In one of the odder developments of the week, Bruce Springsteen is to be the subject of a scholarly conference. This happening event will take place September 9 at Monmouth Universty in West Long Brach, New Jersey. Mark Bernhard, who calls himself a "Springsteen nut" and who is a Penn State conference planner is the event organizer. He believes that more than 270 educators, music historians and plain ol' Springsteen fans will attend. Subjects to be droned on endlessly about include Springsteen's story telling techniques, the influence of his music on Roman Catholocism and how his appearances continued the reputation of New Jersey. There is no word on whether the Boss himself will appear to hear himself analyzed to a fare-thee-well. (By Scott Rose)