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November 28, 2006
Homelessness Forum Draws Crowd, But No Mayor
An audience of 175 anticipated hearing both sides of the debate on a proposed homeless shelter Monday evening at UTC. Instead, what they received was a presentation from Citizens for Real Homeless Solutions – and a written statement from Mayor Ron Littlefield's office on Chattanooga Community Resource Center stationery.
The forum, sponsored by UTC’s Student Government Association, originally was supposed to include Littlefield or a representative from his office. A statement issued by Littlefield's office through the Chattanooga Community Resource Center, distributed to the audience before the program was set to begin, said the mayor was unable to attend because “he is interviewing police chief candidates from out of town.”
Students who attended the forum said they had hoped they could receive information simultaneously from Littlefield and Citizens for Real Homeless Solutions. “I was disappointed that no one was able to come from the mayor’s office, but I was pleased that so many students attended,” SGA President Lydia Grafton said. Grafton said she did not know there was a potential scheduling conflict until Wednesday, Nov. 22. Assistant Dean of Students Dee Dee Anderson was not certain whether a representative from the mayor’s office would be appearing until about five hours before the forum began.
The initial format would have allowed both sides to present an opening statement, followed by questions submitted from students only; the questions would have been screened for repetition by Anderson and an assistant, Anderson said. Following the Q-and-A segment, Littlefield and Citizens for Real Homeless Solutions representative Mari Mai Williamson would have time for closing arguments.
Instead, the forum began with UTC representative Chuck Cantrell reading a letter sent by the mayor's office, outlining the reasons for not attending and assertions on homelessness in the city. Williamson then was allowed to give a five-minute opening statement by means of a video presentation. She then answered student questions from the audience, issued a closing statement and answered questions individually from students who approached her afterward.
In the statement Cantrell read to the audience, the letter stated “the opposition continues to try to manipulate UTC student opinion to further its own agenda by meeting privately with students and providing questions for the students to ask during the debate.” Included with its letter to the audience was a list of questions the center charges were given to students to ask, accompanied by answers to each. Those questions and answers also were distributed to the audience. A copy of this can be found at http://www.chattanoogacrc.org/faqs2.htm.
The following is the letter the mayor's office submitted and Cantrell read:
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to meet with you again about the Chattanooga Community Resource Center.
Mayor Littlefield could not attend this evening as he is interviewing police chief candidates from out of town. However, he did enjoy speaking to the SGA two weeks ago and hopes his insight into the growing problem of homelessness in Chattanooga and how employing innovative strategies to alleviate suffering for the homeless was helpful.
The CCRC team has elected to abstain from today’s community forum for several reasons:
1. We first heard about the “debate” in a news release written and issued by the opposition dated November 2, 2006. At that point we (the CCRC) had not been invited to present in front of the SGA. We therefore called Dean Anderson to get equal time which was granted for November 14, 2006.
2. The opposition has dictated the terms of this debate even calling for a vote by the SGA.
3. The opposition continues to try to manipulate UTC student opinion to further its own agenda by meeting privately with students and providing questions for the students to ask during the debate. We believe this approach presents a false sense of concern for the topic of homelessness in Chattanooga.
4. Trying to “win” a debate on homelessness trivializes the issue. This is not a game – the lives and wellbeing of homeless women, children, and men in Chattanooga are at stake. We will not be party to perpetuating stereotypes, or placing homeless families and children as political pawns in a public debate.
Here are the facts on Homelessness as they relate to UTC:
In closing:
The real solution for homelessness include access to supportive services and permanent housing that will help homeless families and individuals become more self sufficient.
They also include a respite care facility and resource center that will collect data to measure outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement of services; and above all, treating Americans with compassion and dignity.
We believe the opposition speaks for a small contingency whose viewpoint is based in fear and prejudice against those who are less fortunate. It seems that some want to drive out the homeless, who in their minds should no longer be part of the fabric of the very community they chose to move in to because now those original residents might impact their property values.
