Happy New Year, Knoxville!

Here at the Wigshop Headquarters, we've been so busy playing with all our Christmas toys that we've forgotten about why we are actually here- for you. The Pol, Max, and Robert have been playing guitar hero world tour, CK and Lo have been putting together an industrial sized easel my parents gave me, and Em and The Modern Gal have been playing with the Pol's new puppy dog. It's been a Merry Christmas, indeed.

But we're taking a break tonight to go to Market Square for First Night Knoxville. There's a ton going on, so check out the website. I hear there's even a ball that will drop when the clock strikes midnight. I'll be working, but what better a spot to witness all the festivities than LaCosta (come see me!)

Have fun tonight, Knoxville and remember to ring in the new year as responsibly as possible.

merry christmas from the wigshop

Sorry we didn't get you anything! But since we haven't gotten any gift baskets from our adoring fans, I guess we'll call it even. Thanks for all the encouragement (and condescension, smoochie) over the past year. We hope you stick with us as we explore the highs and lows of Knoxville life in 2009. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

For Knox Heritage

Today was my last day as the Knox Heritage intern. I've been putting off writing about them and the reason I became interested in being their intern because it all hits a little close to home (pun unintended), but I thought today would be an appropriate day to tell you my feelings toward a certain urban haven in Knoxville.

I moved into Maplehurst Court about a year and a half ago. If you've ever lived there, I'm sure a whole slew of emotions is being conjured up at the moment. It's a beautiful neighborhood nestled between World's Fair Park, Henley Street, and the Tennessee River. I can see Neyland Stadium and Ayres Hall through the large plate glass window in my apartment. For Booms Day, all my neighbors and I had to do was walk down the street, and ever since I've been working in Market Square, I've only had a 7 minute commute on my bike. The trees are beautiful and large and the architecture is magical. Whereas parents' speak endearingly about their children, conversations in Maplehurst migrate toward cats. They are a common fixture in the yards and bushes, and most people know them by name. I can count on hearing the tapping foot of my upstairs neighbor as he plays his fiddle daily, and my landlord allowed my neighbor and I to start our very first organic garden right outside my door. In the summer, there are cookouts and lots of bluegrass under the dogwoods amidst three beautiful abandoned buildings.

In the midst of the beauty and eclectic nature of where I live, there is also a downside. The buildings are falling apart. Many of my neighbors' ceilings have fallen in. Over and over, they close down single apartments, then the whole building. There are three abandoned buildings that I walk by everyday, and they are beautiful. I am unabashedly in love with them.

Over the past year my friends and neighbors have hung out at night and talked about what we could do to save Maplehurst. There have been rumors for years that the owners were neglecting the buildings so that they would reach an unsalvageable point. Then the demolition of the buildings would take place and, lo and behold, a new space for large condos would become available. Why wouldn't some out-of-town developer not want to make the most (money) from such a great location?

The rumors made my neighbors and me pretty unhappy, and, to make a long story a little shorter, I ended up working at Knox Heritage to see how I could help. With no assistance from me, they announced that Maplehurst was one of their Fragile 15, a list of 15 buildings or areas that they would push to save over the next year.

Things are still up in the air for Maplehurst, but it seems that the current owners are doing their best to save what they can of the existing buildings. I realize now as I leave, preservation is far more complicated than I thought, and there are a lot of people that just don't care about it. There are also a lot of incredible people that do (i.e. Kim Trent, Becky Hancock, Hollie Cook, and now, Ethiel).

I'm sad to leave Knox Heritage but am also incredibly thankful for their work in Knoxville to preserve the beautiful and neglected structures in our city.

As a Christmas gift to them, I would like to encourage our readers to become Knox Heritage members, which can be as little as $25 a year to join.

I'll leave you with pictures of what I've endearingly called home and what I hope they can continue to help save.

Tour de Lights

I don't have a bike here in Knoxville, but if I did, I would totally be participating in the Tour de Lights tonight. It starts at 7 p.m. at Krutch Park and includes an easy, 6-mile, fairly flat ride to see the lights of downtown and Island Home. There will be cookies and hot chocolate at Mast General Store after it's over. Don't forget your helmet!

