NewscomaGot A Two-Pack Habit And A Motel Tan

A couple of things this morning.

First of all, as one of my favorite bloggers/news guys, I just wanted to say that Michael Silence’s new role at Knox News is inspired. I think this is a great move and he’s on my “must” list daily. If you break it down further, it’s interesting to watch progressive news organizations embracing the online community.

Katie Allison Granju wrote recently about the changes in newsrooms which is a must read as well. I’ve written before about personality driven blogging. I think it’s important.

I think we are seeing that happen although it could be said that Nashville is Talking began it with Brittney and a plethora of guest bloggers (I was one and it was an amazing honor) which began some of the trends here in Tennessee.

But it is evolving. We are seeing a lot of blogging activity out of the Knoxville area. We are also witnessing a shift in the way things are happening online. Joe Lance and Alice are keeping it interesting in Chattanooga with some insightful and targeted blogging which are also must reads. In Memphis, we see a community of folks blogging who have created an amazing network of not only information but who are also friends. Everyone needs to swing by Drinking Liberally on Thursday nights at Dish on the corner of Cooper and Young. It’s always some of the most insightful conversation on a weekly basis. The Drinking Liberally don’t update their site too often, but are very active on Facebook.

Also, I’m eagerly waiting for Kleinheider’s daily return at The Nashville Post. I hope it’s not behind a subscription wall. We bloggers vote but we be poor. So far, so good.

It’s an interesting time here in Tennessee when it comes to your daily dose of politics. If politics isn’t your thing, then here is a picture that I think Lindsey and Killa will appreciate. There is a lot more going on than I listed here. I guess I’m thinking of location today outside of the state’s capital.

Sharon Cobb had this video up this morning and I must say “WOW!”

[youtube=[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S2zkh6ZOGE&hl=en]

Mike Gravel intrigues me to no end.

As you probably already know, Pat Summitt just won her eighth national championship last night. What you may not know is that she has some local ties here in Hoots.

In a story from 2006, you are introduced to two women I absolutely adore. And they are the ones that knew Pat Summitt was something special back in the day.

TWO SPECIAL LADIES THANK LADY VOLS

After the Lady Vols defeated UT-Martin Tuesday night, an interesting thing happened in the Tennessee locker room.

Two elderly gray-haired women walked into the dressing quarters with Pat Summitt. One was Betty Giles. The other, Nadene Guerin. Giles was the athletic director at UT-Martin when Summitt played for the Skyhawks. Guerin was Summitt’s coach.

Some 32 years ago, they went to bat for Summitt, recommending her for the Lady Vols job, even though Summitt, age 22, had never coached before. Giles and Guerin saw something special back then in a special person.

Ms. Betty and Ms. Nadine are amazing. If you ever talk to Summitt, ask her about these two women. They are the two coolest people you’d ever meet, very much into philanthropy in the area and very supportive of young women. They opened doors for not only Summitt, but for people like, well, me.

They made things possible for a lot of women. More than can even be expressed in words on a blog.

Everyone needs mentors. You couldn’t ask for better role models than these two incredible women.