Happy New Year

Wow, our birthdays are coming up, and if I won a boat trip, I would take Lauren.....

and T-Pain!

Yeah, yeah, I know

I haven't written anything lately. It's the freakin' HOLIDAYS, folks, you should go read our beloved Newscoma or River City Mud, they are en fuego these days.

We've got New Year's coming up and of course, the holiest of days, January 5. Why so, you ask? that is my birthday (1959) and that of the Lovely Lauren (19??). I will post periodically, but we are in a holiday mood right now.

Oh, and how about those BEARS last night, eh? BWAHAHAHA.

Enjoy!

Here's your Christmas Feel Good Friday

My friends Ann & Pete love this song, and I do, too. Janetta reminded me of this, so have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the Pogues with Kirsty McColl with Fairytale of New York!

Well, I'm closing out Christmas Eve with the best

It's MY favorite rendition of my favorite Christmas song, which just turned 65. Here's a nice story on how this came to be in 1944, in the middle of SUMMER!

Here's Nat, Merry Christmas everyone, and check back tomorrow for a nice Feel Good Friday!

One more for Christmas!

The Lovely Lauren has been bombarding me with YouTubes of the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, and this was too good to pass up.

Here's a version of The Little Drummer Boy that you've never heard before, I assure you.

Enjoy.

Now, it's time for Santa to YODEL!

Oh, I'm not done yet, not a bit.

From the remarkable Christmas playlist of Chris Davis comes the heartwarming rendition of Jingle Bells from the Sex Pistols. More coming later!

A very soulful Christmas

What says Christmas more than James Brown, except maybe THIS?

And MORE Christmas!

here's Robert Earl Keen!

Now, THIS is Christmas!

Ah, the reason for the season!

Welcome back to River City Mud

On THE Endless Blogroll, and now found here, I hope that you will add River City Mud to your feeds and bookmarks as well. This is a terrific blog, and we are glad DMH is up and writing again!

Watch Kos punk Chris Matthews on the Ed Show

Lance Mannion explains it all

He understands the problem with this Administration and the Senate Democrats, go read him now.

H/T to Janetta.

Christmas FGF - Tom Waits

with thanks to @WillT83 and @MightyOCD from Twitter, I present the legendary Tom Waits with Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis.

Gmail is at it again

If you are on my email list and you wondered why they stopped coming, Gmail is trying once again to force me into Google Groups and has shut me down. I believe it's because i'm sending liberal-oriented pieces.

More on this as it develops.

Woe is us!!!

Ross is viciously funny today, go read him!

YO! Tennessee Democrats! There's a Gubernatorial poll up at KnoxViews!

Go over there and vote for your candidate, I know I did.

More thoughts on Bart Gordon abandoning ship

But not so much from me.

First, Aunt B:

I don’t know how many times bloggers can say this, but if people want to vote for Republicans, they can vote for Republicans. If you’ve got George Dickel and and a whiskey that tastes like George Dickel sitting in front of you, you don’t go for the imitation.

The fact is that the conservatives in this state are fractured, too. And our running to the right has provided enough pressure that those fissures have stayed somewhat closed. But they’re there. The libertarian-inclined folks and the nutjob faction sit together very uneasily. You think libertarians, who usually pride themselves on being smart, feel comfortable with the kind of “we hate book-learnin’” stuff that goes on in the nutjob faction? Do you think folks who can smartly and astutely argue about what the implications of the presence or absence of a comma between “militia” and “being” is and who can rattle off all sides of a 200 year old argument have any respect for people who don’t have any intellectual curiosity?

Then, Mary Mancini:

Why is it really important for us to try and be “Democrats, actual Democrats, who stand for something other than being like the Republicans, but not?”

Because Democrats have been running ever-increasingly conservative candidates strictly on the social issues that divide Democrats. Because they’ve been supporting ever-increasingly conservative legislation on social issues that divide Democrats. And they’ve been losing.

The rational is that Tennessee is a “conservative” state. But whose definition of conservative are they using here? They’re using the extreme right-wing talk radio Conservative definition of conservative. And not only that, but they’re using the the extreme right-wing talk radio definition of the word and applying to every Tennessean instead of the 25-30% to whom it actually applies.

And, dude, let me tell ya, those twenty-five percenters ain’t never gonna vote for a candidate with a “D” beside their name anyhow. So what are you doing?

Preach it, sisters, preach it.

The canary in the coal mine is singing - LOUDLY

Well, I didn't think much about it when John Tanner retired because I knew Roy Herron or someone like him would jump in and win the TN-08 seat. It's a rural Democratic seat that voted for McCain in 2008, much like AR-01 across the river.

