ATHENS, Tenn. (AP) BREDESEN Gov. Phil Bredesen on Tuesday said a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Tennessee may be “overkill,” but he nevertheless plans to vote for the measure in this fall’s election. Bredesen, a Democrat who’s running for re-election, said he doesn’t expect the gay marriage proposal to have a major effect…

Gene Lyons It’s amazing what you can learn in a supermarket checkout line. Like every red-blooded American man, I yearn to comfort poor Jennifer for what Brad did to her. I’m also worried about Chad Lowe and Hilary Swank, whoever they are. The tabloids say their marriage is on the rocks. Apparently, so is George…

Duane Sherrill Let me get one thing straight. I have no problem with a little mud slinging come election time provided the person who is slinging the mud stands up and takes credit for the slinging. What? Duane doesn?t mind a little slinging? Nope, and I?ll tell you why. The main reason I support a…

William Rusher The American people had better brace themselves for a truly awful barrage of “news” about what happened last November in Haditha. Haditha is a small Iraqi town west of Baghdad. Exactly what happened there is still under investigation, and what follows is therefore subject to qualification as the facts emerge. But it appears…

Presented by the Department of Urban Forestry, 474-TREE Introduced to the plant community in 1876, the Japanese Tree Lilac is native to Northern Japan. The Latin name Syringa is actually derived from the Greek word ?syrinx? meaning ?hollow stem?, and ancient Greek doctors supposedly used these stems to inject medications into their patients or bleed…

Mark Halcomb UT Nursery Specialist When Dormant oil is not applied as it should be, then we are forced to spray the summer oils for specific pests, such as the white peach tree scale on ash. I have had some reservations, due to my lack of experience, but we must learn how to use them…

Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I need to get some legal help for my 72-year-old mother but am not sure where to turn. A friend recommended I find an attorney that specializes in elder law but I?m not familiar with this. What can you tell me about elder law and where can I find some…

Photo provided Stephanie Gail Short and Bobby Lee Sparkman were wed at Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawaii. A reception was given in the couple?s honor at Falcon Rest. Stephanie Gail Short of Nashville and Bobby Lee Sparkman were married March 20 at Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawaii. The bride is the daughter of Steve and…

By MARGARET HOBBS Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Delicious food choices were available from vendors throughout the night at Relay. Olivia Majors happily serves an apple covered in caramel sauce. Despite wet conditions, the threat of rain and lots of mud, the fourth annual Relay for Life fundraiser was held Friday night at Warren…

Jenny Harper It?s true ? the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, fixing dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Senior Culinary Specialist for the Nestl? Test Kitchens, you can…