Monthly Archives: December, 2011
Bright & Early: See You In Court Edition
Good morning, Nashville. The Contributor street newspaper, with help from the ACLU, will be suing the City of Brentwood over an ordinance that keeps their vendors from selling newspapers on streets and sidewalks, allegedly depriving them of their right to free speech. Eight vendors have already been cited and fined for violating the ordinance, which the city says is a matter of safety. Though Brentwood has already amended this ordinance to allow vendors on sidewalks only, effective July 1, The Contributor is still concerned about the First Amendment violation and adverse effects on vendors’ livelihoods. The Contributor currently has about twice the distribution of any other homeless newspaper in the U.S. or Canada.
- Repeat offender. Titans badboy Kenny Britt continued his offseason adventures this week by turning himself into Metro Police for a couple of outstanding warrants regarding some false information he provided on a driver’s license application. Though he was booked into the Metro jail, he posted bail shortly thereafter. This brings the official count up to three arrests this year and seven encounters with the law since he came to the Titans in 2009.
- Oh, blast. Belmont University is building a giant new dorm near the corner of 15th and Bernard, but neighbors aren’t too fond of all the blasting that will be going on for the next few months. At 8am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm every day, construction crews will be setting off explosives that rock the surrounding neighborhoods. One ex-military neighbor said that the noise wasn’t bad, but likened the feeling to that of a hand grenade.
- Bits & pieces. An inmate in Hamblen County near Knoxville escaped from a minimum-security workhouse after leaving a note explaining that he needed to go fishing … Titans merchandise sales are already feeling the effects from the NFL lockout … We’re starting to get excited as we watch U2′s stage go up at Vanderbilt this week … A North Nashville robbery suspect left his wallet and ID at the scene of the crime. D’oh!
Photo by Tom C. Frundle.
Good morning, Nashville. The Contributor street newspaper, with help from the ACLU, will be suing the City of Brentwood over an ordinance that keeps their vendors from selling newspapers on streets and sidewalks, allegedly depriving them of their right to free speech. Eight vendors have already been cited and fined for violating the ordinance, which [...]
Bright & Early: Right Side Of Bed Edition
Good morning, Nashville. We may have overslept this morning, so here’s your abbreviated Bright & Early:
- After city officials voted to nearly double property taxes in LaVergne, a group of very upset business leaders are now petitioning to unincorporate the city. If that happens, all city officials will be out of a job, police and fire departments will disappear and LaVergne will merge into the rest of Rutherford County. [WKRN]
- There’s a new independent bookstore coming to town! [WKRN]
- Get moving, Nashville: Men’s Health Magazine says that we’re one of the least active cities in the country, but Mayor Dean begs to differ. [WKRN]
- Alignment Nashville scored a $50,000 grant from the Healthways Foundation to make Nashville’s school cafeterias a little healthier. [WTVF]
- Nissan donated five shiny new cars to the folks at the Nashville Zoo in hopes of helping out transportation throughout the park as well as for school programs. [WKRN]
- The Fisk University art battle continues. [WTVF]
- Hooray! The North Nashville and Green Hills satellite county clerk offices will remain open. [City Paper]
- Our city will be hosting the National Folk Festival for the next three years, which is expected to bring in $10-15 million each year. [WTVF]
Photo by Kerry Woo.
Good morning, Nashville. We may have overslept this morning, so here’s your abbreviated Bright & Early: After city officials voted to nearly double property taxes in LaVergne, a group of very upset business leaders are now petitioning to unincorporate the city. If that happens, all city officials will be out of a job, police and [...]
Beef Up Your 4th Of July Weekend With Burger Eating Contest At Melrose
The 4th of July is coming up this weekend, and that can only mean one thing: Meat! Err… America! (And meat.) We’re not sure what it is about this holiday above all others that makes people want to stuff their faces with an absurd amount of meat, but we hear it has something to do with a grill. Anyway, if you’re both meat-loving and gluttonous, we’ve got just the thing for you this holiday weekend – The Melrose’s first annual local beef burger eating contest.
