Martha's Sunsphere

Mark Toney, Healthy Life Clinics

2012-01-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

Fun with sisters, Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner

2012-01-20T11:31:00.001-08:00

Gary Bickford

2012-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

While others continue to ponder how to solve one of the nation’s largest problems-- health care, Dr.Gary Bickford is doing something about it. Bickford is the founder of Healthy Life Clinics, a system he developed for offering medical services to the poor and underprivileged.

It was at age 56, when Bickford was newly retired from Dupont where he had worked in medical diagnostics, that he decided to return to school at the University of Tennessee to become a board certified nurse practitioner. Armed with a plan for a different way of delivering health care, Bickford saw a new way to fulfill his dream of establishing family medical clinics for the truly needy.

Although the coursework was demanding and time spent in training was taxing, he fulfilled the requirements and set out to make his plan a reality.

Bickford opened the first of what would become five Healthy Life Clinics in October 2009. Unfortunately, the growth of the clinics proved to be unsustainable as finding qualified and responsible providers to run the other sites he opened was difficult and two clinics were closed. The three that remain open are located in Knoxville at 110 G Perimeter Park and 900 W Baxter Avenue, with one also open in Jamestown, TN.

According to Mark Toney, the Industrial Medicine Manager for the Healthy Life Clinics, patients receive full care and are seen by doctors who prescribe medicine, perform minor procedures and treat common health issues such as sore throats, flu, as well as screenings for more serious diseases. The company takes all forms of insurance, but deals mainly with TennCare, Medicaid, Medicare and cash. The way Healthy Life Clinics is able to access these providers is a large part of the design of the system Bickford created. They take pride in the fact that they are paperless.

Bickford, now 66, says that he is joyful about the success of his system, however, he currently works between 60 to 70 hours per week seeing upward of 40 patients a day. His record is 59 patients seen in one day, he says. In order to make HLC work, Bickford says he has borrowed over $1 million dollars over the years and has used his own money from his 401(k). His clinics receive no money from the government. The largest challenge he has faced is that of keeping the clinics going while waiting on payments that can take 30, 60, and even 90 days or more to arrive.

Bickford's efforts have not gone unnoticed, not only does he receive praise from the thousands of patients who have been helped by his system, he has also won awards in Washington, D.C. through SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) for the 2011 Outstanding Small Business Launched by an Individual Age 50-Plus and Walden University’s Alumni of the Year--an honor that came with a $5,000 cash award. Bickford used $2,500 of the award money for his favorite charity, the Healthy Life Clinics he founded.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and has been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years.

Bickford says that he plans to franchise his clinics, and winning these important awards will give him great credibility as he goes forward with his medical mission. Franchising will help him to expand greatly in the work and help other dedicated providers to be successful.

Another large part of Bickford’s life’s work is spent providing medical care, along with his friend, Stan Brock in the Remote Area Medical clinics.

All in all, Dr. Bickford and his teams are to be praised for their work in this much needed area.

Gary Bickford, founder of Healthy Life Clinics

2012-01-18T15:23:00.001-08:00

Gary

2012-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Tea Party vs. Occupy Party

2012-01-08T13:16:00.001-08:00

--- On Sun, 1/8/12, Vickey Setters wrote:

From: Vickey Setters
Subject: FW: Occupy Party vs. Tea Party Comparison
To: "Vickey Setters"
Date: Sunday, January 8, 2012, 8:24 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul Connor [mailto:pconnor11@comcast.net]
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 2:59 PM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: Occupy Party vs. Tea Party Comparison

Subject: Occupy Party vs. Tea Party Comparison

The Democrats have said that the Occupy Party was their answer to and "just like" the Tea Party.

I report......you decide.......

REPORTED
OCCUPY PARTY
TEA PARTY

ARRESTS
4149+
0

DEATHS
7
0

RAPES
12
0

ARSON DAMAGE
$10,000,000.00
$0

PUBLIC DEFECATION
YES
NO

ANTISEMITIC RANTS
12
0

COST TO TAXPAYERS (11/9)
$19,327,487.00+
$0

PUBLIC MASTURBATION
3
0

MOLOTOV COCKTAILS THROWN
10
0

FIGHTS STARTED
YES
NO

CHILDREN EXPLOITED
YES
NO

POLICE CARS DAMAGED
2
0

PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
YES
NO

DRUG POSSESSION ARREST
YES
NO

CONCEALED WEAPON ARREST
YES
NO

DRUG OVERDOSE
YES
NO

THEFTS
YES
NO

BURGLARIES
YES
NO

VANDALISM ARREST
YES
NO

TRESPASSING ARREST
YES
NO

NON FATAL SHOOTINGS
1
0

PUBLIC URINATION
YES
NO

URINATION ON OTHERS
YES
NO

ISRAELI FLAGS BURNED
2
0

AMERICAN FLAGS BURNED
1
0

AMERICAN FLAGS DANCED ON
1
0

AMERICAN FLAGS DESECRATION
25
0

FELONY ASSAULT ON AN EMT
1
0

HEAD/BODY LICE OUTBREAKS
1
0

TUBERCULOSIS OUTBREAKS
1
0

MURDER
1
0

SUICIDE
1
0

SHOTS FIRED AT WHITE HOUSE
1
0

SCABIES OUTBREAKS
1
0

OBAMA ENDORSED
YES
NO

PELOSI ENDORSED
YES
NO

CAIR ENDORSED
YES
NO

SOCIALIST PARTY ENDORSED
YES
NO

NAZI PARTY ENDORSED
YES
NO

MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD ENDORSED
YES
NO

COMMUNIST PARTY ENDORSED
YES
NO

BIDEN ENDORSED
YES
NO

HUGO CHAVEZ ENDORSED
YES
NO

BLACK PANTHERS ENDORSED
YES
NO

HEZBOLLAH ENDORSED
YES
NO

MARXIST UNION ENDORSED
YES
NO

9/11 TRUTHER ENDORSED
YES
NO

BOLSHEVIK ENDORSED
YES
NO

IRAN GOVERNMENT ENDORSED
YES
NO

AYATOLLAH ENDORSED
YES
NO

NORTH KOREA ENDORSED
YES
NO

FARRAKHAN ENDORSED
YES
NO

NATION OF ISLAM ENDORSED
YES
NO

Ronnie Miller married Missy Emmett

2012-01-05T10:43:00.001-08:00

Be sure to watch Homespun Hobbies this year

2012-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

My TV show will air on Community Television every Wednesday at noon and every Saturday at 6:15 on Channel 6 Knology and Channel 12 Comcast.

Upcoming shows:

Wednesday, January 4: Writing a Children's Book NOON
Saturday, January 7: repeat

Wednesday, January 11: My Vacation at Misty River Cabin and RV Rental
Saturday, January 14: repeat

Wednesday, January 18: Year in Review 2011
Saturday, January 21: repeat

Wednesday, January 25: Book 2011
Saturday, January 28: repeat

Christmas was great

2011-12-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas Party for Democratic Women

2011-12-15T16:56:00.001-08:00

Writer and illustrator

2011-12-14T12:14:00.001-08:00

Party the night away

2011-12-13T12:22:00.001-08:00

Knoxville Journal Staff 2011

2011-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

I won BINGO!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-13T10:34:00.001-08:00

Happy Holiday Party on Dec. 10

2011-12-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

Jamie Cody's tee shirt quilt

2011-12-08T13:23:00.001-08:00

Buy a copy today

2011-12-07T12:18:00.001-08:00

My new book Watermelon for Everyone

2011-12-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Everyone-Martha-Rose-Woodward/dp/1466291176/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323288990&sr=1-1

Bill Landry, guest speaker for Knoxville Writers' Guild

2011-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Bill Landry charmed the Knoxville Writers' Guild

2011-12-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Bill Landry Well Received at Knoxville Writers'

2011-12-05T10:11:00.001-08:00

Watermelon for Everyone--a new children's book

2011-11-21T09:34:00.001-08:00

Tee shirt quilt---Order yours today...

