WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI has fired a longtime agent who once worked on special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation after he sent text messages criticizing President Donald Trump to a colleague.

2. Follow the Rules for Sending Commercial Email Messages - Tuesday, August 7, 2018

If you’re like me, you regularly receive emails from people or companies you don’t know, peddling products or services you have no interest in. Sorting through them can be time-consuming and annoying. If they don’t comply with requirements for sending commercial messages, they’re illegal.

3. Artists vs. Madison Hotel Developers Settlement Hangs on Text Message - Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The ongoing eviction case between two local artists and a Chicago-based hotel group took a turn for the plaintiff Wednesday in Circuit Court.

The counsel for Aparium Hotel Group and G4 Partners, which are planning a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Madison Hotel and the adjacent 1 S. Main, learned Wednesday local artist Sarah Fleming, one of the evicted artists, is not part of the settlement agreement pending between the parties.

4. Former Football Player Mario Reed Spreads Message of Never Losing Hope - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

It took relatively little time for Mario Reed to figure out that to survive in a life without the use of his arms and legs – taken from him in a split second during a high school football game in 1997, he would have to look inward – as deep as he could go.

5. Civil Rights Cold Case Bill Nears Passage - Thursday, April 19, 2018

Years of work behind her, state Rep. Johnnie Turner is making the final push for creation of a state body designed to initiate investigations into civil rights cold cases, potentially solving decades-old murders or giving people the opportunity to put a heinous act behind them.

6. Akbari’s Expungement Bill Moves Toward Passage - Saturday, March 31, 2018

NASHVILLE – Buoyed by the support of Gov. Bill Haslam, legislation making it less expensive for non-violent felons to clear their records is rolling through the General Assembly.

House bill 1862, sponsored by Rep. Raumesh Akbari, is set to be heard April 2 in the full House after clearing the Finance, Ways & Means Committee this week with no debate or opposition.

7. Hopdoddy Sets Date For Overton Square Opening - Saturday, March 24, 2018

Hopdoddy Burger Bar has announced it’s opening its first Memphis location on April 2 at Overton Square.

Hopdoddy works directly with farmers and ranchers around the country to source the best ingredients available. In addition to favorites like the Buffalo Bill – made with a bison patty, Frank’s Hot Sauce, bacon, blue jack cheese and “sassy sauce” – Hopdoddy will roll out new food and drink items for the first time.

8. EPE Expansion in Limbo, Overton Square Restaurant Sets Opening Date - Monday, March 26, 2018

3734 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38116

Project Cost: $22 million

Owner: Elvis Presley Enterprises

Details: Elvis Presley Enterprises’ expansion plans have been put on hold for the second straight month as the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County board continues to sort out if any implications will stem from approving bond financing for the Whitehaven project.

9. Hopdoddy Sets Date For Overton Square Opening - Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Hopdoddy Burger Bar has announced it’s opening its first Memphis location on April 2 at Overton Square.

Hopdoddy works directly with farmers and ranchers around the country to source the best ingredients available. In addition to favorites like the Buffalo Bill – made with a bison patty, Frank’s Hot Sauce, bacon, blue jack cheese and “sassy sauce” – Hopdoddy will roll out new food and drink items for the first time.

10. SCO Reports 100 Percent Optometry Board Passage - Saturday, February 10, 2018

Every student in the Southern College of Optometry’s most recent graduating class passed the National Board optometry exam, making the Memphis college the only one in the nation with 100 percent passage rate.

11. SCO Reports 100 Percent Optometry Board Passage - Thursday, February 8, 2018

Every student in the Southern College of Optometry’s most recent graduating class passed the National Board optometry exam, making the Memphis college the only one in the nation with 100 percent passage rate.

12. Massage Envy 'Shaken' By Reported Sexual Misconduct at Spas - Wednesday, December 6, 2017

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Massage Envy says reports of sexual misconduct at its franchise spas are "heartbreaking" and that it is strengthening screening and reporting procedures.

The release of a six-point plan by the national company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, follows an investigative report last week by the BuzzFeed News website.

