<![CDATA[The Tennessean · Storify]]>http://storify.com/tennesseanNodeJS RSS ModuleWed, 22 May 2013 14:03:48 GMT<![CDATA[Willie Nelson birthday wishes]]>

A look at the social media reaction and wishes to country music star Willie Nelson on his 80th Birthday

Storified by The Tennessean · Tue, Apr 30 2013 09:12:53

Guess who the person on the left is. Today, he turns 80. I'll give you a hint: He's always on our mind. pic.twitter.com/meHSk1gMdc · The Tennessean
Steven Tyler sends a Hawaiian Birthday Message to Willie Nelson · willienelson
Happy 80th birthday, Willie Nelson! The "King of Country Music" graced our cover back in August 1978. (Cost: $1.00) pic.twitter.com/IZAAKSqHWQ · Newsweek
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/willie-nelson-birthday-wisheshttp://storify.com/tennessean/willie-nelson-birthday-wishesTue, 30 Apr 2013 16:12:53 GMT<![CDATA[Celebrities react to George Jones' death ]]>

Storified by The Tennessean · Fri, Apr 26 2013 09:37:50

The world may have lost the greatest country singer that ever lived. pic.twitter.com/tdID9Sm57r · Merle Haggard
@DierksBentley I scrolled back thru all your old pix & found this! Cherish the memories of @gjpossum #countrymusic pic.twitter.com/LQcRi50xrT · Adrian Taylor
R.I.P. .@gjpossum & prayers for Nancy Jones. pic.twitter.com/iB6yE7t3cD · Jimmy Wayne
RIP #GeorgeJones instagram.com/p/Yknjz0htsC/ · Jesse & Noah Bellamy
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/celebrities-react-to-george-jones-deathhttp://storify.com/tennessean/celebrities-react-to-george-jones-deathFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:37:50 GMT<![CDATA[Vine Valentines ]]>

We asked some Twitter friends and some fellow journalists if they’d be willing to experiment with Vine, a new video app that creates 6-second videos on a loop (sort of like an animated gif), to create quick video valentines cards. Here's what we've gotten.

Storified by The Tennessean · Mon, Feb 11 2013 05:48:44

The quadraVine Valentine with Ashley, Kate, Kat and Keith http://vine.co/v/bnVtjdzzW7w · Keith Miles
Vine Me 2 http://vine.co/v/bnVxeuetJvm · Keith Miles
Nashville Puppy Love · tndotcom
Have a heart Sweetheart! · tndotcom
Remember Gamma Blast loves you. #nashville #brandedentertainment http://vine.co/v/bnT90b2rl37 · Gamma_Chad
Be Vine Valentine http://vine.co/v/bnTpP6TIIBx · Keith Miles
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/vine-valentineshttp://storify.com/tennessean/vine-valentinesMon, 11 Feb 2013 13:48:44 GMT<![CDATA[Storm hits Mt. Juliet ]]>

Mt. Juliet was one of the hardest hit areas of Wednesday morning's storm.

Storified by The Tennessean · Wed, Jan 30 2013 06:55:36

The tornado warnings came after 3 a.m.
The damage was extensive.
Large trees down in damage path in #MtJuliet http://pic.twitter.com/SxC68gVH · Mt. Juliet Police
Photo of even more building damage in #MtJuliet http://pic.twitter.com/HSr4k8gX · Mt. Juliet Police
Photo of more building damage in #MtJuliet http://pic.twitter.com/VIZUpRJn · Mt. Juliet Police
Photo of additional building damage in #MtJuliet http://pic.twitter.com/zLnw7A68 · Mt. Juliet Police
Photo of third floor ripped away from building in #MtJuliet http://pic.twitter.com/VtmKbPnL · Mt. Juliet Police
Additional photo of a three story building that was damaged. Individuals were inside at the time. All are out & safe. http://pic.twitter.com/6YrrBrjK · Mt. Juliet Police
Extensive damage on Lebanon Road near N Mt Juliet Rd in #MtJuliet. Luckily, no injuries have been reported. http://pic.twitter.com/Bll0w3qf · Mt. Juliet Police
18-wheeler overturned in Hardee's parking lot in Mt. Juliet during suspected tornado touchdown http://pic.twitter.com/NJQBBYNp · Meagan O'Halloran
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/storm-hits-mt-juliethttp://storify.com/tennessean/storm-hits-mt-julietWed, 30 Jan 2013 14:55:36 GMT<![CDATA[Highway fatality signs trigger strong opinions]]>

