Candlebox performs at 527 W. Main Street

Michael Jackson dies at 50

On Thursday, The L.A. Times reported that pop icon Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles mansion.

The L.A. Times said paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after receiving a phone call around 12:30 p.m. Paramedics found Jackson unconscious and not breathing. After trying to resuscitate him for more than 40 minutes, paramedics rushed Jackson to UCLA hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m.

An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on June 26 to find out the cause of death. More updates will follow the autopsy.

Los Angeles police said that they don't believe Jackson was a victim of "foul play" or was taking any medications that could have caused his death.

The death of a well known and loved musician is always tough, but Michael Jackson was and will forever be the king of pop music.

Growing up, my mother was a huge fan of Elvis and I would always argue with her about how Michael Jackson was better because at least he was still alive. I feel bad for that argument now, but Michael Jackson's legacy will live on, as well as his music.

Several of his songs have touched my life, and it's crucial that these songs are passed down to younger generations to love and enjoy too. He has inspired so many artists and musicians and provided his fans with hit after hit.

Rest in peace Michael.

Radio Show Playlist 6/26/09

Woman wakes up with 56 stars tattoed on her face

Kimberley Vlaminck, 18, went into a tattoo parlor to get three stars tattooed around her left eye but woke up to find 56 stars covering the left side of her face.

Telegraph.co.uk said Vlaminck said she fell asleep during the procedure and didn't feel anything until tattoo artist Rouslan Toumaniantz began tattooing a star on her nose.

"I cannot go out on to the street," Vlaminck said. "I am so embarrassed.

"I just look ugly, a freak, mutilated."

After the incident, the Vlaminck family filed a lawsuit and are seeking 9,000 euros to pay for laser surgery to remove the tattoos.

Toumaniantz said Vlaminck was awake for the whole procedure and is counter suing for 50 euros for the 56 stars.

"I did not hypnotise or dope her, as they say, it was with agreement," Toumaniantz said. "No way could I have tattooed so many stars on her face against her will."

Toumaniantz also said that there was no problem until Vlaminck's father came into the parlor and saw the tattoos on his daughter's face.

Basically, you have the classic case of teenage rebellion. The daughter clearly knew what she was getting on her face, and when her father became outraged she blamed the tattoo artist instead of taking the heat.

How could she not feel the discomfort of more than a hundred little needles entering her skin? It's not possible unless she was drugged, which is still a possibility. However, if this is the case then why hasn't the family gotten a drug test to back up their story? It certainly would improve their chances in court, so why not?

My guess is that the daughter is hiding something. She's playing the victim because she hates the tattoo that she most likely agreed to. Now she wants it removed but doesn't have the funds, so playing the victim seems like an appropriate move.

Well, I don't buy it, and I'm hoping a judge doesn't either. Yes, it is possible to pass out during a tattoo, but I highly doubt the artist would be able to tattoo 56 stars on someone unconscious without someone else noticing.

On June 23, Mailonline.co.uk reported that Vlaminck admitted to lying about the tattoos.

All the predictions of this girl lying are true.

Mailonline.co.uk said Vlaminck told a Dutch TV crew that she asked for the 56 stars and initially adored them.

"But when my father saw them, he was furious," Vlaminck said. "So I said I fell asleep and that the tattoist had made a mistake."

Despite all the turmoil that Vlaminck put Toumaniantz through, the tattoo artist said he has agreed to help pay for some of the laser surgery to remove the tattoos. He said his reasoning behind it was that he feels like his client isn't satisfied.

Toumaniantz also said he has learned his lesson and will seek written consent next time before working on a tattoo.

Apple creates new x-rated iPhone App

The iPhone has already sealed its' place in history but it might be remembered for something else after its' new and free application called MyVibe.

MyVibe is the first x-rated app and vibrator approved by Apple, Current.com said.

The device has an on/off button that is easily controlled and lets the user determine the amount of vibration he or she wants.

The app is limited in vibration but is supposed to be used to spice things up between partners when they can't be together.

I refuse to believe that Apple didn't take into consideration that hormonal and sex-driven teenagers might indulge in this application. It's actually surprising that an app like this is even available, considering the censors the American government places on sex and porn.

Does this mean that the app will have an age limit placed on it? If so, what if parents buy an iPhone for their son or daughter and the account is in their name?

There are limitless questions when it comes to this app and how long it will actually stay on the market. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it, but I give it a month or so before Apple recalls it.

This whole idea seems similar to the Harry Potter vibrating broom stick, except Apple fully acknowledges that this app should be used for pleasure. Yeah, you don't see those broomsticks anymore, do you?