Hosted by the Melrose, New Belgium and Hillview Farm, local Adam Richman wannabes can fork over $25 for the opportunity to eat the Melrose’s five specialty burgers all stacked on one bun, washed down by a frosty pint of New Belgium beer. The first to finish the challenge wins a $100 gift card to the Melrose, which you can use to buy more meat from them some other time! Second and third place prizes clock in at $50 and $25, and if you don’t win, well, you probably just ate $25 worth of meat anyway, so everyone’s a winner!
The burger showdown starts on Sunday, July 3 at 3pm and there will be New Belgium beer specials for everyone, which means you have no excuse to not head to the Melrose to watch this gut buster. If you want to participate, call 615-712-8160 or sign up in person at the Melrose.
Photo by waldec.
The 4th of July is coming up this weekend, and that can only mean one thing: Meat! Err… America! (And meat.) We’re not sure what it is about this holiday above all others that makes people want to stuff their faces with an absurd amount of meat, but we hear it has something to do [...]
Bright & Early: Rattle And Hum Edition
Good morning, Nashville. So how about that storm last night? Even the hard sleepers among us likely heard all the racket caused by a string of severe storms that ripped through town last night, bringing some dangerous lightning, 60 mph winds and power outages with it. Though the worst of it is probably behind us, a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until noon and we could see a few isolated storms throughout the day. Good news is, this cold front will cool us off for a few days (you know, to a frigid 90 degrees) before the blazing heat returns this weekend.
- So long, Sully. We, along with most other Nashville hockey fans, were bummed to learn that the Preds will not be re-signing Steve Sullivan this year. Though he’s suffered from some nagging injuries lately, he’s always been a fan favorite and a vital part of the team. Sully ensures everyone that there are no hard feelings and his family will remain in Nashville.
- The price is right. A 22-year old woman was arrested at the corner of 31st and West End after meeting with Titans wide receiver Damian Williams and extorting $5,000 from him in exchange for not testifying against him in court. Earlier this month, she accused him of domestic assault and then texted him asking for money under the condition that she didn’t pursue the case.
- Bits & pieces. A family is suing the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for $2.4 million after their kid contracted fish-handler’s disease … Some unusual musical instruments showed up in the Goodwill donation bin … The Nashville Zoo is warning visitors of a possible data security breach … Elliston Place is getting some fancy new sidewalks … A bunch of new state laws are going into effect on Friday, so now you really won’t want to cook meth in front of your children.
Photo by omeganon.
Good morning, Nashville. So how about that storm last night? Even the hard sleepers among us likely heard all the racket caused by a string of severe storms that ripped through town last night, bringing some dangerous lightning, 60 mph winds and power outages with it. Though the worst of it is probably behind us, [...]
Bright & Early: Up In Flames Edition
Good morning, Nashville. When one of the mansions on Belmont Boulevard went up in flames over the weekend, news spread quickly that it was the home of Cowboy Jack Clement, a legendary music producer for icons like Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong, George Jones and U2. Though everyone in the house including Clement (and his three cats!) thankfully made it out unharmed, the fire destroyed some pretty significant memorabilia including unreleased Cash and Armstrong recordings. As for Cowboy Jack, he was left sitting in his back yard in an Elvis-print bathrobe and a pair of slippers while his $621,000 home of 40 years burned to the ground.
- Buzz off! Those crazy people at Vanderbilt have allegedly developed the world’s most powerful insect repellent that uses a new compound to cause sensory overload for the insect which drives them away. The new compound works on all insects and is already thought to be way more powerful and effective than DEET.
- School daze. City officials are more closely examining a new academic calendar that would start the school year in July and throw in six additional instructional days. The biggest hurdle at the moment seems to be that these changes would require another $20 million when the school system is already sort of strapped for cash. Either way, school officials have been taking to Facebook and using online live chats to gather input from parents and community members.
