A year ago next week a group of Chattanoogans took it upon themselves to address the embarrassing state of local news & journalism through the creation of a real (not "alternative") news source. They did it (and continue to do it) for no money, with no startup capital, and in a town that values fear & favor over accuracy & honesty.
The Chattarati team haven't been perfect, and I still think they (understandably so) make the mistake of equating "being nice" with "being balanced", but in no uncertain terms they're most vital, interesting and immediate news source in Chattanooga.
Further, the manner in which they've embraced new media not as an add-on, but as core to who they are, should stand as a lesson to other news sources. Just today, in partnership with ChattOutLoud (and some great web work by Dryan), they'll be streaming the Mayor's State of the City live. With live chat. And Twitter integration. This isn't just a Chattarati perk. It's who they are, and it's the right way to be the "media", today.
So, next Wednesday come to Easy Bistro and celebrate Chattarati's 1 Year Anniversary. The gang has shown Chattanooga some love unlike many: with hard work, innovation, no b.s. and zero funding, and all of our lives have been enriched because of them.
John, Mike, Bill, David, Duttsie, Fake Ron, Chad Newton, Tiffanie, Aaron and anyone I may have missed: Thank You.
Matt McLelland from Warren-McLelland Aerial Photography sent me this photo (click for larger version) they took of Bonnaroo on Saturday. Only the very top portion of this image is the actual concert grounds, the vast majority of the 700 acres (more than a square mile) is taken up by campgrounds, which extend beyond the borders of this image. Our campsite was roughly fifty yards off the right edge of the photo, and the campgrounds went a good bit further than that.
Bonnaroo. It's just one of those things you've got to experience for yourself. There's really no way to wrap your mind around 100K people gathering and living in a giant tent city for 5 days with minimal "rules". It's a hot, filthy and relentless journey punctuated with moments insufficiently labeled "sublime".
Victor Huckabee took the inset pic of a girl in an orange dress, on her father's shoulders, wearing ear protection, listening to Bon Iver. Why anyone would bring their child to Bonnaroo is beyond me (I saw one couple with an infant). That this one took the time to do it correctly(?) has stuck with me. The photo is gorgeous and Victor has made it into a desktop which is currently on my iPhone and Macbook and you can download it here.
Also got to meet Ben Harper and watch his show backstage.
Apparently everyone decided to schedule an event for this Saturday, but consider checking out the latest event in the Back Row Film Series, FUEL, sponsored by the AEC and green|spaces.
Finally, we launched a new website for Easy Bistro. Check it out. Let us know what you think.
I think this is the most I've laughed reading a film review in a long time. From Aaron's recent review:
"The chemical paralytic is administered, the screen fills with white light, and before the condemned convict's eyes appear the words that no man wants to see at the end of his life: 'Directed by McG.'"
The duet with Ron Paul may be the funniest thing I've seen all year. I love The Internets (also, kids with way too much time on their hands & too much technology but who are also pretty awesome musicians).
