Morning Coffee Break

Defining Derp

2012-01-17T09:38:00.000-06:00

When the kids come home speaking in tongues i.e... brandishing a new slang word in their vocabulary that I've never heard of, I often tend to go in search of meanings and definitions. This time was no exception...

So what exactly is Derp?
Derp is an expression associated with stupidity, much like the earlier forms of “duh” and “dur.”

Derp = Duh!

Shakespeare & Eddie George - Free

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is kicking off thier fifth annual Winter Shakespeare production with the production of Julius Caesar this month.
Some think and have said that William Shakespeare and his production of Julius Caesar doesn't resonate well with teenagers but to tell you the truth I think that this production would actually be a great introduction for several reasons....

First off, it's one of Shakespeare's shortest plays if not the shortest.
-Brief encounters are always good when introducing teens to Shakespeare as well as most of the cultural arts.

Secondly, it's filled to the brim with muderous plots, political mayhem, and even touches on the beginings of the massive Roman Empire.
- Yes I do think that most teen males can/will fully appreciate a good king of the hill battle.

Lastly, it will give one a greater insight into one of the most timeless and tragic love stories ever written, Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
- While this love affair ended tragically, the gals will surely enjoy the value of an enduring love and maybe even contrast it to the real ups and downs of dealing with teen love.

If that not enough...did I mention that part of Julius Caesar is being played by none other that former Tennessee Titian Eddie George? Now,if you ask me, that's pretty cool too!

Performanacense are being held on the Belmont University campus in the Troutt Theater and cost of tickets normally range from $12-$25. Although.... there is a way you can see the show for free because they are still in need volunteers...and volunteers will, of course, get to see the show for free.

Want to Volunteer? For this year's winter production, they are in need of at least 6 volunteers per performance. Volunteer's duties include: ticket takers, ushers, and concessions helpers. You can do this by emailing volunteers@nashvilleshakes.org and letting them know what day you want to volunteer.

Performance Dates and Times are as follows:

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7:30pm

Thursday, Jan. 12th, 7:30 pm

Friday, Jan. 13th, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Jan. 14th, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 15th, 2:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 19th, 7:30 pm

Friday, Jan. 20th, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Jan. 21st, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 2:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 26th, 7:30 pm

Friday, Jan. 27th, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Jan. 28th, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 29th, 2:30 pm.

Volunteers need to arrive an hour before curtain time.

Happy New Years & Happy Birthday to the Breathalyzer too!

2011-12-31T12:28:00.000-06:00

Yes, Yes it's true the very first Breathalyzer i.e... stable breath-testing instrument to measure alcohol levels was introduced seventy years ago today, in 1938.

It was called, at the time, the drunkometer! The inventor, Dr. Harger was, among other things, a professor of toxicology...how ironically funny!

Foto Fix: Po' Man Deer Stand

2011-12-22T06:00:00.003-06:00

Yes, yes this scenario really had me questioning ~~the~~ ANY logical and logistical reasoning behind this too!

Commendable Cookies

2011-12-17T06:00:00.010-06:00

OK, so it's that time of year, again...the time of year when we all tend to pull out our kitchen gadgets and secret baking recipes from those dusty ole cupboards to get an early start on testing and fine tuning all of those holiday goodies.

So in honor of one of our favorite cookies, I give you both the REAL and the FAUX Neiman Marcus $250 Cookie Recipes....let the baking begin!

Faux Neiman Marcus $250 Cookie Recipe

2 cups butter

4 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups brown sugar

5 cups blended oatmeal ( blended to a fine powder)

24 oz. chocolate chips

1 tsp. salt

1 8 oz. Hershey bar (grated)

4 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)

2 tsp. vanilla

Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla; mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add chocolate chips, Hershey bar and nuts. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 112 cookies

Real Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 cup light brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1-3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder

1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds.
Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart.
Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2 inch circle.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges.
Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie.
Yield: 2 dozen cookies

National Bill of Rights Day - Happy Birthday 1st Amendment

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday 1st Amendment!

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” – First Amendment to the United States Constitution
1 For All

Foto Fix: O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

O Christmas Tree!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!...

And why are the leaves so unchanging, you ask???
....Because it's an Artificial Tree!

Foto Fix: City Lights

2011-11-28T10:38:00.000-06:00

In some really odd way, these liqueur bottles reminded me of the city lights that illuminate the New York skyline...

Christmas Trees & Autumn Gourds

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

OK, to tell you the truth, I'm not quite ready for the Christmas Season to begin...but by the looks of things, the retailers are darn well determined and ready to kick the holiday season off and evidently already have. There's just something about Christmas Trees and Gourds that just doesn't mix well with me, for whatever reason.

So, in protest to all of those retailers who just won't let nature alone...for just a few more weeks, I will continue to overlook all of their new and cool ornaments, trees, specials, and deals that they have so markedly placed and carry on with my enjoyment of the well deserved and heart-warming last few glorious weeks of Autumn.

In doing so, I will begin...er continue enjoying the crunch of the leaves under my boots and honoring the oddity of the gourd by enjoying and sharing the recipe of some good ole Fall Squash & Sausage Soup.

Fall Squash & Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

1 medium fall squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into large dice
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon butter
2 large onions, cut into large dice
6 cloves garlic
1 cup dry red wine
8 cups chicken stock
1 pound hot sausage, crumbled
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Homemade croutons made from Bread for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place squash on a roasting pan. Toss to coat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake until tender and slightly caramelized (25-30 minutes). Heat butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until hot. Add onions and saute until tender and browned. Add garlic, roasted squash and wine and cook over high heat until reduced by one-half. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat remaining teaspoon of olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until it is browned. Drain fat. Strain squash mixture through a fine sieve. Puree solids and return puree to stockpot. Stir in remaining ingredients and heat thoroughly. Ladle into individual soup bowls and garnish with homemade croutons. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Photo & Recipe Credit: TN Dept. of Agriculture

Daylight Saving You Time...Oh Really?

2011-11-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

Does the phrase "Spring Forward & Fall Back" help you remember how to set your clocks for Daylight Saving Time?

I know that it helps me but then again I don't think that I would ever in a million years remember to reset my clock at exactly 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and again on the on the first Sunday in November.

Spring Forward = set your clocks forward one hour ahead
Fall Back = set our clock back one hour

Ok, now does anyone know why we have Daylight Saving Time at all?

It's a pretty boring story but evidently it had to do with getting more daylight hours during the day in order to save energy during World War I.

Now this might be one of my silly questions ever...but wouldn't of been just as easy to just change the government and everyone else's work hours just during wartime?

I don't know about y'all but the entire name "Daylight Saving Time" seems to be an oxymoron to me as it doesn't save me anytime at all...in fact it actually cost me time cause I still have spend my time to reset all of those clocks twice a year and there's still 24 hours in each day to boot.

Photo Credit Library of Congress

Foto Fix: 1000 Words

2011-10-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Sometimes a single photo can be worth a thousand words.....

......don't ya think?

Halloween Candy Hit List - Halloween's Best & Worst Candy

2011-10-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Go ahead and just admit it, we've all bought a bag or two of these at one time or another... and even the most seasoned Trick or Treaters will thank you and take them - the truth still remains that they don't like them and won't eat them.
I mean really if you wouldn't eat this stuff do you really think that these youngsters will? Nope!

Halloween's Worst Candy

Bit-O-Honey
Mary Janes
Necco Wafers
Now & Later
Lollipops
Tootsie Rolls
Saltwater Taffy
Hard Candy Mints/Canes
Hard Wrapped Candy
Anything not edible

Yep, I'd have to say that your best bet to have happy Trick or Treaters, ones that will return every year, is for folks to just stick to buying their personal and/or family favorite Halloween Candy. After soliciting the Munchkins opinions on Halloween candy, they tell me that some of their favs include:

Halloween Candy Hit List

Chocolate
Gummies
Pop Rocks
Peppermint Patties
Popcorn Balls
Candy Corn
Skittles
Willie Wonka Candy
Fruit Roll-Ups
Sweet & Sour Candy, Goo, Slime or Spray

Goat Gabble

2011-10-07T10:21:00.004-05:00

So OK, here's how my odd trek into Tennessee Goats & Goat Cheese began...it all started (really) with a simple email from the folks down (as in Alabama) at Belle Chevre.

Of course, I had to ask myself... exactly how Goaty is Tennessee?
Well, as it turns out; Tennessee is probably sitting pretty high on the top of a goat lover list somewhere. I haven't found a list yet but I just know it's gotta be out there somewhere!

Yes, evidently Tennessee has got goat festivals, fainting goats, missionary goats, goat milk, goat tours, goat farms, goat cheese and best of all plenty of goat recipes... (see where I'm going here?)

So, after learning all about Tennessee goats and probably more than I would ever need to know in several lifetimes; my next step in my goat adventure was into the realm of finding the perfect, yet simple, goat cheese recipe! After all that's where my exploration began! Right?

Spiced Goat Cheese Lettuce Wraps
6 ounces soft goat cheese
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or chopped pecans
1 ear sweet corn, cut from the cob
2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large Bibb or romaine lettuce leaves
Fresh chives

In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, nuts, corn, peppers, cilantro, garlic, hot sauce and salt. Mix thoroughly. With the inside of the lettuce leaf up, carefully spread the cheese mixture on each leaf. You may have to break the center rib. Starting at the base, tightly roll up each leaf. Tie wraps with fresh chives to secure. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 3 to 6 and can also be made up to 8 hours ahead of time.

Who knew that Tennessee was really filled to the brim with so many things related to Goats? I guess I would've never know either...if it hadn't been for a simple email.

Cool Goat Events
The annual Goats & More Festival is going on RIGHT NOW in Lewisburg and will continue through Saturday!
If you find that you are headed down towards Northern Alabama, the Belle Chevre Creamery offers tours as well as a Cooking with The Cheesemaker Classes too!

Photo & Recipe Credit: TN Dept. of Agriculture

More Than You Bargained For

2011-10-04T10:20:00.002-05:00

Yes, the World Wide Web's Filter Bubble...just may be maybe more than you or anyone else ever bargained for!

Boy Scout Popcorn Fund-Raiser

2011-09-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I know, yet another fund-raiser!
But let me tell you that this is normally the only annual fund-raiser that the local Boy Scout Troop has and the monies raised goes towards the purchase of crafts, supplies, camp but mostly it goes towards the purchase of their awards and patches.

The Trails' End Popcorn Fund-raiser is also the only pre-approved BSA fund-raiser and, for over 25 years, has been providing pack after pack with the funds they need to carry out this wonderful and enriching program with over 70% of the popcorn sales staying local.

Have I sold you on it yet?
If so, give me or any local boy scout a shout and we will gladly order as much (or as little) popcorn as you want.

Not Sold Yet?
That's OK too...

Educational Express Train - All Aboard!

2011-09-19T06:00:00.011-05:00

Education across the country is, no doubt, changing at a fast pace but in Tennessee this change is moving at an extremely expeditious pace. I'm sure parents across the state are seeing the changes happening at their local level already...I know that I am.

There's a new energy in the air... filled to the brim with excitement and hope for our children and their future.
Can you feel it? I know that I can! It's almost contagious! And something that, as a parent, I ~~want~~... no, need to know more about and be a part of!

Some are already in the know and can see what's fueling this excitement in the air. These folks are eagerly anticipating each new step forward, each uncharted new exploration into this new world of education.

But for those who are feeling this new energy and excitement but haven't put your finger on the reasoning behind it just yet, then this inspiring video is a must watch!

Yes, this mere 16-minute video explains all of the excitement on where Education in Tennessee is headed and how every Tennessean really needs to jump on board this Educational Express Train.

