Along with all the other new features we have at the redesigned WBIR.com is an online community discussion forum (Which will soon have its own name. Suggestions welcome!).

I am your intrepid moderator for this new community, and I'd like to invite you to visit, to join the discussion, and to share your ideas and suggestions for getting the conversation underway.

Check us out at: Link...

Cheers-

Katie

As some of you know, I have two blogs. One is personal, and one I write for WBIR.com.

In the past year, I've pretty much slacked on the WBIR.com one, but starting today, those of you interested in reading it are going to see some big changes.

First of all, there is gonna be a lot more blogging going on. A lot more. And over the next few months, you are going to see it evolve and grow into something closer to Link..., Knoxville-style.

Currently, my blog is here.

I hope you will check it out. Among the coming changes, you may soon see the blog getting a new look and even a new name/URL. (My husband would like to see it get a new picture of me up there in that upper corner, 'cause he thinks that picture is terrible;-)

I hope you will add me to your daily blog reads, and please consider sending me topics, links, newstips, etc that I should post. You can reach me at kagranju@gmail.com

Thanks-

Katie

Since moving to our new house near Downtown Knoxville last September, my children have not had the chance to meet very many other kids/parents in our neighborhood. My kids attend schools in West Knoxville, so they also haven't met friends through the neighborhood schools.

I would really like for my kids to have some similar-age friends within walking distance. I'd also like to get to know other parents in the neighborhoods in and near Downtown Knoxville.

For this reason, I am starting an informal group for parents and kids in Old North Knoxville, 4th and Gill, Parkridge, and the other neighborhoods in and near Downtown Knoxville. I am envisioning get-togethers every month or so, as well as networking on the best neighborhood parks, babysitters, pediatricians, activities, etc.

If you would like to join the group, you can subscribe to our e-mail list here:

Link...

No one can subscribe without my approval, and I hope this will keep the e-mail discussion list spam-free and family-focused. When you subscribe, please share your name (first name only if you are more comfortable that way) and the first names and ages of your children.

Let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to forward this message to other parents whom you think might be interested in our group.

Thanks-

Katie

Be sure to check out the live stream of tonight's debate between Bryson and Bredesen at WBIR.com starting at 7pm. Immediately after, also at WBIR.com, we will be hosting a live chat where folks can ask the moderator, Bill Williams, plus panelists from the KNS and WBIR what they thought of the debate and the performance of the candidates.

-katie allison granju

Check out our new election season "Heart of the Matter" feature at WBIR.com:

Link...

This week, our WBIR "Our Stories" segment is about the inimitable Margie Ison.

Link...

Be sure to watch the video :-)

-Katie

Affordable , historic home for sale near downtown Knoxville

Gonna offer my beloved house FSBO first and list with realtor in about 2 weeks.

1500 sq foot, mostly restored classic Craftsman cottage in historic Oakwood-Lincoln Park neighborhood near Downtown Knoxville. Built in 1930. Three bedrooms and one spacious bath. Hardwood floors throughout - most already refinished. Large kitchen with pantry and built ins. 1/4 acre fenced yard (in back) with new native plants and flowers in front. Lovely front porch. Sidewalks. Gorgeous, UNPAINTED, original woodwork throughout, including french doors. Central gas heat and electric air. Recently updated roof. Small, soundproofed "music room" with electric outlets in full, dry, daylight basement. Working gas fireplace in living room. Dishwasher. Most original hardware intact. Beautiful original wood windows in most of house. Beautiful view of Sharp's Ridge at night from rear of house. Great neighbors! Needs minor cosmetic updating to make it a real showstopper.

See photos here

Asking 105K.

Contact seller by e-mail at kagranju@gmail.com

Please pass along to friends who might be interested. This is an awesome house!

4 month old male puppy. Half purebred border collie/half shepherd. He’s ADORABLE! He’s going to be a big boy and very smart. He’s black with a cute white chest. He looks like a border collie.

If you are interested, be in touch: kagranju@gmail.com

Looking for part-time mother's helper/nanny in Knoxville I am once again on the hunt for a part-time mother's helper/nanny person to help me with caring for and transporting my three children (ages 14, 10 and 8) afterschool and this summer. I need someone who can drive (I'll pay for gas) and is insured and has a good driving record. This would be a very flexible, fun part-time job for a college student. If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, please contact me ASAP at kagranju@gmail.com Feel free to share this message with others. Thanks- Katie

Check out our latest "Our Stories" segment here:

Link...

The video is wonderful. You really get a feel for the great charisma Andy Holt had.

This could get interesting: http://www.wbir.com/cs/blogs/the_pop_culturephile/default.aspx

My 10 year old daughter's much loved dachshund, Cookie, disappeared from our yard in North Knox, off Central Avenue on Friday afternoon. I have been frantically looking for him and putting up flyers all weekend. He's still missing. He's microchipped and had a collar and tag, but I fear someone may have dognapped him because he's seriously adorable and sweet. I pretty much feel ill. Here are some photos: http://katieallisongranju.blogspot.com/2006/02/awfulness.html and if anyone is willing to hang flyers at your vet, office, grocery, etc - I will e-mail them to you. If you see him or are willing to put up flyers, please contact me at kagranju@gmail.com Thanks- Katie

If you haven't had a chance to check it out, take a look at our story this week on the 1958 racist bombing of Clinton High School, which I consider the great untol story of the civil rights era. There's bonus video, too that's quite fascinating. I am really enjoying producing this series, but am particularly proud of this segment.

Link...

-katie

I am producing a weekly segment on WBIR/Channel 10 all through 2006 called "Our Stories: 50 Years of East TN on Television." The segments are hosted by Bill Williams and edited by Jim Martin.

WBIR has hired a film archivist to sort through our thousands of reels of old footage and get it all cleaned up and restored. The pieces run every Tuesday night on the 6 pm newscast, but you can also see them anytime (along with bonus footage that's only available online) at:

Link...

This week (tomorrow night) our subject is the inimitable Cas Walker.

Let me know what you think.

Katie Allison Granju

Congrats on the cool new blog-thingy, SKB. This thing is quite amazing with all its whiz bang features and gadgets.

-katie