2011-11-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

my first children's book is complete

2011-11-17T06:14:00.000-08:00

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Knoxville, TN
November 2011

CHILDREN”S BOOK ABOUT WATERMELON RELEASED IN KNOXVILLE
Knoxville Journal Newspaper reporter, Martha Rose Woodward, and production manager/graphics artist, Pat Griffeth, announce the release of their children’s book
Watermelon for Everyone.

The 36 page, lively book is a delightful look at the life cycle of watermelon. The colorful illustrations capture the attention of children of all ages with fun facts and interesting details about the popular and tasty fruit.

Woodward, a retired school teacher, says she has had the book in mind for several years, but needed an illustrator. “It was a conversation with Pat about how she reads books to her grandchildren that led us to a discussion about my manuscript,” said Woodward. “It popped into my mind to ask Pat to come on board as the illustrator. Little did I know that she had been dreaming about illustrating a children’s book.”

Griffeth says the process was fun. “Martha and I get along really well,” she said. “We began the process by meeting for lunch. Martha showed me what she had written and her sketches of ideas. We discussed her thoughts about what she wanted the book to look like. After that, she gave me a free hand to develop the ideas. After I completed each page, I’d e mail it to Martha and she would send me her feedback. She asked for very few changes,” Griffeth said.

Watermelon for Everyone is an informational book that can be used as an instructional tool for parents and teachers. Woodward says she wanted children to know that a melon begins as a seed. “I think boys and girls need to understand where food comes from,” said Woodward. “I wanted them to know that a tiny seed holds the beginning of life. I hope they will become interested in gardening and growing food.”

The book is set up in three sections. Section One contains the core pages of the book and is the section for children to read or for adults to read to them. Section Two contains Non-Cook Recipes containing watermelon that adults and children can use for fun activities. Section Three contains lesson plans and teaching tips for use by teachers with small groups or entire classes.
The book is published by Amazon CreateSpace and is available at www.amazon.com.

This is the first product from Woodward and Griffeth, who have worked together for over four years. This is Woodward’s 5th book. Woodward is known in the area as “that Sunsphere lady” due to her first book, Knoxville Sunsphere; Biography of a Landmark, which was well-received in this area. Her second book The 1982 World’s Fair, published by Arcadia Publisher’s, has garnered attention from television programs in Los Angeles, California and China.
There is also a web site www.watermelonforeveryone.com. The book cost $12.00 at area book stores or from the internet.
It can also be purchased from the author and illustrator or at the offices of the Knoxville Journal Newspaper at 1717 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917.
###

New children's book about watermelon.

2011-11-17T05:40:00.001-08:00

Martha Woodward talks to First Lady, Crissy Haslam

2011-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Results---very nice

2011-11-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Home repairs going on and on and on

2011-11-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ashley's 1960's hairdo

2011-11-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

My 28 year old daughter wanted to fix her hair in a 60's do

2011-11-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ashley's 1960s inspired hair do

2011-11-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

Tee shirt quilt for Sigma Kappa Sister

2011-11-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Be sure to watch Homespun Hobbies Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. Saturdays 7:30 p.m.

2011-11-02T07:27:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Schedule for Homespun Hobbies

November 5 and November 8----CSPAN Book TV Interview part 1

November 12 and November 15---CSPAN Book TV Interview part 2

November 19 and November 22--Green Thumb Gala

November 26 and November 29---Knoxville's 220 Birthday

Daniel Brown is workiing on home repairs for Woodward's house.

2011-10-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Visit Knox Rail Salvage for great deals on supplies

2011-10-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Planting l.7 million flowers

2011-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Crissy Haslam gave a wonderful speech about history

2011-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

First Lady Speaks About Historic Preservation

2011-10-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

KUB Keeping Us Broke...KUB is all in a twit over this column

2011-10-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Talk of the Town September 23

Remember to vote in the City's Primary Election to be held Tuesday, September 27. If you did not vote in Early Voting, you still have time to make your choices.

Joe Hultquist, candidate for city mayor, is asking a question about KUB, “How do we end an Unaccountable Monopoly?” Hultquist says: “KUB butchers trees, but fails to prevent power outages. After 25 years of neglect, KUB repairs sewers only after federal court mandates a fix. KUB cuts up fresh paving because it fails to coordinate with the city. KUB builds an unnecessary water tank eyesore against resident’s wishes.”

Talk to just about everyone and they will tell you that their power bill keeps going up, up, up--no matter if they cut back on use or not. During the big wind storm back in June, our power was out for almost 4 days. We were expecting that our power bill would drop at a considerable rate; it did not. Our bill went down by $8, or $2 a day. Strange that they charge us far more than $2 a day. Something odd is going on.

I recently spoke to a businessman whose bill jumped from $500 to $1,600 for absolutely no reason. He said his office building uses the same amount of electricity every month and he has no idea why the sudden increase. “It is just as if KUB decides what they are going to charge and they just charge it,” he said. We have had the same situation at our house. We continue to try strategies in order to cut back usage, but see no difference in the power bill. It seems like the more we cut back, the more we pay.

It seems like whenever there is a local disaster, like the most recent wind storms in June, our power bill goes up. We were charged $89 this month for KUB to clean up the clutter left when trees blew down. We can’t help but wonder if those in charge of KUB will take a pay cut or, at least, not take such a huge bonus this year due to those wind storms and downed trees? It is time for the CEO to act like a man and stop giving big bonuses to those in cushy jobs while the rest of us are stretching our budgets to the max in order to pay for things that should be already included in the budget.

I’m calling on everyone who gets a power bill to write or call KUB and demand that NO SALARIES BE INCREASED AND NO BONUSES GET PAID THIS YEAR due to the wind storms. We need to all share in the expenses caused by the disaster instead of putting it all on the backs of the working men and women.
KUB's main line 865 524 2911

from There's More to Knoxville

2011-10-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Historic Homes of Knoxville are pleased to invite the public to a luncheon to celebrate the founding of the City of Knoxville 220 years ago. First Lady of Tennessee Crissy Haslam will be the featured speaker. Knoxville's key leaders will come together to celebrate and promote the city and its most precious properties, including Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend House & Gardens, Historic Ramsey House, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House and Marble Springs State Historic Site.

The luncheon will be held on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 from 11:30am – 12:30pm at The Foundry, 747 World’s Fair Park Dr., Knoxville, TN 37902. WBIR's Robin Whilhoit perform the duties of Mistress of Ceremonies. Tickets are $50 per person or ($400 for a table of eight). Purchase tickets through www.knoxtix.com, or by calling 865-523-7521 or RSVP to the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville at 865-523-7543 by Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011.

.

First Lady Crissy Haslam to speak at Foundry Oct. 17

2011-10-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed today by C Span Book TV

2011-10-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Watch latest Sunsphere video on You Tube

2011-09-25T16:08:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV52KZ7eoRQ

KUB Keeping Us Broke

2011-09-25T12:29:00.001-07:00

RSS Archive
September 24, 2011
KUB—Keeping Us Broke by Martha Rose Woodward

Joe Hultquist, candidate for city mayor, is asking the question about KUB, “How do we end an Unaccountable Monopoly?” Hultquist says: “KUB butchers trees, but fails to prevent power outages. After 25 years of neglect, KUB repairs sewers only after federal court mandates a fix. KUB cuts up fresh paving because it fails to coordinate with the city. KUB builds unnecessary water tank eyesore against resident’s wishes.”

Talk to just about everyone and they will tell you that their power bill keeps going up, up, up—no matter if they cut back on use or not. During the big wind storm back in June, our power was out for almost 4 days. We were expecting that our power bill would drop at a considerable rate; it did not. Our bill went down by $8, or $2 a day. Strange that they charge us far more than $2 a day. Something odd is going on.