However, Bart Gordon's stunning retirement this morning has sent shockwaves all over the state, and not good ones if you are a Democrat. His seat is a R +13 seat that has trended more Republican each year for the last decade. His outstanding constituent service kept him in office, and he will be missed.

I suspect, just as in Tanner's case, the prospect of a very tough but winnable race figured into his decision. The prospect that he would win in 2010 but be re-districted out in 2012 figured even more into his thought processes, I suspect.

Folks, we are in serious re-alignment in the South; Democrats may be soon as extinct here as Republicans are in the Northeast. Whether we realize it or not, the only way the Democratic Party in Tennessee has a chance to be saved is for Democrats to re-take the state House. If so, there is a reasonable chance that Congressional and General Assembly districts can be drawn so as not to heavily favor the GOP.

If not, it will soon be 7 Republicans and 2 Democrats representing Tennessee in the US House; not even the GOP could take away TN-09 from Cohen or TN-05 from Cooper (or any Democrat, for that matter).

However, if you love the idea of the Brian Kelseys of the world running the Tennessee General Assembly, passing more guns bills while the rest of the state crumbles around you, I guess you could sit back and let it happen.

I'd rather not see that happen. What I haven't seen, however, is a plan from the State House Democratic Caucus to prevent that from happening. All they have tried to do is stay just barely to the left of the GOP so as not to offend their preachers or cousins. I guess they have forgotten President Truman's message(found at the top of this blog), which is no less true today than it was when he uttered it.

Give people a CHOICE, not an echo, dammit! (Gee, how'd that Goldwater get in there? :)) Give them A REASON to vote Democratic and stop being so TIMID. Make this about money and not lifestyle, make this election about real ideas and stop trying to be nice to the very Republicans who would roast you over a spit if they got the chance.

This is a war for the soul of Tennessee, and I will admonish you of the House Democratic Caucus the way Spartan mothers used to send their sons into battle: come back WITH your shield, or ON it.

A short post on sports

First, my hope is that both the Saints and the Colts go into the Super Bowl 18-0, so Don Shula and Mercury Morris have to throw away that damned champagne bottle.

Next, the Grizzlies are for REAL, people. Yes, they are only 10-13 after their whipping of Miami on Sunday night. However, since their horrible 1-8 start, they are 9-5. Taken at that pace for the 73 games after the 1-8 start, they are playing at a pace to finish with 47 wins. That COULD get them a playoff spot in the West, if they were in the East, they would be a LOCK.

Speaking of the East, the Celtics come to town Monday night, it would be great to see as close to a full house as is possible. The Griz are for real, and if it all works out, they could be playing into May, barring unforeseen injuries.

Ok, so I'm a day late, sue me

Here's my FGF on Saturday, and it's Bob Dylan doing a Christmas POLKA, Must Be Santa.

Yes, a Christmas POLKA. H/t to Jeannette!

Meeting with FCC Commissioners THIS MONDAY

Dear Steve,

FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael Copps are coming to town, and so am I! We’ll all be in Memphis on Monday, Dec. 14, to attend the FCC’s field hearing on digital inclusion. Will I see you there, too?

I’ve seen firsthand how access to a fast, affordable and open Internet can benefit communities across the United States. The Internet has made it possible for me to stay connected with friends and family, to follow the latest news, to start my own blog and to remain up to date on the issues I care about.

For me, closing the digital divide is essential. That’s why I’m coming to Memphis -- so I can make my voice heard as the FCC discusses its national broadband strategy.

If you want to share your thoughts on how the Internet has had an impact on your life, you should attend the hearing, too.

Here are the event details:

What: FCC Field Hearing on Digital Inclusion
When: Monday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: National Civil Rights Museum, Rose Room, 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN

We’ve set up a Facebook event for this hearing, so please add yourself if you plan on attending, and be sure to share the event with your friends in the area.

I hope you’ll come to the hearing to share your thoughts, listen to what the FCC has to say or just to say hello.

Thanks,

Jordan Berg Powers
Outreach Coordinator
Free Press
www.freepress.net

P.S. For more information on the digital divide, check out America Offline: Stories from the Digital Divide, our multimedia report.

AIDS HIV Awareness Day on December 19

You Are Invited!