After seeing a spike in traffic deaths early this year, the Tennessee Department of Transportation in April began posting a running fatality count on its 151 overhead highway electronic signs.

Storified by The Tennessean · Fri, Dec 28 2012 14:42:19

Officials hope drivers heed warning on highway signs, drive more ...Officials hope drivers heed warning on highway signs, drive more ...
Jul 20, 2012 ... Eastbound vehicles on Interstate 24 travel under a digital road sign Thursday stating the number of traffic fatalities...
On Thursday, state officials said they had not yet decided whether to continue using the signs to show traffic deaths in 2013.

TDOT spokeswoman Beth Emmons called the signs a "sobering reminder" that officials hope can lead to safer driving habits.


"It was always our goal to raise awareness, and we certainly think we have done that," she said. "People are always talking about it."


Indeed. The Tennessean posed this question on Twitter: Have the signs showing TN's traffic fatality count been effective in improving safety? 


Here are some highlights:

Kendell Poole, the director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, said in an interview with The Tennessean that he believes the signs have been effective in raising awareness about road safety. 

"We cannot ever get caught up in statistics that are meaningless. There are people who pass under those signs every day that have lost a loved one," he said. "We feel like, rather than it being morbid, that it is a positive message that will save more lives than we will ever know."


He said they aren't a distraction because drivers are "trained" to look at them for important information. Many are in more urban areas, where highway speeds tend to be lower, he said.

Here's some context on traffic fatalities in Tennessee.
Tennessee Traffic Fatalities - Databases | The TennesseanTennessee Traffic Fatalities - Databases | The Tennessean
Database: Tennessee Traffic Fatalities - District Report YTD 2011 vs. ... Compare traffic fatalities between 2011 and 2012 for each cou...
As of Friday, there were 1,002 traffic fatalities. There were 938 in all 2011, a nearly 50-year low.  Here's the daily traffic fatality report published by the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Tennessee Traffic Fatalities - Daily Report YTD ... - Tennessee.gov
TNFARS-Daily. Tennessee Traffic Fatalities - Daily Report. YTD 2011 vs. YTD 2012. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov...
In 1950, there were 747 traffic deaths in Tennessee. Traffic deaths peaked in 1973 with 1,444 fatalities. Below is a interactive graphic showing Tennessee's traffic deaths since 1950.

Chart: Traffic Deaths in TennesseeChart: Traffic Deaths in Tennessee
Traffic deaths in Tennessee peaked in 1973 when there were 1,444. Here's an interactive chart showing fatalities since 1950.
Finally, the Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to push traffic safety issues.
THP lowering traffic fatalities · knoxnews
Storify is a free online tool that assists reporters in gathering social media and internet links to tell stories. Tennessean reporter Duane Gang created this Storify. Reach him at 615-726-5982 or dgang@tennessean.com.
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/tennessee-highway-fatality-signs-trigger-strong-ophttp://storify.com/tennessean/tennessee-highway-fatality-signs-trigger-strong-opFri, 28 Dec 2012 22:42:19 GMT<![CDATA[Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2012 wrap up]]>

Bonnaroo 2012 comes to a close, but reliving the memories is only a click away. Follow The Tennessean's coverage of this year's music festival through photos, multimedia and personal stories from those who danced through the heat with the masses.