I recently spoke to a businessman whose bill jumped from $500 to $1,600 for absolutely no reason. He said his office building uses the same amount of electricity every month and he has no idea why the sudden increase. “It is just as if KUB decides what they are going to charge and they just charge it,” he said. We have had the same situation at our house. We continue to try strategies in order to cut back usage, but see no difference in the power bill. It seems like the more we cut back, the more we pay.

It seems like whenever there is a local disaster, like the most recent wind storms in June, our power bill goes up. We were charged $89 this month for KUB to clean up the clutter left when trees blew down. We can’t help but wonder if those in charge of KUB will take a pay cut or, at least, not take such a huge bonus this year due to those wind storms and downed trees? It is time to the CEO to act like a man and stop giving big bonuses to those in cushy jobs while the rest of us are stretching our budgets to the max in order to pay for things that should be already included in the budget.

KUB has become known as Keeping Us Broke.

I’m calling on everyone who gets a power bill to write or call KUB and demand that NO SALARIES BE INCREASED AND NO BONUSES GET PAID THIS YEAR due to the wind storms. We need to all share in the expenses caused by the disaster instead of putting it all on the backs of the working men and women.

10:12am | URL: http://theknoxvillejournal.tumblr.com/post/10596585255/kub-keeping-us-broke-by-martha-rose-woodward

Filed under: KUB Joe Hultquist martha rose woodward RSS feed: http://theknoxvillejournal.tumblr.com/rssPrevious post Next post Theme is The Atlantic by Peter Vidani for Tumblr.

Sara Spangler, Prolific Living PR and Event Planning

2011-09-25T12:26:00.001-07:00

Sara Spangler--Making the Golden Globe Spin

2011-09-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

My good friend is running for Mayor of Anderson County

2011-09-15T13:44:00.001-07:00

check out link for quilt making

2011-09-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Memory and Tee-shirt Quilts by Martha

Memes

2011-09-10T09:21:00.001-07:00

Get your swag on!! Stephen A. Burroughs, a local attorney, is getting attention on social media by getting 11,000 likes on Facebook. Burroughs, who has come to be known due to the billboards he put up around town, told his fans he would have a big party if he got to 10,000 "likes". When he reached that number, the party was on. Burroughs’ popularity began to grow when a freshman student, Ryan Clark, from the University of Tennessee created a page of memes about him. A “meme” is a saying that gives respect to a person. Such as “Stephen A. Burroughs does not listen to music, music listens to him.”

On Friday, September 9, beginning at 7 p.m. Burroughs' party began after he had invited his followers to meet him at the Sunsphere with an invitation at www.swagfest.com. Burroughs provided food, 3 bands, and over 4,000 tee shirts to the thousands who were in attendance. He also gave away vacations and other prizes at his event.

For those out of the loop, “swag” is an expression that means that the individual is handsome, cool, appealing, well-dressed and popular. Stephen A. Burroughs is said to have swag in spades.

Burroughs said he chose the Sunsphere as the sight for his party because a meme said it is his “palace.” However, since the Sunsphere is limited in the number of guests it can accommodate, the party spilled over to the Convention Center.

Guests arrived in an array of finery from ball gowns and tuxedos to jeans and tee shirts. Burroughs was his usual, well- dressed self with his beard trimmed to perfection. Where else will this budding icon take his fans? Only the future and Ryan Clark, may know.

Early Voting began in Knoxville this week and will continue until September 22. The Primary Election will be held on September 27, so get yourself to the polls and vote.

Stephen A. Burroughs does not get to have all the fun. Here are some memes written by Dan Andrews in December 2010. “She taught Chinese Checkers to the Chinese.....When she drives down a one-way street, the WRONG WAY signs turn around.... UFOs report seeing her; but nobody believes them! The people at the DMV, wait for her...she is Martha Rose Woodward.”

Cashiers, N.C. ---a great place to rest

2011-09-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Vacation in Cashiers, N.C.

2011-09-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

The secret is getting out about Cashiers, North Carolina. It is the perfect place to go for a vacation when you truly do want to get away from it all. It does not have the cheesy tourist shops that dot most popular vacation destinations. In Cashiers, it is all about the scenery, the mountains and the lake. Yes, there is shopping, but mostly in small “mom and pop” types of places that sell fresh produce, crafts, art work or things you might need while on vacation.

Cashiers is mostly a place to sit on the porch in a rocker or rest in a hot tub while viewing incredible scenes of lush greenery from the mountains and a still blueness from Lake Glenville.

For over a century, Cashiers has been a destination for wealthy and upper middle class vacationers and summer residents. Hidden from view, there are many magnificent homes throughout the Cashiers Valley. For most of the homeowners, Cashiers is the chance to set their own pace of life.

Cashiers is abundant with water sports, sunsets and nature walks. Each year, there are also many festivals, contests, and events that draw many to the area. Tour de Cashiers hosts serious cyclist from across the country. Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River promises memories that will last a lifetime. Lake Glenville offers a great day of swimming and boating in a beautiful mountain setting as jet skis and boats with water skiers being pulled behind abound. A music festival brings in the fiddlers, singers, song writers, and more.

Cashiers is a “census-designated” area which means it exists, but is unincorporated. It has been that way for over a century and the permanent residents want to keep it that way. So, it remains as a village located in southern Jackson County, North Carolina with a population, as of the 2010 Census, of 157 folks. During the summer season (May to October), the population swells to 20,000 and is known as “the playground for the rich from Atlanta, Georgia and Northern Florida.”

Cashiers is pronounced locally as if it were spelled "cashers", and is made up of smaller, historic homes and newer vacation homes of the rich. You will see a few mobile homes and numerous cabins. The larger, newer homes are set on the sides of the mountains.

The town has one large grocery store, but is mostly filled with small shops and businesses along U.S. Highway 64 to Highlands on the west and Rosman on the east, and Highway N.C. 107 to Sylva on the north and Walhalla on the south via S.C. 107.

Five properties near Cashiers listed on the National Register of Historic Places are—Camp Merrie-Woode, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Fairfield Inn, High Hampton Inn Historic District and the Mordecai Zachary House.

Greenery and blue waters

2011-09-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

Restful time at Cashiers, North Carolina

2011-09-05T18:09:00.001-07:00

Rest and unwind in Walland, TN

2011-09-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

Misty River RV and Cabin Rental

2011-09-01T09:21:00.001-07:00

A few days spent at Misty River in Walland, TN

2011-09-01T09:10:00.001-07:00

Bill Cotter visited the Sunsphere

2011-08-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Bill Cotter's visit

2011-08-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Famous Author and Disney Historian Visited Knoxville

Author, photographer, and former Disney employee, Bill Cotter, and wife, Carol, visited Knoxville on August 23 and 24. The Cotters flew from their home in Los Angeles with their son to Nashville as he begins his sophomore year at Vanderbilt.

Cotter, who has been e-mail pals with KJN's writer, Martha Woodward, since 2007, traveled to town to meet with her and visit the former 1982 World's fairgrounds.

Cotter became intrigued with studying world's fairs in general when, at age 12, he visited the 1964 World's Fair in New York City, Cotter's hometown. Cotter began two lifelong passions (1) world's fairs and (2) the life of Walt Disney, who was the creator of most of the displays for the 1964 fair. When Cotter grew up, he moved to Silicon Valley and worked for Disney from 1976 to 1982. Cotter photographed and collected numerous items about Walt Disney and has served as a consultant to Michael Eisner about Disney's life.

Cotter has written over 50 books and has been the contributor to hundreds more. His books Disney from A to Z and The Complete History of Disney TV are classics. He has also written books the historic world’s fairs in 1939-40 New York World's Fair; 1962 Seattle World's Fair; 1964 New York World's Fair; 1984 New Orleans World's Fair; and Canada’s Vancouver: Expo '86
for Arcadia Publishing based in South Carolina.

