TimesFreePress.com Blogs

Magee Blog: Freedom from oppression

I will admit to struggling with what to make of the day each year that we celebrate our national independence.

Young: Make it France, Petty, Pearson, Earnhardt and Johnson

The first inductees into the new NASCAR Hall of Fame will be announced in October, and until then will come some serious debate.

Magee Blog: On the road with the MoonPie man

On this weekend of national freedom, I’m finding myself individually bound in a crowded car driving to Charleston. Fortunately, family is along for the ride, so it is cause for celebration.

Hargis: TSSAA addresses heat fears

It has become a chilling certainty. Each summer as high school football practice begins, those of us who follow the sport closely hold our collective breath and hope this will be the year that no one succumbs to the blistering heat.

Bad 80’s Music for the 4th of July

What do the Beach Boys, Kiss and China Crisis have in common? Well, in my opinion, they all three have some great songs in their musical catalogs. But more importantly, they all released some really, really bad music in the 80’s. The Beach Boys issued a horrible album called Keepin’ the Summer Alive, which featured this awful song called When Girls Get Together. KISS released their most critically-lauded album called Crazy Nights, which featured My Way.

Wiedmer: Is Candace Parker raising a future Laker?

On the face of it, the following three news stories from Wednesday would appear to have little in common:

Celebrate Food Independence Day

The Eat Fresh, Eat Local campaign continues nationwide.

3 Inventors Of The Warm And Fuzzy

This week in the column I take a look at the softer side of tech, those sweet things in life that technology makes possible.

Hamilton County leaders support industry announcement

Thursday's Hamilton County Commission meeting began a little later than usual because Mayor Claude Ramsey and nearly all of the county commissioners were at a ceremony announcing a major Volkswagen supplier was coming to Chattanooga.

Wiedmer: Fling has chance to get home

Mark July 13 on your calendars. That's the day Chattanooga attempts to regain custody of the baby it birthed 15 years ago before a bunch of charlatans from Memphis stole her away.

Greeson: Where there's Smoke there's coolness now

Tony Stewart has sped throughout all aspects of his career with the same heavy-footed, carefree-bordering-on-careless approach that has made him a championship driver in everything with wheels.

Hargis: Ooltewah's Smith helping recruit more Vols

Jacques Smith already has a summer job, one that allows him to put a little money in his pocket before turning his attention to his senior season with the Ooltewah High School football program. But Smith also has taken on the added chore of an unofficial recruiter for the University of Tennessee, hoping to help the Vols pocket a few more prep All-Americans.

Sizzlin’ Tunes for the Heat of Summer

This may be my favorite mix of music to date. I have for you this week: the Ventures, Nite Jewel, Ganglians, The Oh Sees, Disrupt, St. Vincent and a few more. Most of these tracks share a common theme of being completely infectious earworms. I included the Ventures as a tribute to the group’s lead guitarist, Bob Bogle, who passed away a few weeks ago. Enjoy the mix and let me know what you think.

Wiedmer: Smith happy to be out of NBA draft

Tyler Smith was in the Memphis airport last week, waiting for a connecting flight to Fort Worth, Tex., to visit his mother.

Buy Fresh Buy Local is an eye opener

I’ve become quite impressed with restaurateur’s responses to the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign.

Social Networks Explained

This week in the column I discuss Opera Unite, Google Wave and the new Flip camcorder software.

Fewer 6th-graders transferring from public to private

The number of rising sixth-graders transferring from public schools to private schools is declining, Hamilton County Commissioner Richard Casavant said Wednesday.

Hargis: No gift quite enough for Daddy today

Whether ties or wallets, coffee mugs or fishing poles, most of us fortunate enough to still have our fathers struggled this past week to find the right gifts.

Young: NASCAR right to seek help globally

Sometimes the best opportunities come about in the most trying of times.

Young: Leaner NASCAR can be better in long run

Cutbacks are coming in NASCAR, but that may not be such a bad thing.

Happy Birthday, Casey Phillips!

Casey Phillips, our own wee-little music/entertainment reporter for the Times Free Press, is turning 24-years-old this coming Saturday. I thought it would be fun (probably not for him) to invite him up to play a few tunes and talk about himself for a while. It is his birthday after all. On this week’s MUSICcast, we’ll hear Casey perform a few songs, including the song that got him excited about Celtic music in general. Sit back, strap in and prepare for an onslaught of the one, the only Casey Lyons Phillips.

Wiedmer: TSSAA classification changes still a work in progress

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletics Association must be mightily impressed with the quality of the state's education system. Otherwise it would never have instituted a new football playoff format that only Einstein or Bill Gates could decipher.

Wander up Signal to Sweet Gipsy Bakeshop Cafe

I love bakeries, and I love cafes, so Sweet Gipsy Bakeshop Cafe had the potential to double my pleasure as I savored the flavors from this charming eatery on Signal Mountain.

Coast to coast cleanliness

I have no qualms about admitting I’m an avid “Coast to Coast A.M.” listener.

Savvy kitchen consumers seeking out used appliances

If the chill is gone from your refrigerator and the microwave has lost its zip, maybe it's time for new appliances.

Trends lead to farmers markets

Main Street Farmers Market is a dynamic new produce/meat market that emphasizes local foods and their importance on the economy. This week, the market will sponsor a series of events promoting the local food economy.

Exact amounts, sizes for recipes are a great help

Good morning readers. Today we're passing on some requests from a recent conversation:

On The Menu

On Where: Easy Bistro, 203 Broad St.

3 cell phones compared

In the column today I look at some more of your recent email questions.

BLOG: Bono no phony, was great for UTC

It was about this time three years ago that my relationship with Chris Bono really began.

Young: Busch does stir up flavor for NASCAR

I have a confession to make. The full intention of this column was to bash Kyle Busch for his awful Pete Townshend impersonation at the Nashville track last weekend. However, after researching the incident, and after reading what fellow writers and fans have said, I've changed my tune.

Young: Applaud NASCAR's tree-planting program

Rarely is "NASCAR and clean air" mentioned in the same sentence. Yet after NASCAR officials announced the "NASCAR Green Clean Air" program Friday, that can start to change.

BLOG: What the smart people are wearing this year at Bonnaroo

Veteran Bonnaroo attendees know three things about the festival: There is no shade, it's going to rain, and the music will be world class.

New Music For Your Ears

This week has some notable new releases from some noteworthy artists. On this week’s MUSICcast we’ll hear samples of new music from Clues (featuring members of Arcade Fire), Deerhunter, Grizzly Bear, Steve Earle and a great new band called Cave. This is a rockin’ summer mix I hope you enjoy.

Hargis: Cookeville jumps on 'Boro fumble

There was stunned silence for several seconds after the TSSAA Board of Control voted Wednesday to award Cookeville a two-year contract to host the BlueCross Bowl.

UT BLOG: About last night

o, about last night...

A diet that is sure to work

I recently read a story at www.cnn.com about foods you can eat to help lose fat.

Bing, Microsoft's new search engine

Today in the column we present a tech fairy tale of sorts, featuring Microsoft and Google.

Young: Is Knaus not sharing with other Hendrick crew chiefs?

Here’s a question that has no real tangible answer: Are NASCAR teams racing under the same management really equal?

Wiedmer: Scenic City is softball gem for recruiting

Taylor Harris is a still a year away from a regular roster spot on the Fury Fastpitch 16-under softball team. A rising sophomore at Girls Preparatory School, the catcher will spend most of this summer on the Fury’s 14-under squad.

Attorney pay questions hold up commission

Hamilton County Commission proceedings had to pause briefly Wednesday as commissioners waited to find out just how much the county was paying an attorney under contract.

Young: NASCAR’s new restart plan intriguing

What’s your take on the new NASCAR rule that calls for double-file restarts?

Riverbend ‘09 is Here!

Well, after months of anticipation and trepidation (what?) we begin the annual Riverbend Festival on Chattanooga’s scenic riverfront. On this week’s MUSICcast, Casey Phillips and I will discuss what we’re looking forward to this year. It should be a great event and I hope you enjoy it. I know I will...despite the heat.

A pretty tart never fails to delight

A pretty tart never fails to delight and are so pretty when garnished with fresh berries or slices of your favorite fruit and make a great dessert for spring and summer.

Tiny URLs

This week in the column I examine several new tech stories and developments for you, including the upcoming Microsoft Zune player.

Remembering characters from the 80s

G. I. Joe and Transformers were both ’80s television series specifically made to sell their toy lines, a slightly different path from the comics-turned-movies like “X-men,” “Spiderman,” “Hulk” and that ilk.

Young: NASCAR finally starting to open lines of communication

It didn’t catch a lot of publicity, but one of the most interesting stories from a wet weekend in Charlotte were a pair of town hall meetings NASCAR officials held with its owners and drivers.

Councilwoman Scott votes ‘no’ on spending

Councilwoman Deborah Scott voiced two big “nos” during the City Council meeting Tuesday night, voting against an ordinance and a resolution that would have spent money for handicap-accessible playground equipment.

Young: Hendrick’s finally forced to fix Earnhardt situation

Rick Hendrick finally pulled the trigger, and now we’ll get to see just how proficient the ultra-successful owner/businessman is at crisis management.

An Introduction to Bruce Cockburn

This week’s MUSICcast is an introduction to one of my favorite singer/songwriters. Bruce Cockburn (pronounced CO-BURN) is a guitarist and songwriter from Canada. His body of work is 26 full-length albums strong, yet he remains somewhat of an obscurity in the United States. Many of his songs are political or spiritual in context (Bruce is a Christian), but all are filtered through the mind of a consummate poet . This MUSICcast will feature a few songs from his 1984 album “Stealing Fire” and a few songs from a 1993 concert. Enjoy.

Hargis: Colquette comes home to Marion

JASPER, Tenn. — More addictive than any drug is the adrenaline shot that is being part of Friday night football.

Wiedmer: Who’s in charge of these guys?

So Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive took his football coaches to the woodshed, did he? Threw all 5-9, 170 pounds of himself into every word he said — Slive’s description — did he? Basically said that membership in the SEC is as much responsibility as privilege.

Real-time problems and advantages compared

This week in the column I update you on a few current tech stories.

Wiedmer: Nuggets stir White memories

Willie White briefly turned back the clock last Wednesday afternoon at Sharp Manufacturing in Memphis.

Commission takes on businesses outside proper zones

Hamilton County commissioners on Wednesday passed a resolution aimed at cracking down on commercial operations in agricultural and residential zones, specifically those that sell produce.

Young: Haas’ latest business risk turns golden with Stewart

Gene Haas hasn’t always made the best business decisions, but his decision to turn over co-ownership in his NASCAR Sprint Cup team to Tony Stewart has proven to be pure gold.

Looking forward to Nightfall

Chattanooga’s Nightfall concert-series is set to begin this evening in Miller Park downtown.

Hargis: Voges goes from coach to just a proud dad

MURFREESBORO, TENN. — Eric Voges stepped onto the tennis courts at Middle Tennessee State University looking to help guide McCallie to its fourth straight Division II-AA state championship.

Braly: Restaurant chili still fits the bill for summer

It seems like a strange time of year to talk about chili when ice cream seems more in sync with the season. Nonetheless, reader Jim Yarbrough, who apparently enjoys a good cup of chili any time of year, sent recommendations for his two favorite places to find it.

Description-modern search technologies

In the column this week I expound on an old country saying that has much meaning in modern technology.

Wiedmer: Sandberg still loves to learn

Mention No. 23 to anyone only mildly familiar with Chicago professional sports heroes and they’ll no doubt focus on His Airness, Michael Jordan.

Volkswagen’s bucking economic trend makes NPR

Chattanooga made national news Friday morning when National Public Radio highlighted Volkswagen as going against the grain of other auto companies operating right now.

Stewart shows stuff

CONCORD, N.C. — Tony Stewart won his first race as a team owner Saturday night, breaking through for a $1 million payday with a victory in the annual All-Star race.

Young: Mayfield mystery is a disservice

Jeremy Mayfield is a drug user. Unfortunately, we don’t know what he did to earn that label. A week after it was announced he tested positive for a “banned substance” and thus suspended indefinitely, the mystery surrounding Mayfield and NASCAR’s silence has grown.

Young: Martin enjoying ‘second childhood’

Boy, is Mark Martin having fun or what?

Hargis: Inspirational area athletes are moving on

Certainly one of the great benefits of my job, and probably the aspect I treasure the most, is the relationships I’ve developed with coaches and athletes in our community over a 20-year period.

New Music Rundown from Studio ‘99

Sure, you can keep your Hootie & the Blowfish albums and your Led Zeppelin in the car for summertime jamming, but why not delve deeper and search for some new music to be the soundtrack of your Summer. Here’s where I come In. This week’s MUSICcast features some great new tunes from some excellent new albums...and one older album that was recently reissued.

Food: Cilantro haters unite

Apparently my dislike of cilantro is more well known than I had thought.

Ebooks and Ebook readers

This week in the column we track some new tech happenings for you.

Young: Busch harnessing his focus to go with his special talent

Want to know the secret to Kyle Busch’s success?

Hamilton County clerk’s office plans August update

Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles said that his office, and every other clerk’s office in Tennessee, will be closed Aug. 13 and 14 so his staff and others can install the state’s new car title and registration computer system.

Martinez muzzles Lookouts

The Chattanooga Lookouts couldn’t touch Cristhian Martinez in the first five innings, and by the time they actually got a couple of hits, it was going to take about a dozen to get back in the game.

Wiedmer: Reed proves a successful motivator

Frank Reed doesn’t do calm well. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball coach normally paces the dugout with Tabasco in his veins.

Young: Martin was just making sure he still could compete

Though it was hardly a surprise when Mark Martin announced this week that he would drive the full 2010 season for Hendrick Motorsports, listening to the driver’s comments makes you wonder if it was really a done deal all along.

A Warren Zevon Primer

I did a Richard Thompson primer as a MUSICcast several months ago and this time I thought it would interesting to introduce or reintroduce you to another favorite of mine, Warren Zevon. We lost Warren in 2004 but his personality lives on in songs like “werewolves of London” and “ Ronald the headless Thompson gunner.” Check out this mix of live Zevon and let me know what you think about this great artist.

Predictions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be

The first of every January, it seems as if every top chef and food Web site tries to figure out what food trends will take place in the coming year.

Return of vinyl

This week in the column I take a look at how some underdogs have triumphed using technology.

Young: Talladega’s excitement could have been horrible

Talladega certainly added a new level of excitement to the 2009 Sprint Cup season, eh?

Election panel asks for text of Littlefield recall petition

The Hamilton County Election Commission sent local recycling advocate Frank DePinto back to the drawing board Monday to work on his recall petition for Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield.

Return of the New Binkley Brothers to Studio ‘99

The New Binkley Brothers are possibly my favorite local band. They pay homage to the music of our region, but do so in a young, fresh and ultimately modern way. Matt Downer, Clark Williams & Daniel Binkley are talented musicians who are welcome in Studio ‘99 anytime. On this week’s MUSICcast, we have a few songs from a 2-hour session recorded in Studio ‘99 at the Times Free Press.

Hargis: Sands says Kiffin better fit at college level than in NFL

One of the good things about being 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds is that you don’t have to tiptoe around questions. So when former Howard star and current Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands is asked to speak his mind on any subject, he doesn’t worry about being politically correct or whose feelings he’s going to hurt.

Lambo lifts Lookouts

The Chattanooga Lookouts and Huntsville Stars were on pace to play all Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Some new condiments add pizzazz to regular sandwiches

Tired of plain old mustard and mayonnaise and yearning for some new condiments for your sandwiches?

Upcoming cell phones

This week in the column I cover a variety of new tech stories.

Stars hold off Lookouts for a 5-4 win

Before Saturday night’s game at AT&T Field, Chattanooga Lookouts first baseman Russ Mitchell admitted the “it’s still early” explanation is running out of time.

Young: After RCR switch, Hendrick could hire Evernham for 88

Is Richard Childress pushing an early panic button, or is the switching of crews between drivers Kevin Harvick and Casey Mears just the thing the teams need to get going?

Wiedmer: Area 4 event gives special thrills again

Blind since birth, Shelley Williams couldn’t see the finish line. So she ran right past it, a blue blur in her matching T-shirt and shorts.

Mayor, Council inaugurated before election results OK’d

Mayor Ron Littlefield and the City Council were inaugurated Monday, one week before the Hamilton County Election Commission certified the results.

BLOG: Colemangate could haunt Vols all season

As to precisely what was said between new Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin and departing quarterback B.J. Coleman during their closed-door meeting Thursday, Coleman is taking the high road.

The Essential Listening Project

Our own staff writer/entertainment reporter, Casey Phillips, has embarked on a journey to obtain a greater knowledge of music.

Barrett: If Kathleen says so!

OK, so you live in a state with a U.S. senator who isn’t sure whether he’ll vote to confirm a controversial nominee to a top spot in the Justice Department. The nominee, Dawn Johnsen, thinks opposing abortion is like supporting slavery.

BLOG: State wrestling move seems like a good one

It will be odd next year, not having the traditional state wrestling tournament in Chattanooga. It won’t be the same as I drive from a hotel to an agricultural center in Franklin to do my thing.

Twitter, the microblog service

This week in the column I look again at some recent happenings in tech.

Freedom: just another word

You first, Jackie

GOP asserts authority on Election Commission

With its new Republican majority, the Hamilton County Election Commission voted Tuesday to drop its existing handbook for employees and put employees under the county’s employee handbook.

Young: Logano’s talent is evident, but Cup racing is difficult

This is not what Joey Logano had in mind, though in a way it’s what he should have expected.

Wiedmer: Volunteers fans excited about Kiffin

KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee’s Fan Day was still two hours away, which meant the Orange and White spring game was still nearly six hours from kickoff. Since this was a Saturday, even a respectable number of roosters were likely wearing out their snooze buttons.

BLOG: UT offensive coordinator Q&A

KNOXVILLE — This pre-Orange and White game blog excerpts a 20-minute interview with first-year University of Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.

BLOG: Monte Kiffin Q&A

KNOXVILLE — This one of three pre-Orange and White game blogs is an excerpt of Thursday morning’s 20-minute interview with University of Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

BLOG: Montoya quietly becoming a contender

Is this the year one of the world’s best race drivers begins to show it on the NASCAR Sprint Cup level?

BLOG: Tennessee depth chart released

KNOXVILLE — This one of the three pre-Orange and White game blogs is a look at the Tennessee football team’s current depth chart, which was released Thursday.

Depression-Era Song Review

No, I’m not making a playlist to signify we’re about to be thrust into another Great Depression. Nor am I suggesting that our current economic situation is anything like it was in the 1930’s. This playlist is, simply, a look back at some great songs from a very sad time in American history.

It’s not just the cows that are sick — our laws are too

It’s hard to believe that with all the recent deaths and illnesses related to ground beef tainted with E. coli and to peanut butter products, not to mention last year’s tomato scares, that laws regarding food safety haven’t been updated in 70 years.

Young: Racing would be more fun with more short tracks, Earnhardt suggests

Seven races in, some usual and not so usual suspects are at the top of the Sprint Cup standings. Storylines are popping at an amazing rate.

Local recycling advocate wants recall of Littlefield

Frank DePinto, a Chattanooga resident and recycling advocate, is trying to oust Mayor Ron Littlefield just weeks after the mayor was elected for a second term.

Yay Sun, Boo Snow!

Seriously, why is Spring being such a wuss? 70 degrees one day, then the next it’s literally freezing. Thank goodness there is still some great music to be had out there. This week’s MUSICcast is a look at some of my favorite “new” music that has been released recently.

Barrett: Silence on violence

In February 2008, the Times Free Press ran a news article on the silence from the Hamilton County school system regarding serious incidents in local schools, including rioting at Tyner Academy and youths trespassing with a loaded gun at the Howard School of Academics and Technology. It was two weeks before the Tyner riot was publicly disclosed. The gun incident was kept quiet almost a week.

Blog: Express Yourself: Trust Me “Takes it the Bridge” to Close Season One

These artists locked in and cruised, lost in the work and the sweat and the synchronicity of minds and bodies moving in harmony, exchanging information, feeding one another, intuitively, sensually, until finally reaching another plane where time and space feel transcended and we begin to . . .

Mind map

This week in the column I explore a few new trends in the tech area, including a unique print solution.

Blog: Hard to see UNC losing

As I sit in my hotel room this afternoon watching the snow literally blow sideways and next to no one on the sidewalks or roads, it occurred to me that perhaps I should explain who’s going to win tonight’s national championship game between North Carolina and Michigan State.

Wiedmer: Hard to see UNC losing

Carolina looks good for NCAA title

NASCAR blog: Sprint Cup banquet moving to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is adding another huge NASCAR event to its portfolio next year, but it’s not exactly what Bruton Smith had in mind.

Police chief says crime fight is neighborhood responsibility

Chattanooga Police Chief Freeman Cooper reiterated Friday that crime is not out of control.

Epps: Looking on the bright side as Braves open 2009

So I was sitting in my mother’s basement the other day, poring over baseball projections for the upcoming season and really nerding it up as I ate a bowl of Kix. You’ve really got to enjoy this time of year — the NCAA tournament is the best three weeks in sports, baseball is about to start, we’ve got our college football fix and I’m almost certain hockey is going on.

Young: Auto manufacturers’ woes threaten NASCAR finances

With apologies to the thousands of American automobile manufacturers whose careers are on the line, the news out of Washington this week will likely change NASCAR as we know it.

