Nashville News Blog

From the Dept. of Sheesh, We Know, We Know: I certainly don't mean to make light of the grim stats circulating that Tennessee's death rate from cancer is the nation's fifth highest. But once you get through the package of stories over at the Tennessean, you see stories like this one that cite no-duh details like the fact that in rural parts of the state such as Pickett, Overton or Putnam County--where I grew up--people 1) still cook with lard, and 2) smoke a lot, even after they are diagnosed with lung cancer. I coulda told ya that. But when a resident admits to wondering why so many folks get cancer, you can only sadly shake your head at the lack of education as a more important lifestyle factor. ...

A day after the Metro Council basically stands up for him, Metro Parks Director Roy Wilson announces he's leaving to take a job in another state. ... Do people using vintage guitars made with endangered Madagascar rosewood BEFORE the Lacey Act feel just like people who still have/wear vintage fur? Either way, Gibson got raided yesterday for allegedly still importing the stuff. Possibly they used the old ship-it-to-Germany-first method. ...

Metro Council said yes to a new West Police Precinct and crime lab, but Eric Crafton said the proposal "hadn't been adequately thought out." Hmmm, poorly thought-out ideas + Eric Crafton? That sounds familiar. ... Bruce Springsteen plays tonight at Sommet, and if you don't go you'll regret it, because even if you don't care now, what will you do if you become a fan later and it's too late? ... Mayor Dean says flea markets and Christmas Village should stick around at the fairgrounds through 2010 until we figure out what to do with the whole place, but not auto racing or anything else.