Cotter explains his fascination with fairs this way: "World's Fairs are very special times and places. For all too brief a time they transform an everyday setting into someplace magical, one of exotic landscapes, international foods and visitors, playful architecture and projections of the future. Although they are with us for just a short time, they often leave long-lasting memories with those lucky enough to attend. Happily, they also leave behind a wide array of souvenirs, including photographs that forever memorialize these international galas.
I have long been interested in world's fairs, and have been fortunate enough to have visited several of them. Over the years I have collected thousands of photos and am pleased to be able to share some of them with you on my web site at www.billcotter.com. I hope that the photos provide you an enjoyable trip back in time."

Woodward took the Cotters for a tour around town and provided brief history lessons on James White Fort and Blount Mansion. They specifically toured World's Fair Park ending their visit with a special stop at the Sunsphere. "We were lucky, we arrived at a good time and were able to visit the observation deck on the 4th floor and were also invited by Michael Hileman to see the 5th and 6th floors," explained Woodward.

"It was wonderful to meet Bill. We have corresponded for over four years and have shared many writing ideas," she said. "Bill has an amazing amount of knowledge about the 1982 World's Fair and fairs in general. Over the years, he has collected 1982 World' Fair photos, too. He is just an awesome person, and his wife was the kind of person you meet and instantly feel like you have known for years."

The Cotters were headed to Asheville, North Carolina to visit the Biltmore Mansion before their return flight to Los Angeles. Woodward says she has a standing invitation to visit them in California.

The Cotters were so impressed with Tennessee they are considering retiring here in the next five years.

Bill Cotter in town for a visit with me and to tour world's fair site.

2011-08-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

Fall 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap

2011-08-26T07:22:00.001-07:00

Fall 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap
Sunspherebook@aol.com

The Fall 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap will be held at:
Cheryl Peters’ house
7704 Dave Road, Knoxville, TN 37938
Saturday, September 24, 2011

Setup will begin at 9:30am
Swapping starts at 10:00am
Lunch will be at 11:30am or noon

What is a plant swap?

The East Tennessee Plant Swap occurs two times a year in Knoxville. It is a time when those who love plants and gardens get together to trade plants and talk about this popular hobby. Everyone is invited to the free event. It is hosted by several friends who got together with an idea they had heard about as other gardeners met and swapped plants in Nashville, TN.

What should I bring?

Potted plants, freshly dug plants (properly conditioned to survive until they can be planted), cuttings, well-developed seedlings, seeds, small trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals, gardening tools, gardening supplies, gardening crafts, empty flower pots and gardening related art are all welcome.It is a good idea to pre-label your plants.

What if I don’t have any plants to swap?

Come anyway. Many of our avid members first came to a swap in order to begin a plant collection. This is an excellent event for first-time gardeners who are hoping to find plants to add to their yards.

If you do not have plants you can share, bring gardening tools, magazines, crafts or art. One lady brought home-canned beets, one fellow brought pickles he made from growing his own cucumbers. One lady brought shopping bags she had sewn from fabric swatches someone had given her. One lady brought suncatchers and one brought painted flower pots while another brought wind chimes; all were a big hit with swappers.

How about lunch?

There is usually a pot luck lunch. Sandwiches, finger foods, picnic type dishes, deserts, water and cold drinks and utensils are welcome. Some swappers cook favorite recipes while others bring pre-packaged foods; all is acceptable. It’s America, there is always more food than is needed. Plan to bring one dish or more.

What happens at the swap?

As each person arrives, they position themselves in a spot and begin swapping plants. Some have special plants for swapping with specific people that they previously set up. Others have a supply of things to be swapped or given away. Weather permitting, folks usually swap from the back of their vehicles or from self-supplied tables.Some people bring a chair for a place to sit near their vehicle or table. Most people walk along and view what others have brought and make deals. “I’ll trade you some yellow lilies for a pink peony,” or that sort of thing.

Are there rules I need to know about?

No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

This is a free event, but always when the swap meets at a public park each swapper helps pay the rental fees.

Bringing pets is discouraged, but is allowed if you keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Since the next swap is at Cheryl Peters’ house, you’ll need to get her permission before bringing your pets.

Children, other family members, and friends are always welcome, but children need to be supervised.

No selling or commercial activity is permitted. Prearranged swaps are welcome. Freebies/giveaways are at the digression of the swappers.

Do you have any tips for newcomers?

Yes, the East Tennessee Plant Swap provides a friendly, welcoming environment for everyone. People who attend this event do not want to haul the plants they brought back home, so hang around to the end and people will give you tons of plants. Remember, it is a swap, so bring something to trade and do not hesitate to ask people about their plants; they will enjoy sharing their knowledge with you.

Get ready, you are going to make many new friends and you will look forward to the next plant swap, too.

For more information about how you can log on to the Forum, go to http://www.easttnplantswap.com/

Jug removed from bear's neck.

2011-08-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Officer, Shelley Hammonds

2011-08-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

Exclusive Interview With Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Officer, Shelley Hammonds

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Officer Shelley Hammonds, 37, mother of two, gave an exclusive interview to the Knoxville Journal this week concerning the story of the black bear with the jug caught around his head. Hammonds says she has been honored with all the attention the story has brought to her. The story went national and then worldwide. A company in Taiwan has produced an animated video about the incident.

Hammonds says she first became aware that a black bear had been sighted in Cocke County near the Water Department in Newport along the Irish Cut area some time in late June. Approximately a month later, on June 28 she got a text message from an employee at the Water Department that said the bear had been spotted and it had a jug stuck on its head. The employee had made a photo of the bear, and Hammonds thought it looked like the bear might have a trap caught on its head. For the next few days, she got more text messages and calls about the bear who was wandering around in the area.

By July 4th the bear was sighted at the Water Department again. Hammonds knew she was going to need a dart gun and she began searching for one, but it took her the better part of a day to find an officer in Sevier County who had the gun and the supplies she needed. When she contacted him, he agreed to meet her and give her the training she needed. She drove over to the Water Department and saw the bear. All she could do was observe it while she waited for the dart gun. However, before the officer arrived, the bear was spooked by loud noises and ran away deep into the woods. Hammonds said she was very frustrated at this point as she felt she was so close to being able to help the bear only to lost contact with him. The Sevier County officer did leave the dart gun with her so she would be ready the next time the bear was spotted.

On July 6th the got another call about the bear, but she was approximately 20 minutes away from the spot where he was sighted. By the time she arrived at the place where others were watching the bear, she had to spend too much time unlocking the drug box, getting the dart gun out of her truck, loading the drugs into it, preparing the gun to be fired and firing the weapon. She was able to get one shot off, but missed the bear due to her inability to use the gun appropriately. She said the bear was so close to her it actually touched the door of her truck. All in all on this day, all she felt was total frustration as she came so close to saving the bear. She felt like the bear only had days, maybe even hours to live and she had failed him.

By July 8th and 9th more calls and text messages came in, but she could not find the bear. On Monday, July 11th, while she was out driving, she got a call that the bear had been spotted about 5 miles away from her. She hurried to the spot, and began tracking the bear. More calls came in and others were also helping her. She searched and tracked the bear for over 6 hours thinking it may be the last day for the bear. She did see him a few times, but he would run when people came near. She truly felt like July 11th would be the last day of the bear’s life. She could tell he was very thin and she knew he had been without nourishment and possible without water for over two weeks. July 11th ended with total frustration for her. She began to believe she would hear that someone had found the bear dead in the woods after that point.

However, on July 16th, calls came in that the bear had been spotted at the Carson Spring area. She was amazed at this news as this spot is 8 to 15 miles from the last place where the bear had been seen. She drove to the spot and searched again to no avail.

