The Definition Between Black and White becomes Muddled in Gray

Another untimely death...this time, one of my all-time favorite athletes, Steve McNair.

Steve McNair - 36 years old

I spent countless Sundays yelling at the top of my lungs for McNair and the Titans. He was amazing to watch, somewhat like watching a great dancer leaping midair and land gracefully to the amazement of the crowd. That is what he reminded me of.

He also reminded me that he was a great philanthropist. He made a point of hosting benefits for children and our community in Nashville.

He was the "go-to" guy; whether he was dispensing advice for new players or running a play to win the game in the final seconds of the game...

He seemed perfect in every way. His wife is beautiful, he has 4 sons who all seem to be very athletic and will most likely follow in his footsteps.

And, he had a girlfriend. This isn't the first time, I'm sure. The news of his death has been difficult for Nashville's citizens because of the perfect persona they know on the field and off.

In the movies, the good guys always wear white. The difference between black and white isn't hard to distinguish, he was a good guy. However, I can see where those closest to him could see the difference between black and white becoming a muddled gray.

Rest in Peace, Steve, #9.

More Musings Later-

Goober says "Hey"

It's happened. Nashville has lost it's collective mind. The council has voted to allow patrons to go into a restaurant and carry a GUN with them. What the hell? Mayor Bredeson has vetoed it once, but the law was overturned by the council.

Okay, I'll bite...why would anyone in their right mind want someone to come into a restaurant with a gun? Please don't patronize me by saying it's an American's right under the constitution to bear arms. Do you really feel threatened in a McDonalds? I mean really...why would you carry a gun into a restaurant? Hello? I am bamboozled about this. Me thinks there is money changing hands...

I remember watching an old Jim Carrey standup special as he was talking about people carrying guns in their cars or trucks. He likened it to the old cowboy days...Picture being on a major freeway and someone is trying to pass you: Carrey with his best elastic facial antics pulls out an imaginary gun and taunts in true Clint Eastwood fashion: "Don't cut me off, boy...you feel lucky, punk? Well do ya? Go ahead,...make my day!" He finishes the sketch by quipping "If ya don't shoot'em, they won't learn nothin'."

So, the city that often gets compared to Mayberry will be packin next time one of their citizens decides to go to the Applebees or Shoneys. People won't "learn nothin' until somebody gets killed."

Goober says "Hey!"

More Musings Later (if I don't get shot at the Burger King)

Corporate Greed Has Failed America

Yep, that's about the same face she had on today's airing of Oprah. Suze Orman was one pissed woman. Hell hath no fury like a financial guru when talking about a country's failed financial system. I'd hate to make her mad, I'm telling you.



Today's episode was very interesting AND timely. Today Oprah and Suze discussed the famous 2 words that everyone on Wall Street was asking: WHAT HAPPENED? Well, let me tell you that Suze told everyone why and what for.



After she was completely lathered up ranting about CEO's reckless management of their companies strictly to get their multi-million dollar bonuses, salaries and stock options. When Oprah asked, "How serious is this problem of our economy?" Ms. Orman still in full lather, glared at Oprah for effect and said emphatically, "This is as serious as the crash of 1929." You could have heard a pin drop in the studio.

She then began stating what life was going to be like for Americans as a result of this fiasco.

• People won't be able to secure home loans (or car loans for that matter) unless they really can afford them. This means there will be alot LESS home ownership and much more rental properties.
• Until the gas issue is resolved, bringing back the 1970's "odd and even" gas fillup schedule.
• Eating out will be a rarity for most people, staying home will be the norm.
• People will keep their cars for 10 years or more instead of buying new cars with any frequency.
• Charge cards will be a thing of the past. Our society is already moving toward a Cash Basis.
• Student Loans will be almost impossible to get.
• Leasing cars will also be a thing of the past.

Today I watched a financial expert tell everyone that our entire financial world is being turned upside down. I saw her tell a family that was $90,000 in debt that "You can't afford to live in your home. Move into an apartment or stay with family." It's becoming scary out there...





Now, where did I put my $600 "stimulus tax refund?" I will probably need it to help pay with other Americans the $600 trillion dollars that Dubya allowed to spiral out of control.

Oh, and did you hear on the news that Nashville, TN is the only city in the entire 50 states of these United States to run out of gas? Am I the only one that knows that this is another crock of crap?

More Musings Later-

Some Nashville Musicians are getting "Too Big for their Britches"

At least, that is how my grandmother would sum things up.

For those of you that live somewhere other than Nashville, Kix Brooks, 1/2 of the popular Country duo Brooks and Dunn made some comments that Fan Fair (CMA Fest) is in danger of losing Nashville as it's hosting city.

Why? It's absolute greed on the part of these musicians. Believe me, I'm all for artists getting paid for their work. But these artists, especially the more well-known acts are pitching a fit because they won't be paid to perform at Fan Fair.

Brooks's argument is that the Country artists are having to turn down paying gigs for that one weekend that pay $600,000 in order to perform at Fan Fair for free.

He goes on to say that he realizes that Fan Fair is a chance to "give back to the fans" but Gee Whiz, "Every day is Fan Fair for our fans...we are constantly signing autographs every day..."

Kix Brooks performing before thousands of adoring fans - What a hardship.

Hmmmm...let me see. So, Mr. Brooks is claiming hardship due to signing autographs. That tells me one thing. Mr. Brooks is totally out of touch with the public. I don't know what hardship he could be talking about...C'mon, every act in Nashville is missing out on $600,000 for that one weekend?

Mr. Brooks gave us the cons for appearing for the few hours designated for Fan Fair, but here are the pros:

1. The artists live in Nashville, they wouldn't have to travel

2. It's great publicity for their upcoming album

3. FREE exposure

4. They get to meet the people that put food on their table, pay their bills and basically allow them to enjoy the lifestyle that they do.

5. See #4

6. See #4

7. See #4

8. See #4

9. See #4

10. It takes so little to make the fans happy. A few minutes of conversation, shaking of hands and a 5 song set isn't too much to ask.

What a grind it must be to meet your fans.

You should be ashamed of yourself, Kix Brooks. Perhaps you should earn the same living that your fans do to learn how fortunate you really are.

More Musings Later-

Magazine Revamp! and other News

Okay, I have to say this to get it off my chest. As you all know (or maybe you don't) I just recently self-published "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" with Alan Solomon.

I have marketed this freaking book until I'm blue in the face! I contact the Nashville Scene and they tell me (very nicely I have to say) that "although my book is being considered for a Pulitzer and is being shown in Beijing, China at the Intl Book Fair and is competing for Best Fiction at USABookNews.com, they can't do an interview with me because it's a self-published novel..."

HUH???? You mean to tell me, that if my book wins the Pulitzer Prize, I can't get you to interview me because I'm self-published???? YEP. that's the long and the short of it.

HOW STUPID IS THAT???? I don't blame the nice lady that conveyed the news, I blame the owner of the Scene! Good Lord! I'm sorry, but that seems a bit, well....snobbish. There, I said it.

Does anyone think this is a crazy idea? If you do, email the Nashville Scene at http://www.nashvillescene.com/Information/contact_us/index.php and address to "Publisher of the Nashville Scene."

************************

On a lighter note, seems the startup of "Ideas, Goals and Dreams" is changing around the premier issue. See what you think: