George Washington had a cherry tree, JFK had a missile crisis, Giuliani had 9/11. Chris Thompson's defining moment: One week before he was scheduled to close on his 12th Street house, the 1998 tornado ripped his side porch off and knocked down a couple of his trees. Yet seven days later he signed on the dotted line, proving he had that rare East Nashville mettle. Thompson, director of operational development at Adventure Science Center, is the brains behind one of Nashville's best block parties, the Thirth of July bash, which has been held on July 3 for three years running. He seems to know everyone who resides east of the Cumberland, and can frequently be spotted at Red Door East, Alley Cat or 3 Crow. "Contrary to popular opinion, no one's too cool for school," Thompson says about the East Side. "Though I'll readily admit we're all East Nashville snobs at some point." See? He's already waffling—a true politician. —JACK SILVERMAN