Good, Bad, Ugly After Week 16

By Chris Lambos
Let's get the worst part of this story over with: NO PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR

I know a good number of you will stop reading this recap after that fact but for the many loyal NPAP readers (and diehard Titans fans), there is more to this story.

The next-to-worst part of this story would be: TITANS GET WHIPPED 42-17 AT HOME

OK, many more are heading for the exits but I must remind all of you that we still have something to cheer about in the 2009-10 season, which would be the best part of the story: CHRIS JOHNSON LOGS 142 RUSHING YARDS AND IS 128 AWAY FROM 2000!

Reaching 2000 should just be another day at the office for Johnson who averages 124.8 yards per game and is facing a defense which ranks 24th in the league in Total Defense (14th against the rush which is close to average). Before crossing the 2000 yard mark, Johnson will break Marshall Faulk's single-season total yards record of 2,429 (he lacks just 74 yards so don't miss the first quarter action next week). In order to be crowned the NFL's single-season rushing king (A record of 2105 yards held by Eric Dickerson since 1984) Johnson will need to compile 234 yards on the ground - not impossible, but highly unlikely.

For you remaining stat heads out there, the following is a quick 'rundown' of last week's 'meltdown':

1. Vince Young has a 2008 flashback, completing 8 of 21 passes for 87 yards and 2 Int. (and I thought Cutler's numbers were bad last week in his sub-100 yard performance against the Ravens).

2. A quarterback for a 5-loss team (Phillip Rivers') has days like this: 21 of 27 passes for 264 YDS, 2 TDs and ZERO Int.

3. The Titans were guilty of 8 penalties for 64 yards in the first half (it's hard to win games when players 'and coaches' are not focused).

4. The Chargers rolled up 425 of total offense vs. the Titans 270

WHAT DID WE LEARN FROM THIS GAME?

It's clear that the current Titans squad needs improvement to be a consistent 'top tier' contender in the National Football League.

"Beatles Rock Band" Really Rocks!

"We all live in a Yellow Submarine..........."

Brief Pictorial History Of Nashville's Maxwell House Hotel

The Maxwell House Hotel, which once stood at the northeast corner of Fourth Avenue, North, and Church Street in downtown Nashville, was for years the center of Nashville's social and political life. Colonel John Overton Jr. built the hotel named for his wife, Harriet Maxwell Overton. Construction of the Maxwell House, designed by Isaiah Rogers, began in 1859 using slave labor. During the Civil War, the partially finished brick building served as both barracks and prison hospital for the occupying Union army.


After the war Overton resumed construction of what became Nashville's largest hotel, which local citizens initially called "Overton's Folly." Opening in the fall of 1869, the five-story, 240-room hotel cost five hundred thousand dollars. The Maxwell House advertised steam heat, gas-lighting, and a bath on every floor. Rooms were four dollars a day, meals included. The building fronted on Fourth Avenue and the infamous Men's Quarter; an entrance for women opened onto Church Street. Eight Corinthian columns flanked the main entrance; the elegant main lobby featured mahogany cabinetry, brass fixtures, gilded mirrors, and chandeliers. There were ladies' and men's parlors, billiard rooms, barrooms, shaving "saloons," and a grand staircase to the large ball or dining room.

Go to the Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture to read more about the history of the Maxwell House Hotel



Maxwell House Hotel, at the end of the Civil War, when it was still called the Zollicoffer Barracks




View from the State Capitol looking south shows the Masonic Building, First Presbyterian Church, Maxwell House Hotel, and McKendree Methodist Church. Charlotte Ave. is in foreground and High St. (now 6th) is at right



Silver by Calhoun jewelers displayed in the Maxwell House Hotel during the Tennessee Centennial celebration. Calhoun Jeweler's store was located on the hotel's ground floor.


Maxwell House 1900



Maxwell House Hotel, 1910


Banquet commemorating 100th anniversary Free & Associated Masons,Cumberland Lodge No. 8 at Maxwell House Hotel, June 24, 1912.


Interior view of the Maxwell House Hotel balcony and mezzanine


Maxwell House Hotel 1925


Undated photo of The Maxwell House Hotel Ballroom


Firemen fighting a fire at the Maxwell House Hotel possibly the fire that destroyed it on December 25 1961.

Photos Courtesy Tennessee State Library and Archives

Nashville Landmark Engulfed In Flames, December 25, 1961

This clipping from an unidentified World War II era magazine relates "Historical Data of The Maxwell House Hotel."
(Click on the image to enlarge the text)

On Christmas night in 1961 a fire destroyed the historic Maxwell House Hotel, a building that was one of Nashville's most famous landmarks. On December 26th the Nashville Banner reported that " Roaring flames ate through the roof of this century old building." The Banner article also stated that "Clouds of orange tinted smoke belched through the slits in roof, engulfing the entire downtown area in a blinding fire fed fog."

The December 26th 1961 Banner article titled "Maxwell House Burns, relates a brief history of the Maxwell House Hotel. The article written Ed Huddleston is included in the December 2009 issue of the Nashville Retrospect.

Go here to view a Brief Pictorial History of the Maxwell House Hotel

Nashville Symphony's Annual Performance Of Messiah Included 146 Choral Voices

Nashville Symphony Chorus Director, George Mabry Inside The Laura Turner Concert Hall


By Betsy Thorpe

On December 17th, under the direction of Chorus Director, George Mabry, one hundred and forty six angelic voices came together with the Nashville Symphony to offer the symphony's forty sixth annual opening night performance of Handel's renowned oratorio, "Messiah." In front of the audience, inside the Schermerhorn's elegant and acoustically exquisite Laura Turner Concert Hall , Mabry followed the Watkins Shaw edition of the oratorio's vocal score as he lead the choir through the inspiring two hour performance. Considered a "cherished holiday tradition" by Nashville Symphony patrons, Messiah was first performed in Dublin Ireland, premiering on April 13, 1742.

Expressing a varied array of human emotion the symphony and choir brought Thursday night's audience a sense of exaltation through their presentation of histrionic sacred music and rousing spiritual text. For the choir the oratorio's series of meditations can be difficult. Tenor, Jonathon Yearworth who has been a member of the Nashville Symphony Chorus since 2001 stated that while the piece "is tiring but not tired " it "reveals a little more of itself each and every performance." Director Mabry who leads the chorus that includes a handful of paid singers and numerous "avid volunteers" credits the symphony's annual performance of "Messiah" for attracting such vocally and stylistically talented volunteers.

On January 11th the Nashville Symphony will announce the lineup for it's 2010-2011 season and it is a certainty that a December performance of Handel's Messiah will be included among the exciting concerts and special events that will be listed on next season's calendar. For information on the upcoming announcement call the Nashville Symphony Box Office at 687-6400.