For the especially enterprising soul, they're also having a contest for the best decorated person, bike and bike helmet.

you can't put a price on convenience

A relic of an era when everyone smoked all the time, the bronze toilet ashtrays at Marie's Olde Towne Tavern are still very relevant considering everyone at Marie's smokes like it's 1967. I guess nothing gets outdated if you never change.

Photo taken Saturday night while hanging with Wigshop founder Stan at downtown's best tavern.

Congrats to an Old Fave

So the missus and I were stopping by for a bottle or two at the Downtown Wine & Spirits and know what?

As we were looking around church bells started ringing, balloons fell form the ceiling, party hats and noise makers appeared for everyone from out of nowhere and there was an amazing party for all. Well no, but that could have been what happened. The guy in front of us in line put the Wine Shop over a special threshold.

He put the store over the $1 Million dollar in sales mark. It was a neat moment to see, they gave him a free bottle of champagne and the owner shook his hand. It was a quiet, but happy, moment.

I just put this up because it was an encouraging moment to see. We all know there are well run businesses downtown and they tend to be quiet about it. I was just glad to see it.

the square room rocks out

The Square Room, Knoxville's hottest (and best designed) concert venue has hit the ground running. Located on Market Square, it fills that void we've had for a place to see bands that's bigger than Barley's but smaller than the Bijou. After a debut with My Brightest Diamond (which, as Benjamin points out, was attended by none other than David Byrne) The Room continues with a double header this weekend:


Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

Hailing from Nashville, Drew comes from the rock songwriting camp of John Cougar (Mellencamp). I saw him last year at Patrick Sullivan's, and it was a fun show. A must for anyone who likes story-based songs.


Ben Sollee

This guy I'm excited about. I would call him "a cello-playing Andrew Bird" and if you don't know what that means, you lose. Classical instrument-based indie pop may not be for everyone, but it should be. From Louisville to the north, Sollee also plays with the likes of Bela Fleck in the Sparrow Quartet, which if I have to explain that to you, you probably shouldn't come to the show. [end hipster superior tone]

Really, everyone should come out and hear some interesting music and support Knoxville's newest venue. Tell 'em ck sent you.*

*this doesn't guarantee anything, but try it- who knows?

The Sun(Sphere) Will Save Us All

Hello all ('all' being primarily defined as 'homeowners'), there are two big events going on this weekend. 

First off, there is a "Solar 101" workshop this Saturday from 10 - 12 at Ijams Nature Center in South Knox. The workshop will teach the basics of solar technologies that are available for home installation, such as solar electric, hot water, lighting, heating and passive solar design. It will also provide a step-by-step introduction for "going green" with your home. They will also look at financial incentives and options as well as hiring good installers. 

If you want to go, RSVP to Gil Melear-Hough at gil@cleanenergy.org. 

Next, from 11:30 - 2:00 on Saturday there is a ribbon cutting and open house for Knox Housing Partnership's seven new LEED Gold Certified affordable homes. It's at Five Points in East Knox (714 - 732 S. Chestnut St.) This is a pretty huge deal, since the only other LEED-certified house in TN is Al Gore's. The mayor will be there, and other big wigs, so be sure to wear your Sunday errrr ... Earth-conscious Best!

Cafe 4 Photos

I made my second trip to Cafe 4 on Market Square yesterday to get some work done and drink lots of coffee and go out of my mind on caffeine. (and to perfect the art of writing run-on sentences and comma splices) The majority of my Saturday and part of my day yesterday were spent in the loft/mezzanine part of Cafe 4 sippin on some good coffee while editing. The place is very cozy and has dark areas which I really like. Usually if I'm trying to get work done (or hide from the law) I like to make the most of my time in some dark corner of a coffee shop. That said, Cafe 4 offers such a place. Don't get me wrong, it isn't all dark. The lighting and colors give it that classic coffee shop/cafe/Central Perk feel. I watched the snow come down Saturday afternoon as I sat warm inside thinking of how much I love the way downtown is growing.

See for yourselves in the photos, but they offer comfy furniture, decent music that is quiet enough to drown out with headphones (unlike a different coffee corporation that I'm thinking of), great coffee, flaky croissants, and super friendly worker bees. A couple of good friends of mine work there. Call me biased, but the baristas and other employees were friendly and focused on serving.

