Lots of goings on are coming up in the next days, weeks, and months... It's going to be a big year for us Chattanoogans, Tenneseeans, southeasterners, and Americans... maybe for us as a world - I hope so... So while you're thinking globally, here's some good chances to act locally, to borrow a cliche...

• Strides of March... take the walk, raise money and awareness for AIDS treatment and research. It's a great event... you'll never be sorry you went.
• Hamilton County is electing a new Sheriff... and he's a *bong!* (Sorry - couldn't resist)... Anyway there will be a candidate's forum Tuesday 2/28 (yes - that's tomorrow!!) at 6:00 p.m. in Grote Hall, across from the UTC University Center Auditorium. The candidates will be present to make their case - Dave Alverson (I) John A. Cupp, Jr.(R) Henry (Hank) DeArman (D) Andy Derryberry (R) William (Billy) H. Long (D)
• LaFrederick Thirkill has written and is directing a play based on the true story of Ed Johnson, a black man who was lynched in 1906 in Chattanooga. The name of the play is Dead Innocent: The Ed Johnson Story. It will be performed as part of the centennial remembrance of Johnson's execution. The play will open April 14, 2006 at Chattanooga State. I'll get you more details as I have them. P.S. I'm told I will have a role.
• Terry Stulce will run to replace Zach Wamp, whose seat will be open as a result of his promise to self-limit his terms in Congress who will run as a strong Republican incumbent. Zach is a good man, one well loved around town, and he has even flirted with principled political stands... But he's wrong on practically every major and minor issue - particularly those the Party Leader has thrust upon the nation. To re-elect him, no matter how amazing his brother is, would be validating and preserving all of the things that have gone wrong with this country in the past few years. Terry Stulce, on the other hand... well, he has showed in a number of ways that he has what it takes to take this country beyond the grim years we face now. I hope you Chattanoogans will join me in supporting his candidacy.
• Bill Lusk will be campaigning to fill the vacancy left by the insufferable Chris Clem of the 27th district. I'll be knocking on doors for this one.
• John Brooks campaigns against Lou Miller for the Hamilton County Commission's District 6 seat. Please join me in supporting him if you are local to west Chattanooga.
• Keep up with Tennessee Ticket for all the latest on the races that will affect you and the nation this year.

Thanks, everyone for bearing with me this past week... As usual, despite my better intentions, my vacation from work was once again a vacation from blogging... Once I'm back in my daily rut, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of one another.