A Prime Example of How Memphis Sucks

You can't do anything nice in this town because people just dick it up:

Police clear Overton Park after record crowd at zoo; fights break out, shots fired

The short version? Memphis opened the Zoo to the public Tuesday afternoon - Free Admission to everybody. They want to do it every Tuesday afternoon, but after yesterday, you won't catch me or mine anywhere close:

Sitting on his porch on Overton Park Avenue at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, Clint Hermes saw a group of youngsters stomping through his neighbor’s yard.

Suddenly, two of the boys in the group of five or six pulled out pistols, Hermes said.

“A couple of guys just pulled out guns and for no apparent reason, just started shooting in the air,” Hermes said. “At that point, everybody just started running.”

and

In addition to those gunshots, fighting broke out in the large crowds, both at the zoo and nearby Overton Park, police said.

And people get all huffy when Memphis gets rated in the top five year after year when it comes to anything bad that a city can be.

image taken from here

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Rock n Roll HOF Question

Lotsa folks (myself included) raised an eyebrow when ABBA got inducted earlier this year, and lots of folks have bands (KISS, Moody Blues) they think should already be in.

So, tell me, should this band be in? Here's what they've done:

Had the top-charting American single of 1967. (Billboard number-one for seven weeks) with another tied for third.

First band to use a Moog Synthesizer in a top-10 album.

Gave the Jimi Hendrix Experience their first US concert appearances as an opening act in July 1967.

Had the largest grossing tour of 1986.

Last music artist to win the MTV Friday Night Video Fights by defeating Bon Jovi 51% to 49%.

First music artist to win two Emmy Awards.

First rock band to use a multimedia live concert show (film, stage choreography, and music).

First actual live concert footage to be featured in a motion picture.

Had seven albums on the Billboard top 200 chart at the same time (six were re-issues during 1986/87).

One of only ten artists achieving number-one hits in the United States and United Kingdom simultaneously.

One album spent 70 weeks on the Billboard charts, becoming the 12th biggest selling album of all time (Billboard.com).

Four number-one albums in a one-year span. The only act to have their first four albums go to number one on the Billboard charts.

Held the number one spot on the Billboard album chart for 31 consecutive weeks.

Held the record for the longest stay at number one for a debut record until 1982 when Men At Work's debut record Business As Usual broke that record.

So, what band is it?

One more notable accomplishment, and the answer, after the jump.

Compelled another David Jones to change his surname to Bowie to avoid being confused with Davy Jones of The Monkees.

In the interest of full disclosure, I've been a fan of the Monkees since way back when.

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Oh. Hell. Yes!

The perfect way to start your day: Cook your bacon with a machine gun!

Nice and crispy, the way I like it.

Thanks to Instapundit for the pointer.

Update - looks like Breda found it last Friday. No idea how I missed it.

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A Cause Worth Your Money

Father Of Dead Marine Ordered To Pay Legal Fees Of Westobro Baptist Church Protesters

This is about a wrong as it gets.

However, you can go here and donate and learn of other ways to help.

Thanks to SayUncle for the pointer.
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Vietnam Veterans Day

Via email:

Today is Vietnam Veterans Day in Tennessee. If you know a Vietnam veteran, please give him or her a big "Thank You and Welcome Home". Yes, women served in Vietnam too. If you are not sure if someone is a Veteran or if they have served in the US Military, just ask them. If they have served, then please thank them for their service to our country.

And, if you're a veteran from a newer era, remember - it was their poor treatment upon returning that paved the way for the veteran services you have now. While far from perfect, it's much better than they had it.

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Sunday Music

It's not Emerson, Lake and Palmer, it's Triumvirat!




"Spartacus" by Triumvirat. Continue Reading

Ok, One of Us Can't Read

First, there's this headline from Heidi Przybyla:

Tea Party Advocates Who Scorn Socialism Want a Government Job

Sounds hypocritical, doesn't it? Well, here's what "Tea Partiers" actually said:

At the same time, 70 percent of those who sympathize with the Tea Party, which organized protests this week against President Barack Obama’s health-care overhaul, want a federal government that fosters job creation.