From what I have gleaned on my two visits this week I don't think that everything is fully functional. The espresso machine wasn't working, but since I don't drink espresso drinks that often it didn't matter. It will be up and running very soon though. It may be running right now. So forget what I just said. The restaurant part has not opened yet, but an inside source says the crab cakes are amazing. I don't know anything about the venue but I heard the My Brightest Diamond show was great. I'll be more excited when the espresso machine and restaurant are fully functional. As with any new joint, and especially one of that size, it takes a bit to work out the kinks. They'll get it though. That is about all I know. Just trying (not really) to be objective and play both sides here.

I'll post more on the rest of the place once I find out first hand what it is like. Go there. You won't be disappointed.

Here are some photos. Note the photo of our very own CK. He designed the left side of the cafe. Most of the photos except the last one are in that area. Kudos to him. The other dude is my good friend Ethan. He works there.

Here are some of my photos including the one at the top.

Coffee Stuff


The Mezzanine/Loft Area


Stairs


CK!


Ethan!

Knoxville Voice

Alright Downtowners, I have a question for you? Do you live in a renovated warehouse cum apartment? And if so, can you hear your neighbor's every word, groan, moan, bite, belch, etc?

I moved to the Emporium in May, and have slept with ear plugs more times than I care to remember. Till now I've just shut my yap, as I was told that that's just the way Dewhirst works his renovation magic, but recently I talked with a fellow tenant in my building who has decided to break his lease and make a run for it. Apparently, the paper thin walls got the best of him - that, or reality sunk in and he realized that he's paying a hefty sum for a sub-par quality of life.
 
For reasons similar to my neighbor, I've been planning on escaping to the JFG building, but realized that it too is a Dewhirst and will probably have the same nonexistant level of care paid to its wall insulation.

So Downtowners: what buildings are good, and which one's can you hear your neighbors playing Wii at 4 a.m.? Thus far I know the Emporium, Sterchi and Fire Street have a bad rap, What buildings do you recommend? Which one's suck? Concerned citizens need the info!

PS: My neighbor is listening to Coldplay for going on 3 hours. Just thought you'd like to know.  

Updates on Cherries and the French Market

This is all according to the MetroPulse:

The French Market, which was opened recently by Allen Tate and located on Gay Street, is being kicked out of the Farragut Building. A California company bought the building recently and just told him he has until early next year to get out.

Apparently the business was doing well. I still haven't been, but definitely intended to.

I haven't heard any news about it recently, but Tate is hoping to fight the eviction because he signed a five-year lease.

Also in regard to Cherries Internet Cafe: "After being open for a few weeks, the cafe closed in November. Affordable Home Builders, a contractor who did renovations on the space, is suing the business for $43,909 in unpaid bills, according to court records." --MP

Let it snow , let it snow...

A few pics from the great blizzard of '08 on Saturday

the core of this city

I just looked back in posts before my day and realized this has been covered to an extent, but why not bring it back up. I already typed it out anyway so...


Something I've been tossing around in my brain and discussing with others for a few years now is this:

What is a hipster, and, why are they misunderstood?

Wikipedia says:
"In the late 1990s and during the 2000s, the 1940s slang term hipster was used to describe young, urban middle class and upper class adults with interests in non-mainstream fashion and culture, particularly alternative music, independent rock, independent film, magazines like Vice and Clash and websites like Pitchfork Media, and organic, vegan, or locally-grown food. In some contexts, hipsters are also referred to as scenesters.

It is difficult to give a precise definition of a hipster, because hipster culture is a "mutating, trans-Atlantic melting pot of styles, tastes and behavior[s]." One commentator argues that "hipsterism fetishizes the authentic" elements of all of the "fringe movements of the postwar era—Beat, hippie, punk, even grunge," and draws on the "cultural stores of every unmelted ethnicity" and "gay style", and "regurgitates it with a winking inauthenticity" and a sense of irony."

"...difficult to give a precise definition..."

I need more clarity than this. Is it my server at The Tomato Head? Is it the dude with tattooed sleeves at the Pilot Light? Is it the band of pirate-looking kids at Sassy Ann's?

Am I one? Are you one?

(CK, I think you are one. Pol, you're right. You're not)

Besides the fact that it's probably not P.C. to use labels, I've been wondering why a hipster doesn't want to be called a hipster. I've talked to some friends at the Tomato Head who deny that classification, but why? Why wouldn't you want to be deemed hip? When did the term become derogatory? Could it be because the unmainstream has become mainstream? Does it have negative connotations in regard to personality or character?