Due Panic stops by Studio ‘99

This week’s MUSICcast features Asheville, NC’s Due Panic. This 3-piece outfit has been described as atmospheric and ethereal. There is a heavy dose of pop sensibility as well. This is good stuff. Listen to the podcast online and find out more about Due Panic at their website: duepanic.com.

Trust Me: Blog - The Long and Winding Road . . . that Leads to Latrobe

Got gout? Beef's out

Ever since my husband was diagnosed with gout, I’ve been trying to pay more attention to his diet.

Notes From Tech Council Speech

This week in the column I review a few new happenings in the tech world.

Young: Hendrick gives Earnhardt’s team a push

Kyle Busch isn’t a man of many words, but when he does speak, we in the media tend to listen. The 23-year-old has a knack for authoring great sound bites.

Barrett: Fun with media bias

There was hilarity aplenty when the Media Research Center hosted its annual gala recently and offered its usual scalding critique of the liberal media.

District 9 council candidates support McDaniel in runoff

Three candidates who ran in the District 9 City Council race to replace Debbie Gaines have endorsed J.T. McDaniel, according to a news release.

Wiedmer: Louisville’s Crum would be a great model for Fulmer

Thirty years coaching in the same major college program. National championship hardware won. Eventually fired, but asked to hang around by the school president.

Epps: Bama’s Moore is a winner again in SEC coaching flurry

The Southeastern Conference discovered a method to remain relevant during the NCAA tournament: Just start firing and hiring coaches. Take that, Big East.

BLOG: NFL gives NASCAR cause to make Daytona even more special

This is an opportunity NASCAR cannot ignore.

Barrett: No Moe

For sheer laugh power, no current or past TV comedy can match “The Three Stooges.” (Naturally, I am excluding the loathsome “Joe” episodes.)

Wiedmer: Obama joke doesn’t faze special duo

Thursday afternoon at Holiday Bowl Brainerd, Leslie “The Locomotive” Burnett was on Lane 38 and Susan “The Surgeon” Turner was on Lane 37.

Spring Has Sprung Despite the Rain

Well, this week’s MUSICcast was supposed to be a celebration of Spring with sunshine, puppies (?), love and things green. Unfortunately, the dark clouds moved in mid-week and put a damper on what was, up to that point, a beautiful first few days of Spring. Despite the weather, I’d still like to share with you some of favorite “springy” songs.

Brown Bag Diary

One of the simplest and easiest made-at-home meals you can whip up is a smoothie.

Rucker: UT offense disappointing, defense pleasing

KNOXVILLE — Several of us media types were surprised two weeks ago, when coach Lane Kiffin stood at Haslam Field moments after his first University of Tennessee football practice and praised his offense’s execution.

Orange you glad for orange juice?

Next time you grab a bag or oranges or a carton of orange juice, try some of these ideas that came my way from the Florida Department of Citrus.

Tips for recording audio

This week in the column I answer more of your email questions.

Bredesen keeps ‘em laughing

At an event Friday when Volkswagen executives announced $5 million in grants for Tennessee education, Gov. Phil Bredesen brought jokes.

Lawmakers sound off on AIG bonuses

Tennessee and Georgia lawmakers were universal in their outrage over the $165 million in bonuses handed out by bailed-out insurer AIG, but they had different ideas on how to handle the situation.

Junior wants video of Earnhardt Sr.’s 1979 Bristol win

Dale Earnhardt won his first NASCAR race 30 years ago at Bristol Motor Speedway, and his namesake son wishes he had a video of the monumental race.

BLOG: Marcus Smith’s academic credentials an overblown issue

Someone sent me an e-mail Friday wondering why the media isn’t making a big deal out of the news that Lowe’s Motor Speedway president Marcus Smith does not have a college degree.

BLOG: Big-city distractions lead to upsets

Just some quick thoughts on the NCAA men’s tournament games, because I missed most of them due to the women’s news conferences:

NCAA Women’s tourney blog: A lone Volunteer representative in Chattanooga

Teams ready for first round at McKenzie Arena

BLOG: Foul calls limit UTC’s chance at a big punch

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga basketball coach John Shulman was called for a technical foul with 3:45 to go in the first half against Connecticut. He probably deserved it, in light of Shulman and his excitability.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival in Studio ‘99

Have you ever been or hear of a hootenanny? Well, if not, let me tell you about it: a hootenanny is a gathering of musicians with various instruments and talent levels, typically at a location like ..say...a porch. The musicians get together and just play and have a good time, solely for the enjoyment of that single moment in time.

Barrett: Media Research Center's gala Thursday night in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- OK, so there's something ironic about the fact that Mick Jagger's "Start Me Up" was playing as conservative critics of the liberal media gathered in Washington on Thursday evening for the Media Research Center's annual DisHonors Awards for the most biased journalism of 2008. Mr. Jagger's support of conservative causes is, shall we say, limited.

Epps: NCAA tournament Day 1, take 1

12:15: You’re looking live into my apartment, and we’re getting started with LSU-Butler called by Jim Nantz and...Clark Kellogg! Normally, Nantz would be joined by a curmudgeon that even the strongest anti-depressants would fail against. But Billy Packer has other interests — according to Wikipedia, he hired a psychic to find the weapon in the O.J. murder case and plays golf courses in reverse, from green to tee. It’s on Wikipedia, so you know it’s true.

The DisHonors Awards

No pies will be thrown. No speaker will be drowned out by infantile protesters.

Trust Me: Blog - Double your pleasure, double your fun . . . chew on two

Sure, the economy’s not so chipper, the AIG guys are soaking us and the conflict in Afghanistan is showing signs of becoming the Forty Years War. But cheer up, Bunky! Sensing our collective national malaise, just this past evening the Entertainment gods have smiled upon us with not one—but two rousing hours of the new advertising-based TNT drama “Trust Me!”

Test your knowledge of olive oil

Crisco has a new line of olive oils, and there’s one for every need — pure olive oil, extra-virgin and light olive oils.

Barrett: Naive and misguided

A McClatchy Newspapers column about war begins thus: “An urgent call to protect nature in the midst of violence and loss of human life may seem naive or misguided.”

Problems with automated systems

In the column this week I look at several diverse trends that may combine at some point with others to change the tech landscape.

Chattanooga: Brooks raises questions about mounted patrol

Hamilton County Commissioner John Allen Brooks wondered aloud Thursday just who would be footing the bill for liability insurance for the new mounted patrol in the sheriff’s office.

Alexander says Obama juggling too many things

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said President Barack Obama may have proved adept at multitasking so far, but now’s the time for the president to buckle down and focus on one issue: banking.

BLOG: Kurt Busch, Penske are relevant again, for now

Is Kurt Busch a serious title threat, or is this just one of those times each year he seems to come alive, only to fall back into obscurity?

A Listen to Some New Music with the Earmonkeys

March is roaring in like a lion with lots of new music being released. On this MUSICcast, we’ll take a listen to some brand-new tunes. A set list is below. Drop me a line if you enjoy what you hear or have any music we should check out.

The Tetley Rebellion

Mindy McAlindon, a Franklin, Tenn., mother of three, thinks President Obama needs a history lesson on what happens when rulers plunder their people with confiscatory taxes and spend money that is not theirs to spend.

BROWN BAG DIARIES

Below are some recipes that can easily be divided into single servings and frozen.

Blog: "Trust me" Well-behaved hair meets misbehaving ad guys

As the level of advertising in all media has grown (and the attention span for them has shortened), advertisers willing to pay for having products appear within actual content, including movies, has become commonplace.

A good reason to celebrate all things Irish

About 36.5 million U.S residents claim Irish ancestry, more than eight times the population of Ireland, according to the makers of Kerrygold, the Irish-based maker of milk, butter and cheese.

Local Tennessee high school baseball starts with a bang

Pardon Brady Reed if he was late to school this morning.

Loss Of A Newspaper Means Loss Of Soul

This week in the column I discuss the relevance of newspapers in the Internet dominated world.

BLOG: Surprising number of empty seats for the final

In McKenzie Arena, less than five minutes before tipoff of the Southern Conference basketball championship, there must be an auto accident downtown or a lot of people plan on showing up at halftime.

Vols look to be in but need to recover from late stumble

Two weeks ago, I think most University of Tennessee men’s basketball coaches, players and fans would have taken a 3-1 record in the Volunteers’ final four regular-season games.

Rucker: Childress much appreciated even not playing much

KNOXVILLE — Raise your hand if you saw Ryan Childress’s career heading down this path two years ago?

Wiedmer: Mocs keep it close, trying to keep it fun

John Shulman wanted to stay positive. That’s his nature. It has been ever since he took over as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s head basketball coach five years ago.

Clark endorses McGary in District 8 runoff

Not long after Chattanooga City Council candidate Dennis Clark was officially out of the race for the District 8 seat, he threw his support behind runoff candidate Andraé McGary.

BLOG: Better tires are part of engine problems

Goodyear just can’t catch a break. Outside of a pre-race issue at Daytona, the tire manufacturer obviously has done an improved job of matching the new Sprint Cup car with better tire compounds. However, several NASCAR gear heads are saying the better tires are at least in part to blame for the rash of engine failures we’ve seen through three races.

Barrett: Is Atlas ready to shrug?

Nobody nailed the dangers of socialism better than 20th century philosopher Ayn Rand.

A Richard Thompson Primer for the Uninitiated

I was asked recently if I could choose just one artist/band to listen to at any given time, who would it be? My answer was, to no surprise to anyone who knows me, Richard Thompson. To me, RT (what his fans call him) represents everything good about music: his style, work-ethic, catalog, songwriting and his proficiency on the guitar, my god, all make him that much more enjoyable.

SEC basketball blog: Black Wednesday for SEC

That sound you heard tonight was the bubbles bursting for two SEC schools.

UT basktball blog: Q&A with South Carolina coach Darrin Horn

What is it about these first-year Southeastern Conference men’s basketball coaches the past few seasons?

Blog: Brown Bag Diary

If you are like me and have to eat out from time to time, these are some tips to keep you from a full-on calorie back slide.

Blog: "Trust Me" Three massages and still no cigar

From the moment we see creative director Mason McGuire at home with his wife, Erin (Sarah McGuiure), plotting and pleading for a weekend getaway and working extra-hard to convince her that yes, he is serious, we know: this respite is doomed.

Zero. Zilch. Nada.

A friend e-mailed me news of a Democratic National Committee campaign fund-raiser called “Democracy Bonds.” By buying these “bonds,” you allow the DNC to charge your credit card each month to fund its candidates. Or, as the party puts it, to “reform the political process.”

The Internet Of Things

This week I track a few new stories and tech trends for you.

BLOG: Vols leap off bubble into NCAA field

I wouldn’t pop open the best bubbly just yet, but it sure seems like two big wins in the past week put the Tennessee men’s basketball team in the NCAA tournament.

Bumper sticker wisdom

Saw a wonderful bumper sticker the other day. It suggested, “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier.”

Hammond wants to rename jail for Evatt

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond came to the County Commission on Thursday with a request to appoint a committee to rename the county jail for former Sheriff H.Q. Evatt.

Epps: Florida’s decade nips LSU

Time for a college football fix with South Carolina starting the SEC spring practice schedule Tuesday. We’re ranking the SEC programs over the last 10 seasons (1999-2008) based on titles, overall record, miserable seasons and general fan sentiment:

Young: Blickensderfer has brought ‘magic’ to Kenseth’s team

Who is this Drew Blickensderfer, and what has he done with Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing team?

Davis goes to GOP side — temporarily

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., was a Democratic island in a sea of Republicans during President Barack Obama’s address to Congress on Tuesday.

Mardis Gras Music Mix

This week’s MUSICcast is all about the biggest party of the year: Mardis Gras. You’ll hear a few classic songs and few not-so-classic tunes all about New Orleans. Sit back and enjoy the tunes. A playlist is below.

Blog: "Trust Me" Peppers. No Peppers

Every decent-sized city has at least a few---I’m talking about the hole-in-the-wall eateries that, based on certain dishes, become legendary worst-kept secrets. In Chicago, a city with plentiful food legends at every price point, Mr. Beef is one such establishment.

Social Networking For Music

This week in the column I discuss the hot topic of social networking, and also give a bit of history on how it all started.

BLOG: Vols still probable for the NCAA tournament, for now

Well, that wasn’t a very good week.

UT Hoops blog: Vols reeling after “embarassing” loss to Kentucky

So much for Friday’s blog, huh?

Prep wrestling blog: State tournament provided lots of memorable moments

There were three specific statements made by coaches this past weekend that probably will stay with me for a while.

Young: Daytona 500 doesn’t reveal much about rest of season

In many ways the Daytona 500 tells us nothing about what’s to come in the next 35 races. Well, at least 32 of them.

Brooks saddened by departure of Favors, Brown

Hamilton County Commissioner John Allen Brooks said he is saddened by the decision of state Reps. Tommie Brown and JoAnne Favors, both Chattanooga Democrats, to break off from the county’s legislative delegation.

Wiedmer: Vols struggling to SEC finish line

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky’s Big Blue mist washing over him, the deficit devouring his timid team, Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl nevertheless kept trying anything and everything to pick up his second win in Rupp Arena in four visits.

Rucker: Kentucky native Hopson happy to be at Tennessee

LEXINGTON, Ky. — This was written before Tennessee’s SEC basketball loss to Kentucky today in Rupp Arena. It features questions for Scotty Hopson, and his answers, going into the trip up Interstate 75.

Bredesen hopes for open talks with Obama

WASHINGTON — Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, in town for the National Governors Association conference, said he expects Monday’s meeting of the governors with President Barack Obama to be much more illuminating than previous years’ sessions with former President George W. Bush.

Young: NASCAR interest will stay high even as attendance falls

Get ready for a dose of reality.

BLOG: ‘Hope springs eternal’ true for Vols

I know it’s nearly time for the annual pinnacle of college basketball, but I couldn’t get baseball — the world’s greatest game — out of my head all day.

Papa (John's) Knows Best

Pizza is not normally known for its health benefits.

UTC Blog: Huesman talks schedule and spring practice

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Russ Huesman discussed the Mocs’ 2009 schedule and looked ahead to the start of spring practice next month during a brief news conference Tuesday afternoon to announce the completion of the schedule.

Prep wrestling blog: A few minor complaints and guess who wants to quit?

So did you hear the news? Clarksville coach Jeff Jordan doesn’t want his team to host any more state dual wrestling championships.

Blog: "Trust Me" Ooh, that (teen spirit) smell

Mark Shale, Leonard Cohen, Spike Jonzes—the “teen” market!

Wiedmer: NCAA locks not all major

Out on the court, the visiting College of Charleston Cougars were about to stun Davidson. Along press row, ESPN’s Dick Vitale was about to utter words to all but eliminate the shock and bitterness of that unexpected defeat.

Video Basics

This week in the column I discuss several new stories I'm following for you.

UT Blog: Vols’ tournament stance becoming more firm

The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team has put itself in position to salvage a solid seed in this season’s NCAA tournament.

Young: Locks, almost locks and somebody being left out

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The second week in February is here, and for a NASCAR beat writer it’s time to shake the magic 8-ball and try to shake out the upcoming 36-race Sprint Cup season.

Wiedmer: Vols honor all-century guys well

KNOXVILLE — Tyler Smith gradually learned their names as he learned the game. Dale Ellis. Allan Houston. Ron Slay. C.J. Watson. Dane Bradshaw.

Labor Council backs Littlefield, Berz, Ladd

Chattanooga Area Labor Council officials said last week they would endorse Mayor Ron Littlefield, Carol Berz and Pam Ladd in the March 3 city election.

Young: Several reasons why I pick Busch to win

You might notice that I’ve picked Kyle Busch to win the Daytona 500, and there are many reasons why.

Tennessee: Area lawmakers lambaste, defend stimulus

No Chattanooga-area members of Congress changed their stances on the economic stimulus bill when the final $789 billion version came up for a vote Friday. Tennessee and Georgia Republicans, who all voted against the package, continued to hammer the bill as wasteful spending.

Reagan Boggs invades Studio ‘99

Well, maybe “invades” is the wrong description. Although, she did say she was “spaced out.” Reagan Boggs is a songwriter from Fall Branch, TN in the tri-cities. She is a country soul with a book of songs all about growing up as the child of a coal miner in southwest Virginia. Her latest album is titled “Right Now” but she’s working up some songs for a new release soon.

It's gonna be good to sleep in our own beds

Ginny Kladis is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City where she is showing Buffet, an Alaskan Malamute belonging to Elder Mountain residents Dr. Steve and Susan Rich of Elder Mountain.

NASCAR: Stewart seeking varied input for new race team

If there’s anything Tony Stewart brought with him to his new venture as co-owner/driver of Stewart-Haas Racing it’s an open mind.

Blog: Brown Bag Diary

There are a lot of things you can learn from my first big trip to the grocery store after committing to staying away from restaurants for a month.

Blog: Get ready to vote on “American Idol”

I can almost feel the fingers across America stretching for the voting marathon.

Blog: "Trust Me" A parsing—if pointless—critical analysis

Ok, disposing this week of any sort of episodic reference or plot highlights (If you’re reading this, you probably saw the show.

Momma knows best

Real vs. imitation vanilla.

BLOG: Pearl talks about hustle, quickness factor for Vols

KNOXVILLE — Postseason tournaments will leave the lasting impression, but it just doesn’t seem like the Southeastern Conference is very strong in men’s basketball this season.

Top Dog Day 5

Ginny Kladis is at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City where she is showing Buffet, an Alaskan Malamute belonging to Elder Mountain residents Dr. Steve and Susan Rich of Elder Mountain.

A ride on the Delta Queen puts a smile on your face

Just the sight of the Delta Queen puts a smile on your face.

Job Strategies in Changing Economy

This week I again examine some current trends in the tech area.

UT Football Blog: Vols’ Q&A with Eric Berry

The University of Tennessee athletic department released a Q-and-A with All-America football defensive back Eric Berry a few moments ago.

UT Blog: Vols’ RPI takes hit after loss at Auburn

It took 22 games, but the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team finally added a bad loss to its NCAA tournament resume.

Top Dog Day 4

Top Dog Day 3

Top Dog Day 2

Ginny Kladis is at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, where she is showing Buffet, an Alaskan Malamute belonging to Elder Mountain residents Dr. Steve and Susan Rich of Elder Mountain.

Prep blog: Prep wrestling postseason plan still needs work

Is it time to rethink the postseason scenario for the state team wrestling championships?

Sour ending to Marine Corps experience

When the Marines told me about the 54-hour skill test they call “The Crucible” — a period in which recruits must complete a physical and mental obstacle course on almost no food or sleep — I felt pretty glad that I wasn’t at Parris Island to attend boot camp.

Healy says City Council should appoint own auditor

Mayoral candidate Rob Healy said last week he urges the City Council to move forward and appoint an auditor operating under the council’s sole authority.

BLOG: SEC differentiates between Spurrier’s and Kiffin’s comments

I just got off the phone with Southeastern Conference spokesperson Charles Bloom, and he explained the league’s decision to not issue a reprimand for South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier’s comments questioning Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin’s recruiting ethics.

Top Dog

5 a.m. and 15 degrees.

Prediction of culinary trends from The Food Channel

I never know how much stock I can count on when surveys on food trends come my way.

Tennessee, Florida, LSU head SEC basketball ratings

Blog: 14 movies to love: “Moulin Rouge!”

From John Leguizamo dressed as a clown and singing “Nature Boy” as exposition, to a whirlwind introduction to the Moulin Rouge through a flying camera, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Fatboy Slim’s “Because We Can,” the first few minutes of Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” dare you to love it. It crams pretty much every visual/aural trick (and tic) the director can think of and asks you to accept it on its own terms.

Blog: 14 movies to love: “My Best Friend’s Wedding”

Even if they cancel your dinner reservations and the flowers you send your sweetheart are full of bees you can still have a happy Valentine’s Day (or weekend) by renting a romantic movie or two.

Blog: "Trust me" The ring of truth—and where it went.

Funny how just a few weeks can make all the difference in how something plays in broad cultural terms.

Hard Drive Restoration

This week in the column we take a look at a few recent emails I've received.

UT Blog: Tennessee Vols improve RPI despite break-even week

Few things have become clear about this season’s inconsistent University of Tennessee men’s basketball team.

Prep Wrestling blog: Picking Bradley and Baylor, and what about Soddy-Daisy?

It looks like all the qualifiers are finally done and the state duals field is set, and I don’t see anybody beating Bradley Central. I felt that way before the season started but then I guess most of you did too — that is if you’re honest.

Blog: Vols basketball players look to final stretch of regular season

The theory that things come in 3s again proved true Saturday night in Thompson-Boling Arena, and I’m not just talking about the 12 3-pointers that Tennessee rained on Florida.

Wiedmer: Maze symbolizes passion Vols use to trounce Gators

KNOXVILLE — Fifty seconds remained between Tennessee and Florida on Saturday night in Thompson-Boling Arena. The basketball was loose, even if UT had the game well in hand. So it would have been completely understandable for Volunteers point guard Bobby Maze to allow Gators point guard Nick Calathes to grab a hollow consolation prize from a lost cause.

Cobb chides local officials regarding toll bridge

The interest and participation of local government officials are important factors in determining whether Hamilton County gets a toll bridge linking Soddy-Daisy and Harrison, state Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, said last week.

Rucker: Pearl, Donovan see some improvement in both teams

KNOXVILLE — Here are some quick quotes to munch on before tonight’s Tennessee-Florida men’s basketball game.