Radio Show Playlist 6/19/09

Why PETA Is Upset With Obama For Swatting At A Fly

Wednesday, President Barack Obama swatted away a fly during an interview with CNBC at the White House and caused a media frenzy in doing so.

Quickly, members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals jumped on the issue and criticized Obama for killing a living organism. MSNBC.com said that PETA will be sending Obama a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside.

It's kind of absurd that PETA would feel so strongly about the president swatting away a fly, but perhaps Obama really angered them when he killed the fly. After the fly landed on his hand, he waited patiently and then used his other hand to squish the creature.

"We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."

As of now, the White House has no comment on the incident.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous because everyone has swatted at a fly. It's a natural reaction to block one's face when something is buzzing around it. Am I wrong?

If you think so then tell me. Comment below.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Your Pride

Summer is in full swing and it's time for some pride, Nashville Pride that is.

The LGBT festival is celebrating 21 years of pride in a big way. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Riverfront Park in Nashville, Tenn. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entertainment will include musical artists such as Lady Bunny, Atomic Blonde and headliner Deborah Cox.

Even though the festival doesn't begin until Saturday, events have been occurring all week. On June 17, Daisy Rae Welch hosted Family Feud night at Tribe in Nashville. Outloud also screened the documentary "Before Stonewall."

On Thursday, author Lamar Ariel met with fans at Outloud to promote his new book "Ready To Male."

Friday, June 19 Play hosted a Riveter Rock Women' s Music Festival. As a pre-pride concert, Play welcomed Laura Hildebrandt to the stage at 11 p.m.

Pride events will continue through June 26 when comedian Lisa Lampanelli is scheduled to perform at Ryman Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be bought in advance or at the door.

All events are open to everyone, depending on age for certain venues.

Bonnaroo 2009 Playlist

Radio Show Playlist for June 12

Gender identity bill stirs debate in SGA

Student Government Association senator and vice president of MT Lambda, Brandon Thomas, recently proposed that SGA add "gender identity and expression" under Article 2, Section 2 of the SGA constitution.

As of now, the constitution has a non-discrimination policy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students on campus, but hasn't recognized the basic rights of gender identity and expression.

Perhaps the problem is that many people are unaware of what gender identity is. Gender identity is how a person identifies him/herself when referring to gender. Also, gender identity isn't always directly linked to sexual orientation.

As discussions continue, a common response to this bill may revolve around the fact that there is already something in the constitution for LGBT students and adding gender identity and expression will only make the policy more "redundant."

I don't see how it will make anything redundant because being homosexual, bisexual or transgender is not the same as gender identity. Open minds and a dictionary might help representatives know the difference.

Every student deserves to be protected and not discriminated against. If a student is hassled about being gay and it starts to affect his/her education, the student has a policy to back up his/her case.

Right now gender identity students do not have that luxury.

SGA's responsibility is to represent the students and listen to ideas and suggestions they may have. The first introduction on the mtsu.edu/sga Web site even says that SGA is the voice for the student body. Therefore, if the student body wants equal rights for gender identity individuals then SGA representatives should take the time to understand the difference between gender identity and homosexuality before brushing it off and calling it "redundant."

If the bill passes through SGA twice then it will become a referendum that students will be able to vote on during Homecoming this fall.

Have an opinion on this issue? Voice it here.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know Radio Playlist for June 5

Here is the playlist for this week.
If you want to hear a specific song next week then post the title and artist in a comment below. Thanks!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know Why Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss

Tune in to 88.3 FM Murfreesboro

This week's news topic is about a new book and documentary titled "Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss." The book and film are about female Canadian teens who trade sex for money, drugs and apparently homework. The overall consensus of the film is how oral sex has become more acceptable and isn't considered sex by teenagers.

However, the film also talks in depth about teen prostitution and how the girls becoming involved are from wealthy suburban homes. Apparently, children as young as 11 are turning to prostitution for money. But if these young girls are from rich households then why do they need to turn to prostitution? Things don't seem to add up here, so I'm guessing that they are seeking attention and a chance to be the most popular girl in school with the guys. Lame.

Some girls may take on the role of a prostitute, but others find themselves stepping into the shoes of a pimp. They call themselves girl recruiters. They become good friends with girls and then trade them to men for money and/or drugs.

Things sure have changed since I was in high school...

"Glee" Podcast with Dustin Evans

I sit down with Assistant News Editor Dustin Evans to discuss the impact of the pilot episode of "Glee." Dustin shares his opinion on the musical score, broadway actors and storyline. View the full Sidelines "Glee" review online at MTSUSidelines