13. EPA, Herbicide Makers Agree To New Dicamba Usage Rules - Wednesday, October 18, 2017

The Trump administration has reached a deal with three major agribusiness companies for new voluntary labeling requirements for a controversial herbicide blamed for damaging crops.

The Environmental Protection Agency reached an agreement with Monsanto, BASF and DuPont regarding the application of dicamba, which is used to control weeds in fields of genetically modified cotton and soybeans. Farmers who don’t buy the resistant seeds sold by the herbicide makers have complained that dicamba sprayed on neighboring properties drifts over and harms their crops, resulting in temporary bans issued last summer by state officials in Arkansas and Missouri.

14. For Memphis Libraries, ‘Start Here’ Message is Reality - Thursday, September 28, 2017

At a time when it might seem that the usefulness of public libraries is waning, they are reemerging as 21st century community hubs — democratic spaces where people from every walk of life can encounter humanity, the elusive element technology cannot conquer.

15. Hurricanes Deliver Pain And Important Message - Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Tens of thousands are still dealing with the floods and aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, even as at least one more storm approaches the U.S. mainland. It’s gut-wrenching to see all the devastation and havoc these storms have caused.

16. Tennessee's 6-6 Freshman Has a Message: ‘I Will Not Eat You’ - Friday, April 21, 2017

Tennessee football coach Butch Jones knew he got a special player when he signed five-star offensive lineman Trey Smith of University School of Jackson.

Jones says he got a special person in Smith, too.

17. Memphis, Nashville Mayors Praise Passage of Haslam’s Road Funding Bill - Thursday, April 20, 2017

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland lauded the Tennessee Legislature for passing the IMPROVE Act, including a combination of fuel tax and fee increases designed to improve transportation funding.

18. IMPROVE Act Moves Closer to Passage - Wednesday, March 29, 2017

With hardly a peep of discontent from lawmakers, the governor’s IMPROVE Act containing fuel-tax increases and a host of tax cuts moved out of the House Local Government Committee today.

It heads next to a House Finance committee, where the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Barry Doss, predicts it won’t face a fight.

19. Tennessee Group Sues Over State Horse Massage Regulation - Monday, March 13, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee free-market group is suing the state over regulation of horse massage therapy.

The Beacon Center Legal Foundation on Thursday sued the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in Davidson County Chancery Court.

20. View From the Hill: House Leaders Still Figuring Out Sexual Harassment Policy - Thursday, March 2, 2017

In a case of déjà vu all over again, Democratic state Rep. Bo Mitchell isn’t willing to give Republican House leaders a break on their handling of former Rep. Mark Lovell’s resignation for alleged sexual misconduct.

21. Transportation Department Holds Contest for Message Signs - Wednesday, February 1, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee motorists can try their hand at coming up with a winning safety message for the overhead message signs on the state interstate highways.

The state Department of Transportation says it's holding a contest again this year for a catchy safety message.

22. Williams Sausage to Build New Facility in Obion County - Monday, January 30, 2017

UNION CITY, Tenn. (AP) – State officials say Williams Sausage Co. plans to build a second plant in Union City, creating 226 new jobs over the next five years.

23. House Leader Says Haslam’s IMPROVE Act Will Need More Votes for Passage - Monday, January 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam made his pitch on a multi-faceted fuel-tax increase, softened by an array of tax breaks this week. Now, he has to seal the deal.

With some of Tennessee’s liberal lawmakers noting the IMPROVE Act comes with a “lot of moving parts,” Haslam will have to put a full-court press on the state’s most conservative legislators in order to pass the bill.

24. Retirement Drawdown – Which First? - Friday, December 2, 2016

Ray’s Take It’s not what you earn, but what you keep. That old saying is true when saving for retirement, and it’s just as important – if not more so – when it comes to withdrawing money from your various retirement accounts.

25. Cox Release Sends Message: Get Better or Goodbye - Friday, December 2, 2016

As the Tennessee Titans headed out the door for some long-overdue bye week days off, one veteran got more than he expected – the rest of the season off.