Weekly Address By President Barack Obama December 24, 2009

Celebrating Christmas and Honoring Those Who Serve

For the first time in a weekly address, the President is joined by the First Lady as they celebrate Christmas. They both honor those serving overseas, those who have sacrificed for their country, and the families that stand by them. Find ways to lend our troops and their families a home through DOD’s Military Homefront, OurMilitary.mil, and of course the USO.





Weekly Address: The President and First Lady Extend Christmas Greeting and Express their Gratitude to America's Servicemen and Women

In this week’s address, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama offered their best Christmas wishes to families across the country, and expressed their gratitude to the men and women of the American military and their families for their service to the country. The First Couple encouraged Americans to visit www.whitehouse.gov to learn how they can show their support to our soldiers and their loved ones.

Remarks of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Weekly Address
December 24, 2009

PRESIDENT: Hello everyone, and Merry Christmas. As you and your families gather to celebrate the holidays, we wanted to take a moment to send greetings from our family—from me, from Michelle, from Malia and Sasha—and from Bo.

FIRST LADY: This is our first Christmas in the White House, and we are so grateful for this extraordinary experience. Not far from here, in the Blue Room, is the official White House Christmas Tree. It’s an 18-foot tall Douglas-fir from West Virginia and it’s decorated with hundreds of ornaments designed by people and children from all over the country. Each one is a reminder of the traditions we cherish as Americans and the blessings we’re thankful for this holiday season.

PRESIDENT: That’s right, especially as we continue to recover from an extraordinary recession that still has so many Americans hurting: parents without a job who struggled to put presents under the Christmas tree; families and neighbors who’ve seen their home foreclosed; folks wondering what the new year will bring.

But even in these tough times, there’s still so much to celebrate this Christmas. A message of peace and brotherhood that continues to inspire more than 2,000 after Jesus’ birth. The love of family and friends. The bonds of community and country. And the character and courage of our men and women in uniform who are far from home for the holidays, away from their families, risking their lives to protect ours.

To all our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen—I have no greater honor than serving as your Commander in Chief. I’ve been awed by your selfless spirit, your eagerness to serve—at the Naval Academy and West Point. I’ve been energized by your dedication to duty—from Baghdad to the Korean Peninsula. Michelle and I have been moved by your determination—wounded warriors at Walter Reed and Bethesda, fighting to recover, to get back to your units.

And I’ve been humbled, profoundly, by patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In flag-draped caskets coming home at Dover. In the quiet solitude of Arlington. And after years of multiple tours of duty, as you carry on with our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, your service, your readiness to make that same sacrifice, is an inspiration to us and to every American.

FIRST LADY: And so are your families. As First Lady, one of my greatest privileges is to visit with military families across the country. I’ve met military spouses doing the parenting of two—keeping the household together, juggling play dates and soccer games, helping with homework, doing everything they can to make the kids feel OK even as they try to hide their own fears and worries.

I’ve met kids who wonder when mom or dad is coming home; grandparents and relatives who step in to care for our wounded warriors; and folks trying to carry on after losing the person they loved most in the world.

And through it all, these families somehow still find the time and energy to serve their communities as well—coaching Little League, running the PTA, raising money to help those less fortunate than they are, and more.

But even these strong military families can use a hand, especially during the holidays. If you live near a military base, you can reach out through your workplaces, your schools, your churches. There are so many ways to help—with child care, with errands, or by just bringing over a home-cooked meal. Even if you don’t know a military family nearby, your family can still help by donating or volunteering at organizations that support military families.

PRESIDENT: You can also reach out directly to our forces around the world. Kids can make a card that will bring a smile to an American far from home. Adults can send a care package or a pre-paid phone card that makes the tour at little easier. Every American can do something to support our troops, even if it’s as simple as just saying thank you. For more ways to let our troops know you care, go to www.whitehouse.gov

So to all our men and women in uniform spending the holidays far from home—whether it’s at a base here in the states, a mess hall in Iraq or a remote outpost in Afghanistan, know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. And this holiday season—and every Holiday season—know that we are doing everything in our power to make sure you can succeed in your missions and come home safe to your families.

FIRST LADY: And to all Americans, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.

PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas, everybody.

Christmas Morning Playtime

Who would have guessed Mary's favorite gift would be a set of animal puzzles?

Christmas Morning Magic

Faith Family Medical Clinic Offers Quality Medical Services To Nashville's Working Uninsured

Family Faith Medical Center Nurse Practitioner Liz Threlkeld Cares For A Patient

By Betsy Thorpe

Faith Family Medical Clinic is a primary care medical facility where dedicated physicians and nurse practitioners serve Nashville's uninsured working people (and their families) by emphasizing the importance of the health and healing of the whole person, physically, emotionally and spiritually. By offering low cost primary care, the clinic allows patients to seek out medical care at the onset of any problems allowing treatment to begin early, rather than after their conditions have become more serious or complicated.

The Faith Family Medical Clinic was founded by Nashville physicians Dr. David Gaw and Dr. John Lamb. The facility was modeled after the Church Health Clinic in Memphis. With Baptist Hospital's Board of Directors agreeing to provide the rent-free use of a freestanding medical office building on 21st Avenue North, The Family Faith Family Medical Center opened it's doors on October 8, 2001.

The clinic, funded in part through private donations relies heavily on support from the Tennessee Department of Health, an agency that recently announced budget cuts that could possibly eliminate the four million dollars used to help fund community clinics throughout the state. By offering affordable health care to patients who don't have health insurance clinics like Faith Family Medical Clinic offer a vital service to their community and if the budget cuts are approved, more support from the private sector will be necessary in order for them to continue to care for the uninsured.

For information on how to help support the Family Faith Medical Center please contact Executive Director, Laura Hobson at 615-341-0808.

Gatluak Ter Thach To Speak To Bellevue Republican Breakfast Club January 2,

Gatluak Ter Thach The Executive Director of The Sudanese Community and Women's Center


By Betsy Thorpe

More than 20 years ago Gatluak Ter Thach escaped the genocide in Sudan by fleeing the country with his parents and younger brother. Traveling at night, it took more than a month to reach the safety of the refugee camps in Kenya. The family spent several years living in various camps before Mr. Thach and his brother were allowed to immigrate to the United States. Arriving in January of 1995 they were sent to Sioux Falls South Dakota, where Thach says he "learned about cold". Later that year the brothers moved to Nashville a city Gatlauk Ter Thach says he has learned to love. Today with a masters degree from Cumberland University Mr. Thach is the Executive Director of The Sudanese Community and Women's Center, an organization he said he founded five years ago because "I had to find a way to get home and the way for me to get home was to serve my people". More than 8,000 Sudanese refugees live in the greater Nashville area. The Sudanese Community and Women's Center serves more than 200 members from the local Sudanese community every week.

