage. Some work and some don’t. We created Green Driving Solutions to share with drivers proven and cost-effective ways to increase fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity.” Chris Gibson has been a mechanic for over 20 years. He also has a lot of experience in increasing fuel efficiency.
Vicki says. “Both Chris and I enjoy road trips throughout Tennessee and to Florida’s Gulf Coast, but we were concerned about our van’s emissions and how much money we were spending on gas. I also understand that Tennessee is looking for ways to reduce air pollution. I know that there are little things that we can all do to make a difference.”
Vicki and Chris believe most any car can be more efficient. They even made a 90 minute DVD called “Fuel Saving Tips and Strategies.” They also teach green driving workshops to educate drivers and mechanics about increasing fuel efficiency and vehicle life to save money while reducing emissions to improve the air quality for all.
To learn more about Green Driving Solutions, visit www.greendrivingsolutions.com
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!
Come one! Come all! Never in Murfreesboro has such a huge event been so available and affordable to the public. Families, friends and car fans of all ages will be wowed by the presentation of vehicles astonishingly brought under one roof. ABC Murfreesboro Auto Auction presents the Double Barrel Shotgun Sale with previews this Friday, March 12 from 8:00 a.m. till the last fan leaves. Starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 13th, you get to take part in a head-spinning, adrenaline pumping double whammy: part classic car sale and part repo public sale.
At least 100 classic cars and trucks from the earliest decades of motor vehicles will be featured. Early-60’s Chryslers will have you wondering if Superman is the only thing faster than a speeding bullet. Corvettes that you don’t want to drive but just rub with a diaper. Begin your car collection or find the centerpiece that will have everyone in your garage drooling to be you. Got a classic that is someone else’s treasure waiting to be found? Need some quick cash? You can put up your own vehicle for just a $50 no-sell fee. Talk about low risk!
Also, more than 100 repo vehicles are priced to be gone. They don’t want them! To prove their point, the prices have been dropped to go. Prices will range from $800-$8000 for the repos and each car has had a CR inspection. It doesn’t get any better than that. You cannot find a better deal for the cars on the lot. Like King Kong, you just have to see this to believe it.
ABC Auto Auction can be found at 1815 Old Fort Parkway between Red Lobster and Ryan’s. Questions? Details? Call ABC Auto Auction at 217-2848 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Check out www.AuctionBroadcasting.com for a list of available cars. You do not want to miss this paramount opportunity to see the pinnacle of the 4-wheeled dream. Looking forward to a full day of wheels, deals and steals, we’ll see you there!
(ARA) - In today's economic times, it's more important than ever to protect the investment in your vehicle - whether it's a vintage collector, luxury car or an everyday car. Yet, there are many misconceptions about car maintenance that make it difficult to know how to best keep your car in good running condition. Properly maintaining the engine and using high-quality fuel in the right grade will go a long way to help protect the life of your vehicle.
Here are a few useful tips from Shell Oil Products U.S. that separate fuel fact from fuel fiction:
* Regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle running longer and can help save money at the pump: Fact
Keeping up on regular car care services, such as changing the engine air filter, oil changes and transmission checkups, can help your vehicle run more efficiently and avoid major expenses in the future - no matter how old your car is. Following a vehicle manufacturer's motor oil recommendation can improve gasoline mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Be sure to look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives. Keeping your engine properly tuned can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Also, finding and correcting smaller mechanical problems before they turn into bigger ones can help save you money in the long run.
* All gasolines are the same: Myth
In addition to basic vehicle maintenance, gasoline choice plays a vital role in the cleanliness and performance of an engine. So if you've been using lower-quality gasolines in your vehicle, it is important to clean up the gunk left behind in your engine. Gunk, also known as carbon deposits, can begin to build up in as little as 5,000 miles.
Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen believe that TOP TIER detergent gasolines will help keep engines cleaner than gasolines containing only the Lowest Additive Concentration (LAC) set by government standards. Using high-quality, TOP TIER gasolines like Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines can help protect your engine against gunk and keep it performing at its best. For more information, visit www.passionate-experts.shell.com.
* Octane levels in fuel don't really make a difference: Myth
You probably associate octane with the numbers you see at the pump, but the technical explanation for octane is a fuel's ability to resist engine knock. If you use a lower octane fuel in an engine designed to use higher octane, engine knocking may occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Most modern engines can sense knocking and go into a "safe mode" in order to protect the engine from serious damage, yet can reduce its ability to perform at its best.
According to Kelly Blue Book, 62 percent of new car models recommend premium fuel, which includes higher levels of octane. So check your owner's manual to determine what your manufacturer recommends. And if you have a performance vehicle that requires premium fuel (octane level 91 to 93, depending on the region), using the specified rating will help you achieve optimal engine performance.
However, it's important to remember that "premium grade" only references octane level, and doesn't always equal premium quality. Using a high-quality premium gasoline, like Shell V-Power, can provide benefits that go beyond octane. Shell V-Power contains a Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system with five times the amount of cleaning agents required by federal government standards, helping your vehicle achieve optimum performance.
Properly maintaining your engine is an important component in helping protect the life of a vehicle. In addition to basic vehicle maintenance like regular oil and filter changes and checking spark plugs, gasoline choice plays a vital role in the cleanliness and performance of an engine. Making these smaller, daily choices can help you to drive your vehicle longer, keeping more money in your pocket down the road.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