Storified by The Tennessean · Mon, Jun 11 2012 13:34:44

Bonnaroo proves to continue to grow in more ways than one.  Read Jessica Bliss and Jennifer Justus' article to count the ways.
undefinedundefined
By Jessica Bliss and Jennifer Justus The Tennessean Country or rap. Punk panache or bluesy ballads. Regardless of genre, live music maint...
In case you were thinking you were too young or old to attend Bonnaroo, think again. Click below to read about the festival's demographic.
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By Kevin Walters The TENNESSEAN MANCHESTER - When choosing a hat for the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, wearers want something fashionab...
Some people like Chris Taylor have lived in Manchester, the home of Bonnaroo, since they were in elementary school.  Bonnaroo has helped shape Manchester into a town synonymous with fun and family living.  Click below to understand the magic of living in a town that is invaded by thousands of music goers every year. 
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As Chris Taylor puts it, he doesn’t go to Bonnaroo. Bonnaroo comes to him. The Manchester, Tenn., resident lives less than a mile from ...
Who can forget the journey to Bonnaroo - stop and go, stop and go, and stop.  
Bonnaroo Traffic · Brightcove
Festival goers have to eat sometime, and Bonnaroo certainly offers some tasty treats.  Click below to see how music junkies quenched their need to feed.  
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By Jennifer Justus Tennessean Food Writer Oh to be a fly on the farm at Woodstock to see what they ate at festivals in 1969 (besides mush...
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By Jennifer Justus The Tennessean MANCHESTER - A miniature disco ball dangled from the awning out front of Eatbox Foodtruck, and a woman ...
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I never meant to have a health food day at Bonnaroo, but after taking down gourmet pizza and hot dogs, I really just wanted the crunch of...
NOLA Crawfish King demonstrates how to eat crawfish at Bonnaroo · Brightcove
With @sjcolgate81 - So much good food, Best of the week @Bonnaroo, @CrifDogs for sure!! We couldn't get enough! http://pic.twitter.com/0s6R81YF · Rebecca Colgate
The transition from average citizen to festhead can be daunting.  That's why Bonnaroo 2012 eased people into the groove as they arrived and set up camp.  Click below to read how the pre-fest began.
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The weather’s been kind, traffic has rolled through smoothly and everyone still has fresh ice in their cooler â€" there’s a thoroughl...
Rapper Yelawolf, Eminem's fellow conrad, kicked off Thursday night's music lineup.  Click below to see how he rapped and unwrapped the bonanza known as Bonnaroo.  
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Rising Alabama rapper Yelawolf â€" who spent a few of his formative years in Antioch, Tenn. â€" reminded the Thursday night Bonnaroo crow...
Alabama Shakes, a new up and coming rock band, rocked the Bonnaroo goers Thursday night.  The link below will showcase their talents.
undefinedundefined
Bonnaroo 2012 was guaranteed to be a big gig for up-and-coming roots-rockers Alabama Shakes, who've gone from playing cozy rock hangs lik...
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/cma-fest-and-bonnaroohttp://storify.com/tennessean/cma-fest-and-bonnarooMon, 11 Jun 2012 20:34:44 GMT<![CDATA[Father Ryan band marches in Macy's Parade]]>

The Tennessean will be traveling with the Father Ryan High School marching band, which will perform in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Follow the story in real time below.