Perrish Cox was hardly the only member of the Titans secondary to have struggled this year, but his play, particularly in the past two games, was plenty suspect, and the guess here is that when he fell down on a first-and-goal play – bailed out only when Bears receiver Josh Bellamy inexplicably dropped a game-winning touchdown – that that was the final straw for Coach Mike Mularkey and general manager Jon Robinson.

26. Johnson’s Impact on Titans Locker Room Will Outlive Tenure - Friday, November 4, 2016

Outside of his game-winning touchdown catch that capped a comeback in Detroit, Andre Johnson didn’t do much on the stat sheet for the Tennessee Titans.

27. Unhappy Target Customers Send Strong Message on Pill Bottles - Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Longtime customers of Target's pharmacies are finding a change in pill bottle design hard to swallow.

After CVS began operating Target's drugstores earlier this year, distraught customers have been asking – in some cases begging – the drugstore chain to bring back the retailer's red prescription bottles, which came with color-coded rings, labeling on the top and prescription information that was easier to read.

28. U of M Athletics to Sell Tickets Via Text Message - Saturday, July 30, 2016

The University of Memphis Athletics Department has announced a new partnership with sales technology company ReplyBuy, a global sales platform that combines mobile messaging, payments and digital commerce.

29. U of M Athletics to Sell Tickets Via Text Message - Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The University of Memphis Athletics Department has announced a new partnership with sales technology company ReplyBuy, a global sales platform that combines mobile messaging, payments and digital commerce.

30. Massage Service Soothe Comes to Memphis - Saturday, July 23, 2016

The on-demand massage service Soothe has arrived in Memphis.

The company’s model is built around connecting vetted, certified massage therapists to a customer’s home, office or hotel in as little as one hour. Soothe has already launched in 32 cities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. since its inception in 2013 and has plans to expand to 50 cities by year’s end.

31. On-Demand Massage Service Soothe Comes to Memphis - Monday, July 18, 2016

The on-demand massage service Soothe has arrived in Memphis.

The company’s model is built around connecting vetted, certified massage therapists to a customer’s home, office or hotel in as little as one hour. Soothe has already launched in 32 cities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. since its inception in 2013 and has plans to expand to 50 cities by year’s end.

32. With Economic View Hazy, a Wait-and-See Fed Message Expected - Tuesday, June 14, 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) – It's all about the data. For months, the Federal Reserve has said that once economic data showed a consistently healthy economy, it would be time to resume raising interest rates. And for almost as long, the data has shown improvement and suggested that a rate hike was likely this summer.

33. De-Annexation Bill Amended But Still on Path to Passage - Thursday, March 24, 2016

A state Senate committee considering amendments to the de-annexation bill pending in the Tennessee Legislature has amended it to allow for de-annexation by referendum anywhere in the state.

The committee got through two of 13 proposed amendments Wednesday, March 23, and will resume work on the amendments next week.

34. Assessment of Broadband Access and Usage in Tennessee Begins - Thursday, January 7, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A state official is announcing the launch of an assessment of broadband access and usage in Tennessee.

Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said the assessment is an impartial survey of broadband access, adoption and usage in Tennessee's rural, suburban and urban communities. The department will then offer strategies to drive broadband usage.

35. Chinese Medicinal Herbs Provide Niche Market for US Farmers - Monday, December 28, 2015

DELMAR, N.Y. (AP) – Expanding interest in traditional Chinese medicine in the United States is fostering a potentially lucrative new niche market for farmers who plant the varieties of herbs, flowers and trees sought by practitioners.

36. US Muslims Hope New Billboards Reclaim Islam's Message - Friday, September 4, 2015

BOSTON (AP) — Dozens of billboards with Muslim themes are sprouting nationwide, proclaiming what organizers say is the true message of Islam and its prophet, Muhammad: peace and justice, not extremism and violent jihad.