Truth For A Change

Foto Fix: Deep in Thought

2011-09-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

Clarity comes in many forms but non were ever as clear to me as the moment I captured this picture, which I think, clearly portrays someone very deep in thought...

Deep in Thought

But just as sure as the fog will always lift...so shall one's mind always become clear again. Life will carry on and even sometimes sooner and more care-free than one could ever imagine too....

Care-Free Trot

A Tribute to Spring

2011-09-04T10:17:00.001-05:00

Autumn is so very near and the cold gloomy days of winter will soon follow...but don't you fret, worry, or weep because, one day, we will all be blessed enough to see the bright, cheery smiles of Spring once again.

The world, our world will, in time, make a full circle bringing back happier, brighter, and new days filled with life... but until then we will patiently await....patiently await to see Spring once more.

Red is for the warm big heart of Spring - the heart that she shared so freely with others.
White is for all of the purity, trust, and the many many meaningful friendships Spring has garnered in her lifetime.
Blue is for the sadness that has engulfed her family, friends, and the multitudes who had the good fortune to cross paths with Spring.

Fly Away Spring...rise up into the blue sky as swift as you can... be at peace for we shall surely cross paths again.

Haunted Houses...Revisited!

2011-08-29T06:00:00.004-05:00

Yep, I'm talking about Haunted Houses in ((August)) ...again but hey it looks like, so far, that Middle Tennessee will have at least ONE New Haunt to wander, or as the case may be, ((run)) through!

Also, I'm currently putting the finishing touches on this year's Halloween Events Calendar for the Nashville Site and it ~~should be up in early early September~~ goes live on September 1st.

Foto Fix: Beading Arrows

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure that a certain Scout Leader and Former Eagle Scout, who has been hand-beading all of these awards for the last few weeks, is going to make sure that they go to a group of fine young Boys Scouts soon.....

Order of the Arrow

Foto Fix: Summer Swamp

2011-08-15T06:00:00.022-05:00

Summer Swamp Stump

How Hot is it?

Well evidently....It's so hot that even the frogs and little pond creatures can't be found anywhere near their wonderful Lil Swamp Stump Castle.

Foto Fix: Mad Dash Home

2011-08-12T08:21:00.000-05:00

While this pic wasn't actually taken on the first day of school, it does show the some of excitement that the children feel about going back to school...

Oh doesn't it take you back to the day?... Just remembering the excitement of exploring new classes, getting new teachers, meeting new friends, and renewing old friendships as well?...

Then, for some of us, it also meant making the mad dash home (running as fast as you can all the way) just to tell your mom about and how your exciting your school day was...

Geeky Gotta Get Gadgets

2011-08-05T07:11:00.001-05:00

I've found two new and ever so cool geeky gadgets for women one that will save you a ton of time and the other just for those of us who want a multi-purpose gadget that makes our life just a wee bit more organized and convenient.

First off is a ZOMM! This lil key-chain has a Wireless One Touch Blue-tooth Speaker built into it as well as an emergency alarm (panic button) and even a 911 calling feature. This means no more dragging & digging your phone out of you purse...ever.

It gets better because the best part of this lil gadget is the third function....it will notify you when you've forgotten your phone!!

Yep, ZOMM will start vibrating when you move over 30 feet away from your cell phone...reminding you to go back for it!!

Now for the second gotta get gadget which, at fist glance, just looks like a normal memory card other than the UT orange color. But this Memory Card is so much more.

First off and foremost, this Memory Card uploads your photos (and videos too) straight from your camera to your computer! This means no more searching for USB cables or Card Readers..ever!

Now the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 Memory Card also has a few more great features including geotagging and a neat little sorting feature which means that you don't even have to create folders on your computer anymore...it does it for you!!

Yep, all you have to do is just walk in your door and turn your camera on...that's it!!

As an added bonus for the Gotta Have it all Geeks, the Eye-Fi also allows you to connect to Easy WiFi and download your photos from just about anywhere too!

Talkin Tuna

2011-08-01T06:00:00.010-05:00

Solid White Albacore

Geez, I don't know about anyone else but I just don't have canned Tuna on the top of my priority list...well until now that is and after buying the wrong stuff, to my dismay, on my last few grocery store excursions.

Chunk White Albacore

OK, so I'm in the store and ((once again)) trying to figure out which brand of Tuna that I bought the last time.

Was it the good stuff or did I pick up the wrong Tuna last time?

Charlie, the Mermaid, or maybe the Bumble Bee stuff?

Nope it wasn't the Bumble Bee Tuna! One down two to go.

Yes! My odds just improved! But I'm still standing there and for the life of me - I Can't Remember!

Solid White Albacore

So in hopes of adding this information permanently into my visual memory banks and since I'm evidently a visual learner... I decided to buy one of each, take them home, open them all up, and do a visual comparison test as well as a taste test too.

As you can see my mission was accomplished and the final outcome?
Charlie the Tuna won hands down with the Starkist Solid Albacore.

Did I add all of this Tuna Talk to my permanent memory banks?
Well that's still undetermined but at this point there's no doubt that a few of my Besties will taunt me mercilessly for Talkin' Tuna which will most definitely help.

Moral of the Story: You Can Always Count On Your Friends!

Foto Fix: Spittin' Clean H2O

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Spittin' Clean H2O

Hmm...You just have to wonder what kind of subliminal spitting messages this Tiki Totem is really sending out to the General Public?

Life's Lil Virtues

2011-07-12T08:34:00.001-05:00

I was discussing...er actually kinda debating Socialism vs Capitalism the other day with my young teen. As I'm sure you can imagine, this was no easy task to accomplish.

In general, most kids (at least mine) have an innate ability to distinguish between between right & wrong at an early age. Now whether and/when they can chose and/or are able to do this is another whole story altogether.

By the time kids enter school, most know and have already been taught that sharing is the decent, good, and righteous thing to do. Now, that's all well & good in theory and it also goes without saying that teaching children to share is an absolute essential in my parental notebook.

But...when it comes down to the reality & actual application of it, the socialism of sharing is missing one very important ingreedient - virtue!

So while we are teaching children the virtues of life and sharing, we also need to include (as Paul Harvey used to say)

"The Rest of the Story"... lest we want to raise an entire generation of socialists.

Socialism vs. Capitalism

Listen to Entire 1979 Broadcast

2011 Mid-TN July 4th Celebrations & Events

2011-06-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

Nashville Fireworks
© Lisa Young

OK, as promised, here is! - A day by day listing of some of my favorite July 4th celebrations, fireworks, festivals, and family fun happening in the Middle Tennessee Area this year...Enjoy!

Friday July 1st

Cheekwood Nights & Art Crawl
July 1st marks the second Cheekwood Nights, a series of Friday night events that unfold as the sun drops behind the rolling hills of Nashville. With live music and cash bars in several locations throughout the garden. Taking the stage on Cheekwood's lawn at 8 pm is the Nashville-based quartet The Apache Relay with Michael Ford, Jr., Mike Harris, Brett Moore, Kellen Wenrich set to play a spirited indie-rock set great for all audiences. This event will also feature a local gallery art crawl from three different galleries: Zeitgeist Gallery, Ovvio Arte and Cumberland Gallery.
Lipscomb University Independence Day Celebration
Lipscomb University will offer its annual family-friendly Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 1, this year with a professional fireworks display, free games and children's activities and a family picnic beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks display begins at around 9 p.m. All events take place in Allen Arena or outside on the arena mall at Lipscomb University. This event, designed for the entire family, is free and open to the public. Parking is available and accessible from either Belmont Boulevard or Granny White Pike. Lawn seating will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Saturday July 2nd

Musicians Corner
Musicians Corner offers Free music every Saturday at Nashville's Centennial Park from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Musicians Corner is a central point, free and open to all, where Music City gathers to perform and enjoy its music.
First Saturday Art Crawl
On the first Saturday of very month, local art galleries throughout Downtown Nashville host receptions and art openings with most all offering free wine and other refreshments. As an added bonus, they also provide free shuttles between the galleries!
National 9/11 Flag Display
The National 9/11 Flag Tour empowers local service heroes in all 50 states with the privilege of stitching the flag back to its original 13-stripe format. You can nominate a local service hero for the honor of stitching The National 9/11 Flag at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. Visitors can view the flag, sponsor or sew a stitch or even add a loved to The National 9/11 Flag Honor Roll.
Walk 100 Miles with the Mayor This is a community-wide effort, initiated by Mayor Karl Dean, encouraging all Nashvillians to improve their overall health by joining their friends and community in walking Nashville's many greenways and trails. This week's 6.5 mile walk Challenge with the Mayor begins at 8:00 a.m at the Stones river Greenway.
Yeoman's Independence Day Celebration
Yeoman's in the Fork, Rare Book and Document Gallery will be hosting their Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 2nd, 2011 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. James A. Crutchfield and Timothy D. Johnson, PH.D. will be on hand to provide insight into their books, our nation's independence, American Revolutionary War, and its leaders. The event is free and open to the public.

Sunday July 3rd

Red, White and Zoo
Nashville Zoo kicks off our nation's independence holiday weekend with Red, White and Zoo, an all-American cookout on Saturday, July 3. The event takes place on the Zoo's Festival Field. Red, White and Zoo is a all American celebration for all ages, complete with food, games and entertainment.
A Prelude to the 4th Get geared up for Independence Day with A Prelude to the 4th. The music begins at 6pm with concerts from Port Chuck, Lighter Ray and The Dirty Guv'Nahs. Fireworks close the show.
Sundays LIVE! at the Hermitage Experience Sundays LIVE! the compelling living history series at The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. Visit with historian Myers Brown, Curator of Extension Services for the Tennessee State Museum, as he portrays characters and discusses events from the lifetime and influence of General Andrew Jackson. Sundays LIVE! will take place on Sunday afternoons from June through October.

Monday July 4th

Centerstage Summer Concert Series
Billy Block hosts an evening of live music featuring Nashville's hottest up-and-coming artists at Providence Marketplace.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
The annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival celebrates an original Nashville culinary tradition - hot chicken! This free event features the unique southern flare of local restaurants, amateur cooking competition, inflatables for the kids, a beer garden, and of course, legendary Nashville music.
Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!
The big day. Pick your spot on the Riverfront lawn and have fun with the family on Lower Broad with inflatables, giveaways and plenty of food, drink and souvenirs. The music starts at 1:30pm with Ayla Brown, The Willis Clan, The Cleverlys and The Dirty Guv'Nahs. It goes on into the evening with Street Corner Symphony, Darius Rucker and the Nashville Symphony. You can't miss the amazing fireworks choreographed to the sounds of the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony playing on the banks of the lovely Cumberland River.
Nashville Fourth of July Music City 10K
The Refuel with Chocolate Milk Tour will be in Nashville, TN on July 4 at the finish line of the Fourth of July Music City 10K. This year, the National "got milk?" Milk Mustache Campaign has launched the Refuel with Chocolate Milk Tour that's visiting endurance events across the country to educate athletes about the importance of post-exercise recovery for muscle recovery and optimal performance. Stop by after the race and enjoy free samples of low-fat chocolate milk! Date: Monday, July 4 Race Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: In front of the Country Music Hall of Fame
ASC Fourth of July Lawn & Roof party
Join the Adventure Science Center for the ‘Best Seat in the House’ as they provide an unobstructed view of the 4th of July Downtown fireworks.
Nashville Sounds
Nashville Sounds vs. Memphis Redbirds at Greer Stadium July 4-July 6, 2011 Come and enjoy a baseball game as the Nashville Sounds play the Memphis Redbirds and then stick around for the post game fireworks.