- Bits & pieces. Some folks are wondering who will provide the cancer screenings, health exams and family planning services for low-income women following the de-funding of Planned Parenthood in Tennessee … Local independent bookstores are still struggling despite the closure of their larger competitors … Vice President Joe Biden canceled his Nashville appearance today … Meanwhile in the ‘Noog, someone was buried with the wrong dentures … Hooray, gas prices are going down! … Travelocity ranked Nashville as the fourth best city for Fourth of July festivities.
Photo by ncjc212.
Good morning, Nashville. When one of the mansions on Belmont Boulevard went up in flames over the weekend, news spread quickly that it was the home of Cowboy Jack Clement, a legendary music producer for icons like Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong, George Jones and U2. Though everyone in the house including Clement (and his three [...]
Bright & Early: Tear Down That Wall Edition
Good morning, Nashville. We’re short on time this morning, so you know the drill.
- The numbers are in and the 65,000 CMApocalypse attendees dropped a record-breaking $30 million while they stampeded through town this month. For those keeping track, that’s $6 million more than last year. [Tennessean]
- The owners of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge are trying to put a stop to the wall that neighboring bar Second Fiddle is currently, for some reason, constructing in the alleyway between Tootsie’s and the Ryman. For decades, stars have used that alley to walk the “37 steps” from the Ryman to the back door of Tootsie’s to have a drink, so that alley is sort of an important one. [WKRN]
- Hip hip hooray! The Metro Council unanimously approved Mayor Dean’s $1.59 billion budget for the 2012 fiscal year. [City Paper]
- Our Preds didn’t take home any trophies at the NHL Awards in Vegas, but a huge congrats to the four finalists: defenseman Shea Weber, goalie Pekka Rinne, and Coach Barry Trotz and General Manager David Poile. [Tennessean]
- Campaign season is officially underway with the release of Mayor Dean’s first reelection TV ad. [Pith In The Wind]
- Miss USA judge Penn Jillette (you know, from Penn & Teller) took to Twitter to say that he’s glad Miss Tennessee lost the competition because she stated that she thought burning copies of the Quran and other religious items “crossed a line and shouldn’t be allowed.” [Tennessean]
- The folks at Park Manor Retirement Center are getting creative with their food after starting a volunteer-driven organic garden on the property to help keep fresh produce in the kitchen for the residents. [WKRN]
Photo by Jeffrey Davis.
Good morning, Nashville. We’re short on time this morning, so you know the drill. The numbers are in and the 65,000 CMApocalypse attendees dropped a record-breaking $30 million while they stampeded through town this month. For those keeping track, that’s $6 million more than last year. [Tennessean] The owners of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge are trying [...]
Bright & Early: Nashville Still Rises Edition
Good morning, Nashville. Mostly out of commission since May 2010, Opry Mills is finally starting to show some signs of life. Owners announced this week that four of the anchor tenants will be reopening in time for the holidays: Regal Cinemas Opry Mills Stadium 20 and IMAX, Dave & Buster’s, VF Outlet and Sun & Ski Sport. Just think: A little over a year ago, there were piranhas swimming around in there (ha, ha)! The rest of the mall, including many of the original tenants, is slated for a March 29th reopening. The interior will also be getting a pretty fancy makeover as evidenced by the renderings that were also released this week.
- Hacked! Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt continues to dig himself into a deeper hole this off-season, this time announcing–then retracting–his retirement and reserving some choice language for the NFL commissioner all in a single Facebook status update. He apologized almost immediately in another update, and then used a third post to say that his Facebook had been hacked.
- Tennessean layoffs. Gannett, Inc., owner of the Tennessean, announced yesterday that they’ll be cutting 700 employees nationwide in the next few weeks including 10-20 Tennessean newsroom staff. This will be the largest layoff since 35 jobs were cut in 2009.
- Bits & pieces. Four Franklin teens were arrested for leaving bottle bombs on people’s doorsteps, injuring and possibly blinding one man … Find out which Middle Tennessee schools were recognized as some of the top in the nation … Homeschooled kids can now participate in public school sports in Tennessee … Local doctors are seeing an increase in brown recluse bites … Governor Haslam would like to see a third less bills filed next year.