Education should be top priority of future governor

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., may no longer be a 2010 gubernatorial candidate, but he said he hopes education will be the centerpiece of the future Tennessee governor’s administration.

Vols Blog: LSU taking aim at Vols

KNOXVILLE — Here are some quick highlights from early-week interviews with LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson and three Tigers seniors: Center Chris Johnson, forward Tasmin Mitchell and guard Garrett Temple.

No peanut butter scare for Girl Scout cookies

With all the talk of peanut butter products causing salmonella poisoning, I got to thinking about Girl Scout cookies.

Keeping the secret was extremely difficult

My Idol experience began in Jacksonville – my hometown while serving in the Navy. And may I say it is a wonderful hometown. If someone from Jacksonville goes far, they will definitely throw their support behind him!

BLOG: Childress wants to help but hasn’t considered redshirting

The Tennessee men’s basketball team’s lone scholarship senior hasn’t had a final season to remember.

Blog: "Trust me" debut

“Fear motivates. Envy drives. But only true friendship endures.”

BLOG: Pearl praises LSU’s talent, experience

KNOXVILLE — I wasn’t going to type anything else Monday, but Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl had plenty of interesting things to say in a 30-minute interview in the afternoon, and I’m a man of the people.

Tech Rants And Raves

This week in the column I conclude my coverage of the recent CES show and also discuss some other new trends and products.

Blog: Ghost hunting in the Chickamauga battlefield

I stared at the dark figure for a few seconds before I spoke.

UT HOOPS BLOG: Bubble update on the Vols

I put together some numbers after University of Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl’s press conference early this afternoon, and I’ll post them below before heading back to Thompson-Boling Arena for practice.

Blog: "Trust me"

I’ll be blogging here each week on the new drama/comedy series, “Trust Me” (TNT, 10 pm, Mondays). These weekly posts should appear early each Tuesday morning.

Baylor, Bradley Central lead strong area wrestling contengent

They’re at odds on certain political viewpoints but Baylor and Bradley Central were parts of the season’s most exciting wrestling meets this year.

Ryan: Shaking hands with cabbage and beef

For the 1000 farmers gathered at the Chattanooga convention center for the Southern SAWG conference, Saturday’s Taste of Tennessee dinner probably tasted like what you or I would ordinarily get at a banquet.

TDOT still considering local toll-bridge project

A project that would include a toll bridge connecting Soddy-Daisy and Harrison is one of two toll-bridge projects the Tennessee Department of Transportation is still considering, according to a report released last week.

Wiedmer: Sometimes game is painfully simple

KNOXVILLE — Memphis guard Doneal Mack leaned against a wall inside Thompson-Boling Arena while discussing the Tigers’ 54-52 college basketball victory over Tennessee on Saturday.

Tennessee: Wamp says 1 seat not enough insurance

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said the surprise election of state Rep. Kent Williams, R-Elizabethton, to speaker of the Tennessee House should serve as a reminder to all Republicans that no lead is safe.

Movie Blog: Academy Award nominations

Welcome to my first movie blog post.

BLOG: Revis excited about visiting Vols officially

I spoke Thursday night with Rhea County High School offensive lineman and University of Tennessee commitment Kevin Revis about several topics, but mostly his official visit with the Volunteers this weekend.

Braly: Searching for cake decorating class

Students at the Culinary Institute of America will have a new lineup of classes come spring, one of which is all about cake decorating.

Rucker: Pearl, UT ready for test from Vandy

KNOXVILLE — Vanderbilt will host (12-5, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) host rival Tennessee (11-5, 2-1) tonight in Memorial Gymnasium, and we’ll have coverage of the men’s basketball game in Wednesday’s Times Free Press.

Jenkins: Tech show previews big changes

This week we continue our look at the products and trends showcased at the recent Consumer Electronics Show. First, a quick Apple update: It was announced last week that Steve Jobs of Apple will take a medical leave until summer. Many think that this confirms the worst and that he is quite ill and possibly may have to leave Apple permanently. No story other than last year’s Microsoft-Yahoo merger dance has quite captured so much online attention and so many varied rumors and speculations.

UTC wrestling team struggles with inexperience

I didn’t really know what to expect from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team this year.

Wiedmer: Mocs still need work but showing toughness

Less than seven minutes remained in Saturday’s second half when University of Tennessee at Chattanooga forward Nicchaeus Doaks spiked a Western Carolina shot hard against the court.

Trust gains part of Stringer’s Ridge

The Trust for Public Land announced last week that it has acquired 37 acres of a 92-acre site on Stringer’s Ridge, according to a news release.

Tennessee: Davis offers bill to reduce abortions

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., has reintroduced the Pregnant Women Support Act, which includes provisions to help expectant mothers and their children with the goal of reducing abortions.

Phil Stacey, “American Idol” Insider explaining the audition process

In a single city, I personally had four different auditions.

Western/Folk Artist Juni Fisher in Studio ‘99

Believe it or not, there are still singing’ cowgirls out there.

SEC BLOG: Early entry list has some big names

Let’s start a weekly football fix on the blog.

Blog: Comfort food memories

Today’s feature on comfort foods got me thinking about foods from my past.

BLOG: Vols too big to defend well on the perimeter

KNOXVILLE — Obviously, Jodie Meeks’ historic performance Tuesday night in Thompson-Boling Arena was an exception.

Phil Stacey blog:

Welcome to Season 8 of “American Idol.” I believe we are in for a good season! The touching montage in the beginning piqued my interest and made me want to spot the next Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson. The rumor is that this season has some changes in store for us, which is also very intriguing.

BLOG: Kiffins name new son Knox

Just got this release from the University of Tennessee:

UT Blog: UK ready for UT test

As promised, here is the Kentucky version of today’s Vols-Wildcats men’s basketball blog.

UT Blog: Vols ready for UK test

In case any of you felt like being incredibly unproductive during the tail end of your work day, and your mind is focused on tonight’s pivotal Tennessee-Kentucky men’s basketball game, you’ve stumbled onto the right Web page.

MacWorld Highlights

This week in the column I present a few of the innovative tech products and services introduced at last week's CES show in Las Vegas.

Cleveland-Bradley Central wrestling should draw a crowd Tuesday

The state’s biggest meet of the year is a day away.

Epps: Manic Pearl stays calm as Vols trail

ATHENS, Ga. — This was going to be a story about Bruce Pearl’s sideline antics, his shouts from the bench, his facial expressions following a bad call. And there were certainly some entertaining moments.

Wiedmer: Titans yet again let win slip away

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins knew the stats. He knew he and his teammates gained 180 more offensive yards in Saturday afternoon’s AFC semifinal game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Phil Stacey: an insider’s look at ‘American Idol’

Hello. My name is Phil Stacey and I would like to welcome you to my blog.

Wamp welcomes Haslam to race

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., who entered the 2010 race for Tennessee governor Monday, welcomed Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam to the race after the mayor entered Tuesday.

Musical Trends 2008 and beyond....

2008 was a heck of a weird year for music.

Blog: Q&A with Gonzaga coach Mark Few

Before I head over to Thompson-Boling Arena before tonight’s basketball game between 15th-ranked UT and Gonzaga, here is the transcript from a quick Monday afternoon chat with Bulldogs coach Mark Few.

Vols blog: Pearl talks about Gonzaga and the SEC

If you’re a University of Tennessee men’s basketball fan who believes in omens, I’ve got bad news for you.

Craving Comfort: Favorite fare of childhood gives feeling of security

With the economy faltering, comfort foods are expected to be one of the biggest trends of the year, according to Bon Appetit.

Can you make beignets from scratch?

Good morning, and welcome to the first Fare Exchange in 2009. Our requests today all came from holiday conversations:

PC and TV are getting together

This week in the column we look at what I call New Year's Revolutions, trends and products that we are likely to see soon.

Overcoming problems on Day One

Bob Lutgen, managing editor

Chattanooga: Mayor to announce bid for re-election

Mayor Ron Littlefield will announce his bid for re-election on the steps of City Hall at 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release.

"Who are you? What do you do?"

Chloe Morrison, reporter, on her first visit to the Times Free Press in 2003

Bush: Dunn now puts work in law practice

Alan Dunn is imposing proof that athletic success can lead to fulfillment in other ways.

Wiedmer: Utah makes a great case for top spot

Why can’t Utah be No. 1?

Blog:Nance’s diary from All-American football combine

Calhoun (Ga.) High School’s Nash Nance is participating in the U.S. Army All-American football combine in San Antonio through Saturday.

What's Coming Up In Tech

In the column this week I sum up the year in tech, looking at a few of the

Dale doing public relations for Healy

Former WCRB Channel 3 reporter Lesley Dale now is doing public relations for Chattanooga mayoral candidate Rob Healy.

Wiedmer: Love him or not, Fulmer was state's top story for 2008

Phillip Fulmer. Doesn't any discussion of sports in the Chattanooga Times Free Press coverage area during 2008 kind of have to begin and end with the former University of Tennessee football coach?

Woolwine: Possibilities that could add spice to the sports world in 2009

A belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year.

Ford blasts Corker on negotiations

WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Harold Ford Jr. was none too impressed with the performance of his rival in the 2006 U.S. Senate race, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., during the auto industry bailout negotiations.

A day worth celebrating how you wish

Three hundred and sixty three days a year nobody loves sports more than yours truly. Fortunately, my job allows my passion to also provide my paycheck. And that's almost certainly a good and lucky thing for me, because I probably would have lost several jobs paying closer attention to my favorite teams and athletes than my career.

Band In A Box

This week in the column I update you on some stories and new products.

UTC Blog: Sloan Allison decides to stay

With so much going on earlier today surrounding new coach Russ Huesman’s introductory news conference, I didn’t have room in my articles to include one interesting thing I learned: Sloan Allison has decided to stay at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

UTC Blog: Huesman introduced as Mocs coach

It didn’t take long for new University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Russ Huesman to feel welcome back at his alma mater.

WWTA could begin collecting $8 monthly fee starting in March

The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority is shooting for early spring to begin working on countywide sewer improvements and collecting a monthly $8 fee from 24,000 gravity sewer customers.

Epps: Taking time as a spectator to enjoy hometown victory

My first vivid sports memory is sitting next to my father at a Richmond Spiders home basketball game, probably close to 25 years ago. I distinctly remember a player for the other team appearing to walk, and all of the Richmond fans standing up and making the traveling signal. The ref did not make the call.

Bush: Owens’ junior-record 856 series a great ’08 memory

The fall of 2008 will always evoke memory lanes for Eric Owens — and a reminder of the power of the mind.

Tennessee: Wamp touts poll saying he’s top GOP pick for governor

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., is touting a poll of Republicans in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd congressional districts of Tennessee that shows him as a favorite to win the GOP nomination in the 2010 gubernatorial race.

UT basketball blog: You don’t want Belmont shooting 3s

I’m in Chattanooga today for the NCAA Division I national championship football game, but I thought I’d type out some recent University of Tennessee men’s basketball interviews before strolling over to Finley Stadium for the showcase of the artist formerly known as Division I-AA.

Obscure, possibly annoying, Holiday-themed songs

I hesitate to call these songs “bad” because they’re not. The songs on this week’s MUSICcast are, for lack of a better term, unique.

Blog: Marquette coach, seniors were wary of Vols’ athleticism

Here were some Marquette quotes before the Golden Eagles played Tennessee in the SEC/Big East Invitational basketball event Tuesday night at the Sommet Center.

A New Program

This week in the column I look again at common email questions.

Wiedmer: Heisman results may help Florida

Don’t shed too many tears this morning for Florida quarterback Tim Tebow’s failure to become the second college football player in history to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies.

Marti Rutherford files papers to run for District 6 Council seat

Former Chattanooga City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford has filed her papers of intent to run for the District 6 City Council position.

Blog: Corker to discuss auto bailout on Sunday morning news shows

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., will make the rounds on the Sunday morning news talk show circuit to discuss his role in the auto bailout negotiations that failed this past week.

UT Blog: Vols DB Berry in Orlando for Thorpe Award presentation

KNOXVILLE — Before I attach transcripts from my Tuesday afternoon interview with University of Tennessee freshman guard Scotty Hopson, I’d like to remind UT fans that football star Eric Berry will be in Orlando for tonight’s college football awards show.

Holiday Songs For Your Listening Pleasure

This week, Casey Phillips and myself will play for you our favorite “Holiday” songs. Our tastes are completely varied so you’re in for a bit of a treat. Two of my selections are by Tom Waits and Casey will bring us the folk sounds of Robert Earl Keen and the obscure Roger Whittaker. I hope you enjoy it and let us know what your favorite holiday songs are.

BLOG: Vols’ Pearl, Smith talk about rugged practice

We’ve got double-barrel sports action tonight in the UT blog zone.

Blog: Staley joins South Carolina critics of Reaves

Those of us in the media and others who follow Southeastern Conference football recruiting have learned that David Reaves is not the most popular man in South Carolina these days.

Innovation at PARC

This week in the column I look at some new goings on in tech, including a new potential iPhone competitor and a Web conference tool.

Five people proves a crowd on my Social Security number

Identity theft used to be something other people had to deal with, and until recently, it didn’t mean much to me beyond being a growing issue affecting everyone else.

Epps: Alabama shows heart despite loss

ATLANTA — Someone compared Saturday’s Alabama-Florida game to a Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fight, and in many ways, the SEC championship bout offered a similar storyline to the memorable Thrilla in Manila fight. Alabama was, indeed, Frazier: Stubborn, unyielding, relentless and respected in defeat.

Hamilton County: Skillern suggests VWs for county fleet

Hamilton County Commissioner Fred Skillern on Wednesday said county officials may want to hold off on buying new county cars for a year or two, so the county might be the first ones to buy Volkswagens made in Chattanooga.

Senators say auto bailout different from $700 billion Wall Street rescue package

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., in the midst of hearings over an auto industry bailout, said the situation is different from the $700 billion Wall Street rescue package that passed in October

Blog: Early odds set 8.5 as over-under for Kiffin wins in 2009

Apparently, gamblers like Lane Kiffin as much as the NCAA hates gambling.

Song of 2008: Under the radar

It’s almost the time of year again when we here at the TFP have to compile our “Best of” list of our favorite albums. 2008 was, and still is, a heck of a year for good music.

SEC Blog: Kiffin comparisons still hot

Oh my gosh. After making the detailed comparison between Mike Shula and Lane Kiffin in last Saturday’s column (and let me tell you, that got a great response from the Tennessee fans), I did some Googling, ahem, of Kiffin’s wife and eventually developed even more comparisons.

Climbing around and searching for my video

In the coming days, hundreds of climbers from all over the country will arrive in Chattanooga for the Triple Crown Bouldering series.

UT BLOG: Pearl, players look to rebound

KNOXVILLE — Wait, you mean the University of Tennessee athletic department also has a 10th-ranked men’s basketball team?

UTC Blog: Hart hitting the road

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga athletic director Rick Hart is road-tripping, but he’s not on any “On the Road” excursion. Hart said during a phone interview Tuesday morning that he expects to be on the road for the next couple of weeks interviewing candidates for the Mocs head football coaching position.

Lane's Frozen Five greeters include Monteagle's Hite

At 2:45 Monday afternoon, University of Tennessee students Joe Rebrovick, Daniel Clark, Doug Mack, Trey Coates and Morris Hite were watching a video feed of Lane Kiffin’s introduction as the school’s new football coach when their Hess dormitory resident adviser had an idea.

Some New Trends And Stories

In the column this week I take a look at a few possible Christmas gifts for the technically inclined.

Auto jobs in Chattanooga worth $288,000

A Grand Rapids Press columnist took U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., to task last week, accusing the Chattanooga lawmaker and other Southern lawmakers opposed to helping out Detroit for being hypocritical in their comments.

Martin disputes Chambliss’s 9/11 intelligence hearings role

When former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani appeared outside Atlanta with Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., on Tuesday, they were joined by a group of area law enforcement officials.

SEC Blog: Getting to know Lane Kiffin

Because it’s Thanksgiving, and I’m writing this and alone, I’m going to have a Q&A about Lane Kiffin — perhaps Tennessee’s next coach by next week — with myself. It does not get more sad than this.

New Music to be Thankful For

As this week is the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought it might be fun to play some tracks I’m thankful for in 2008.

Blog: Finding the Good

Last Thanksgiving, my life changed forever.

UTC Blog: Mocs shut out of postseason honors

As a final insult in an injurious season, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was completely shut out of the coaches’ postseason honors and awards that were announced Tuesday. The Mocs placed five players on the preseason all-conference teams, but nobody made the list after UTC’s 1-11 season that included an 0-8 record in SoCon play.

PC to TV Convergence

In the column this week we take a look again at some recent emails I've received from readers.

Prep blog: So many will benefit because Tim Daniels ‘couldn't live a lie’

In case you missed it, Red Bank wound up the 2007 football season 0-4. That’s no wins and four losses.

Young: A generally boring year leads NASCAR into offseason of uncertainty

Where did the NASCAR season go? Wasn’t it just recently that we convened in Daytona for a season filled with promise and much anticipation?

Wiedmer: Vols’ new coach would do well to keep Chavis around

NASHVILLE — For most of the past three weeks, there has been one dominant sports story in this state. When the University of Tennessee decided to part company with football coach Phillip Fulmer, everything else became secondary.

Parrott drops out of mayor race, supports Lance

Cecil “Strat” Parrott, who picked up a qualifying petition a month ago for a mayoral run, said last week he will bow out of the race.

Alexander: GOP and UT football have forgettable 2006 and 2008

To Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the GOP’s futility in the 2006 and 2008 elections is akin to the University of Tennessee football team’s struggles those years.

NASCAR blog: Things I’d like to see in NASCAR next year

Since I ran out of room in Sunday’s season-ending column to include some of the things I think should happen this coming NASCAR season, I’ll use the blogosphere to finish my thoughts.

UT Blog: Odds and ends from the Vols

KNOXVILLE —Before I get to this week’s “transcribing like heck,” I’d like to apologize for mis-typing a fact in today’s main story.

UTC Blog: Cooper pays tribute to “Hot Rod”

Blue Cooper has never been shy about using his head as a canvas. Quite often during his career he has had some kind of design — sometimes bold, sometimes subtle — shaved into his buzz cut. His latest look is by no means subtle.

Land Camera Performs in Studio ‘99

This week, three members of Chattanooga’s super group

UTC Blog: Samford trying for .500 SoCon finish

In the Southern Conference preseason poll, both the coaches and the media picked newcomer Samford to finish last in the standings. That shows how much we know.

SEC Blog: Kelly could be the one; Joe Morgan sounds the same

Before my game predictions, I’m going to make a Tennessee coaching prediction: Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly will be the man.

UTC Blog: Allison candid in final media luncheon

It seems like only a few weeks ago that the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team was walking down to Scrappy Moore Field for its first practice of the preseason. Instead, somehow, more than three months have passed.

Blog: Day trip to Atlanta

Last Saturday, my friend Sandy Zitkus and I, along with my daughter Anne McLachlan, made an annual trip to Atlanta where we usually hit IKEA for our household needs and some Christmas gifts, as well as Trader Joe’s where we pick up a heft supply of Charles Shaw wine, lovingly known as Two-Buck Chuck for it’s extremely low price of $2.49 per bottle.

TECHcast: Verdict out on the new Windows 7

Today let’s take a look at a few new trends and products.

Prep Blog: TSSAA realignment will create new and interesting matchups

The new playoff format and region alignments finalized last week should make for some interesting games and the renewal of several rivalries next fall in Tennessee.

Young: No-testing rule is a good NASCAR move

We criticize NASCAR for many of its moves, but Friday’s announcement that there will be a no-testing policy next season is a definite move in the right direction.

Wiedmer: Hoop Vols may have fans eating a lot of chicken

KNOXVILLE — Don’t feel sorry for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga basketball Mocs this morning. They’ll rebound quite nicely from Saturday night’s 114-75 loss to Tennessee once they start playing fellow mid-majors rather than potential Final Four teams.

Even in their sixth loss, Tigers build confidence for upsettng Alabama

AUBURN, Ala. — Imagining the conversations in Auburn’s postgame media session Saturday would have been difficult before this season started.

Chattanooga blogger says he will run for mayor

A local blogger has stopped writing on his Web site and will make a run for mayor of Chattanooga.

Blog: Wamp urges GOP to work to attract minorities, labor

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said Republicans must do a better job of attracting minorities and improving relations with organized labor if the party expects to better compete for independent voters.

NASCAR blog: America’s funniest (meaning peculiar) decision

Boy, ABC must be paying a ton for the rights to show “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

UTC Blog: Starting QB a game-time decision

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Rodney Allison said following Thursday’s practice that picking the Mocs’ starting quarterback for Saturday’s game at The Citadel will be a game-time decision.

Let’s talk about Zeuhl, baby.

French Zeuhl music is a genre created by Christian Vander and his band

SEC Blog: SEC looks light in bowl projections

Let’s take our first look at projecting the bowl games for SEC teams:

UTC Blog: Starting son wouldn’t be an easy decision

Rodney Allison has thought long and hard the past few weeks about whether or not to give his son, Sloan, a redshirt freshman, a shot as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s starting quarterback.

UTC blog: Shulman’s scheduling gives Mocs some tough early tests

Catch UTC coach John Shulman in a good mood during the summer and he’ll agree to just about anything.

Blog: Olive oil update

When it comes to olive oils, I’m no expert.

UTC Blog: Samford still a SoCon surprise

Three months ago, who would have thought that one of the big Week 11 games would involve Southern Conference newcomer Samford?