This Saturday Gatluak Ter Thach will share his life story with the Bellevue Republican Breakfast Club at their monthly meeting which is held on the first Saturday of every month at Shoney's Restaurant on Highway 70'S in Bellevue. The meeting starts at 8:00 am and is open to the public. Anyone interested in hearing Mr. Thach's remarkable story is invited to attend.

Christmas Address By President Ronald Reagan December 23, 1981

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Bellevue Food Bank Needs Donations

Spreading early Christmas cheer on December 22, the Bellevue Food Bank distributed holiday dinner emergency food boxes to more than fifty local families and seniors. The boxes containing a ham, potatoes, dressing mix, yams, vegetables, bread and desert items were provided through the support of area congregations, service organizations and individuals and from the generous donations left in the Bellevue Food Bank barrels that remain year round at Kroger's two Bellevue locations.

The Bellevue Food Bank is a community based ministry housed inside the Bellevue United Methodist Church located at 7501 Old Harding Pike and operates under the leadership of the Bellevue Ministerial Association. The food bank is open from 6:00-7:30 every Tuesday night and serves residents of Bellevue, West Nashville and Pegram.

Currently in urgent need of support as well as of donations of non perishable food, toiletries, and baby care items, the Bellevue Food Bank is relying on the benevolence of the local community to help them meet the rising need for emergency services. In 2009 food distribution centers throughout Metro Davidson County reported a 38 percent rise in service needs requests and the Bellevue Food Bank was no exception. This fall, Congregation Micah's successful food drive helped restock the food bank's depleted pantry shelves and with their inventory once again in crisis, Bellevue Food Bank Director, Jobie Corn is confident the community will respond at this crucial time and supply the food bank with the essential items it needs to operate. For information on how to help support the Bellevue Food Bank by making a donation or to volunteer to sponsor a food drive, please call the Bellevue United Methodist Church at 646-4146.

Titans Reach .500 with Bironas OT Field Goal

By Chris Lambos


Rob Bironas Of The Tennessee Titans in action against the Miami Dolphins at LP field on Sunday, December 20, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee

Who is your favorite Titan of ALL TIME? Steve McNair or Eddie George probably comes to mind first - and those are excellent choices. But there is another Titan who's starting to reserve a space on this list of gridiron greats. He has won many games for this franchise yet his name is seldom mentioned: Rob Bironas.

This NFL record-holding kicker has once again proved to be an invaluable cog in the Titans machine, kicking a game-winning 47-yard FG in OT to beat the Miami Dolphins 27-24 at LP Field.

If you did not know, Bironas is the 5th most accurate kicker in NFL history. He get's my vote!

Bironas probably would not be mentioned in this blog if the Titans had not blown an 18-point lead in this game. Though the 'Fins outgained Tennessee 468-364 in total offense, turnovers proved to be problematic for the visitors as the Titans were quick to capitalize - improving their season record to 7-7.

A Ricky Williams coughed up a fumble early in the 2nd Qtr which was the first of 4 turnovers committed by Miami. Chad Henne, who completed 29 of 46 passes for 349 YDS and 1 TD, threw 3 interceptions on the day - one being an end zone pick from the Titans 14 yard line - an other proving costly when Michael Griffin picked him off in OT, setting the stage for Bironas's game-winning FG.

Vince Young had a good afternoon, completing 14 of 27 passes for 236 YDS, 3 TDs (two going to Justin Gage) and 1 Int. Three passing TDs in one game marks a career high for the 4th year signal caller.

Chris Johnson now needs 270 rushing yards to cross the coveted 2000 yard season mark. If Johnson rushes for 376 yards in the remaining games, he will break Eric Dickerson's all-time season rushing record. Another record CJ is on schedule to break is Marshall Faulk's 'yards from scrimmage' (run and receptions) season total of 2429 yards.

The Titans have two games remaining. Week 16 finds the them playing on Christmas Night against the San Diego Chargers. Their final season game will be at Seattle. The playoff hopes are still alive but barely. Besides winning out, a few teams will have to lose in coming games to make the Titans the FIRST team to ever start 0-6 and go to the playoffs. Good luck, Tennessee!

Game Notes:

- Keith Bulluck tore an ACL and is out for the rest of the season, ending his run of 127 consecutive games played. David Thornton will be having surgery on a pectoral muscle and will be out for the remainder of the season as well. This leaves some big holes to fill in the Linebacker corps. Stephen Tulloch will be calling the defensive signals in place of Bulluck.

- Ricky Williams rushed for over 1000 yards this season - a feat he last accomplished in 2003. Williams is the first back in NFL history to have a 6-year span between 1000 yard seasons.

Holly Jolly Christmas By Burl Ives

Christmas Eve is almost here! It's "Holly, Jolly" time!

Weekly Address By President Barack Obama December 19, 2009

Weekly Address: The Patient's Bill of Rights and Health Reform

The President looks back to the bipartisan Patient's Bill of Rights, a bill that was defeated in Congress at the hands of special interests and their supporters, and notes that health insurance reform covers the same ground and much more in terms of giving the consumers the upper hand over their insurance companies. He calls on the Senate to allow an up-or-down vote, and for those opposing reform to stop using parliamentary maneuvers to drag it out.



Weekly Address: President Obama Says Health Insurance Reform Will Protect Patients and Hold Insurance Companies Accountable
WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama praised the strong patient protections in the health insurance reform bills in Congress, and called on Senators to stop blocking this critical reform effort. The legislation contains many of the protections originally proposed in the bipartisan Patient’s Bill of Rights a decade ago, plus additional protections and rights; and it will reduce costs for families, strengthen Medicare, and lower the deficit.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
December 19, 2009

Over the past few decades, there has been an intense struggle in Washington between the lobbyists for the insurance industry and the interests of the American people over what has been called a Patient’s Bill of Rights – a set of rules to protect Americans from some of the worst practices of the health insurance industry; rules to ensure that all Americans are getting the care they need from their doctors and the care they deserve from their insurance companies.

The last time a Patient’s Bill of Rights was within reach was roughly a decade ago, and it was supported by Democrats and Republicans alike, from Ted Kennedy to John McCain. It included the right to an appeals process so you could challenge an unfair decision by an insurance company before a third party. It included the right to choose your own doctor. It included the right to access information about what your health insurance plan means for you. And it called for a new level of transparency so that patients would know if their doctors had a conflict of interest when providing services.