Several Women Groups Spearheaded by The Shelby County Democratic Women in collaboration with St.Jude Hospital, Friends For Life, LeBonheur Community Outreach, and Bloomfield Baptist Church have joined together to extend

A Special Invitation to attend an Aids Awareness Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to educate, test and remove the stigma of HIV/AIDS

All Community Leaders, Elected Officials and Media Professionals are encouraged to lead the charge by attending and being tested.

AIDS/HIV Awareness Day

Hosted by Rev. Keith Norman

First Baptist Broad Church

2835 Broad St

Memphis, TN

Saturday, December 19, 2009

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Get Educated Get Tested Get Involved Get Treated

No Needles Test Results are Confidential

State Representative G.A. HARDAWAY, SR., State Senator BEVERLY MARRERO, State Representatives BARBARA COOPER & KAREN CAMPER & members of the BAPTIST MINISTERIAL ASSOC have taken advantage of AIDS testing to raise awareness, remove stigma and encourage HIV/AIDS education. Please join these Legislators & Religions leaders with your participation in AIDS/HIV Awareness Day

******ATTENDANCE IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*****

For questions contact Felicia Boyd @ 486-1666 or Norma Lester @ 484-7767

I'm stealing this post from Memphis Heritage

and with good reason!

Overton Square Updates

Important Notice

From Memphis Heritage

To Memphis Overton Square Supporters

As many of you have heard, the owners of Overton Square,

Univest/Fisher Capital, have applied for a demolition permit for Overton Square.

They have asked that the Memphis City Council approve their request on Tuesday,

December 15th.

Before the City Council hears the owners request for this demo permit, Councilman Shea Flinn, sponsor of the Resolution that passed requiring council approval of any demo permit for the Overton Square area, would like interested parties to meet.

This meeting is being held this Wed. Dec. 9th at 4pm at

City Hall 125 N. Main in the 5th floor conference room.

We want our supporters and the community to know about this important meeting. This is an open meeting. The public is welcome to attend.

Sooner Investments, the proposed developers, have not submitted a plan for the site. Instead the owners' plan to demolish the buildings at Overton Square before a plan is approved. It is a possibility that the proposed development

might not move forward and there would be an even larger parking lot.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

June

June Waddell West

Executive Director

Memphis Heritage, Inc.

901-272-2727

Are you unemployed?

Hat tip to PD.

I know there are hockey fans in Memphis, but

Are there any fans of the Chicago Blackhawks in Memphis? BergsiefromKFR and I want to know!

IS there a group of supporters here? If not, would you like to be a part of one? Email me at sjs1959 at gmail dot com if you are interested and we may try to organize one. If you KNOW of a Hawks group already formed here, let me know about it at the above address!

GO HAWKS!

No, I don't know what the hell happened

But we're back now.

From Kim McMillan's event last night in Midtown

Jackson Baker has the story and provides this video:

Whose side are you on?

With a hat tip to Left in Alabama..

TNDP does SOS Training in Memphis Saturday

From the TNDP:

S.O.S. Trainings in Memphis This Saturday

If you live in Memphis and want to get involved in turning Tennessee Blue in 2010, we want to remind you that our Memphis training event is only three days away. Click here to see the agenda. If you don't live in Memphis but know someone there who might be interested in this training please forward this message on. Gubernatorial candidates Roy Herron, Jim Kyle, and Mike McWherter, U.S. House candidate Greg Rabidoux, and Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Van Turner will speak at the training. Training is FREE if you register before the event. If you do not pre-register the cost at the door is $20.00. Space is limited so SIGN UP TODAY. Lunch will be provided for attendees at cost. December 5th: Memphis Location: Memphis City Board of Education 2597 Avery Ave, Memphis, TN 38112 (map) Time: 9AM-5:00PM Click here for details & agendas

What a night!

We're all sorry that the voters in Senate 31 chose that pompous, arrogant punk (I'm not the candidate, and I'll say what I damn well please about him) Kelsey to represent them. They deserve what they get.

That, however, is not even close to the BIG news of the evening: Rep. John Tanner is retiring at the end of his term. UPDATE: WREG and the AP report that Roy Herron is getting out of the Governor's race to run for Congress in the 8th District!

Tanner, who will have completed 22 years and 11 terms at the end of 2010 released this statement:

Rep. Tanner's official statement released after initial publication:

"Other than wearing the military uniform of my country, I can think of no higher privilege than serving in public office with the consent of free men and women. Betty Ann and I have been honored and humbled by the support granted us through the years. The many kindnesses and friendships extended to us are something we cherish and for which we will be forever grateful.

"When we were first elected to Congress some 21 years ago, I agreed, as I do now, with our predecessor, Ed Jones, that 20 years was an appropriate amount of time to serve, with the voters' consent.