37. Trade Bill Clears Senate Hurdle, At Brink of Final Passage - Wednesday, June 24, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate pushed bipartisan trade legislation to the brink of final approval Tuesday in a combined effort by President Barack Obama and Republican congressional leaders to rescue a measure that appeared all but dead less than two weeks ago.

38. Park Avenue Massage Parlor Closed As Public Nuisance - Tuesday, March 24, 2015

A Park Avenue business with a stripper pole in its waiting room has been closed since Friday, March 20, as a public nuisance.

The District Attorney General’s office sought a court order to shutter Lilly’s Spa. The owners of Lilly’s face prostitution charges from a connected investigation by the Memphis Police Organized Crime Unit.

39. $42 Million Permit Filed For Target Fulfillment Center - Tuesday, January 27, 2015

5461 Davidson Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Permit Amount: $42 million

40. 2 Hospitality Companies Buy Union Ave. Sites - Saturday, January 24, 2015

A hospitality company has acquired a key piece of Downtown property for $440,000.

Suna Hospitality LLC purchased the office building at 400 Union Ave. Downtown from Judy Sossaman Brantley, according to a Jan. 12 warranty deed. The property, formerly home to Sullivan Branding after cs2 and Thompson & Co. merged, is strategically located on the north side of Union between South Lauderdale Street and Danny Thomas Boulevard.

41. Hospitality Company Buys 400 Union - Thursday, January 22, 2015

A hospitality company has acquired a key piece of Downtown property for $440,000.

Suna Hospitality LLC purchased the office building at 400 Union Ave. Downtown from Judy Sossaman Brantley, according to a Jan. 12 warranty deed. The property, formerly home to Sullivan Branding after cs2 and Thompson & Co. merged, is strategically located on the north side of Union between South Lauderdale Street and Danny Thomas Boulevard.

42. Hotel Owner Buys Union Avenue Property - Wednesday, January 21, 2015

A business affiliated with a local hotel operator has purchased a key piece of Downtown real estate.

GCG Hospitality Inc. has purchased the property at 310 Union Ave., located at Union and Danny Thomas Boulevard, from Sandy and Sage LLC for $1.2 million, according to a Jan. 13 warranty deed.

43. For Tigers, Any Win is Good - Friday, December 19, 2014

The Tigers’ problems are solved. Or at least they are when they make 11 threes, shoot 52.4 percent from long range, and almost 80 percent at the free-throw line.

So let’s reframe things: For a night, this was how the University of Memphis got around their worst habit – giving the ball to the other team.

44. How to Gain Immunity From Funding Cuts - Monday, December 8, 2014

Martin Elliott, senior director of Mattel Inc.’s New Business Ventures, tells innovators how to avoid the budget cut thresher. Think like a V.C.

45. Christmas As It Was - Saturday, December 6, 2014

The hustle and bustle of a 21st Century Christmas and holiday season can be overwhelming, but the Historic Ramsey House offers a view of a bygone era.

Area residents and visitors have an opportunity to travel back to a time when life was slower and an orange in the stocking and a wooden doll under the tree was reason for excitement.

46. See Spot Relax: Pet Massage Gaining Popularity - Monday, December 1, 2014

PHOENIX (AP) – Spa treatments don't stop with people. You won't see any aromatherapy candles around, but animals get massages, too, and it's become a regular service that many pet owners value as more than just glorified petting.

47. Alexander Returns to Positive Message for Final Ad - Tuesday, October 28, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is returning to familiar themes touting his long political career in Tennessee in what his campaign is calling the "closing TV ad" of his race against Democratic challenger Gordon Ball.

48. Michelle's Message - Thursday, September 18, 2014

First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Wednesday, Sept. 18, was a tightly scripted affair that afforded her an up-close look at the world-renowned hospital and a cross-section of its precocious patients, who she met with in an activity room as they worked on a project.

49. What’s Your Investment Risk Profile? - Thursday, July 31, 2014

Ray’s Take Risk. It’s something we are all involved in every day – sometimes consciously and sometimes not.

Just walking out the door of our homes and driving our cars involves a level of risk we don’t think about. We just assume we will arrive at our destination in good shape. There’s our daily subconscious risk.