TechCast: Information overload

This week in the column we talk about information overload as a good thing, not usually the way we think of it.

UTC Blog: Bulldogs have been competitive

Expectations were high for The Citadel this season. The Bulldogs were ranked No. 23 in the preseason FCS coaches poll and moved up as high as No. 20 after opening its Southern Conference schedule with a 20-point win over Western Carolina.

McMinn County win biggest of first-week surprises

Every year it seems there is a shocker in the first round of the Tennessee high school football playoffs.

Young: Cup series could be different by Daytona

What will NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series look like when Speedweeks come around in February?

Hamilton County: Don’t bypass committees, Casavant says

Hamilton County Commissioner Richard Casavant had a bone to pick with his fellow commissioners Wednesday, particularly Commissioner Curtis Adams.

From bottom to the top

Even Barack Obama doesn’t understand the significance of being elected president, according to a baby boomer I sat with on election night. I don’t understand either, she said.

Wiedmer: Vols should give QB time to Coleman

KNOXVILLE — B.J. Coleman supposedly wears Tennessee football jersey No. 18. No one is sure because the former McCallie School star has taken six snaps from center all season, all of those in the final minutes of a September win over Alabama-Birmingham.

NASCAR blog: Johnson is vanilla — so what?

Some NASCAR fans dislike Jimmie Johnson because he’s boring, robot-like and, well, very vanilla. It’s true, he’s all those things, but why is that a problem?

The changing of seasons — a drive down the W-Road

I love fall. The cool air, the changing of the leaves, and the onset of winter makes September, October, and November my favorite months of the year.

UT blog: Q & A with AD Mike Hamilton

KNOXVILLE — If the University of Tennessee’s football coaching search is handled with the same discipline as athletic director Mike Hamilton’s Thursday afternoon 1-on-1 interview with The Chattanooga Times Free Press, then it’s safe to surmise that UT has a specific plan for this process.

UT blog: Rumors will fly as Tennessee Vols begin search for new coach

If rumors upset your stomach, there aren’t enough antacids in the world to relieve the discomfort we’ll all feel for the next several weeks.

UT Blog: Surreal day in Knoxville as Fulmer announces decision to step down

What happened here yesterday at the University of Tennessee was surreal.

Blog: Fall means sweet potatoes

Even though I’m not a fan of sweet potatoes, except for sweet potato fries and chips, there’s something about autumn that makes me want to give the baked/boiled kind a try.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga blog: Options limited on offense

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offense is one of the worst in the FCS

Blog: Cleveland’s loss to Walker Valley shakes up 4-4A playoffs

There’s no question what the conversation was in most Cleveland hot spots this weekend.

Young: Roush’s ‘do-over’ wouldn’t hurt Johnson

Surely, when he’s away from the NASCAR spotlight, Matt Kenseth laughs when he thinks about the current state of the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship.

Wiedmer: Fulmer’s ire doesn’t help Vols, himself

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Maybe University of Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton will fire his football coach today, and maybe he won’t.

Epps: This year’s Tennessee team may be worst ever

COLUMBIA, S.C. — It’s time to wonder if this is the worst Tennessee team ever. And not just because of the number of losses — although that dubious mark is in sight — but the way this team looks on offense. And special teams. And in general.

Hamilton County: Coppinger says county sales tax revenue might get ‘a bit tighter’

Hamilton County Commissioner Jim Coppinger said the county may see a little downturn in sales tax revenue.

Tennessee: Wamp slams banks for using bailout money on bonuses

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said money from the $700 billion financial rescue package should not be used by participating firms for executive bonuses, as has been reported by various media outlets.

NASCAR blog: Tough financial times can make NASCAR better

I saw a fascinating column on ESPN.com by veteran NASCAR beat writer Ed Hinton this week. It sheds a different light on the doom and gloom forecasts for the sport.

Blog: A message from Berlin to the eighth grade.

I wish every eighth grader in Chattanooga could see what I saw today.

UT blog: This year’s Fulmer-Spurrier matchup not likely to impress

Anyone who knows me know that one of my favorite parts of this job is watching awkwardly hilarious press conference or group interviews.

Fulmer: ‘I’m just going to ... do the very, very best that I can’

Before I attach portions of Tuesday’s interviews with University of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer, defensive coordinator John Chavis and offensive coordinator Dave Clawson — the portions pertaining to this coaching staff’s future — I’d like to take a quick opportunity to explain how I’m going to tackle this situation.

Places for large gatherings

My niece got married last weekend in Nashville and following the ceremony, we drove a few miles into downtown Nashville’s for the reception at the Musicians Hall of Fame.

TechCast: Measurement is a must

Vols blog: Frustration abounds in UT football

Five losses in eight games have caused lots of frustration and lots of questions around the University of Tennessee football program.

Prep football teams prepare for playoff push

The playoffs are a couple of weeks away but only one Chattanooga area team has locked up a No. 1 seed and a region championship.

Young: Chase drama just hasn’t happened as France wanted

Brian France must be beside himself these days.

Epps: Saban shows faith in Tide; Fulmer punts

KNOXVILLE — One coach called for a punt on fourth-and-1 in the first quarter, again on fourth-and-short in his opponent’s territory and yet again on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter.

Chattanooga: Council to vote on $65 million bond issue

The Chattanooga City Council will vote Tuesday on $65 million in bonds that, among other things, would help pay for improvements at Enterprise South industrial park, future home of the $1 billion Volks-wagen assembly plant, according to the council’s agenda.

Nashville: Alexander decries rise of obesity

During a field hearing in Nashville this week, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said childhood obesity has become a national epidemic and called for the nation to find solutions to the growing problem.

Epps: Chapman will miss Cody but is ready to replace him

The legend of Terrence Cody is real, you know. Like the time he ran two and a half miles up a mountain in high school. Or the time he palmed a laptop computer. Or the time he plopped down on a futon and broke it.

NASCAR blog: Atlanta track is a great race venue, but fans stay away

Ed Clark doesn’t deserve this.

UT blog: Saban, Alabama players not seeing Vols as 3-4 team

Most response to the “I type it, you read it,” question-and-answer blogs have been positive

Geoff Achison in Studio ’99

This week, we were graced by the presence of an amazing blues guitar player from Australia.

Blog: Franklin fires back at Auburn’s Tuberville

Listened to Paul Finebaum’s interview of former Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, and now I’m thinking: there are going to be some potential offensive coordinators who are seriously concerned about taking a job there.

Rucker blog: University of Tennessee’s Eric Berry shows interest in dentistry

University of Tennessee sophomore safety Eric Berry sat and spoke with a few print media reporters moments ago, and his rare fascination with dentistry reemerged.

UTC Blog: Now begins the waiting game

In the two-act play that is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coaching situation, we are essentially at intermission right now.

Blog: Fulmer 'real blessed' for long role in Alabama-UT rivalry

We’ll kick off Tennessee-Alabama football week with the latest edition of “I type it, you read it.”

Braly: Food online

An article about who’s reading what newspaper sections appeared on my desk the other day from Editor and Publisher.

Blog: VW grows racing presence

Screaming down the straightaway at the Oschersleben Motorpark in a specially equipped Jetta TDI is a little like riding the fastest and jerkiest roller coaster at Six Flags — except much quicker and unnerving.

Jenkins: Laptop computer prices still in decline

This week I’d like to update you on a few trends I’ve covered in previous columns as well as touch on a couple of new items.

TechCast blog: Odds and Ends

UTC professsor offers thoughts on nostalgia trip

Having spent the better part of the afternoon looking through the back archives of the televisual offerings of my childhood (and, my, what a load of rubbish they used to put out), I think that I can answer your question, hopefully with something you can use.

A fly on the wall during governor’s arrival — and no, I’m not a student

As I waited for Gov. Sonny Perdue to arrive at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School last Thursday morning, I chatted with legislators, school officials and students.

Ooltewah proves to be one of area’s top teams

Although I had not seen them play prior to Friday night, I knew Ooltewah was pretty good.

Young: Burton will not change his style

Jeff Burton wouldn’t mind it at all if he could retain his usual under-the-radar image. Unfortunately for the 41-year-old veteran, his win last week at Charlotte and ascent to second place in the Chase standings took care of that.

Hamilton County: Adams questions water authority attorney’s pay

Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams said he wants to know how much the county’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority is paying its attorney, but can’t get the information.

Sohn: Meet the devil

As reporters, we learn to report and write stories at arm’s length.

Hightower: ON AND OFF THE BUS

Morning: It’s the first time I’ve ever used the public bus system in Chattanooga, so I hopped on my bike and left home early, carrying my lunch in one hand and a coffee cup in the other. I slung my laptop over my shoulder, thinking I could browse the Internet while on the bus since it has Wi-Fi.

Alabama hangs on for 24-20 win

A tirade, a discussion about another second-half meltdown, even a four-letter word.

Tennessee: Voters focused on the economy, seek lawmaker answers

As he has hosted town hall meetings and other events across Tennessee this month, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said voters are extremely worried about the country’s economic future and likely will take those concerns into the voting booth on Nov. 4.

NASCAR blog: Don’t be surprised if Martinsville loses its Chase date

Could this be Martinsville’s last race on NASCAR’s Sprint Cup circuit?

UTC Blog: Adams last man not standing

There’s nothing about up-beat University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior linebacker Aaron Adams that says misery, so let’s just say that maybe injury loves company.

UT blog: Random notes and quotes from the UT football team

These are serious times in the University of Tennessee football program.

Epps’ SEC picks Blog: Teleconference fireworks

So there was a question on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference from Ben Volin, Florida beat writer for the Palm Beach Post, to Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville that went like this:

UTC Blog: Allison predicts win over Elon

In his weekly media luncheon Wednesday, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Rodney Allison discussed a number of topics, ranging from what he likes about Elon’s style of play to quarterback Jare Gault’s development.

UT blog: ‘No one’s happy,’ Fulmer acknowledges

KNOXVILLE — Several University of Tennessee football fans have sent me e-mails that, directly or indirectly, asked this question:

New USDA label now in effect

I was happy to see that the USDA’s new requirement of food labels is now in effect. From now on, grocery stores will have to begin marking packages of meat, nuts, produce and other items with the countries of origin. Nice.

Blog: New USDA label now in effect

Techcast: TV tech

This week we play Tech Jeopardy in the column, where I give you the answers and see if you can guess the questions.

UT blog: Warren wants to do more for Vols

Brandon Warren claims he is ready to help the University of Tennessee’s struggling offense.

Dates to circle and why

Jason Fitzgerald was watching this week’s opponent, Red Bank, in its game with Cleveland when he stopped to answer the phone.

State Senate credited for VW plant

Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, placed the credit for bringing a Volkswagen assembly plant to Chattanooga squarely on the shoulders of the state Senate when he addressed the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club on Monday.

Young: Johnson-Knaus pairing is highly effective

If the first four races in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship have proven anything, it’s just how important the relationship between driver and crew chief is.

Wamp says debate put Tennessee in good light

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., gave high marks to Belmont University for its hosting of last Tuesday’s presidential debate

NASCAR blog: Junior emphatic that Smith got a bad deal

It’s no secret in NASCAR which drivers will shoot you straight in an interview.

UTC Blog: Wofford game a homecoming for Gault

At trip to Wofford College is essentially a trip home for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback Jare Gault. Home for Gault is Boiling Springs, S.C., which is a few miles north of campus in Spartanburg.

UT Blog: Berry, Parker talk about going home to Georgia

As we near the end of Tennessee-Georgia week, tonight’s “I type it, you read it” centers on two UT players from the Atlanta area. One has already been named an All-American, and the other is well on his way.<

Ska/Punk from Duppy a Jamba in Studio ’99

Jamaican Ska music is still alive and kicking thanks to a recent resurgence in the genre.

UTC Blog: Some interesting SoCon games this week

Saturday’s game at ninth-ranked Wofford is obviously huge for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which has lost four games in a row and dropped its first two Southern Conference games. But it’s not the only game on the SoCon slate that’s worth following.

Sean Phipps - Ska/Punk music of Duppy a Jamba from Cincinnati in Studio '99 10/10/08

MUSICcast: Ska/Punk music of Duppy a Jamba from Cincinnati in Studio '99 10/10/08 MP3 Download SUBSCRIBE

Blog: DNA testing reveals my “deep” ancestry

I felt slightly creepy as I stole into the bathroom at work to scrape the inside of my mouth — for the second time that day.

UT Blog

Today’s “I type it, you read it” edition serves as an addendum to my main story for today’s print edition on the University of Tennessee’s surprisingly struggling offensive line.

UTC Blog: Mocs need offense to click, slowly

Rodney Allison said the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga needed to do two things Saturday to have a shot at beating ninth-ranked Wofford, and the two go hand in hand.

Restaurant recommendations requested

Whenever I get recommendations for restaurants from readers, I always try to follow up with a visit.

UTC Blog: Taylor’s back a concern

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga returned to practice today for the first time since Saturday’s 52-28 loss to Georgia Southern. How much, if any, defensive tackle B.J. Taylor will be able to due remains to be seen, Mocs coach Rodney Allison said.

Tech Cast: Tech and Wall Street

This week in the column I again tackle a few of your e-mail questions.

UT blog: Drayton says Tennessee Vols running backs are ‘tight-knit’

Bad news, Vols fans.

Prep blog: Area high school football has been impressive so far this season

It’s hard to say where I’ll wind up Friday night — probably Cleveland or Soddy-Daisy because I’m sure Stephen Hargis, one of our other assistant sports editors, will likely opt for South Pittsburg against Boyd-Buchanan.

‘Laying back’ strategy popular at Talladega

It’s not often a driver will give an honest answer regarding strategy at the Talladega Superspeedway. Then again, Greg Biffle more than once has been too honest.

Coffee, Tide not perfect, but record is

He expressed annoyance at all the praise last week, when Alabama pummeled Georgia and coach Nick Saban still looked like he wanted to make his team run sprints that night on the Strip instead of celebrating.

Triple disappointment

Joe Gibbs never had a problem finishing off a championship as coach of the Washington Redskins. Coach Gibbs was 3-for-3 in Super Bowls, so when all three of his Sprint Cup teams made this year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, the odds had to look pretty good.

Petty looking around? A sign of the times

In some way, the news that Kyle Petty would consider leaving Petty Enterprises shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s just the latest evidence that today’s NASCAR is so completely different from even 10 years ago.

Hamilton County: Magistrates’ hours questioned

Hamilton County Commissioner Fred Skillern and others asked the county’s chief judicial commissioner Wednesday why some of the judicial commissioners, often called magistrates, are working 21- or 25-hour weeks.

Chattanooga: Littlefield calls Wamp on auto suppliers concerns

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said he received two phone calls this week from Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, who was in Germany meeting with auto parts suppliers interested in locating near the planned Volkswagen assembly plant at Enterprise South.

Fulmer explains: ‘Nick has made progress’

University of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer just told a group or reporters — including our correspondent, Will Woodbery — why he chose to start sophomore Nick Stephens over junior Jonathan Crompton and quarterback against Northern Illinois on Saturday night.

Camping at Talladega still cheapest way to go

Are you going to Sunday’s Amp Energy 500 at the Talladega Superspeedway, or have fears about the availability (or cost) of gas made you stay home?

SEC picks blog: Vols will handle Northern Illinois

Looking back on the 1998 national championship and the players who made up those dominant Tennessee teams in the late-1990s every Friday is fun, but the rap sheets are starting to get quite disturbing. Take a look:

UTC Blog: The numbers aren’t pretty

Statistics don’t tell us everything, but they say a lot — even this early in the season when they’re still a bit skewed by games against good bowl subdivision teams. And after looking at the numbers for both the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Georgia Southern, one thing is clear: this game might not feature football at its finest.

Epps’ SEC picks blog: Vols will handle Northern Illinois

Looking back on the 1998 championship and the players that made up those dominant Tennessee teams in the late-1990s every Friday is fun, but the rap sheets are starting to get quite disturbing. Take a look:

Sean Phipps - Ragtime-picker Pokey LaFarge in Studio '99 10/03/08

MUSICcast: Ragtime-picker Pokey LaFarge in Studio '99 10/03/08 MP3 Download SUBSCRIBE

UTC Blog: Giles eager for reps, another win over Eagles

In order to play well, William Giles needs to practice. But when the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior offensive lineman practices, his injured left knee gives him trouble.

UT Blog: Notes and quotes from UT’s interview day

Blog: Reporters tour antebellum hunt

While ghost hunting at LaFayette’s Marsh House I was determined to remain skeptical and objective while secretly wishing for some proof of the paranormal.

KNOXVILLE: Chavis sits in for Fulmer at media event

University of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer missed Tuesday’s weekly media day session to attend a friend’s funeral is St. Petersburg, Fla.

UTC Blog: Gault hampered by quad contusion

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback Jare Gault will likely go through limited workouts in practice Wednesday due to a quad contusion suffered on Tuesday, Mocs coach Rodney Allison said during his weekly media luncheon.

Don’t go there, Hershey’s

I was awfully disappointed to hear that Hershey’s has started replacing cocoa butter with vegetable oil in some of their candies. Shame on you Hershey’s! Sure, you’ve changed the labeling to reflect the change, but most people aren’t going to notice that you’ve replaced the words “milk chocolate” with Hershey’s “candy.”

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Blog: Injuries still an issue

The breaks continue to go against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, at least when it comes to injuries.

TECHcast: Donnie Jenkins - September 30, 2008 - 'Blu Ray Profiles described’

Crompton, Stephens classy in talking about their competition this week

Here are the full transcripts from Sunday night interviews with junior Jonathan Crompton and sophomore Nick Stephens, the two University of Tennessee quarterbacks competing to start Saturday night against Northern Illinois.

UTC Blog: Elon out in front in SoCon

Following the first full Saturday of Southern Conference football games, Elon was 2-0 in conference play with two hard-fought wins. After edging Georgia Southern 22-20 two weeks ago, the Phoenix held off Samford, 23-17, in the Bulldogs’ SoCon debut.

List of unbeaten prep football teams getting shorter

So who’s next?

UT Blog: Fulmer's future less certain than ever

So much for Phillip Fulmer telling his incredible shrinking fan club that help is on the way. On the same day the Tennessee coach saw his offense gain but 191 yards against Auburn, he learned that prep quarterback Josh Nunes would reverse his commitment to the Vols and cast his lot (at least for this week) with Stanford.

Confident Biffle surges near front of Chase

Since when did Greg Biffle and Kyle Busch trade cars?

Crimson Tide makes a case for No. 1 Harris Poll rating

The first Harris Poll, the one poll supposedly immune to preseason bias, will be released today and help shape the initial BCS standings in a few weeks.

UT coaches can change QB or jobs

At first glance, it’s hard to believe Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton could have had a worse Saturday afternoon on the football field.

Hamilton County: Tax freeze will hurt seniors who rent, Commissioner Casavant says

Hamilton County Commissioner Richard Casavant told his fellow commissioners Thursday that providing property tax relief or a tax freeze to seniors over 65 won't help all seniors because many don't own property.

Washington: Offshore oil drilling limit dropped

After taking much heat from Republicans over the past several weeks, Democrats in Congress this week finally agreed to allow the congressional moratorium on offshore oil drilling to expire.

NASCAR blog: Busch just the latest victim of a writer’s jinx

I just want to take a moment to apologize to Kyle Busch. As with every Chase prediction I’ve made (not to mention high draft picks on my fantasy football teams), the Young jinx appears very much alive this year.

Epps’ SEC Picks Blog: Leach’s tips for the not-so-rich and famous

I’m willing to do this.

UTC Blog: Allison hopes QB situation is resolved

Coming into the season, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Rodney Allison didn’t expect to still be deciding on a quarterback after four games. But that’s where he found himself this week after starter Tony Pastore struggled in last Saturday’s loss to Jacksonville State.

Blog: Fulmer says this was UT offense’s best Thursday practice

This week’s last edition of “I type it, you read it,” is Thursday post-practice interviews with Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer, defensive coordinator John Chavis and offensive coordinator Dave Clawson.

Sean Phipps - The Chattanooga Region’s Diverse Music Scene: Studio '99 09/26/08

MUSICcast:The Chattanooga Region’s Diverse Music Scene: Studio '99 09/26/08

UT Blog: Fulmer’s media session focused on execution

Here is the full transcript from University of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer’s 25-minute interview session on Tuesday morning.

Tech’s record holder is the real McCoy

Bob McCoy remembers it like it was yesterday. A sophomore running back at Georgia Tech, he took the pitch as he ran to his left, blew past a couple of overmatched defenders from The Citadel and raced 87 yards to the Grant Field end zone.

UTC Blog: Allison has ‘good feeling’ about Saturday

Sounding a lot like Ben Crenshaw on the eve of the final day of the 1999 Ryder Cup, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Rodney Allison said Wednesday at his weekly media luncheon that he’s “got a good feeling” about winning Saturday in the Mocs’ Southern Conference opener at Furman.

Food Blog: Hosting during football season

I love this time of year. Warm days, cool evenings.

KNOXVILLE: Fulmer expects Vols to respond against Auburn

University of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer met with reporters this morning for his weekly media day.

UTC Blog: SoCon slate in full swing

The Southern Conference schedule officially got under way last week with Elon’s thrilling 22-20 win at Georgia Southern, but this Saturday is the big opening weekend.

BLOG: Coach Fulmer’s full interview session after Saturday’s game

I’m trying to set a new policy as the beat reporter up here.

Broadband and other issues

This week in the column I cover a few new tech trends and news items.