Mid-TN 4th of July Celebrations

More local Middle Tennessee July 4th Celebrations & Fireworks - by City

Nashville Inspirations - The Cupcake Collection

2011-06-23T21:05:00.003-05:00

Every once in awhile when you least expect it, you run smack dab into inspiration. Yep, I got smacked upside the head, yet again, by another inspirational Nashvillian. This time it has come in the form of a cupcake and the dimpled smiles of The Cupcake Collection's owner, Mignon Francois.

The story & history of The Cupcake Collection will definitely warm your heart!

But, as usual, there's more to this story!
The Cupcake Collection has taken one more step and has added a bus to their business. It's not your run of the mill food truck either...it's a bright yellow school bus that's been outfitted to produce their wonderful collection of cupcakes.

But wait there's more!
The Cupcake Collection has taken their school bus on tour but this isn't your normal run of the mill tour either as the very appropriately named, Cupcakes for College Tour which helps & benefits students who can't afford to pay for college.

The Cupcakes for College Tour has just returned to Nashville and will be in downtown Nashville tomorrow on Commerce Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue from 11a.m. to noon selling their yummy cupcakes as well as sharing their own inspirational stories.

The Story of The Cupcake Collection

The Cupcake Collection currently has two stores located in Middle Tennessee - their main store is located in Historic Germantown (just down the street from Monell's & Farmer's Market) and their second store is located on Madison Street in Clarksville (next door to Cici's Pizza).

Foto Fix: In Too Deep

2011-06-23T04:21:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, no matter how hot it is outside or how good & cool that creek really looks

...ya just don't go in the water!

Going, Going, Gone...to CMAfest

2011-06-06T06:00:00.018-05:00

Yep, it's that time of year ((again))...CMAfest Time! So, of course I'm signing off & outta here for the next week or so of Pure Country Music Fun!

CMAfest Peeps - I'll see you around town this week and oh, if you really really need to reach me you can bet that you can catch me most definitely at the Indie Outlaw Show again this year as well as making a quick stop to see the long awaited appearance & performance by Chris Young on the BIG Stage!

Want to learn more about CMA Festival (FanFair)?

CMAfest Week in Nashville
The CMA Music Festival is taking place from Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, 2011 in Downtown Nashville.

You can bet that there will be hundreds of artists and celebrities, with more than 45 hours of music and activities happening morning, noon, and night.

CMAfest 101: An Introduction Guide into Music City's Annual CMAfest
CMAfest Essentials
CMAfest's Top Benefit & Unofficial Events
Cheap & Free Country Music Attractions

For More Information, Insights, Photos and Tickets make sure visit my Nashville Site CMAfest Index and the official CMA Music Festival site at CMAFest.com

Scouts & Sounds

2011-05-31T09:03:00.004-05:00

This year's Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts Night at Greer Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, July 30th.
Gals, the Girls Scout Night is set for August 27th

(more details)

Foto Fix: Going In Circles

2011-05-16T06:41:00.003-05:00

Going in Circles

Sometimes... if you think you just might be going in circles, you actually can be!
When this happens - just pullover, take a pause, a deep breath, a simple step back, get your bearings, and, only then, try to find your way again.

Retracing your steps, thoughts, or ideas is a step backwards but...it can also result in some of the greatest gains imaginable!

Foto Fix: Final Curtain Call

2011-05-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Curtain Call

For anyone who may have forgotten...

Tonight is the Last Curtain Call for a certain Middle Schoool Band Director

Performance begins at 6:00.

There's not doubt that there will be a big crowd so you just might need to get there fairly early to grab a good seat.

Foto Fix: Weeping Wisteria

2011-05-05T09:22:00.001-05:00

Weeping Wisteria

After having to slap my dutiful hubby with a restraining order, a few years back, from even going near ((my)) wild wisteria vine, it has finally completely covered my arbor this year.

Nostalgic Signs - Stratton's Dairy Dip

2011-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

On one of my many visits to Stratton's Diner, I took this photo of the old Stratton's Dairy Dip Sign. Little did I know, at the time, of the impeding demise of this nostalgic diner.

While I don't really know how long this old wood sign had hung on the far wall of Stratton's, nor how long this particular sign had been split, I do find this broken sign very captivating as it seemed to depict and maybe even predict the fate of what was soon to come.

This Dairy originally opened in 1954 and only seated a mere 12 people. The restaurant had seen several expansions and name changes over the years but was eventually torn down in the fall of 2010 to make way for, of all things, a Walgreens.

Tennessee Crossroad Visits Stratton's Diner

Nashville Sounds Baseball - Great Promotions & Deals

2011-04-17T07:54:00.002-05:00

OK so I admit it... NOT only did I actually miss opening night for the Nashville Sounds game this year, I also, if you can believe it or not, missed out on Ozzie's birthday party too.

I mean really what would I buy a tweener/teen cat who already has his own detailed car (which he drives too)...an iTune card? Anyhoo, Happy Birthday Ozzie - hope it was a good one!

And BTW Ozzie, just a thought, but dude you really ought to sit down and have a serious talk with your "parents" about how old they think you really are cause this year's invitation read:

Ozzie's Birthday- Join Ozzie and his friends as they celebrate his 13th birthday! Special appearances by local mascots before and during the game.

...and here I thought this whole time that you were only turning eleven this year! Hmm, maybe you ought to just show them a copy of your birth certificate.

Oh well, all is not lost as we all still have an entire season filled with games, deals, and baseball fun left to partake in over at Greer Stadium. Some of the Nashville Sounds Promotions & Specials this year include (by night):

Sunday - $1 Sundaes - Sundaes from Purity Ice Cream may be purchased for $1 each on Sundays.
Monday - Dollar Hot Dog Night - Fans will be able to purchase hot dogs for $1 at Monday games.
Tuesday - Buy One Ticket, Get One Free - Fans will be able to bring in a Kraft Singles package wrapper to the box office on Tuesdays for a Buy One Ticket, Get One Free from KRAFT Singles.
Wednesday - Kids Eat Free - Kids 12 & under will receive one free hot dog, one small bag of chips, and one soft drink with paid admission on Wednesday nights.
Thursday - On Throwback Thursdays the concession stands are filled with discounted pricing, like $2 beer, $2 soft drinks, $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, and $2 nachos.

Other Specials on this year's Nashville Sounds Schedule include Faith Nights, Monday Money, Firestone Friday Fireworks, Reading Club Days, Autograph Days, Scout Days, and Teacher Appreciation Day.

Note to self: Add Ozzie's Birthday (April 10th) to calendar!!

Procurements & Promulgated Losses

2011-04-11T06:33:00.003-05:00

As I've previously mentioned, I just absolutely love reading our local rural papers as they are a true source of some of the best factual, yet oh so hard to believe stuff around.

So I, of course, just couldn't pass up on the ironic nature of this past week's local sheriff's report.

Please note that the identifying names have been withheld to protect the...well you know.

The report read (word for word) and I kid you not:

The theft of a firearm that had been confiscated by the Sheriff's office was reported on April 1st. The semi-automatic Glock-33 pistol was confiscated from an aggravated assault suspect in 2001. The Sheriff's office filed the report to declare the weapon missing and presumed stolen.

Snarky Peanut Gallery Comments & Thoughts to Ponder:

Seriously!! They just had to file this report on April Fool's Day.
Really 2001!! It took a decade to even realize a semi-automatic was MISSING? I mean what happened here? Did the suspect (owner of the gun) just get out of jail and stop by to get his/her gun back?
Presumed Stolen? Ya think? I guess this goes to prove that the easiest way to steal a gun is to just rob the business first!

Oh, I digress & just hope to goodness that this gun never finds it's way to another crime. Only in Tennessee...

Weekend Wrap - Free Historical & Cultural Fun

2011-04-08T09:48:00.003-05:00

Free Day at the Frist
Celebrate the Frist Center's 10th Birthday this weekend with free entry to the Frist Center on April 8th & 9th , 2011. Free all day long, both days!!

Blair School of Music
The Blair Big Band will have its spring concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday, the Vanderbilt University Choir will perform at 2 p.m. Both are free and being held at Ingram Hall located at 2400 Blakemore Ave.

Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration
The Metropolitan Historical Commission will commence its Civil War Sesquicentennial program Saturday, April 9th, at The Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville with a series of presentations called “The War Begins: Causes of the Secession Crisis in Tennessee.”
The church is located at the corner of Church Street and Fifth Avenue, North. The program will begin at 8:30 am and ends at noon.

Tennessee’s Boldest Moment Tour
The grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol and surrounding areas will come alive as period interpreters describe the historic events that took place in Nashville in 1861.

The hour-long walking tours, entitled “Tennessee’s Boldest Moment,” begin at the Tennessee State Museum and continue to the Capitol grounds. These $10 tours will leave at regular intervals from the museum between the hours of 1 to 4 p.m on Saturday April 9th.

**Admission to the museum is free and will also be offering it's visitors a chance to explore each of the major battles in Tennessee with artifacts from the battlefields being highlighted.**

Mayor's Day at the Nashville City Cemetery
Commemoration of the fifteen mayors buried in the Nashville City Cemetery and a placement of a headstone for the one mayor for which no stone currently exists. Open to the public free of charge. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Photo © Jan Duke

Play Ball - Centerfield

2011-04-04T06:12:00.002-05:00

Centerfield

It's Baseball Time!

2011-04-02T05:45:00.002-05:00

Looking forward to it!...how bout you?

Foto Fix: History & Heritage

2011-03-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

History & Heritage
Photo © Jan Duke

I took this photo a few years ago and while there's really nothing spectacular about the actual photo itself, I still classify it as one of my favorites.
This scenic view of the Tennessee State Capitol Building overlooking the brilliantly designed Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and Nashville Farmer's Market always comes to my mind when talking about local Tennessee History & Heritage.

Pictures & Photos

Tennessee State Capitol Building
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Foto Fix: Searchin for Spring

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dandy Ole Daffodils

Photo © Jan Duke

Every year in Middle Tennessee you call tell that it's almost Springtime when you see the Daffodils begin to sprout. But be wary... because as most old timers know that while Spring is just around the corner usually so is at least one more blast of cold air...

Every Student Deserves...

2011-03-16T10:22:00.001-05:00

“Every Tennessee student deserves an excellent teacher. To reward excellent teachers and address ineffective ones, Tennessee should reform the way it gives tenure by making tenure meaningful and tying these decisions to a teacher’s performance in the classroom.” - SCORE

Score Teacher Effectiveness

Explore SCORE

Sign the SCORE Petition

Used Books & Free Doughnuts

2011-03-14T06:00:00.015-05:00

In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday month, ALL Krispy Kreme locations in Middle Tennessee will be collecting new and gently used children’s books...which is, of course, an honorable cause, but as usual there's the catch.

Catch = If you donate at least three books you get to pick out a FREE doughnut of your choice. Yep, It's totally FREE so make sure to toss a few books in your trunk...just in case you happen to drive by one of these local shops in your daily travels.

As an added bonus, it's also yet another ever so yummy way to help teach the children to how to give back to the community...with a big ole happy iced doughnut covered grin.

The book drive begins on March 14th and ends on International Children's Book Day - which is April 2nd.

Photo Credit: Krispy Kreme

Wine & Brownies

2011-03-13T08:16:00.001-05:00

Oh yeah, I've finally found a recipe that merges some of my favorites - Tennessee Wine and Chocolate together!

If there was ever two items that should be married together it' chocolate and wine...we're talkin' about a serious wedded bliss merger in the Food-dom world.

If you haven't checked out any of the local Tennessee Wineries let me tell you they really have some great wine...those local moonshiners and whiskey makers don't hold a ~~glass~~ er... candle to them.