I must be illiterate, because nowhere in that sentence do I see "Government Job".

More likely, the author isn't familiar with governments role when it comes to jobs.

Here's a short version: The government can foster job creation by lowering taxes and removing obstacles to employing people in the private sector. Creating government jobs is only fostering a higher deficit.

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Health Reform as it Pertains to Tricare

Tricare is the health insurance the vast majority of military retirees have. I got this email from MOAA today, thought I'd pass it on. I made some improvements to formatting, and any emphasis is mine.

Dear Sergeant First Class (me),

In recent days, we’ve seen a barrage of information (and misinformation, in many cases) about how national health reform legislation might affect currently serving and retired service members and their families.

Now that President Obama has signed the initial legislation into law, I want to lay out for you what we know.

The biggest question on our members’ minds has been: “How will passage of national health reform legislation affect me?” For members under age 65, based on what we know so far, the answer appears to be, “Not much, if at all.”

There are some changes to Medicare, but it remains to be seen what the real impact of those may be over time. The most significant of them is likely to be some reduction of availability of Medicare Advantage HMOs.

In the meantime, MOAA has prepared answers to the most-frequently asked questions that we hope you’ll find useful.

Unfortunately, there already are messages flying around the internet to the effect that “I heard this will end TRICARE” or “This will force military people to buy other coverage.” That’s simply not true. If you get such messages, please help educate the senders with MOAA’s answers.

As MOAA has said from the beginning, everyone we’ve talked to in the Administration or the House or the Senate, of either political party, supports protecting military and VA beneficiaries from adverse effects associated with national health reform.

Just to be sure, MOAA and loyal members like you generated more than 100,000 messages to Congress urging protection of the unique military and VA health benefits and protection against any taxation of those benefits. And your voices were heard.

In as clear an indication of that as anyone could ask for, the House unanimously passed separate legislation explicitly citing TRICARE as “qualifying health coverage” for purposes of the new law. The Senate is working now to pass the same legislation. VA care and TRICARE For Life already were explicitly designated in law. That means eligible beneficiaries of those programs won’t be subject to financial penalties that can be imposed on people who don’t have qualifying insurance.

That said, let’s be clear on another key issue.

Can anyone guarantee that there will never be any unfavorable changes to military and VA programs? No.

Do we know for sure how all the details will play out? No.

There’s always a potential for unintended consequences, and there’s always the potential for new initiatives to arise (see below).

But if you were worried that national health reform legislation is somehow aimed at whacking military beneficiaries’ health coverage, that’s just not so.

Frankly, we think the much more significant issue for Medicare – and for the military community and the rest of America -- is what proposed changes will be recommended by the new National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform that’s supposed to report by Dec. 1 on options to reduce the national debt.

You have my personal pledge that MOAA will continue to be vigilant as implementation of national health reform proceeds – and as the new debt commission proposals become known – and your association will continue to do everything in our power to protect your interests and your service-earned health benefits.

All the best,

VADM Norb Ryan Jr., USN (Ret)
President

When I was on active duty, I viewed Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, VFW, etc.) as a bunch of old guys reliving their glory days.

Now that I'm of no further use to the military, I see exactly what these organizations are all about.

They fight to preserve what was promised to us all those years ago. They deserve your support.

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Computer Virus Alert

Very timely, as I've been wrestling with the bill104 virus for the last two days. Via email:

Each year, the first week of April (coinciding with “April Fool’s Day”) brings an increase in spyware and malware infections. It’s become something of an annual tradition that causes havoc for computer users, lost productivity, and overall inconvenience. Not to mention potentially costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

We’re working hard to prepare for this onslaught and we’re up for the challenge. It makes sense, however, to remind computer users to be extra vigilant during this period of increased spyware activity:

Don’t open emails, files or attachments from people you don’t know.

Be extra cautious opening emails, files or attachments from people you do know.

