News - Friday, October 4, 2013

Attorney Michael Thomas has a name that, in most circles, would be considered common. But in the legal profession in Hamilton County, it occasionally causes a double-take – as “attorney Michael Thomas” is the son of Judge W. Neil Thomas III, known for his honorable service in the local circuit court. But Thomas is not relying on his father’s name to open doors; rather, the young attorney is working hard to open his own gateways.

More than two years after leaving state office, Phil Bredesen, the popular former governor and mayor of Nashville, is still on the go. 

While enjoying a post-political life in Nashville that includes gardening and grand parenting with wife Andrea Conte, Bredesen remains active in promoting bipartisan solutions to issues such as the national debt as a speaker and as a member of the Governors’ Council of the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington, D.C.- based think tank. 

David M. Elliott and John R. Anderson are Directors at Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C., a full-service law firm in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Elliott chairs his firm’s immigration practice. They hope to have meaningful discussions of current events of legal significance

The weather is in flux here at the Levison Towers. Skip Harvey, the maintenance man, has been here long enough to be unflummoxed by the whole ordeal. Although temperatures have dropped about 20 degrees in the Midwest seemingly overnight, the heating and cooling system at the Towers are not nearly as responsive. Those of us who know better wear jackets over short sleeve shirts. Newcomers call Skip to complain. They invariably get his voicemail and no response.

After finishing a two-week trial, I have little of nothing left to say. I have just sat at my desk for the last 90 minutes trying to come up with a column for this week. I push forward now only because I have been threatened by the editor should I fail to meet my deadline again this week.

Make no mistake about it: When it comes to words, I’m a huge fan!

I’m pro-noun, and I love verbs. I’m all over prepositions. I’m bonkers for adjectives and dig adverbs deeply. There’s no question I think interrogatives are great, … is there? As for interjections, … Bam! 

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails, and puppy-dogs’ tails,

That’s what little boys are made of.

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice, and everything nice,

You have to try some things at least once. Like wilderness camping. Or owning a business. Or eating chicken and waffles.

I have camped in the great outdoors, and I have tried to start a business, but I had never heard of eating chicken and waffles together until I saw the Mountain Waffle Wagon parked at Center Park on a Fresh Friday. My first reaction was one of amusement: “Chicken and waffles?” That must be a Southern thing,” the born and bred Yankee in me unwisely said out loud.

Darrell Royal, cast not thy steers before swine.” – A sign in front of a Fayetteville, Ark. church in December 1969

The Tuesday morning paper had downloaded to my iPad, and after the usual check of the obit pages I flipped over to sports, where I was met by more news of death.

The cooler days and nights we have been experiencing lately have me craving big, hearty pots of soups and stews accompanied with piping hot slices of fresh-from-the-oven cornbread or cornbread sticks. Stews are so simple to prepare in the crock-pot; all of the ingredients can be assembled the night before and with about 15 minutes of time the next morning – you’ll have a hot, delicious dinner waiting when you walk in from work. Mix up some cornbread and you have a hearty meal in no time!

Kaye Ivey could never be mistaken for someone who doesn’t enjoy what she does. Her love for real estate is evident on her face, in her voice, and through her mannerisms. When she enters a room, engages in conversation, or speaks publicly, she wears her love for her profession like a name tag fixed to her blouse, above her heart, for all to see.

Realtors with listings in St. Elmo have something new to brag about: The editors of “This Old House” have tracked down neighborhoods in the U.S. and Canada that have promising futures, strong communities, and homes that deserve a long-term commitment. The 2013 list of “Best Old-House Neighborhoods” includes Chattanooga’s historic St. Elmo district. Criteria for making the list includes architectural diversity, the craftsmanship of the homes, the preservation momentum in the area, and neighborhood amenities such as walkability, safety, and community. “This Old House” compiled its list with the help of neighborhood groups, real estate agents, and preservation societies. Winning neighborhoods are divided into categories such as Best Bargains, Best for First-time Homeowners, Best for Retirees, Easy Commute, and Best City Living. St Elmo’s is listed in the Best Bargains and Best City Living categories. 

The concluding event in Warehouse Row’s Crafted by Southern Hands summer-long series will showcase one of the South’s iconic and distinctive cultural landmarks – food. On Friday, October 11, participants in the Southern Foodways Alliance fundraiser will be treated to a twilight screening of the documentary, “Pride & Joy,” and delectables from Warehouse Row’s newest eatery, Tupelo Honey Cafe.

Football. Football. Football. It’s here. It’s there. It’s everywhere!

One of the best entertainment at the games is the mascots. Oh - I guess some of the opposite gender would disagree with me there, and say the cheerleaders are the best entertainment.

Here’s a quick-and-dirty “Rush” F.A.Q. for the readers of this column. If you don’t feel like scanning the whole thing and just want to know whether or not I recommend seeing the movie – omigosh yes. It’s great!

What was going on in Chattanooga in 1963?

Saturday, October 5

Dr. John Paul Pack, minister of First Christian Church here from 1941 to 1947 and now minister of Wilshire Christian Church in Los Angeles, will hold a brief preaching mission at First Christian here October 8-10. Dr. Pack was an outstanding civic and religious leader during his ministry in Chattanooga.

What was going on in Chattanooga in 1913?

Saturday, October 4

Mr. and Mrs. Jack O’Donohue left Friday for New York to attend the World Series.

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Jeffords of Mexico City sailed Friday from Vera Cruz and will arrive in Chattanooga this week to visit Mr. and Mrs. George Campbell.

14th Annual Culture Fest

Sunday, October 6

Chattanooga State Community College’s Office of International Community Outreach will host Chattanooga’s 14th annual Culture Fest Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the showcase of local international communities. Admission is free. Featured activities and entertainment will include live performances from local cultural groups, a Parade of Nations, a multicultural fashion show, a dance contest, and an exhibition of culturally-themed art. Additional opportunities to learn about other cultures will be presented at 20 display booths, where sample foods from various countries will be offered periodically throughout the day.

The Company Lab last week revealed the new face and updated curriculum of its business planning course.

SpringBoard has officially evolved into CO.STARTERS, a program that combines components of SpringBoard with startup methods drawn from the research and experience of entrepreneurs and startup leaders across the country.

Volkswagen Chattanooga has received a 2013 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power users for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga will host a program on the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center Monday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m at the Jewish Cultural Center, located at 5461 North Terrace Road. Coffee and dessert will be served. There is no cost but RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by calling 493-0270, extension 10, or by emailing rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com.