Merlot Brownies

1 cup Tennessee Merlot
3/4 cup butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup White Lily all purpose flour
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Lightly butter a 13x9 inch baking pan.
In a small saucepan, simmer wine over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup.Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
In top of a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate over simmering water.Pour into wine and whisk until smooth.

In top of double boiler, whisk together sugar, eggs and vanilla over simmering water until very light and thick.
Pour into chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Stir in flour and 1/2 cup of pecans. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with remaining pecans.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares.
Yield: 2-1.2 dozen.

Photo Credit: TN Dept. of Agriculture

Snow Ball Time

2011-02-17T13:55:00.000-06:00

Yes, It's Almost that time of year
Are You Ready for...

~~Snowball~~ er...Baseball Time?!?!

Nostalgic Neons - CandyLand

2011-02-14T08:57:00.000-06:00

Location : Tennessee County Fair

Tennessee Snowy Morning Sunrise

2011-02-09T07:59:00.000-06:00

February Front-Yard Morning Sunrise

Almost Isn't Good Enough - Although Inspiration Is

2011-02-07T08:29:00.004-06:00

Just when you think almost isn't good enough...along comes another inspirational Nashvillian to the rescue.

I mean, if you really and I mean really take a minute to look around and explore the people of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, you will surely find that we are filled to the brim with a ton of outstanding leaders, ingenious entrepreneurs, and just a plain whole boat full of talented, creative, and inspirational folks.

This time my inspiration comes in the form of a message (along with a book too) by local Nashville CEO and founder of Soles4Souls, Wayne Elsey.

This CEO tells his story, from his early beginnings as a teenage boy on the verge of committing suicide to becoming the founder of one of the fastest growing charities in the world.

Wayne's book, Almost Isn't Good Enough was released a few months ago and there's no doubt that you too will be inspired by his book, his message, and the long-term effect that two very simple words, "You Matter", can have on a person.

Almost Isn't Good Enough

Do You Give 100% .... or More?

2011-02-02T05:34:00.000-06:00

The Beauty of Mathematics

Happy Groundhog Day

2011-02-02T00:23:00.000-06:00

While I'm not going to tell anyone where this cute lil fella can be found,
I will wish everyone a very Happy Groundhog Day and make sure to drop a few snacks off for this furry fella .

So exactly how many years does it take to actually find a ground hog and then be able to snap a decent pic the varmint?

Answer - 3 years

The Mysterious Case of Shingles Set-Up

2011-01-31T06:03:00.001-06:00

Fifteen years after the childhood Chickenpox Vaccination Program was mandated in US Schools, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a report which recommends that everyone over 60 should now be vaccinated against shingles.

Really!! Did anyone really NOT see that one coming?

Hmm? Let's see... you mandate infecting kids across the country with a live virus (not once, but twice) and have now come up with yet another vaccine to offset the predicted increase in Shingles.

What? Did anyone not recognize nor attribute any weight to the previously well-known association between chickenpox and shingles? Or is it that no one really give it any good healthy long-term considerations?

Anyhow, they go on to say that, "Nearly one out of three people in the USA will develop shingles, a painful and potentially serious condition also known as herpes zoster. Yet only 10% of those 60 and older — the group most at risk for shingles — got the Zostavax vaccine in 2009."

Shingles Fast Facts:

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk for the development of shingles, although it occurs most commonly in people over the age of 60.
Shingles are contagious and can be spread from an affected person to children or adults who have not had chickenpox. But instead of developing shingles, these people develop chickenpox.
Once people have had chickenpox, they cannot catch shingles (or contract the virus) from someone else. Once infected, however, people have the potential to develop shingles later in life.

Ironically, the Journal of Toxicology also reported (in late 1995) the expected high rates of shingles (herpes zoster) in American when it was recommended that all children receive chickenpox vaccine.

They go on to reiterate that "after a child has had varicella (chickenpox), the virus becomes dormant and can reactivate later in adulthood in a closely related disease called shingles--both caused by the same varicella-zoster virus ."

Journal of Toxicology staff also maintains that it has long been known that adults receive natural boosting from contact with children infected with chicken pox that helps prevent the reactivation of shingles.

But with all that the CDC is still hoping "any possible shingles epidemic associated with the chickenpox vaccine can be offset by treating adults with a 'shingles' vaccine" and that this intervention would substitute for the boosting adults previously received naturally, especially during seasonal outbreaks of the formerly common childhood disease.

Ok, so it "produces persistent immunity against chickenpox" but it also produces a higher chance of getting Shingles and furthermore the Chickenpox vaccine, known as Varivax, has, since its inseption, been very controversial to say the least.

In Closing: Understanding the relationship of the herpes zoster to varicella is fundamental in determining the value of giving the childhood Chickenpox immunization, its potential, and the ability to gauge whether the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the long-term potential risks- both of which are currently still unknown.

So make no mistake about, the Chickenpox vaccine is a live-virus vaccine that you are inserting into your body (or your childrens) and by doing this it could, in all likelihood, dramatically increase the chances of contracting Shingles in the future...

On the flip side, and way way after all of us and our kids are long gone, there will most-likely be a decrease in both Chickenpox and Shingles... but only if everyone in the world literally jumps on board the Vaccinemobile!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow,.. Let it be a Fun-Filled Snow Day

2011-01-26T07:42:00.000-06:00

Untouched Snow...

In the Backyard...

...this Mornin'.

ASC Report Card Rewards = Free Admission Days

2011-01-14T06:59:00.000-06:00

Have a school-aged munchkin who excels in science?

If so, the Adventure Science Center is going to reward your Lil Science Star for all of their hard work and are offering free admission to the science center...that isif the Lil Star got an A in science, of course.

All your Lil Science Star has to do is show their latest report card (it can be either the original or a photocopy) on January 22nd or 23rd to receive one free child general admission. (details)

Note: Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

More or Less

2011-01-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

Sometimes less is not more - less is just less...like in this case of the not so Mysterious Shrinking Groceries.

Consumer Reports says that consumers are being hit with more price hikes at the grocery store.

While that's nothing new, price hikes can come in different forms and the latest trend includes retaining the price but downsizing products. In some cases they are even keeping containers the same size, and reducing the amount of the contents.

A few of the latest downsized products found by Consumer Reports include:

Ivory dish-washing detergent - down from 30 ounces to 24 ounces.
Tropicana orange juice - down from 64 ounces to 59 ounces.
Kraft Singles cheese - down from 24 slices to 22 slices.
Haagen-Dazs ice cream - down from 16 ounces to 14 ounces.
Scott toilet tissue - down from 115.2 square feet a roll to 104.8 square feet.
Chicken of the Sea pink salmon - down from 3 ounces to 2.6 ounces.

Consumer Reports offers a few more tips but says the says the best way to comparison shop is by using the UNIT pricing on the shelf label.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow,.. Let it be a Dreamy Snow Cream Day

2011-01-10T06:47:00.000-06:00

Photo Credit: Chris Breeze

Let's talk Snow Cream... Sweet Southern Snow Cream!!

While there are a ton of different variations of the recipe, all include usually snow (of course) and usually, vanilla, a dairy product, some form of sweetener and sometimes even an egg or additional flavorings.

There are a ton of creative variations although some of the simpler ones are chocolate snow, strawberry snow, and eggnog snow.

The biggest trick to making snow cream is to;

have enough good clean snow
blend all of the ingredients together before adding it to your snow
stir in just enough snow to give the snow cream an ice cream consistency

For a traditional Old Fashioned Snow Cream I always use snow, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk but if there's snow outside and the cupboard is somewhat bare you can always substitute another sweetener and/or dairy product.
Some of my substitutions have included everything from brown sugar & milk to whipped cream and cool whip.

Cup O' Snow Cream
1 cup of snow
1-2 teaspoons sweetened condensed milk
1-2 drops vanilla

For every cup of snow it normally only takes about a teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk and a drop or two of vanilla.
Remember that the snow will reduce (almost in half) so make sure to add your ingredient mixture to the snow slowly to get a desired consistency. Mix gently. Eat.

If there happens to be any leftover snow cream you can freeze it- I like to put it into Popsicle molds.

Fabulous Freebies For January

2011-01-07T07:31:00.002-06:00

Just in the nick of time - a ton of fabulous free and cheap events happening this month in Nashville.

1/7-1/16 Free Boat Show at Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops FREE Boat Show is going on January 7th through the 16th. The Boat Show is the best place and time to get important information during the FREE boating and fishing seminars available both weekends. Topics include “Do-It-Yourself Service” Saturdays at 1pm, “Local Fishing Tips” Saturdays at 2pm and “Using the Latest Electronics” Saturdays at 3pm. Sundays at 1pm learn about “Towing Your Boat”, “Organizing your Boat to Fish” at 2pm and get “Local Fishing Tips” at 3pm and more.

1/8 Free Day at The Hermitage
This Saturday, The Hermitage is celebrating the 196th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans and FREE admission is being offered to guests all day long! A traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of President Andrew Jackson will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Tennessee Army National Guard Color Guard.
The ceremony will also feature a keynote speech from Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, and a presentation by the Daughters of 1812. Additionally, there will also be a lecture and discussion followed by a book signing at 1:00 p.m. of the new Rachel Donelson Jackson biography titled, A Being So Gentle.

1/11-1/20 Freedom Rides
Lipscomb University is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides in the days before and after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 11-20, with a variety of service projects, special events and visits by three of the original Freedom Riders who boarded buses in Nashville to ride across state lines, challenging Jim Crow laws in the South.

1/14 $10 All Together Now Benefit Concert
Bill Haslam's Inaugural Benefit Concert - All Together Now Benefit Concert is being held on Friday, January 14 @ 8:00 pm at Municipal Auditorium featuring Diamond Rio, Bo Bice and Sara Evans. It's not free but who can complain - it's a mere $10.

1/15 Free Day at the Frist Center
The Frist Center joins with other cultural institutions, statewide, to offer free admission on the day of the inauguration of Bill Haslam as governor of the state of Tennessee.Community Free Day in Celebration of the Inauguration of Bill Haslam. Admission to The Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay will be FREE. In addition, the Frist Center Gift Shop will have an all-day sale with special discounts throughout the day.
From 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. the Kristin Hubbard Jazz Trio will perform in the Grand Lobby. From 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., classical Spanish guitarist Carlos Enrique will be the featured performer.Saturday, January 15 - 10:00 a.m. – MIDNIGHT

1/19 A Conversation with John Patrick Shanley
As Tennessee Rep's 2010-11 Ingram New Works Fellow, John Patrick Shanley will be in Nashville conducting a week-long symposium for the Ingram New Works Lab. He has generously agreed to participate in an informal evening of chat, Q & A, and conversation with the Nashville theatre community!
Don't miss this chance to hear and talk to one of American theatre's great thinkers and playwrights on Wednesday, January 19th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Nashville Children's Theatre. This is a free event. Reservations are not required but are useful in allowing us to establish a headcount. RSVP

Ongoing in January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations in Nashville usually lasts at least two weeks long and is full of related Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events. Many are free and range from a Celebration March to a night out at the Symphony.

Last Chance - Closing January 16th
Tennesseans: A Peoples Legacy at the Tennessee State Museum tells the stories of representative Tennesseans and showcases the Tennessee State Museum’s outstanding artifact collection.
Through personal stories and objects, the exhibit will educate the audiences about the state’s history, culture, and art and the importance of the museum’s collection. It includes a diverse patchwork of people, some virtually forgotten by history and others who are enshrined nationally and internationally. Note the exhibit Historic Tennessee: Photographs by Robin Hood is closing on 1/16 as well

Reflections of 2010...