I think the hipster is underrated and under-appreciated in Knoxville. They've been supporting and employed in businesses downtown and in the Old City for years now.

I think it's time for non-hipsters to recognize that it is not the hipster's thick-rimmed glasses, sweet road bike, or Chuck Taylor's that make them apathetic, detached, or intimidating, but factors that run deeper. I think the hipster is misunderstood. It's time they embrace who they are and realize their significance to this city.

So whatever words or accessories you use to describe a hipster, hug one today. They probably need it. I know I would.

Editors Note: To underscore Big B's post, here's an oldie but a goodie, via Eating the Earth is Easy:

It's the most wonderful time of the year

I finally got to see the Christmas trees and ice skating rink on Market Square and the holiday decor on Gay Street while lunching downtown yesterday. I think it was the most in-the-mood-for-Christmas I've felt yet this season.

First Friday returns tomorrow night, and because it's the last one before Christmas it's not your usual First Friday. More like First Friday drunk on spiked egg nog.

Many galleries will be hosting holiday-themed First Friday gatherings. Abode is having a Christmas bash, and our friends at Remedy Coffee are participating in their first First Friday.

And then, of course, at 7 p.m. is the Christmas Parade. I've participated in and watched a lot of Christmas parades in my time, but Gay Street seems to be the most classic location for one, 34th Street in NY aside. Julianne Hough is grand marshaling.

One last thing: A few of us Knoxville Twitter fanatics have decided to form a team for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis 5K on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. We'd love for some more people to join our Twitmastwees team (mock if you will, I dig the name), and you don't have to be down with Twitter to run/walk with us. Sign up here or feel free to donate to the cause. If running/walking isn't much your thing, we'll be taking over some poor Market Square establishment after the race to indulge in food and drink. Meet us there.

downtown market no more...

Maybe I'm the last one to hear this, but who knows. I am out of pasta sauce and don't feel like moving my car because it's in a really good spot. I'm not lazy; it's just a long story.

Anyway, I thought: yes! tiny market at World Grotto! how convenient!

I called to make sure they were still open, but I was informed that the grocery has already been taken down.

This place just cant find it's niche. I knew it wasnt going to be in groceries, but I thought it might last longer than that.

stay classy, ut

Does it seem to anyone else that UT is becoming a mess? I can't keep track of all the changes in administration over the past few years. Over the holiday I missed this weird gem of a news story....

Apparently Mrs. Petersen verbally abused a university donor (and made her cry) because she (the donor) felt that they (the Petersens) did not need new china with the president's logo on them. In the house the university pays for them to live in. Smart, real smart. Soon after she got in a fight with her husband in front of other bigwig donors. Classy.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.


Credit: Knoxville News-Sentinel
Title: "Classy Lady"

In other UT news: Some new dude will be the head football coach. Apparently it's a big deal.

happy thanksgiving!

I'm pretty sure all the little Knoxvillians will be too busy with holiday festivities to post anything here, so the Wigshop will be on break the rest of the week. It's time to eat turkey and be with loved ones. So get off the computer and stop checking blogs!

our (ten year) plan

In an email I received today, I saw a link to this site: http://knoxtenyearplan.org/, the city's decade long plan to end chronic homelessness in Knoxville. Kudos to the government for adopting a blog-like site, with updated posts and even a tag cloud in the side bar. This makes it easy to surf around and find the info you want. Aside from a good wed presence, how is this program doing? I was surprised to see that we are already in Year Two of the proposed ten years. That means eight years until the plan is supposed to have worked. Living downtown, it doesn't seem like much progress has been made. If anything, there seems to be more of the "chronic" homeless type around than there was two years ago. True, soon Volunteer Ministries will soon be moved from the gentrifying 100 block of Gay Street to their new facility in the "Homeless District", sandwiched between 4th and Gill and Mechanicsville. That's a change.

But is it progress?

I am still educating myself about the 10 year plan. Maybe it will ratchet up its efforts as the decade goes along. But based on the last two years I'm not optimistic. What do you think?

