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October 25, 2007
Club Lib
The music was thumping with a steady beat, strobe lights glittering on dancing, gyrating Chattanoogans, some in golden cages. A fantastic ice sculpture and Black Tie Affair bartender made chilled martinis for people swaying to the crooning of a pianist and throaty jazz singer.
Posted by pulseblogger at 06:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 18, 2007
Johnson City questions
Our very own Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, contributor of the ever-popular, always insightful column "Shrink Rap with Dr. Rick," took on this week the tragic consequences of the Johnson City Press' decision to publish the names, ages and street addresses of people cited cruising in a park known to be a favored pick-up spot for the local gay community.
As Dr. Rick asks us to answer some tough questions about what that event says about our ability to be accepting and keep our own trespasses in mind before we judge others, let's ask the obvious question: If these men who were picked up for "cruising" were "cruising" for heterosexual companionship, would the Johnson City Press have plastered the front page with their names, ages and street addresses?
Somehow, I think not.
Posted by pulseblogger at 02:53 PM | TrackBack
Shield us
Ever see those scenes in "All the President's Men" when a mysterious government source nicknamed Deep Throat helped Bob Woodward discover all the shady goings-on in the Nixon White House?
Well, in this day and age, those people are a little hesitant to talk, and journalists may be reluctant to seek them out, thanks to the fact that the federal government can ask them to identify their sources in a court of law. (Hello, Judith Miller.)
That may be changing, though. And we journalists could use YOUR help.
The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed legislation, 398-21, that would keep us from being forced to testify or reveal sources in court. That's called a shield law, and while it's in effect on the state level, that's not the case on the federal level. (Props to Rep. Zach Wamp for being one of the good guys on this bill.)
Now the bill is going to be debated in the Senate, and the White House has threatened a veto of the measure.
Here's what we need you to do: get in touch with your senators (Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker) and encourage them to support the Reporters Shield Law.
Lamar Alexander
alexander.senate.gov
752-5337
Bob Corker
corker.senate.gov
756-2757
While it may seem that this law only benefits reporters, it actually benefits YOU more. Because the more we can find out about what the people in power are doing, the more educated you can become and the better decisions you can make at the ballot box.
So get busy!
Posted by pulseblogger at 01:35 PM | TrackBack
October 16, 2007
Doody duty
The City Council’s Legal and Legislative Committee met with representatives from the city stormwater department, animal control and the McKamey Animal Care Trust this afternoon to iron out the details of a plan to create an ordinance that would require pet owners to pick up after their dogs.
It would call for owners to pick up the poop not only at parks but also on city streets and sidewalks.
OK, we can go for that.
But here’s the kicker: If we members of the media who were present understand it right, it would apply to private property, too.
And it could be enforced by fines ranging from $50 to $5,000.
So, who will enforce this? Police officers, animal control officers, specially appointed staffers at Parks and Recreation, and specially appointed officers at wastewater management.
Not like we have enough for all these folks to do anyway. Let’s make them police poop at people’s homes.
Posted by pulseblogger at 03:28 PM | TrackBack
October 09, 2007
What's the scoop?
. . . Uh, poop.
The City Council is going to take a look at adding two new ordinances
concerning the pick-up of doggie droppings in area parks that allow
pets.
Staffers at the city attorney's office presented the puppy proposal in
today's Legal & Legislative Committee meeting.
Continue reading "What's the scoop?"
Posted by pulseblogger at 05:51 PM | TrackBack
Did She Really Resign?
Word is that Marti Rutherford, while saying that she will resign her chair on the City Council, has yet to actually submit a letter of resignation, which leaves the Council to assume that she really has resigned.
So, now the Council moves ahead with candidate interviews, though Marti's presence is still lingering.
And, by the way, some folks in District 8 (friends of Marti?) are now calling for Leamon Pierce's ouster due to an alleged altercation with a man in police custody back in 2005 see Chattanoogan.com story. The charge? Acts of Moral Turpitude. Just like Marti! Hey, where can I get some of that, there Moral Turpitude? It seems to be pretty popular these days.
Sheeesh!
Posted by pulseblogger at 05:48 PM | TrackBack
In Light of Current Chattanooga City Council Events...
Ashland City Council agrees to get therapy
Heated exchanges have led to conflicts; price tag is $37,000
By Robert Plain
for the Mail Tribune
September 27, 2007
ASHLAND — They're openly disrespectful of each other. They curse and bicker regularly in public. They disagree on almost everything. But now they've agreed to see a counselor for a second shot at their broken relationship.
This isn't a marriage on the outs; it's the Ashland City Council.
read more...Full Article
Posted by pulseblogger at 03:48 PM | TrackBack
October 04, 2007
Today is October 4th...
VOTE!!!!!!!
Posted by pulseblogger at 08:54 AM | TrackBack
October 03, 2007
Tomorrow is Oct. 4th
VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by pulseblogger at 11:33 AM | TrackBack
October 01, 2007
Word On The Street Is...
Marti Rutherford is prepared to vacate her home on the City Council, which should reduce her number of hangouts to just her three houses in Brainerd. We're working on the story and should have more to say this week in The Pulse.
Posted by pulseblogger at 12:00 PM | TrackBack