Do you toss and turn all night? Do you wake up multiple times after you fall asleep? Do you feel tired all day even after going to bed at a reasonable hour? Sleep is imperative to living a healthy and happy life. But despite how important sleep is to the human body, many people in Murfreesboro and around the world still don’t get all the sleep they need. Middle Tennessee Medical Center is hosting a talk on Thursday, May 26^th entitled “I Couldn’t Sleep at all Last Night!” This third installment of MTMC’s Her Health: Women’s Health Series is lead by Neurologist Dr. Oscar Mendez, a man who deals with sleep issues on a daily basis.

To Dr. Mendez, sleep is more than just a time for your body to rest. Sleep is a time for your body to heal and prepare for the next day. If you aren’t getting a proper night’s rest, you can suffer from poor cognitive and brain function, weight gain, and severely affected judgment. In fact, more car accidents a year are caused by sleep deprivation than by driving while intoxicated.

Some Americans don’t listen to their bodies when they are told that they need sleep. Other Americans just haven’t got enough time in their schedule for a proper night’s sleep. Even worse are the people who want to get the proper amount of sleep, but can’t. Everything from stress, to medication, to severe Sleep Apnea can keep you from getting a full night’s sleep.

Dr. Mendez has seen all the different reasons that keep us from getting the sleep we need, and this May he will be sharing those tips with the women of Rutherford County. They say that a woman’s work is never done, but without the sleep that you need all that work is sure to take a lot longer. It’s time to start living life with a clear perspective. If you struggle with being tired or not getting enough sleep, head to MTMC Thursday May 26th and learn how to take control of your sleep cycle. The talk starts at 7:30am and runs to 8:30am. Breakfast will be provided.

For more information visit MTMC at: www.mtmc.org

To RSVP for this event please call: 615-396-5557

MURFREESBORO, TN - Mary Esther Reed, owner of The Learning Circle, the South Church Street Educational Supplies retail store, has been selected for the cover of nationally distributed trade magazine, Educational Dealer.

The featured article, entitled “All the Right Moves”, was authored by Anya Harris and explores Reed’s aggressive changes to The Learning Circle since she acquired the store in 2002.

“During the interview with Anya, I started thinking about how these past few years have just flown by,” Reed explains. “The move from Memorial to South Church Street seemed to happen so fast, but it was good to sit down and assess where we’ve come from and to start thinking again about where we’re going.”

To fans of The Learning Circle, the conversation generally circles around a 115 square foot tree/play room in the middle of the store. The tree plays a starring role in the feature and accompanies Reed on the magazine’s cover.

“All the Right Moves” also explores Reed’s aggressive marketing strategy to assist long-time Learning Circle customers to feel comfortable about the store’s new location and to attract new audiences that would find the new location more accessible and convenient.

An excerpt of the article explains Reed’s strategic partnership with the community’s most visible institution, MTSU.

"One of her most successful marketing efforts was a partnership with Middle-Tennessee State University (MTSU) that rewarded local school students for earning good grades. Every child from a participating school who made honor roll received a voucher for admission to a MTSU football or basketball game on a particular day. A coupon for The Learning Circle, as one of the program’s sponsors, was featured at the bottom of each voucher. It was an effective and measurable way to attract customers, said Reed, and she will do it again.”

In fact, the November 27^th football home game against Florida Atlantic was this year’s Honor Roll Day at MTSU.

Reed was surprised when she was asked to be interviewed for a feature article. According to its web site, the magazine reaches 6,500 school supply buyers in its print edition. The article also appears online at EdDealerMagazine.com.

While the magazine is not generally available at retail outlets, the article can be found online at EdDealerMagazine.com.

Mary Esther Reed purchased The Learning Circle in 2002 and moved the store to its current location in 2008, increasing retail space dramatically.

For more information, contact Mary Esther Reed at 615-904-1082 or on the web at TheLearningCircleOnline.com.

Businesses sometimes forget how important basic communication services are to their survival, typically until something breaks. Whether it is a disconnected phone line or need for complete disaster recovery, a business cannot operate without the ability to communicate. Eagle Communications can help you not only stay connected, but they will help you find the best service and value for your dollar.

Ron Young has been in the communication industry for over 25 years. This veteran of phone service has seen the technology change, and has managed to adjust his company accordingly. Eagle Communications specializes in communication services and consulting, updating technology, retrieving data, educates on backing up, IT management and much more.

“I have made connections with all of the local companies to bring the best services to my clients,” explained Young. “I’ll bring you the best fit, so you don’t have to spend time searching for it. My whole goal is to help you do your job better.”

Eagle Communications also specializes in phone bill evaluation. Phone companies sometimes charge hidden fees and adjustments. Ron has gotten his clients as much as $400 in credit from phone and internet companies. He can negotiate your contract to reduce your monthly costs.

“Your communication services typically take up five to seven percent of  business costs,” said Young. “But they are responsible for 90 to 95 percent of your income.”

Ron is very involved throughout Murfreesboro, including The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Middle Tennessee State University. For the next 90 days, Eagle Communications is contributing 5% of profits from new clients to the MTSU Blue Raider Athletic Association.

Eagle Communications launched in 2004. In April of 2010, the business took a new consultation direction after seeing a need for it in Middle Tennessee.

The most recent launch of Eagle Communications is with one of their vendors, Cable Link Solutions. The two companies have begun offering Direct TV to apartment communities. With only one satellite dish, their technology is able to provide satellite television service to multiple apartment residents.