Rather than debating over the unfounded beliefs about the impacts of locating services for the homeless in any one neighborhood, we choose to direct our energies to develop real strategies to prevent homelessness and to help the homeless transition back into permanent housing with supportive services.
The opposition has provided the attached 24 questions about the proposed development. We have provided detailed answers. Please feel free to consider these points as you review this issue and its impact on UTC. We encourage everyone to visit http://www.ChattanoogaCRC.org for more information. We welcome any and all comments, questions, or concerns regarding the CCRC.
Mayor Ron Littlefield said, “As students you have the privilege of higher education and a responsibility to use your talents to make the world a better place. Accordingly, you have the obligation to not simply [sic] appose the plans but become involved in seeking a better solution.”
Posted by pulseblogger at 07:48 AM | TrackBack
November 24, 2006
PulseCast: Music Edition #009 - Now Online
Features music from White Magic, Deerhoof, Luomo, Songs of Green Pheasant, Patrick Wolf, Animal Collective, Alasdair Roberts, Husky Rescue, Pit Er Pat, Menomena, Phelan Sheppard and more.
Click here to listen.
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Posted by colrus at 09:29 PM | TrackBack
November 18, 2006
Maclellan Island Open House Saturday Cancelled Due to Flooding
My profound apologies to everyone, but we’ve had to cancel the Maclellan Island open house, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, November 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Due to the week’s heavy rains and TVA’s autumn water release schedule, the boat dock and beach areas at the island are flooded. With releases reaching 64,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) tomorrow, river levels could possibly go even higher.
Please spread the word around to anyone you know who may be thinking of going. I’d hate to have folks come downtown and be disappointed.
We and the Chattanooga Audubon Society will try to reschedule as soon as possible.
Ruthie Cartlidge
Events Coordinator
Outdoor Chattanooga
Posted by colrus at 01:39 AM | TrackBack
November 17, 2006
Play(Station) On, My Man
The Christmas shopping season kicked off early, as video gamers (or those who want to sell consoles on eBay for a lot of money) spent a good chunk of last week at stores, waiting anxiously for Sony’s PlayStation 3.
Some people were more determined than others to get the golden game systems, with at least one person being offered $1,200 to stand in line for another, said Chattanooga Police Sgt. Tom Layne.
Brandon Karnes, of Hixson, had been at Best Buy on Highway 153 since midday Tuesday. He was one of about 30 people lined up to get 26 consoles Friday morning.
“I’ve got plenty of clothes, plenty of blankets. The real trouble is the rain,” Karnes said of the drizzle that continued to fall Thursday. He said about 10 of the campers bought tarps on Wednesday to protect their tents from constant rain. “It was all we could do to stay dry.”
Conditions were more Spartan at Target. Sean McGill, of Hixson, arrived about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the first of about 10 people to line up for eight game systems.
“We could keep warmer if Target would let us have tents. They think it looks tacky. Well, why not let us use red and white tents?” McGill said, referring to the colors the discount chain uses in its advertising campaigns. (Psst, Target. Here’s a thought: Make ‘em use tents sold only in your store. Translation: More profit.)
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:20 PM | TrackBack
Police on Lookout for PR Flack
The Chattanooga Police Department is looking for someone to fill a role called “senior manager of media relations.”
According to the city’s Web site, the person will promote “the understanding of the departmental objectives, functions and accomplishments … that conveys a favorable public image for the Police Department and for the City of Chattanooga.”
But wait! That’s not all. If you act now, you will be “supervising the development of internal communications for information purposes; planning strategies to correct misunderstandings, problems or friction; consulting with Chief of Police, management personnel and other officials to review department activities, provide recommendations and communicate on other matters; coordinating with other departments and outside agencies to ensure accuracy and uniform message; serving as liaison between media and the Police Department, responding to questions and requests as needed; managing a budget and performing other administrative duties.”
Gee, that’s what Sgts. Tom Layne and Tetzel Tillery already try to do. And what do you bet they’re paid less than what this person will get. The salary range is listed as $46,878 to $72,363.