On July 17th news came that the bear had been seen crossing between 434 and 435 on the interstate highway headed towards Newport. Once again she was amazed at how far the bear had walked. She drove to the area and was receiving texts and phone messages that people were tracking the bear and following him at a distance. The bear had been seen in a church parking lot. Next, she heard that the bear was seen near Lacarreta Restaurant and several people were following him, hoping to help capture him. As she drove up to the restaurant, people began waving her forward, pointing to where the bear was walking. She felt herself growing tense as she just knew the bear didn’t have much longer to live. As she was searching and driving, suddenly the bear ran out in front of her vehicle. She stopped in the middle of the road, flung out the dart gun and took a shot. This time she was closer to the bear and had a better shot and him and she hit him. The bear kept walking and probably traveled 75 yards. People began gathering around as word spread that the bear was in town. The bear walked through a couple of parking lots as people walked along watching him. Finally, the bear collapsed in the parking lot of the C & C Pawn Shop.

With the help of others, Hammonds was able to locate a water hose and began to spray the bear to keep his temperature down while he was under the influence of the drugs. She could see the bear was very thin and weak. She knew he was dehydrated and, due to her training as a nurse, she was able to secure an IV line into the bear. Jonathan Layman helped by shaving the bear in order for her to get to his veins. Waylan Dalton and his wife also helped by following the bear and sending her reports about his locations. John Hammonds, Shelley’s husband, was also present helping with the capture and rescue. They spent about two hours working on the bear while he was asleep. They loaded him into a cage and put him in the back of a truck.

Hammonds said when the bear woke up he was very angry. He began snapping his jaws and hitting the sides of the cage. She said everyone began laughing, they were so happy to see him with such a lively personality after all he had been through. They gave the bear plenty of water which he readily drank. They fed him dog food which he enjoyed and tolerated very well. After monitoring him for several hours to make sure he had no effects from the drugs, they hauled him several miles into the mountains and let him loose. But, before they let him go, they put a 100 pound bag of dog food in the woods for him to find.

Hammonds says that the bear lived through this ordeal was a miracle. She noticed that the bear’s ears were very dirty. She guessed that the bear had laid him head down in the mud or in the stream so that water would flow into the jug around his head.

Hammonds says the kind of jug stuck on the bear’s head was the type that usually contain cheese puffs. She hopes people will take a lesson from this incident and stop leaving these kinds of containers in the mountains. Hammonds kept the container so she can use it to teach people that garbage kills bears.

2011-08-09T15:18:00.001-07:00

Schedule for Homespun Hobbies TV Show

2011-08-08T09:54:00.001-07:00

Shows weeksly on Tuesdays at 10;30 a.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

Aug.l3 and Aug. 16 Making Bags-part 3

Aug. 20 and Aug. 23 Rail Fence Quilt

Aug. 27 and Aug. 30 3 Quilts

Sept. 3 and Sept. 6 Quilts 5

Sept. 10 and Sept. 13 A Reporter's Experiences 2011

Homespun Hobbies, on CTV Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

2011-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Schedule for Homespun Hobbies on CTV Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Schedule for upcoming Homespun Hobbies Programs

August 6 and August 9 the Love Kitchen

August 13 and August 16 Making Bags, part 3

Survival---it is all about preparation

2011-08-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Key to the Best Vacation Ever--Preparation by Martha Rose Woodward

So you have saved money all year and planned your dream vacation---a week in the pastoral setting of the backwoods in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can see yourself and your family as you are hiking in the woods, swimming in a clear, mountain stream and viewing colorful wildflowers while you listen to birds chirping and tweeting. You and the kids have shopped for hiking boots, stylish plaid shirts and even a snazzy vest and hat, but, even though you are in style and fashion forward, are you truly prepared for a vacation in the environment of what is, in reality, a moderate rainforest?

According to survivalist, Cody Lundin, in his book 98.6 Degrees; the Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive!, you should never go on vacation, not even a day trip, unless you are prepared to meet Murphy’s Law. That’s the law that says, “If anything can go wrong it will.” And, “When anything goes wrong, it happens at the worst possible moment.”

Lundin and others preach that “Preparation is the key to a successful vacation.”

You think you are prepared. You packed new clothes, new shoes, snack food, swim suits, even toys and games, but what do you truly need when things go wrong? How could you survive for three days if you are lost in the woods or are injured and can’t get to safety? Why three days? According to records, most Search and Rescue events end in about three days. It generally takes one day for someone to notice the person or persons are missing and about two days to find them, unless they have wandered extremely far away from the last known sighting.

According to Lundin, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind no matter how short or how long your vacation. First, and probably most importantly, he says to never leave home unless you tell family and friends where you are going. Even if you are driving down the block to the neighborhood store, be sure to tell someone where you are going, what time you are leaving and what time you expect to be back. Also, Lundin says you need to pack a survival kit in your car and leave it there in case of any and all emergencies.

What should you put in a survival kit? First, Lundin says you are better off to make your own kit than to pay big prices for those sold in stores. Lundin says the absolute minimum items you need are: a water bottle filled to capacity and be sure it can be snapped shut; matches or a lighter and be sure it is stored in a waterproof container such as a plastic, zipped locked bag; a blanket; several large trash bags; enough food for 3 days (2 boxes of protein bars will meet this requirement and barely takes up any space); a small mirror for signaling; a knife; a flashlight or lantern; a whistle; a first-aid kit that contains band-aids, bandages, disinfectant cream, pain relievers such as aspirin or Tylenol; a small bottle of iodine; Pepto-Bismol tablets, and extra socks and comfortable shoes.

Lundin says to never rely solely on cell phones or computers as batteries will go down and many places are too remote to have cell phone towers. Lundin says we are way too dependent on modern technology and we need to develop a back-up plan.

Lundin says it is the responsibility of all parents to discuss the seriousness of going into a new environment with their children; things can turn deadly quickly. Lundin says to instruct your children as to proper behavior that is expected of them in the new setting. He says to never take children into a forest without placing a whistle around their necks and teach them how to signal in case they are in trouble. Also, teach children to never wander away from adults and to never stray away from paths or walkways.

Lundin says that survival situations usually begin after a series of several seemingly insignificant events. Flat tires, flash floods, taking the wrong turn, a sudden fall that results in a broken limb and various other scenarios are all situations that have happened to people we know. People have died less than a mile from safety due to fear and panic.

Experts agree, by taking a few hours to prepare the true essentials, you can experience the vacation of your dreams.

Cody Lundin is the star of the television show, Dual Survival, and has a new book: When All Hell Breaks Loose; Stuff You Need In Order to Survive When Disaster Strikes published by Gibbs Smith Publishers in Utah. It is available from www.amazon.com

Memory quilts---made from clothing.

2011-07-27T09:59:00.001-07:00

Quilt making is passed down from generation to generation.

2011-07-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

Quilt making is a hobby, but I make money, too.

2011-07-27T09:56:00.001-07:00

4 Quilts I made recently

2011-07-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

That Computer Guy---Omer Hussain

2011-07-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

That Computer Guy---Omer Hussain by Martha Rose Woodward

Let ‘s face it, in this age of advanced technology including everything from iPhones, iPods, laptop computers and dvd recorders, if we use these gizmos and gadgets, at some point, we are going to need that guy--the guy that knows all about how to repair these items. For me, luckily, I met Omer Hussein and, man oh man, am I glad.

Life in my world of computer repairs before Omer was fairly bleak. I tried those store geeks and even paid $150 per hour to have a couple of them visit me in my home. After all, that is where I use my computer. Oh sure, I tried taking my computer to the store, but, even if they fixed my problem in the store, once I got home, nothing made sense.

After assessing my computer problem, one geek who visited my home told me that all I could do was to get a new computer. Ha--not the answer I wanted. At another point, one geek told me the problem could not be solved. Not the answer I wanted, either.

So, I faced life suffering with aggravating computer and cell phone problems until my daughter met Omer through a friend of hers who works for a store that sells cell phones. When I contacted Omer he was friendly and easy to talk to and he assured me that he could repair most problems. He asked me to meet him at a local coffee shop and I did. I found him to be an attractive twenty-something gent with a big smile. He arrived with a backpack full of tools and quickly hooked up his laptop to my cell phone and immediately told me what was wrong with it. He asked if I wanted to order the part I needed and when is said that I did, he had it ordered before I took a sip of my drink--my kind of guy.