Storified by The Tennessean · Mon, Nov 19 2012 15:18:36

Students are in the midst of a two-day bus ride to the Big Apple. They're filling time by coloring, watching movies and taking in the scenery and snacks at rest stops.
Father Ryan band en route to NYCFather Ryan band en route to NYC
Father Ryan High School Marching Band members prepare to board buses to New York City so they can march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade...
coloring with @Nick_Schulte on the way to New York! #happythanksgiving #ryannyc http://pic.twitter.com/R4316nJ0 · Kara Anton
School officials funneled donations to the band's trip. Extra fundraising is headed to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
Father Ryan band 'pays it forward' to help victims of SandyFather Ryan band 'pays it forward' to help victims of Sandy
Father Ryan High School's marching band will make the pilgrimage to New York City next week to take its place in the iconic Macy's Thanks...
Starting in the spring of 2012, the band began raising money to reach the parade. The band performed Keith Urban's "You Gonna Fly" at a reception for Capitol Records staff.
Urban Developments: Episode 115: Capitol Nashville You Gonna Fly · keithurban
The band only has 83 members this year. But the band, branded "the little band that could by" parents and students alike, won the Bands of America regional competition in Jacksonville, Fla. last year with a show inspired by Tron.
Father Ryan High School Marching Band 2011 BOA Regional Grand Champion · brandjournalist
Other shows have seen the band don ninja suits and wield katanas.
2010 Father Ryan High School Marching Band at Music City Invitational · nashvillepat

But if bass drums on four-armed carnies and bass drums on horse back are your thing, check out this clip.
Father Ryan Drumline 07 · ntwproductionsdrums

Storify is a free online tool that assists reporters in gathering social media and internet links to tell stories. Tennessean reporter Adam Tamburin created this Storify. Reach him at 615-726-5986 or atamburin@tennessean.com.

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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/father-ryan-band-marches-in-stylehttp://storify.com/tennessean/father-ryan-band-marches-in-styleMon, 19 Nov 2012 23:18:36 GMT<![CDATA[Storm rips through Middle TN on Thursday]]>

Severe weather and the possibility of a tornado in Franklin had Middle Tennessee buzzing on social media yesterday. Here's a collection of what Tennesseans saw during and after the storm.

Storified by The Tennessean · Fri, Apr 27 2012 06:20:07

Videog Steve Harman is out surveying #Franklin storm damage. Sent this pic in: http://twitpic.com/9ec6gu · The Tennessean
Franklin, Tenn. bears the brunt of the severe weather that passed through Middle Tennessee on Thursday.
A Twitter user, @CuttinUpRadio, took video of the Franklin storm as it rolled into the area.
Other users snap photos of the storm and post them on Twitter and Instagram.
@Tennessean weather at LP Field http://pic.twitter.com/A1Al9SDi · Ann D.
After the storm. http://instagr.am/p/J6KpOfHeu8/ · Jim Cheney
The sky tonight just before the storm - 4/26/2012 http://instagr.am/p/J6C4iigb6a/ · Jennifer
After the storm... #sunset #clouds #sunshine http://instagr.am/p/J58HlOk1Ib/ · Troy Bowman
The other side of the #horizon. #nofilter #sunset #brewing #storm #clouds http://instagr.am/p/J562BFlD6k/ · Ryanne Cody
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/storm-rips-through-middle-tn-on-thursdayhttp://storify.com/tennessean/storm-rips-through-middle-tn-on-thursdayFri, 27 Apr 2012 13:20:07 GMT<![CDATA[Pat Summitt era ends at UT; Holly Warlick named coach]]>

Pat Summitt has been named the Lady Vols’ head coach emeritus, and Holly Warlick has been named the new UT women’s basketball coach. Fans across the nation react to the news on social media.

Storified by The Tennessean · Wed, Apr 18 2012 13:02:37

Longtime University of Tennessee women's basketball head coach Patt Summitt stepping aside - InsideTennessee.com
Pat Summitt era ends at UT; Holly Warlick named coachPat Summitt era ends at UT; Holly Warlick named coach
The University of Tennessee announced today that head women's basketball coach Pat Summitt, the all-time wins leader among NCAA basketbal...
Come sign the We Back Pat billboard- now until 2 pm- @utmedicalcenter . Support Coach Summitt! http://pic.twitter.com/4Hmz6lH0 · JimRagonese
One of my pictures with Pat Summitt http://yfrog.com/hswu2dej · Judy_Winslow_

Even though the news was expected, this is still a sad day and great loss for us all.

— Debbie Hunt · Wed, Apr 18 2012 11:06:37

I am heart broken and thrilled all at the same time. Pat Summitt is the most dynamic coach ever to grace the floor. I am so angry that her health took her away from the game that she brought so much class too. I am thrilled that Holly Warlick is picking up the pieces of the program and moving it forward, she is a wonderful person and will keep the Lady Vols program safe and secure.