"Betty Ann and I had considered retiring in 2007 at the end of the 110th Congress, were it not for the fact that our nation had the chance to elect an American as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly at this critical moment in the war in Afghanistan. However, we believed we owed it to our country to stay and fulfill this term of office as NATO PA President. This mandate expires in November 2010, and therefore, we have made the decision not to seek re-election to Congress.

"No one could have asked for a more dedicated staff to help countless thousands of our constituents. Long hours, nights and weekends are not uncommon in our offices. We look forward to continuing this service to the 8th District next year through the end of the 111th Congress.

"Our nation faces many severe and unrelenting problems. I will stay active on these matters and continue my efforts with the Blue Dogs and others of good will to help our citizens come together for the future of our children and grandchildren.

"No road in public life is travelled alone. Betty Ann and our children have sacrificed much over these years, and for them and for me, we say a simple and heartfelt 'thank you.' It has truly been our friends and supporters who have made this journey possible."

We remember Alzada Clark

David Cocke has forwarded this sad news of the passing of Ms. Clark:

Alzada Clark, a long time civil rights, union and Democratic Party activist, died on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009. She was 86 years old.

Alzada and her husband Leroy, who died in 1987, were partners in the labor movement and engaged in organizing activities in North Carolina, New York, Chicago and Memphis. They both were active in the Memphis Chapter of the NAACP. In 1988, Alzada was honored by the Women of Achievement for her courage in civil rights and union organizing.

Alzada was a long time member of the Democratic Women of Shelby County and was an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1980. She also served on the staff of Harold Ford, Sr.

Her husband Leroy was President of the Local Chapter of the NAACP and Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party.

Visitation will be at M J Edwards Funeral Home, 1165 Airways Boulevard, Memphis, TN, on Wednesday from 5-7 PM. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday at Whitestone Baptist Church, 187 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN.

Are we sure this is fake?

zombie reagan

Before we send more troops to Afghanistan, check out how much the war in Iraq is still costing us

Hat tip to Polar Donkey for this one:

A couple of things here..

First, if you live in Senate 31 and have not yet voted, TOMORROW IS THE DAY! Get off your arse and go vote for Adrienne Pakis-Gillon!

Now, go read this depressing yet accurate post from Polar Donkey, who, along with Brad Watkins at West Tennessee Liberal covers poverty and homelessness like no one else in our city. Here's a snippet:

Let me give you a little story at how truly bad of shape this city and it's citizens are in. A friend of mine told me this. He knows an immigrant that runs a gas station in Southeast Memphis. The gas station attendant says that he has a group of regular customers. These customers drive large SUV's. The driver's of these SUV's come in 4 or 5 times a day and buy about $1.50 in gas at a time. My friend was perplexed by this behavior and asked the attendant what they were doing. Turns out these are drug dealers. They never want to have more than $10 of gas in their vehicles in case they get busted by the police. Think about that for a second. The DRUG DEALERS are so broke they worry about losing $10 in gas if arrested.

Well, I WAS feeling better today, until...

I received the sad news that Rep. Larry Turner, who represented his Whitehaven and South Shelby County District for 24 years, passed away this morning at the age of 70.

His work on behalf of his district was tireless, and his work helped Memphis, Shelby County, and untold thousands more who may never have known him. He was a true gentleman with a deep affection for the people he served, and we are all better for his having served.

Please remember his family, especially his devoted wife Ms. Johnnie Turner, another tireless servant of this community, when you pray tonight, our thoughts go out to them.

Arrangements are not known at this time, I will update this as soon as I hear of them.

A short but thoughtful remembrance by WREG's Mike Matthews found here, H/T to Joe Lance.

I just don't have a thing to say at the moment.

Other than, first, enjoy your Thanksgiving, I hope each and every one of you are where you want to be tomorrow and with whom you want to be.

I feel burnt out on politics, with Obama showing every sign of turning into Herbert Hoover when we need FDR, Blanche Lincoln and other Democratic Senators whoring themselves out to Big Healthcare, and the Bears playing like crap every weekend.

On the other hand, I am deeply thankful for Lauren and our four-legged children, our family, the best group of friends a human could have, and that fact that (knock on wood) I continue to be employed.

If I have been grumpy of late, I am sorry, it's been a sucky month. I can't wait for December and hope that it snows all month. Well, at least from the 20th on to the end, any way; I can't help it, it's not Yule without snow.

