A week after hosting its first National Picks Panel convention, Knoxville has been named as the host for the 2010 convention.

"It's a great tribute to the panel and the entire community that we have been chosen to host another picks panel convention," picks panel administrator John Adams said. "Last week's convention went off without a hitch, and everyone with the NPPA was dazzled by Knoxville's hospitality.

"We sold all 1,500 seats to the $500-a-plate dinner. Also, more than 3,000 fans stood in line for hours just to get autographs of the four NPPA Hall of Fame inductees."

The inductees included two former Knoxville pickers - Nick Paranjape, who now picks on the Memphis panel, and Jim Campbell, who retired from the Knoxville panel eight years ago after winning four championships in seven years. Other inductees were Nick Bournias of Jacksonville and Steve Oakey of San Diego.

Paranjape's acceptance speech created the only controversy of the evening. At the end of his speech, Paranjape shouted at local picker Gary Lundy: "Look where I am and look where you are."

Lundy was one of several local pickers who ridiculed Paranjape when he was kicked off the Knoxville panel. Paranjape moved to Memphis, where he won three consecutive picks panel championships and set a national record by going four consecutive weeks without missing a pick in 2002.

After the ceremony, Paranjape passed out buttons that read "Nick Can Pick."

Everybody Loves Chuck: The recent success of veteran picker Chuck Cavalaris has generated enormous interest in the championship race, according to picks panel administrator John Adams.

"He has always been one of our most popular pickers," Adams said. "And now that he's having the best season of his career, his fans are really excited. Chuck wanted me to share a few of his emails with you."

Dear Chuck,

I always thought you were the best-looking picker. Now, you're the best picker, period."

See you this evening.

Mickie

Dear Chuck,

You're the greatest. I hope you go 15-0 this week.

Charlie Cavalaris

Dear Chuck,

I pull for you like you're my own son.

Margaret Cavalaris

If you want to read more Chuck Cavalaris fan mail, log on to pickspanelxtra.com, which is offering a discount rate of $895 a month if you sign up this week and say, "I'm for Chuck."

Closer Look: This week's "Closer Look" takes a closer look at veteran picker Gary Lundy, who attended last week's NPPA Hall of Fame induction dinner.

"I thought they had three very deserving inductees and one incredibly lucky one," said Lundy as he snatched a "Nick Can Pick" button from his son, Christian.

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.