Actually, it was the most recent power outage we faced a couple of weeks ago that made me realize I truly did need a good cell phone. I had tried to use a cell phone a few times before, but I had difficulty keeping up with it. It seemed like every time it rang, I was in the car and the phone was in my purse, or it I was at home, people would call my land line and if I didn’t answer, they would call the cell phone----what a waste! But, after feeling completely locked out of all communications when our power was out for over three days, I decided to try using a cell phone one more time. My daughters were convinced I’d do better using a cell phone if I had an iPhone, so they made arrangements to give me one they had, only it needed to be repaired. Enter Omer.

Omer is the owner of Omer's Repair Service located on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. He is the son of a local doctor who moved his family to America from Pakistan many years ago. Omer’s brother is following his father’s footsteps into the medical field, but high tech was Omer’s calling. He says his son, age 3, also has the techy gene as he can already use his dad’s gadgets. Omer performs repairs on all Apple and Microsoft based computers, all iPhones, iPods, and most other mobile devices. He gives free estimates and charges about $25 per hour for most repairs; plus parts, of course. His e mail address is OmersRepairService@gmail.com, and his phone number is 865 978 3011.

You can also find Omer’s Repair Service on Facebook. Here are a few comments about Omer that will give you an idea of what his customers think about him:
Brandon Acuff said, “No one touches my techy stuff but this techy right here!”
Moiz Hussain said, “Im gonna buy an iPhone so I can get it fixed by you.”

Omer Hussain can fix your computer and cell phone.

2011-07-26T09:37:00.001-07:00

My books are listed on www.amazon.com

2011-07-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Where to buy my books? www.amazon.com

2011-07-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sunsphere’s 5th Floor Will Re-open as a Bar

2011-07-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sunsphere’s 5th Floor Will Re-open as a Bar

Tony Cappiello, an attorney and real estate developer living in Oak Ridge, thinks he can do something none have been able to do before him---make a success of the 5th Floor at the Sunsphere by opening an upscale bar and lounge. Cappiello has leased the space and has been busy making plans to refurbish the floor plan to take advantage of what the says is the “draw” of the Sunsphere, namely the view.

Cappiello says the first thing he will do is make a defined foyer by adding a half wall in front of the elevators that will have signs directing visitors to either side of the Sunsphere. The floor will actually have two separate spaces so that, if needed, one can be in use for a private party while the other continues to be open to the public. Each space will hold about 60 people. Cappiello is working with the Fire Marshall to seek permission to remove some of the original kitchen equipment that is no longer in use in order to free up space.

Cappiello says he plans for two bars on the fifth floor. One will have a water theme and a the other will have a sun theme. "If you go to the right, which is the West view where the sun sets, we will have what we call a sun bar. We will have a fireplace type feature," Cappiello said. He plans for a variety of drinks--alcoholic and non-alcoholic to be on the menu along with appetizers and desserts. Menu options are limited since there is currently no grilling or frying allowed in the kitchen of the Sunsphere due to fire hazards.
Names for the two spaces have not been chosen at this date.

Chad Copenhaver, part of the management team that oversees the Sunsphere's fifth and sixth floors, said that the Sunsphere can be used for just about any kind of event you can imagine. He said that the sunrises and sunsets from high above the World’s Fair Park are something that can take your breath away.

The sixth floor of the Sunsphere is currently available to be rented for meetings, parties and all sorts of occasions. It has room for about 200 people, can provide surround-sound speakers, and flat screen television sets. Party planner, Sara Spangler, is available to help with the reservations and planning for any type of event desired. You can easily find her on Facebook.

Chad Copenhaver thinks the Sunsphere is a value to the community because it is a one of a kind structure that has an interesting history. He says he is excited about the possibilities for the Sunsphere. The team hopes to have the 5th floor ready to open by football season this year.

According to the web site Peace Through Understanding-The World’s Fair Community, the Sunsphere may be the second most photographed building in Tennessee next to Graceland.

Lynn Mullins, quilter from Aunt Lynn's Longarm Quilting

2011-07-10T08:42:00.001-07:00

Peak time for lilies to bloom is mid June

2011-06-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Daylilies in West Knoxville, Tennessee

2011-06-24T09:32:00.001-07:00

Champion Daylilies owned by Keith Schumacher

2011-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Shopping bags sewn from fabric remnants.

2011-06-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

More bags made by Martha Woodward

2011-06-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Martha has sewn bags using remnants.

2011-06-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Video of plant swap

2011-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

East Tennessee Plant Swap

2011-05-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

Schedule for upcoming Homespun Hobbies Programs

2011-05-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

May 27 and May 31 Making Bags, Part 1

June 4 and June 7 Making Bags, Part 2

June 11 and June 14 East Tennessee Plant Swap

June 18 and June 21 repeat Keith Maginn's Book

June 25 and June 28 repeat Making Bags, Part 1

July 2 and July 5 repeat Making Bags, Part 2

July 9 and July 12 That's Quilts

July 16 and July 19 repeat East Tennessee Plant Swap

July 23 and July 26 repeat Interview With Congressman John Duncan, Jr. Part 1

July 30 and August 2 repeat Interview With Congressman John Duncan, Jr. Part 2

Bags given away; everyone seemed delighted.

2011-05-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

I had a great time at the East Tennessee Plant Swap on Saturday, May 28 at New Harvest Park. Plenty of plants and fun.

East Tennessee Plant Swap 2011

2011-05-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Sewing is a great hobby; turn trash to treasure.

2011-05-22T07:51:00.001-07:00

Lots of photos of bags I made this week---keep looking

2011-05-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Latest project; making bags from fabric remnants

2011-05-22T07:48:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day cards from my girls

2011-05-11T07:38:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day cards from my girls

2011-05-11T07:31:00.001-07:00

Laura Riester's Irises

2011-05-08T14:15:00.001-07:00

East Tennessee Plant Swap---May 28 9;30 a.m.

2011-05-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone is invited to the Spring 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap that will be held on May 28, 2011 at New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane, Knoxville, TN 37918.

Setup will begin at 9:30am, swapping starts at 10:00am, a pot-luck lunch will be at 11:30am, and a presentation will be given at 12:00.

For more information, please visit our site at www.easttnplantswap.com. Be sure to check out the FAQ page and feel free to sign up for the Swap Forum to arrange pre-trades (read the announcement before submitting your information).

Bring plants, gardening equipment, or related items to swap. ABSOLUTELY no money to exchange hands.

Caption:

Senate Bill #1299 or House Bill #1920 could take your home

2011-04-29T08:36:00.001-07:00

TENNESSEE LEGISLATION TO HELP BANKS TAKE PEOPLES HOMES
____

Full PDF Opposition to SB 1299 and HB 1920
Press Release
____

Tennessee House and Senate members are attempting to rush through two bills - SB 1299 and HB 1920 - which will make it easier for banks to foreclose on people’s homes; reducing the number of notices to homeowners from three (3) to one (1), permitting sale of homes after only twenty (20) days from that single notice, streamlining property description requirements and by preventing any challenge to the notice of foreclosure even where the lender makes mistakes or errors.

Eight Republican House members have signed on as co-sponsors. The sponsors also include House Democratic leader Craig Fitzhugh, a West Tennessee bank executive who serves as the Bankers Association’s President.

While states across this nation establishing programs to protect consumers and help people save their homes with programs to mediate with lenders, and extend the time for foreclosures to as much as 150 days, Tennessee permits homes to be taken within 20 days after the first notice.

Tennessee is going against national trends to protect consumers and homeowners. While many other states are acting to protect consumers and are particularly concerned about helping them keep their homes, SB 1299 and HB 1920 take Tennessee in the opposite directions granting special favor to banks.

Seniors, the disabled, the illiterate, and the weakest members of society will be the most likely victims of the proposed bills since there is no “notice accommodation” for those most susceptible to not being informed that their homes were about to be taken by the bank.