2010-12-31T07:31:00.000-06:00

Nostalgic Neons - Strike & Spare

2010-12-26T08:04:00.001-06:00

Location: Charlotte/Annex Avenue Nashville, Tennessee

Where are you Christmas?

2010-12-20T09:01:00.001-06:00

Answer: Right around the corner!!!
And just in case you're not in the Christmas Spirit yet....
a Lil Christmas song that's sure to please!

Where are you Christmas? - Faith Hill

Nostalgic Neons - Loveless Cafe

2010-12-17T05:39:00.000-06:00

Location: Hwy 100 Nashville, Tennessee

Dear Santa Kohls....

2010-12-15T06:05:00.011-06:00

I really really truly honestly live in the rural Hills of Tennessee not the rural Coal Mine Hills of West Virginia. So could you please please try to get your ~~sleigh~~ truck to make a quick stop at my house (w/ my Christmas presents) before Christmas Eve?

View Larger Map

Nov 30, 2010 07:00 AM - Shipment information sent to FedEx
Nov 30, 2010 04:31 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX GROVE CITY, OH
Nov 30, 2010 10:19 PM - Departed FedEx location FEDEX GROVE CITY, OH
Dec 06, 2010 12:00 AM - Shipment information sent to U.S. Postal Service
Dec 06, 2010 07:19 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 06, 2010 11:57 PM - Departed FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 07, 2010 08:54 AM - At U.S. Postal Service facility JOELTON, TN
Dec 08, 2010 08:24 AM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX GROVE CITY, OH
Dec 08, 2010 08:50 AM - Departed FedEx location FEDEX GROVE CITY, OH
Dec 11, 2010 05:24 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 12, 2010 03:43 AM - Departed FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 14, 2010 03:19 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX MARTINSBURG, WV
Dec 17, 2010 04:57 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 18, 2010 01:32 AM - Departed at FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 20, 2010 01:44 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX GROVE CITY, OH
Dec 21, 2010 02:55 AM - Departed FedEx location FEDEX GROVE CITY, OH
Dec 21, 2010 08:33 PM - Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 21, 2010 11:18 PM - Departed at FedEx location FEDEX SOUTHAVEN, MS
Dec 22, 2010 02:44 PM - At U.S. Postal Service facility JOELTON, TN

Miles to date.............

~~2,624~~
~~3,468~~
~~4,056~~
~~4,644~~
4,875

Defining Creativity

2010-12-13T10:35:00.001-06:00

According to Sir Ken Robinson - Defining your creativity can be as simple as finding your natural aptitude & personal passions...sounds simple enough right?

Well not so much... because while you can personally learn to explore, quantify & measure disciplines, if you are a parent, you also have to know/learn how to transfer/pass this knowledge & creativity onto your children in a meaningful way!

Something that, as Sir Ken explains (below), is almost impossible to attain as thousands of educational systems across the country and world are seriously lacking in the promotion and teachings of creativity as a whole.

Sir Ken Robinson - Changing Paradigms

If you find this presentation a tad bit long for your liking, you can take a quick look at another somewhat

Entertaining & Shortened Version

Sad Saga of a Songwriter & Mad Life of the Indy Musician

2010-12-07T09:22:00.001-06:00

Everything a songwriter and/or musician needs to know about the inner workings of the music industry...

all bundled up into a 3-minute video!

The only thing that could have possibly made this video any better than it already is would be the songwriter/musician doing an occasional head slam into the Music Exec's desk.
It's truly a sad and almost sadistic story...yet so pointedly honest & brutal.
A special thumbs up & shout out goes to a FB peep who found and originally posted this gem...it's priceless!

Nostalgic Neons - Hermitage Liquors

2010-12-06T08:05:00.000-06:00

Location : Old Hickory, Tennessee

All I Want for Christmas...is a New Baseball Glove

2010-12-02T05:08:00.005-06:00

Got a baseball player in the house? In the family?

Well then this new Christmas release from Canadian musician, Gord Bamford might just be up your ~~alley~~ er... baseline!

Baseball Glove - Gord Bamford / Byron Hill

If you happen to not know or have heard of Gord Bamford - this year he took home an amazing five Canadian Country Music Association Awards which included: CMT Video of the Year, Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Humanitarian of the Year.
Also, if that isn't enough, the song's co-writer was one of the most incredible songwriters to ever stroll onto the Nashville Music Scene, Byron Hill.

Foto Fix: Rock On

2010-11-21T07:03:00.001-06:00

For Nearly Four Decades Rock On is Still Rockin' On...

1973 David Essex

1988 David Essex

1989 Michael Damian

2001 Smashing Pumpkins

2006 Def Leppard

2009 Michael Damian

...Amazing!

Online Shoppers Beware - Third Party Merchants

2010-11-08T08:10:00.004-06:00

Just when it seems as thou a retailer can't stoop any lower, one of the most trusted retailers in history has decided to just that.

Yep, it looks like Sears, a brand that most all consumers have come to really trust and one who supposedly also offers a worry free return policy, has got me more than a bit concerned this year....especially with Christmas just around the corner.

Why should you and every other consumer be worried about Sears?
Well, in early 2010 Sears quietly rolled out a new online based program that includes letting just about any outside vendor (third-party merchants) sell their products on Sears.com. I use the word vendor as opposed to company because these are the same folks that you find selling products in their online stores within Amazon, Ebay, etc.

While some of these third-party merchants do have actual stores (you know the ones that you can actually set foot into), a majority of them have a warehouse at best. If you shop online much you will most certainly know that each of these merchants will have and set their own delivery, shipping, and return policies - some of which offer no option of returning items at all so overall it's pretty much a buyer beware hit or miss purchase.

I mean really,,, most all of us love to shop on Ebay but EVERYONE knows that there are certain risks in shopping with them as well as with a few of these sublet shopper sites. A majority, unlike Sears, are very up front with their consumers as well as informing them of the risks involved.

What are the dangers of shopping with Sears.com?
First off, when you go to the Sears.com they, as in the officials at Sears, automatically set the site to default to include the outside third-party merchants items so as a consumer you are essentially shopping in another store from the git go - Not Sears.

Now IF the normal consumer actually happens to know what a third-party merchant even is, that Sears is using them, and a third-party merchant default is in place, they can eventually navigate into any Department and change the default, under their Narrow Down Search, to set it to view ONLY Sears items. But buyers beware again because once you type in anything in their main Search, located on every page of the Sears website, it will default back on it's own to INCLUDE the third-party merchants again!!!

Now that all of this is as clear as mud to everyone, lets start talking about their infamous return policy and how it really relates to shopping with their outside third-party merchants. Note - this is where the whole thing gets a bit more muddier and shady....at least from my point of view as a consumer.

What about the Sears Worry Free Shopping Guarantee & Return Policies?
Sears.com has strategically placed their Worry Free Shopping logo at the bottom of every page on their site - giving consumers the impression that Sears really does offer Worry Free Shopping and when/if you look at the Sears return policy they have prominently placed "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back" at the very top of the page.

Thou if you do happen to read down a few more lines into the Sears return policy you will find that they also NOW state that you do have to return any items bought from their outside third-party merchants to the third-party merchants.

"Sears.com and Kmart.com both partner with marketplace merchants who sell items on our website. If your order contains an item that is not sold by Sears or Kmart, please be advised that this item cannot be returned or exchanged at your local Sears or Kmart store. Your merchant's profile, which contains their specific return policy, is available via the product page. Please see your merchant's profile for additional details.

Return policies may vary for products sold and fulfilled by third-party merchants other than Sears and Kmart. See individual merchant profile, accessible from product detail pages, for applicable merchant return policies. All returns of products sold and fulfilled by a third-party merchant, including damaged and incorrect products, must be returned directly to such third-party merchant."

What about the Sears Marketplace Merchants return policy?
We all know that Sears wants us to buy from then but yet in their return policy it gives you the ultimate retailers cop out and it tells you to "Please see your merchant's profile for additional details". So OK, they do want the consumer to remain faithful to them but in order to find the merchant's profile you have jump a few more hoops.

In order to view merchant's profile you must first view the page the item you're wanting to purchase is on then click on the merchants name, normally located under the item's price, which will take you to the Merchants page...and yes, you have to do this for each item as it could most likely be different third-party merchant with you guessed it different return policy.

Oh yes, it gets even muddier at this point because if one takes the time to go read these third-party merchants return policies one will find that many of them, if they even have a return policy, are not completed as required by the Sears Marketplace Seller Agreement (third-party merchants agreement) and furthermore don't even come near to meeting the standards listed within the Sears Marketplace Seller Agreement which states that:

"Seller must submit a return policy using the form provided on the Portal for all Merchandise that Seller offers for sale to Users through the Website. Seller Return Policy shall outline the process for Users to return the Merchandise directly to Seller, and request a refund from Sears on such Merchandise. Seller Return Policy shall be at least as accommodating to User returns as the Sears Return Policy. Seller agrees to honor all User requests for refunds, and returns in accordance with the Seller Return Policy published at the time of the User’s purchase of Merchandise."

Yes, the Sears Marketplace Merchants return policies are about as clear as the waters of the Mississippi River after a flood and they vary so much from vendor to vendor that if you plan on buying more than a few items you will most likely need a spread sheet to keep up with it all.

What about the Sears & Marketplace Merchants Shipping?
This is, thankfully, quiet simple - most items are shipped by each merchant (including Sears) so you can expect few if any combined shipping charges which will and can add substantially to the over all cost. One can also expect long delays in shipping as well as cancellations (on their part) for out of stock items which haven't been removed, in a timely manner, from Sears online listings.

What about Product Warranty?
As far as Sears items are concerned as best I can tell, include all company warranties and info when buying items that have warranties although they do offer numerous other protection plans and such. On the other hand, you can get into trouble using Sears Marketplace Merchants as many of their items do not even come with the manufacturers warranties included. Furthermore, some of the manufactures, like the Seiko Watch Company, actually warn their consumers not to buy Seiko watches online and do not honor nor give warranties on items which are not purchased from their authorized retailers.

From Seiko Warranty:
We warrant that if your SEIKO watch described on the enclosed Certificate of Limited Warranty proves, on presentation by you within three years from the date of original retail purchase, to be defective in material or workmanship and provided the watch was purchased from an authorized SEIKO retailer, we will, at our option, regulate, adjust, or repair or replace parts or movement, without charge to you"

Now to toss more mud into the already muddied water...a lot more mud!
After a long (somewhat tiring) search through Seiko's online retailer listings it looks like Sears nor any of their third-party merchants are even listed as authorized SEIKO retailers!!! Yet, if you go to Sears.com they have over 300 Seiko watches listed!!! Ironically, Seiko's authorized dealers include several of Sear's major competitors such as JC Penny, Kohls, Belks, and Macys.

What are the Consequences of Buying from Sears & their third-party merchants online?
High Shipping Charges, Long Shipping Delays, Product Cancellations, Questionable Return Policies, No Returns, No Manufacturer Warranties,Defective Products, Multiple Return Shipping Costs, and, I've even heard of a few Duplicate Charges being assessed as well.

So yes, there it is, Sears, in fact, is trying to maintain return customers consumers by stating that they offer a great service with return, warranty, shipping policies but we now learn it's ONLY for their items. While I personally tend to think that the claims that Sears makes on their Policies and customer Service guarantees are unreliable at times, we all, know now that, they absolutely DO NOT BACK ANY PURCHASES FROM ANY OF THEIR THIRD PARTY MARKET PLACE MERCHANTS - AT ALL.