50. Obsidian Partners For Digital Usage Survey - Saturday, June 28, 2014

Obsidian Public Relations has again partnered with Research Dynamics Inc. to conduct its 2014 Mid-South Digital Engagement Survey, which will be available at digitalmidsouth.com from Monday, June 23, to July 11.

51. Bosse’s Commitment, Expertise Aid CPA Firm - Saturday, May 10, 2014

Helping individuals and businesses manage and keep track of assets and investments is an important task for a CPA firm like Cannon Wright Blount, a Memphis-based company that’s always looking to break away from the pack and distinguish itself in terms of products and service offerings.

52. Senate Nears Passage of Jobless-Benefits Bill - Tuesday, April 8, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) – Capping a three-month struggle, the Senate closed in Monday on passage of election-year legislation to restore jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed that expired late last year.

53. Lebanon’s Pody Works for Amendment Passage - Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Helping people with insurance requires the ability to plan for multiple scenarios.

That’s something Rep. Mark Pody, a Republican from Lebanon, Tenn., has taken with him to the Tennessee General Assembly, and he says it helps even when everyone is in agreement on a bill’s final outcome.

54. ‘Memphis Message’ - Saturday, March 22, 2014

During the recent Trans-Pacific Maritime conference in Long Beach, Calif., Memphis business leaders like Neely Mallory and Buzz Fly extolled the virtues of doing business in the Bluff City.

When FedEx founder, chairman and CEO Fred Smith addressed the crowd, the Greater Memphis Chamber’s logo was featured prominently on the large screen to his left.

55. Bipartisan Budget Agreement Nears Final Passage - Thursday, December 19, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate lined up Wednesday to give final congressional approval to legislation scaling back across-the-board cuts on programs ranging from the Pentagon to the national park system, adding a late dusting of bipartisanship to a year more likely to be remembered for a partial government shutdown and near-perpetual gridlock.

56. Nonprofit Alliance Retools Logo, Website, Message - Tuesday, September 17, 2013

About this time last year, CEO Nancy McGee of the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence decided to evaluate the organization’s internal and external messaging.

57. Prodigi Arts Unveils New Website, Message - Saturday, August 10, 2013

Memphis-based creative production agency Prodigi Arts has a new logo, website, staff and central message.

The business is expanding its digital repertoire to include photo manipulation, live-action animation and stop-motion. It was founded in 2008 with a goal of bringing the animation industry to Memphis.

58. Prodigi Arts Unveils New Website, Message - Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Memphis-based creative production agency Prodigi Arts has a new logo, website, staff and central message.

The business is expanding its digital repertoire to include photo manipulation, live-action animation and stop-motion. It was founded in 2008 with a goal of bringing the animation industry to Memphis.

59. St. Jude Delivers Message Internationally - Saturday, August 3, 2013

Since 1994, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has exported its research and pediatric cancer care model to grassroots organizations and hospitals in 14 countries with limited resources.

While there are relatively high cure rates of pediatric cancer in the U.S., many countries not too far from the U.S., including Mexico and much of Central and South America, have far lower survival rates, says Dr. Raul Ribeiro, director of the International Outreach Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Center.

60. Reports Reflect Fed's Message of Stronger Economy - Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. housing recovery is strengthening. Factories are fielding more orders. And Americans' confidence in the economy has reached its highest point in 5.5 years.

That brightening picture, captured in four reports Tuesday, suggests that the economy could accelerate in the second half of the year. It underscores the message last week from the Federal Reserve, which plans to slow its bond-buying program this year and end it next year if the economy continues to strengthen. The Fed's bond purchases have helped keep long-term interest rates low.

61. Events - Saturday, April 27, 2013

ArtsMemphis will present the Stax to the Max music festival Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. outside the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 E. McLemore St. Admission to the festival is free; discounted museum tickets are $2 between noon and 5 p.m. Visit staxmuseum.com.