So, if you have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications and three years of experience in news media or a field related to government, politics or law enforcement, the Chattanooga Police Department is looking for you. In a good way.
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:19 PM | TrackBack
Here We Go Round in Circles
Roundabouts have made their way back into the news in Chattanooga as the city opens its newest traffic circle in Hixson. This new circle is at the intersection of Access Road with Lake Resort Drive and the ramps from Highway 153 at Chickamauga Dam.
There already are roundabouts outside the Bachman Tubes through Missionary Ridge in East Ridge and in Red Bank at Mountain Creek Road, but drivers are a little apprehensive about using these traffic devices.
No need for worry, folks. A roundabout is just a circle in which drivers travel counterclockwise and take a particular exit to get to a connecting street. Here are a few pointers from the Web site roundaboutsusa.com on how to drive on one:
• As you approach a roundabout there will be a “Yield” sign and dashed yield limit line. Slow down, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists, and be prepared to stop if necessary.• When you enter, yield to circulating traffic on the left, but do not stop if the way is clear.
• A conventional roundabout will have one-way signs mounted in the center island. They help guide traffic and indicate that you must drive to the right of the center island.
• Upon passing the street prior to your exit, turn on your right turn signal and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as you exit.
• Left turns are completed by traveling around the central island.
That’s how you do this particular hokey-pokey.
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:16 PM | TrackBack
November 10, 2006
PulseCast: Music Edition #008 - Now Online
Features music from The Shins, DeVotchKa, Final Fantasy, Califone, The Bees, Malajube, Tap Tap, Beach House, Ryan Teague, Xiu Xiu, Tim Hecker, The Annuals and many more.
Click here to listen.
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Posted by colrus at 12:55 PM | TrackBack
November 08, 2006
Today's Greatest Video Ever of the Day: "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" is Hard...
...especially the very first question they ask you.
Posted by colrus at 05:09 PM | TrackBack
The End of His Era: Aaron Mesh leaves The Pulse for the Pacific Northwest
We knew it would happen sooner or later.
It is with a combination of sadness and joy that I announce that Aaron Mesh is leaving his post as city editor of The Pulse in order to accept the position of screen editor with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Willamette Week in Portland, Oregon. While Aaron will still contribute to our film section, he will be replaced in our news department by Angela Tant, a Hixson resident, fellow UTC Communication Department graduate, and award-winning reporter who has spent the last decade in the newsrooms of Fort Payne’s Times-Journal, Scottsboro’s Daily Sentinel, the Birmingham Post-Herald, and our friends down the street, the Times Free Press. We are ecstatic to be working with Angela, whose experience, energy and ideas will be key in shaping the future of news coverage at The Pulse.
“Mesh” came to The Pulse via an unorthodox group interview with a bunch of young writers from the local Chattablogs blogging community in the fall of 2003. While we wound up working with several of the talented writers who attended that meeting, Aaron was the only writer that the other writers in attendance went out of their way to urge us to hire.
“Mesh is the guy,” I was told more than once.
And he was.
Aaron started out as our chief film critic, but quickly became our chief film critic and our main feature writer. Eventually, he would serve as our chief film critic, main feature writer, and city editor, where he was in charge of heading up our fledgling news section. Watching him juggle all three has been nothing short of remarkable, and speaks volumes about his versatility as a writer.
No single contributor has had more of an impact in shaping what The Pulse is today than Aaron. I’m particularly proud of his series of articles on the St. Elmo murder of Hurricane Katrina evacuee Don Airline, and the subsequent release of his accused killer, Edward Antwan Jones. His 2004 April Fool’s article, “Czech Into Cash,” about a Czechoslovakian immigrant who learned English by listening to Johnny Cash records, is another personal favorite, and his critique of Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ should be required reading for all those even thinking about reviewing, well, anything.