Photo by Eva Maria.
Good morning, Nashville. Mostly out of commission since May 2010, Opry Mills is finally starting to show some signs of life. Owners announced this week that four of the anchor tenants will be reopening in time for the holidays: Regal Cinemas Opry Mills Stadium 20 and IMAX, Dave & Buster’s, VF Outlet and Sun & Ski [...]
Bright & Early: Get Real Edition
Good morning, Nashville. Over the weekend, a vandal struck the Tennessee State Capitol building and spraypainted messages along the outside walls and sidewalks. The messages said things like “Get out,” “RIP Tony Al” and “Welcome to the jungle,” along with some anarchy signs. Police weren’t able to identify the person from security tapes, though they do know that he or she was working solo. Metro is also trying to figure out who Tony Al is, though they have at least a couple of theories. The incident comes less than two weeks after someone egged and margarined (?) the outside of the capitol earlier this month, and no one is sure if the two things are related.
- Mmm. A downtown plant that turns solid waste into fertilizer is back online for the first time since the flood last year, when it was nearly destroyed by the floodwaters. Normally the plant “digests, tumbles and dries wastes” into a soil additive which is then sold for $100,000 each year. However, they’re still making some repair to the methane fuel source, so it’s actually costing the city about $1,000 a day for the extra natural gas.
- Council race gets nasty. District 35 Metro Council candidates Bo Mitchell and Tonya Jones are feuding over a community cleanup event this past weekend after Mitchell accused Jones of using Metro employees for political purposes according to some photos he snapped showing her cutting grass alongside some of the employees.
- Bits & pieces. A giant new mixed use development could be going in west of Nashville … Tennesseans are not very optimistic about the economy, according to a recent poll … Before you’ve even managed to get the dust out of your car, you can pick up some 2012 Bonnaroo tickets from now through July 1 … Sinkhole! … Meanwhile in Maury County, someone shot and killed an alligator … Tracy Morgan will be making his big apology downtown today.
Photo by Stephen Drake.
Good morning, Nashville. Over the weekend, a vandal struck the Tennessee State Capitol building and spraypainted messages along the outside walls and sidewalks. The messages said things like “Get out,” “RIP Tony Al” and “Welcome to the jungle,” along with some anarchy signs. Police weren’t able to identify the person from security tapes, though they [...]
Bright & (Not So) Early: Beat It Edition
Good morning, Nashville. If this doesn’t brighten up your Monday, we don’t know what will: A flash mob took over Broadway for a street performance of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” on Friday night, and we are so happy that there’s a video (and another video). Led by local musician Trent Dabbs, about 100 people showed up to participate, including Laura Bell Bundy. Things we learned from the news report: No one got run over, “it was like, so cool,” and goshdarnit, social media does it again.
- Poor Amerigo. A taxi crashed through Amerigo’s front window early this morning after being sideswiped by an SUV that did not stop at the scene of the accident. Get better soon, Amerigo!
- Leaky fountain. Metro Parks & Rec got quite the surprise when they received a $16,000 water bill for the fountain in Public Square Park, which is apparently leaking thousands of gallons of water and may require uprooting the entire fountain to fix the leak. And you thought your water bill was bad!
- Bits & pieces. Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus were trapped in North Nashville … MTA is holding a meeting on Thursday night to review options to improve transportation along the Broadway – West End corridor … Metro Nashville approved a $2 million building permit for Opry Mills’ Aquarium restaurant (hey, remember those piranha rumors?) … Miss Tennessee took first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant last night … Nashville’s newest jail is LEED certified, with solar panels, low-flow plumbing, parking for alternative energy vehicles and a recycling program … It’s going to be hot today.
Photo via Twitter by Lyndsay Rush.
Good morning, Nashville. If this doesn’t brighten up your Monday, we don’t know what will: A flash mob took over Broadway for a street performance of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” on Friday night, and we are so happy that there’s a video (and another video). Led by local musician Trent Dabbs, about 100 people showed [...]