Now, this Patient’s Bill of Rights never made it into law. It fell victim – again and again – to the same special interest lobbying that has blocked passage of health insurance reform for so many decades. But today, we are being given another chance to make it a reality, because each of these rights, and many more, are incorporated in the health insurance reform bill that recently passed the House of Representatives and in the bill that is currently making its way through the Senate.

Both the House and Senate bills would make it against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition or illness. Both would stop insurers from charging exorbitant premiums on the basis of age, health, or gender. Both would prevent insurance companies from dropping your coverage when you get sick. And both would put a limit on how much you have to pay out of pocket for the treatments you need in a year or lifetime.

Simply put, the protections currently included in both the health insurance reform bill passed by the House and the version currently on the Senate floor would represent the toughest measures we’ve ever taken to hold the insurance industry accountable. Anyone who says otherwise simply hasn’t read the bills. Just open these proposals at random and you’ll find on almost any page patient protections that dwarf any of those passed by Congress in at least a decade.

These protections are just one part of a landmark reform that will finally reduce the cost of health care. When it becomes law, families will save on their premiums. Small businesses and Americans who don’t get any insurance today through their employers will no longer be forced to pay punishingly high rates to get coverage. This legislation will also strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the program, while saving senior citizens hundreds of dollars a year in prescription costs. And reforms to target waste, inefficiency, and price-gouging by the insurance industry will help make this the largest deficit reduction plan in over a decade.

The insurance industry knows all this. That’s why they’re at it again, using their muscle in Washington to try to block a vote they know they will lose. They’re lobbying. They’re running ads. They’re spending millions of dollars to kill health insurance reform, just like they’ve done so many times before. They want to preserve a system that works better for the insurance industry than it does for the American people.

But now – for the first time – there is a clear majority in the Senate that’s willing to stand up to the insurance lobby and embrace lasting health insurance reforms that have eluded us for generations. The question is whether the minority that opposes these reforms will continue to use parliamentary maneuvers to try and stop the Senate from voting on them.

Whatever their position on health insurance reform, Senators ought to allow an up or down vote. Let’s bring this long and vigorous debate to an end. Let’s deliver on the promise of health insurance reforms that will make our people healthier, our economy stronger, and our future more secure. And as this difficult year comes to a close, let’s show the American people that we are equal to the task of meeting our great challenges.

Thanks for listening, and on behalf of Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and Bo, happy holidays, from our family to yours.

Centennial Park Nativity Scene 1957

Firestone Christmas Memories

This Firestone Christmas album, recorded in 1964, evokes many magical memories of happy holidays past. Memories of my family gathered around our tree, Mom, Dad, Randy Nick and me. My beloved Grandmother, my Grandfather and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins all in one place exchanging gifts and opinions.

Hot chocolate topped with marshmallows served in ceramic Santa face mugs, water chestnuts broiled and wrapped in bacon, fudgey cake topped with hard white icing, and sprinkled with peppermint, warm bean soup, glazed walnuts, jello salad, a three layer sandwich loaf frosted with cream cheese

Stockings hanging on the fireplace, a well worn dream inspiring Sears Christmas catalog, phone calls from the North Pole, red flannel nightgowns, comparing gifts with friends and always on the console stereo a vinyl record playing Christmas carols presented to us, by Firestone.

Thank you Firestone for providing such a lovely soundtrack for my childhood memories and thank you Mom for establishing the Christmas traditions still cherished by our family today.

H1N1 FLU VACCINE MANUFACTURER VOLUNTARILY RECALLS DOSES

Non-safety Related Recall of Vaccine Product for Children

The Tennessee Department of Health is working to notify health care providers of a nationwide voluntary non-safety recall of 800,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., is recalling four lots of H1N1 vaccine in 0.25 ml pre-filled syringes designed for use in children ages 6 to 35 months. These lots passed all tests for potency and purity when they were distributed, but routine follow-up tests after distribution found that levels of antigen, the active ingredient, were slightly lower than the level specified on the label. The recall is not related to any safety or effectiveness concerns.

“We want to assure parents whose children may have received this vaccine product that it is safe and effective at preventing H1N1 flu when given as part of the two dose series recommended for all children under age ten,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, "Our recommendations haven’t changed. H1N1 flu is still circulating, and vaccination is the best way to prevent the illness.”

Some 800,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine are included in these lots. The vaccine met all antigen level and safety specifications at the time it was distributed; routine monthly follow-up testing showed that antigen in these lots fell slightly below the pre-specified level.

Tennessee has distributed only 82,600 total doses of 0.25 ml pre-filled syringes from Sanofi Pasteur since it began providing H1N1 flu vaccine in October, out of a total of 1.85 million H1N1 vaccine doses distributed in Tennessee to date. It is not yet known how many of these doses were from the lot numbers impacted by the recall. The Department of Health is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Precention to ensure that providers who received affected lots are notified to discountinue use of those vaccine products and to await instructions from Sanofi Pasteur for returning unused doses to the company.

No action is required by parents with children between the ages of 6 to 35 months who may have received H1N1 flu vaccine in the form of a pre-filled syringe from Sanofi Pasteur. The doses are considered safe and effective; revaccination is not recommended. Other H1N1 vaccine products are available for children in this age group, so vaccine will still be available for parents whose young children have not been fully vaccinated. Parents with questions may contact their child’s health provider, or call the Tennessee Flu Information line toll-free at 1-877-252-3432.

Nashville Symphony Concertmaster Mary Kathryn VanOsdal To Retire

Concertmaster, Mary Kathryn VanOsdale

Nashville Symphony violinist Mary Kathryn VanOsdale, who has held the coveted chair of Concertmaster for more than two decades, will retire from that position at the end of the 2009/10 season and assume the title of Concertmaster Emerita. While giving up the demanding leadership role, Mary Kathryn will continue as a member of the orchestra’s first violin section. "I have enjoyed 21 years as Concertmaster, and I am very proud of all that our orchestra has accomplished during this time," VanOsdale said. "By coming to this decision, I hope to gain more quality time to focus on my family and other projects. I also wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Martha Ingram and the many generous patrons who have made possible the opportunity for our orchestra to perform in Laura Turner Concert Hall at the world-class Schermerhorn Symphony Center."

Giancarlo Guerrero, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony, praised VanOsdale for her many seasons of exceptional service. “As leader of the orchestra since the 1980s, Mary Kathryn has had a measurable influence on the orchestra’s sound,” Guerrero said. “It’s difficult to imagine our current success – from our GRAMMY wins and nominations to the consistently high level of performance that is apparent to everyone who attends our concerts – without Mary Kathryn’s many years in the first chair.