Hopefully, I will be able to be more creative. Oh, and if you are a Democrat in Senate 31 and you didn't early-vote, GET YOUR HINDQUARTERS TO THE POLLS NEXT TUESDAY AND VOTE FOR ADRIENNE PAKIS-GILLON. Unless, of course, you like the idea of Brian Kelsey returning to our legislature.

Enough. Happy Thanksgiving and go Grizzlies!

You know, I was going to write a big post about the County Mayor selection

and a lot of it would have to do with the shabby treatment of the honorable Judge Otis Higgs, who was apparently told he had the votes to be selected County Mayor on a second ballot. However, he had to sit and watch as the rug was pulled out from under him as Joe Ford was elected. This man deserved a better fate and not the slap in the face he received.

However, Polar Donkey has written an even better post about the state of the County right now, and I want all of you to go and read it now.

Ok, let's think about things for a moment

Aside from the crazy suggestion by our new city Mayor that he arrange for an agreement to serve as BOTH City and County Mayor, lots of interesting things have happened regarding the deadlocked race for interim County Mayor.

The Democratic Women of Shelby County, who normally would collectively swallow broken glass than choose between two Democrats, yesterday endorsed Commissioner Joe Ford over Commissioner J.W. Gibson at their monthly meeting. Here is the text of that endorsement:

To Shelby County Democratic Commissioners:

After careful consideration by the Democratic Women of Shelby County, it is our pleasure to announce that the Democratic Women of Shelby County give their full endorsement and support of County Commissioner Joe Ford for Interim Shelby County Mayor.

Commissioner Ford’s history of commitment to public service and considerable attention to the City of Memphis as a Democrat, City Councilman and Shelby County Commissioner has earned this valuable endorsement. The Democratic Women of Shelby County have been long-time supporters of Democrats both in Memphis and Shelby County, and we continue to work long and tireless hours to promote the election of Democrats and the Democratic agenda to improve the lives of our citizens.

We have enjoyed a positive relationship with County Commissioner Ford as it is based on respect and fighting for issues that are in the best interest of the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County. This philosophy is consistent with our mission to support and help elect Democrats in Memphis and Shelby County.

We proudly add our endorsement and we encourage you to give your support and your vote to County Commissioner Joe Ford as Interim Shelby County Mayor. We are confident in the leadership and the experience that Commissioner Ford will bring to office of Shelby County Mayor and we look forward to the success that Joe Ford will bring to the County during his interim term as the future Shelby County Mayor.

Please, vote Joe Ford on Tuesday November 17, 2009.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mickey Klenz

President

Democratic Women of Shelby

OK then. Look, if I had to choose, I would choose Joe Ford myself. He's had experience with both City and County government, he gets along with both sides of the aisle, and would work with commissioner to get things done until September 1, 2010.

Here's my question, though: if NO ONE is going to get 7 votes, why select the interim Mayor from the Commission's body? At the end of the day, this will only lead to a tough time for whomever wins.

Former Commission Chair (and my candidate for County Mayor) Deidre Malone thought that she was on to something by nominating CAO Jim Huntzicker for the position. However, Huntzicker, who has a solidly GOP primary voting record (you can get it at the Election Commission) is no favorite of local unions for his slash-and-burn job-cutting for the County, went nowhere fast.

Right idea, wrong person.

Seeing as how this is my blog, I have my own idea.

The person I have in mind has NEVER been an elected official, but he was a key member of TWO different City administrations, working at high levels for both Dick Hackett and W.W. Herenton. He was a terrific go-between from Mayor Herenton to the City Council in the Mayor's first two terms. While he has never been a part of County government, it is less complex than City government, and he would be a steady hand at the helm, with no likelihood that he would seek the office himself.

This is a person whom I have not spoken with in years, and has no clue I am about to recommend him for this job, but, like Joe Ford, he gets along with EVERYONE and would be trusted by all parties to do the right thing.

My suggestion: former Herenton CFO and CAO Rick Masson.

Yes, if he reads that he is probably doing a spit take, but I think that he would be the right person at the right time for County government, and the perfect transitional figure to September 2010.

Your thoughts?

The teabaggers are coming to Whitehaven for tomorrow's Town Hall

From the office of our Congressman -

Congressman Steve Cohen is holding a public forum Saturday morning in
Memphis, and I wanted to make sure you got an invitation to attend.

He just cast a courageous vote in favor of health insurance reform.

Opponents of reform will be trying to convince him that his vote was a
mistake -- can you come out and show your support?