The Weekendist: Party In The USA Edition
It’s another festival weekend in Nashville. Take your pick from the American Artisan Festival, Nashville Pride Festival, or Jazz & Blues Festival… or any other event in between. Here are our top picks for the weekend:
Night Market. Friday, June 17 at the Nashville Farmers Market, 6:30-8:30pm, free. Night Market is like a fine wine, it just gets better with age. Each month is an improvement on the last, with new vendors and the same old favorites whipping up new tricks. Last month, we feasted on mac ‘n cheese from Dan’s Gourmet Spot, cantaloupe agua fresca from El Burrito Mexicano, boozeballs from Fleur de lis Flavors, and sipped on the Bang Candy Co’s delicious homemade syrups mixed with prosecco. Yep, there’s booze at Night Market. This month we’re also looking forward to checking out the Farmers Market’s newest addition, Louisiana Seafood Company.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party. Friday, June 17 at Percy Warner Park’s Equestrian Barn, 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, 7-11pm, $5-20. The Friends of Warner Parks’ monthly Pickin’ Parties are chock full of Nashville summer goodness. While the $20 pricetag may seem steep, it comes with tickets to redeem for four frosty Blue Moon beers. Lay under the stars and listen to the sounds of bluegrass, or bring an approved bluegrass instrument (whatever that means) and join the pickin’ to get in for just $5.
American Artisan Festival. Friday – Sunday, June 17-19 at Centennial Park. Friday 12-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-6pm, free. 165 of the finest artisans from across the country will set up shop in Centennial Park this weekend for the annual American Artisan Festival, a Father’s Day weekend tradition. Browse the hundreds of artisan handicrafts, grab lunch at one of the food trucks or stands that will be parked at the fest, and stick around for some musical entertainment.
Nashville Pride Festival. Saturday, June 18 at Riverfront Park, 11am-6pm, $5. Come to Riverfront Park this Saturday for a day of celebration with Nashville Pride and nonstop entertainment from morning till night. Three stages feature national and local lineups, including The Worsties, Kat Graham, Jonny McGovern and Kimberly Caldwell.
Jazz & Blues Festival. Saturday, June 18 at Bicentennial Mall, 2pm-12am, $5-10 for seating. The sounds of local jazz and blues musicians will fill the air all afternoon and well into the night at the 11th annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival, which is not actually on Jefferson Street anymore (but close!). If you want to get your jazz on before Saturday, head to tonight’s (Friday’s) Bridging the Gap mixer on the Shelby Street Bridge ($10 admission) for tunes from 7pm-midnight.
Musician’s Corner featuring Anna Wilson, Brooke Waggoner and Nathan Angelo. Saturday, June 18 at Centennial Park, 3-6pm, free. Musician’s Corner has been hitting homeruns this year with a solid lineup week after week, and this Saturday is no different. Brooke Waggoner is one of our favorite local artists, so we’re jumping at the chance to see her for free along with the rest of the lineup: Anna Wilson, Nathan Angelo, Daniel Bailey, Korby Lenker & Island Fusion. They’ll be on the main lawn again this week, with the usual lineup of food and ice cream vendors ready to fill your bellies with deliciousness.
Nashville Rollergirls vs. The Chicago Outfit. Saturday, June 18 at Municipal Auditorium, 5:30pm, $10-15. The Rollergirls are back at home this weekend and taking on the Chicago Outfit in a doubleheader. Doors open at 4, the first bout gets going at 5:30, and the second bout will get underway at 7:30. A few $10 tickets are still available through today (Friday) at their local ticket vendors, or it’s $15 at the door.
Photo by Paul Nicholson.
It’s another festival weekend in Nashville. Take your pick from the American Artisan Festival, Nashville Pride Festival, or Jazz & Blues Festival… or any other event in between. Here are our top picks for the weekend: Night Market. Friday, June 17 at the Nashville Farmers Market, 6:30-8:30pm, free. Night Market is like a fine wine, [...]
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