Alan D. Valentine, President and CEO of the Symphony, said VanOsdale’s orchestra leadership benefitted the organization during its fluctuating financial fortunes early in her tenure and, more recently, through the sudden loss of beloved longtime Music Director Kenneth Schermerhorn in 2005. “Since arriving in Nashville 11 years ago, I have worked closely with Mary Kathryn and respect her both as a musician and as a colleague,” Valentine said. “She has played a vital and highly visible role in the long history of this organization and, over the years, has helped us steer a consistent course through times both good and challenging. While the Symphony and our patrons will miss Mary Kathryn as Concertmaster, we thank her for her many years of service and are pleased that she will continue with the orchestra in the first violin section.”

The search for a new Concertmaster will begin immediately, Valentine said. As soon as this spring, candidates are expected to be joining the orchestra in select classical concerts. A Nashville native, VanOsdale began playing as a contracted member of the orchestra at age 15. She attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the Banff School of Fine Arts, where she received a Certificate for Advanced Studies. She received her Master of Music degree from Northern Illinois University and, upon graduation, was named Outstanding Woman Leader of the Year. In 1986, she joined the faculty of Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, where she is currently Adjunct Artist Teacher of Violin. An active studio musician, VanOsdale has played on multiple GRAMMY-winning albums as well as on movie soundtracks and commercial jingles. She has discography credits with artists ranging from Amy Grant and Garth Brooks to Elton John and Bruce Springsteen.

Titans Crush Rams 47-7

By Chris Lambos


Two young Titans fans watch players warm up in Nashville before the start of Sunday's game between the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans


How bad is it being a St. Louis Rams fan these days? Well, it wasn't too long ago the Titans found themselves at 0-6, so we probably have an idea of what 1-12 feels like. But by watching this game, I decided that Titans fans really have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season! For those who feel less than blessed, consider this timeless adage handed down through the generations:

"Enjoy your entire football season! There are starving fans in Missouri!"

Yes, the Titans hosted the Rams Sunday which was the first of a 3-game homestand at LP Field. When Rams faithful did not think things could get any worse for their one-win team, they did. With a starting QB and backup out with injuries, St. Louis called up 3rd stringer Keith Null for his NFL debut as a starter. Throwing a rookie QB into a game at 1-12 against one of the NFL's hottest teams is a recipe for turnovers. And a 'tired' Steven Jackson, the league's 2nd leading rusher behind Titans Chris Johnson, could only grind out 47 yards on 19 carries with the Titans D being free to concentrate more on stopping 'the run'.

Not getting the picture? Consider this:

The Rams had 12 offensive drives in the contest: 5 ended with interceptions - 6 ended with punts.

For the recod, Null finished 27 of 43 for 157 yards, 1 TD and yes... 5 interceptions.

So the state of Ram football continues to deteriorate while a playoff scenario is still possible for the Titans (yes, you read that correctly). If the Titans win out the rest of their games and a few teams lose a few games, the Titans can make off with a Wildcard slot - an NFL first for a team that started the season 0-6.

The trip to the Wildcard game starts with a victory over a visiting 7-6 Miami Dolphins team.

Vince Young was playing possible the best game of his career before retiring to the sidelines with what is being called a mild strain to his hamstring. Young hurt his leg on a 44-yard scamper - the longest run of his NFL career late in the 2nd Qtr and was replaced by veteran Kerry Collins. Prior to exiting the game, VY had completed 5 of 6 passes for 132 yards and 1 TD (a short screen pass to Chris Johnson who dashed 66 yards to paydirt). Young had passed for a perfect QB Rating in the first Qtr. (158.3 rating).

NFL-leading rusher Chris Johnson still has 2000 yards on his rushing radar. Johnson compiled 117 yards and 2 TDs on 28 carries while adding 69 yards and a TD with 3 receptions. CJ seems to break a franchise record every time he suits up these days. This week, he became the fifth player in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards from scrimmage in his team's first 13 games (Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson, Walter Payton and Priest Holmes having accomplished that feat. CJ also broke Earl Campbell's single season 'yards from scrimmage' franchise record of 1,981 yards with 2016 yards. He also passed Campbell's franchise record of 7 consecutive 100-yard rushing games as Johnson now has 8 in a row.

With 1,626 yards on the ground, he needs just 374 to surpass the 2000 yard mark and 480 to break Eric Dickerson's all-time single season rushing record of 2105 yards set in 1984.

Overall, the Titans played a great game on both sides of the ball compiling 446 yards of total offense while limiting the visitors to just 240. If the Titans maintain this pace (and with a little help from other teams), this once 0-6 squad may find themselves in the history books.

What did we learn from this game?

Things can be a lot worse!

Ready To Perform At Opry Mills!

Adriana is excited about performing in this morning's Christmas Concert at Opry Mills, a big day, for our little girl!

United States Colored Troop Reinactor Answers Questions About The Battle For Nashville

Fort Negley Around 1930, Photo Courtesy, Tennessee State Library And Archives


The Battle For Nashville December, 1864
By Betsy Thorpe

Shortly after eight o'clock on the morning of December 15, 1864 siege guns at Nashville's Union battery, Fort Negley, opened fire against Confederate lines.

For two days the battle for Nashville raged resulting in thousands of casualties on both sides and a decisive victory for the Union.

The United States Colored Troop Thirteen stationed at Fort Negley played a major role throughout the battle.

On December 13th 2008, events surrounding the Battle For Nashville was commemorated at Fort Negely, the sole remaining Civil War fort in Nashville. Re-enactors of the United States Colored Troop Thirteen, Company A, camped below the fort.

Kara Lee Briggs from the Civil War Round Table presented a lecture on "Shortages on the Confederate Home Front", relating the ingenuity employed by Southern women to combat the lack of necessities endured as a result of the Northern blockade.

Fort Negley is located at 511 Chestnut near Greer Stadium and The Cumberland Science Museum. The fort is operated by Metro Parks Department and is open to the public.




Adriana: "Who invented the name United States Colored Troop"?

Soldier:"Before President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation black men could not be soldiers. Following the proclamation granting freedom to southern slaves, many freedmen wanted to serve their country, so the United States Army established the U.S.C.T. for "colored" men."


Adriana:"Who was the leader of the U.S. Colored Troops?"

Soldier:"In the beginning it was President Abraham Lincoln, then other presidents. The President of the United States is always the Commander In Chief to all troops."


Adriana:"How did the soldiers get to Nashville before the
battle?"

Soldier:"Many of the soldier's were "conscripted" or taken from their owners by the Army while they were still slaves, to work for the army building fortifications and railroads. Some slaves ran away and volunteered to work for the army. After slaves were freed, men from all over Tennessee came to Fort Negley to join Troop Thirteen."

