- Issue Archive for
- Dec 14-20, 2006
- Vol. 1, No. 929
News
Joe Cooper May Have Overplayed His Hand
Did Joe Cooper blow his cover and force the FBI to wrap up their latest political sting operation prematurely?
It seems possible, based on the indictments of Edmund Ford and Rickey Peete released late Tuesday afternoon as they sat in the Memphis City Council chambers ...
Give Somebody Gas for Christmas
This could be the adult version of receiving socks and underwear for Christmas, but it's also the perfect gift for someone who has everything -- except, well, electricity. ...
Callahan's Jeopardy Appearance is History
Earlier, we alerted you to Monday afternoon's Jeopardy appearance by Commercial Appeal writer, Jody Callahan. So how did he do? ...
Bet on Arkansas
Southland will be a serious threat to Tunica in time.
MPD Studies NYPD
Memphis may be a far cry from New York City, but Memphis Police Director (MPD) Larry Godwin would like to imitate the Big Apple’s successful crime-fighting technology in the Bluff City. Godwin recently returned from New York, where he and five other high-ranking officers studied New York’s police department. ...
Concert Tonight to Benefit Ethiopian Orphans
After reading in the Flyer about Tom Rand, a local teacher who biked across the country to raise $100,000 for Ethiopian orphans, Rachel Mays was moved to do something...
Snap Judgment
The Center for Southern Folklore selects "Memphis Rhythms."
David Gest Gets Off
The New York Post is reporting that a federal judge has tossed out a lawsuit by a man who claimed he was tormented, taunted and touched by producer David Gest.
Charles Beyer alleged that during the four months he worked as Gest's assistant, the estranged husband of Liza Minnelli grabbed his butt ...
More Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Sightings in Arkansas
The Associated Press is reporting that two Arkansas men, Kip Davis and Jay Robison, saw what they believed was an ivory-billed woodpecker on Thursday. ...
Commercial Appeal Writer to Appear on Jeopardy
Commercial Appeal writer and local "Trivia Quiz" whiz Jody Callahan will be appearing on Jeopardy this afternoon at 3:30 on WREG Channel 3. Stay home from work and cheer him on. Or just quit. We're betting it will be worth it. Good luck, Jody, and may the force be with you.
Little G's
Gang membership now includes younger, and richer, children in Shelby County.
Justin Timberlake's Gift to You
In his continuing quest to bring sexy back and stop the tacky trend of regifting, Justin Timberlake has a present for you this Christmas: his "dick in a box" ...
John Ford Indicted on OmniCare Charges
Former state senator John Ford was indicted Monday in Nashville on federal charges related to his consulting work for OmniCare Health Plan.
Ford is already under indictment on other federal charges in the Tennessee Waltz investigation for allegedly taking bribes from a phony company set up by the FBI.
The new indictments allege ...
David Gest Signs $1 Million Book Deal
According to a British news Web site, Memphis-based music producer and reality TV star David Gest has reportedly signed a $1 million deal to share his life in an autobiography ...
Memphis City, Shelby County Schools Get Nearly $3 Million in Software Vouchers in Lawsuit
The Tennessee Department of Education will distribute more than $15 million in software vouchers to state school systems as a result of a settlement in a lawsuit against the Microsoft Corporation. The suit alleged ...
Text Us
Ever tried finding something to do on a weekend night without a Memphis Flyer in sight? It’s no easy task...
Classroom Confidential
Seven first-year teachers tell what it's really like to teach in Memphis City Schools. Their stories will surprise you.
Molly Ringwald and Sweet Charity Head to The Orpheum
The musical comedy hit Sweet Charity, starring film and television star Molly Ringwald, comes to the Orpheum January 16, 2007. Sweet Charity is directed by Scott Faris and choreographed by Tony Award winner, Wayne Cilento. ...
Q&A: Randall Roby
Planning officer with the Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency
City Council members Rickey Peete and Edmund Ford indicted.
City Council members Rickey Peete and Edmund Ford were indicted on federal bribery charges Tuesday.
John Ford Indicted on OmniCare Charges
Senator John Ford was indicted Monday in Nashville on federal charges related to his consulting work for OmniCare Health Plan.
Ford is already under indictment on other federal charges in the Tennessee Waltz investigation for allegedly taking bribes from a phony company set up by the FBI.
The new indictments allege that from 2001-2005 Ford received more than $800,000 in payments from TennCare contractors. TennCare started in 1994 as the replacement for the federal Medicaid program. ...