For more information on Eagle Communications, call Ron Young at (615) 752- 5495, or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This week’s local has proven that you can obtain a college degree at any time…even if it takes twenty years. Johnny King is a graphic designer who admits that you are never finished learning, and that’s what makes a successful business model.

JK Design Graphic Communications is a Murfreesboro based company that specializes in print design of all sorts, web design, book layout and design, and illustration. Check out Johnny's work at www.jkdesigngc.com.

Johnny first enrolled in Middle Tennessee State University in 1987 and received his diploma in 2007. He has always wanted to do the same thing, create beautiful and successful design.

“It is my responsibility as a designer to not put bad design into the world,” commented Johnny. “There is enough of that already.”

But do not be fooled, Johnny didn’t spend 20 years sitting in a classroom. Having many years experience in the publishing industry, he has skillfully learned how to manage the print business both behind a computer and in the field. He is proud to say that he has a wide skill set, making him both the suit and the nerd.

“I am able to handle every aspect of my business from copy writing to networking,” he laughed. “I love having no overhead.”

This active Chamber of Commerce member is striving to help other local businesses succeed in a world often cluttered with too many messages. Johnny works with a lot of start-up companies and helps to make sure they are not wasting money on poor marketing and graphic design.

“I have a tender place in my heart for anything independently owned,” explained Johnny. “I really want to help these businesses thrive.”

If you know someone you feel should be our featured local of the week, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

MURFREESBORO – The Mixed Martial Arts Club of MTSU had a huge success with their charity fight event on Saturday, February 6th. More than 4,500 fans showed their support for the growing sport at MTSU’s Murphy Center.

“Our goal was to have the biggest amateur fight in Tennessee,” said Anthony Gomez, president of The MMA Club. “We had record sales, and I want to thank all sponsors and fans for that.”

The night kicked off with a series of undercard fights. There were a number of competitors who were making their debut in the ring. Tom Adkins was the first champion of the evening.

“It feels great,” said Adkins, who has been training for about a year. “I want to thank my component for stepping in.”

Hunter Pierce was one competitor of the 13 main fights. With a 4-0 record, Pierce has been fighting six years. A submission fighter, Pierce’s fighting technique is to get his competitor to the ground and tap out.

“Basically, it means I can put anybody on the ground I want,” explained Pierce.

In order to train for a fight, Pierce spends months dieting, working out and watching videos of his opponent to learn his fighting style. For this particular fight, Pierce leaned down to 185 lbs from 245lbs over the course of a year. The day of the fight, he tries to take it easy by sleeping in and eating a lot of carbs.

The event also had a special appearance by UFC Hall of Famer, Ken Shamrock. Shamrock was the first ultimate fighter to enter the Hall of Fame, making him a real pioneer of the sport.

Shamrock began the night with a moment of silence honoring all of those Americans who live and fight overseas to help us live the lives we love. During intermission, he called all fans to the ring for pictures with him.

“I know these guys are pumped to be here, and I am pumped to be a part of this event,” said Shamrock. “One day, one person in this ring will wear that UFC championship belt,” he went on to say about the fighters.

The MMA Club of MTSU is a new organization, only having formed in September of 2009. “Guardian MMA is a sponsor of the club, but we are still looking for ways to really spread the word about us and get people involved,” explained Gomez.

If you know of an event you would like HobNobMurfreesboro to be a part of, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PHOTOS HERE!!

NEW CD RELEASE from Local Talent and Recording Artist Unita, Soars with songs of Dreams, Angels and Peace.

Through the Veils - 10th Anniversary Special Edition is a new, special edition release from singer/songwriter Unita, a crystalline voiced songstress often compared to Enya, Loreena McKennitt and Sarah McLachlan. Her successful original release with the same title became an International hit in the New Age genre and also did some crossover into contemporary music. Carol Wright with NAV said “Through the Veils is mouthwatering and soul-stirring. In essence, a gem….the real thing.” Now, a decade later, this special edition version will delight many with the crisp, clear sound of the re-mastering, the beautiful new packaging, and two bonus tracks of new music recorded by Unita.

This timeless collection of original music soars with Unita’s haunting and beautiful voice, accompanied by an intimate blend of piano, keyboards, layered vocals and ethereal textures. Dreams, Angels, Peace, Love… all themes of the gorgeous songs within that take the listener on a wondrous journey. Popular recording artists Joseph Akins (Masterpeace, Spirit Touch) and Herb Ernst (Dreamflight Trilogy, Bringers of the Dawn, Angels and Ecstasy) lend their piano and keyboard talents to this exceptional album of music. This album will surely touch a new generation of listeners as well as become a must-have collector’s item for her fans. Visit Unita's website for song clips, lyrics, ordering info and much more. http://www.unitasong.com. Through the Veils 10th Anniversary Special Edition is available now at Amazon.com and CD Baby.

What people are saying about Unita and Through the Veils -

"It was an hour of pure happiness listening to your amazing CD. WOW!! Your CD is a flawless jewel. BRAVO. You are really a music angel." -Yves, Aura Musick, Canada

Unita's music is so haunting and emotionally stirring! Crystal clear vocals with beautiful orchestration. Her music is in a class with Enya and Celtic Woman......exquisite.  4.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite! By L. Clark - A Fan on Amazon