Sorry, Sawyer's

So with a glut of places that serve chicken fingers now -- Sawyer's, Zaxby's, Guthrie's, Wishbone's and I'll throw in Chick-Fil-A for good measure -- you'd think that customer service would be high on these establishments' list, you know for fear of losing service to any of the other places.

Not the case, my friends.

The Modern Beau and I had a hankering for chicken fingers one night last week, so we decided to hit Sawyer's at Bearden Hill. When we got to the counter, the first thing the gal at the register told us was that they had just closed the Sawyer's on the Strip and they were in the process of combining all the stuff from the two stores (which would explain the U-Haul that was out back.)

(Let us now pause and mourn the passing of Sawyer's on the Strip. I figured it might not be long for this world considering it was lacking something Zaxby's and Guthrie's had, which was plenty of parking and seating. Still, it was a staple in my college years as I'm sure it was for many of you.)

Everything would have been fine if she'd just taken our order after that. Instead, she proceeded to tell us how upset she was about missing the CMA awards on TV that night, and then she turned around to look at the TV on the wall that was showing the program and swooned about how much she loved Alan Jackson or Trace Adkins or whomever was performing at that moment and how much she hoped Kenny Chesney won performer of the year and how much she loved his concert that she attended and 'Oh, what award are they giving out now?'

I'm not lying. I'm not exaggerating. This went on for at least two and a half minutes.

When she finally got around to asking us what we wanted to order, I decided it was a grilled chicken finger kind of night, so I ordered a grilled chicken salad.

"Oh, we don't have a grill right now."

Even though I was reaching boiling point, I didn't ask her why they didn't have two grills if they were combining the two stores that night.

I tried ordering a wrap, but that didn't work either because those are grilled. I finally settled on just the regular ol' chicken finger snack. At least they still had chicken fingers.

The Modern Beau ordered the meal, the one that comes with Texas toast and slaw, except that it didn't come with Texas toast because there was no grill with which to toast it.

Normally I don't publicly complain about restaurant service. I've worked in the industry. Everyone has a bad night from time to time. But this was the point where Sawyer's lost my business. No Texas toast? Fine, offer us something else ... more fries, more slaw, a free drink, a discount, a coupon for later. The Modern Beau said he would have accepted plain white bread. SOMETHING to atone for the fact that we're still paying full price for a meal and not receiving the full meal. And SOMETHING to atone for the fact that half of your already limited menu was unavailable that night. I wanted to complain to a manager, but there didn't seem to be one available.

The really loud high schoolers who were at the restaurant that night for 'All you can eat chicken fingers' night didn't help. I know Sawyer's has no control over that, and I'm not blaming them, but they annoyed me enough to cause me to seeth through the entire meal.

Sawyer's, you've already lost my business. I'm much happier going to Chick-Fil-A anyway, and it's easy for me to hit up Zaxby's and Guthrie's when I'm around the Strip. But let me suggest you work on your customer service a bit if you want to keep others from following suit.

Rita's is open

Just saw this last night.

Has anyone been there? They have a huge flat screen tv. Looks yummy.

2nd Creek Photos

Here are some more photos from the 2nd Creek cleanup.

the wigshop loves the earth

Here are the pictures from last Friday's creek clean up. We had incredible weather and a good turn out, 10 in all. The crew from Fort Loudon Lake Association was great to work with, a jovial bunch. I encourage anyone to call them up and plan your very own creek clean up adventure in the future. Their number is 523-3800. Ask for Rachel.
In the end, we collected a truck-bed full of trash: 39 propane tanks, a bum's full wardrobe, a girl's wallet with ID's still intact, billions of plastic sacks, and the list goes on. Out the creek and into a dumpster.

Thanks to the Pol, the Pol's spouse, Mickey, Beth L., Zack, and Adam for wading in the muck on a Friday morning. Y'all are my heroes.
Check out Max's photos here.

creasure?

So I know it's been a while since I've posted... but I've been building a house with my bare hands, so lay off! Anyways, I've seen this gem of weirdness for a while, next to the venerable Smoke Stack on Chapman Highway. Does that say "Creasure Chest"? I think someone slept through cursive class in grade school. What is Creasure? We'll never know- as you can see at the bottom, the space is empty. Oh Creasure Chest, we barely knew ye.

Stephen A. Burroughs...

is Blue Steel.

