November 2008

Will the Economy Turn Around Soon?

Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 27, 2008 - 8:54pm

UT Economist Dr. Bill Fox had little positive to say this week on Tennessee This Week regarding the state economy.

In fact, Fox says for the first time in the history of the state, sales tax revenues are down, year to year.

Still, anything is possible and perhaps the stimulus package expected from Washington may jump start us toward better times...Or maybe not.

What do you think?

This week we began a new feature on Tennessee This Week. It's our poll question of the week.

UT President's Wife in Hot Water

Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 25, 2008 - 11:43pm

I've heard from a number of sources over the past several years of the, sometime, abusive nature of Carol Petersen toward UT staff. None of it, in my opinion, rose to the level of a news story.

This latest revelation regarding a major University donor, and Petersen's "verbal abuse" of the donor, however, does.

It's one thing to snap at an employee about the use of a certain caterer, but it's quite different to bring a prominent donor to tears.

Consequences Matter

Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 20, 2008 - 1:10am

Knox County administrators have decided that the 8 Austin East High School football players - accused of shoplifting - will not be allowed to play Friday night?

I think it's the right decision.

I've heard a number of arguments both ways. On our website, we asked the question and got an overwhelming no response.

Veterans Day

Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 12, 2008 - 2:44am

My father - who died two years ago - was a veteran. He fought in World War II and Korea. He never spoke much about the wars. In fact, only once did he open up to me.

I was just a teenager. It was sometime in the mid-70's, and it was the anniversary of D-Day. He owned a small restaurant in Madisonville and we were working together.

He was generally a cheerful man, quick with a joke and a laugh. But on this day, he was melancholy and moody.

After our day was done, I asked him what was bothering him.

And it was then that he told me the story of hitting the beach at Normandy.

Having a Stroke

Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 11, 2008 - 2:47am

My wife is constantly pointing to videos she's found on the Web that she thinks I'd be interested in watching.

This is one of those.

It's been viewed by more than half a million people already. If you haven't seen it, take the time and watch it.

It's a fascinating personal account of a person having a stroke and finding out what is - at least to her - all about.

It's told by a woman who happens to be a scientist who studies the brain. It starts a bit dry, but stay with it.