Adriana:Where were the soldiers family at during the war?

Soldier"Many of the soldiers never saw their families again after they were taken by the army or after the ran away. But some of them ran away with their families or brought them with them after they were all freed. Some of those former slaves lived in Nashville, many of them near the fort and they developed one of Nashville's first colored (or black) neighborhoods there."


Adriana:"What happened to Troop Thirteen after the war ended?"

Soldier"Following the Battle For Nashville Troop Thirteen was sent to St. Louis Missouri, after the end of the war the troop was disbanded and some of it's members joined the Buffalo Soldiers and fought out west."




View of Fort Negley from Troop Thirteen's encampment








Colored Troop Re-enactor, Winston Wiley, asked if he could sense the presence of the enslaved men who helped build Fort Negley and the colored soldiers who fought there, Mr. Wiley said, "all the time".





Looking toward Peach Orchard Hill from Fort Negley. On the second day of the Battle for Nashville Troop Thirteen lost more than two hundred men advancing the hill. "They came only to die" wrote one Union officer after the battle. U.S.C.T. Thirteen recieved a citiation for bravery, following the battle.



Troop Thirteen re-enactors gather at the encampment site

Elvis The Elf

By Betsy Thorpe

For many years I have hosted songwriter dinner parties in my home, granting me the opportunity to hear songs penned by my favorite Nashville songwriters. Mike Kopytko's performance of "Elvis The Elf,"a song he co-wrote with John and Cyndea Wendell is always a highlight of the evening.

I am happy to share this fun Christmas song with you and I hope you will share it with your friends.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

New Christmas Tree Illuminates The Grounds Of The Tennessee State Capitol

Silent Night By Bing Crosby

Happy Holidays Remembered

Photos Courtesy, Nashville Public Library Special Collections

Weekly Address By President Barack Obama December 12, 2009

Weekly Address: Learning from History to Reform Wall Street

The President explains that while he continues to focus on jobs, it is also profoundly important to address the problems that created this economic mess in the first place. He commends the House of Representatives for passing reforms to our financial system, including a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency, and blasts Republican Leaders and financial industry lobbyists for their joint "pep rally" to defeat it.




In his weekly address, President Obama applauded the House for passing financial reform legislation and called on the Senate to continue working toward meaningful reform that stands up for consumers, sets clear rules of the road for businesses and investors and restores a sense of responsibility and accountability to both Wall Street and Washington.


Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
Saturday, December 12, 2009

Over the past two years, more than seven million Americans have lost their jobs, and factories and businesses across our country have been shuttered. In one way or another, we’ve all been touched by the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

The difficult steps we’ve taken since January have helped to break our fall, and begin to get us back on our feet. Our economy is growing again. The flood of job loss we saw at the beginning of this year slowed to a relative trickle last month. These are good signs for the future, but little comfort to all of our neighbors who remain out of a job. And my solemn commitment is to work every day, in every way I can, to push this recovery forward and build a new foundation for our lasting growth and prosperity.

That’s why I announced some additional steps this week to spur private sector hiring. We’ll give an added boost to small businesses across our nation through additional tax cuts and access to lending they desperately need to grow. We’ll rebuild more of our vital infrastructure and promote advanced manufacturing in clean energy to put Americans to work doing the work we need done. And I have called for the extension of unemployment insurance and health benefits to help those who have lost their jobs weather these storms until we reach that brighter day.

But even as we dig our way out of this deep hole, it’s important that we address the irresponsibility and recklessness that got us into this mess in the first place.

Some of it was the result of an era of easy credit, when millions of Americans borrowed beyond their means, bought homes they couldn’t afford, and assumed that housing prices would always rise and the day of reckoning would never come.

But much of it was due to the irresponsibility of large financial institutions on Wall Street that gambled on risky loans and complex financial products, seeking short-term profits and big bonuses with little regard for long-term consequences. It was, as some have put it, risk management without the management. And their actions, in the absence of strong oversight, intensified the cycle of bubble-and-bust and led to a financial crisis that threatened to bring down the entire economy.

It was a disaster that could have been avoided if we’d had clearer rules of the road for Wall Street and actually enforced them.

We can’t change that history. But we have an absolute responsibility to learn from it, and take steps to prevent a repeat of the crisis from which we are still recovering.

That’s why I’ve proposed a series of financial reforms that would target the abuses we have seen and leave us less exposed to the kind of breakdown we just experienced.

They would bring new transparency and accountability to the financial markets, so that the kind of risky dealings that sparked the crisis would be fully disclosed and properly regulated.

They would give us the tools to ensure that the failure of one large bank or financial institution won’t spread like a virus through the entire financial system. Because we should never again find ourselves in the position in which our only choices are bailing out banks or letting our economy collapse.

And they would consolidate the consumer protection functions currently spread across half a dozen agencies and vest them in a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency. This agency would have the authority to put an end to misleading and dishonest practices of banks and institutions that market financial products like credit and debit cards; mortgage, auto and payday loans.

These are commonsense reforms that respond to the obvious problems exposed by the financial crisis.

But, as we’ve learned so many times before, common sense doesn’t always prevail in Washington.

Just last week, Republican leaders in the House summoned more than 100 key lobbyists for the financial industry to a “pep rally,” and urged them to redouble their efforts to block meaningful financial reform. Not that they needed the encouragement. These industry lobbyists have already spent more than $300 million on lobbying the debate this year.

The special interests and their agents in Congress claim that reforms like the Consumer Financial Protection Agency will stifle consumer choice and that updated rules and oversight will frustrate innovation in the financial markets. But Americans don’t choose to be victimized by mysterious fees, changing terms, and pages and pages of fine print. And while innovation should be encouraged, risky schemes that threaten our entire economy should not.

We can’t afford to let the same phony arguments and bad habits of Washington kill financial reform and leave American consumers and our economy vulnerable to another meltdown.

Yesterday, the House passed comprehensive reform legislation that incorporates some of the essential changes we need, and the Senate Banking Committee is working on its own package of reforms. I urge both houses to act as quickly as possible to pass real reform that restores free and fair markets in which recklessness and greed are thwarted; and hard work, responsibility, and competition are rewarded – reform that works for businesses, investors, and consumers alike.

That’s how we’ll keep our economy and our institutions strong. That’s how we’ll restore a sense of responsibility and accountability to both Wall Street and Washington. And that’s how we’ll safeguard everything the American people are working so hard to build – a broad-based recovery; lasting prosperity; and a renewed American Dream. Thank you.

Oh Christmas Tree By Mario Lanza

Listening to Mario Lanza is a Thorpe family Christmas tradition that we still enjoy and observe. His beautiful rendition of "Oh Christmas Tree" is one of my favorite all time Christmas carols.