Over his almost three years with us, Aaron’s contributions have raised more than a few eyebrows, with his movie reviews being the most divisive of all his work. While some have accused him of being in love with his thesaurus, his new editor in Portland recently told me that his work was easily the best of all the applicants they received for his position. We are proud to know Aaron Mesh, and he should be proud of the work he has done here.
I, personally, have come to truly appreciate him not only as a collaborator, but also as a friend. It was Aaron who brought me some duct tape when my radiator hose burst on my way home from Riverbend one night, and it was at Aaron’s apartment on October 27, 2004, crowded around his living room television with a dozen or so other folks, where we deliriously celebrated the Red Sox’ first World Series championship since 1918.
While we are—professionally and personally—sad to see Aaron leave, we wish him nothing but the best and are excited to see what his future holds. We are also glad to have a place to stay should we ever visit Portland. We hear it’s a happenin’ city.
(From this week's edition of The Pulse.)
Posted by colrus at 10:40 AM | TrackBack
In This Week's Edition of The Pulse
In this week's edition of The Pulse...
The List: How Did Bob Corker and Harold Ford spend their last day before the election?
The End of His Era: Aaron Mesh leaves The Pulse for the Pacific Northwest.
Striking a Pulled-Pork Pose: Sticky Fingers’ Chad Waldorff buys a painting of Stephen Colbert. From Stephen Colbert.
Eat Your Heart Out: Hunger and pain in the world of competitive eating. Claire Suddath tells the gut-busting story.
When Eating is a Nightmare: Chattanoogan Polly Williams shares her struggle with anorexia in an upcoming documentary on HBO.
Big Impression: Big River Grille and Brewing Works’ new Hamilton place location delivers same great fare as their downtown location. And 14 times the parking.
Meet the Pioneers of Aristocrunk: Former Chattanooga Outlook editor Robert Anthony is now a rapper made of pure gold.
Going Barefoot in Cleveland: Red Clay tackles one of Neil Simon’s best.
...plus our event picks, calendar, dining guide, movie and CD reviews and MUCH, MUCH more.
Posted by pulseblogger at 10:07 AM | TrackBack
November 07, 2006
Election Results
Click here for the latest CNN vote tallies.
Click here for the latest ABC vote tallies.
Click here for the latest Hamilton County Election Commission vote tallies.
Posted by colrus at 07:58 PM | TrackBack
A Last-Minute Amendment and Ordinance Refresher
You're probably fairly confident about who you are going to vote for on today's ballot, but are you as confident about what you are going to vote for?
Here's a quick recap of Joe Lance's suggestions regarding the amendments and ordinances of your ballot:
Constitution Amendment OneI don’t guess there’ll be a “Hell, No” option, so a No vote will have to suffice. Contrary to what you may be thinking, the reason is not simply that I am a big supporter of gay marriage. I do happen to believe that homosexual marriages should be granted the same legal status as heterosexual marriages, but that’s not the point. The trouble with this referendum is its intended abuse of the state’s constitution for such a shortsighted and benefit-bereft end. No one has been able to demonstrate how society will be damaged if this amendment isn’t adopted.
Prediction: This, too, shall pass.
Constitution Amendment Two
Or, the forgotten ballot measure. Do the votes count if not many people realize what it is they’re deciding? When I last looked at this it seemed harmless enough, but since then debate points have been raised that put me at “less than decided.” In keeping with the principle outlined above, is this something that makes it worth changing our state’s foundational document? I’m probably sticking with my Yes vote because passage would open up tax-freeze decisions to local control (provided a bill were to pass in the General Assembly), but I can still be convinced otherwise until I darken that oval next Tuesday.
Prediction: Fails due to a low vote count.
Ordinance 11872: Yes, change how board replacements are made so that the remaining board members don’t just pick their buddies; but then let’s hold the current and future mayors’ feet to the fire so that they don’t just pick their buddies instead.
Ordinance 11873: Yes, untie the City Engineer position from the potential for crony appointment by a new mayor coming into office.
