Harold Ford, Jr. weighs in on the McCain-Palin strategy.

Although our nation's economic house is on fire, John McCain isn't unveiling proposals to put out the fiscal flames. Instead, he is pursuing the presidency by taking the low road, as he and his surrogates attack Barack Obama in harsh, personal terms. It's hard to believe this is the same man who in 2004 said of the Swift-boat attacks against John Kerry: "I deplore this kind of politics. I think the ad is dishonest and dishonorable."

Love this...

While I am disappointed in McCain's about-face, I am not surprised. When I ran for the Senate in 2006, my opponent, Bob Corker, also found himself trailing in the October polls. His campaign and the Republican National Committee launched a series of false and vicious character attack ads, including the infamous "call me" ad, in which a scantily clad white woman looked at the camera and said, "Harold, call me."

Every major news organization and independent ad-checking group ruled the ad a smear and deemed it way over the line. But, that didn't stop John McCain from coming to Tennessee and campaigning for my opponent while the "call me" ad and other smears were broadcast across the state. Not once did McCain speak out against that ad as he did about the smear against John Kerry. In fact, the first manager he hired for his 2008 presidential campaign was Terry Nelson, the person who produced the "call me" ad. Nelson has such a history of practicing below-the-belt politics that Lee Iacocca, a strong supporter of McCain, wrote in his book Where Have All the Leaders Gone?: "What does it say about John McCain that he's willing to make that kind of person the head of his team?"

• A little coherence and evidence of intellectual activity from the presidential candidates -- is that too much to ask?

David Ignatius, columnist for the Washington Post, noted the following about this week's presidential debate in Nashville:

Is it “presidential” to speak in clear sentences that have a beginning, a middle and an end? If so, we heard a very presidential Barack Obama in tonight’s debate -- a man who was fluid and precise in explaining his policies and in critiquing those of his opponent.

Today as we were leaving the Tennessee Fall Homecoming we spotted a sign across the road from the exit of the Museum of Appalachia:

"Winery - 441 North"

From HuffPo~

Link...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state's public safety commissioner. The investigative report concludes that a family grudge wasn't the sole reason for firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan but says it likely was a contributing factor.

And does so with reason and well displayed wit.

Who knew?

Link...

Christopher Buckley also excoriates McCain for the kind of campaign he's running.

If Lumpy doesn't get over the idea that being a Knox County Commissioner equates to "vigilante at large," he will eventually acquire a new nickname -- "Breezy," for the wind blowing through the holes in his body.

How about that Sarah Palin? Has anyone else noticed that what is often called “the mainstream media” is not pointing out that she looks like a wild ruminant caught in the headlights of a car when asked a question that doesn’t come with a ready-made slogan?

Almost nobody hesitated to make this observation about George W. Bush when he was a candidate, even though it took longer for him to spawn a list of “Bushisms” than it took her to launch a list of “Palinisms.”

Virginia moved out of "Tossup" into "Leaning Obama."

Amazingly, West by God Virginia moved out of "Leaning McCain" into Tossup

Link...

RCP skews somewhat to the right

KNS: "Mall safe, merchants say"

WATE: "After shooting, mall workers say more security needed"

Guess it depends on your perspective.

I've been reading Christopher Buckley's new book Supreme Courtship (essentially, the plot is "Judge Judy gets nominated to the Supreme Court, hijinks ensue".)

Its a damn funny novel, but the problem is that Christopher Buckley takes after his father (William F. Buckley) politically. In other words, its hard-core conservative. (Actually, to be fair, its not a constant litany of conservatism. Its more of a Washington satire, but when he does "get conservative", he pulls no punches.)

I was wondering, though... is there a liberal/progressive equivalent to Christopher Buckley? Molly Ivins at her best was screamingly funny, but

1. She was an essayist, not a novelist
2. She is, tragically, deceased

I almost hurt myself laughing at Al Franken's Why Not Me?, but that's his only political satire novel.

Any recommendations?

Last year it was watch out for the sturgeon.

This year it's dolphins.

An Ohio couple vacationing in New Smyrna Beach Florida were the recipients of a very unusual Dolphin attack yesterday. While boating on the Intracoastal Waterway, a bottlenose dolphin jumps into the boat and knocks the woman unconscious.