A Matter of Force
On U of M's Physics Day, professors lay it on the line (and a bed of nails) for potential students.
Elvis Dentistry For Sale
From the UPI: The family of a local dentist is selling a model of Elvis' mouth and porcelain crown. According to the story...
My Harrison Lays an Egg (or Non-Egg) at Rotary Club
Having perfected the art of the non-press conference, United States Attorney David Kustoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge My Harrison are working hard on the non-speech; her address at downtown Rotary on Tuesday was a catalogue of clichés and no-comments. The Rotarians and Memphis deserve explanations.
Timberlake's Movie to be Released
From MTV.com: After months of legal wrangling, a federal judge ruled Wednesday that "Alpha Dog" — a crime thriller starring Justin Timberlake — can be released ...
We Recommend
Music
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2007 Blues Music Awards Nominees Announced
Barbara Blue, who can be found most nights of the week singing at Silky O’Sullivan’s on Beale Street, finds herself in elite company this week, joining such established blues stars as Marcia Ball and Shemekia Copeland as one of five nominees for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year in the 2007 Blues Music Awards....
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An American Band
The Black Keys got the blues and a lot more.
The Belle Album: Expanded Edition-Al Green
(Hi/Capitol)
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Music Legend Ahmet Ertegun Dies
Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, has died. His epic career spanned five decades and introduced the world to many of the 20th century's greatest musicians. ...
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Jeff Tweedy at GPAC
Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy is going to play a solo concert ....
Politics
Democrat Flinn, With Heavy GOP Support, Gets Interim Senate Seat
Contractor Neal Named to Fill Brooks' House Seat
Shea Flinn Named to State Senate; Neal Gets House Nod
Shea Flinn, a Democrat, was named by the Shelby County Commission as the new interim state Senator from District 30. Flinn, who received a healthy majority over three other nominees at a special commission meeting Monday morning, will serve until the winner of next year's special election to fill the seat vacated by congressman-elect Steve Cohen.
Lamar Alexander Named to Appropriations Committee
Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander will become the first Tennessee Republican ever to serve on the Senate's Appropriations Committee, widely considered to be its most powerful committee because of its jurisdiction over federal spending. ...
Ghosts of Xmas Future
Several hopefuls are rattling the chains for open political positions.
Speak No Evil, Speak No Nothing
FBI’s My Harrison Lays an Egg at Rotary.
PBA, HOOPS Take Hits from Commission
"The Public Building Authority was supposed to be a non-political body. But instead it turned out to be the most political body I've ever seen -- from the moment of its formation on." So said Shelby County Commissioner Mike Carpenter during a meeting of the commission's special Ad Hoc Committee on the FedEx Forum Tuesday afternoon. The commission heard testimony from a variety of witnesses, including businessman Ron Redwing, who said the PBA had functioned as a "rubber stamp" for an unspecified power group.
Beverly Marrero Throws Hats in Ring for Cohen Seat
District 89 State Representative Beverly Marrero filed Thursday as a candidate in the Januiary 25th Democratic primary for the state Senate District 30 seat vacated by congressman-elect Steve Cohen. Marrero, known for her colorful headwear, thereby joined former city attorney Robert Spence and former Cohen campaign manager Kevin Gallagher as Democratic candidates for the seat. Lawyer Larry Parrish filed as a Republican, and Turner Hopkins did so as an independent.
GADFLY: Behold, the Rabbit!
In which Holocaust deniers ply their black magic in Iran.
Imus-Junior Wake-Up Call on MSNBC (and a Kiss from Kudlow)
Saith the I-Man verbatim: "At 6:29am eastern [5:29 a.m., Central, Friday morning]we're going to speak with our old friend Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D) TN. As many of you know, he recently lost his bid to win the U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee... a loss which the I-Man took pretty hard! We'll see what he has been up to and talk a little bit about his valiant effort to become the first black Senator from the south since reconstruction. What would he have done differently? Did that controversial campaign ad ("Harold call me...") by the RNC tip the balance? Was race the ultimate factor? Also, now that he has given up his seat in congress.. what's next? And, we're sure he still has opinions on everything that's currently going on with the President and the recently released Iraq study group report."
The Gadfly on the Anti-Semitic Hocus Pocus in Iran
"For me, the verifiability of the Holocaust was as tangible as the tattooed number my father bore on his forearm for most of his life, a vestige of his captivity in Auschwitz, and the absence from my life of both sets of grandparents, and many uncles cousins and aunts, all thanks to the ethnic cleansing practiced on my family by the Nazis. Needless to say, I don't take kindly to Holocaust deniers...."