UTC Blog: Back to the drawing board

After taking today off, as usual, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will get back to work Tuesday. And it goes without saying that there’s a lot of work to be done.

Classification only one of subjects TSSAA talking about

The ultimate decision is more than a month away but the new top football region could be a reunion of ancient rivals.

Let’s see how Busch handles his lost lead

No one ever said winning a Sprint Cup title would be easy — a lesson Kyle Busch learned last week at New Hampshire.

Commission looks for schools package

After voting Wednesday to approve $162,500 in new playground equipment at Orchard Knob Elementary School, Hamilton County commissioners said they may want to consider looking at putting up playgrounds and sports fields when building schools.

UTC Blog: Mocs debut blue jerseys

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team came out in new blue jerseys Saturday for its homecoming game against Jacksonville State.

Washington: Alexander plugs his plug-in hybrid

For months, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has been touting the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles and pushing for legislation to incentivize them.

NASCAR Blog: Race fans can hear what other sports’ fans don’t

I’ve found this year that there aren’t many things more entertaining during a race than to listen to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and cousin/crew chief Tony Eury Jr. go at it over the scanner.

Staff Blog: Cheney plane touches down, leaves without incident

Milling around Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport awaiting the arrival of Vice President Dick Cheney this morning, a handful of TV and print journalists got a friendly warning from a young Secret Service agent.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga blog: Good times on the sideline

Linebacker Aaron Adams is part of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s crutches crew. He, running back Bryan Fitzgerald and defensive tackle Nick Craig are all on crutches right now for various reasons.

San Francisco’s Tussle Visits Studio ’99

Blog: Go with Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Vandy

Saw a funny shirt worn by a Southern Cal fan at last week’s Ohio State game that read, “I could start in the Big Ten.” Fantastic.

Sean Phipps -San Francisco’s Tussle Visits Studio ’99 09/19/08

MUSICcast: San Francisco’s Tussle Visits Studio ’99 09/19/08

Blog: A shocking experience

So once I told some of my fellow writers that I was going out to South Pittsburg, Tenn. to write about Tasers the first thing a few asked me was “Are you going to get Tased?”

UTC blog: Two Gamecocks out, two in

While the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is dealing with a high volume of injuries throughout its line, it’s hardly alone when it comes to juggling its roster.

Time for a nice cooker?

I’ve never had a rice cooker, but know I need one.

Epps: Five minutes with ... John Ward

“Pandemonium reigns!” That was the call from legendary Tennessee radio broadcaster John Ward, who discussed that famous Florida game, his favorite calls and Larry Munson during a phone interview Tuesday.

UTC BLOG: Numbers don't figure

UTC Blog

Greeson Blog: SEC hits full speed

What a weekend.

Tennessee-Florida game has lost its luster

September’s annual Tennessee-Florida game doesn’t carry the hype it did a few years ago. Florida’s Gators dipped under former coach Ron Zook, and the Volunteers haven’t won the Southeastern Conference since 1998.

Political Blog: A Hillary supporter’s transformation in Denver

Since returning from the Democratic National Convention I have sifted through memories of the serious, the funny, the suspenseful and the inspiring.

High school football season getting into form

You slip off for a week, keeping up with individuals as you pore through team stats while stealing a glance out the glass front of the condo facing the Atlantic Ocean and your thoughts are wistful and your wishes torn.

Busch, Johnson, Edwards will finish 1-2-3

It’s playoff time in NASCAR, and the 2008 version of the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship has more storylines than any previous year, which is great news for a sport coming off a less-than-tantalizing regular season.

Chattanooga: Westinghouse requests more tax relief

Westinghouse Electric Co., which is planning an expansion to its Chattanooga operation and to add 52 jobs in the process, came before the Hamilton County Commission Thursday to ask for some extra assistance.

If Tennessee doesn’t cover, run, Fulmer, run

It’s 3 p.m. Tennessee is leading by 40. The games stink again. You’re trying to talk yourself into a close Georgia-South Carolina game, but flashbacks of the Vanderbilt game and the first half of the North Carolina State game continue appearing in your head.

Wamp says ‘Gang of 10’ plan deficient on offshore drilling

The bipartisan “Gang of 10” energy bill backed by Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.; Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., doesn’t go nearly far enough in addressing the country’s energy needs, said Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn.

NASCAR: Points restart helps Gordon for a change

Maybe this is the year Jeff Gordon gets even.

The Starlings perform live in Studio ’99

It’s not every day we get to hear live music from a band as far away as Seattle, Wash.

NASCAR: Visiting New York before the Chase cranks up

Kyle Busch’s Q&A with Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press auto racing writer, going into the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, where he is the top seed:

Sean Phipps - The Starlings perform live in Studio ’99 09/12/08

MUSICcast: The Starlings perform live in Studio ’99 09/12/08

PREP BLOG: Three nonregion matchups highlight prep weekend

The three most intriguing high school football games this Friday are all nonregion matchups.

UT BLOG: Tight ends still in the plan

Would it feel like football season if people weren’t complaining about the University of Tennessee not throwing passes to the tight end? I say no.

UTC Blog: Heflin optimistic about return

Brian Heflin is always smiling, even when there doesn’t seem to be much to smile about.

The day the world changed

Gordon Robertson was more than a little excited as he climbed into his producer's chair at the 700 Club on that bright, clear Tuesday morning seven years ago.

UTC blog: Bowdens a big part of Allison’s career

Saturday's game at Florida State is a bit unique for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Rodney Allison because of his close ties to FSU coach Bobby Bowden and especially his sons.

UTC Blog: FSU defense won’t give Mocs much

In its season opener last week against Western Carolina, Florida State’s defense shut out and mostly shut down the Catamounts in a 69-0 win — the biggest blowout in school history.

Not on the anti-hot dog bandwagon

Now they’ve really done it. And ’scuse me please if you’re a member of PETA or a member of whatever pro-vegetarian group that recently sponsored an anti-hot dog ad, but shame on you. Shame shame.

UTC Blog: Mocs will go light this week

Needing to preserve as many players as possible for Saturday’s game at Florida State, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga won’t be doing much hitting this week in practice. In fact, Mocs coach Rodney Allison said the team wouldn’t go in full pads at all.

UTC Blog: Mocs turn attention to Seminoles

As good as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga looked in the second half Saturday, scoring 31 points while shutting out Cumberland, it’s important to remember that the Mocs were facing an NAIA school — an NAIA school that went 3-7 last season.

High school refs need to maintain perspective when enforcing new side-line rules

How much time do you ever really spend watching the guys in the striped shirts during a high school football game?

One giant leap ... propels Moreno to unforgettability

There are great plays, ones you discuss after a game with friends over dinner and a beer. There are the memorable ones, plays that alter games and change seasons.

Car of Tomorrow is still a problem today

OK, folks, do we need any more evidence that the Car of Tomorrow needs some tweaking?

Coppinger, Mackey take reins of County Commission

Hamilton County Commissioners Jim Coppinger and Warren Mackey took their respective oaths as chairman and vice chairman of the County Commission on Wednesday.

Political Blog: It’s time to hit the campaign trail

The morning began with our final delegation breakfast, which we shared with our Alaska friends. Sarah Palin is the talk of both delegations.

Tennessee: 2010 governor’s race begins taking shape at convention

Besides all the prime-time speeches at the Republican National Convention this week in St. Paul, Minn., Tennessee delegates also attended various caucus meetings, receptions and other events, many of them focusing on home-state issues.

NASCAR: Ragan close to Chase, but guys he’s chasing not likely to lose their spots

Though the weekend’s real winner might be Tropical Storm Hanna, when the Sprint Cup cars do complete the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond — now set for Sunday — the Chase field will be set.

UTC Blog: Garcia to make first start on line

Bryce Garcia was a late addition to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football roster.

New Tunes with TFP videographer Christian Bruce

SEC Picks Blog: Slow start but picks keep coming

My favorite comment to make whenever a graphic is displayed showing how many yards Arian Foster needs to surpass Travis Henry on the school’s all-time rushing list:

UTC Blog: Allison says coaches must do better, too

Not only is University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Rodney Allison looking for a better performance from his players on Saturday, he’s looking for improvement from his coaches, as well.

Chattanooga: Lookouts expected to start looking

The Chattanooga Lookouts are going shopping.

UTC blog: Gault practices after negative MRI

After his MRI came back negative, quarterback Jare Gault returned to the practice field Wednesday and shared reps with Tony Pastore as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga prepares to host Cumberland on Saturday.

UT Blog: Failures to capitalize on offense and special-teams issues hurt Vols again

Warning: I’m about to heave myself into a heap of hypocrisy.

Mustard as a calory cutter

The makers of French’s mustard are sponsoring a contest, Do You Have the Skinny on Mustard?” And, what they want to know is how you use mustard to reduce your caloric intake. For instance, do you use mustard in dip instead of sour cream?

Failures to capitalize on offense and special-teams issues hurt Vols again

PASADENA, Calif. — Warning: I’m about to heave myself into a heap of hypocrisy.

Wiedmer: Vols open another season with questions to answer

It might be time for Tennessee to rethink opening its football seasons in California. It didn’t work last year at Cal, and it didn’t work Monday night inside the Rose Bowl against UCLA.

Side Orders: More ideas for German cuisine

THE SEARCH FOR GOOD German food just doesn’t seem to end.

Tech Cast: Classic Web sites

Filed by Donnie Jenkins This week in the podcast and column I review a recent PC Magazine article at pcmag.com. In this piece they outline their choice of the Top 100 Classic Web Sites.

Chattanooga: Lookouts edge Stars in finale

The Chattanooga Lookouts concluded a disappointing Southern League second half on a positive note Monday afternoon, defeating Huntsville 2-1 at AT&T Field.

University of Tennessee: Vols wear orange pants for UCLA

PASADENA, Calif. — We have an orange pants sighting in The Rose Bowl.

GOP political blog: Tennessee delegation staying busy

The announcement of Sarah Palin as VP occurred while I was serving in the Convention Rules Committee meeting.

Political blog: Democratic coronation quite a party

“Jilted, jilted. I'm a flower whose wilted ...” sings Diana Devereux in George Gershwin's election musical “Of Thee I Sing.”

UCLA game is not the only key to a successful Vols season

Maybe it’s the laid-back atmosphere of West Coast football, but the past few days have gotten me thinking about the hilarity of early-season hyperbole.

Red Bank looks to regroup after loss to Soddy-Daisy

OK, the streak ended.

Political Blog: We’ve arrived

We’ve arrived at the Ramada in Bloomington, Minn., Convention home for the Tennessee Delegation. The drive up was great — we saw a number of places we'll stop on the trip home.

Dogs take No. 1 win

Kris Durham was only going to have Kris Durham to blame.

Atlanta opener against Clemson is a Crimson Tide celebration

Last year’s opener was Nick Saban’s coronation.

Chattanooga: Parents cautioned to watch kids’ online habits

Your kids might not just be expanding their educational horizons while playing online, warned the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department.

UTC Blog: Live from the Sooner State

The only thing that will be easy for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team tonight, in its opener at fourth-ranked Oklahoma, will be the drive to the stadium.

Political blog: Heroes and a political awakening

Row after row of buses pulled up to Invesco Field with delegates and DNC members. Many attending this historic event did not have the luxury of riding shuttles and had to walk for many blocks. The light rail was blocked off at the closest location for security reasons.

Chattanooga: Lookouts fall to Stars in 6-2 loss at home

The Huntsville Stars scored twice in the seventh inning and twice in the eighth Friday night at AT&T Field to pull away for a 6-2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts.

NASCAR: At the very least, Ganassi needs more sponsorship

Chip Ganassi isn’t afraid to take chances. He really doesn’t care what the public (or the media) thinks. So when one of the most successful owners in auto racing history says his organization is fine, who are we to argue?

Saturday in Atlanta

The Tide win if ...: They can use two advantages — Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper’s elongated throwing motion and an inexperienced offensive line — to force turnovers and incompletions on third downs.

Sean’s Current Earworms

Chattanooga: Lookouts rock Stars

Eric Eymann and Chris Heisey each hit a grand slam to left field Thursday night to lead the Chattanooga Lookouts to an 11-7 series-opening win over the Huntsville Stars at AT&T Field.

Epps: Five times of SEC football interest

1. Save the Daves

SEC Blog: The picks are back

Hey, the college football picks are back! (Applause fades)

UTC Blog: Getting to know Oklahoma

When the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga takes the field Saturday against No. 4 Oklahoma, it will be facing what could be called — and the numbers support it — the best program in college football since World War II.

Political Blog: Keep it real

The speakers on Wednesday included military person after military person. John Hutson, rear admiral, retired, shared his frustration with “arrogance abroad and incompetence at home” then offered that he was a former Republican inspired by Barack Obama’s ideals of unity and common purpose.

Chattanooga: LOOKOUTS DELAYED

Wednesday’s recap: Rain delays of more than four hours at Smokies Park prevented the Chattanooga Lookouts and Tennessee Smokies from playing their doubleheader. In fact, the end of the first game had not been determined at press time.

UTC Blog: Allison’s advice simple heading into opener

Speaking to the media Wednesday at McKenzie Arena, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Rodney Allison said his most basic advice for his team, which opens the 2008 season Saturday at fourth-ranked Oklahoma, consisted of just two words: “Don’t flinch.”

Epps: Five minutes with ... Ole Miss’s Jevan Snead

Ole Miss fans are desperate for a winner, a reason to cheer following an 0-8 record in SEC play last year. Meet Jevan Snead.

Restaurant feedback — and how it is sometimes taken

I had an e-mail conversation with my friend, “Wild Bill.” The topic of the morning was letting a restaurant owner know when the meal was less than perfect. He had breakfast at a local diner recently. The pork chop and biscuits were both excellent, but the scrambled eggs were dry and the gravy for the biscuits was a little burned. When he walked up to the counter to pay, the fellow at the register asked if his meal was OK, and Wild Bill told him about the eggs and gravy. “He had no reaction other than to nod his head that he heard what I said,” Wild Bill said.

Trends and news

Today in the column and podcast we take a look at some tech news and trends that seem to be evident these days.

Chattanooga: Smokies edge Lookouts 2-1 in 10 innings

Kyle Reynolds hit a bases-loaded single off Chattanooga reliever Lee Tabor with nobody out in the 10th inning to give the Tennessee Smokies a 2-1 Southern League baseball win Monday night.

Slaughter leads Trojans against his former team

E.K. Slaughter was looking for a head coaching job and was excited when the offer was extended by Soddy-Daisy principal John Maynard.

Vols Blog: Vlad’s Olympiad

University of Tennessee junior guard Vladimir Richard probably spent part of today’s rare time off to catch up on the Olympics.

NASCAR: Bump-and-win it

They’ve avoided the talk of a two-man battle for the Sprint Cup championship for several weeks. Following Saturday night’s Sharpie 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the duel is on for Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards.

Chattanooga: Lookouts-Reds link: extension or extinction?

The Chattanooga Lookouts have been Class AA affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds since 1988.

NASCAR: Clean past keeps Gibbs cars on track

There is a growing feeling in the NASCAR community that Joe Gibbs Racing got off extremely easy in the “Magnet-Gate” episode.

NASCAR: Frustrating year

Jeff Gordon’s head is swimming. Another throng of reporters surrounds him. Cameras in his face, voice recorders piling up under his nose.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga blog: Passing game sharp in morning workout

UTC blog: Passing game sharp in morning workout

Biden for VP and Obama’s judgment

I’m still not packed for Denver. My suitcases are on the bed surrounded by a few pieces of clothing and toiletries. I’m reading the Denver weather reports to see just how light I can pack.

Epps: NCAA, quit attempting to streamline

College football needs to drop this identity crisis and just be college football. Enough with the clock changes, adopting NFL rules and damaging the integrity of the sport just to shorten games by 15 minutes.

NASCAR: Edwards’ hot streak extends to Bristol pole

The Carl Edwards Express continued to roll Friday at the Bristol Motor Speedway, where he earned the pole position for tonight’s Sharpie 500 Sprint Cup race.

NASCAR blog: Logano no big gamble for Gibbs

Joe Gibbs Racing will announce Monday that 18-year-old Joe Logano will replace Tony Stewart in the No. 20 Sprint Cup car next season. This isn’t exactly unexpected, but is it a good move?

NASCAR: Bristol a bubble breaker?

Jeff Burton is breathing a little easier these days, and he doesn’t mind showing it.

NASCAR: Keselowski outruns Bowyer

Brad Keselowski admits he’s not the most patient person, but that trait led him to victory in Friday night’s Food City 250 Nationwide Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Chattanoga: Suns withstand rally by Lookouts

The Jacksonville Suns scored two runs in the first, third and fifth innings and made them hold up for a 6-5 win Friday night over the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field.

NASCAR: Ragan’s progress amazing

Anyone who watched David Ragan bounce off the walls at the Bristol Motor Speedway last year would not believe what the 22-year-old Georgian is threatening to do as the 2008 Sprint Cup regular season winds down.

Orlando’s Cure for Caska in Studio ’99

Life on the road can be tough for an up and coming band.

UTC blog: Calm before the Sooner storm

It’s been kind of a strange week here on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football beat. The Mocs finally got a day off Monday, had a lousy practice Tuesday — during which nobody seemed to be on the same page — and looked much better Wednesday.

Chattanooga: Lookouts title hopes fade with loss to Suns

The Chattanooga Lookouts entered Wednesday afternoon’s game at AT&T Field with one scenario in which they could capture the Southern League’s North Division title outright — win their final 13 games and have Carolina lose 13 straight.

Distractions abound for Vols as classes resume at University of Tennessee

The fall semester started today at the University of Tennessee, and that means a few important things to football coach Phillip Fulmer.

Breakfast magnets

“Wild Bill” e-mailed me recently asking about good places for breakfast.

Three-track swap: Atlanta gets Sunday night holiday race

The release of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule Tuesday was good news for three tracks trying to increase attendance by improving the race-day experience for fans.

UT Blog: Warren’s eligibility gives Vols no reason to complain

There’s no better way to put it than to simply call Brandon Warren’s freshly-legislated eligibility a big, big boost to the University of Tennessee football team.

UTC blog: 12 days to Norman

For months, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team’s season opener against Oklahoma was way off in the future — so far off that it was a fun thing for the Mocs to talk about but not really something the players and coaches had to confront.

Keeping a Local Backup

This week in the column we look at several different ways to discover new music online.

Chattanooga: Dismuke now 1-1 as Lookouts interim manager

There were runs, hits and errors Monday night at AT&T Field as the Chattanooga Lookouts dropped a 5-4 decision to the Jacksonville Suns in 10 innings.

High school coaches live a nomadic life

New Hartsville coach Kevin Creasy drives 106 miles round trip from his home in Murfreesboro every day.

UTC blog: Mocs pass-happy in scrimmage

Throwing the ball near and far, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offense got the better of the defense during most of the Mocs’ second scrimmage of the preseason.

Chattanooga: STARS 3, LOOKOUTS 1

Friday’s recap: Angel Salome’s three-run home run to right off Pedro Viola with one out in the first inning held up for Huntsville, which clinched the series and improved to 26-28 in the Southern League’s second half. Chattanooga pulled within 3-1 in the second inning when Tonys Gutierrez homered to right, and that was the last run either team would produce.

Washington: Spending bills stall as Congress awaits vote

Congress has yet to tackle 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, though with a new president taking office in January, progress on those bills appears unlikely before the year is out.

NASCAR: Why not a Sunday night race for Atlanta on Labor Day weekend?

For a moment, all seemed right with the NASCAR world when the headline “Southern 500 Returns” flashed across my computer screen early Friday.

Songs of Summer: a discussion

What makes a good summer song? Is it a hook? Is it a catchy chorus?

UTC Blog: Energy, enthusiasm on the rise

Rodney Allison said Wednesday that the new punishments for loafing on a play were originally scheduled to begin at the end of Tuesday’s practice. However, the players competed so hard and had so much enthusiasm during the third-down contest at the end that he wanted the practice to conclude on that high note, rather than with punishment.

Chattanooga: STARS 5-11, LOOKOUTS 3-6

Wednesday’s recap: Travis Wood’s struggles continued as Huntsville won the first seven-inning game 5-3, dropping Wood’s season record to 2-8.

Fond memories of St. Maarten

I was quite surprised when I received a number of e-mails asking about my trip to St. Maarten.

Social Networks

Today in the column I take a close look at just how ingrained the creative urge is in our history and culture.

VW announcement like 'Second Coming'

A report in Newsweek last week described Chattanooga’s reaction to the announcement that Volkswagen will build a $1 billion assembly plant here as a near-religious revelation.

UTC Blog: Mocs’ offense and defense have good moments in scrimmage

Looking better late than early, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offense scored three touchdowns at the end of the Mocs’ scrimmage Saturday morning at Finley Stadium.

Chattanooga: LeCure near perfect in win

“After the fifth inning, you get a little uptight out there and want to make a play,” said Chattanooga outfielder Danny Dorn, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, a double and an RBI in the Lookouts’ 3-0 win Friday night against the visiting Tennessee Smokies.

Busch won’t need to play it safe the next few races

I saw an interesting fact the other day that shows just how good it is to be Kyle Busch these days.

Washington: Wamp: Choice to run for governor difficult one to make

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., soon will be facing what he calls the toughest political decision of his life: whether to run for governor.

Charlie Louvin visits Studio '99

Everything I’ve read so far about the upcoming ChattaHippie music festival has me excited.