What: Rep. Steve Cohen Town Hall

Where: Whitehaven Golf Course
750 Holmes Road
Memphis, TN 38109

When: Saturday, November 14th
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

I can't make it, but I hope that YOU can, we need to have Steve's back on this matter.

MGLCC’s Pride Flag Target of Vandalism

Hat tip to Brad Watkins at WTL

MGLCC’s Pride Flag Target of Vandalism

Vandals Attempt to Burn Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center’s Pride Flag

Memphis, TN, November 11, 2009: Early Wednesday morning, two vandals attempted to burn the rainbow pride flag that flies prominently in front of MGLCC’s building at 892 South Cooper. The pride flag is a recognizable symbol for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community’s solidarity, pride and unity.

No motive for the incident has been reported at this point.

This act of vandalism marks the second time in two months that a public symbol of the LGBT community raised by MGLCC has been destroyed or damaged. The first was a National Coming Out Day billboard on Friday, September 25 at Poplar and High.

We find this targeting of our community to be a disturbing pattern that is not limited to property but also includes the more serious attacks on our transgender members as well as bullying of LGBT youth. MGLCC takes very seriously the safety and security of our visitors and friends. We are cooperating with the Memphis Police Department who are investigating at this time. We understand that they have one suspect is in custody and are searching for the second. We sincerely appreciate the attention given to both incidents by the Memphis Police Department and wish for a speedy recovery of the officer who protected our flag.

Public incidents such as this shed light on the larger issue of intolerance and hatred that our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens face every day. Once again, attempts to silence or frighten our community will not succeed, but will make us more determined to fight for equality. We appreciate the support of the community in this struggle.





Will Batts

Executive Director

MGLCC

901-278-6422

www.mglcc.org

HEY! Early Voting starts November 12 in Senate 31 general and House 83 Primary

NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING

DECEMBER 1, 2009

SPECIAL STATE GENERAL AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Pursuant to Sec. 2-6-103, Tennessee Code Annotated, notice is hereby given by the Shelby County Election Commission of unrestricted early voting for the December 1, 2009, Special State General and Primary Elections as follows:

Site Locations, Dates and Times

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION
157 POPLAR AVE., SUITE 121

Beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009, 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Saturday: November 14, 2009, 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM

Monday, November 16, 2009, - Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Saturday: November 21, 2009, 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM

Monday, November 23, 2009, and Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Last Day: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM

The Shelby County Election Commission Office will be closed Thursday, November 26, 2009, and Friday, November 27, 2009, for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Satellite Sites

Beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2009 - Friday November 13, 2009, 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Saturday: November 14, 2009, 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM

Monday, November 16, 2009, - Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Saturday: November 21, 2009, 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM

Monday, November 23, 2009, and Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Last Day: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM

LOCATION NAME	LOCATION ADDRESS
Agri Center (Rotunda Hallway) Agri-Center * closed November 23, 2009 and reopen on Nov. 24, 2009 until Nov. 25, 2009	7777 Walnut Grove Rd., 38120
Anointed Temple Of Praise (Youth Room)	3939 Riverdale Rd., 38141
Bethel Church	5586 Stage Rd., 38134
New Bethel Church	7786 Poplar Pike, 38138
White Station Church of Christ	1106 Colonial Rd., 38117

I feel for Tommy West, but it was time

I agree with Chris Vernon, if you're going to go out, that's the way to go. Tommy West, after a decade with the University of Memphis football program, the last nine as head coach, was relieved of his duties today by Athletic Director RC Johnson, who many believe should have gone right with him.

Tommy showed the passion that has been his hallmark; however, I suspect that much of what he had to say will fall on deaf ears, just as his players tuned him out. He IS right that the program is at a crossroads, a piss-or-get-off-the-pot moment for UM football. They DO need better facilities to recruit better players. However, Art Briles at Houston has crappier facilities than UM, and they are going to win the CUSA West, and had an outside chance at a BCS bowl. HE" not complaining, he's winning, and he's surrounded by the Big 12 South and LSU to the east.

Here's the question, though: while UM may have an increasing number of large donors, do they have a broad-enough donor and fan base to do what needs to be done? 20,000 folks is just fine for men's hoops, but they need 40-50K as a football base. They need to get in a BCS conference, but how can that happen if they can't complete in C-USA, where West NEVER even won a division title, even with the best QB (Wimprine) and the best offensive player (Williams) in the history of the school? The SEC for UM? Never happen, not in a million years, because the SEC has the city already, they don't need the U of M.