62. Rotten Golden Apples in a Can - Thursday, April 25, 2013

It has been a particularly tough stretch for sage taxicab investors. My recent taxi tips have centered on three clear winners. Gold, Apple and Cash. Let’s evaluate.

Cab Tip #1: Central Bank Money Printing = Gold Prices Rising

63. Choose901 Celebrates One Year of Upbeat Message - Monday, April 1, 2013

One phrase has been popping up in the local social media world with increasingly frequency over the past year.

Choose901.

It refers to a campaign led by the civic group City Leadership, and it’s designed to do exactly what the name says.

64. A Higher Order of Sausage - Friday, March 1, 2013

GOD’S SAUSAGE. (When you see this column, it’s the 40 Days of Waffle Shop again, so strike while the iron is hot.)

“You might just be a copywriter,” Brick Muller said, staring down at the piece of paper I’d just handed him. On it was an ad idea I’d just pounded out on the 1948 Royal typewriter he was paying me to use as a copywriter. The fact that this was his first recognition that I might be one was gratifying since I’d already been there for nine months.

65. Message from the DOC - Thursday, February 28, 2013

The voice mail message on my private office line went like this: “This is (name omitted) at (address omitted). Recycling gave me this number. I’m trying to get a trash barrel for my house. It’s been three months since we had one, and I’m using my neighbor’s. Someone get in touch with me as soon as possible at (phone number omitted).”

66. Sharing a Student’s Success - Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Last week we highlighted our Samaritans Feet Shoe Distribution, providing more than 300 youth with new socks, shoes and unconditional compassion. This week, extending our “youthful” theme, let us turn the spotlight on a high school student who has overcome tremendous adversity to become a local success story.

67. Starbucks Cups to Come With a Political Message - Thursday, December 27, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Starbucks is using its coffee cups to jump into the political fray in Washington.

The world's biggest coffee chain is asking employees at cafes in the Washington, D.C., area to scribble the words "Come Together" on cups for drink orders on Thursday and Friday. CEO Howard Schultz says the words are intended as a message to lawmakers about the damage being caused by the divisive negotiations over the "fiscal cliff."

68. Brewer’s Publishing Unit Releases New Music - Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The new music publishing company from film director and Memphis native Craig Brewer has released its first song collection, Memphis musician Jason Freeman’s 10-song LP “Hex & Hell.”

69. Growing Together: Synthetic Teamwork - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

In Henry Mintzberg’s 1994 landmark book, “The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning,” the author calls for a new method to create effective strategies. He notes that “Strategic planning isn’t strategic thinking. One is analysis, the other is synthesis.”

70. McDonald’s Message - Monday, October 1, 2012

It has been a whirlwind for Dr. Mary McDonald since the end of June when she left as the superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. Just in September, she spent some 20 days on the road.

71. Author, Veteran Preaches Mentorship Message - Monday, September 24, 2012

Waiting in Studio A of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where the ghosts of soul icons swirled around students who sang in loud clear voices, U.S. Army veteran, author and businessman Wes Moore knew what he was looking at.

72. Massage Envy Event Benefits Arthritis Foundation - Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Arthritis Foundation and Massage Envy have teamed up to host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, Massage Envy clinics in Memphis will donate $10 from every one-hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation.

73. Grant to Improve Med Usage Among High-Risk Patients - Thursday, July 12, 2012

A group of community health care partners will receive an award to improve medication adherence and effective medication usage among high-risk patients in Northwest and Southwest Memphis.

The award for nearly $3 million from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Innovation Center will be administered through partners University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Methodist North Hospital; Methodist South Hospital; QSource; United Healthcare; BlueCross BlueShield and its BlueCare Medicaid plan; Southwest Tennessee Community College; Tennessee Pharmacists Association; and the Bluff City, Bin Sina, and Memphis Medical Societies.

74. The Main Message - Friday, May 18, 2012

Downtown’s South Main neighborhood has grown over the years into a bustling community of restaurants and retail shops – a far cry from its past as a mostly vacant neighborhood that attracted artists with cheap rent and eclectic architecture.

