Knoxville Tennessee Blog

September 10th is the day that Bruce Pearl filed for divorce from his wife of 25 years. MSNBC has a story on it today here.

If you are a wikipedia fan, you can make your own history by editing the Bruce Pearl entry to note this new information. As of 1:43 PM on Sept. 17th, the article has not been edited to reflect this new information on Pearl (it will be soon, and it could be by you).

Divorce is a difficult time, especially for the children. Remember to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

In the latest of woes for Knox County Commission, the Knoxville City Council may be considering a lawsuit against County Commission with regards to the storm water ordinance.

On a lighter side, this would make for a great celebrity death match. Who do you think would win? The great minds that comprise Knox County Commission or the organized efforts of Knoxville City Council Members.

More details from WATE.com.

Some time today between 5:00 to 6:30 PM Knox County Commission will convene in a special session for the results of the travel audit of Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and his staff. This is one of the most serious and potentially criminal audits the Mayor and his staff face.

It will be covered on Community Television of Knoxville.

Last week on the hour long WBIR special “Knox County Files” Knox County Law Director John Owings said he would file an ouster suit if criminal activities were disclosed in any of the five audits being performed on Knox County government. You can watch that hour long special here.

Things have changed a great deal in the past few months. Paul Pinkston opened the kimono with his questions of P-card abuse and theft. WBIR unleashed Kay Watson for some of the most impressive investigative journalism seen in a very long time in Knox County. Private citizen Lewis Cosby made sure he was heard in last months Knox County Commission meeting. His audit of Knox County government brought over 100 questions that have yet to be answered.

Both WBIR and WATE have special sections on their websites to make it easier for people to follow the maize of allegations and questions. The Knoxville News Sentinel also has a special section appropriately named “Knox County Chaos”. Larry Van Guilder, Betty Bean, and Sandra Clark have covered every step and misstep of Knox County government. Unlike other media outlets they have been on the case before it become necessary to do so.

It makes one wonder if these problems would ever have happened if this investigative journalism had been there all along. It seems the honeymoon with the press and the Mayor’s office was followed by the abuse of the taxpayers.

There are some obvious lessons learned here. Maybe journalism and boosterism shouldn’t be commingled. Maybe the taxpayers should pay more attention to those who work for them. No matter what happens people will no longer accept that good intentions, big ideas, and reading to children can excuse ignoring the law and living the lifestyles of the rich and famous on the taxpayers dime.

You have to love the marketing people at McDonald’s. They have no pride or remorse and they are quite brilliant.

Take their latest ploy. Many people want to save the Earth from Global Warming. So how can a company that sells hamburgers capitalize on this trend? Remember, their product is hamburgers. Perhaps the most dangerous product on Earth as far as Global Warming is concerned.

In Japan you can buy a Big Mac for half price if you download a form that shows how to reduce Global Warming. Do you think there is anything on that form that suggests eating fewer Big Mac’s will prevent Global Warming?

Genius. Give them an A, for audacity.

Blog Night @ Ray’s ESG, formerly Kingston Alley

What: “Blog Night @ Ray’s”; a kick off event for the conversion of
Kingston Alley to Ray’s Entertainment Sports Grille (Ray’s ESG) with free
appetizers and happy hour priced drinks for all bloggers. (Ray’s is
considering scheduling a regular blog night and would love your feedback).

When: Tuesday, September 4, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 7355 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Why: All bloggers are welcome, RSVP by calling (865) 384-8564 or emailing
zane.hagy@asenpr.com to attend. Come check out the restaurant’s new identity,
enjoy your choice of appetizer and check out the changes:

A high-end wine bar with 19 wines offering options for the most discriminating
taste, as well as the occasional wine drinker

An outdoor patio (more than 2000 square feet) featuring the Baja-jajaja Tiki
Bar, Ray’s third full-service bar

A total of 7 smoke eaters are now in place to allow non-smokers the opportunity
to enjoy a nearly smoke-free environment

Two managing partners are now ABC certified. Although not everyone will serve
alcoholic drinks, Ray’s does recognize the need for upper-management
officials to have knowledge of current laws and practice a variety of rules to
help ensure the safety of its clientele

New events are coming, such as wine and cocktail pairings that allow diners to
learn about how to properly select mixed drinks and wines that go with
different menu items
A horseshoe pit has been installed for any customer to use, with tournaments
scheduled in the near future

An outdoor grill for special events

The addition of seven high definition plasma TVs and a high definition
projector for a total of 40 screens

Valet parking as well as additional parking

Wi-fi availability