New Christmas Tree Arrives At Tennessee State Capitol

Today a replacement Christmas tree arrived at The Tennessee State Capitol, replacing the tree that was toppled over by Wednesday mornings high winds. This morning a 35-foot tall Norway Spruce was delivered to the Capitol. The tree was donated by David Peterson of Fairview. The tree will be decorated over the weekend and a State spokesperson stated that the new tree will be lit on Monday night.

Tree At Tennessee State Capitol Fell In Wednesday's High Winds

Lit during a ceremony on December 27th the Tennessee State Capitol Christmas Tree was toppled by high winds early in the morning on December 9.

TENNESSEE OFFERS H1N1 VACCINE TO EVERYONE

Increasing Vaccine Supply Meeting Local Demands

The Tennessee Department of Health has expanded H1N1 flu vaccine availability to the general public. Steadily increasing supply of the vaccine has enabled county health departments to allow anyone who wants to get vaccinated to do so. The vaccine is provided at no charge to patients.

“There are still many who have not had a chance to get vaccinated up until this point,” said Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH, medical director of the state immunization program. “Although we continue to work to reach people in the target risk groups, it is now possible to begin providing vaccine to everyone who requests it. Public clinics are being scheduled every week as more vaccine becomes available and the department continues to distribute the vaccine supply efficiently to a wide array of health departments and private providers, including pharmacies.”

Even though the numbers of cases of H1N1 flu appear to be decreasing in Tennessee and nationwide, TDOH anticipates that H1N1 will continue to circulate and could even surge again over the next several months. TDOH continues to urge getting vaccinated as the best defense against the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. So far, Tennessee has received and distributed more than 1.6 million doses of H1N1 vaccine across the state. Vaccine will continue to be distributed throughout the flu season, which can last as late as April.

While initially H1N1 flu vaccine was reserved for those populations considered at particularly high risk of flu complications, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, influenza can cause severe illness in anyone. The vaccine can help prevent serious outcomes in people of all ages, and the Department of Health continues to strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Tennesseans are reminded that depending on the number of people coming to clinics, they could temporarily run out of vaccine. However, based on the amount of available vaccine and the expected supply continuing to arrive in the coming weeks, there will be enough vaccine for everyone.

Flu vaccine locations are listed on the Tennessee Department of Health Flu Shot Locator at http://health.state.tn.us/fluclinic/default.aspx.General information can also be provided by contacting the H1N1 Flu Information Line at 1-877-252-3432.

Song For Peter By His Friends Daniel and Steve Posted on You Tube Today

Shortly after my husband Peter passed, our friends Daniel Green and Steve Rupe wrote this song in his memory.



Waylon Jennings
Born June 15, 1947 Died Feburary 13, 2002

Harlon Howard
Born September 8, 1927 Died March 3, 2002

Peter Thorpe (Nashville Fats)
Born November 30, 1952 Died March 4, 2002
Harlon Howard

Titans Streak Ends - Colts Streak Continues

By Chris Lambos


The Tennessee Titans in action against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 in Indianapolis, Ind.
Small Regular Large

Titans Streak Ends - Colts Streak Continues

On Sunday afternoon, a friend of mine who had missed the Titans/Colts game asked me who won? I responded "Colts". He then told me that I can use last week's blog headline (It's 'Deja Vince' All Over Again) all over again.

This week, there is no need to fumble through any Headline recycling receptacles. We had two teams on hot streaks. One enters the game with a 11-0 record, the other sports a 5-6. If that's not enough info to produce a succinct headline, then note that the 11-0 team has Peyton Manning taking snaps.

Though the outcome might have been predictable to Colts fans, most Titans fans (the ones that can root against Mr. Manning) were expecting 'upset' - either in the form of an upset VICTORY or an upset VINCE. They got neither.

Many of us held our breath with 5:54 left in the 2nd Qtr. after Vince Young threw his lone interception (and grabbed his knee with an apparent injury). The camera operators zoomed to Vince on the sideline like paparazzi photographers - waiting for meltdown.

Vince stayed focused.

In fact, Vince and the Titans played a fairly good game from my perspective. There were a few mistakes made here and there on the field (and on the sidelines), but none that can take anything away from the players effort.

What mistakes?

1. VY threw a long ball to a sideline-streaking Nate Washington who had a few steps on his defender. Vince placed the ball right into Washington's hands but he juggled and dropped it. A catch on that play would have undoubtedly equaled 6 points as there were no defenders between him and the end zone. You can't drop balls like that and expect to beat the Colts.

2. Jeff Fisher ordered a 'pooch kick'. after a late 2nd Qtr score. You can't give a team like the Colts half of a field with 20 seconds left on the clock (How many years has Fisher coached against Manning? Hmmmm...). Colts get 3 'avoidable' points

3. During that above mentioned 20 second span, Tony Brown gets flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Tony, I'm sure you have been pushed over another downed player after a play has been whistled dead. Don't emulate Ken Norton, Sr....Ken Norton, Jr. was the football player in the family.

4. Fumbles...again, they can cost you games a lot of times and MOST of the time against the Colts.

Add two ineffective trips to the red zone and Vince's abovementioned interception (a foolish pass) to this list.

Looking at the numbers, you can see why the margin of victory was only 10 points. VY finished the day completing 24 of 43 for 241 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int. (Hey, that's the same number of completions and double the TDs of Mr. Manning). Chris Johnson rushed for over 100 yards (113) but never broke one for more than 11 yards. Bo Scaife continues to be VY's workhorse reeling in 5 catches for 56 yards and catching a TD pass late in the 4th Qtr. Kenny Britt, who caught last week's game winning pass had 3 receptions for 46 yards and a 6-yard TD reception with 24 seconds left in the first half. CJ added 28 yards on 11 catches out of the backfield.

As for the defense, David Thornton (and ex-Colt) led all Titans with 8 tackles (5 assisted) and Tony Brown led all lineman with 3. William Hayes who along with Brown has been a force on the line this season was quiet with a solo tackle.

The unit kept pressure on Manning for most of the afternoon and held Addai to 79 yards on 22 carries (though he scored twice).

What did we learn from this game?

1 The Kenny Britt experiment on kickoff returns is paying off as Britt logged a 55 yard return during the game.

2. Vince Young's psyche will live to play (and win) another day. Sorry CBS!

Remembering John Lennon

By Betsy Thorpe

December 8, 1980 a night I will always remember. My husband Peter and I lived in Austin Texas, our daughter Ruby was almost two months old. It was a Monday night. The Miami Dolphins were playing The New England Patriots. We heard Howard Cossell announce the death of John Lennon.

