Fundamentals

From poor Kruger and lucky Number: to pricey Highstein and priceless Turner.

• by David Hall

INSULT TO INJURY

"U.S. officials fear what they call the 'Elvis scenario,' that he may already be dead but there's no way to prove it and he'll live on forever as a martyr in myth" -- NBC's Jim Miklaszeweski on bin Laden ("Nightly News," 12/17). All right. This is going too far. The Evildoer has now caused scurrilous comparisons to the most famous Memphian of them all. Now it's really time to take him out!

• by Chris Herrington

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES (CONCLUDED)

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES (CONCLUDED)

• by Chris Davis

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES

• by Chris Davis

City Reporter

County's new mapping system provides details not available before; plus other news.

• by Flyer Staff

FALLING INTO DISGRACELAND

READ THIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! I usually donÕt like to disclose my shopping secrets, especially so close to Christmas, but IÕm going to make an exception. Mainly because it is so close to Christmas and itÕs going to be gone soon and itÕs just too good to keep to myself.

• by Mary Cashiola

CHISM WILL TAKE ON JOE FORD FOR COMMISSION SEAT

Sidney Chism, the ex-Teamster leader who in recent years has been Mayor Herenton's chief political lieutenant, is not content merely to figure as the key strategist in three 2002 political races, two of which are direct contests with Ford choices; he is now determined to take on a Ford himself, former city councilman Joe Ford, in the forthcoming county commission race to succeed the late Dr. James Ford.

• by Jackson Baker

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES (CONT'D)

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES (CONT'D)

• by Chris Davis

An Inside Job

The county tries direct supervision of inmates at the jail. Will it fix the problems?

• by Mary Cashiola

CITY BEAT

THE MAN WHO OWNS AUTOZONE Maybe Memphis should call its proposed new basketball arena the Edward S. Lampert Arena. Or how about the Edward S. Lampert Pyramid? Or the ESL Liberty Bowl? Or all three?

• by John Branston

A Day In the Life

The toxic lifestyles of the poor and unlucky in Afghanistan.

• by Ted Rall

CITY BEAT

THE MAN WHO OWNS AUTOZONE Maybe Memphis should call its proposed new basketball arena the Edward S. Lampert Arena. Or how about the Edward S. Lampert Pyramid? Or the ESL Liberty Bowl? Or all three?

• by John Branston

CITY BEAT

AUTHORITY FIGURES: CAN THE PRIVATE SECTOR DO IT BETTER? Far from taking politics out of big projects, agencies like the PBA and RDC can simply turn politicians from decision-makers into lobbyists, making sure their pals are awarded contracts. The politicos approve board appointments, and a one-of-ours, one-of-theirs (or one of us in the case of legislators who insist they be appointed to the boards themselves) mentality still prevails.

• by John Branston

Trunk Lines

Should we be worried about the aesthetic and health effects of cell-phone towers and wireless technology?

• by Andrew Wilkins

Water, Water Everywhere

Cures and palliatives for wet basement troubles.

• by Walter Jowers

HOW IT LOOKS

• by Bruce Plante

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES

THE FLY TEAM INVESTIGATES

• by Chris Davis

FALLING INTO DISGRACELAND

READ THIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! I usually don't like to disclose my shopping secrets, especially so close to Christmas, but I'm going to make an exception. Mainly because it is so close to Christmas and it's going to be gone soon and it's just too good to keep to myself.

• by Mary Cashiola

CITY BEAT

THE MAN WHO OWNS AUTOZONE Maybe Memphis should call its proposed new basketball arena the Edward S. Lampert Arena. Or how about the Edward S. Lampert Pyramid? Or the ESL Liberty Bowl? Or all three?

• by John Branston

CITY BEAT

AUTHORITY FIGURES: CAN THE PRIVATE SECTOR DO IT BETTER? Far from taking politics out of big projects, agencies like the PBA and RDC can simply turn politicians from decision-makers into lobbyists, making sure their pals are awarded contracts. The politicos approve board appointments, and a one-of-ours, one-of-theirs (or one of us in the case of legislators who insist they be appointed to the boards themselves) mentality still prevails

• by John Branston

Short Cuts

Paul McCartney, plus other music reviews.

