Simply Astounding
Hello James:
Just wanted to drop you a line from the convention here in Knoxville. I'm confident that the delegation will vote to return here next year; I was expecting a "scruffy, little city" but have found a gem of the new South!
Last evening, we walked to their new State Street Stadium to watch our nation's pastime before visiting a couple of interesting pubs in their revitalized Old City district.
Amazingly, I think the most beneficial part of my trip has been the serendipitous business contacts I have made at the city's gathering place: Market Square. This beautifully restored square is where I met an executive with HGTV who advised me on locating a producer for our upcoming commercial. The information that I gleaned from a Goody's transportation manager will solve our East Coast distribution problem and the CFO of Clayton Homes said he could recommend financing for our Florida project. If we ever choose to franchise, my new friend from Ruby Tuesday is certain to help.
Each of those companies was enticed by Knoxville's long-time mayor into locating their corporate headquarters in downtown Knoxville. When this happened, many people actually moved to the city's center and its nearby, historic Ft. Sanders neighborhood. Residents can choose between an eclectic Gay Street loft or live in some of the best Victorian architecture the South has to offer. The job that this city has done to preserve its heritage is nothing short of astounding.
If Tina and Jimmy come with us next year, we should come early to enjoy the aquarium on Knoxville's riverfront; this is the one that Chattanooga wanted.
Best of all, the friendly town is just an hour's scenic drive to the most beautiful national park our country has to offer. Did I mention the night scene on Market Square? Local restaurateurs have been beguiled into creating "restaurant row"—a concept whereby Knoxville's favorite, locally-owned eateries have been astutely gathered to create critical mass for success; Savelli's, Kashmir, King Tut's, Malaysia, Tomo. Who would have thought one would find culinary ethnic diversity in Knoxville, Tennessee?
Bring your credit cards though, as I'm certain our partners will want to hit the mix of boutiques and galleries that followed the development of restaurant row.
After that, you will especially enjoy....BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.
What do you mean it was just a dream? Victor Ashe is still mayor? He still believes that redevelopment will follow the convention center as opposed to vice-versa? Thank goodness for term limits. KnoxRecall didn't get the signatures that it needed, but it caused us to think—and to dream.
Garrison Williams
Knoxville
Broaden Out Some
I'm truly sorry that William Mynatt [Sept. 27 Incoming] feels so hurt and offended. The pain and suffering inflicted by bigotry is no laughing matter. But how ironic that he has to use the word itself, in all caps, to make his point that Metro Pulse shouldn't print "FAGGOT!" The absurdity of some PC hardlining helps no one but ultra-conservatives and bigots, I'm afraid.
Mr. Mynatt better not come to the show at Theatre Central, Little Murders. "FAGGOT" exclamations run throughout the play, lots of reverse faggot humor that reflects harshly on the characters, highlighting their laughable insecurities. What do you wanna bet the faggot lines get more laughs than most, and they'll be laughing at these absurd characters for saying them?
PC-ness taken too far is itself censorship, that "just plain evil" Mr. Mynatt abhors. If it can't be said or printed, how can it be countered? Whether he would believe it or not, there can be a great deal of catharsis in mocking bigotry with its own words. Let's all strive for broader perspectives, please!
Ed White
Knoxville
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