December 2008

New Carpet

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 19, 2008 - 4:31am

Our newsroom could use a new carpet.

If you've ever been around reporters for any time at all, you know that we can be a messy bunch. After years of wear and tear, the carpet in the six newsroom has lots of stains from spilled coffee, soft drinks and food.

I doubt though that our managers are too worried right now about the carpet. They're more concerned about putting a good news product on the air. And they're worried about the economy, about ad revenues and about not laying off people.

That's the difference between private business and government.

Holiday Special

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 17, 2008 - 12:41am

A special Holiday Tennessee This Week.

For the past few years - we've turned to local high school choirs to provide us with holiday cheer; a break from the usual political commentary.

This Sunday, we invited students from Karns High School and Seymour Middle School to perform for our viewers.

I think you'll be pleased. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Fulmer Says Thanks But No Thanks

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 12, 2008 - 11:45pm

Oops.

That's the real headline for the latest news coming out of the UT President's office regarding former head football coach Phillip Fulmer.

After several days of criticism over the hiring of Fulmer as a "special assistant to the UT President," Fulmer now says he doesn't want the job.

UT President John Petersen and Fulmer have been under fire for the deal that would've paid the former UT football coach, $12,500 a month through February to help in fund raising for the University.

The fact that the money paid to Fulmer would come from private donors, didn't mitigate the anger many

Fulmer Update

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 8, 2008 - 11:46pm

Phillip Fulmer will be paid $12,500 a month for three months, according to a news release from the University of Tennessee.

That money will come from "private dollars." He will, however, receive employment benefits as provided to all full-time University employees.
"Phillip Fulmer is a UT icon and a wonderful ambassador.

Fulmer Hired by President

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 8, 2008 - 10:15pm

While individual campuses within the UT System struggle to make cuts, the University President has decided to add another member to his staff: former football coach Phillip Fulmer.

In a meeting this morning, it was agreed that Fulmer will join President John Petersen's staff as a special assistant.

According to sources at the University, Fulmer will be involved in fundraising efforts for the University and not for the Athletic Department.

We have not yet been told how much Fulmer will be paid, but the hire will surely create a firestorm among many UT employees who are trying to figure

Pavlis Announces His Intention to Run

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 2, 2008 - 10:27pm

A familiar name has surfaced for next year's City Council election. Nick Pavlis today announced he will seek the 1st District seat being vacated by term-limited Councilman Joe Hultquist.

Pavlis served as an At-Large member of City Council from 1995 to 2003. "I think it is important for the 1st District to have a Council person who is involved, effective, and knowledgeable," Pavlis said in a news release. "That can make a tremendous difference in representing any community, and I know I am that person."

ABC Ban on Flag Pins

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 2, 2008 - 9:32pm

A friend e-mailed me something he'd received recently regarding ABC and a decision to
ban flag lapel pins on the air.

Here's what it said:

This should make your blood boil..it DOES mine!

ABC NEWS BANS FLAG LAPEL PINS!

Yesterday, the brass at ABC News issued orders forbidding reporters to wear lapel pin, American flags, or other patriotic insignia. Their reasoning was that ABC should remain neutral about causes. Since when is support for preventing death and destruction some sort of a 'cause?' Since when is patriotism to be discouraged?

New Survey Shows Lying, Cheating, Stealing on Rise

Submitted by Gene Patterson on December 1, 2008 - 10:48pm

A new survey out by the Josephson Institute reveals what it describes as "entrenched habits of dishonesty in today's young people."

The survey of 29,000 high school students shows rates of kids stealing, lying and cheating on the rise in America.

Examples:

Stealing - more than one in three boys (35%) and one-fourth of girls (26%) - a total of 30% overall - admitted "stealing from a store within the past year."

They're also admitting to stealing from friends and family members.

And it's not just the "bad kids" who are doing the stealing.