Chattanoonga: Smokies light up Looks

For further proof that football season is near, the Tennessee Smokies defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts 18-16 Wednesday night at AT&T Field

UT blog: Warren’s inactivity because of class conflict

The Tennessee Drill usually highlights the Vols’ first preseason practice in shoulder pads, but the biggest news today might be who’s not in uniform.

A heavy dose of intrigue in preseason practice

KNOXVILLE — Here are some quick-hitters before UT hits the field at 4:40 p.m. for its first full-pads practice this season.

Two-a-days tough, but they could be worse

For football players, the phrase “two-a-days” conjures up feelings of dread and discomfort.

Buying thoughts

So Budweiser’s been purchased by a Belgium company. Miller beer has been owned a South African enterprise for a while.

Recording microphone tips

This week I do my Walter Winchell impersonation in the column to see how many stories I can cover in a limited space.

Barons beat Chattanooga 5-1

The Birmingham Barons scored three runs in the seventh inning and two unearned runs in the eighth and defeated Chattanooga 5-1 in Southern League baseball Monday night.

VW may have wanted political pull, expert says

Volkswagen may have decided to come to Tennessee because a German automaker already had a political foothold in Alabama, said Dr. Matt Murray, associate director for the University of Tennessee’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

Vols' Foster has fun with 'the dog'

KNOXVILLE — I’ve said this, and I’ve written this, but today will make me bring it up again.

Maybe Goodyear needs some competition

So who is to blame in this lastest tire fiasco, and what would you do about it?

ChattanoogaBarons blank Lookouts, 2-0

The Chattanooga Lookouts’ second-half swoon in the Southern League continued Friday night with a 2-0 loss to the Birmingham Barons.

Washington: Some Democratic energy ideas praised by Wamp

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said his party may risk being tagged as obstructionist by voters if its leaders insist on constantly voting against Democratic proposals on energy.

Tennessee football team opens preseason camp Saturday

Many will focus on few faces Saturday, when the University of Tennessee football team opens preseason camp.

Chattanooga's Old Factory Pickers in Studio '99

Chattanooga is synonymous with bluegrass music, but another genre of Appalachian music is slowly being revived.

Chattanooga: BRAVES 3, LOOKOUTS 1

Wednesday’s recap: Chattanooga managed just one hit off four Mississippi pitchers and must win tonight to avoid its first five-game sweep of the season. The Lookouts are now 15-24, having lost 15 of their last 20 games.

Casual dining means a shrimp boil

I remember the first shrimp boil I ever attended. What’s it with all that food thrown out on the newspaper, I thought. Can’t they at least afford paper plates?

Privacy issues

This week in the column, we play the tech "Golden Oldie" hit list, associating songs with some tech issues.

Officials dispel rumors concerning VW

Economic development and government officials took some time Friday to dispel some of the rumors floating around in the lead-up to Volkswagen deciding to build its assembly plant in Chattanooga.

Weighing the pain and the gain

Covering the Chattanooga Tattoo Arts Festival — a three-day festival culminating Sunday at the Holiday Inn at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo — I couldn’t help but wonder if I wouldn’t like to get “inked” myself.

Chattanooga: Diamond Jaxx pound punchless Lookouts

The Chattanooga Lookouts’ relief pitching hasn’t been a problem the last couple of contests. The struggles lie with the hitting.

NASCAR Blog: Brickyard winner always one of NASCAR's best

Want to know why the Brickyard 400 is considered one of NASCAR’s “major” races?

Washington: Wamp OKs Democratic energy proposals, says more action needed

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., had barely left the House floor after voting Thursday when a Republican leadership aide approached him to ask if he meant to support a Democratic-backed bill to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Sean Phipps & Casey Phillips discuss Folk Music

It may come to no surprise to you that I consider myself a “folkie,” defined as a fan of Folk music. I love a song that means something to somebody, a song that is worth singing if nothing more than for the sheer joy of doing so.

Holiday recipe thoughts

Here are my thoughts on the Times Free Press holiday recipe contest. They’re three good reasons to send your recipe in.

Epps: Looking at SEC with big 10 questions

Large, hungry members of the sports media will convene near Birmingham today for SEC Media Days. And not just for the luncheon. SEC Media Days signal the commencement of SEC football in 2008 and plenty of news and features, so let’s get started with 10 questions:

Music tech

This week in the column I track a few new trends and stories I’ve been following, including the never ending Yahoo Microsoft soap opera.

Sheriff candidates Beck, Hammond disagree on county jail privatization

Republican Hamilton County sheriff candidate Jim Hammond said Tuesday he would consider letting a private company run the county jail.

Rock City birdhouses to $85,000 chairs at ‘Antiques Roadshow’

“Antiques Roadshow” has been must-see TV on Monday nights in my home for years. I’m fascinated by the junk people bring in and their stories behind those pieces.

Chattanooga: BAYBEARS 7, LOOKOUTS 6

Friday’s recap: John Hester’s one-out single to left-center off Sean Watson in the bottom of the 10th inning scored Gerardo Parra and saddled Chattanooga (12-16) with the setback.

Washington: Regional commission funding praised

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., praised Congress’ passage this past week of a five-year reauthorization for the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is now awaiting President Bush’s signature.

Stewart off and running with Stewart-Haas

Tony Stewart is off to a flying start with Stewart-Haas Racing, proving the soon-to-be owner/driver won’t be in over his head in 2009.

Gretel Performs in Studio '99

Singer/songwriter Reva Williams fronts the Boston-based Americana band Gretel.

Chattanooga: BAYBEARS 8, LOOKOUTS 7

Wednesday’s recap: Carlos Fisher walked Bryan Byrne with the bases loaded and nobody out in the bottom of the ninth inning as Chattanooga (11-15) lost for the sixth time in seven games. Southern League all-star Robert Manuel loaded the bases before being replaced by Fisher.

Chattanooga: Stubbs has noteworthy debut with Lookouts

As far as debuts go, Drew Stubbs assembled a pretty good one last Thursday night at AT&T Field.

What's next on the food watch

First it was tomatoes. Now it’s cilantro. What next? Onions? Basil? Let’s see, what else goes into salsa?

Chattanooga: Radio announcer Ward speeds toward 3,000th broadcast

In late June, on a Sunday afternoon-turned-evening, the visiting Chattanooga Lookouts defeated Jacksonville in 15 innings.

Chattanoogan swims English Channel

Twelve hours and 28 minutes after she climbed into the English Channel in Dover, England, Karah Nazor emerged Sunday evening on the French shoreline 21 miles away.

Tech movies

Today in the column and in the podcast I take a look at several movies and TV shows about tech, just to see if they got it right.

Swimming the English Channel: Mission accomplished

The trip to France from the shores of Dover, England, was a long journey — longer than it took us to fly from Atlanta to London.

Swimming the English Channel: It’s a done deal

It’s official. I’m the mother of an English Channel swimmer. And, I can honestly say I’m glad she’s the only one of my four children who did it.

Former Chattanoogan is first Tennessean to swim English Channel

Early Sunday evening, England time, Karah Nazor became the first swimmer from Tennessee to complete a swim across the English Channel.

Berke warns against incentives 'arms race'

Tennessee State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, said that state officials are doing the right things by offering incentives to businesses looking to come to Tennessee, but also warned that the government shouldn’t go overboard.

Pakistani PM accepts Wamp invitation

WASHINGTON — When Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., visited Pakistan earlier this month, he invited Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to next February’s National Prayer Breakfast.

Swimming the English Channel: Excitement building for Sunday attempt

I’m blogging today from “The Happy Chef,” a restaurant across from the Dover Harbor.

Will other NASCAR drivers follow Stewart as current owners retire?

Tony Stewart’s decision to become a Sprint Cup owner next year is interesting on several fronts. One that hasn’t been discussed much is the effect of his move on the future state of ownership at NACSAR’s highest level.

Swimming the English Channel: Swimmers still showing up

Karah had a good day in the water. It has been the warmest day to date for us, though I don’t have a clue how warm it is. I’d guess it’s around 75. The season for English Channel swimming has just begun and Karah will be one of the first in the water for an official 2008 swim.

Blog: New iPhone sacrificed in the name of journalism

It started selfishly. I thought, while I’m out waiting in line for my iPhone 3G, I’ll do some video, talk to some other people in line. It’ll be cute, I’ll get my phone, get a little story and get back to the office — in that order.

Chattanooga: Stars keep winning

Hurry up, Southern League All-Star break.

Triangle Forest in Studio '99

I know more about Chinese Algebra than I do about Electronica music, but I do know good music when I hear it.

Swimming the English Channel: Beautiful day in Dover, looking to a Sunday crossing

Finally! A beautiful day in Dover. However, the weather in the Channel is still very windy and her pilot said it will probably be Sunday before she heads to France.

Swimming the English Channel: More on Karah Nazor's preparation

Today is Karah’s second day to swim in the English Channel. The weather here is terrible. It has rained the entire day, but, of course, rain doesn’t bother swimmers.

Chattanooga: Stars edge Lookouts on ninth-inning single by league’s top hitter

The definition of a scorching minor league season is going 2-for-5 in July and raising your batting average just one percentage point.

Stay safe with eggs

Just because Independence Day picnics are over doesn’t mean the picnic season is finished. In fact, it will go well into the fall.

Swimming the English Channel: Arriving in England

We arrived in England early Sunday morning only to learn that the weather here is terrible for Channel swimming. The wind is at 50 mph and on a good day it’s 1.

E-mails answered

Once again this week in the column and in the podcast, I address your e-mail questions.

Chattanooga: Mississippi shades Lookouts in ninth, 4-3

The Mississippi Braves scored on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night to edge Chattanooga 4-3 and prevent a sweep of the four-game Southern League baseball series in Pearl, Miss.

Lookouts' All-Star reliever leads league in ERA

Robert Manuel can’t compete in the Chattanooga Lookouts bullpen.

Cobb tells critics to 'get over' his BEP vote

State Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, told members of the Pachyderm Club last Monday that his critics need to move past his vote against changes to the Basic Education Program K-12 funding formula.

Ben & Bruno in Studio '99

Ben & Bruno is the sort of alter-ego of singer/songwriter Peter J. Brant.

Tom Waits’ “Glitter & Doom” tour--- Civic Auditorium, Knoxville TN 06-30-08

Tom Waits brought his “Glitter & Doom” tour to Knoxville this past Sunday and I was lucky enough to snag a few tickets. At $85 per ticket it certainly wasn’t cheap, but the good stuff rarely is.

Show Review: Bombadil blasts crowd at JJs Bohemia

Last night, something momentous happened at JJ’s Bohemia — things actually got going around 10 p.m. (the scheduled start time).

Hank Hill as a cook

Whenever local attorney Hank Hill throws a party, he does it with gusto. In other words, I don’t eat all day because I know there’s going to a lot of food.

Moore trumps Dorn slam

Danny Dorn’s home run to right-center field in the bottom of the eighth inning Tuesday night provided four runs for the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Chattanooga: Humbling at the Honors reminded me to have fun

Lee, the caddie, looked at me as I climbed out of a small bunker guarding the green on No. 12 at The Honors Course.

Canadian auto parts supplier nixes Alabama for plant

GUIN, Ala. — Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International is no longer considering northwest Alabama for a plant that could’ve brought some 1,000 jobs the area, officials said.

Chattanooga: Lookouts pitcher overcomes Olympic disappointment in win

For a heartbroken pitcher, James Avery more than held his own Monday night for the Chattanooga Lookouts.

End of the Bill Gates era

This week in the podcast we mark the end of Bill Gates' career at Microsoft, at least this part of it. I have no doubt that he will continue to play a large role in some way, but he has left to devote his time to charity and other similar interests.

Chattanooga: 4 Lookouts all-stars; Valaika a Futures pick

Three weeks into the season, Eric Eymann was a Chattanooga Lookouts utility infielder with a .190 batting average.

Oh, for the good old days of shimmying up trees

An animal control dispatcher asked an animal control officer over the police scanner why he didn’t climb a tree to remove a raccoon from it.

Chattanooga: LOOKOUTS 16, SUNS 0

Friday’s recap: Justin Turner, Danny Dorn, Craig Tatum and Eric Eymann each homered as Chattanooga (4-6) rolled to its largest victory of the season and in recent memory.

Washington: Lawmakers call for bipartisan energy summit

Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.; Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., are among a bipartisan group of senators urging their respective party leaders to convene an energy summit after Congress’s July 4 recess.

Kudzu emerging as unlikely ethanol source

What was your most interesting race-related story this week? Is it the myriad of driver rumors? Kyle Busch continuing to dominate? Jeff Gordon not winning again?

Chattanooga: SUNS 6, LOOKOUTS 4

Thursday’s recap: Chattanooga (3-6) dug itself a quick hole in the second inning when throwing errors by starting pitcher Ben Jukich and third baseman Eric Eymann resulted in three unearned runs as Jacksonville (5-4) built a 4-0 lead.

Miss Tess & the Bon Ton Parade

This is, admittedly, not my best interview. I had been in contact with the excellent Miss Tess & the Bon Ton Parade since their last gig in Chattanooga.

Chattanooga: Jukich earning a Reds look

Chattanooga Lookouts starting pitcher Ben Jukich could be a big-league injury away from joining the rotation of the Cincinnati Reds.

Big River at 15

Hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since Big River Grille opened in Chattanooga on Broad Street.

Questions

In the column this week, I turn the tables a bit and ask a few questions about your tech loves and hates, how you approach your work and what you would like to see change in the tech world.

Chattanooga: Northside remembered

Talk this morning about changes at what used to be Northside Junior High resurrected memories that highlighted a year teaching there nearly 40 years ago.

Lawmakers meet with environmentalists

WASHINGTON — The Tennessee Conservation Voters met last week with several Tennessee members of Congress, urging them to consider environmentally friendly legislation that would combat global warming and encourage environmental preservation.

Lanier offers Wendy's gift cards to officials

Chris Lanier, former head of the local Citizen’s Taxpayers Organization, went the extra mile Monday in encouraging local public officials to eat fast food rather than expensive steak dinners.

Chattanooga : Lookouts erupt against Volstad for a 6-0 win

The Chattanooga Lookouts picked an unlikely pitcher against whom to emerge from their nearly three-game offensive slumber.

OK, drivers, don't speak freely after all

So much for freedom of expression.

Chattanooga: Mudcats shut out Lookouts again, 2-0

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials have no need to visit AT&T Field this week.

The Two Man Gentleman Band in Studio '99

I’ll be the first to admit the Kazoo is an acquired taste.

Chattanooga: Mistakes reappear as Lookouts fall 8-2

Though the Chattanooga Lookouts did a lot of things right to close out the Southern League’s first half, Tuesday night’s second-half opener at AT&T Field brought back some painful reminders.

A special gift

I won’t bore you with tales of my 50th birthday since I pretty much filled you in last week.

Epps: Pressure up for Gottfried: Steele is back

This is not a conversation the head coach of Alabama basketball wants to hear at the end of the season:

Chattanooga's first-half finish gives promise for the second half starting tonight against Carolina

After a feeling-out process, the Chattanooga Lookouts are feeling good.

iPhone news and more

This week in the column I cover a few breaking stories and trends in tech, including Apple’s latest announcements.

Leaving Ghana is bittersweet

On June 7, I departed from Ghana. It was a bittersweet moment as I packed my things. Though I was excited to see all of my family and friends when I got home, I was deeply saddened to leave the new friends I made over the spring semester and the country that, during the past four months, I have grown to love.

Chattanooga: Lookouts fall 12-4 to Diamond Jaxx

Center fielder Michael Wilson was 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs as West Tenn beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 12-4 in a Southern League baseball game shortened to eight innings because of bad weather in Jackson, Tenn.

Grant's lawsuit is a gut-punch to NASCAR

A week ago, NASCAR’s biggest issue was finding a way to end a rash of boring races. Ah, the good old days.

Tennessee: Davis aid backtracks on Obama remark

The chief of staff to Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., is downplaying comments he made to the Nashville City Paper this week that suggested presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama may have connections to terrorists.

Chattanooga: Lookouts beat Jaxx 5-1

The Chattanooga Lookouts scored three runs in the top of the first inning and beat the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx 5-1 in Thursday night’s Southern League baseball game at Jackson, Tenn.

Christian Singer/Songwriter Philip Hickey

I can’t believe I’ve never had a Christian artist perform in Studio ’99. We’ve had punk rockers, country crooners & indie-rock bands but no Christian artists.

Chattanooga: DIAMOND JAXX 3, LOOKOUTS 1

Wednesday’s recap: Matt Mangini had an RBI single in the fourth inning and a fielder’s choice RBI in the sixth to lead West Tenn to a victory that eliminated the Lookouts from the Southern League North Division’s first-half race.

Miss Resaca Beach competition taking stage

The well-known Marla Maples almost did not win the 1983 Resaca Beach poster contest — a victory which, of course, directly launched her career and directly led to her marriage to New York real estate mogul Donald Trump.

Time for milestones

It’s hard to believe that my youngest daughter, Taylor, is now a college graduate. Not that the other two aren’t. My oldest, Anne, is now an architect at Artech here in town.

Odds and ends

In the column today, I take a look at how the print industry is coping with the advent of the Internet, using the Times Free Press as an example.

Epp: Spurrier Sr. is letting Jr. do play calls

We all know a guy like Steve Spurrier. You know, the guy who insists on doing all the work, trusts only himself, starts working at a furious pace and then looks up and snidely says, “I’m doing everything around here, right?”

Birthday is time to reflect on life

June 1 marked my 21st birthday. I was sad that I would not be able to spend this special day with my family and friends at home.

Pedicab operator's application stalls

Thursday’s Chattanooga Transportation Board meeting was so eventful, it required a bathroom break.

Chattanooga: Lookouts down Smokies 8-6

Daniel Dorn went 4-for-6 with two solo home runs and Chris Valaika was 5-for-6 with three RBIs as the Chattanooga Lookouts defeated the Tennessee Smokies 8-6 in Southern League baseball Friday night.

Washington: Wamp gives optimistic assessment of conditions in Iraq

Pointing to some positive developments in Iraq, Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said this week that the U.S. strategy outlined by Gen. David Petraeus and backed by the White House is working.

NASCAR drivers can still have fun, and they’re still generous

Wednesday’s Prelude to the Dream exhibition race at Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway gave a lot of NASCAR fans a peek at something they haven’t seen much this year: drivers having fun.

Garrison Starr in Studio '99

Garrison Starr has been a rising Nashville singer/songwriter for years. She’s had several albums released on Vanguard records, and she’s gone on tour with artists like Ani Difranco, Steve Earle & Over the Rhine.

Chattanooga:Turner injured in Lookouts' 5-4 comback win

Sean Henry should have been the happiest man at AT&T Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Kudos to Food Lion

I rarely shop at Food Lion. Nothing against the place really. There’s not one in my neighborhood, that’s all.

Georgia: Hamlin practices in area for Eldora

In many ways, it was a typical midweek setting for a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, but there was nothing typical about the 2,300-pound machine Denny Hamlin was climbing into.

Chattanooga: Lookouts win, then no-no

The Chattanooga Lookouts didn’t confuse a long night for a lost night Monday at AT&T Field.

Chattanooga: Bruce evoking Lookouts pride

Following the postponement of Sunday’s game at AT&T Field, Chattanooga Lookouts players returned to their clubhouse in time to watch Jay Bruce bat for the Cincinnati Reds.

Imagination in focus

This week in the column, I discuss some jewels I recently found online.

Surviving a knee-knocker

A freeze-frame picture wouldn’t have captured it. A digital video camera couldn’t have seen it, either.

Students don’t take textbooks for granted

In a previous article, I wrote about the lack of books on campus for university students in Ghana and my professor’s displeasure with this.

Corker hunting for Nashville house, cites travel convenience

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he is searching the Nashville area for a second home “as a matter of convenience” because of the large amount of time he spends in the state’s capital.

Corker checking out Nashville real estate

Though he’s been spotted scouting real estate in Nashville, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he still plans to keep the Scenic City as his main home.

Chattanooga: Lookouts blank Biscuits

Ben Jukich threw first-pitch strikes and reaped the benefits Friday night.

Logano ready to fulfill Martin's prediction

It’s been quite a week for debuts in professional sports. Two of baseball’s rising stars got their first taste of major league action, with Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and Reds outfielder Jay Bruce shining in their first games.

Chattanooga: Avery, two relievers pitch Lookouts to series-tying 4-2 victory

Maybe AT&T Field isn’t such a haunted house for Chattanooga Lookouts pitcher James Avery after all.

The Post Wisdom Teeth Extraction MUSIccast

Well, after 25-years of being told I’d be able to keep my wisdom teeth I finally had to get them ripped out of my head.

Chattanooga: Lookouts lose fourth consecutive game

Yet another loss. Yet another team meeting.

An idea worth trying

I received an e-mail from my sister recently that told me something I’ve never known before.

Developing your crap detector

I suppose we could define the word “crap” as any useless or false information or communication. This week we take a look at the need to be aware of this in everyday life.

In Ghana, people don't hide their faith

Driving on the streets of Ghana, I see religious slogans and images on the backs of taxis and the public tro-tros (buses or vans that serve as the country’s main public transportation system).

'All welcome' at candidate’s fundraiser doesn't mean media

Bob Tuke’s U.S. Senate campaign had a fundraiser in Chattanooga on Monday, but media was turned away, although a published advertisement for the event said “all are welcome.”

Remembering a fallen friend

I can remember when Memorial Day meant a long weekend, cook-outs, and the opening of the public pool. I would have been hard pressed to explain what Memorial Day was throughout the first 20 years of my life. Now, following that fateful night in December 2006, it has a whole new meaning.