Lawyer, Army captain, judge, congressman

2011-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Interview with Congressman John Duncan, Jr.

2011-04-18T17:32:00.001-07:00

pinkyrose53@aol.com | Dashboard | My Account | Help | Sign outMartha's SunspherePostingCommentsSettingsDesignMonetizeStatsView BlogNew PostEdit PostsEdit PagesAre you sure you want to delete this post?
Interview with Congressman John Duncan, Jr. 4-18-11
Interview With Congressman John Duncan, Jr.

Gas prices, the national debt, red light cameras, TVA and the high price for utilities and more were hot topics for a one-on-one interview with Congressman John Duncan, Jr. from his office on Monday, April 18.

No question was off limits as the former Army captain and 23 year veteran congressman sat for an in-depth discussion about issues of concern for all citizens.
Part I
Woodward: Let’s start with the topic of gas prices. Why are gas prices so high? What is being done about it, and what can you do about it?

Cong. Duncan: Well, first of all the Republican Congress in the mid 90’s passed a bill to allow drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge and, at the most, in an area of 3,000 acres of a 19.8 million acre refuge which is three times the size of the Great Smokies. That would have been a million gallons a day coming down here and gas prices would not be where they are today or header higher. But President Clinton caved in to the environmentalists and vetoed the bill and we have what we have today.
In my opinion, the problem is the environmental radicals who come from very wealthy or very upper income families almost entirely and I guess they are not hurting like most folks. In fact, in this administration, we have an a Secretary of Energy who told the Wall Street Journal a couple of years ago that we should be paying the same prices as they pay over in Europe and at that time they were paying as much as $8 a gallon. This is just crazy to me. In fact, if they let the prices go much higher than what they are today, that will put the final nail in the coffin of some of the small towns in rural areas where there are people who have to drive farther distances to get to work and are often working in lower paying jobs. So, I think it is a sad thing.
In the Natural Resources Committee, on which I serve, we passed three bills just this last week, out of committee, to allow increased drilling and production of oil. Some say, “Well, that won’t help prices right away.” I understand that it takes a while to get gas to the market on production that is just starting up, on the other hand, if these other countries, who sell us oil and gas, thought we were going to allow production they would be reluctant to raise their prices. But, these foreign energy producers know that the environmental extremists have so much political power in this country, and I think that they fund them, frankly. Walter Williams, a syndicated columnist I remember reading a few years ago, and I call him a hero, said that very thing These environmental groups keep their donors’ list secret. In my opinion, we can lay the problem at the feet of the extreme environmentalists.

Woodward: I read this morning that OPEC is considering cutting back on production.

Cong. Duncan: Well, we have tried to do something, but the problem is that the Democrats control the Senate and the White House, so it is pretty unlikely that our bills will get through. But, we have gone ahead and done them because if we show really strong support maybe some of the senators who are running for re-election---there are more Democrats up for re-election than Republicans in 2012--will be willing to compromise a little bit and not just cave in to the radicals.

Woodward: What sense does it make to buy oil when we could drill in our own country?

Cong. Duncan: Well, you know, what they say is that we only have two to three percent of the proven oil reserves. Well, let me tell you, two to three percent is an astounding amount of oil. In addition to that, we do not have to produce all of that. All we have to do is to start to produce a little more and some of these other countries will be less likely to raise their prices so much. If we let gas prices go to $5 a gallon or even higher, here we are, we have been in this recession, and we are coming out of it. We have seen that others are saying that their business is coming back up. I have spoken to the heads of some trucking companies who tell me that their business is coming back, too. Economic indicators say that we are headed out of the recession, but, if we go to $5 to $6 a gallon, or even higher, you are going to shut down a bunch of things.

Woodward: You have been in office for 23 years and the country is $14 trillion dollars in debt. Who do you attribute that amount to? The Democrats say it is George Bush’s fault, but Obama has added an additional $3 trillion. What do you think?

Cong. Duncan: Well, I think George Bush is responsible for some of it. I think President Bush did some good things, but he also got us into an unnecessary war over in Iraq and also I think he and the congress allowed both the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan go on for far too long. The most conservative estimate of those two wars is that they have cost us at least $2 trillion in direct spending and over that, actually, and some say much more than that, so that is an important part of the overall debt. But, I will tell you this, for many years, we have had big spending congresses who have been unwilling to say no to anybody.
I will also say that if all of congress had voted like I have voted over the years, we would not be anywhere near this total indebtedness. We would not even be in debt, or it would be very small in relationship to our GNP. But, liberal Democrats, and I can say that because the Democrats have been in control of the congress since the early 1930s, have run up the debts. We have had some Republicans who have gone along with it, and we have just had too much spending. The debt is so deep now that most people cannot even begin to comprehend it. TO BE CONTINUED

Part II
Woodward: You have been in congress for 23 years. Have you ever seen the climate as mean-spirited? It seems to me that things are getting rather wicked. What are your thoughts on the bickering back and forth?

Cong. Duncan: I think the climate is the same as it always has been. It is just more noticeable now due to the media. In the old days you actually had people who got into duals. There was a congressman from South Carolina who beat a senator with a cane.
They sent us to a civility conference a few years ago because they thought we weren’t getting along with each other. But, the first speaker was David McCullough and the first thing he said was that a Russian visitor came up into the House Gallery in 1948 and watched for a while and came down and shook his head. He said that the House was the strangest place he had ever been. He went on to say that, in the House of Representatives, a man stands up and says whatever he wants to say and no one listens to him, but everyone disagrees. But after McCullough told that story he said that the Russian said that if he had his life to life to live over he would choose to be a member of that wild and raucous bunch known as the US House of Representatives. So, I know everybody bashes the Congress and the approval ratings are very low, but it is a collection of the finest people you will find any place. Everybody who comes and serves for a while recognizes that and realizes it. In any group there are always a few, but most people, I think almost everyone who serves, thinks it is a special place and most are proud of their service.

Woodward: In the latest budget battle, how did it turn out for you? Were you expecting more cuts? Were you pleased?

Cong. Duncan: No, it was a joke. As a matter of fact, I wound up voting against the final bill. I did vote for the three extensions to try to keep the government going so as to cut the rope from Speaker John Boehner so that he could continue to negotiate. I have no criticism of him. Maybe he got the most he could get under the circumstances. I will tell you that they came up with a $38 million dollar cut, but when the details came out, it turned out that about half those cuts were things that didn’t apply to this year. Some of the cuts were things that were already cut anyway, like $6.5 billion that came back from the Census Bureau that they didn’t use. Then the Congressional Budget Office said that none of the cuts were going to apply to this fiscal year which was what we were talking about. We wound up this year with only cutting $352 million which was nothing---maybe less than l/10 of one percent. It was a joke and used up a lot of time for nothing.

Woodward: Let’s switch and talk about some local issues.

Cong. Duncan: Okay

Woodward: I wanted to ask you about red light cameras. I hear a lot of complaints about them and was wondering what is your opinion?

Cong. Duncan: Well, first of all, the red light cameras have almost nothing to do with safety. The whole situation is that you can never, never, never satisfy government’s appetite for money or land. All this is about is to get more money paid to the government. If it was all about safety, they would not be giving tickets to people for turning right on a red light. But, they have found out that they were not making enough money for giving tickets for people running red lights, so they give tickets for turning right on red. It varies from place to place, but from 60% to 80% of the tickets are for people turning right on red lights.
Woodward: Drivers adapted and stopped running red lights, so the revenue went down.

Cong. Duncan: Right. Plus, the Washington Times had an article just this past week talking about how the red light cameras have actually led to more traffic accidents and injuries due to people slowing down and getting hit in the rear. People are overwhelmingly opposed to those red light cameras, but, let me tell you, those companies come in and spend billions and billions for lobbying state legislatures. We know that two of the largest companies are foreign companies, and over half the money goes to the company.