Monday is Commission's Decision Day for Interim State Senator
As the Shelby County Commission prepares to appoint an interim state Senator from District 30 on Monday, three of the eight hopefuls have a special obstacle to overcome: They are candidates in next year’s special election, and there is growing sentiment on the commission not to grant anybody a head start and to give the nod to a self-avowed fill-in instead.
Democrat Haynes to Challenge Wilder
Just as it was considered common knowledge that Lt. Gov. John Wilder (D-Somerville) had the votes to be reelected as Senate speaker over Republican Ron Ramsey of Blountville, a respected Democratic senator has thrown up a roadblock. Senator Joe Haynes (D-Goodletsville) announced he would challenge Wilder’s election: “I have decided to offer myself for the position of Speaker of the Senate at this critical juncture in the history of the state of Tennessee. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the leadership of Lt. Gov. John Wilder, but I believe the time has come for a new vision for the Senate.”
Sports
Pau Gasol: Reaparición? Si o No?
NBA commissioner David Stern and Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley will be in the building tonight when the Grizzlies play the Portland Trailblazers. So, presumably, will Pau Gasol, but it looks like, contrary to some rumors, the team's 7-foot All Star will be modeling plus-size suits instead of Beale Street Blue.
The Spanish-language In case you can’t read the Spanish, we’ve run the report through one of those handy Internet translator programs. Enjoy the unintentional comedy:
Pau Gasol Cleared to Play Tonight
The Grizzlies issued a press release this afternoon announcing that NBA All-Star Pau Gasol had been cleared to play in tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Read more at the Flyer's Grizzlies Blog Beyond the Arc.
John Daly Still Loves His Birdie
Looks like John Daly won't bee looking for wife number five just yet. The hefty Hooter's fan announced last week that in addition to loving Miller Lite and all things breaded and fried, he also still loves his fourth wife, former jailbird Sherrie (Miller) Daly. ...
Grizzlies Win in Two Overtimes, 134-126
Mike Miller had 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Chucky Atkins had 28 points to lead the Grizzlies to a double-overtime victory over the Seattle Supersonics at the FedExForum.
The Grizzlies had six players in double figures ...
Heat Fries Griz, 98-90
(AP) - Dwayne Wade, returning from a two-game absence, scored a season-high 41 points to lead the Miami Heat to a 98-90 victory over Memphis on Saturday night and hand the Grizzlies their sixth straight loss. ...
Progress Report
If Rudy Gay is the future of the Grizzlies, the outlook remains hazy.
Griz Lose to Blazers, 85-79
"This was a classic Grizzlies game for this season. Poor energy and execution (the Grizzlies started 1-8 from the floor) leads to an early deficit (the Grizzlies were down 13 at the end of the 1st Quarter, down 21 late in the 2nd).
"Mike Fratello searches for the right combination and finds something that’s working. The team makes a valiant comeback ...
Film
First "Black Snake Moan" Review is In
There was a surprise screening of Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan at something called the Butt Numb-A-Thon (BNAT) in Austin, Texas, this week. The BNAT is an event where 200 lucky movie geeks are treated to 11 or 12 films in 24 hours. ...
Money Changes Everything
This Will Smith weepie earns its emotional effects.
DiCaprio and Diamonds Aren't Forever
"Sierra Leone in 1999 is rich with diamonds and lousy with men who use them to get fat and wage war. As outlined by Blood Diamond, innocents are rounded up and forced to sift for diamonds that, when found, are used to buy weapons to prosecute civil war. These "conflict diamonds" are bought by conglomerates that then either mix them with non-conflict stones and sell them in legitimate jewelry stores around the world or warehouse them to keep them from flooding the market ..."
Opinion
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Letter from the Editor
Today, I saw a King return to Memphis. A small crowd gathers Around a high airport window ...
Rule of Law
In corruption cases, if you're not on tape, you might escape.
Mother Mary
Concerning a forthcoming blessed event for the veep's daughter.
Books
Booking the Holidays
Brice Marden in retrospect; Bruce Weber weighs in; and a garden fit for a king.
Food & Wine
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Meat and Greet
The Mesquite Chop House gets cozy in a new neighborhood.
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Taste the Passion
Wines you'll fall in love with.
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