75. ‘Positive Message’ - Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The most recent figures from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development show a falling jobless rate for the Memphis metro area.

New, more current figures will be out later this month that show the area’s latest unemployment picture. But in the meantime, the Memphis area has played host to one job fair after another in recent days, while across the state there have been more than 20 such fairs in the past 15 months.

76. Haslam Expects Passage of Parking Lot Guns Bill - Thursday, February 23, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican Gov. Bill Haslam says he expects lawmakers to pass a bill this year to force businesses to allow workers to store firearms in vehicles parked on company lots, though he doesn't expect the measure to be as broad as originally introduced.

77. Dr. Scholl's Hoping to Massage Rickety Image - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Dr. Scholl's wants to massage its arthritic image.

The 106-year-old company is airing TV ads beginning Monday to recast its orthopedic shoe inserts as "energizing cushions" that help people live life to the fullest.

78. Local QR Real Estate Usage Grows Slowly - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

First seen in Japan in the mid-1990s, quick response codes could add momentous efficiency in the residential real estate world, allowing virtual tours of houses to take place on mobile devices.

But only 14 million American mobile device users have interacted with a QR code, according to recent study by digital business analytics firm comScore Inc. That means less than 5 percent of the American public has scanned a QR code.

79. Put Your Legacy Into Words - Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Last week we spotlighted BRIDGES, an organization helping to build a community of leaders to advance racial, economic, educational, and environmental justice. This week, as we reflect on a recent visit from LPBC guest speaker Dr. Joseph Michelli, let us share some of his sage advice, which could redefine priorities and ignite our effect on future generations: a legacy statement.

80. Obama Uses Tax Proposals for His Political Message - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Aiming tax increases at millionaires and companies that ship jobs abroad may help frame the fairness theme of President Barack Obama's re-election campaign, but it's a plan that stands virtually no chance of passing Congress.

81. Some Big Taste Found in Small Calif. Winery Cimerone - Monday, December 19, 2011

The small production wines of Cimerone Vineyards are available in limited quantities in a few states and by mail order only in California, and the winery does not offer a tasting-room. Pretty exclusive stuff, but because of a friendship between owners Roger and Priscilla Higgins and a local wine retailer, some cases of the Cimerone wines can be found in Memphis.

82. Message of Hope - Thursday, December 15, 2011

Bruce Hopkins, First Tennessee Bank’s president of banking for West Tennessee, couldn’t attend last year’s Greater Memphis Chamber annual chairman’s luncheon.

83. Cross Creek Shopping Ctr. Sells for $12.7 Million - Tuesday, November 22, 2011

3469 Riverdale Road, 3505 Riverdale Road and 3587 Riverdale Road
Memphis, TN 38115
Sale Amount: $12.7 million

84. Seek Out This Big-Hearted Wine From Southern France - Monday, November 21, 2011

Catherine Le Goeuil was the first grower in the hamlet of Cairanne, France, to farm vines organically, and even in these more enlightened, eco-conscious times, she is still looked upon with suspicion and resentment. Let the foolish rave, because Le Goeuil makes what is perhaps the finest expression of a Côtes-du-Rhônes Villages from this tiny area in the Vaucluse where Cairanne is one of 17 villages whose names are permitted on labels. We’re talking about way down in the South of France.

85. Bartlett Apartments Financed for $2.6M - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Reese Road Apartments LLC has filed a $2.6 million mortgage through U.S. Bank NA for Reese Road Apartments at 2403 E. Reese Grove Road after a number of quitclaims transferring the property to the limited liability company.

86. Douglas Gives Message of Hope for Cancer Patients - Monday, November 7, 2011

Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas openly shared the story of his battle with cancer Friday, Nov. 4, at the 10th annual Methodist Cancer Center Luncheon at The Peabody hotel, 149 Union Ave.

87. Raviolo Remains Popular Choice at Restaurant Iris - Monday, October 24, 2011

Another entry in the occasional “Signature Dish” series.