Ordinance 11877: No, keep city government positions, even those not popularly elected, from being occupied by those who hold other offices. Encourage more citizen participation in local government by keeping these positions out of reach of those already serving in a different capacity. Speaking of double dipping, voting this proposed ordinance down also helps prevent the undue influence of people holding contracts with the city.
Posted by colrus at 10:51 AM | TrackBack
A Quick Election Question
With a steady rain falling, we wonder:
Are Republicans or Democrats more likely to stay away from the polls because it's raining outside?
Your answers wanted.
Posted by colrus at 10:37 AM | TrackBack
Busted!: Faith Hill Acts the Fool in CMA Loss
From USA Today's account:
Hill, a nominee for female vocalist, was on camera along with fellow contenders Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson and Carrie Underwood. When Underwood was announced as the winner, the camera caught Hill with arms raised, as if poised to accept, then a split second later mouthing a surprised, "What?"
The story then goes on to quote a representative from Hill's management company, who offered the following gem.
Sandra Westerman of Borman Entertainment, Hill's management company, says Hill was just joking and didn't know she was on camera: "She would never disrespect one of the other artists."
Yeah. Uh huh. Sure.
Thank you, Faith, for making an otherwise boring CMA Awards ceremony worth watching.
By the way, Carrie Underwood plays the UTC Arena Sunday night.
Posted by colrus at 10:05 AM | TrackBack
November 01, 2006
Sticky Fingers Owner Buys "Colbert Report" Painting
Three Chattanooga natives have added an extra dash of "truthiness" to their barbecue recipes after winning an auction for a portrait of The Colbert Report host Stephen Colbert.
Colbert announced on his program Tuesday night that Chad Walldorf, co-owner of Sticky Fingers, won the auction, proceeds of which will benefit Save the Children, an international charity. The portrait, which hangs on the show's set, depicts Colbert posing behind another picture of the satirical television show host. It was auctioned off in October to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the program's launch on Comedy Central. Walldorf declined to give the final amount bid in the auction.
"One of my partners said, 'As rib and barbecue guys we don't know much about art, but we figured anytime you can get two portraits for the price of one, it must be a pretty good deal,'" Walldorf said.
Initially, the portrait will hang at the restaurant chain's location in downtown Charleston, S.C., Walldorf said. "We're huge fans of the show and thought it would be neat to bring the portrait to [Colbert's] hometown," he said. Depending on the reception the portrait receives, Walldorf said that the restaurant chain may take it on a "Sticky tour" of its 17 locations, two of which are in Chattanooga.
Walldorf said Colbert has offered to sign the portrait, but he is trying to decide whether he wants Colbert to sign the front or back. The restaurant will receive the portrait in about a week, Walldorf said.
This is not the first time Colbert and Sticky Fingers have worked together. Walldorf and his co-owners are friends with Colbert's sister-in-law. The restauranteurs sent barbecue to the show's first staff meeting, and the show has placed Sticky Fingers barbecue sauce in gift bags, Walldorf said. Walldorf, and his partners, Todd Eischeid and Jeff Goldstein, graduated from the Baylor School in 1986.
-Angela Tant
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:57 PM | TrackBack
In This Week's Edition of The Pulse
n this week's edition of The Pulse...
When Wizardry Rolls Around: Squeeze your way in to see Lou Wamp and the Lovell Sisters at Barking Legs. While you still can.
Jones Didn’t Do It: Phone records point to another killer in the case of slain Katrina evacuee Don Airline.
Unlock the Mind, Then Approach the Voting Booth: Read Joe Lance’s liberal libertarian endorsements. Then vote!
It’s All Because of Jay: The Shaking Ray Levis’ Bend Sinister dares to mix some fun with the darkness.
It’s Not at All Greek to Me: Tabouli’s is a decent taste of the Mediterranean on the Northshore.
...plus our event picks, calendar, dining guide, movie and CD reviews and MUCH, MUCH more.
Posted by pulseblogger at 09:59 AM | TrackBack