Don’t be fooled by “scareware” tactics. Know what software you are using, and familiarize yourself with how it delivers warnings and alerts.

If you’re considering giving your social networking activities a break, now might be a good time. No one will miss you if you take a week off.

Stay away from websites that you haven’t visited before. Think before you click!

Run multiple layers of security software. There are many free and effective solutions that will co-exist well with each other. Remember, a single solution may not be enough, especially during this period of increased spyware activity.

We’re here and happy to help if you need anything. Our management team is happy to answer any questions you may have or address issues or concerns raised by your audience. If we can help, just let me know!

Stay safe online, and thanks again,

Mike

Mike Duncan
Director of Business Development
SUPERAntiSpyware

Get and use whatever free stuff is out there.

Most importantly, keep it updated. The virus I have has been fixed for the most part, but it made some changes that cause any connection to update antivirus to fail. I can't even search for "bill104" successfully on the infected computer. Clever bastards, aren't they?

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On Healthcare

A few bullet points:

- If the .gov is doing it, it will cost at least twice what they estimate
- If it costs twice as much, the .gov will have to find additional funding sources
- Those sources will be people like me, who don't make a whole lot of money

Finally:

Hope you're hungry.

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To Hell With All The Bloggers

That's what former King Willie Herenton says.

"We know what we're working on. To hell with all the bloggers."

I don't know what he calls it, but it sounds like picking a fight to me.

Never pick a fight with people with unlimited bandwidth, Willie.

Thanks to Instapundit and Speak to Power.

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Sunday Music

Here's another by the late Alex Chilton (alternate lead in - before there was the Bangles, there was Big Star):




"September Gurls" by Big Star. Continue Reading

Ladybugs!

They're everywhere! A couple of months ago, it was just at work, now they're all over the house.

I blame Bush Al Gore!

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RIP Alex Chilton

Memphis musician Alex Chilton died yesterday in New Orleans. The name might not ring a bell, but I bet this song, sung by Alex, does:





"The Letter" by the Box Tops. Continue Reading

LOL

Shamelessly stolen from comments on this post over at MCM.
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St. Paddy's Day

Of the Ten Things You Didn't Know About St. Patrick's Day, I didn't know two. Ok, I didn't know about the cards, either, but who cares?

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Memphis Sells Guns

Big whoop. I haven't blogged much about it because I'm having fun with the commenters at the Commercial Squeal.

I only have so many hours in a day, ya know. =)

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Quote of the Day

From Unc:

Last year was called “year of the gun” because the legislature spent a whopping 1.8% of their time addressing gun bills that Jimmy Naifeh had spent years killing in committee.

Yep, the year of the gun was actually the six and a half days of the gun.

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Blogroll Addition

Sevesteen, who was nice enough to correct my photography follies from last weekend.

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Ya Know What I Hate Worse Than "Spring Forward"?

The Monday after. Bleh

Don't expect much from me today.

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Sunday Music - Big Audio Dynamite

Big Audio Dynamite - Contact. Continue Reading

Spring Forward

Did you?

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Weekend Bike Blogging

Cigars? Maybe next week.

Right now, it's BIKES! More from Big Creek Motorsports:

Update: Thanks to Dave, who managed to fix these pictures so they looked normal again.


























Don't know how or why the pictures got that blue tint. Guess that's what I get for using the phone. =/ My camera was set to "Glow". No idea how it got there, but I suspect children were involved....

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No Bars in Tennessee

Found this at the state site concerning liquor by the drink:

BASIC RESTAURANT REQUIREMENTS (T.C.A. 57-4-102(19)(A))

1.A public place kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public as a place where meals are served and where meals are actually and regularly served.
2. Without sleeping accommodations.
3. Supplied with adequate and sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment.
4. Seating capacity of at least seventy-five (75) at tables.
5. Employing a sufficient number and kind of employees to prepare, cook and serve suitable food.
6. Serve at least one (1) meal a day at least four (4) days a week.
7. Serving of meals shall be the principal business conducted

Only restaurants and hotels were mentioned, as there's no such thing as a "bar" in TN. Also, no mention of the mythical "51% income from food" that gets tossed around when discussing what is and isn't a bar in TN.