Be careful out there!

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year--the day on which we are closest to G‑d and to the quintessence of our own souls. It is the Day of Atonement -- "For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d" (Leviticus 16:30).

Best wishes until next year!

Come and celebrate The Tennessee Fall Homecoming at the Museum of Appalachia! It is a mecca for lovers of old-time music-mountain tunes, bluegrass, Gospel, folk, and old country. The festival is held each year on the second full weekend of October; the 29th annual Homecoming will be Oct. 9-12 at the Museum near Norris. Visit the Museum of Appalachia page on Art Museum Touring.com (Link...).

Some 400 nationally, regionally, and locally known musicians perform all day on five stages, including Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, the Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, Grasstowne, Greenbrier, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Mike Snider, Leroy Troy, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, Paul Williams & The Victory Trio, Dixie Gray, The Muellers, Johnny Bellar, and many other outstanding performers.

Homecoming includes scores of artisans making authentic Appalachian pottery, baskets, wood carvings, musical instruments, quilts, artwork, and countless other hand-crafted wares. Authors and musicians offer their books and CDs, and food vendors serve up tasty Appalachian “vittles”-from a full meal of cornbread and beans to special treats like fruit cobblers, homemade ice cream, and apple butter.

This week's Art Museum Touring.com "Openings, Closings, and Events" newsletter showing the exhibitions and activities at the museums and galleries on the site is available by clicking on this link: Link.... It can be accessed anytime via the Home page, or Index page.

Support your local galleries and museums! They are economic engines for your community.

Sherrie

You never know how your actions and words might inspire someone else.

In tonight's news Governor Sarah Palin finds inspiration from Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale. In regards to the continuing Troopergate investigation in Alaska, Gov. Palin has investigated herself and cleared herself of any charges of wrongdoing. I'm glad that little misunderstanding is taken care of. Thank you, Gov. Palin, for your hard work and dedication.

And, it appears that-- much to the likely chagrin of Sen. McCain-- the current commander-in-chief seems pretty okay with Sen. Obama's ideas about Pakistan.

This MSNBC article says "Among people who bought within the past five years, it's worse: 29 percent are underwater on their mortgages..."

Is there somewhere to look for statistics for this sort of info for the Knoxville area?

The article...

Link...

No! It's...It's...Sarah Palin...Queen of the Wild Fronteer.

Link...

Cutbacks affect 1800 people locally.

This is very sad and comes at a rough time of the year for working families. But boats are a luxury, and people can't even afford necessities so they probably saw it coming. Besides, this has been brewing for a while*.

(*See here, here, and here.)

While the federal government is brokering a deal to avoid closing them and seizing their assets, Wachovia has loaned the struggling National Republican Congressional Committee $8 million. Facing South has the report on a tangled web of Wachovia/GOP involvement.

Index Value: 8,579.19
Trade Time: 4:07PM ET
Change: -678.91 (-7.33%)

Prev Close: 9,258.10
Day's Range: 8579.19 - 9448.14
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Public Safety Alert Updates

A credible threat to the MTSU campus has been identified. As a result, classes have been canceled, effective as of noon today, for the remainder of the week.

Due to a series of threatening e-mails and suspicious fires, campus police, in cooperation with local and state law-enforcement agencies, are actively involved in an investigation.

During this time, security will increase on campus, but university offices will maintain normal business hours. Employees are encouraged to report any unusual or suspicious activity to MTSU police.

After the regularly scheduled fall break, classes will resume Wednesday, Oct. 15.

More information will be provided on the MTSU home page, Link..., as details become available.

For MTSU news and information, visit Link....

UPDATE: WBIR.com

One MTSU student is now facing charges of terrorism and arson after police fingered him as the lone suspect involved in a series of threats and arson at the campus over the past day-and-1/2, MTSU Police Chief Buddy Peaster confirmed.

If you've ever wondered about the reports of McCain's dangerously volatile temperament, look no further.
Link...

Watch the vid and read the articles.
Highlights:

He is known for hurling profanities rather than settling disagreements calmly. His belligerence is legendary. Even conservative Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi has said, "He is erratic. He is hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."