'MoonPie' begins long journey over Pacific Crest Trail

Chattanoogan Katherine Becksvoort is hiking the 2,700-mile Pacific Crest Trail. This is the first in a periodic series of reports in Diversions.

Wheeler has been a fan above all

The surprise announcement this week that H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler is retiring from his post as president of Lowe’s Motor Speedway marks the end of one of the most interesting — and important — careers in NASCAR history.

Ben Taylor & David Saw on this week's MUSICcast

Ben Taylor & David Saw have a kind of synergy on stage that reminds one of the great acoustic duos of the past.

Atlanta visit

Last weekend, I paid my every-now-and-again visit to Atlanta. That translates into: Whenever I save enough money to go to IKEA and Trader Joe’s, along with the gas money to get there and back.

Wamp keeps Greenspan from sending the stock markets tumbling

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., was leaving a news conference Tuesday morning at the National Press Building when former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan stepped onto his elevator a few floors down.

James Taylor, Carly Simon son at Rhythm & Brews

Get excited all you Chattanooga music fans because tonight, you have the opportunity to knock off a few degrees of separation between yourself and singer/songwriting legends James Taylor and Carly Simon.

Chattanooga pitcher keys win over Braves

AT&T Field’s sign visible to travelers on Highway 27 read, “What is a Jukich? Find out tonight at 7:15.”

Voting machine problems

Today in the column I again answer your e-mail questions and try to address some common problems.

Area prep baseball teams take aim at Spring Fling

Another year is almost gone for high school athletes. The seniors, most of them anyway, have graduated and the Spring Fling, Tennessee’s state high school championship series for spring sports, is all that stands between us and the shelf for the 2007-08 high school seasons.

We take textbooks for granted in the U.S.

Early on during my semester in Ghana, as I finished registering for my classes, I went to find the nearest campus bookstore to pick up my textbooks and assigned readings.

Chattanooga: Lookouts crushed at home

The Mississippi Braves scored scattered runs and waves of runs.

Wamp backs GOP effort on energy

WASHINGTON — Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., this week along with 17 other House Republicans introduced a bill aimed at increasing U.S. energy supplies, including drilling for oil offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

Let’s hear fresh ideas for the All-Star race

Let’s get interactive with this blog. NASCAR’s All-Star race: Do you like it? Is there a better way to do it? Should NASCAR move it around? Come on, we need ideas here.

Local singer/songwriter Gabriel Newell in Studio '99

There are a lot of up and coming singer/songwriters based out of Chattanooga these days.

Chattanooga: Grand start propels Lookouts to 6-4 win

It’s not every night the Chattanooga Lookouts need just one hit to score their first five runs.

Hargis: Patrick tops a deep list of D-I prospects

With the Spring Fling rapidly approaching, another prep sports year is drawing to a conclusion. And while there are still state champions to be crowned in Murfreesboro next week in baseball, soccer, softball, tennis and track, it will also mark the end of spring football.

Chattanooga: LOOKOUTS 6, MUDCATS 2

Wednesday’s recap: Ben Jukich pitched Chattanooga’s first complete game this season as the fourth-place Lookouts (21-19) continued to whip third-place Carolina (22-18), beating the Mudcats for the seventh time in 10 meetings.

Chattanooga: Wellman's Braves ailing so far

After working with the likes of Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann and Yunel Escobar in recent years, Mississippi Braves manager Phillip Wellman figured this season might be a lean one.

Flavors of America play out in Switzerland

I got an interesting e-mail from the Park Hotel Weggis, a boutique hotel in Switzerland that’s a member of the exclusive Relais and Chateaux group of hotels and resorts.

Tech Two Step, etc.

This week in the column I look at what I call the Tech Two Step, the dance companies do to get your business.

Bad weather could cause problems in region baseball playoffs this week

I intended to write about home field advantage, and will get to it shortly, but I wonder, did anything look at the weather forecast this week? Region 3 baseball semifinals are today and finals are

Georgia: UGA clinches SEC baseball title

Eighth-ranked Georgia captured the 2008 Southeastern Conference baseball title Sunday afternoon with a 12-10 win over 16th-ranked Vanderbilt at Hawkins Field.

Old Darlington is doing just fine after all

Whether it came by accident or was the end result of a great plan by NASCAR officials doesn’t matter. The bottom line is The Lady in Black is doing just fine these days.

Mother's Day in Africa a time for reflection for visitor to Ghana

Each Mother’s Day, I have tried to come up with creative ways to show my mother just how much she means to me. From handmade cards, to craft projects, I’ve done it all.

Democrats call Hammond a 'mugwump'

The Hamilton County Democratic Party last week issued a news release in which they called Republican sheriff nominee Jim Hammond a “mugwump” — the derogatory term for Republicans who did not support the GOP presidential candidate in 1884.

Georgia tops early-May Sweet 16 poll

The one bothersome element in the 2008 preseason college football polls you’ll see in various outlets is the inclusion of schedule strength. A team will move up (usually Ohio State) or down (typically Georgia) because of the schedule.

Chattanooga: Atkins, Smokies win 3-2 over Jukich, Lookouts

Mitch Atkins kept the Chattanooga Lookouts guessing for seven innings Friday, and the Tennessee Smokies gave him just enough run support for a 3-2 win, their fourth in the five-game series at AT&T Field.

Davis says superdelegates should be uncommitted

WASHINGTON — Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., says any superdelegates publicly committing toward either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama aren’t following the spirit of what their role is.

Joe Buck stops by Studio '99

If you were to describe Joe Buck in one word you might say “honest.”

Chattanooga: Lookouts smoked by Smokies

The Chattanooga Lookouts let one get away Wednesday afternoon at AT&T Field by giving up five runs in the seventh inning.

Environmental thoughts: Take the quizzes

QUIZ TIME.

Chattanooga: Lookouts trip Smokies

Jerry Gil didn’t sleep particularly well Monday night.

'Protein foods'

I heard a woman talking about the rising price of rice on the news recently, and she said she’d just have to find other ways to get protein in her family’s diet.

Updated tech trends

Today we look again at a few tech trends in the making.

Prep baseball turns to postseason tournaments

Grace Academy fell on hard times this weekend, losing to Silverdale Baptist 18-5 in the District 5-A tournament.

Closing of Fort Lanes leaves sadness but great memories

The news that Fort Lanes would be closing its doors permanently later this month brought back a flood of good memories. I spent many hours at what was Park Lanes back in my youth, trying to become the next Marshall Holman or Mark Roth.

Thurman part of 'team' in unanimous school board budget vote

School board member Rhonda Thurman has complained publicly that she often finds herself on the wrong end of an 8-1 vote at board meetings.

Chattanooga: BRAVES 6, LOOKOUTS 4

Friday’s recap: Mississippi won its second straight game over Chattanooga behind a four-run seventh inning that was highlighted by RBI singles by Matt Young, Quentin Davis and Kala Kaaihue.

Arizona : Good luck, Moss, but don’t expect racing success

When will professional athletes realize NASCAR ownership isn’t for them?

Mississippi Braves rally past Lookouts

Kala Kaaihue’s one-out drive off the center-field wall at the expense of Lookouts closer Josh Roenicke in the ninth inning scored Javier Guzman and Jason Perry and propelled Mississippi to a series-squaring 7-6 victory Thursday night in Pearl, Miss.

Mississippi Braves rally past Lookouts

Tiffany Lynn & The Eleventh Hour in Studio '99

Fresh off their first studio release, Tiffany Lynn & The Eleventh Hour are looking forward to their next big gig: Riverbend.

Lofton's senior slump finally explained

KNOXVILLE — I spent much of last basketball season trying to figure out what was wrong with Chris Lofton.

Small town perspective

It’s nice to see that some things never change. Small towns around the South are my favorite places to visit.

States of denial

This week we venture into tech psychoanalysis ... well, not really. But I do discuss how we can sometimes be in denial about things that have a serious impact on our tech lives.

Chattanooga: Reeling in Mudcats

The Carolina Mudcats rolled into AT&T Field late last week with the four top prospects in the Florida Marlins organization and with four straight series victories to open their season.

Talladega: Busch’s new patience key to win

The question caught a lot of those in attendance by surprise. More specifically, it was the subject of the question that turned a few heads.

Five-inning games to help prep baseball tournaments

I was somewhat disappointed that an idea I had projected to the director of one of the numerous local baseball tournaments was rebuffed.

GOP votes on Medicare cuts irk governor

NASHVILLE — Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen is less than happy over a decision by Tennessee’s four Republican congressmen to vote against a U.S. House-passed bill aimed at blocking Bush administration efforts to cut federal Medicaid spending.

No answers for wily coyotes

Evidently, coyotes continue to explore city neighborhoods.

New England Patriots pick UT’s Mayo with 10th pick in NFL draft

Jerod Mayo’s quick rise up NFL draft boards culminated Saturday afternoon, when the former University of Tennessee star linebacker was selected No. 10 overall by the New England Patriots.

Patrick draws attention to IRL for a change

It’s been quite a few weeks for open-wheel racing, and for the first time in recent memory NASCAR took a back seat to its heretofore struggling motorsports rival.

What we’re listening to: a discussion

This week’s MUSICcast is a bit of a departure from our regular format. Instead of live music I’ve invited a few staff writers to visit Studio ‘99 and talk about what they’re listening to.

Smith has lists for coming back

In case any of you of are interested (and I’m sure many of you are), here is the excerpt from Tyler Smith’s opening statement this morning. Smith stated his reasons for turning down the NBA draft and returning to the University of Tennessee for his junior season.

Thoughts of a pimento cheese sandwich

After a week at The Masters, I had my fill of turkey and mustard sandwiches on one slice of wheat bread. I was doing my best to stay on Weight Watchers and threw away the top slice of bread and felt that was fairly healthful.

Pet tech peeves

This week I unload a few of my pet tech peeves, those services and sites that just drive me crazy.

Spreading awareness of Parkinson’s

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, so I felt I should share my story.

A lot of the fun is watching the extra activity

You had to be there.

Lankford outraises Davis in 1st quarter

NASHVILLE — If U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., thought he was going to coast through his 2008 election in the 4th Congressional District, he may have to think again.

Hammond wants sheriff’s department accredited

Hamilton County sheriff nominee Jim Hammond said he wants to get the sheriff’s department nationally accredited to help standardize personnel practices and obtain federal grants.

Alexander pushes flat tax

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., this week introduced a bill for an optional flat income tax that he said would simplify the onerous process of filing taxes every year.

Junior dismisses criticism of nightclub venture

News crossed the desk this past week that Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Whisky River club opened to rave reviews near Charlotte. No shock there. Junior’s ability to have a good time and entertain are already legendary.

The Melinda Kingsley Band in Studio ’99

An all-female southern rock band? Yep, you kind of have to see it to believe it, but Atlanta’s Melinda Kingsley band is turning heads with their soulful, southern sound.

It’s great to be outside, but ...

Spring is a whole different ballgame.

West to join UT hoops class at 3 p.m. today

KNOXVILLE — Two officials at Saginaw (Mich.) High School said minutes ago that point guard Daniel West will officially sign with the University of Tennessee today at a news conference at 3 p.m. Eastern.

Szymanski is sizzling for Lookouts

From playground competition through high school and all the way to the professional ranks, there is always that last player picked when divvying teams.

Checking out the labels

Right when food labeling was thought to be one of the best ways to watch your health, TV news reports that when a box reads “O” trans-fats or “0” grams of fat per serving, it really could have fat?

YouTube jewels

This week I take a look at some unique offerings from YouTube, the pioneering video site online.

I found Judy Bell at The Masters — sort of

I was at The Masters last week and reported back each day regarding my progress at finding Judy Bell, former USGA president, now consulting director of the USGA grants and fellowship department.

Several local players making a name in professional baseball

Former Baylor teammates Wes Hodges and Kane Simmons took different routes, but each is playing professional baseball.

Sheriff candidate Winters sued East Ridge over job loss

Jim Winters, an independent candidate for Hamilton County sheriff in the Aug. 7 election, sued the city of East Ridge 31 years ago over what he claimed was a baseless firing.

The Masters search for Judy Bell ends

So my search for Ms. Bell ceased today. I started out early this morning with rain hanging over Augusta National, but the rules officials were on the course and ready for the day’s action, and I happened to run into the same fellow, John from England, who had been so helpful yesterday with my search, even offering to escort me to a USGA cocktail party, an invitation I declined.

NASCAR needs some car adjustment

Anybody who watched Michael McDowell walk away from his horrific practice accident last week knows NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow has achieved its main objective.

Third day at the Masters, still conducting a search

Today marked my third day at The Masters in Augusta, Ga., and as I’ve done every day I’ve been coming to the tournament for the past 13 years, I’ve been looking for former USGA President Judy Bell, whom I interviewed about 17 years ago.

A Masters throwback to yesteryear

AUGUSTA, Ga. — In between chatting with the legendary (Tom Watson is a super nice guy) and merely just the famous (Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville was hanging around the clubhouse here this afternoon) and even the overnight sensations (wow, how about that Brandt Snedeker, huh?), a feel that I must pass along one of the most underrated but overly cool things about Augusta National.

Chattanoogans among spectators as the Masters continues

Standing off the right side of the No. 8 fairway, Walter Ross, Tracy Smith, Jay Morris and Tommy Austin were mere faces in the mass of humanity that crowds the glorious grounds at Augusta National.

Charles Theodore & Chris Volpe in Studio ’99

Rarely do we get to meet such motivated musicians as Charles Theodore and Chris Volpe.

Maneuvering through Masters traffic

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sorry for the delay — traffic on the course can be brutal. Seriously, when you are at the mercy of a small army wearing yellow construction hats telling you when and where to walk and strictly enforcing the no-running rule, you can easily lose track of time.

Masters now under way

AUGUSTA, Ga. — It started under a cloak of fog normally reserved for the British Open, but we are under way here at the 72nd Masters.

Still the search for Judy Bell goes on

The hunt for Judy Bell started early this morning as I arrived at Augusta National at 9 a.m. The day got off to a rocky start in more ways than one.

Rome is a real threat in 7-AAAA baseball

Four games into the Region 7-AAAA baseball season and, well, the only thing for sure is we have a new player in town.

Contenders are lurking if Woods stumbles at Masters

Augusta, Ga. — Tiger Woods is the favorite here this week. You know it, I wrote it in today’s Times Free Press, and everyone here at this hallowed ground believes it.

At the Masters, looking for Judy Bell

If you read my blog yesterday, you know I’m on my annual search for former USGA President Judy Bell.

Kitchen challenges

Is your kitchen making you fat? That was a question posed in a recent e-mail from ShopSmart, publisher of Consumer Reports.

Where is Judy?

Some 17 years ago or so, I was honored with the request of going out to the Honors Course in Ooltewah to interview Judy Bell, the first women to ever serve as president of the USGA.

A five-month journey to the motherland: The Kwahu Easter festival

Easter traditions vary around the world. For my family, Easter a very special time filled with spiritual meaning.

Building our personal library

This week we look at a recent article by Tom Griscom on our public library system and apply it to our own daily lives.

UTC’s Bono deserves a new contract

Have you ever wondered how many coaches at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have contracts?

Tax incentives for hotel pass Legislature

ATLANTA — House members agreed Wednesday to a Senate version of tax incentives for developers of tourism-related hotels — the bill upon which hung the prospects for a hotel at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton.

Mackey seeking veterans’ hospital for this area

Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey said at Wednesday’s commission meeting that the Chattanooga area is in dire need of a hospital for veterans.

Ghana bound

EDITOR’S NOTE: LaShunda S. Hill is a student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Below is a First Person blog about her trip to Ghana.

Alexander has formula for Memphis Final Four success

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is many things: a former presidential candidate, a classically trained pianist and the author of seven books.

Roush’s grudge with Toyota continues

Boy, Jack Roush sure can hold a grudge.

Jamie Laval & Ashley Broder visit Studio ’99

We may have gone a bit overboard with our coverage of Jamie Laval & Ashley Broder throughout the week.

Liking greens

I don’t know the exact time and day it happened, but one day, about 15 years ago, I fell in love.

Lusk gets wish: no loser between Red Bank and Boyd-Buchanan

In a way, Steve Lusk got what he wanted Monday. There was no loser in the scheduled softball game between Red Bank and Boyd-Buchanan.

Odds and ends

This week I look at a few odds and ends, programs and services that seem promising, as well as a few newer tech trends.

Environmental update and save the date

Last week people around the world turned off their lights for one hour to draw attention to issues of climate change and energy use.

Bradley Central, Rhea County meet this week in 5-AAA showdown

There will be one unbeaten in District 5-AAA baseball after tonight and there could be none following Tuesday’s games.

Georgia General Assembly’s session ends Friday

Legislators have set Friday as the last day of their 40-day session.

Leno ribs Long for ill-fated jail tour

Jay Leno joked Monday night about a Chattanooga Times Free Press item that reported that former Sheriff Billy Long had promised to take students to the Hamilton County Jail.

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

The best laid plans...

Bredesen denies speculation on interest in vice presidency

WASHINGTON — Gov. Phil Bredesen has made national headlines for his proposal to have a superdelegate convention before the Democratic National Convention, but he said his efforts are not an attempt to become a vice presidential candidate.

Stewart willing to give the hair off his back

It’s hardly letting out a secret that Tony Stewart and the media get along about as well as cats and dogs. Republicans and Democrats. Kobe Bryant and Shaq. Larry McReynolds and a dictionary ... well, you get the idea.

Husky Burnette in Studio ’99

This week for your listening pleasure we have an example of the “dirty blues” from local singer/songwriter Husky Burnette.

Davidson enjoying life in the Sweet 16

They lined up along Faculty Drive late Wednesday afternoon, four and five deep, quite possibly more folks than Davidson College’s 1,700 total students.

Early records not a true indication of strength in North Georgia baseball

The prep baseball season begins to heat up in Northwest Georgia next week, especially in Region 7-AAAA, where league play finally begins. So, the question is, who’s the favorite? If you look at pre-region records, you might think Ridgeland, Rome and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe are the teams to beat.

Beef talk

Good golly there’s a lot of talk about beef these days. Those pictures we all saw on the nightly news of cattle seemingly crippled by disease but still being taken off to slaughter did nothing to help my appetite.

Shouldered load

Most Tennessee fans probably cringed when Candace Parker grabbed her shoulder in pain after attempting to steal a pass just five minutes into Tuesday’s game.

Ooltewah’s Thomas is spectacular pitching and hitting so far

The Times Free Press doesn’t make a policy of handing out player-of-the-year awards two weeks into a season. If we did, Ooltewah’s Holly Thomas would be crowned 2008 softball queen today.

Summitt wants it loud at Purdue

Tennessee associate head coach Holly Warlick left the Mackey Arena floor during Purdue’s first-round NCAA women’s basketball game Sunday, turned a corner in the tunnel and saw coach Pat Summitt.

E-mails answered

Today we again answer common e-mails I receive.

No favorite emerges yet in area high school baseball

Here we are two weeks into the season, and I don’t know if anything has really been settled.

Sports NCAA Blog: A little bit before tip-off

It's a little bit before tip-off here at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Kansas State and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are here and no doubt feeling a few butterflies before their NCAA tournament first-round game.

Lawmakers take Easter break

During the long Easter break, Senate committees will meet to discuss the fiscal year 2009 budget the House passed Thursday. The Senate is expected to vote on its version of the budget Friday.

Lottery surplus again spurs fights

NASHVILLE — Legislative infighting over how to spend Tennessee’s estimated $410 million lottery surplus is shaping up as a major problem just as it did last year.

Alexander: Presidential nominating system ‘embarrassing’

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said the United States “should be embarrassed” by its system of nominating presidential candidates.

NCAA bracket is off to a bad start

Well, it looks like another banner year for my bracket.

Democrats avoid conflict while they focus on Alexander

WASHINGTON — Bob Tuke and Mike Padgett have directed most of their campaign talk toward criticizing Republican incumbent Sen. Lamar Alexander, but before either faces off against him in the general election, one will have to emerge from the Democratic primary.

Georgia Politics from The Peanut Gallery

ATLANTA — Sometimes it’s surprising how isolated the Capitol can feel from the city in which it sits.

Qualifying schedule needs to change

If there’s one major change that obviously needs to be made after five Sprint Cup races this season, it’s in qualifying. More specifically, it’s the scheduling of qualifying that needs to change.

SEC’s first black, Wallace, teaches law at American U.

Perry Wallace won’t be in the BJCC Arena Civic Center this afternoon when American University takes on Tennessee in the opening round of the NCAA East Regional.

Steph Hayes & Chris Schultz in Studio ’99

This week’s MUSICcast features two singer/songwriters from Philadelphia.

First afternoon session a yawner

Well, that was a disappointing first set of games. No upsets, no last-minute tension, no Gus Johnson call that you’ll search for on YouTube later. There was no reason even to call any friends except to tell them I saw a dude sing Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” — the first line is “I’ve been a bad, bad, girl” — at a karaoke deal last night. And he was totally into it. High comedy.

The South by Southwest Music Festival blog

Saturday morning came way too early for me. We had an 11am call at the Side Bar downtown for Leticia’s showcase, so of course, that means getting ready at 8. It wasn’t a super late night, but still…8?

The South by Southwest Music Festival blog

Friday started with a late breakfast at the Magnolia Grill on South Congress. We discussed the day's plans over a great asparagus and pesto omelet.

Bunny time

Bunnies and Ham and Eggs, Oh My .. went an e-mail I received last week.