Yes, yes it seems as thou Sears has just kicked you, the consumer, to the curb... Folks, in general, you need to try to stay away from any companies that do business like this even if it is a company as high profile as Sears.

Beware this holiday season because there are plenty more high profile retail businesses, including Walmart, that are now using these third party outside merchants and their policies will normally run the about same.

Empowered & Informed Online Shoppers...Go On Now & Shop til you Drop!

Tricked for Treats

2010-10-29T04:53:00.000-05:00

Halloween Candy - How to Get More

Here are some great (and somewhat unscrupulous) tips for the kids on how to get more Halloween candy this year ...although it does make one wonder if the adults are getting tricked for treats.

Foto Fix: October Skylines

2010-10-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

Backyard Sunset

Early Mornin' Fog

At the Ryman - Don Williams Headlines & Peter Cooper Debuts

2010-10-21T07:46:00.002-05:00

Nashville is filled with plenty of unexpected pleasures and last night everyone attending the WSM Anniversary concert got one of those lil unexpected Nashville pleasures. It came in the form of Peter Cooper, a prominent local music writer, making his Ryman Auditorium debut...what a treat!

Everyone also got another somewhat expected rare treat of listening to the featured performer of the evening, the Gentle Giant Don Williams.

Don has been somewhat retired for the past four years or so and, according to Eddie Stubbs announcement last night, Don is doing several shows which might eventually lead to him officially coming out of retirement. Don Williams is set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year..finally!

Foto Fix: Majestic Smoky Mountains

2010-10-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

Reflective Nature Walks

Captivating & Majestic Views

Tranquil Streams

Pondering Thoughts for the Day

2010-10-13T07:52:00.002-05:00

Just Wondering and Pondering...

What action/decision the Supreme Court will eventually take on the Snyder vs. Phelps (Westboro Church) Issue?
How many of those Obion Volunteer Firefighters will be haunted by their decision to sit by and watch a house burn... and for how long?
What will happen to the Nashville Algebra Teacher who broke down in a classroom (rampage) last week?
What in the world is being taught in PR classes these days and why would someone/company from Argentina or Arizona think that I would be the least bit interested in promoting their business locally?
Why hasn't anyone ever found a really good way to stop spam? Will spam emails ever cease? I mean really, even with all of the filters and such they still have been annoying everyone for decades.
How the little five year old and his family are doing after his surgery? So sad...he was playing around with a gun last week and accidentally shooting himself in the mouth.
What can be done to help health officials around the world understand that they really need to be open and able to take appointments after school hours? This would include making a huge plea to all of the local orthodontists.
Does anyone every really ever eat Now & Later candy? And if someone actually does eat it...then exactly how many teeth were broken in the process?

Just sayin'.......

Treasure Maps & Road Maps to Success

2010-10-08T08:24:00.008-05:00

On just about any day of the week, parents across the nation can hear another parent say those ever-defeating and somewhat blaming words - "The school doesn't communicate well", "You will hate that school they don't tell the parents anything" or "I just found out my kid is failing because they..."

Well you get the picture and I'm sure, over the years, we've all heard and encountered the multiples of complaints and have most likely heard similar words of blame, even at times, coming out of our very own mouths.

On the other side of the coin, I'm pretty sure that if you sat in on just about any teachers lounge or teacher conversation long enough that you could also hear educators and staff telling and weaving their own words of parental blame as there's no doubt their tales run the gauntlet as well. "I have problems talking with that parent", "I send notes home all the time but...", "They never show up for anything" or "Those parents don't care..."

Yes, it keeps coming, from both sides, with the list going on and on... yet in the mist of it all Johnny still can't read and Mary is still missing way to many days of school.

Meanwhile, parents and teachers alike continue their futile search... hunting for the all-elusive treasure map that contains all of the keys and secrets to educational success. It's a winding and never-ending journey that somewhat resembles the implausible journey of Nicholas Cage in National Treasure.

Needless to say, Nicolas Cage is still searching for the life-altering treasure as his saga continues with a 3rd sequel to the popular series just as there are those still in search of the ultimate path to educational success.

Although, maybe we all ought to take note that treasure hunter, Ben Gates, aka Nicholas Cage, is a very observant fella who successfully relies on bits of supposedly unrelated material to further his quest for these illusive treasures. Cage's on-going quest and saga just may hold the secrets to finding our own education treasure or road map to success.

How, you ask?
Well, by collecting, compiling, and, most importantly, sharing all of these little bits of unrelated material and information, we could actually be drawing our very own road map to our children's educational success. So, is there really one master road map a one size fits all? No, I really don't believe that one has or will ever exist.

With that being said one must additionally take into consideration and maybe even appreciate that while a parent will typically have a minimal number of consistent educational road maps to keep up with, a teacher, will not only, have to try to maintain and keep up with dozens and of these road maps each year, but their road maps are new, ever-moving, and changing year over year.

So maybe just maybe the key to finding and maintaining a successful education road map that will eventually lead to fruition, for any child, is as simple as sharing, and comparing road maps, through consistent communication, along with a mutual respect and camaraderie.

If you think about it, how would the National Treasure movie have ended if Ben Yates and his goofy sidekick, Riley Poole had failed to communicate, combine, and act on their thoughts and ideas? Do you think there would've been a second, much, less a third movie made? I think not.

I mean really, even Riley came up with a few really good bits of seemingly inconsequential information here and there which, in turn, ended up helping out tremendously in Ben Yates quest. How many times did you hear these colleagues needlessly blame each other or worse yet dismiss their comrades ideas altogether?

Lessons learned from National Treasure - No matter how inconsequential, trivial, or meaningless one may think an idea, thought, or bit of information to be, it needs to be added into the road map in order to give a true purposeful, meaningful, and directional pathway to success. Who knows it may be the one essential key to ultimately finding the treasure or, as the case may be, attaining educational success.

Waiting for Superman...R U?

2010-09-22T11:40:00.005-05:00

I'd definitely suggest clearing out a place in your schedule to take the entire family to see this movie.
Not much more to say about this...except that it's very dis-heartening.

Opening September 24th, 2010

Tennessee Vacation Scam - Big World Vacations

2010-09-21T11:52:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah, it looks like the Vacation Scammers & Gougers are out in full force again. The newest one, comes in the form of a phone call, and as best I can tell it's from Travel Vacations at 1-813-387-0039 ...at least that what my infallible Caller ID told me.

While I really like to find a good a deal, I also intensely dislike business sorts calling me at home and especially when they come bearing promises of great gifts and deals under loosely veiled pretenses.

But being of a sound and very inquisitive mind, of course, had to listen to all of this person's endless ramblings in attempt to garner the information about who they really really are. My caller ID listed them as being located in the Tampa Florida area although they said that their so-called "Presentation" was being held locally in Nashville!

Nashville??? Did someone say Nashville?? - Now this bit of information was enough to get my full attention and definitely peak my interest all the more!

I eventually did garner more information and low-n-behold this new Travel Vacation Company is actually not from Tampa at all but is at least partially based out of Nashville. More specifically located right on Music Valley Drive and, at least for now, going by the name of Big World Vacations. I had just been over on Music Valley a few weeks earlier and while there are quite a few very reputable travel agencies in the Music Valley Area (as pictured), I hadn't heard anything about this particular company, yet...hmm.

Evidently they are a brand new LLC company which opened this past spring and according to the Better Business Bureau - "Big World Vacations is currently not a BBB Accredited Business and they go on further to state that they have recently received numerous complaints against Big World Vacations, and will issue a rating after it has fully evaluated them."

I'm guessing that the information above just may be the reason I hadn't heard of them before now. It also looks like they may be moving around the Music Valley area a bit too because I found a few different address listings for them including 2525 McGavock Pike and their most recent address of 2416 Music Valley Drive (Ste 158-159). Furthermore, be on the lookout because it also looks like they just might be using additional company names and phone numbers as well as sending out a few mailers to boot.

You know after reading the fine print on what this company is actually offering which is not much in my opinion - it makes me really sad to think that the local reputable travel agencies and businesses located in Music Valley could possibly be loosing business because of one bad apple!

Current Business Listing from the Local BBB
Name: BIG World Vacations
Phone: (615) 942-6341
Fax: (615) 942-6344
Address:2416 Music Valley Drive Suite 159 Nashville, TN 37214
Website: www.bigworldvacationclub.com
Original Business Start Date: March 2010
Principal: Mr. Peter Milana, President
Customer Contact: Mr. Peter Milana, President
Entity: Limited Liability Company
Incorporated: March 2010, TN
Type of Business: Travel Clubs
BBB Accreditation: BIG World Vacations is not a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names:Big World Vacations, LLC

Recession Ended in June?

2010-09-20T14:36:00.001-05:00

Nashville Business Journal reported this morning that the National Bureau of Economic Research has concluded that the recession ended this past June...

Snippet from NBER Quote -
“In determining that a trough occurred in June 2009, the committee did not conclude that economic conditions since that month have been favorable or that the economy has returned to operating at normal capacity. Rather, the committee determined only that the recession ended and a recovery began in that month... Economic activity is typically below normal in the early stages of an expansion, and it sometimes remains so well into the expansion.”

Anyone buying this...or much of anything else for that matter?

Not me! I'm more inclined to listen to my very trustworthy crystal ball which is telling me that this recession has not arrived at its final destination just yet....All Aboard Everyone!

© Jan Duke

Macy Shopping & Radio City Rockette Ticket Deal

2010-09-13T11:45:00.002-05:00

Now you know I'm all about shopping a good deal and when you can get both at the same time well you know you...you're one lucky ole soul.

Well, this is one of those twofer deals with an additional kick or two thrown in to ensure a really great shopping day...and a somewhat justified one too!

So here's the scoop ...
Macy's Green Hills is inviting everyone to Dance with the Rockettes on Saturday, September 18th at 1:00pm to join in as the Rockettes will be share free dance instruction as well as some secrets on what it takes to be a world-famous Rockette. This is a great free kids activity any day of the week and especially for those of you who have girls!

Here's the part where it gets even better ...
Any shopper who spends $50 at Macy's the day of the event (9/18) will receive a free pair of tickets to the Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular. There will also be additional drawings for a chance to win a VIP Meet and Greet with the Rockettes and four tickets to the Grand Ole Opry show too. There's more because you can also get 25% off tickets with code word MACYS at the Rockettes' website as well!

Justified Shopping & Free Tickets ... Life doesn't get any better than this!

More Details
Photo © Jan Duke

Johhny Cash Tribute...The Bestest!

2010-09-12T07:16:00.001-05:00

Roseanne Cash singing "I Still Miss Someone" at her dad's tribute...

the best and most moving tribute to the

Legacy of John Cash.

Life is a Pile of Broken Flower Pots

2010-08-23T08:45:00.003-05:00

Living in a small rural community does have some unique benefits and one of which is reading the local newspapers...really! And after living in several other cities and even countries, it truly amazes and humors me at times to read what's written in local papers.

While I love the letters to the editor the best, the weekly law/police reports & listings come in at a close second. Some of this stuff, as my better half puts it "is so ready for Jay Leno".

So, in hopes of giving everyone a good dose of smiles along with a bit of laughter for the day, I present a honest to goodness true Sheriff's Report that I found listed in a local newspaper.

"The vandalism of two plastic flower pots, valued at $2 each, was reported on December 24th at 125 Redneck Road, (snip city name). The homeowner reported arguing in the day with a neighbor that led to the neighbor breaking the pots. No charges were filed in the case."

Thoughts to ponder:

Who would actually call the police over $2 broken flower pots in the first place?? (this kinda scares me)
Exactly how much taxpayer $ was spent on the sheriff's office having to visit the crime scene and write a report on this??
Who in the world would name a road "Redneck Road", but better yet who would actually buy a house and live on a street with this name??