Last Reminder

Come one, come all to clean up Second Creek tomorrow morning (Friday, Nov 14). We will meet at 9:45 AM at the entrance of the Fort Kid Parking lot across from the KMA parking lot and World's Fair Park. Call me with questions/concerns. 865 556 5860

PS: If it's sprinkling, I think it's still going to happen. If it's pouring, it will be cancelled. Dress warmly!!

remedy in the old city

I was pretty excited a few months back when I heard rumors brewing about a new coffee shop in the Old City. I'm a fan of Old City Java but I'm also a big fan of variety (it's the spice of life, you know), and I'm always looking for new and cool places to visit in my neighborhood. I dont think it's open yet, but I know it will be coming very soon. What I know about Remedy is that it will be a space operated by people who care about their community, who care about relationships and friendships, and who care about doing good for the world around them. The shop's motto is Coffee and Conversation, and from the look of it, that's exactly what Remedy is going to provide.

I had the good fortune of getting a sneak peak of the space a little while ago, and it looks wonderful: cozy and clean. There's a quaint little loft in the space, which can be reserved for meetings or book clubs or things of the like. They're going to serve locally roasted free trade coffee, stay open late and offer free WiFi. I think, too, they've got plans for a simple but cool book swap.

I know a lot of hard work has gone into this place, so I hope to see it thrive. I am excited to welcome Remedy to my neighborhood.

Addition: Remedy is on Jackson, either in or adjacent to the Jacksonian building. 125 West Jackson 37919. It's not open yet.

Road Rage (an isolated incident)

I have been a lazy poster recently. This, however, should be worth it.

First of all, I saw The Avett Brothers last Thursday night at the Bijou. If you haven't seen them, please I beg you to fill up that gas tank and drive however long it takes to catch a show. They don't disappoint.

Now on to my short, but embarrassing story.

I was just driving home from the grocery store during rush hour traffic last Wednesday. Yes, the day after Election Day. I was driving down the Strip around the Shell station area when a car flew out in front of me while pulling a U-turn, went in to the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot, and then proceeded to merge back into traffic next to me. This was done in one swift motion. I literally almost T-boned the person.

In my road rage, I gave the car the finger and laid on the horn for a bit. Probably shouldn't have done that.

The SUV caught up to me. As it turns out there were two black women driving. When they evened up with me the driver yelled "Kiss my president's black ass!!!" along with other things that I couldn't hear or don't want to repeat.

I know that this was an isolated case, but I can't help but wonder if this is happening again somewhere else. I hope not. I hope that after history was made last Tuesday that we have finally moved beyond those things. I feel angry right now. I feel sad right now. Giving the finger and yelling back and honking were poor decisions, I know, but I just don't understand how what was said was necessary. Thoughts?

Maybe I should have yelled back, "I voted for Obama!" and asked them out for coffee. Who knows!

It all started with Dolly...

Ok, I'm gonna say this just once and then get off of it.

There oughta be a law, No one is allowed to use Christmas as an advertising tool until after Thanksgiving. There I said it. I'm not one who like putting curbs on freedom of speech, but I think it's time. Just as the Alien and Sedition Acts helped to drive home the serious ramifications of treason, I believe the Yuletide Non-Promotion Act would benefit everyone in our society in the long term.

People need to see that Christmas is not just a super-sized McRib that can be cheaply sold for a while. Dolly Pardon was on tv advertising Dixie Stampede for Christmas a week before Halloween. How is that OK??

I know you've seen the ads, it has to stop.

Call your congressman, Duncan, Wamp, Alexander, Corker, please have them support (and create) the Yuletide Non-Promotion Act.

If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

Who's with me?

Feelin' the Vibe

I've been in some serious need of a haircut for some time, and when I called the salon to schedule an appointment with my stylist, I was told he had moved to another place. Which was the third time that's happened to me with this guy, so I decided au revoir. I don't get my hair did often enough to keep up with him.

Many of the ladies out there (and perhaps some of the dudes) will understand that finding a new hairstylist is like finding a new therapist. You've got to find someone you can trust to take care of a very important part of your life who won't make you feel like an idiot. I went on the advice of a friend and called Vibe. I had my appointment today, and now I'm totally hooked on both Vibe and my new stylist Kimmy.