"This, we have to say it, remember this is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy, confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City: John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous, perhaps, of all The Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to the Roosevelt Hospital, dead on arrival."

John Lennon appeared with Howard Cossell on Monday Football on December 9, 1974.

"Blue Christmas" By Elvis

Tonight as we decorate our Christmas tree with ornaments that have adorned our trees for decades, the Ghosts of Christmas Past will visit me and I will recall the happy holidays of days gone by.

Nashville Livability Project Kicked Off Today At Fifty Forward Knowles Center

Many Nashville Baby Boomers Enjoy Walking On The City's Greenways

Today Mayor Karl Dean will gave opening remarks at the kickoff today for the Nashville Livability Project at the Fifty Forward Knowles Center. The Livability Project was announced in September following the report from a task force convened by Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors to study Nashville’s changing demographics. The task force developed recommendations in the areas of housing, transportation, support services, and civic engagement focused on making Nashville a livable community for retiring baby boomers and residents of all ages. Members from the Livable Communities Task Force worked together with representatives from the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee, Healthy Nashville Leadership Council and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to identify commonalities among their work and develop a plan for implementing their recommendations.

The Livable Communities Task Force report is available here.

Nat King Cole, " The Christmas Song" 1961

Nat King Cole's classic rendition of this timeless holiday song brings back vivid memories of my childhood and how my family celebrated Christmas.

Nashville's Christmas Tree Stands Tall On The Public Square


Last night Mayor Karl Dean and his family joined recording artist John Rich on the Public Square for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony that included a musical performances by a quartet from the Barbershop Harmony Society and Country music trio Carter’s Chord. Actors from the Tennessee Repertory Theatre also performed a scene from this year’s holiday production of "A Christmas Story."

The The 30-foot Norway spruce was lit at approximately 6:20 p.m.

Weekly Address By President Barack Obama December 5, 2009

Weekly Address: Pushing Forward on Jobs

December 05, 2009

Following the best jobs numbers since 2007, the President recognizes that such trends are cold comfort to those who are struggling and pledges to continue pushing forward towards positive job growth. President Obama looks back at the Jobs Forum he hosted days before and looks ahead to further action. He emphatically restates why he ran for President in the first place: "to fight for a country where responsibility is still rewarded, and hard-working people can get ahead."



For Immediate Release December 05, 2009
Weekly Address: President Obama Says Employment Trends Are Improving; But Remains Focused on Job Creation
WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama said the jobs numbers released yesterday indicate that the job loss trend is improving, but that his administration remains committed to accelerating these trends and putting more Americans back to work. Next week, the President will announce additional ideas about growing the economy and adding jobs to our economy.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
Saturday, December 5, 2009

Every month since January, when I became your President, I’ve spoken to you about the periodic reports of the Labor Department on the number of jobs created or lost during the previous month; numbers that tell a story about how America’s economy is faring overall.

In those first months, the numbers were nothing short of devastating. The worst recession since the 1930s had wreaked havoc on the lives of so many of our fellow Americans. Yesterday, the numbers released by the Labor Department reflected a continuing positive trend of diminishing job loss.

But for those who were laid off last month and the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs in this recession, a good trend isn’t good enough. Trends don’t buy the groceries. Trends don’t pay the rent or a college tuition. Trends don’t fulfill the need within each of us to be productive, to provide for our families, to make the most of our lives, to reach for our dreams.

So, it is true that we, as a country, are in a very different place than we were when 2009 began. Because of the Recovery Act and a number of other steps we’ve taken, we’re no longer facing the potential collapse of our financial system or a second Great Depression. We’re no longer losing jobs at a rate of 700,000 a month. And our economy’s growing for the first time in a year.

But too many of our neighbors are still out of work because the growth we’ve seen hasn’t yet translated into all the jobs we need. Stung by this brutal recession, businesses that have kept their doors open are still wary about adding workers. Instead of hiring, many are simply asking their employees to work more hours, or they’re adding temporary help.

History tells us this is usually what happens with recessions – even as the economy grows, it takes time for jobs to follow. But the folks who have been looking for work without any luck for months and, in some cases, years, can’t wait any longer. For them, I’m determined to do everything I can to accelerate our progress so we’re actually adding jobs again.

That’s why, this week, I invited a group of business owners from across the country to the White House to talk about additional steps we can take to help jumpstart hiring. We brought together unions and universities to talk about what we can do to support our workers today and prepare our students to outcompete workers around the world tomorrow. We brought together mayors and community leaders to talk about how we can open up new opportunities in our cities and towns.

On Friday, I spent the day in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and met with workers and small business owners there. I stopped by a steel company called Allentown Metal Works, and spoke at Lehigh Community College. I visited folks at a job placement center, and stopped by a shift change at Alpo. The stories and concerns I heard mirrored the countless letters I receive every single day. And they speak louder than any statistic or government report. The folks in Allentown – and in all the Allentowns across our country – are the most dedicated, productive workers in the world. All they’re asking for is a chance, and a fair shake.

And that’s exactly what I’m working to give them. In the coming days, I’ll be unveiling additional ideas aimed at accelerating job growth and hiring as we emerge from this economic storm.

And so that we don’t face another crisis like this again, I’m determined to meet our responsibility to do what we know will strengthen our economy in the long-run. That’s why I’m not going to let up in my efforts to reform our health care system; to give our children the best education in the world; to promote the jobs of tomorrow and energy independence by investing in a clean energy economy; and to deal with the mounting federal debt.

From the moment I was sworn into office, we have taken a number of difficult steps to end this economic crisis. We didn’t take them because they were popular or gratifying. They weren’t. We took these steps because they were necessary.

But I didn’t run for President to pass emergency recovery programs, or to bail out banks or to shore up auto companies. I didn’t run for President simply to manage the crisis of the moment, while kicking our most pressing problems down the road. I ran for President to help hardworking families succeed and to stand up for the embattled middle class. I ran to fight for a country where responsibility is still rewarded, and hard-working people can get ahead. I ran to keep faith with the sacred American principle that we will deliver to our children a future of even greater possibility.

And my commitment to you, the American people, is that I will focus every single day on how we can get people back to work, and how we can build an economy that continues to make real the promise of America for generations to come.

Nashville Christmas Parade, Tonight at 7 PM

The annual Nashville Christmas Parade, 1960's


The 57th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade hosted by Piedmont Natural Gas starts tonight at Sixth Avenue and Broadway at 7 pm and will move east to 2nd Avenue before crossing the Woodland Street Bridge to the LP Field.

Go to Pat Nolan's blog, The Spirit Of Sing Out South where Pat conjours the memory of Christmas Parades past.