Only in Tennessee - Jan

Tennessee State Fair - 2010 Deals & Discount Tickets

2010-08-18T11:24:00.000-05:00

So far, it looks like this will be the last year the Tennessee State Fair is scheduled to be held at the Historic Nashville Fairgrounds... although their recent revival has put them on track to have a really great show of attraction and events. Of course, this also includes a few deals too .

First off, you can buy discount tickets in advance at Krogers with your Krogers Card until September 10th. Discounts include $4 tickets - that's a 50% savings off the regular gate price of $8 They are also selling all-day ride wristbands for $20 - a savings of $5 off the normal $25 price tag.

Other discounts include $3 off regular adult admission when you bring a non-winning lottery ticket as well as a few more special discounted and free days that include:

Senior Day (September 14th from 1pm to 5pm)
Youth Nights (September 14th & 16th from 5pm to 10:30pm)
College Night (September 15th from 6pm to 10pm)

Emergency Room Fund - Tapped Again

2010-07-24T15:27:00.001-05:00

Most folks have a budget whether it be weekly, monthly, and/or yearly - for business, family, or for both. But most people never think of setting up or budgeting for emergency room visits alone...a normal person would just use their good ole Dave Ramsey "Emergency Fund" and be done with it.

But years ago, right after the Lil munchkin began taking his first steps, I started a frequent flyer relationship with the local emergency room and after making 3-4 trips to the ER within a years time I decided that it was time to budget for these eventful outings...just like the tons of normal folks who budget for Christmas, vacations, and such.

So yes, yes it's true I've had to tap into my special Lil Emergency Room Emergency Fund again...just last night.
This time the incident involved a nearly full moon, two little energy filled boys, a basketball, and, of course, a baseball bat.

So, off to the local ER we went....again

Noticed this empty parking spot while I was pulling up onto their parking lot

and I will have to admit that this particular ((empty)) parking space scared me...

almost enough to re-route to another local emergency room.

Warning-Warning-Warning

Gross Gory Bloody Horror Movie Scene Photo ahead

Warning-Warning-Warning

This nasty gash was just way to deep to glue shut and resulted in

(after, of course, the normal long ER wait)

...a forehead of Frankenstein Stitches.

Needless to say the Lil Munchkin is doing just fine and is out showing off his new war wounds right about now.

You can go ahead an snicker a few times and even give a big ole belly laugh about my Emergency Room Emergency Fund cause most everyone does. It's OK I understand...

But the next time you have to take a trip to the local Emergency Room make sure to pay the bill and in full before you leave because some of them (like this one) offer a whopping 20% discount to those who come bearing hard cold cash.

Be Gone Pesky Dryer Sheets...Forever

2010-07-19T08:40:00.002-05:00

Hate picking up all of those dryer sheets? All the time? You know those little white sheets that you end up endlessly finding everywhere? Me too!

So when I heard about Bounce's newest remedy for my laundry woes I just had to try it out. This new gadget Bounce has come up with is called a Bounce Dryer Bar.

The bar, encased in a plastic housing, attaches to the inside of your dryer and replaces those pesky dryer sheets....forever. Each bar lasts for at least for a few months or so depending on whether you buy the 2 or 4 month version. My vote definitely goes with the 4 month bar!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that some of the reviews I've read online have been less than positive and have included mentions of the Bounce Bar falling apart, staining clothes, and not lasting for as long as expected. But then again most of the reviews seemed to have resulted from a "Give a review and get a Free Bounce Bar Offer" promotion.
Go figure, I pay full retail for mine and it works, other get their bar free and it doesn't?

Offline, I've only heard about one issue of the bar falling apart - this ended up being human error and was caused by an "unnamed person" (you know who you are) putting the bar on the back wall of the dryer as opposed to correctly placing it on the drum.

I've have yet to experience any of these issues but then again unlike the "unnamed person", I read the instructions and my reliable ole monster Maytag has endured far more abuse and I imagine a lot more than a lil ole soap like bar could ever dish out. I've just inserted my 3rd third dryer bar and to tell you the truth this cheapster is sold on the product....even if I do have to pay full retail for it.

Sold Yet? If not, I'm sure you can find plenty of uses for your old used dryer sheets...in fact, at least 20 Good Ways to Reuse Them.

PS - Just in case you didn't catch my Dreft...er drift, this lazy housewife is always accepting any unwanted Bounce Bar coupons.

What? A Free Summer Camp?

2010-07-09T04:03:00.001-05:00

You betcha! Books-A-Million is hosting a Free Family Summer Camp every Saturday in July and Middle Tennessee even has Six Books-A-Million Stores to choose from!

This is a great idea and deal if your kids need to get just a bit more summer reading in before school starts back up.

Make sure to call ahead to your local BAM store to get times & more local Info.

Clarksville

931-648-1100 - 125 South Hampton Drive

Madison

615-860-3133 - 1789 Gallatin Pike North

Mt. Juliet

615-773-4300 - 401 S Mt Juliet Rd

Murfreesboro

615-995-7112 - 1720 Old Fort Parkway

Nashville

615-352-5154 - 6718 Charlotte Pike

Spring Hill

931-486-0113 - 1040 Crossings Blvd

Red, White & Blue

2010-07-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

General Jackson Showboat 25th Anniversary Celebration

along the Cumberland River...

all decked out in Red, White & Blue

White - Purity & Innocence

Blue - Vigilance, Perseverance & Justice

Red - Valor & Hardiness

Foto Fix: Bird of Paradise

2010-06-27T09:55:00.001-05:00

I think the Bird of Paradise has one of the most artistic flowers to be found and would just love to have an entire garden filled to the brim with them...although the Garden Helper says that "Bird of Paradise does best with at least four hours of direct sunlight a day, but should have bright light all day, with day temperatures of 68-72° and night temperatures of 50° to 55°. Generally they are hardy to about 20°".

I guess that kinds "leaves" me and all of Tennessee out of their best growing area demographics... unless I lowered the house temperature a few degrees and, of course, remembered to move them from the basement to main floor a couple of times every day. Hmm...wondering if I just need to move closer to the equator?

Not to Throw Bo Under the Bus...

2010-06-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

But does anyone else see a subtle similarity to Bo and Matthew Roberts, the Los Angeles musician who thinks that Charles Manson could be his father?

I don't know which is creepier the resemblance to Bo or the fact that ole Charlie might have spawned an offspring. It's really looking more and more that the poor musician actually is the son of the one of the most notorious serial killers around.

Anyhow you can read the full story and check out some more photos if you want to know more.

Amyx Photo - Circa 1907-1910

2010-06-24T15:21:00.001-05:00

Pumped Up Happy Hour

2010-06-18T19:14:00.002-05:00

Remember the days when you would pull up to a gas pump and actually have a gas attendant pump it for you?

Well I've stumbled onto a gas station that will really really still pump your gas for you...really!

As you must know, by now, that's not the really rest of the story...because not only will these folks pump your gas, in a cute lil pink apron, you will also get it done at a decent price too. This station's gas prices were anywhere from 10- 20 cents per gallon cheaper than nearby stations coming in at $2.46 a gallon.

Can it get any better than this? You Betcha it does cause they also GIVE you a coupon FREE beverage too! No, it's not a gimmick - you can get your free beverage right on the spot. So, of course, I got an extra large cup of java - the Breakfast Blend.

Ok, so everyone will have to admit that getting cheap gas pumped is cool and drinking free coffee, no doubt, makes it taste better any day of the week....but how do you feel about getting a FREE fruit or two to top off you drive to work.

Yes, yes this station was also giving you a choice of fruit an apple orange or watermelon - for free too!!

And just so that you know, the attendant in the lil pink apron was serving it on a cute lil plate too.

Now is anyone pumped up on this Happy Hour yet? If so and you really really want to get pumped up at this Fabulous Fueling Hotspot then give me a quick shout out and I'll give you the inside scoop...i.e. directions!

Going, Going, Gone...to CMAfest

2010-06-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

Yep, it's that time of year again...CMAfest Time! So, of course I'm signing off & outta here for the next week or so of Pure Country Fun!

CMAfest Peeps - I'll see you around town this week and oh if you really really need to reach me you can bet that you can catch me most definitely at the Indie Outlaw Show.

Want to learn more about CMA Festival (FanFair)?

CMAfest Week in Nashville
The CMA Music Festival is taking place from Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, 2010 in Downtown Nashville.
You can bet that there will be hundreds of artists and celebrities and more than 45 hours of music and activities happening morning, noon, and night.

CMAfest 101: An Introduction Guide into Music City's Annual CMAfest
A Day by Day Look at the CMAfest
CMAfest's Top Benefit & Charity Events

For More Information, Insights, Photos and Tickets make sure visit my Nashville Site CMAfest Index and the official CMA site at CMAFest.com

NPT Offers New Historic Nashville Photograph Series

2010-06-02T10:12:00.001-05:00

Are You a Nashville or Tennessee History Lover?
If so, then you need to skip everything else this Thursday night and just curl up and kick back in front of the old T.V. screen with a MoonPie, & RC Cola because Nashville Public Television is hosting another one of their great Nashville Photograph Series and it's also followed up with The Spirit of Nashville.

7:00-8:30 p.m.
Nashville: The 20th Century in Photographs, Vol. 2 - The second installment in this NPT original series looks back at Nashville from the middle of the Depression to the founding of the first studio on Music Row in 1955.
8:30-9:30 p.m.
The Spirit of Nashville - A fun-filled tour of Nashville's historic, cultural and musical attractions.

Nashville: The 20th Century In Photographs" Series

From Smokey Joe to Music Row, Nashville Public Television sifts through history of Nashville 'In Photographs’ from the 30s to the 50s..Second installment in 'Nashville: The 20th Century in Photographs' series traces city from after the depression, through World War II, the rise of suburbs and the beginning of Music Row --Twenty years before Nashville became known in the nation as "Music City, U.S.A.," it was derided by its locals as Smokey Joe.

"Walking down Broadway in the 30s, you would see a lot of coal soot," says James Hoobler, Senior Curator, Art & Architecture, Tennessee State Museum. "Nashville was still burning anthracite and the soot was everywhere." Together with the soot spewing out of the engines of trains at Union Station, according to Hoobler, Nashville had a pall over it. So much soot covered Nashville, adds Sally Ellner Brunson Scott and Tom P. Henderson III, that "they called Nashville Smokey Joe because you couldn't see the city."

Though the city continued to struggle with its air quality for a number of years, by the mid-1950s, Nashville was a completely different city.

Hoobler, Scott and Henderson are just a few of the Nashvillians interviewed, and photos of the transformation of Broadway are just a snapshot of the hundreds culled through and gathered, for the second installment of Nashville Public Television's documentary series "Nashville: The 20th Century in Photographs," premiering on Thursday, June 3, and encoring on Sunday, June 6, both at 7:00 p.m. on NPT-Channel 8.

Volume Two of the series picks up where Volume One left off, with Nashville crawling out from under the Great Depression and celebrating the completion of the permanent Parthenon in Centennial Park. The end of the 30s would see citywide progress as a result of The New Deal and the Works Progress Administration, the development of the airport at Berry Field, and a thriving rail business at Union Station. Photographs from the archives of The Tennessean, the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the Library of Congress and more tell the story.

"In the entire history (of Tennessee) there hasn’t been a period of change and growth like that seen between the mid 1930s and the mid 1950s," writes producer Justin Harvey -- warmly narrated by Bill Turner -- in the documentary. "We went from the Depression to the Music City; from streetcars to buses. The suburbs exploded. Everything moved from downtown out into the neighborhoods. It was an amazing time. A time of triumph and despair; of innocence and innocence lost; of joy and suffering. It was a remarkable era in our history."

