Tennesseans favor U.N. war support

Though Tennesseans would like to see Saddam Hussein defeated, they are hesitant to see the United States act without the participation or approval of others, according to findings in the new MT Poll. A majority (56 percent) favors sending ground troops to remove Hussein "when the question is asked in the abstract." The favorable percentage rises to nearly three-fourths (74 percent) if the U.N. supports the move, but to less than a majority (38 percent) with U.N. opposition.

For the complete MT Poll, log on to http://www.mtsu.edu/~mtpoll. Contact Dr. Robert Wyatt, poll director, at 615-477-8389, or Dr. Ken Blake, associate director, at 615-210-6187.

Media peek this morning

Media are invited to visit the new MTSU Tennessee Miller Coliseum starting at 10 a.m. today for an early look, interviews with coliseum personnel, and a tour of the facilities. Today's official grand opening festivities will begin with public tours at 5:30 p.m. The 222,000 sq.-ft. coliseum is located at 304-B West Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro. Remarks will be at 7:00, followed by the "Symphony of Horses" and performance by the Murfreesboro Philharmonic Orchestra at 7:30. For a brief history and specs on the coliseum, contact News and Public Affairs. Media welcomed. Please call first if you're coming this morning.

For more information and directions, contact the NPA office at 615-898-2919. Visit http://www.tnhorsecouncil.com.

Dixie Chicks

Some radio stations have boycotted The Dixie Chicks because of anti-Bush remarks made by Chick Natalie Maines. Most country radio listeners probably feel that entertainers like The Dixie Chicks should remain silent on hot news issues, says Dr. Paul Fischer, associate professor, recording industry. "Radio stations announcing poll results, boycotts, and destruction of Dixie Chicks' music are just doing what's good for their businesses, riding the pre-war wave of nationalist pride to higher ratings. It seems a shame to me that so many still think nationalism and patriotism are synonyms." It's important that celebrities, like ordinary citizens, be heard, Fischer adds.

Contact Fischer at 615-898-5470.
pfischer@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA: CHANGE OF LOCATION: The venue for the upcoming 14th Annual Volunteer Horse Fair, March 21-23, has been moved to MTSU's Tennessee Livestock Center. (Originally it was to be held at the new Tennessee Miller Coliseum, but inclement weather prevented the completion of certain areas in the new facility.) Friday and Saturday events ($10 admission each day) will begin at 9 a.m.; Sunday ($5) will begin with non-denominational worship at 9 a.m. A weekend pass is $20. For more information, call 615-297-3200. Media welcomed