If they will build something like TCF Bank Stadium on-campus (and it will have to be exclusively from PRIVATE sources, gang), then they might have a chance. Whatever happens, Tommy was right about one thing: go big or go home with the program. Either put your money where your mouth is, or get out of the business completely.

That's where U of M football stands, and it's up to the administration, the AD, the donors, and the hardcore fans to bring this about. Fail now, and you might as well fold up your tent, because half-assing this is not an option.

Tennessee Democrats, we need to talk for a moment

You see, we are all in the midst of a situation here, one that we can stop in its infancy, but we need your help.

I'm certain that if you read this blog, or follow any of the fine bloggers listed on the righthand side of this blog, you will have read of the exploits of the Stuntbaby of Germantown (TM ACK), former Rep. Brian Kelsey, who is seeking to replace former Senator Paul Stanley in District 31.

Kelsey is a hyper-ambitious guy, whose stands on issues are even too far to the right for the conservative District 31. Kelsey voted to allow guns in parks and guns in bars, positions that angered residents of Germantown. He is a grandstander, and wants to be a Congressman or higher some day.

In short, he doesn't give too hoots in hell for what his old District 83 thought or what Senate District 31 wants, he is too busy trying to move up the food chain.

While the GOP establishment in Nashville loves Kelsey, the rank and file aren't that smitten with him here. In short, he is not even close to being a lock for election on December 1.

Part of the reason for that is Democratic nominee Adrienne Pakis-Gillon, who has been walking all over the district for the past month, with an ever-growing team of supporters. This is a winnable race, which begs a serious question:

Considering that A) EVERY Senate and House seat is critical in preventing a complete GOP takeover of the General Assembly, which will lead to Democrats losing up to three seats in Congress from Tennessee and B) we have a chance to end Brian Kelsey's political career before he damages anything else, why the hell has the TNDP essentially told Adrienne that they aren't going to help her?

THESE are the races that make differences in how each party is viewed. If the GOP can't hold on to this seat, their presumed hegemony is NOT going to happen. Now, understand, I don't want the TNDP to send troops (not after the House 62 debacle), but I DO want them to send money.

(NOTE: You, too, can help Adrienne with time and/or money, go and find out how, it's CRUCIAL!)

Adrienne is showing how this race can and will be won, and unlike Kelsey, she cares what the people of her district think and believe. She is married with children, unlike Kelsey, and she works in small business and understands the needs of Senate 31.

I will be creating a group at the TNDP site for Adrienne in the next day or two, and I will put something up about that. However, in the interim, join her when you can to knock on doors, and if you can put a few bucks in the cookie jar to help her win a race that CAN be won and MUST be won, do it.

Let's put someone in the Senate who cares about what their District wants, not what their Campaign Manager wants.

It's time to implement a Spay-and-Neuter ordinance in the city

After reading the horrible accounts of mismanagement at the Memphis Animal Shelter and seeing the sickening picture of the starved dog, I am delighted that Mayor Wharton took quick action to fix the issues there.

Vvixen joins the blogging world with a report on the vigil that took place at the Animal Shelter in remembrance of the dogs who were neglected to death, and you should read it.

Then, go read Polar Donkey as he forcefully states the point; requiring pet owners to spay or neuter their animals would help to reduce the number of unwanted pets in the city, reducing the demands that are put on the Shelter in the first place.

I agree with PD, this is highly needed, and I intend to talk to my councilors about this situation.

Some good, some bad tonight.

First, to the utter shock of no one, Republican Bob McDonnell was elected Governor of Virginia after eight years of Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. He was simply a better candidate than Democrat Creigh Deeds. McDonnell played down his degree from Regent University and took a page from the W playbook of 2000, appearing to be more moderate than he actually was. Deeds, who ran away from the Obama 2008 playbook, failed to excite the Democratic base and got thumped.

Jon Corzine, who made his billions on Wall Street, may have paid a price for that tonight in New Jersey, losing to former US Attorney Chris Christie. This was about hard times in Jersey, and Corzine hardly came across as a man of the people.

Still out as of the moment are the NY-23 race, and the Maine same-sex-marriage law is down at the moment, which would not be a good thing.

Simply put, I think that gay marriage will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, as to discriminate solely on the basis of gender is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

Whatcha doing TONIGHT from 5-7?

Come on out, meet Adrienne and let's help her win this race! I went from house to house with her yesterday, and was delighted with the warm reception she received! I will be at work, so I can't make it, but I hope you can; let's put another Democrat in the State Senate!

Tired of those pesky socialists? Let's go to that Libertarian Paradise!

Hat tip to Ben Vos..