CHISM WILL TAKE ON JOE FORD FOR COMMISSION SEAT

Sidney Chism, the ex-Teamster leader who in recent years has been Mayor Herenton's chief political lieutenant, is not content merely to figure as the key strategist in three 2002 political races, two of which are direct contests with Ford choices; he is now determined to take on a Ford himself, former city councilman Joe Ford, in the forthcoming county commission race to succeed the late Dr. James Ford.

• by Jackson Baker

Hick? Clair? Isaac!?

Where is Lewis Carroll when you need him? The mayoral-wannabe list gets surreal.

• by Jackson Baker

POLITICAL UPDATE

EARTHQUAKE ON THE MAYORAL FRONT "Things are moving fast now. This mayor's race is getting a shake-up. It's kind of like an earthquake.": That sentiment, expressed Wednesday night by Bartlett banker Harold Byrd, a Democrat and one of the already declared candidates for Shelby County mayor, is, if anything, something of an understatement. Just within the last 24 hours [editor's note: original post date 12-12-01]all of the following facts became known:

Sir Isaac Ford, a 27-year-old and the youngest son of former congressman/powerbroker Harold Ford Sr., filed a petition with the Election Commission to run for mayor as an independent;

Ex-Rep. Ford himself hardened plans to throw his entire political weight behind the existing mayoral candidacy of another Democrat, Shelby County Public Defender A C Wharton;

State Representative Larry Scroggs, a Germantown Republican, finalized his own definite plans to run for mayor;

Shelby County Commissioner Clair VanderSchaaf insisted that Scroggs' decision would not deter him from running, thus creating the real possibility of a contested Republican primary.

Whew!

• by Jackson Baker

IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL...IT AIN'T OVER?!

Well, at long last the era of uncertainty would seem to be over for Shelby County Republicans: After a long period of bashfulness and befuddlement, during which there was much more backing than filling, they've settled on a candidate for county mayor, State Representative Larry Scroggs of Germantown. Or have they? If it's true, somebody needs to tell County Trustee Bob Patterson, county commissioner Clair VanderSchaaf, and radiologist/radio-station owner George Flinn, all of whom are still considering active races for mayor in the GOP primary.

• by Jackson Baker

MAYORAL-FRONT EARTHQUAKE!

"Things are moving fast now. This mayor's race is getting a shake-up. It's kind of like an earthquake.": That sentiment, expressed Wednesday night by Bartlett banker Harold Byrd, a Democrat and one of the already declared candidates for Shelby County mayor, is, if anything, something of an understatement. Just within the last 24 hours all of the following facts became known:

Sir Isaac Ford, a 27-year-old and the youngest son of former congressman/powerbroker Harold Ford Sr., filed a petition with the Election Commission to run for mayor as an independent;

Ex-Rep. Ford himself hardened plans to throw his entire political weight behind the existing mayoral candidacy of another Democrat, Shelby County Public Defender A C Wharton;

State Representative Larry Scroggs, a Germantown Republican, finalized his own definite plans to run for mayor;

Shelby County Commissioner Clair VanderSchaaf insisted that Scroggs' decision would not deter him from running, thus creating the real possibility of a contested Republican primary.

Whew!

• by Jackson Baker

SANTA CLAUS AND REP. STANLEY

Representative Larry Scroggs' decision to run for mayor has simplified the legislature's redistricting plans and made life easier for Stanley and other Republican incumbents from Shelby County.

• by Jackson Baker

IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL...IT AIN'T OVER?!

Well, at long last the era of uncertainty would seem to be over for Shelby County Republicans: After a long period of bashfulness and befuddlement, during which there was much more backing than filling, they've settled on a candidate for county mayor, State Representative Larry Scroggs of Germantown. Or have they? If itÕs true, somebody needs to tell County Trustee Bob Patterson, county commissioner Clair VanderSchaaf, and radiologist/radio-station owner George Flinn, all of whom are still considering active races for mayor in the GOP primary.

• by Jackson Baker

POLITICAL UPDATE

EARTHQUAKE ON THE MAYORAL FRONT ÒThings are moving fast now. This mayorÕs race is getting a shake-up. ItÕs kind of like an earthquake.Ó: That sentiment, expressed Wednesday night by Bartlett banker Harold Byrd, a Democrat and one of the already declared candidates for Shelby County mayor, is, if anything, something of an understatement. Just within the last 24 hours [editor's note: original post date 12-12-01]all of the following facts became known:

Sir Isaac Ford, a 27-year-old and the youngest son of former congressman/powerbroker Harold Ford Sr., filed a petition with the Election Commission to run for mayor as an independent;

Ex-Rep. Ford himself hardened plans to throw his entire political weight behind the existing mayoral candidacy of another Democrat, Shelby County Public Defender A C Wharton;

State Representative Larry Scroggs, a Germantown Republican, finalized his own definite plans to run for mayor;

Shelby County Commissioner Clair VanderSchaaf insisted that ScroggsÕ decision would not deter him from running, thus creating the real possibility of a contested Republican primary.