BTW, any alcoholic beverage under 5% ABV isn't regulated by the state, so "beer joints" fall into a different set of laws.

I do believe the law being proposed is going to address this as well.

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Blogiversary

Not here.

Here.

Happy sixth, Bruce.

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Stupid Comment of the ...

I don't know of the what, because I can't think of anything bigger than an epoch at the moment (emphasis mine) :

"I think what we need are people on that bench who have been legislators, people who are lawyers, people who are academics. You look at our Supreme Court and all these people, all they know is working with people in black robes. We have got to change that."

That was Senator Harry Reid, talking about the Supreme Court.

Un-fuckin'-believeable.
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A Poll!

Go here to take the poll. Gotta love the way the question is worded:

Should state legislators attempt to override a court ruling that blocked handgun-carry permit holders from going armed into places serving alcohol?

Like I said in comments there, they word the poll to get the answer they want, but they're not getting it.

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RIP Corey Haim

Corey Haim was found dead today. Coroner said it was death by stereo accidental drug overdose.
I'm sorry to hear he died, and my sympathy goes out to the family, but accidental?

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Prediction

Due to the massive amount of attention this story is getting, I predict it will be revealed as a hoax by the end of the week.

This little bit of foretelling brought to you by this story, via Instapundit:

Toyota Fires Back: Electronics Don't Rewire Themselves

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More guns!

Less crime!

We all knew that, but to see it reported by the local media is refreshing.

"Most crime, including violent crime, is down substantially," he said.

While violent crime statistics are on the decline, another number is on the rise: valid handgun permit holders in Shelby County. On January 1, 2006, there were 28,601 in Shelby County. Two years later, there were 32,925. Now, 38,130 have valid handgun permits.

We are winning, aren't we?

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Highlight of the Weekend - Bikes!

(Alternate title: It's getting to be that time again.)

Saturday was the grand opening of a new bike shop in the area, Big Creek SuckerPunch, a shop specializing in Suckerpunch Sally's old school choppers.

I took pics, of course. There were lots of nice bikes:

Some mean and scary bikers:

Live entertainment:



I love me some springers:


And then there's this. Can you say "One of these things is not like the other?"


More pics this weekend, NSFW tank art included!

Apologies for the blue tint of the photos. Took them with my phone.

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Sunday Music - Muse

Muse - Knights of Cydonia. Continue Reading

Weekend Cigar Blogging

I just ran across an extensive list of questions and answers regarding everything cigar at CigarAdvisor.com.

Here's a couple:

Should you use the top tray in your cigar humidor?

They say generally, no. I use my top tray, but I don't fill it up. I just put a few there for a quick grab n go.

Mixing cigars in your humidor.

They say no biggie, unless you have scented/flavored cigars. They don't play well with others.

I try to keep like-wrappered cigars together, which means maduros on one side, everything else on the other. =)

And, the most important question of all:

What was Sir Winston Churchill's favorite cigar?

Go check it out.

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A Good Strategy

Sebastian says Let the Starbucks Issue Die. I agree 100%

While it's nice that they respect the laws of the land, making them any more of a focal point could easily turn them against the idea.

Let the anti's make pests of themselves, not us.

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The Benefits of Light Exercise

Just a quick health note: I've been going to the gym on a semi-regular basis for over a month now. Nothing much, just a mile, mile and a half on the treadmill (walking) and some time on the weight machines.

Lost a little weight, feeling better, but the real benefit?

I haven't had a gout attack since I started going. Not even a twinge.

I'd like to pronounce myself cured (it's a miracle!) , but more likely, the exercise is letting my medicine do its job more effectively.

Either way, I'm glad I started.

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Food For Thought

Bonnie sent me this via shared items. It's not on her blog, so I can't link back, but I'm definitely linking what she sent:

Wrong About Obama II

He was throwing the gauntlet down, cognitive kill switch style. "Oh, I can't criticize Obama? I can't say anything because it means I'm a racist? Well fuck you too." That guy did not have an airplane, but if he did I am certain he would have flown it into his sandwich.