Woodward: For the second question on a local issue, what are your thoughts about our current city election campaign? We have two strong female candidates and we may elect our first woman as mayor. What do you think about that and the election in general?

Cong. Duncan: It is already a very active campaign. I am not going to make an endorsement in this race. It just is a marvel to me that so few people vote for mayor. When my dad ran for mayor in 1963, he got over 25,500 votes, and Dale Talent, who was the Finance Director and a good friend of ours, got 9,000 votes and Lowell Blanchard, who was the Voice of the Vols, got 7,100. In other words, about 43,000 people voted in that race. My dad won every precinct and it was a good election, but it is sad that they don’t get anywhere near that many to vote in these city-wide elections. I think maybe they are getting around 13,000. Maybe with four good candidates they can stir up a bigger vote this time.

Woodward: I really wasn’t asking you to endorse anyone. I was mainly interested to know what you thought about the likelihood of Knoxville’s electing a female mayor. I would like to see a female elected. I think it is time. What are your thoughts on that?

Cong. Duncan: Well, you have a lot more women in politics now than you used to have and they do really well. It would suit me to have a woman president as long as she had good conservative views like Margaret Thatcher or somebody like that. I think you will see that.

Woodward: What you do think about President Obama? Do you have an opinion that you want to share?

Cong. Duncan: He has been nice to me for the very limited contact I have had with him. He seems to be articulate and intelligent but I think he has followed some very bad policies since he has been in there. I think he is going in the wrong direction on the environment. He has been doing things that are driving up higher utility bills. He has been doing things that has been driving up the price of gas and oil. He has put the country deeper in debt by running up more than $3 trillion dollars in debts in less than two years. He gives these speeches saying conservative things like we have to get spending under control and such, then he goes out and follows policies that are totally opposite of what he just said. I think the country will be better as soon as we get him out of office.

Woodward: Do you see anyone coming along who might be able to defeat him?

Cong. Duncan: I do not know. It may be true that, as some people say, the country is split right down the middle. You have 40% who are Republican; 40% who are Democrats, and about 20% that aren’t identified with a party.

Woodward: Do you think it is possible to defeat Obama?

Cong. Duncan: Sure

Woodward: What is it going to take?

Cong. Duncan: Well, it is going to take a good campaign and somebody who can relate well to ordinary people and a lot of money. President Obama, in his first campaign, raised more money than any candidate in the history of the world. Nobody else has even come close. Both he and President Clinton got an awful lot of foreign money. The biggest lie in American politics is that the Republican Party is the party of the rich. The Democrats who are wealthy outnumber Republicans two to one. Our party is the party of middle income. We have many in middle income, some in lower middle and some in upper middle. We lose the bottom 20% real bad, and we get slaughtered in the super wealthy area. Where we do well with wealthy folks are those who started with nothing and made something and do not want the government taking it from them.

Woodward: Let me ask a few “rapid fire” questions to clear up some accusations made against Republicans?

Cong. Duncan: Okay

Woodward: Do the Republicans want to starve old people?

Cong. Duncan: Gosh, no.

Woodward: Do Republicans want to take school lunches away from little children?

Cong. Duncan: No, of course not.

Woodward: Do the Republicans want to stop women from getting the medical care they need?

Cong. Duncan: No

Woodward: Those questions were just to prove a point.

Cong. Duncan: Yes, well, if anyone thinks that one party cares more about senior citizens or the environment or education, they are just wrong. What is going on is that we have totally different ways in which we think these issues should be handled. For instance, in the environment, it is socialist countries that have the worst environmental records. When governments get too big, they can’t generate enough supplies and food to even feed their own people. You have to allow a free market in order to generate the money needed to care for the people.
On a local issue, I am very upset that TVA has bought into this environmental nonsense from the EPA and has agreed to take sixteen coal-fired plants off line right at the time that we will have a much harder time expanding into nuclear power due to what just happened in Japan. It is going to cost TVA as much as $500 billion to close those plants; plus as many as 400 jobs. Plus, they have to pay a $10 million dollar fine and have agreed to buy into over $350 million for environmental projects over the next ten years. Plus, they have actually said they can do all of that without raising rates. Well, if they can absorb over $500 million dollars in expenses without raising rates---and I find that very hard to believe-- but, let’s say they can. Then, that tells me that rates are too high already. $500 million is a whole lot of money, even for TVA.

Be sure to listen to Con Hunley's version of John Bean's song, "Tennessee"

2011-04-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.knoxviews.com/files/Con_Hunley_02_Tennessee.mp3

Con shows us how to sing a song; WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congressman John Duncan, Jr.

2011-04-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

Whirlwind---a mansion built on fraud

2011-04-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

851 Old Emory Road is the location of Whirlwind, the magnificent mansion built by Jake and Sonja Butcher over 39 years ago. Once a show place, the huge, empty structure seems dated, abandoned and lifeless with overgrown shrubs and trees giving the place an air of defeat. Fresh mulch had been spread in several of the former flower beds, and some of the out-of-control growth of bushes had been trimmed. The cream-colored bricks are shaded with green mold, piles of sticks and leaves are settled on the pool cover and the red metal roof also hosts patches of green mold. The white columns of the pillared entry are crumbling from the effects of weathering and the entire place looks like it could use a healthy coat of thick paint

Although the property has passed through numerous hands, no one has been able to make a go of it due to the massive expense of upkeep, estimated to be between $10,000 to $25,000 per month. At one point, the house was carved into 5 condos, but the tenants complained of high utilities bills--higher even than their rent and all moved out. Using the building as an assisted living home was also suggested, however, the neighbors did not want the extra traffic and buses that would come along with that deal and the idea was squelched.

The Butchers chose the site for their 25,000 sq. ft. dream home because Sonja’s mother, Marie Wild, lived next door. The architect for the house was William Denton, who worked for Community Tectonics at that time, and who also designed the Sunsphere. Earl McMahan was the builder of Whirlwind that required two years between 1972 to 1974 for completion and was said to cost $300,000.

In her groundbreaking book, Whirlwind; the Butcher Banking Scandal, published in 2000, writer/researcher, Sandra Lea wrote, “Nothing but the best would do in the house that Jake Butcher built.”

Lea gives a detailed description of the three storied house on pages 2 to 11 of her book, including a copy of the plans. According to Lea, Whirlwind had 40 rooms, 13 bathrooms, an executive office suite where Jake conducted some of his business, 7 large bedrooms, a children’s play house with bunk beds, a barn, a tennis court, a swimming pool with an outdoor kitchen and bar, a sunroom, a state-of-the art kitchen for a use by professional chefs, maids’ quarters, a grand ballroom, a library, a four car detached garage and a three car attached garage, a helicopter pad, a man-made boat dock, a caretaker’s apartment and the entire property is enclosed in an undulating white Kentucky fence. Marble and gold inlay were used in abundance as were crystal and wall paper in the dining room that was said to cost $16,000.

Some say Whirlwind is cursed; bought and paid for from money made through bank fraud and deceit. Ironically, the home built by a man who pinned his future and his fortunes on a World’s Fair with the theme “Energy Turns the World” built a home that’s very size doomed it to ever-expanding energy costs. It was said that during its hay day, the utilities bill was a staggering $800 plus per month. In today’s dollars at today’s rates, estimates have been made that the cost per month for utilities may be as high as $6,000 to $10,000. Clearly, anyone who could afford the price tag of Whirlwind which has been between $400,000 to over $l.5 million would face upkeep expenses of over $200,000 per year just to live there. Who could afford that kind of expense and why would anyone who could afford it want to live in Anderson County near Bull Run Steam Plant?

Jake Butcher, now 75 years old, and his brother C.H. Butcher, Jr., now deceased, plead guilty to bank fraud in 1985. Both were sent to prison. Jake was sentenced to 20 years, but served only 7. He is said to live in Georgia and is working for a used car dealership and continuing to do real estate deals.