Whew!

• by Jackson Baker

KINGS TAKE REMATCH WITH GRIZZLIES, 104-87

SACRAMENTO, Calif, Dec. 17 -- The story was supposed to be Jason Williams coming back to Arco Arena. It turned into a coming-out party for Gerald Wallace.

• by Chris Herrington

MEMPHIS SPORTS SCENE

TALKING WITH NIKKI I had a chance to sit down with Nikki McCray. SheÕs a Memphis native and standout alum from the Tennessee program, won SEC player of the year a couple of times, played in the Olympics twice, won a gold medal, and played a year in the ABA before heading over to the WNBAÕs inaugural season. She played for the Washington Mystics and was voted as an All-Star three times. She has recently been traded to the Indiana Fever. Also, McCray is working the TV sideline crews for the Grizzlies as an announcer.

• by Chris Herrington

CHANEY VS. CALIPARI

The rivalry between U of M's celebrated coach and a nemesis from the past catches the attention of the nation's chief jock-watchers.

• by Chris Herrington

CHANEY VS. CALIPARI

The rivalry between U of M's celebrated coach and a nemesis from the past catches the attention of the nation's chief jock-watchers.

• by Chris Herrington

UM HANGS IN, HOLDS OFF UT

Kelly Wise scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half Saturday night as Memphis held off a Tennessee rally to defeat the Volunteers 71-69.

• by Chris Herrington

UM HANGS IN, HOLDS OFF UT

Kelly Wise scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half Saturday night as Memphis held off a Tennessee rally to defeat the Volunteers 71-69.

• by Chris Herrington

WARRIORS DROP GRIZZLIES, 93-84

OAKLAND, Calif -- If the Golden State Warriors had routinely pulled out wins in ugly contests like they did this one Saturday night, maybe Dave Cowens would still be their coach.

• by Chris Herrington

MEMPHIS SPORTS SCENE

TALKING WITH NIKKI I had a chance to sit down with Nikki McCray. She's a Memphis native and standout alum from the Tennessee program, won SEC player of the year a couple of times, played in the Olympics twice, won a gold medal, and played a year in the ABA before heading over to the WNBA's inaugural season. She played for the Washington Mystics and was voted as an All-Star three times. She has recently been traded to the Indiana Fever. Also, McCray is working the TV sideline crews for the Grizzlies as an announcer.

• by Chris Herrington

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES WATCH ANOTHER ONE SLIP AWAY

The Milwaukee Bucks outscored the Memphis Grizzlies 31-20 in the fourth quarter to win by a final score of 105-114 in front of a crowd of over 12,000 at the Pyramid.

• by Chris Herrington

City Sports

Grizzlies: what if?; Tigers and Rebels: what happened?

MEMPHIS SPORTS SCENE

TALKING WITH NIKKI I had a chance to sit down with Nikki McCray. She's a Memphis native and standout alum from the Tennessee program, won SEC player of the year a couple of times, played in the Olympics twice, won a gold medal, and played a year in the ABA before heading over to the WNBA's inaugural season. She played for the Washington Mystics and was voted as an All-Star three times. She has recently been traded to the Indiana Fever. Also, McCray is working the TV sideline crews for the Grizzlies as an announcer.

• by Chris Herrington

Be Cool

The stylish but cold Ocean's Eleven and the silly but middling Not Another Teen Movie.

• by Rachel Deahl

Be Cool

The stylish but cold Ocean's Eleven and the silly but middling Not Another Teen Movie.

• by Rachel Deahl

Holiday Cheer

The man who owns AutoZone.

• by John Branston

Postscript

Flyer readers respond.

• by Flyer Readers

A Jaundiced View

The media have failed in reporting on Israeli responsibility.

• by Julie Rogers

Monalisamania

Jocondophiles du monde, unissez-vous!

• by Leonard Gill