The account (given in the video) of his physical assault of a citizen activist on POW/MIA issues is particularly worrying. The complaint to the senate ethics committee is here:
Link...

But the complete annotated tome of McCain's temper tantrums can be found here
Link...

Highlights:

"I studied leadership for a long time during 32 years in the military," said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Gration, a one-time Republican. "It is all about character. Who can motivate willing followers? Who has the vision? Who can inspire people?" Gration asked. "I have tremendous respect for John McCain, but I would not follow him."

"I like McCain. I respect McCain. But I am a little worried by his knee-jerk response factor," said retired Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, who was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004. "I think it is a little scary. I think this guy's first reactions are not necessarily the best reactions. I believe that he acts on impulse."

Says he was carrying a handgun but "didn't draw down" on the killer. Is it legal to be in possession of a handgun on private property posted "no weapons" regardless of whether you have a permit? Or does that not apply to elected officials? Or is he a sworn deputy or something? Sounds like he has JJ on speed dial.

(Yes, gun nuts, we know the killer didn't heed the signs, either, or the laws against murdering somebody.)

The Obama campaign has assembled a team to work on the presidential transition process. According to the Huffington Post, the Phalin-McCain camp has yet to address such an eventuality. In the unlikely event of a win there would be no real need for a transition, just as Bush needed none in '04.

On the other hand, anonymous sources report that the two have been seen poring over Sarah's high school yearbook.

"Responsibility" and "values", two four letter words never to be uttered on CNBC, until this morning. Guest Jim Chanos offers context into how we got ourselves into this mess, context being another word not understood by CNBC. I don't know much about this gentleman but he might make a great Secretary of the Treasury. What a refreshing relief from Kudlow, Cramer, and Burnett. The first video is about 2 minutes long and should be required viewing for every citizen. The second one is about 5 minutes.

Jim Chanos - Responsibility and Values

Jim Chanos - Government Involvement with Banks

Last night, MSNBC's Countdown featured an Ode to Sean Hannity, composed by none other than Monty Python's John Cleese. To whit:

Ode to Sean Hannity
by John Cleese

Aping urbanity
Oozing with vanity
Plump as a manatee
Faking humanity
Journalistic calamity
Intellectual inanity
Fox Noise insanity
You're a profanity
Hannity

I was inspired. Results after the break.

Third Annual North Knoxville Street Fair and Happy Hollerpalooza

North Knoxville Business and Professional Association
Downtown North Association
Happy Holler Merchants

Local associations and businesses are celebrating the rebirth of Central Street know as “Happy Holler.” Events for the day include:

8:00-10:00 AM
Rummage Sale, Tai Chi Demonstration, Gift Basket Drawing, Treasure Hunt and Knox Heritage Meeting with Tim Luke from HGTV’s “Cash in the Attic” at the Time Warp Team Room.

4:00-8:00 PM Street Fair
Free Ice Cream from the Original Freezo with a Kid’s Zone
Free kid’s bike helmets
Street booths from local businesses, community groups and food vendors.
UT vs. Georgia game on the big screen at Time Warp Tea Room
Live entertainment from: Cruz Contreras and Friends, DC Riggs, Nancy Brennan Strange, Trisha Gene Brady and Mike McGill, Music Therapy, Gpysy Hands, Duke Brown, Annalisa Garrett, John Stephens, The BBC Trio and Ruthie Lyons.

When:
Saturday, October 11th. Street Fair begins at 4pm, ends at 8pm.

Where:
Central Street between Anderson and Oklahoma. Plenty of free parking at the old Sears Building and surrounding lots.

Contact:
Jennifer Montgomery, Downtown North Association
Email: Jennifer.montgomery@coldwellbanker.com
OR
Rob Rutherford, North Knoxville Business and Professional Assoc.
Email: robtherealtor@comcast.net

The New York Times reports on voter registration irregularities in several swing states and in the South.

The problems are mostly related to confusion about federal law. Unfortunately, the purges and "flagging" of voter records may disproportionately affect Democrats because of the large number of new voters registered as a result of Democratic Party and Obama campaign registration efforts.

Regardless of whether you agree with the petition proposals, this is dirty pool.