Let’s settle one thing first. Kelly English, owner and chef of Restaurant Iris, is the brother of Todd English, but not the Todd English who’s a celebrated chef in New York and the owner of a string of famous restaurants. No, it just happens that Kelly English has a younger brother whose name happens to be Todd. “If you ask me if I’m Todd English’s brother and I say ‘yes,’ well, I’m not lying,” he said recently at the Midtown restaurant. “I’m just not saying which Todd English it is.”

88. iPad Becomes Essential Tool for Brokers - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Commercial real estate brokers and their clients are warming up to the trend of using the iPad as an everyday tool for conducting business.

Since its debut this past March, the iPad 2 – Apple Inc.’s ubiquitous tablet computer – is quickly gaining a foothold as a standard tool for many in the industry.

89. Woodruff to Deliver Message of Love, Hope - Monday, October 17, 2011

Best-selling author and ABC “Good Morning America” contributor Lee Woodruff will deliver her message of love, hope and perseverance to a Memphis audience Tuesday, Oct. 18, at The Peabody hotel.

90. Staub Brings Small-Business Message Home - Friday, September 30, 2011

Small-business coach Robert Staub couldn’t have chosen a more ideal day and setting than Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Shelby Farms Park to complete his month-long, statewide “Grow Your Business Tour,” bringing strategy, support and camaraderie to Tennessee’s small-business owners.

91. Businesses Use Office Design to Promote Message - Thursday, September 22, 2011

Joey Hagan, principal of Architecture Inc., doesn’t work in an office so much as a playground.

92. Methodist Group Takes Message to D.C. - Wednesday, September 14, 2011

A group representing Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s Center of Excellence in Faith and Health – an interfaith collaborative center of research, innovation and training – has been asked to travel to the White House this month to share ideas with a group of health system and health policy leaders about crafting successful community partnerships and programs.

93. Urban Child Institute Studies Memphis’ Immigrant Children - Monday, August 22, 2011

The Memphis-based Urban Child Institute, 600 Jefferson Ave., says the growing racial and ethnic diversity of young children in Memphis reflects national trends. Children younger than 5 today are the most diverse group of Americans.

94. Sanon Joins Agape As Director of Operations - Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Julie Sanon has joined Agape Child & Family Services as director of operations.

Hometown: Leesburg, Fla.

Education: Psychology major from Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts

95. Grow Your Business Tour Takes Message Across State - Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Mid-South small-business coach Robert Staub is preparing to embark on a monthlong, statewide tour to bring his growth strategies to small-business owners in 13 Tennessee communities.

96. Shifting Restaurant Scene Sometimes Hard to Track - Monday, July 11, 2011

I was surprised to hear – from a friend in the wine business, which is how a great deal of restaurant news travels – that Karen Ross had left Erling Jensen: The Restaurant after serving as chef de cuisine for four years. Ross and executive chef and owner Erling Jensen made a good team and worked together extremely well in that kitchen.

97. New Venture to Manage Brewer’s Copyrights - Thursday, May 26, 2011

Memphis-based film director Craig Brewer and Kat Sage, founder of Red Wax Music Publishing Administration and Consulting, are joining forces in a new venture called BR2 Music Publishing. The concern will manage the copyrights for music in Brewer’s filmography and future projects.

98. Inspirational Message - Monday, May 23, 2011

For most of the evening receptions held in conjunction with the monthly Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club speaker series, a prominent individual imparts advice, lessons learned and other tidbits to an audience of business leaders and professionals.

99. Incorrect Message - Thursday, May 12, 2011

Mud Island resident Kelly Earnest was out of town when several recent days of torrential rain contributed to the Mississippi River’s historic rise and crest of nearly 48 feet this week.

100. Getting The IP Message - Thursday, April 21, 2011

Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of occasional law columns on intellectual property. More often than I like to remember, I have found myself in the unenviable position of “bad news messenger,” particularly for entrepreneurs who handled their own patent, trademark or copyright applications without understanding the complexities and difficulties involved. My role as a counselor too often turns to one of consoler due to a client’s inexperience. Sometimes, though, I can remedy their problems, but at great cost.