This is the point: that man doesn't hate Obama, he hates Obama supporters.

....

The problem with getting the President you want, only to find that he not only doesn't deliver on his campaign promises, but he's quite uninterested in delivering many of them, is that you don't blame him, you blame the government.

And finally:

The problem isn't the government, the problem is you. It is always you.

Read the whole thing. I mean it.

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Starbucks and Seattle

First off, a belated thank you to Starbucks for their policy of following the laws of the land. Now, of course, various bedwetters are protesting that hunks of metal, wood and plastic are being legally carried into those establishments.

If you're in or around the Seattle location, feel free to drop by and pick up a cup of joe soy double shot half caf ultra creamy macchiato espresso. Or maybe some hot chocolate.

Thanks to Bitter for the info. And, like SayUncle says, bring a camera.

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Government is Good!

I'd like to dedicate this link below to Kevin, Tam and all advocates of small government:

http://www.governmentisgood.com/

In fact, more energetic government is necessary in a whole range of areas in our society, not just in the financial sector.

LOL

Ain't I a stinker?

Found in comments at a "Coffee Party" video on YouTube.

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The Hurt Locker

Saw it, liked it.

There's some controversy as to how accurate it is in portraying things "over there", but I have to say this: it's a freaking movie, of course it won't be 100% accurate.

Of the three things mentioned, only one caused me to have a "JAG reaction". That's where somebody does something in the movie that is so totally outside their skill set, it reminds me of Harmon Rabb jumping into an F/A 18 every time he had to go somewhere. JAG reaction is another name for bullshit alarm, I guess.

My opinions of these after the jump - Spoilers ahead!

The three main gripes are:

1) The star takes off his bomb suit before disarming a bomb, saying "If I die, at least I'll be comfortable" or something. I had no problem with that. They were establishing his "cowboy" image, etc. Besides, that suit offers no protection up close. That was established early on.

Would it happen in real life? Hell no, he'd be on the first thing smoking back to the rear, en route to the loony bin. But it was entertaining.

2) The star goes outside the wire wearing civilian clothes. I had no problem with this, either, but I've never been to Iraq. As it was, my time in the sandbox was in and around Riyadh and Dhahran, and I walked around those cities plenty of times. I had no frame of reference for that scene.

3) This one got me - they go to investigate a bombing, and the star goes hunting for the bomber down side alleys. What's more, his two teammates go hunting, too. Each down their own separate side alley. Didn't tell anybody, just took off.

That was complete bullshit. If I have to explain why, I don't want to know you.

As far as authenticity goes, they used the wrong uniforms for the period, no biggie. They also had the EOD guys manually disarming bombs a lot more than in real life. Again, no biggie. The movie would have been boring as hell if they blew every bomb in place (they usually do).

What I did like - there was no real political agenda, it was just a war story. The characters were realistic, as was the setting. There was none of the "which wire do I cut?" nonsense that takes place whenever Hollywood and bombs intersect. A Barrett .50 makes a cameo appearance, however cell phones, video cameras and a nine volt battery create tension, to great effect.

This is a hell of a movie, I'm glad I bought it.

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Dog Training Bleg

Not training actually, it's just that my new dog climbs our fence and gets out into the neighborhood.

Details:

The fence is six foot high hogwire, our dog just puts one paw over the other and climbs out. It doesn't matter if we're home or not, she just wants to get out and explore. She's medium sized.
Like my girls says, she's smart, in a bad way.

So, what are my options, other than spending three hundred bucks on Invisible Fence?

The options I'm looking at:

- 50' dog run wire

- chicken wire around the upper half of the fence

- something else around the top like wood, plexiglass, etc.

I don't want to do the run, as we border on some woods and don't want my dog restrained to either fight or flee whatever critters she might encounter.

Chicken wire scares me, I'm afraid she might get stuck.

So, what other options are out there?

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