Vibe is the perfect name for the salon, because that's exactly what it has. It's young and fun. The walls are colorful and the stylists all have fun dos. When I walked in today, they were playing a DVD of a Police concert from the '80s. Anyone who knows me knows that '80s music is the way into my heart. (If you hate the '80s stuff, don't worry, they don't have it all the time.)

I told Kimmy that I'm not picky with my hair ... it just needed to be shorter and more flattering. She worked magic on it. I felt 10 pounds lighter and 100 percent better after she was done. The price was reasonable -- $45 for a wash, cut, style and tube of product. Between the great new style and the music, I was dancing on my way out of the salon.

And today is a big day for Vibe too. It's their anniversary! Michael Layne, a former stylist at Belleza opened Vibe exactly a year ago today with the help of Marwan Zauok, the owner of Belleza, as a way to help Belleza grow without having to expand the salon. Certainly anyone who's been to Belleza will recognize some of the stylists at Vibe, but Vibe has it's own flavor.

Vibe is on Kingston Pike in Bearden in the strip with Wok Hay and Hargreaves Books. The phone number is is 584-VIBE or 584-8423. Go and wish them happy anniversary!

2nd Creek Clean Up is HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Y'all thought I forgot, but I didn't. (You were probably hoping I would) I've been going back and forth with the Fort Loudon Lake Association about when we can do a creek clean up and now that we planned it, there's not much time to get people together. If you are just tuning in, click on "Second Creek" under labels on the sidebar (to your right) to get the scoop. I've done a few posts on the litter that collects there.

The clean-up is on a Friday morning (that's the best we could do in light of football games, the weather getting colder, and Thanksgiving), but I hope at least 3 people will join me. Here the information Jake at Fort Loudon gave me about it:




"Above is a map of the site for our Friday, November 14 Creek Clean-up. We will meet in the green outlined parking lot between Blackstock Ave and the Foundry, at 10:00, and should be done before noon. The Fort Loudoun Lake Association will provide waders, trash bags and trash grabbers. The chest-waders are made to wear over socks and it is recommended that you tuck your pants leg into the socks before donning the waders, so you should chose your clothing accordingly. We will be working in brush and the creek. Some people will be on the bank to carry bags and help haul out large debris. If you have any questions, call Jake Hudson at 386-6719, or Scott Wilson at 523-3800."

I still have to figure out exactly where he's talking about meeting, but if you want to come please email me at aemeadows@gmail.com

What a better way to spend a Friday morning than wading through trash. CK has already promised to head up the team that will be wearing the waders :) I also heard Jake found a dead body in the Tennessee River one time, so I'm sure we could get him to fill us in on that. SO MUCH FUN!!! Hope you will join me on this very green adventure.

Note: The photograph above is not the same location where we'll be. I'm not sure what the trash will be like. This project is not supposed to be very appealing, but educational and good, so come learn with me.

Democracy InAction... the last one I promise

It's election day. Yep tomorrow it'll all be over (hopefully) and we can get back to dancing with the stars. But for today decisions must be made. Votes must be cast and lines must be stood upon.

We're not going to discuss uninteresting details about the polling data around knox county, I'm sure most of you can decipher the general tone of the East Tennessee Electorate without alot of help form me.

But I am highly supportive of the independent candidates who want to make a statement. So as a public service I am going to list the name, party, and link to the website of each third party candidate that is on the ballot for president this year. Just in case the two big boys don't suit your fancy.

But first there is an issue very important to me on the ballot that I did not mention in my Democracy InAction posts. Today we are voting on allowing liquor by the drink sales in Knox County. Please, the Pol needs to be able to get a Strawberry Daiquiri anywhere in this county. Please vote to allow him to be able to frequent our outlying Chili's and Outback Steakhouses.

But now for the Third Party Candidates, who knows you may just find someone you want to vote for.

1.Chuck Baldwin

Constitutional party - issues

2. Bob Barr

Libertarian - issues

3. Charles Jay

Personal choice party??

4. Cynthia McKinney

Green Party - issues

5. Brian Moore

Socialist Party - issues

6. Ralph Nader

Independent - issues

Hopefully this might be a help to some, and at least intereting to others.

Please vote and if you need to know where... go here.

To you and yours this holiday season:

A Knoxville Corona




CHEERS!