— Phil Garris · Wed, Apr 18 2012 11:10:08

A part of my soul is dying Pat Summitt is retiring.

— Amanda Elizabeth Farmer · Wed, Apr 18 2012 11:11:55
Here is Pat Summitt on the March 2, 1998 cover of the @SInow ---> http://pic.twitter.com/PWD34wy9 · SportsJoey
Pat Summitt- the end of a great era! Best of Luck Coach! #vols #tn #webackpat Coach photos: http://bit.ly/HThndU http://pic.twitter.com/pqo8ipRA · ReplayPhotos
Wishing Pat Summitt all the best. She has done so much for @NCAAWomensBKB & inspired many. May we always "Back Pat". http://pic.twitter.com/Ilt3sPjz · NCAAJessica
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/pat-summitt-era-ends-at-ut-holly-warlick-named-coahttp://storify.com/tennessean/pat-summitt-era-ends-at-ut-holly-warlick-named-coaWed, 18 Apr 2012 20:02:37 GMT<![CDATA[Michelle Obama creates buzz in rare visit to Nashville]]>

First lady Michelle Obama visits Nashville on Tuesday to raise money for her husband’s re-election bid as the featured guest at a fundraising luncheon at The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, a downtown office tower.

Storified by The Tennessean · Tue, Apr 17 2012 14:08:37

The Tennessean is capturing articles, photos, and social media postings about Obama's Nashville visit in this Storify. Click any link to read and see more.
Setting up lights for the First Lady today in Nashville. http://instagr.am/p/Je_v1JEhxw/ · John R Wallace
Michelle Obama to be guest at campaign fundraiser in NashvilleMichelle Obama to be guest at campaign fundraiser in Nashville
First lady Michelle Obama will visit Nashville this month to raise money for her husband's re-election bid, the Obama campaign said Wedne...
In the days leading to her visit, Michelle Obama had been busy with campaign and talk show appearances. She was in San Francisco in late March and planned to go straight from Nashville to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
First lady to visit Pittsburgh on TuesdayFirst lady to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday
First lady Michelle Obama will visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday to speak at two fundraising events benefiting her husband's re-election campai...
Just before arriving, the biggest story surrounding the first lady was a photo that resurfaced from her prom in 1982.
Picture of the Day: Michelle Obama's Prom PhotoPicture of the Day: Michelle Obama's Prom Photo
Ellen DeGeneres reveals that the future first lady donned a revealing dress for the high-school dance.
Michelle Obama: Prom dress &#39;split was a little high&#39;Michelle Obama: Prom dress &#39;split was a little high&#39;
By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY Michelle Obama didn&#39;t really want Ellen DeGeneres to show her prom pic. But, of course, Ellen did. "...
In the day before the first lady's arrival, The Tennessean spoke with an excited 92-year-old civil rights activist who planned to attend the lunch talk.
First lady Michelle Obama's visit brings excitementFirst lady Michelle Obama's visit brings excitement
Merry Bern wouldn't have been able to see Michelle Obama Tuesday on her own. The $500 pricetag for the First Lady's fund raiser was too s...
On Twitter and Facebook, Nashvillians shared excitement about the visit.

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning- giddy over going to the Michelle Obama luncheon today. Like her politics or not, she is classy, smart and cool. And she is a perfect example of how it is possible to be all that and still put your kids first. Love love love her!

— Wendy Tucker · Tue, Apr 17 2012 04:32:42
And their jokes.
First Lady spottings began to accumulate before 11 a.m.
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]]>http://storify.com/tennessean/michelle-obama-creates-buzz-in-rare-visit-to-nashvhttp://storify.com/tennessean/michelle-obama-creates-buzz-in-rare-visit-to-nashvTue, 17 Apr 2012 21:08:37 GMT