Jon Stewart eviscerates FOX News

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
For Fox Sake!
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Jim Kyle Fundraiser for tomorrow night

REMINDER - Fundraiser for the Danny Kail campaign for Probate Court Clerk

As I support him, I thought I would pass this on!

Elect Danny W. Kail

The most qualified candidate

For

Shelby County Probate Court Clerk

Join us for a reception to raise funds

For the Probate Court Clerk 2010 Campaign

Thursday Oct. 29, 2009

5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by

Pari Motamedi

Earnest Fiveash and the

Committee to elect Danny Kail

Join us at

200 Wagner Pl

Memphis, TN 38103

901-759-9592

Suggested Donation- $100

Contribution of all Sizes Accepted

Please make checks payable to

Danny Kail for Probate Court Clerk

Mailing address 50 Gayoso #102

Memphis, TN 38103

4, 117

That's how many people went to the Liberty Bowl last night, and, no, I was NOT among them.

I was going to do another post on the sad state of U of M football, but Geoff Calkins says it better than I can, so go read him here. H/T to callmeishmael!

GoldnI asks the right question:

Where do the gubernatorial candidates stand on Opting Out of the Public Option? Like it or notm, that's now a question that all of them will be asked, and they had better answer it properly.

Note to Democrats: remember, you are in a PRIMARY!

THIS is messed up

With a hat tip to Oliver Willis, here's MC TREBEK for Feel Good Friday

Adrienne needs OUR help!

Folks, this is not just a critical race for Senate 31, it is a WINNABLE race. That said, let me turn this post over to the campaign....

Neighbors and Friends, Thank you for all your support in the Primary Election. Adrienne is now the official Democratic nominee for State Senate in District 31, and we are that much closer to bringing common sense back to Nashville. The primary results put Adrienne less than 900 votes behind her opponent. A win is just over the horizon, and but we need your help to get there. Today, there are at least two ways to help Adrienne bring common sense and care back to Nashville. 1) Volunteer. Join Adrienne this weekend in Germantown to get the word out about her caring campaign. We have been having a great time meeting people and the response to our message has been very positive. Meet us on Saturday at 11:00am or Sunday at 1:00pm at the Germantown Performing Arts Center. We need you to help let everyone in Germantown know about our goals for a better community. Reply to this email or message Barbara Williams so we can have shirts and plans ready for you. 2) Contribute. We need your investment to ensure Adrienne's victory. Despite having a financial advantage of almost 20 to 1, Adrienne's opponent was only able to secure a small number of additional votes. A contribution of just $5 can buy 50 informational cards. A larger contribution helps us spread the message even more. We're all in this together. Let's make another charge today. Official Site Facebook On twitter @voteadrienne

Somewhere in this city, Carol Chumney must be shaking her head and laughing

Why, you may ask? Well, it seems that The Med is threatening to close its Emergency Room (but NOT the Elvis Presley Trauma Center) if it fails to get $32 Million in needed funding. Mayor Wharton says that he will keep a focus on The Med even after he becomes Mayor of the city in a few days.

That's all well and good, and I'm glad he is, but is it not true that responsibility for The Med falls under the County, not the City, meaning he has more control over it with the job he is leaving compared to the job he is taking?

Chumney, of course, mentioned this during the campaign several times, beginning with a September 9 press release, which was pretty much ignored by the media, even me. The question becomes this: Why did no one at The Med bother to mention this BEFORE the Mayoral Election?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller (not THAT ONE)? Well, this will soon be Joyce Avery's problem, as well as the County Commission, while Mayor Wharton just walks across the Mall to his new job, showing all the concern in the world, while not really having the power to do anything about it.

While I'm grousing about Wharton, let me kick it up a notch. Mr. Mayor, why did you not give Steve Ross the courtesy of a vote before the Council on Tuesday? If he loses, he loses, but it's HIS loss, not yours. Let the chips fall where they may. If, as a trial lawyer, you have seen far worse than the brawl between The Punk Joe Brown and Shea Flinn, why did you roll over so quickly?

Do you think The Punk Joe Brown didn't notice? Do you honestly think he won't keep doing this, now that he sees that, despite all of our criticism for his Punkness, he got what he wanted? Prepare to keep getting rolled, Mr. Mayor, they're not as deferential on the west side of the Plaza as they were on the east side, they FIGHT over here.

Sidney Chism was right, you ARE going to have to piss people off and take stands now, or you will be in a quagmire of which you may find difficult to extricate yourself. Welcome to the big leagues, Mayor Wharton.