The South by Southwest Music Festival blog

Thursday started off with a 1 p.m., show at Joe’s Coffee on South Congress. Chris Ware is playing a set with Dan Dyer. The locals call this area SoCo (like SoHo in Manhattan).

Video tips

Filed by Donnie Jenkins

Unlike male counterparts, Lady Vols get nice bracket

There’s your makeup call, Tennessee.

Hendrick’s reign seems clearly threatened

It’s nice to be the king. Until, that is, you start to lose your power.

First Person: I survived a basketball game at the Georgia Dome, and all I got was this lousy piece of insulation

“Momma, I’m bored. I’m really bored.” Only from my six year old said it came out with lots more syllables: “Mahhmm-ahhh, I’m bohhhrrr-erd. I’m reallll-ly bohhherrr-erd.”

Happy “green” day

On this day where green is a suggested part of the attire, I thought St. Patty’s day presented a fine opportunity to blog more about environmental issues.

The best part of tourney? Everyone’s finally safe

ATLANTA — See what happens when Tennessee wins a game in the SEC men’s basketball tournament?

Some fans luckier than rest

ATLANTA — Two different venues at the SEC men’s basketball tournament shaped two different perspectives on luck this weekend in Atlanta.

County clerk seeks to reinstate blood tests for marriage licenses

In response to a recent study, County Clerk Bill Knowles issued a statement calling for blood tests to once again be made a requirement for obtaining a marriage license in Tennessee.

Legislature takes on economic challenges

ATLANTA — Gov. Sonny Perdue’s reduced state revenue projections last week may have cost him his wish for the Legislative session to end before his trip to China at the end of March.

Still another tornado warning

ATLANTA — It’s 4:10 p.m. They just issued another tornado warning in these parts.

We’re alive, and SEC tourney goes on

ATLANTA — Well, as the public address announcer just said, “Welcome to Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the alternate site for the 2008 Southeastern Conference men’s basketball tournament.”

UT SPORTS BLOG: Bloom clarifies SEC tournament ticket policy

Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner Charles Bloom just clarified the admission policy for the league’s alternate site tournament games at Georgia Tech.

SEC, Dome officials try to salvage tourney

Officials from the SEC, the Georgia Dome and the universities of Kentucky and Georgia were meeting into the wee hours of this morning discussing how to rearrange the SEC tournament schedule after a tornado struck the Dome.

Thank you to Dome builders

I’d like to send a big thank you to everyone who designed and built the Georgia Dome.

Mississippi State edges Alabama

Mississippi State’s Ben Hansbrough turned to Alabama’s Mykal Riley and offered an observation.

Bubble not gummed up for this NCAA tourney

Hold your nose. We’re about to discuss the bubble teams.

Davis uncommitted as superdelegate

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., was among several uncommitted superdelegates invited to a reception this past Wednesday at presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton’s Washington, D.C., home.

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

Staying up late with the Legislature

Music Festival photos

The South by Southwest Music Festival blog

I'm sitting on a very cool round couch on the second floor of the Red Bull Moon Tower traveling stage set-up.

Because of rain, Wood Brothers left out again

BRISTOL, Tenn. — I’m sitting high above the turn-three grandstand at Bristol Motor Speedway, watching it rain and seeing a rather sad sight.

Lofton’s clutch 3 lifts UT into SEC semifinals

ATLANTA — When asked how his team could beat Tennessee, South Carolina’s Dave Odom responded without hesitation.

Vols dance with new shoes

ATLANTA — Maybe a new look will change the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team’s Southeastern Conference tournament fortunes.

Few Georgia fans make the trip to Atlanta

In which state am I sitting?

Odom again shows talent for talking

Well, it’s time for my favorite SEC tournament game, the second annual “How Long Can Dave Go?”

Butch Ross Rocks the mountain dulcimer

Upon first viewing, the mountain dulcimer would appear to be one of the most mundane string instruments in existence.

The South by Southwest Music Festival blog

I’ll be your host for the next several days as I share my experiences at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin Texas.

Coaches input needed in choosing all-star teams

The prep staff at the Times Free Press is in the middle of another all-star period, a time when we pour over stats, listen to coaches and try to take hundreds of athletes and pair them down to the most deserving.

Tennessee Temple received bad draw at state tournament

After watching all four games of the Class A state basketball tournament Wednesday, I’m convinced Tennessee Temple was simply the victim of a bad draw.

Five minutes with ... Joe Crawford

People used to forget — after an inconsistent first three seasons, including a brief absence from the team — that senior guard Joe Crawford came to Kentucky as a McDonald’s All-American.

Eating at home vs. dining out

For starters, please send recipes my way on ideas for preparing meals that can be frozen and reheated in the microwave.

SEC men’s basketball rankings for March 12

In the Dance

Programs to love

This week we look at several programs featured in a recent pcmag.com review.

Vols must overcome their history

Well, unfortunately for Tennessee fans, we’re at that time of year again.

Early-2008 difficulties continue for champion Johnson

It seemed like a typical Jimmie Johnson/Chad Knaus race at Atlanta.

Leaders pledge compromise on transportation funding

ATLANTA — Senate and House transportation leaders said Thursday they were near a solution on providing more money for transportation.

Library circulation up over 2007

Despite reduced hours at three branches, circulation at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library was up slightly in February 2008 compared with February 2007.

Adams suggests talks with Georgia over water issue

NASHVILLE — Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams, of East Ridge, said he isn’t amused by the Tennessee and Georgia border battle and thinks officials on both sides should discuss the issue at the center of the fight — water.

SOCON TOURNAMENT BLOG: Courtside snooze as Cougars win

It was an early wake-up call for those of us that were here for the first game today, Day 3 of the Southern Conference women’s basketball tournament.

Gordon, Earnhardt front-row qualifiers

An all-star top 10 will lead the field to the green flag Sunday at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, including a star-studded front row with Jeff Gordon on the pole and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the outside.

NASCAR needs to give injured drivers a break

It’s a question that gets brought up at some point each season, but with two of NASCAR’s stars affected at the same time, should drivers be forced to get into race cars when injured?

SOCON WOMEN’S BLOG: Western, UTC advance to semis

CHARLESTON, S.C. — We’re live, from the nearly empty North Charleston Coliseum, where No. 2 seed Western Carolina just took care of Wofford 78-61 — without too much difficulty.

Pee Wee Moore stops by the Times Free Press

Pee Wee Moore (formerly of the Tennessee Rounders) is about as determined a musician you’re likely to find here in Chattanooga.

Helpful hints on navigating the food section

Some people find that navigating the food section can be a little hard. So, let me take you on a tour. For starters, there’s Fare Exchange written by freelancer Jane Henegar.

McCowan weathers disorder in return to Cleveland

From now on, everything may not be smooth sailing for Jason McCowan as long as he’s boys’ basketball coach at Cleveland High School. But things can’t get much rockier than they were his first year, can they?

A rustic technician

This week in the column I wander around a bit and cover a few of the new trends and events in the tech world.

Facilities impressive at new Signal Mountain schools

Eddie Gravitte was kind enough to conduct a tour of the new Signal Mountain middle and high schools Sunday afternoon.

Panel adds restrictions to reservoir bill

A bill meant to streamline permitting and speed up the construction process of reservoirs was voted out of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee on Thursday, but a little differently than its author intended. Other lawmakers amended it to include measures to limit interbasin water transfers.

Library gets money for Teen Center

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library received a $10,000 state grant that will be used for a “Teen Center” at the main branch downtown.

Corker tours Colombia to assess security, economic conditions

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., is in Colombia this weekend, visiting the South American country as part of a delegation led by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

Chattanooga’s practical joke makes border commission sponsor sore — for a few minutes

California shouldn’t have two Sprint Cup races

OK, how many of you watched the California race? How many of you sat through the myriad of rain delays? Did NASCAR wait too long to call it last Sunday?

Glossary visits Studio ’99

This week, we have the pleasure of listening to a wonderful band from Mufreesboro, Tenn., called Glossary.

New stars could emerge as Georga prep baseball opens

As the prep baseball season opens this week in Georgia, it’s going to be such a different scene at several area schools.

Shafer: Take Chattanooga water delivery “for what it is”

The Senate sponsor of a Georgia General Assembly resolution related to shifting the state line to tap into Tennessee water told reporters he didn’t feel insulted by two Chattanooga city representatives dropping off bottled water today.

Littlefield sees off Atlanta-bound delegation

Mayor Ron Littlefield and staffers saw off city representatives this morning as they headed off to Atlanta in a truck stocked with bottled water.

Seahawks, Golden Eagles miss opportunities to play on

Tuesday’s Region 3-A boys’ basketball semifinals were full of missed opportunities for Silverdale Baptist and Grace Academy.

Fountain of ideas

I read most e-mails from friends, and if they’re funny and cute, I’ll even forward them around the office. But, this one I got from a friend out of town warrants my posting it in blog form.

SEC men’s basketball rankings for Feb. 27

In the Dance

Red Bank girls are on the rise

Often in the recent past, when the Region 3-AAA high school basketball tournament got down to semifinals, all the District 6 girls’ teams had put up the uniforms until the next season.

Underdogs lift ‘laughingstock’

The best part is the stories.

‘Second Fiddle’

This week in the column we look at three instances of products that are stuck playing Second Fiddle behind another one.

Prep wresling coaches, TSSAA at impasse over double-elimination in Division I tournament

Division I wrestling coaches want in the worst way to have double-elimination as part of the state wrestling tournament.

Henry suggests not hiring interim sheriff

At Thursday’s interviews for interim sheriff, County Commissioner Larry Henry wondered aloud if the commission had to choose anyone to be interim before the Aug. 7 election.

Disagree or agree to disagree?

ATLANTA — House members tried to avoid taking the midyear budget to conference committee Friday by voting 153-3 to agree to the Senate’s version of the budget “as amended by the House.”

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

Water war becomes running joke

UT’s senior guards practice, practice, practice their shots

KNOXVILLE — Plenty of people, myself included, often watch in amazement as Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith take and make shots that would get most basketball players benched.

Kyle Busch, not Earnhardt, most impressive transplanted driver so far

It’s just one race, but the critics are already howling. Which team got the best driver addition this year?

The Lonely H roll into Studio ’99

What a young, fascinating group of musicians I have for you this week on the TFP MUSICcast.

Hard work is key to shooting success for Lofton and JaJuan Smith

Plenty of people, myself included, often watch in amazement as Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith take and make shots that would get most basketball players benched.

Environmental thoughts

Today I’m writing about the National Park Service, something I took for granted until recently.

Jordan Howell is in tune on his senior night

Tennessee point guard Jordan Howell just put a nice spin on the Volunteers’ rotating individual senior night festivities.

Environmental thoughts

OK. So. After another absence of the environmental thoughts blog, I’m back. And even though I haven’t been writing frequently, I’ve been thinking about the topic.

A welcome headache

I write this with what can only be described as a district-tournament headache.

What happened to table manners?

Watching early morning TV recently, I saw a KFC ad and couldn’t help remembering and being thankful for my parents who taught me good table manners.

Recollections of Cuba prompted by Castro resignation

With the news of Fidel Castro stepping down, I recall my trip to Cuba in March of 2007. Few people from the United States have the opportunity to travel to Cuba, but I went for two weeks with a fellow journalist.

Dodges deliver at Daytona

Mike Accavitti has never been happier to give away $1 million.

Surprise! Surprise! Baylor, McCallie show upset capability

High school basketball postseason play is always full of surprises, and the TSSAA’s Divison II-AA boys’ teams have gotten the party started early.

Tech attitude

This week in the column I tackle some of your questions and comments of the last few weeks.

Many prep coaches want to see double elimination in the state Division I tournament

In a survey of Division I coaches at this past weekend’s state wrestling tournament, it was more than apparent that they would like to see a double-elimination tournament.

Georgia lawmakers survive taxing week

Tourism tax incentive legislation, upon which hinges a $50 million hotel deal at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, this week was introduced in the House — again.

Littlefield says Siemens Corp. working on filter press problem

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said Siemens Water Technologies Corp. officials are striving to get a sludge-related process working at the Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant after a recent internal audit found an investment of $15 million is not functioning.

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

Tense gathering remains civil, for the most part

And the 50th Daytona 500 winner is ... Stewart

This is usually a piece I reserve for Sunday’s NASCAR page, but we’re doing a huge package on Hendrick Motorsports (“The Evil Empire,” as Kevin Harvick calls it) and there’s not much space. So here’s my pick to win Sunday’s 50th running of the Daytona 500.

Going for ‘fast food’

At Friday’s meeting where Tennessee Department of Transportation and local officials met to discuss a toll road project that would include a bridge connecting Soddy-Daisy and Harrison, some disagreed about just how much time it would save.

Justin Townes Earle on this week's MUSICcast

Justin Townes Earle is the son of the legendary Americana singer/songwriter Steve Earle.

Agency rates EPB bonds as AA grade

Fitch Ratings has given a AA rating to bonds slated to be used for the EPB’s fiber-to-home plan.

Vols are dangerous even without Lofton’s contributions

It’s no secret that college basketball teams are darned if they play Chris Lofton straight up.

NCAAs headed back here

The NCAA women’s basketball tournament will return to Chattanooga in 2009.

Can it be almost over already?

As hard as it is to believe, a season that seems like it began yesterday will end this week for some teams.

Ads in focus

May sound like I need a life, but sometimes on cold, rainy days, one of the most-fun things I can do is, while watching TV, take notes on ads I see, as well as mistakes made by news anchors.

Two online services compared

This week in the column I look at developments in the making at eBay. After years of successful operation, the new powers that be there have figured out a way to alienate many who do business with them.

Cannon County shows heart for Macon County

There’s a reason for keeping score at sporting events, but sometimes the results are a sidebar and something else is the main news.

CD Reviews: Justin Townes Earle: “The Good Life.” Bloodshot Records.

For those who loved country before Music Row smothered it in studio laquerwork or who are just fans of flavorful southern music with short attention spans, here’s the skinny on singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle’s studio debut “The Good LIfe”: as soon as it hits shelves March 25, pick it up.

State prep wrestling duals were ones to remember

Friday was a night to remember — two stories sent on two different deadlines and a ton of results transmitted, the last by dictation to copy editors who streeeeeeeetched deadlines in order to get our readers the latest news.

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

ATLANTA — If the Coverdell Legislative Office Building across from the Capitol is Siberia, Rep. Tom Graves’ new office inside it must be as cold as an igloo.

Commissioners tackle sheriff vacancy

Some Hamilton County commissioners wondered aloud Thursday if it would be necessary for them to appoint an interim sheriff to take former Sheriff Billy Long’s place.

Lawmakers get 4-day weekend

The Senate and House on Friday approved a schedule that will give them essentially a fourday weekend this week.

For Gearrin, Burke, tests not a worry

A note appears on a locker. Go see the trainer.

Doherty: Sen. Alexander beatable, just not by me

WASHINGTON — Democrat and Nashville attorney Kevin Doherty may have dropped out from the Senate race, but he said he may pursue other opportunities for elected office in the future.

Clinton gets 40 delegates from state

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton’s victory in Tuesday’s primary in Tennessee will bring her 40 of the 68 pledged delegates, state Democratic Party officials said Friday.

The Fervor in Studio ‘99

Once again, I invite you to join me for our weekly TFP MUSICcast.

UT BLOG: Hard foul feels worse a day later

KNOXVILLE — When I got home from Thompson-Boling Arena last night (err ... this morning), I saw highlights of the Tennessee-Florida men’s basketball game and quickly discovered how, under deadline duties, I had overlooked how brutally Florida’s Dan Werner fouled a driving J.P. Prince midway through the second half.

Food names of towns

Watching early-morning TV the other day, I heard mention of the town of Sandwich, Mass. Besides making me hungry for a sandwich — since I’ve been on a diet, I haven’t had a really good one in while — I wondered where the name came from. Was the town founder fond of PBJs and BLTs?

Davis not worried by Frist’s spending habits

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., has displayed a past willingness to dump millions of dollars from his personal fortune into a campaign.

Numbers matter in Tennessee sports

What’s in a number?

M&M’s

This week in the column we discuss some “Famous Last Words,” those utterances we make after a tech disaster or computer malfuntion that could have been avoided. Issues such as backup are the last thing we think of until something goes wrong.

To attend or not to attend

Tennessee House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh held a news conference today about private negotiations he is helping oversee that involve AT&T and the cable television industry.

Johnson, Williams success stories from 2004 recruits

The NCAA’s signing period for Divsion I football schools is at last upon us. As a result, the Times Free Press will publish its annual signing day wrap-up in Thursday’s sports section.

Vols becoming road warriors in solid season

If there was any doubt before this season, there shouldn’t be any more.

A game for the ages — Giants pull off momentous Super Bowl upset

The New England Patriots won more games this season than any team in NFL history. Now, it’s just an interesting footnote.

Split sites for state wrestling duals worked well

The comment here this weekend was that Maryville might be great in football but the Rebels are only great at ducking in wrestling.

Monastery provides quiet retreat from Super Bowl madness

PHOENIX — You can’t beat the price: $250 a night for a clean, comfortable room only 3 1/2 miles from the Super Bowl stadium.

Bredesen not in on abortion measure

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said he has not “engaged” a proposed constitutional amendment that would place stricter limits on abortions.

Sheriff had jail tour scheduled

Before he was arrested Saturday on federal extortion, money laundering and gun charges, Sheriff Billy Long was scheduled to take some Hamilton County students to the county jail to show them what happens to adults who commit crimes.

Corker, Wamp swap ideas at speech

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., sat together during President Bush’s State of the Union address Monday, a rare chance for the two Chattanoogans to catch up and exchange ideas.

Former governor stumps for Obama

Former Democratic Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus stopped in Chattanooga on Friday afternoon to argue that presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., could win over voters in the red states of the South.

Georgia politics from the Peanut Gallery

ATLANTA — It seemed somewhat suspicious when Georgia legislators voted to take the Monday after the Super Bowl off, conjuring images of lawmakers kicking back in their recliners long into Sunday night with the cold beer they astutely stocked up on Saturday.

Why does NFL’s next “European Vacation” come at expense of New Orleans?

What in the world is the NFL thinking, taking away a home game from the still-struggling city of New Orleans?

Slip slidin’ away

Developers of the $12 million Splash Valley Water Park in East Ridge broke ground today on the 14-acre site of the future water wonderland.

Bredesen may join cable fight

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen says he may get involved in the fight between AT&T and Tennessee’s cable television companies over cable and broadband services in the state.

Eventual Stokely celebration should include Bernie & Ernie

KNOXVILLE — Before I stop through the Scenic City on the way to not-as-scenic Starkville, Miss., I wanted to take a rare opportunity to opine on University of Tennessee athletics.

Greg Trooper in Studio ’99

I recall an evening spent in Nashville in 2004 at a wonderful Richard Thompson solo show.

Meet America’s toughest sheriff — or is he?

Super Bowl celebs, beware.

Tourneys are almost here

It’s already February and the TSSAA basketball district tournaments are closer than you’d think.

Super Bowl’s glitz and glamour bring little excitement here

The Goodyear blimp hovers off in the distance, keeping watch over the ritzy suburb of Scottsdale, the command center for this weekend’s Super Bowl party scene.

Prep basketball tournaments should be interesting in Northwest Georgia

The upcoming region basketball tournaments in Northwest Georgia could be crazy, especially considering recent results on the hardwood.

The road to cooking

Sometimes it seems that when I cook, the culinary gods come together and allow me to create a masterpiece.

Temple, CSAS still have things to prove

Technically, there’s nothing at stake in Friday night’s high school boys’ basketball game between Arts & Sciences and Tennessee Temple.

AP blog: Welcome to the Freak Show, a.k.a. Super Bowl Media Day

It starts on my way through the security checkpoint at University of Phoenix Stadium, where, after clearing the metal detector and reclaiming a set of rental-car keys, a handful of loose change and a cell phone, I have my first encounter with a vision in white (and red, if you make it down to the towering pumps).

Hall given another

Jason Hall is already the answer to one obscure sports trivia question.

News From CES and MacWorld

This week we conclude our look at the recent Consumer Electronics Show and take a look at new products introduced at MacWorld.

Lady Mustangs can’t be forgotten

Since mid-December this high school basketball season, the race for the District 5-AAA girls’ to spot appeared to be a two-team one involving Cleveland and Bradley Central.

Soddy-Daisy’s season of disappointment

It will seem strange being in Clarksville this weekend for the state duals without Steve Henry and those blue and gold Soddy-Daisy uniforms.

If You Serve It, We’ll Come

A good part of my life was filled with abuse, low self-esteem and poor choices in my eating habits. Depressed, I would eat food, mostly sweets, to make myself feel better but ultimately, I was so deficient in loving myself and had voids that were deeper than the pit of my stomach. I speak of this to bring about an awareness that is so desperately needed in this country.

Salvation Army seeks blankets

The Salvation Army is looking for blankets to cover guests coming for the “Super Bowl Sleep-over for the Homeless” on Feb. 3.

Georgia politics from The Peanut Gallery

It was a hard week for Fred Thompson supporters.

First Person: Thompson out, but some backers not abandoning ship

NASHVILLE — Republican Fred Thompson is out of the presidential race, but that isn’t stopping some top Republican officials from continuing to support the former U.S. senator in the Feb. 5 GOP primary.

First Person: Alexander pushes for bipartisanship

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has said he plans to use his new position as chairman of the Senate Republican conference, the No. 3 leadership post in the party, to reach out to Democrats and stop the partisan bickering that plagues Congress.