Just in case you haven’t already gotten enough of the Democratic National Convention, I wanted to point you in the direction of some of NPR’s coverage.

The NPR Politics Twitter feed has been providing obsessive, immediate coverage that includes quotes from almost every speech. Earlier today, they were tweeting the roll call of the states. But it’s not all business - a little bit of Andy’s snark seems to sneak in. Take for example:

And of course, there’s coverage here,  here, and most of all, here.

Though, I’m realizing that that guy on “On the Media” last week was so right about the un-newsworthiness of the event.

ShareThis

Continue Reading »

What an odd story.  Just like the heading says, my good friend Kevin Lawler was arrested on Monday for burglary and trespassing.  He was in court today, unbeknownst to me, and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge according to WREG.

I’m totally shocked by the news.

I consider Kevin Lawler to be one of my very best friends.  Aside from the wrestling business, Kevin and I have been friends for years.  I speak with him at least twice a day and we ate lunch together on Saturday.  Kevin is one of the most laid back guys you’ll ever meet.  Never drinks.  Never uses drugs.  He’s one of the most creative guys I’ve ever known.  Also, on top of all that, he owns a very successful carpet cleaning business - King’s Carpet Cleaning.  “They’ll treat you like royalty”.

I had tried to call Kevin numerous times since Monday but his phone went straight to voice mail.  I knew something was up and I even feared the worst.  More trouble for good ole Kev?  Unfortunately, I was right in my assumption.  

Please allow me to paint a picture for you.  A picture of the guy that I know, the Kevin Lawler that I know.  Not the one that you see being painted with an ugly brush on WREG or any other television station for that matter.  And I know this seems like I’m just taking up for my friend - and I am - but when I watched the story on television I was so surprised at how the media can make the story whatever they want it to be.

First of all, they had footage of Jerry Lawler from the 90’s in the story.  Also, they had old mug shots of Kevin.  They must’ve used the worst ones they could find, just to further bury him.  Not only did they hit him with that but they also buried his company.  Maybe he deserves it.  He should definitely be a little more careful when owning a business like his.  

But I digress.

Kevin Lawler is a creative genius.  He’s a very good artist and has a mind for coming up with ideas that could make millions.  The follow-thru isn’t all there, but the thinking process is.  Like I said before, I’ve never seen him drink a beer or alcohol.  He doesn’t smoke.  He also has never touched a drug.  If I was broke down in the middle of the interstate right now - stranded - the first person I would call is Kevin.  Hell, he was there when my son was born!

That type of person doesn’t get in trouble for burglary or trespassing.  There has to be more to the story.  

Kevin is the biggest mark in the world for his father, Jerry Lawler.  He loves “The King”.  He’s certainly King’s number one fan.  Kevin also has a strong bond with his brother, Brian.  They love to bicker back and forth like any other brothers would.  But for those of you who think Brian’s always staying in trouble, we don’t hear stories about him going to jail, do we?  Very odd, like I said before.

So, what next?  How long will my friend be away?  I feel very disappointed in what’s happened.  I just wanted to take the time to tell you a little bit about the other side of Kevin Lawler.  Sure - you’ll make your own opinions because of what you see on TV.  But I assure you, he’s a very good guy.  Maybe he just makes bad decisions. Continue Reading »

Right now, the Obamas are in Denver, along with Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden, plus a wealth of Democratic-leaning musicians, including Alejandro Escovedo, Kanye West, Cyndi Lauper, Willie Nelson, and more.

Memphis’ own Scott Bomar was on hand in Denver Sunday for a screening of Giancarlo Esposito’s new film Gospel Hill (Bomar scored the project), along with stars RZA, Angela Bassett, Danny Glover and Esposito, seen above L-R.

Continue Reading »

It’s been interesting the past two days to see former Tigers Chris Powers — yes, the tight end who caught the game-winning touchdown pass to beat Tennessee in 1996 — and former offensive lineman Jeff King attend U of M practices at Christian Brothers High.

Their observations?

Powers was impressed with the play of the quarterbacks, especially the arm strength of backup Will Hudgens. Powers, an airline pilot, said he didn’t know the Tigers were working out at CBHS, but noticed as he drove past the stadium on Walnut Grove that the group practicing was much bigger than high school players.

King, who played from 1991 to ‘93, marveled at the overall size of the team, joked he’d have been one of the smallest on the offensive line. King played on the ‘93 team that featured an impressive array of talent, including quarterback Steve Matthews and receivers Mac Cody and Isaac Bruce.

As for Tiger coach Tommy West, he seemed particularly pleased that his receivers, probably the strongest bunch in Conference USA, and quarterbacks Arkelon Hall and Will Hudgens were in synch Wednesday.

Continue Reading »

Last night I attended a surprise birthday party for Jose Gutierrez, chef/owner of Encore Restaurant and Bar and well, everyone had a great (and bawdy–you would not believe!!) time. I’ve got a story about it coming out in next week’s food section. But I want to share with you something Jose said that I’ve been thinking about this morning.

After all the toasts–and the roasts–were done, he thanked his friends and said a lovely thing: “We have the ability–and the possibilities–to work anywhere in the world, but we choose Memphis as our home.”

It’s so true. Think of some of the great talent we have here. There’s Jose, Erling, Wally Joe (why do we always call him by both names??), Kelly English, Karen Carrier, Karen Noriega, Cullen Kent–honestly, I might as well stop because I can’t even begin to do justice to this list. And those are just our fine dining chefs–we’ve got pit masters and plain old cooks in our restaurants that could compete in big food cities.

So, toques off to all the wonderful talent that has come here and decided to stay. We appreciate you.

Continue Reading »

Get Fit Tennessee, the state's online health promotion Web site, just expanded its nutrition section. The site now offers users an online food journal and calorie calulator. Folks can also enter the site's Weight Loss Challenge. The calculator includes information about more than 7,500 foods and beverages.

Since it was launched in February, the site's attracted more than 1,000 new users.

Anyone can log on to getfittn.com to create an account. The site also allows individuals to set and track fitness goals. It also features a health tip of the day, events calendar and other information.

Continue Reading »

The Commercial Appeal is preparing a story about the popluarity of weight loss contests. At work, the gym, the health clinic or even in places of worship, Mid-Southerners are squaring off to see you can drop pounds the fastest.

We are collecting reader stories about the strategy. In your experience, does it fuel healthy competition or lead to fad diets and furtive snacking in stairwells?

Send your stories and comments to powers@commercialappeal.com.

Continue Reading »