Through photographs taken in the 1940s, we see citizens walking across the frozen Cumberland River during what was the coldest winter on record in Nashville. Radio, especially broadcast out of WSM, became a cultural export. Pearl Harbor pulls Nashville and the rest of the nation in to World War II. The Nashville chapter of the American Red Cross takes a leadership role, and women join the workforce to aid in the effort.

"The War years weren't only known for conflict," writes Harvey. "The city itself made some great strides as well, that left a lasting impact."

In 1943, the Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium, and the seeds of a music industry were planted. With an influx of musicians in town to play the Opry, and the ease of using Union Station to come and go, Castle Studios opened in the Tulane Hotel, offering acts the chance to not only play Nashville, but to record here as well. There was no need anymore, legendary session musician Harold Bradley says in the program, to pay for the travel expenses to take artists up to Cincinnati or New York to record.

"Because of the Opry, we had the singers, the songwriters, the musicians, the engineers and the know-how to make records," Bradley says. "So it all just came together."

In addition to the beginning of the music industry, the 40s saw the growth of then-suburban areas in Green Hills, Inglewood and South Nashville, and the rise of a middle class. Everyone got a car and took advantage of drive-in soda shops and movie theatres. Neighbors gathered at drugstore counters and began shopping at retail establishments beyond downtown. The wealthy took further advantage of Berry Field airfield to hop a flight to other cities in the country. Margaret Ann Robinson shares a nostalgic anecdote about "ladies getting on those airplanes with fur coats and hats and beautiful suitcases."

"Oh my, goodness, the best of the best were getting on those airplanes," she says in the documentary.

In the 1950s, Nashville officially became Music City, U.S.A. Harold Bradley and his brother Owen purchased a home on 16th Avenue South and turned it into the first studio on what would become known as Music Row. With the arrival of Chet Atkins and RCA in the mid 50s, Nashville's music industry reputation was solidified. With the building of the Quonset Hut behind the 16th Avenue Studio, the "Nashville Sound" was born.

Not bad for a city that just 20 years earlier was covered in soot.

Nashville: The 20th Century In Photographs" Series (VOLUME 2) airs on NPT as part of its June membership drive. The program is made possible through the generous support of the Ford Motor Company.

About Nashville Public Television
Nashville Public Television is available free and over the air to nearly 2.2 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky viewing area, and is watched by more than 600,000 households every week. NPT provides, through the power of traditional television and interactive telecommunications, high quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve.

Fine More NPT Original Productions

Sneak Peek - Chihuly at Cheekwood

2010-05-21T17:30:00.002-05:00

Glass works by world-famous Dale Chihuly, the most acclaimed glass artist of our time transforms Cheekwood Museum and Botanical Gardens into a wonderland of colors.

This dramatic Chihuly exhibit, displayed indoors as well as out, offers a spectacular display of color and plenty of unique art forms around every corner

The Chihuly Exhibit at Cheekwood

opens on May 25th, 2010 and ends on October 31st, 2010.

If you get the chance make sure to see this exhibit after dark too!
Cheekwood will be hosting Chihuly Nights every Thursday & Friday Night!

Chihuly at Cheekwood Photo Gallery

FormSpring: Possibly Worst Social Media Site Ever - Parents Beware

2010-05-14T11:20:00.001-05:00

Ok, so we all know, or most of us anyway, that our kids are now doing allot of their socializing online nowadays and that this can be a hard maze for us parents to keep up with much less navigate.
Make no mistake about it, online socializing can be harmful to our children and even dangerous at times..especially if not monitored well.

As parents we should, or at least I feel that we should, monitor what our children are doing online and on a regular basis too. I'm not saying that we all need to turn into Super Sleuth Spy Parents and spy on everything that our kids are doing but we do need to watch over, teach, and guide them.

So with that being said evidently there's yet another online website that parents need to be on the lookout for when monitoring their kids online activity. It's called Formspring and is gaining in popularity with today's youth.

What is it?
Well from what I've seen, after I actually signed up for it, is that it's a sort of minimalist question & answer form of social media that' looks very similar to the first Twitter styles and formatting but instead of tweets you can actually read the posts and responses. This is where the problem comes in as most of the Q & A's or Post & Responses tend to be just plain vulgar and filled with a ton filth and hatefulness.
Here's a simple example, I logged in, clicked on Find People and entered in the common name of John then clicked on the first profile at the top of the page. (warning - the profile contains vulgarities) As you can see there is no value to this site at all - absolutely none! This is just one example of the tons of this type of trash posted on this site.

But it gets worse because Formspring also has the ability to connect with your kids Twitter and Facebook accounts and with their friends accounts too.

Why is this a bad thing?
It's bad because they can connect with their online friends yet there's no way you as a parent can easily monitor or track them on Formspring nor their friends as they can use alias names or worse yet their real ones. They can easily connect with their friends through their other online social accounts which will in turn connect them on Formspring. It's like having a private MySpace group that's invite only - you just can't get into the loop unless you've been invited or want to spend endless hours accumulating and deciphering user profiles and data.

It gets far worse
Yes it's getting worse and worse by the minute because there's another real kicker...
While the kids can connect with each other, all of the postings, which are listed in the users profile, are open for reading by the general online public and if your kid isn't intelligent enough to set the appropriate privacy settings, other people not even registered users can even post anonymously to a profile.
Of course, this option is preset to "Allow anonymous questions on your profile" vs one of the other two option of "Allow anonymous questions, but only from people who are logged in" or "Don't allow any anonymous questions" as is the "Get notified when someone asks you a question or responds to yours" (an email notification).

One Saving Grace- The Email Notification
Yes, the Email Notification may be the only decent thing at all about Formspring because as most of us know, most kids don't bother with settings and that being the case you might just be able to actually monitor what's been said, posted and done on Formspring by regularly checking your child's email.

You can read more about the effects and dangers of FormSpring in a recent NYT Article, Teenage Insults, Scrawled on Web, Not on Walls and Do you Know What Your Kids are Doing Online? on the School Family Blog,

Wanna Dance? - Free Summer Dance Lessons

2010-05-13T11:47:00.000-05:00

Metro Parks’ popular Big Band Dances kick off Saturday, June 5 with the popular Moonlighters. The free dance/concerts are held every Saturday (except July 3) from June 5 to August 28 at the Centennial Park Event Shelter.

These free dance lessons are taught at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. & live music plays from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Make sure to bring your lawn chair, blankets, etc. Snacks and beverages available at the Centennial Café.

June 05: Foxtrot - The Moonlighters Band
June 12: ChaCha - J. Bradley Big Band
June 19: Single Time Swing - Debbie Bailes Band
June 26: Triple Time Swing - Music City Swing Band

July 10: Salsa - Merchants of Cool Band
July 17: Polka - Radio Daze Band
July 24: Waltz - Paul Ross Big Band
July 31: Night Club Two Step - Jerry Vinett Variety Band

August 07: Tango - The Usual Suspects Band
August 14: Single Time Swing - Rory Partin Big Band
August 21: Triple Time Swing - Music City Swing Band
August 28: ChaCha - The Moonlighters Band

Mourning Middle Tennessee & My Beloved Nashville

2010-05-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

Today is the first time I've actually been alone since the flood waters in Middle Tennessee began to rise. It's also the first time that I've actually been able to face the reality and emotions of what has taken place over the past days.

I've promoted, informed, donated, helped, and spent just about every waking hour with these efforts up to now...but I've held back my pain, tears, and emotions for as long as I can, and for far longer than one should. I've seen far more destruction, damage, and loss than I can deal with.

So just for today, I'm going to allow myself the day off to let the tears and emotions flow - flow as freely as the Cumberland River did as it demolished and devastated the people, places & things that I've held so close to my heart over the past decades.

Oh how, I wish that I had magical powers and could turn back the time to change the path that history has taken but alas I can not...sadly, no one can. The only thing anyone can do is to keep moving forward, helping, and hoping that our communities & neighbors will, one day, recover...

For today, I'm going to mourn & weep for my beloved Nashville and fellow Middle Tennesseans and as sure as the sun rises tomorrow, I will dry away my tears, continue to move on and forward alongside my friends, family, and fellow Tennesseans to help restore what has been so callously been taken away from us all.

Totally Awesome Contest - Win Lifetime Tickets to the CMAfest

2010-05-11T08:25:00.000-05:00

Yep, you heard that right!! The Country Music Assoiciation is hosting a Giveaway Sweepstakes Contest this year and the winner gets a pair of Lifetime Tickets to the CMA Music Festival.

How cool would winning this be? Oh never mind, we all know how totally awesome it would be, don't we? Now get over to their site and enter!! Good Luck Folks

In celebration of CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair(R)'s 39 year legacy, fans will be given the chance to be a part of all the great moments yet to come with the first-ever CMA Music Festival Lifetime Ticket Giveaway sweepstakes.
This rare promotion will yield one lucky winner two seats per year to future CMA Music Festival events for as long as that winner wishes to redeem the prize. The premium-located seats in LP Field's lower level retail for $200 each, bringing the prize value to a minimum of $400 per year.

"It's the mother of all prizes," commented Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. "In 2011, this legendary event will celebrate its 40th year of bringing artists and fans together. In celebrating the rich history of Fan Fair and CMA Music Festival, we also look ahead to the event's next chapter, and we're thrilled our Lifetime Ticket winner will be there for all of the exciting things to come."

Starting this week, fans can enter the CMA Music Festival Lifetime Ticket Giveaway sweepstakes online at CMAfest.com. The contest runs now through Sunday, June 13, when one winner will be chosen from all eligible entries received online, through text message and other entry points.

Good Morning Nashville...Here Comes the Sun!

2010-05-06T10:30:00.003-05:00

For years & years folks have asked me time & time again "What Makes Nashville So Special & So Different?" I've always been pretty much at a loss for words because it's extremely hard to explain a feeling with just mere words. But this video does an excellent job explaining just how very special and magical Nashville & Middle Tennessee truly are and why.

How to Help with Nashville & Middle Tennessee Recovery Efforts

* Community Hotline
Metro Nashville has a hotline for people needing non-emergency assistance. The Community Hotline Number is (615) 862-8574. In case of an emergency, residents should call 9-1-1.

* Hands On Nashville
Hands On Nashville is enlisting flood volunteers and will reach out to registered volunteers as needed. You can register online at www.hon.org

* Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to provide a central distribution center for companies, groups, and individuals to help provide food for Middle Tennessee's hungry. You can sign up to volunteer and/or make a donation online at www.secondharvestmidtn.org

* Middle Tennessee Red Cross
Middle Tennessee Red Cross is continuing to garner financial support to continue providing relief to victims of local disaster flooding. For those who have been displaced or need help you can contact the Red Cross - there is also a listing of local shelters on their website. Folks wishing to donate can do so online at www.middletennredcross.org

* Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has activated its Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund to help to those affected by the floods.They have also activated Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support relief beyond Davidson County.You can donate to either fund online at www.cfmt.org

How High is the Water.....

2010-05-02T20:58:00.001-05:00

Well, so far it looks like a few rain records in Nashville have already been broken and we're now waiting to see how high the Cumberland River will actually get.

Update: The Cumberland River finally topped out at 51.96 and now folks, it's time for everyone to really get to work myself included...Stay Tuned.

Play Ball - Talkin' Baseball

2010-04-30T09:32:00.005-05:00

I'm Talking Baseball by Marc Derose

(lyrics)

Play Ball - How to Play Baseball

2010-04-29T17:11:00.001-05:00

How to Play Baseball